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European Car of the Year shortlist announced

THE SEVEN CARS that will battle it out to become European Car of the Year (ECOTY) 2014 have been announced. Decided on by a jury of 53 motoring journalists from across Europe, the shortlists is made up of the BMW i3, Citroen C4 Picasso, Mazda 3, Mercedes S-Class, Peugeot 308, Skoda Octavia and Tesla Model S. This is the first time the ECOTY shortlist of contenders has included two electric vehicles with the BMW i3 and Tesla Model S.

Top Gear BMW X6, Lexus LF-A and Insignia VXR – tonight

The final Top Gear outing tonight for messrs Clarkson, Hammond & May this series It doesn’t seem like five minutes since the latest series of Top Gear started, and already we’re at the end. That’s right, tonight at 8pm sees the final episode of series 14 at 8pm on BBC2. If you’re anything like me after Christmas and New year you won’t even know today’s Sunday, let alone that it’s the last episode of Top Gear.

High-five for Mini's new, larger hatchback

THE LONG-RUMOURED five-door Mini hatchback has finally been unveiled, featuring an extra seat, more legroom and a larger boot than the three-door. By using a longer and wider body, the five-door is able to offer 72mm more legroom for rear passengers, who can also now access the new row of three seats via small but useful rear doors. Boot space is up to 278 litres, which although still comparatively low is 67 more than the three-door hatch can boast.