Porsche 914 Windshield Washer Bottle on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes GLA goes subterranean

FOR SUV owners looking to test their cars’ off-road credentials, the obvious place to put them to the test probably isn’t nearly 200 metres underground. But that’s exactly where the new Mercedes GLA found itself as it descended into Winsford Rock Salt Mine, 620 feet beneath the Cheshire countryside. The working mine, which supplies much of the UK’s gritting salt for wintry roads, played host to four standard (apart from extra driving lights) GLA models, which were lowered down into the mine nose first before being let loose in the 130-mile network of tunnels.

Mazda2 (2015)

The Mazda2 city car is the fourth production car to be designed using the firm's Kodo form language. As with the CX-5, Mazda3 and Mazda6, it also gets the full set of Skyactiv chassis, engine and transmission technologies that are designed to help distinguish Mazda's products in the crowded mainstream segments in which it competes. There's strong continuity between models - the new 2 features the now-familiar long hood, overhanging nose, bulging front fenders and upkicked beltline used on the larger cars.

Caterham Seven Supersport R (2012) first pictures

It's certainly been a busy week for Caterham. Just a few days ago the company announced its partnership with Renault to create a new range of Alpine sports cars, and now the Surrey-based outfit has gone back its roots to develop an even more hardcore version of the Seven Supersport. Called the Caterham Seven Supersport R, the lightweight special gets an engine capacity increase and power bump over the regular car, but carries over its racing car-derived suspension.