New Volvo Penta Ms4a Transmissions on 2040-parts.com

Consumer Reports gets top vehicle picks mostly right

Despite the publication's uncomfortably broad definition of reliability -- it spans everything from "the engine fell out" to "the touchscreen display shows fingerprints too easily" -- automakers still clamor to get on the Consumer Reports recommended vehicle list. This year's winners cover a broad spectrum of vehicles, and for the most part, we're in agreement with the magazine's editors, with one significant exception at the top of the list. Best overall vehicle went to the Tesla Model S.

Bad-tempered driving increases over winter

We’re officially a nation of grumpy drivers – not helped by the bad weather and the end of Christmas festivities, a survey has revealed. Halfords Autocentres carried out a study about how winter affects motorists and found that experiences of impatient, aggressive and inconsiderate driving increase at this time of year. On Bing: see pictures of road rage British drivers ‘lack common courtesy’ Rory Carlin from Halfords Autocentres: “It seems that the festivities take their toll on the nation’s road manners and tempers flare leading to less kindness and unselfish behaviour from some motorists.” 23% of respondents felt that unfriendly and bad tempered behaviour was a major issue during the winter months, while a fifth said there was a rise in aggressive and impatient driving.

Subaru Legacy Tourer (2010) details

Full details of the 2010 Subaru Legacy Tourer As we reported when the Legacy was launched at Frankfurt,  all Legacy models get a Boxer engine and four-wheel drive. But you do get a choice of either a diesel or a petrol Boxer lump. The diesel Boxer in the Legacy offers decent performance – 0-60mph in 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 120mph – and emissions of 161g/km with fuel consumption at 46.3mpg.