Mazda 3 hatchback (2013) at Frankfurt motor show

The Mazda 3 is back: lighter, more eco-friendly and supposedly better to drive than ever, promises Mazda. Brought up-to-date with Mazda’s new ‘Kodo’ design style from the 6 saloon and CX-5 crossover, the new Mazda 3 is a handsome hatchback, and boasts a far superior cabin to its predecessor. Is that enough to shoehorn buyers out of the VW Golf and Ford Focus? Get the full CAR story here.

Ford preparing fastest ever four-door—in Australia

Ford's struggling Australian outpost is set to unleash its fastest-accelerating car yet in the form of a limited- edition version of the four-door Falcon GT Boss 335 sedan running various chassis-based performance enhancements, according to Australian media reports. Known internally at the company's Ford Performance Vehicles division under the code name Panther, the Blue Oval's supersedan is set to run the same supercharged 5.0-liter V8 as the standard Falcon GT Boss 335—itself a locally developed version of the Mustang's 90-degree Coyote unit with unique cylinder heads and renamed Miami. It delivers 449 hp at 5,750 rpm and 420 lb-ft of torque at 2,200 rpm.

Ford Mondeo [w/Gallery]

The new Ford Mondeo will make its debut at the Paris motor show in sedan, hatchback and wagon formats. The European version of the Fusion adds two new variants to the flagship the global D-segment platform. It will also be offered as a petrol Hybrid Electric Vehicle – a first for Ford in Europe.