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

New Opel/Vauxhall Astra saloon revealed – but not for the UK

The new Astra with a boot has been revealed but it’s not heading for the UK. It will, however, be offered in Germany and Spain. The hatchback has taken over the car world in recent years when it comes to family cars (although we could see the crossover / compact SUV supplant it before long), which has meant the demise of the traditional saloon, certainly in the UK market.

Germany plans to charge foreigners to drive on the Autobahn

Germany plans to charge foreigners to drive on the Autobahn It seems Germany is planning to charge to use the Autobahn network – just as France does – but it plans to levy the charge just on foreign visitors. The plan is part of a deal by Angela Merkel’s Social Democrat party to form a new coalition and would see all non-German drivers paying a fixed toll to use the Autobahns. But the plan is coming under fire from neighbouring countries (Germany has borders with nine other countries) and even from its own version of the AA – the ADAC – who say the revenue likely to be raised – around £220 million – will do little to address the costs.

Toyota: Fixes are working on recalled vehicles

Toyota maintains that the fixes being made to correct unintended acceleration in millions of recalled vehicles are sufficient. But at a press event Monday, company officials said they are willing to bring in as many independent researchers as needed to resolve the issue once and for all. “We don't think there is a ghost issue out there,” said Kristen Tabar, general manager of electronic systems at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich.