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Car hire costs branded ‘extortionate’

MORE THAN 45% of hire car users described hidden costs such as insurance and fuel as extortionate, according to a new survey. 200 UK consumers aged over 30 and earning more than £20,000 per annum were quizzed for the survey, conducted on behalf of Carhiremarket.com, with over 45% agreeing that hidden costs for insurance and fuel were extortionate. Users cited greater transparency or an all-inclusive upfront price as a more desirable option.

Volvo: Geneva Motor Show 2013

Volvo has facelift versions of the S80, V70 XC70, S60, V60 and XC60 plus Cyclist Detection, new Auto High Beam and a tie-up with Spotify at Geneva. That’s down to Volvo’s decision to give almost their whole range a facelift (with the exception of the too new to facelift V40 and the soon to be replaced XC90) to keep their cars fresh-looking until they’re replaced. The comprehensive range makeover means a new Volvo face – inspired by Volvo’s Concept You – with a wider-looking nose, new bumpers, tweaks to the emissions and economy and new options on the S80, S60 and V60.

This year's Pilkington Glass Awards winners announced at RCA grad show

Last week's Royal College of Art graduation exhibition (full report coming soon) also played host to the 27th annual Pilkington Vehicle Design Awards, with four students acknowledged by the glass making company. The Best Use of Glazing award was won by Jannis Carius' Bentley project, while Alexander Ibbett picked up prize for Best Design Interpretation with his 'downloadable' car. Meanwhile Alexander Brink and Nick Dunderdale were commended in the design interpretation category.