Maretron Micro Double-ended Cordset - 1 Meter Cm-cg1-cf-01.0 on 2040-parts.com

2014 Subaru XV – less choice, more refinement

The 2014 Subaru XV (pictured) gets a bit of a tweak The Subaru XV arrived in the UK in 2012, and it’s a perfectly able and reasonably-priced compact crossover from Subaru. But within a year of launching the XV Subaru decided to inject a bit more appeal in to the XV with a price cut of £2,300 across the range and now, not more than six months later, they’re fiddling with the XV range again. The 2.0 litre petrol XV gets new valve-train components to cut engine noise and revised suspension, with extra soundproofing improving NVH levels across the range, a revised power steering system for added stability and feel  and thicker and reshaped suspension lower arm and extra reinforcement around the base of the A-Pillar for better crash performance.

The 1980s classic cars that could become MOT-free

A change of law in 2012 meant that cars registered before 1960 no longer have to pass the yearly test for roadworthiness known as the MOT. However, a new EU directive means that, from 2018, this could be extended to all cars more than 30 years old, as long as they haven’t been substantially modified. Click on to read more about cars over 30-years-old becoming MOT exempt

Video: How DGT Architects created Renault's Paris show stand

The creators of the Renault stand at this year's Paris motor show have released a video explaining how they created one of the most popular show stands in recent years. The DGT Architects-designed Renault stand – named ‘The Bump' – was one of the stars of the show this year with its curves and lighting drawing praise and attracting admirers from across the event.  A total of 388 large squashed light globes that softly glowed a variety of colors were hung from the ceiling and simulated the movements of waves as they illuminated the stand below. To convey a sense of motion to the cars underneath, DGT used the movement of the lights and the creation of two hills.