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

VW Passat Hiighline tops Volkswagen’s Passat range

Volkswagen has added the VW Passat Highline at the top of the Passat, replacing the Passat SE and adding more equipment. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the VW Passat; it’s well built and very able. It’s just very anonymous and rather dull.

Volvo V40

The new Volvo V40 is set to be unveiled at next week's Geneva motor show. The manufacturer has sought to retain characteristics from the larger Volvo models but refine it with sharper features in a more compact form, while focusing on a number of key areas within the car. It's closest equivalent – in terms of format – is the Audi A3 Sportback thanks to its mix of hatchback and wagon characteristics.

Mazda SkyActiv technology goes on offer to raise funds

Mazda is looking to license their SkyActiv Technology to raise capital (CX-5 with SkyActiv pictured) Mazda are predicting losses for the current financial year of £750 million and are looking to sell their SkyActiv technology to raise cash. Mazda isn’t having the best of times at the moment, despite an impressive range of cars that are getting more interesting with Mazda’s SkyActiv technology, and are predicting that they will post a loss of around £750 million for the current financial year. There are a variety of reasons for Mazda’s financial predicament – including the strength of the Yen and the production problems after the Japanese Tsunami – but this is the fourth year in a row Mazda has posted losses.