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

Fiat 500L: UK price from £14,990

Fiat has revealed that their supersized 500 – the Fiat 500L – will cost from £14,990 for the 1.4 litre 500L Pop Star or Easy. Actually based on the Punto underpinnings, rather than the 500′s – the 500L is Fiat’s take on the MINI Countryman (well, both the 500L and the upcoming 500X SUV) and designed to extend the appeal of the 500 – Fiat’s most successful model – to a market that has outgrown the diminutive 500. Starting point for the 500L is aether the ‘Easy’ trim or ‘Pop Star’ trim (more daft trim levels) and come with standard features including a 5″ touchscreen radio, Bluetooth, Cruise, Electric door mirrors and leather on the gear knob and steering wheel.

Tokyo motor shows: past, present and future

By Tim Pollard Motor Shows 20 August 2009 09:30 As bets in this topsy-turvy, unpredictable industry go, it’s a banker: of all the motor shows on the global calendar, the Tokyo exhibit is always the barmiest. Although the Chinese shows are rising in importance – and amusement value –  there’s something peculiarly bonkers about the biannual Japanese bash held in downtown Tokyo. So strange is the exhibition at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba City to westerners, that you don’t bat an eyelid at talking cars, vehicles with feelings, or cars designed for dogs.

Call for bus commuter tax break

A NEW TAX allowance should be introduced so that firms can help staff pay for the cost of commuting to work by bus, a campaign group has urged. Greener Journeys said people on lower incomes were more reliant on buses as they were less likely to have a car. The group, which promotes sustainable travel, said a "bus bonus" scheme should be launched, arguing it would boost the economy and improve access to jobs.