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

Anxious parents back tougher learner driver rules

PARENTS of young people are anxious about their offspring driving - with nearly three quarters in favour of probationary licences being given to new drivers. In a survey conducted ahead of the Government Green Paper on improving young drivers' safety, 82% of those questioned said the thought of their child driving on British roads made them feel anxious. A total of 60% said that was because of their lack of experience.

Equus Bass 770: America’s all-new muscle car

What you’re looking at here is quite possibly the ultimate ‘pony car’ – a brand-new slab of American muscle heavily tinged with retro flair, six years in the making. It’s called the Equus Bass 770, it’s powered by a 640hp 6.2-litre suprecahrged V8, and you can buy one priced from $253,000. Which is around £157,000.

2013 Kia Carens price & specification. Costs from £17,895.

That’s a subjective call, but the new Carens is a decent looking effort from Kia at a sensible price point with decent equipment levels and offers plenty of family lugging abilities in to the bargain. All Carens models in the UK come with 7 seats and yet is 20mm shorter than the old Carens, But thanks to an extra 50mm in the wheelbase Kia reckons it offers all the space if bigger rivals and, with a flexible configuration for the seating, means the new Carens can accommodate the needs of a mix of load and people carrying with alacrity. The new Carens comes in three trim levels – catchily named 1, 2 and 3 – with 7 seats, cornering lights  LED running lights, electric heated door mirrors, AirCon, electric windows, Cruise, Radio/CD with iPod connectivity and Bluetooth and a rear conversation mirror.