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

One Lap of the Web: Mock the Week Edition

-- Mazda Europe designer Peter Birthwhistle talks about the future of Mazda: potential hybrid and electric powertrains for the Skyactiv-obsessed company, and how we'll all be driving Mazda-branded pods in the 22nd century. But he also mentions, rather interestingly, how certain Mazdas capture a quintessentially long-hood, RWD look -- and not just the Miata, either, which is RWD. No, it's the exhaust systems on those Skyactiv engines that force a longer, larger hood compartment, and the "long, flowing looks" not usually found on FWD engines.

New Nissan Qashqai: Price from £17,595 to £27,845

The new Nissan Qashqai (pictured) costs from £17,595 The new Nissan Qashqai is a big deal for Nissan as the old Qashqai managed to create a shift from hatchbacks to crossovers almost single handed. But the new Qashqai does look pretty convincing. Revealed last week, the new Qashqai is better looking and better equipped than the old model and, even though prices have nudged upwards, it seems to offer a more convincing package for family transport than before.

Autoweek's Best of the Best/Car finalists for 2014

Every year, hundreds of new cars and trucks pass through our fleet for evaluation, and we're always on the lookout for those dazzling few deserving more careful scrutiny for our top honors: The Autoweek Best of the Best. We strive to do our judging under the radar with as little manufacturer knowledge as possible. We test for the Best of the Best by checking drivetrain, ride quality, handling, exterior styling and the like.