Seachoice Sport Steering Wheel on 2040-parts.com

First sight: Volkswagen Passat (2015)

In recent years, European buyers have been switching their mid-size sedans and wagons for smaller cars, crossovers and SUVs. The Volkswagen Passat, Europe's most successful company car, has defined this market segment pretty much since it arrived back in 1973, and this latest, eighth-generation model has been designed to attempt to reverse that buying trend. When we catch up with design director Dr Klaus Bischoff at the car's unveiling, he's certainly confident that the new car represents a significant step forward.

Petrol cars twice as likely to fail MOT on emissions

The latest MOT test data shows that 26.2% of all cars tested fail on excess exhaust emissions – and surprisingly petrol cars fail more than twice as often as diesels in this part of the annual roadworthiness test. According to the official Vehicle Operator and Standard Agency (VOSA) figures, which cover all of 2010 and the first nine months of 2011, 9.7% of petrol cars failed to meet MOT emissions standards compared to just 3.9% of diesels. On Bing: see pictures of the MOT test Find out how much a used car with 12 months MOT costs on Auto Trader The analysis has been carried out by fuel additive “provider” Redex, which naturally has an interest in the findings, since its products are designed to breakdown engine deposits and improve efficiency.

Nissan news at 2009 Tokyo motor show

Carlos Ghosn, Nissan CEO and general talisman, struts his stuff with the new electric Leaf – and promises three other EVs: a van based on the NV200, a compact, high-performance, luxury four-seat Infiniti (think Lexus LF-Ch or BMW 1-series) and an urban car inspired by the crazy Land Glider concept. Yes, the leaning-over, futuristic looking Nissan Land Glider has some production intent, he vows. It looks like it’s been squished from both sides, and if you’re lanky them climbing in is quite a squeeze.