Ford Laser Embroidered Cloth Patch. on 2040-parts.com

The hidden cost of fuel-efficient cars

Yesterday’s drive of the new Fiesta ECOnetic got me thinking. It’s astonishing what car makers can get out of a car these days. The new ECOnetic manages a combined figure of 76mpg.

VW Golf GTD (2013) first pictures of diesel hot hatch

VW's Golf GTD - a performance diesel brother to the GTI hot hatch - is here. Rated at 182bhp and 280lb ft, it boasts more punch than the old GTD (an extra 12bhp and 14lb ft), and scores better fuel economy too: up 14mpg to 67.3mpg, if you opt for the six-speed manual gearbox. Could this be the Holy Grail of hot hatches, with punch and economy? Here's the lowdown.

Lambo Super Trofeo Stradale (2011) at Frankfurt motor show

Lamborghini tonight whisked the covers off the new £195,000 Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale supercar on the eve of the 2011 Frankfurt motor show. It’s the roadgoing version of the Super Trofeo race cars that compete in the European Blancpain Super Trofeo championship, a one-make series for Gallardos and their racier and richest owners. Hence the Stradale name – it’s Italian for road.