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

Survey claims winter prompts increase in in-car tensions

NEW research conducted by the RAC puts the traditional winter blues in the shade, as the motoring organisation’s survey has uncovered a new phenomenon: "carguments". According to the RAC’s poll of 1,300 drivers, as many as 54% of motorists say they have arguments in the car – hence the ‘cargument’ - at this time of year when the days are short and the weather is miserable. A total of 15% of drivers and passengers said they argue more in the car than anywhere else, with 19% saying the mere act of driving left them stressed and angry, and 14% feeling cooped up in a car.

First Sight: Hyundai i30

Hyundai invited Car Design News for an exclusive sneak preview of the all-new i30 last week, ahead of its global debut at the Frankfurt motor show today. The event was held in Frankfurt's renowned Cocoon Club (the venue will also play host to this year's Interior Motives Awards, which takes place this coming Wednesday night), and was chosen because of its interior décor – something Hyundai's European Design Chief, Thomas Buerkle, likened to the Korean company's 'Fluidic Sculpture' design language. "We have been inspired by nature and beautiful shapes," Buerkle told the audience of journalists at the launch.

BMW i3 Coupe concept

It may be dubbed a concept but this BMW i3 Coupe is ostensibly the debut of the production version of the innovative new B-segement EV at the LA auto show. The Coupe is a new variation on the now-familiar i3 although in reality it's more three-door than true coupé. At 3,964mm, 1,768mm wide and 1,555mm high, the Coupe is lower than the five-door i3, while its front and rear screens have faster rakes.