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

7 performance cars for less than $30,000 part two: Honda Civic Si vs. Volkswagen GTI

It's hard to fathom, but it's been more than a decade since the peak of the sport-compact craze saw modified Honda Civics cluttering the streets. Enthusiasts salivated over a Type R that wasn't (and still isn't) available on our shores, instead having to settle for the Si. Fast-forward to today and the debut of the ninth-generation Civic for the 2012 model year brings a new Si.

Nissan Leaf tops 100,000 sales

Nissan has delivered the 100,000th Leaf to a customer in the U.K., reaching a milestone for the pure electric car that seems to be leaving other EVs in its wake. Now, the pure electric Leaf is on sale in 35 countries on four continents, and it has captured 45 percent market share for pure electric vehicles. Amy Eichenberger of Charlottesville, Va., was the 99,999th Nissan Leaf buyer, picking out a Glacier White example at her local dealership for her 10-mile daily commute.

Citroen DS 5LS: Big luxury Citroen saloon for China

Citroen DS 5LS: Big luxury Citroen saloon for China Citroen has never really had much success, at least not in recent years, with big, luxury saloon cars. But it’s having another go with the Citroen DS 5LS, a large luxury saloon based on the Citroen DS5 hatch. But the DS 5LS isn’t a car aimed at world markets, but one Citroen has conceived and is building for the car market in China where big luxury saloons – with plenty of room in the back – are much in demand.