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

Vauxhall ADAM Black Edition and ADAM White Edition – ‘Smartphone on Wheels’

Vauxhall ADAM Black Edition and ADAM White Edition – 250 being built It’s no secret that Vauxhall want the ADAM to be as individual as possible, despite its rather generic appearance, so apart from a plethora of customisation options Vauxhall will be churning out regular limited editions – just like MINI and the Fiat 500. The latest limited editions are the Vauxhall ADAM Black Edition and ADAM White Edition which, say Vauxhall, offer even more levels of personalisation and takes many design cues from the Smartphone. That’s because, as Vauxhall claim, the ADAM is the best connected small car in its segment and the ADAM White and ADAM Black come with IntelliLink infotainment system and Siri eyes free as standard with controls in black or white with brushed aluminium accents, just like a typical smartphone.

First sight: Volkswagen Passat (2015)

In recent years, European buyers have been switching their mid-size sedans and wagons for smaller cars, crossovers and SUVs. The Volkswagen Passat, Europe's most successful company car, has defined this market segment pretty much since it arrived back in 1973, and this latest, eighth-generation model has been designed to attempt to reverse that buying trend. When we catch up with design director Dr Klaus Bischoff at the car's unveiling, he's certainly confident that the new car represents a significant step forward.

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron price and specs – costs £34,950

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron (pictured) costs £34,950 If governments are going to base car taxation on Co2 emissions, then car makers are going to build cars that ‘game’ the official tests. A perfect example of which is the new Audi A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid. It’s expensive at £34,950 (although the government bribe for plug-ins does drop the price you pay to £29,950), but thanks to its ‘up to 31 miles’ range on battery power only it comes complete with official economy of 176.6 mpg and emissions of 37g/km.