Quicksliver Stator Part Number 398-5454a25 on 2040-parts.com

VW pushes upmarket: the new Passat and lessons learned by the Phaeton

By John Mahoney Motoring Issues 07 July 2014 08:02 Logically, it makes perfect sense to push the new 2015 VW Passat upmarket far away from the declining, mass-market D-segment it used to inhabit. After all, how can Volkswagen resist a tasty slice of profit the BMW 3-series or Mercedes C-class dishes out to their makers? Even if it does risk stepping on Audi's toes...

New Mercedes C-Class UK pricing & specs revealed – costs from £26,855

The 2014 Mercedes C-Class (pictured) costs from £26,855 The new Mercedes C-Class for 2014 was revealed in December – looking like a proper baby S-Class – and now we get the specifications and prices for the UK market ahead of its arrival in Mercedes showrooms. To start, there will be just two engines available – 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol in the C200 and 2.1 litre four-cylinder diesel in the C220 BlueTec – and a choice of six-speed manual and 7-speed auto boxes and three trim levels – SE, Sport and AMG Line. Mercedes say the new C-Class will be the best equipped in its sector, and all models come with a touchpad to control the Infotainment functions, Climate, Media Interface and Artico upholstery.

Saab announces new China joint-venture

Following on from last week's collapsed Hawtai Motor Group deal, Saab owners Spyker Cars have announced a fresh collaboration agreement today with Pang Da Automobile Trade Co, a Chinese vehicle distributor. Saab and Panda Automobile Company? Sounds Mickey Mouse to me!