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

Volkswagen e-Golf goes on sale – price from £30,845

The Volkswagen e-Golf (pictured) is now on sale in the UK The Nissan LEAF has almost had the market place for proper family EVs to itself until recently, but the arrival of the impressive BMW i3 -especially when specced with a range extending motor – threatens to make a dent in LEAF sales, and another dent could come courtesy of the new Volkswagen e-Golf, which goes on sale today in the UK priced from £30,845 (£25,845 after taxpayer bribe). In most of the ways that matters, the e-Golf is a regular Golf MK 7, but lurking under the familiar exterior lies a thumping great bank of batteries weighing 318kg (about the same as a car full of passengers) and an electric motor driving the front wheels and good for 113bhp. Range for the e-Golf is up to 118 miles from a full charge, a charge that will take 13 hours from a regular 3-pin socket, a more acceptable 8 hours if you use the optional 3.6 kW wallbox you can spec (for free from British Gas) and a quick charge of up to 80 per cent in 35 minutes.

Nissan Hi-Cross Concept at 2012 Geneva motor show

Nissan made constant reference to being ‘owners’ of the crossover concept during their Geneva press conference. From the Murano to the Juke, via the Qashqai, rugged urban transport has been one of its big success stories (alright, maybe not the Murano). The seven-seater Hi-Cross Concept, premiered here, showcases some of the styling ideas that Nissan could filter through to future production models and also features a hybrid drivetrain and new version of its CVT gearbox.

Car Sales On The Rise But Buyers Seek To Pay Less

LATEST industry data has shown that car buying is on the increase, however budget-savvy prospective buyers want to pay less for their new wheels. Data from Sainsbury's Bank has revealed that as many as 18% of adults are looking to buy a new car in the months up to and including February 2014. And while this is a healthy 28% increase on those who planned purchases in the last six months, those now thinking about buying are likely to pay averages out at £9,934, which is 3.5% down on the figure for the last six months.