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

Videos: Volkswagen's exterior and interior designers highlight the Up's design elements

We've enjoyed the design of Volkswagen's new Up since we first saw the vehicle in concept form at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show. Devoid of any extraneous detailing, the simple, product design aesthetic is pared back to represent the crux of VW's design philosophy: pure, simple and solid.  The result is a harmonious design that stands out from the pack, with simple surfacing and subtle detailing; the Up's design is pure and minimalistic, which serves to exude quality in the product. Inside, the vehicle is brimming with space-saving design details.  From an IP devoid of central air vents to a thin headrest that visually extends the height of the interior, the Up is a success story in space efficiency, but it is also finished to a high level using quality materials.

CPP comments as investor Vladimir Antonov loses his bank. Arrest warrant issued.

Vladimir Antonov - Arrest warrant issued over Snoras Bank collapse Russian businessman Vladimir Antonov has been busy buying up a raft of car companies (and Portsmouth FC) in recent years. But there are now big questions about how he financed that. Vladimir Antonov is the main shareholder in Lithuanian Snoras bank (he owns 68 per cent) and in Latvijas Krajbanka via a 60 per cent stake owned by Snoras.

MINI Crossman / Countryman on schedule

The MINI Crossover Concept. On target for a Geneva launch as the Countryman or Crossman The MINI Crossover – dubbed Crossman or Countryman – has been floating around as a ‘Concept’  since the Paris Motor Show in 2008. We even reported on the MINI Crossman testing back in April, and it’s been expected to launch for quite some time, so to say it’s ‘On Schedlue’ is probably a little misleading.