Audi Allroad Shooting Brake unveiled at 2014 Detroit Motor Show

This is Audi’s Allroad Shooting Brake show car, unveiled on the eve of the Detroit Motor Show. It's a reminder that Audi is gunning for sales from Mercedes-Benz and BMW - and a warning that there isn’t a niche it isn’t prepared to plug. The tri-motor, all-wheel drive hybrid, complete with 400hp and 480lb ft of torque, promises to be a fast, usable crossover when it appears on sale – and Audi is hinting that might not be too far away.

Smoking in cars to be banned

MPs in the House of Commons have voted in favour of amendment to the Children and Families Bill, thereby recommending a ban on smoking in cars when there are children present in England. The vote does not force the government to bring such a change into law, but has passed with a substantial majority and the recommendation is seen to have substantial public support. Labour calls for ban on in-car smoking with children Smoking in cars ‘breaks toxic limit’ During voting last night, 376 MPs supported the amendment, with 107 in opposition – giving the proposed ban a substantial 269-vote majority.

Subaru Impreza WRX Turbo at 1994 prices

More on the ‘Recession-Busting’ deals that abound from car makers at the moment. Subaru has come up with a deal for the Impreza WRX Turbo where you can have the car for the same price as the 1994 equivalent – just £17,798. Which in itself is an interesting figure and shows that cars, or certainly the Impreza in this case, have got cheaper in real terms.