New Kia Magentis / Kia Optima (2011) revealed

Kia will reveal the 2011 Magentis/Optima at the New York Motor Show in April Hot on the heels of the sketches we saw of the 2011 Kia Magentis just before the Geneva Motor Show, we now get a photo of Kia’s take on the Hyundai i40 (well, a CGI anyway). Which does seem a long lead time. We know that Kia intend to show the Magentis/Optima at the New York Motor Show next month, but we’re not expecting to see the Magentis in showrooms until 2011.

Pumped up Chevy previews new Lacetti

By Phil McNamara Motor Industry 07 September 2006 08:47 Chevrolet has issued this sneak preview of its forthcoming family hatch – disguised as a World Touring Car. Disregard the pram handle wing, snowplough undertray and steroidal wheelarch extensions, and you have the car to replace the current Lacetti in around 2008. The production model should use GM's next-generation Delta platform, which will also underpin the next Astra and a proposed Saab hot hatch.

WINTER BREAKDOWN EXPENSE FOR USED CAR OWNERS

SOME VEHICLE components are nearly three times as likely to fail during the winter months as in the summer leading to potentially expensive repairs for the owners of older vehicles, according to Warranty Direct. The specialist insurer and warranty provider analysed 50,000 live automotive policies and found that ignition coils are 283 per cent more likely to fail between December and February than between June and August. Fuel injection pumps, thermostats and a number of electrical components are also more likely to suffer in the cold leading to an average winter repair bill of £408.60, the company has warned.