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

New car sales surge again

NEW CAR sales have risen again in September thanks to rapid growth in demand from private buyers, according to statistics released today. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said that a rise of 16.7% in the private sector helped to drive a ‘super September’ that saw overall sales rise by almost 11% over the same month last year. The new 63 registration plate has helped drive customers to showrooms across the country, with the latest breed of fuel-efficient, smooth and quiet petrol engines selling particularly strongly.

Audi Q5, Skoda Yeti, & Abarth 500 are the UK’s lowest depreciating cars

Audi Q5 - the UK's least depreciating car The key to low-cost motoring has more to do with depreciation than running costs, so pick an Audi Q5, Skoda Yeti or Abarth 500. The difference in residual values of cars after three years can have a huge impact on motoring costs. A £15k car that has strong residual values – like the Audi Q5, Skoda Yeti and Abarth 500, identified as the UK’s lowest depreciating cars by CAP (and published by Auto express) – could be worth as much as £10k after 3 years and 30,000 miles.

Mercedes-Benz courts Renault for new Smart model based on Twingo

Mercedes-Benz is set to join forces with Renault in a deal aimed at providing its underdeveloped Smart division with a contemporary-engineered front-engine/front-wheel-drive platform as the basis for a frugal new Forfour model. The new Smart, due out in 2013, is planned to sit on a lightly modified version of the Renault Twingo’s underpinnings, complete with a 93.3-inch wheelbase. Speaking about the new car over the weekend, a highly placed Mercedes-Benz official told AutoWeek: “It’s a key component in plans to grow the Smart brand.