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Volkswagen Passat Alltrack: The VW Allroad arrives

The VW Passat Alltrack - debuts in Tokyo Volkswagen has jumped on to the Allroad bandwagon with its own take on Audi’s faux off-roader, with the reveal of the 2012 VW Passat Alltrack. As you would expect, the Passat Alltrack is a butched-up Passat Estate with a raised ride height, extra bits of plastic round the bumpers, skid plates, flared side sills and 4WD – VW’s 4MOTION – for more traction in boot sale car parks. But when you don’t need the 4WD, around 90 poer cent of the drive is through the front wheels – saving fuel – with the rear wheel drive only coming in to play when you start to slip and slide.

Nissan Invitation concept

Nissan has released the first images of its new B-segment concept car, the Invitation. Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor show next month, the car previews a new model that will sit between the Micra and Juke as the company returns to the traditional hatchback market. The Invitation's DRG features a wide grille with a chrome accent that extends into the lamps, reminiscent of the Quest MPV.

One Lap of the Web: new imports, old imports

-- The 1956 Maserati A6G-2000 Allemano is as beautiful as it is rare, and if Jay Leno didn't take one for a spin in this video, we probably wouldn't see one until next year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. -- Simon Cowell (of Simon Cowell fame) bought a Bugatti Veyron three years ago because a friend told him its a good idea, and he's driven it a total of two times since. Not driven it at its maximum speed, but just driven period.