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?

New Audi RS4 Avant costs £54,925

Audi has revealed that the new RS4 Avant complete with 444bhp from its 4.2 litre V8 – will cost £54,925 in the UK. The new Audi RS4 Avant got its reveal at this year’s Geneva Motor Show and is the only RS4 body style you’re going to get. Unless you count the RS4 in coupe guise that Audi call the RS5.

BMW to develop small hybrid with Peugeot Citroen

BMW are developing a small hybrid with Hybrids may be just a passing fad, but that’s not stopping car makers piling in to them in droves to battle CO2 and emissions targets. For BMW, their hybrid foray has so far been limited to the top end of their range, but that is set to change. We already know that BMW are developing a small, front wheel drive range which will sit underneath the current 1-Series, and it’s for these cars – and possibly for MINI too – that BMW has embarked on a partnership agreement with PSA (Peugeot Citroen) to jointly develop a small hybrid.