Nissan's Qashqai grabs top award

NISSAN'S Qashqai crossover has been voted ‘Used Car of the Year’ by used car pricing experts CAP – for the second year in a row. A panel of judges comprising of used car market and vehicle valuation experts at CAP said: “The Nissan Qashqai has created an entirely new ‘crossover’ sector and prompted other manufacturers to follow by marrying the practicality of a people carrier with the looks of a quality 4x4. By achieving this in a package that also offers economy, handling, strong build quality and reliability the Qashqai has become the perfect used car for our time.” The panel noted that strong demand meant the Qashqai was always highly sought after by trade buyers and customers alike, meaning it depreciated slowly and outperformed the general market.

Maserati Alfieri is a car Maserati MUST make: Geneva Motor Show

The Maserati Alfieri Concept looks a cracker Maserati has a proud history and, even though it makes some very appealing cars once more, it really doesn’t have a proper sports car in its range. But the Maserati Alfieri could change that. Named after Alfieri Maserati – one of the founders of Maserati – the Alfieri  is a beautifully clothed sports car based on a shortened Granturismo MC Stradale chassis taking its inspiration from Maserati’s history but using it not to create a pastiche of the past but a credible view of the future.

Aston Martin Vantage gets V12, but we won't get one

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage, the hottest version of the two-seat coupe, is the latest step in the automaker's new-model offensive for 2009. Revealed just days after the Rapide four-door, the V12 Vantage is the second of four major reveals from Aston this year. Also coming is the DBS convertible, which will share stand space at Geneva with the V12 Vantage and a concept for a new Lagonda, the dormant brand that Aston plans to bring back to life as a super-luxury Rolls-Royce/Maybach challenger.