Meet the 214-mpg Volkswagen Twin-Up concept

Ahead of a Tokyo motor show debut, VW is showing off the Twin-Up concept. Essentially an advanced version of the company's entry-level Up supermini, the Twin-Up runs a modified version of the plug-in diesel-electric hybrid driveline used in the high-tech XL1 for spectacular claimed combined consumption of 214 mpg on the Euro combined cycle along with a zero-emissions electric range of 31 miles. The Twin-Up name alludes to the new car's twin drive sources.

Hyundai i20

Hyundai's second-generation i20, designed at Hyundai Motor's Design Center Europe in Rüsselsheim, Germany, is the first to feature the firm's new small-car platform. Hyundai claims this allows sufficient flexibility to make the (as-yet unrevealed) interior the most spacious in its class. As for the exterior, the distinction between what is a Kia and what's a Hyundai becomes ever-more blurred.

Germany plans to charge foreigners to drive on the Autobahn

Germany plans to charge foreigners to drive on the Autobahn It seems Germany is planning to charge to use the Autobahn network – just as France does – but it plans to levy the charge just on foreign visitors. The plan is part of a deal by Angela Merkel’s Social Democrat party to form a new coalition and would see all non-German drivers paying a fixed toll to use the Autobahns. But the plan is coming under fire from neighbouring countries (Germany has borders with nine other countries) and even from its own version of the AA – the ADAC – who say the revenue likely to be raised – around £220 million – will do little to address the costs.