Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

All used up: Pre-owned sales rise as consumers seek new-car alternatives

Used-car sales took a leap upward in April, and the trend is expected to continue at least until midyear as pent-up demand for affordable pre-owned vehicles jacks up at least one segment of the car marketplace. Sales of new cars continued an unabated slide toward what analysts say is a 30-year low in the United States, but used-car sales showed strength as buyers unable to finance new cars shifted their sights to less expensive used models. As a result, retailers such as the large Penske Automotive Group reported that despite an overall decline in sales in the first three months of 2009, improving used-car sales kept them in the black.

Toyota Aqua

Lining up alongside Toyota's trio of concepts in Tokyo will be the Aqua, or Prius C as it will be known in some markets. The B-segment Aqua forms the smallest member of the Prius family and shares a little its relations' DNA. Its silhouette apes that of the larger Prius as far as its B-pillar, with a smooth transition from hood to screen, but continues to a more conventional, high tailgate to optimize cabin space.

Second new London taxi of 2014 unveiled

LONDONERS had better prepare themselves for another new generation of taxi, just days after Nissan confirmed its own assault on the Black Cab market. The plug-in hybrid Fraser-Nash Range Extended Electric Metrocab is capable of more than 75mpg and less than 50g/km of CO2, and is expected to cost no more than a current Hackney carriage. The company says the vehicle could save cabbies £30 to £40 per day in running costs and can go longer between fill-ups.