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

Nissan’s new lightweight philosophy revealed

The leaked official drawings of the new Nissan Micra might have revealed the conventional styling of the company’s new supermini, but they gave little clue to the dramatically lightweight new platform that underpins it. The new Micra will be significantly lighter and more fuel efficient than the outgoing car due to a ruthless pursuit of weight reduction on the new V-platform (V = versatile), which on average has slashed 50kg from the new car's weight, and up to 70kg on some models. Project leader Noritaka Tsuru described the new package as a 'breakthrough car' that required a complete 'change in mentality' in how Nissan makes cars.

Used car market pressure eases

AN INCREASE in the number of used cars coming into the market has “taken the edge off prices” and calmed some corners of the industry, according to used car pricing experts CAP. A greater influx of part-exchange cars arriving at dealers is partly responsible, and with many franchised dealers focusing for the time being on selling those vehicles, competition to acquire stock on the open market has decreased. CAP reports that the pressure has been lifted on some dealers who had become frustrated at how expensive it was becoming to source cars at fair prices.

New Peugeot 208 won’t spawn Estate or Convertible, but a 2008 SUV Crossover is planned.

There may be a new Peugeot 208 GTi (pictured) but no 208 CC or SW Peugeot has revealed that there will be no CC (Convertible) or SW (estate) versions of the new 208, but a 2008 SUV/Crossover is expected. The new Peugeot 208 has a weight of expectations resting on its new shoulders, with Peugeot finding sales harder to come by and hoping the new 208 may rekindle some of the sales fire the 205 had. So you’d think it would make sense to fill every possible niche imaginable with the 208, including spinning off various iterations in the style of MINI.