Quarter Master Starter Ultra-duty Reverse Mount Bellhousings 114260 Tilton Reman on 2040-parts.com

NHTSA opens investigation into Ford Taurus throttle issue

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a preliminary investigation into claims of the throttle sticking open on the Ford Taurus from the 2005-06 model years. NHSTA says there are 14 claims of a stuck throttle in the Taurus, possibly because of the cruise-control cable becoming detached. No injuries have been reported.

2014 Fiat 500 UK price and specs – costs from £10,160

The 2014 Fiat 500 arrives in the UK It’s hard to update a car that’s already a pastiche of an original, so Fiat has been very cautious with the updates for the Fiat 500 for 2014, although there are some welcome improvements. One modern change is the arrival of a 7″ TFT digital instrument display – standard on the 500S and 500 CULT and optional on 500 Lounge versions – which does a good job of mimicking the 500′s analogue instruments but with a central section that can be configured to display stuff like trip information and allows for more detailed information on everything from gear shifts to SatNav info (where specced). The biggest mechanical update comes with the arrival of a 104bhp version of the 0.9 litre TwinAir engine promising 0-62mph in 10 seconds (and it’ll feel a lot quicker) and official economy of 67.3mpg (you’ll get a lot less).

Volkswagen's Golf grabs Car of the Year award

THE VOLKSWAGEN GOLF has been crowned the Scottish Car of the Year, the first time VW has lifted the title north of the border. Awarded by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, the Golf won the title thanks to its choice of body styles, frugal engines, quality and excellent driving manners. It beat off strong competition from the likes of the Range Rover Sport, Jaguar F-type and Renault Clio, which won their respective categories.