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

Don't get caught on car hire 'slippery slope'

'DO IT YOURSELF' holidays are generally seen as a cheaper version of what can be steeply priced and inflexible package deals, particularly in the notoriously expensive ski market. But experts are warning that skiers who make their own way to the slopes this winter, instead of buying a package with transfers included, could be hit by hefty charges for car hire at the airport. According to iCarhireinsurance.com, a specialist insurer, some skiers hiring cars for New Year breaks could pay for their hire car twice over because of added 'extras'.

Nissan LEAF EV: Euro sales start – UK in September

The Nissan Leaf goes on sale in the UK in September We recently reported that the Nissan Leaf has exceeded all expectations after going on sale in Japan and the US, managing to acquire 19,000 orders in the briefest of time – twice the planned annual rate of production. We half expected that news – great though it is for Nissan – to delay the launch of the Nissan Leaf in Europe. After all, if you’ve already taken orders for twice as many cars as you can produce in the first year you’d think you’d get production ramped up before you start taking more orders.

The most beautiful cars at Pebble Beach and Monterey week 2013

It’s said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but there are some car designs that just work brilliantly – ones that few will ever argue are anything other than beautiful. These are two dozen such cars – we reckon all are landmark designs that will always look nothing less than stunning.