Peugeot 405 F Wheel Bearing on 2040-parts.com

Eco cars named and shamed

By Tim Pollard Motoring Issues 26 September 2007 10:19 A new report today exposes the real green cars - and there's not a hybrid in sight in the top 10, according to researchers at Cardiff University. Conventionally engined superminis dominate the top ranks. The scientists gave half their score based on each cars' emissions of CO2, NOx and other pollutants; the other half of the score was calculated from vehicles' construction, energy costs, recyclability and size.

Audi Q3: new entry-level 1.4 TFSI & new S Line Plus trim option

The new Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI (pictured) offers a sensible petrol alternative Although we all now seem as obsessed in the UK by frugal diesel engines as Europe has been for many years, there’s a lot to be said for a petrol engine. So the launch of the Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI petrol as the new entry point for the Q3 range should make private buyers – and those who don’t do mega miles – sit up and take notice. The Q3 1.4 TFSI only comes with front wheel drive, but it does offer a sensible alternative to the 2.0 litre TDI 140 for many buyers, with 148bhp, a 0-62mph of 9.2 seconds (8.9s with the optional S tronic ‘box), official economy of 47.9mpg and emissions of 137g/km.

Alfa Romeo 8C, Maserati Quattroporte and GranTurismo recalled

Owners of 2005-2008 Maserati Quattroportes, 2008 GranTurismos, and the 2008 Alfa Romeo 8C should expect to hear from dealers soon as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a recall this past week. The recall is for tie-rod ends that have insufficient corrosion protection, which then leads to rust and weakening of the units. This unit could fail completely, causing the driver of the vehicle to lose control.