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Driven: BMW X3

The BMW X3 had the premium CUV market to itself when launched in 2004. Skip forward to the launch of the second generation and not only does the new version have a whole host of competitors for company, it also has to fit around its X1, X5 and X6 siblings. We took the 2011 BMW X3 (known internally as F25) to the Austrian Tyrol and spoke to its exterior designer, Erik Goplen, to find out if it still has the segment covered.

Interactive Audi Cam smoothes car repairs

Audi Cam system – now rolled out across Audi’s UK dealer network – smoothes repair flow decisions for customers. Last year Audi introduced Direct Reception technology across its dealer network, allowing customers to see and speak to the mechanics (sorry, technicians) as they work on a car. It’s a good way to pass the time if you have the time in the first place to sit in a dealer’s reception whilst your car is worked on, but it always seemed more a gimmick than anything else; a bit like the ‘Celebrity Chef Kitchen Table’ fad.

Mitsubishi Compact Crossover revealed

The new Mitsubishi Compact Crossover Mitsubishi is working to re-align itself in the market place. It wants to be seen as a manufacturer of ‘environment-friendly passenger cars & crossovers’ instead of an SUV focused manufacturer. It sees cars like the i-MiEV, Colt, Lancer, Grandis and Outlander as the future, although it intends remaining in the ‘Authentic off-roader’ segment with cars like the Shogun.