Daihatsu Tanto Exe 2010 Front Left Caliper [1544360] on 2040-parts.com

China’s Hong Qi State Limo twice the price of RR Ghost

FAW's Hong Qi Limo - a snip at £720k It would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, but this week China has seen the reveal of two cars that would stretch even the finances of a Western plutocrat. The Hong Qi State Limo is a behemoth of a car designed to ferry China’s elite in safety and comfort. It was used in China’s recent 2009 ‘Review of the Troops’ to chauffeur Chairman Hu.

Vauxhall launches powerful 1.0 petrol engine

OLD-FASHIONED 1.6-litre petrol engines in Vauxhall cars are about to be replaced by a clever new 1.0-litre alternative. The tiny newcomer has only three cylinders, but thanks to a turbocharger it coughs up more power and torque than many normal 1.6-litre equivalents. It’s set to debut in Vauxhall’s funky Adam supermini, although the new engine will be display-only when it emerges at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Fiat 500X teaser video ahead of 2014 Paris motor show

Fiat has issued this Youtube video of its new 500X crossover, which is destined to launch the Italian brand into the compact SUV market dominated by the Nissan Juke. Although an annoyingly restricted view of the 500X, it is possible to make out the silhouette and outline of the baby crossover, which goes on sale in the UK in time for the new 15-reg launch in March 2015. See the Fiat 500X in full at the 2014 Paris motor show on 2 October – we’ll have the first official photographs and news the moment the covers come off.