Ford prices new 2012 Focus ST from £21,995

Ford has confirmed prices for the new Focus ST. The new 247bhp hot hatch will cost from £21,995 for the hatchback, or £23,095 for the Focus ST estate. That undercuts the VW Golf GTI, which has bumped up in price in recent years to a stout £25,330 despite having a more modest 207bhp. It also makes it better value than the £26,995 Vauxhall Astra VXR and Renaultsport Megane RS 265 at £24,840.

Young driver training scheme to expand

AN EXCITING scheme has been launched in curricula across the country to give children education in and practical experience of safe driving. A mixture of off-road hands-on young driver training mixes with theory work to give kids a head-start on road safety issues and take away some of the urge to rush to pass their tests when they reach 17. After tracking the progress of students who took part in a pilot scheme, the operators of Young Driver at School discovered that the training course reduced the rate of accidents by half, when compared to the normal accident rate for 17-24 year-olds.

Peugeot and Philippe Starck design bicycle for Bordeaux scheme

Peugeot and accomplished designer Philippe Starck, have developed a unique bike for the city of Bordeaux as part of their continuous promotion of cycling in the city. The new concept of bike-scooter, proposed by Starck and adapted for production by Peugeot, will help in the city's ongoing efforts to improve mobility within Bordeaux. In 15 years the number of cyclists has tripled after a number of initiatives came into effect, two examples being limiting traffic and developing the tramway within the city.