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

Congress scales back tax break for car buyers

A proposed tax break for new-vehicle buyers is dramatically scaled back in the final version of the economic stimulus bill. Auto dealers and their allies had sought to make interest on auto loans and the sales and excise taxes on new-vehicle purchases deductible from federal taxes. Proponents say those measures are needed to boost showroom traffic and sales.

Vauxhall to launch sub-£7k city car

Vauxhall is believed to be working on a budget city car to rival the Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 108 and Citroen C1 trio unveiled earlier this month at Geneva. According to Auto Express, the new small hatchback will be based on the Chevrolet Spark platform and will start at less than £7,000 – undercutting the firm’s current Adam model by over £4,000. On Bing: see pictures of Vauxhall city cars Find out how much a used Vauxhall costs on Auto Trader If you’re expecting a bland box on wheels like the Agila, don’t fear – as Vauxhall has reportedly said the new car will “have its own distinct personality”.

Skoda Fabia vRS (2010) at Geneva motor show

This is the new Skoda Fabia vRS, unveiled at the VW Group’s pre-Geneva party. And unlike the last vRS, this one isn’t diesel. Yes, and under the bonnet is the same 178bhp Twincharger (supercharged and turbocharged) 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine that you’ll find in the new VW Polo GTI and Seat Ibiza Cupra.