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

CAR's review of 2009: the cars that die

It’s been out with the old for a host of models in 2009, some provoking misty-eyed fond farewells, some told not to let the factory door hit them on the bumper on the way out. We pick the saddest and happiest goodbyes of the year. A sculpted drop-top with rear-wheel drive and a frantically schizophrenic VTEC engine.  What’s not to like?

Hyundai make it in to UK Top Ten best-selling car makers

Hyundai has become the first Korean car maker to make it in to the top ten best selling car makers in the UK, with sales of 74,000 in 2012. It’s taken a few years to shake off the ‘Cheap Car’ tag, but Hyundai are now offering a range of cars – certainly in the mainstream – that can be compared on ability, design and quality with the best of the competition. That quantum change in perception in the last few years about the desirability of a Hyundai has now translated in to Hyundai becoming one of the top ten best-selling car brands in the UK, a first for a Korean car maker and a real sign that Hyundai is now accepted as a real competitor – not a ‘Budget’ brand.

Register now for the 2013 Interior Motives Design Awards ceremony

Registration is now open to attend the glamorous Interior Motives Design Awards 2013 ceremony at Moon 13 (formerly The Cocoon Club) in Frankfurt on 9 September, the eve of the first Frankfurt motor show press day. The finalists will be revealed in front of some of the most influential figures in car design, while partygoers will be able to view the projects in person and relax over a drink and food with their colleagues. Awards will be given in the following eight categories: Best eco interior Best use of technology Best innovative interior Best ergonomics Best conceptual interior Best production interior Best conceptual exterior Best artistic visualization The winner of each category receives $500 in prize money, and one student (or group of students) will walk away with the accolade of Interior Motives Student Designer of the Year, which carries with it a prize of $5,000.