Centric Parts 130.33401 New Master Cylinder on 2040-parts.com

Maintenance 'favours' end up costing more

GETTING help from family, neighbours or friends for basic car maintenance tasks costs the UK public an estimate £300million a year, according to a new survey. Over 2,000 people were surveyed on behalf of Halfords Autocentres and one in six said they regretted asking for help in the first place. 45% who subsequently had to pay a professional to rectify mistakes were left with a bill in excess of £100.

Honda's future plans cut Acura TSX platform

The future of Acura's TSX appears uncertain as Honda Motor prepares to abandon the platform used for the compact sedan. Acura boss Jeff Conrad says the TSX will remain in the lineup "for the foreseeable future." But when Acura moved into the entry-luxury segment with the ILX last year it jammed up its sedan lineup -- both in terms of vehicle sizes and pricing ladders. The ILX and aging TSX are positioned close to each other, as are the TSX and mid-sized TL.

Aston Martin Cygnet at Harrods

Aston Martin Cygnet in Harrods Brompton Road window The last time we reported that Harrods were displaying a car in their window was in the run-up to the release of the Hyundai ix35 in the Summer. That was when Mo was still in charge. But now the Qataris are calling the shots at Knightsbridge’s favourite corner shop things have gone a bit more upmarket – the al Thanis have shoved an Aston Martin Cygnet in Harrods’ window.