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

Mercedes GLA goes subterranean

FOR SUV owners looking to test their cars’ off-road credentials, the obvious place to put them to the test probably isn’t nearly 200 metres underground. But that’s exactly where the new Mercedes GLA found itself as it descended into Winsford Rock Salt Mine, 620 feet beneath the Cheshire countryside. The working mine, which supplies much of the UK’s gritting salt for wintry roads, played host to four standard (apart from extra driving lights) GLA models, which were lowered down into the mine nose first before being let loose in the 130-mile network of tunnels.

Infiniti recalls Q50 sedans over steer-by-wire system

Infiniti is recalling a number of its new 2014 Q50 sedans over a fault in its steer-by-wire system. The recall concerns Q50 sedans equipped with Direct Adaptive Steering that have received a software version which may disable the power steering software when the engine compartment reaches freezing temperatures. There's a mechanical backup system to prevent steering failure that kicks in via a clutch if the Direct Adaptive Steering were to fail, but the NHTSA notes that this backup may not engage in time if the Direct Adaptive Steering fails, increasing the chance of a crash.

Audi Q1 Compact SUV in 2016: OFFICIAL

Audi Q1 Compact SUV in 2016 (Audi artist illustration above) It’s only a couple of months since we revealed that the Audi Q1 – Audi’s smallest SUV to date and based on the A1 – is heading towards Audi showrooms in 2016. And now Audi has confirmed it. The new Q1 will add to Audi’s already burgeoning sales of SUV, with the Q3, Q5 and even the Q7, selling well, with the Q5 managing half of the 200,000 plus SUVs Audi sell each year all on its own.