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

UK has 'highest car running costs'

THE UK is the most expensive country in the world for running a car, according to a new survey. Comparing the cost of fuel, insurance, road tax and MOT, on average it costs the UK motorist £3,453 a year, which is £1,000 more than in the USA and Australia, £1,825 than Japan and a full £2,000 more than in China. The survey, conducted by Webuyanycar.com, compared the cost of motoring in 21 countries on five continents, and revealed that on many fronts the UK motorist is paying more than anyone else.

Design Review: Smart For-US concept

First seen NAIAS 2012 Design studio Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios, Sindelfingen, Germany Type 2-seat pickup Dimensions (L | W | H) 3,547 | 1,506 | 1,701 mm Wheel size 18-inch ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Daimler’s Smart brand has bombed in the US market since its introduction in 2008. That first year proved modestly successful, with 25,000 units sold but since then sales have fallen off a cliff, with just 5,927 shifted in 2010. Seeing the ForTwo dicing with big-foot pickups and Hummer limos in Vegas, it’s easy to see why something has been lost in translation.

Concept Car of the Week: Lamborghini Marzal (1967)

In 1967, Lamborghini's lineup consisted of just two cars – the Miura and the 400 GT 2+2 – but this wasn't enough for Ferrucio Lamborghini, who fancied a true four-seater GT to add to his stable. After the successful collaboration on the Miura, he naturally returned to carrozeria Bertone which was commissioned to design the car. The project was left in the hands of Marcello Gandini, who turned Ferrucio's vision into a revolutionary design concept.