Dorman 973-026 Blower Motor Resistor on 2040-parts.com

January’s top 10 best-selling cars: in pictures

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has released the UK car sales figures for January 2014 – and they represent an excellent start to the new year. There were 154,562 new cars registered last month – a 7.6% rise over January 2013, continuing the run of buyer confidence that saw overall sales reach a six-year high last year. The top 10 best-sellers from last month are rounded up in the following gallery.

Mini Countryman (2010): first official pictures

This is the Mini Countryman, the fourth addition to Mini’s range – after the regular three-door hatch, the Convertible and the Clubman – and also the first current-generation Mini to have four-wheel drive and four regular passenger doors. No, Mini says the Countryman is a crossover, and the four-wheel drive system – called Mini All4 – is an option. Think of the Countryman as a slightly bigger and more practical Clubman with a longer wheelbase than other Minis, four proper doors and a conventional lift-up rear hatch, but to make sure it looks a bit more butch Mini has given the Countryman a bigger, bluffer nose than its siblings.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage price set

The V12-powered version of the Aston Martin Vantage arrives in U.S. dealer showrooms late this year, with a base sticker price of $181,345, which includes shipping charges and a $3,000 gas-guzzler tax. Stepping up to the Carbon Black Special Edition adds $15,000 to the sticker price, for a total of $196,345.