Subaru Crosstrek Rear Decal (large 30 Inch) on 2040-parts.com

Car hire costs branded ‘extortionate’

MORE THAN 45% of hire car users described hidden costs such as insurance and fuel as extortionate, according to a new survey. 200 UK consumers aged over 30 and earning more than £20,000 per annum were quizzed for the survey, conducted on behalf of Carhiremarket.com, with over 45% agreeing that hidden costs for insurance and fuel were extortionate. Users cited greater transparency or an all-inclusive upfront price as a more desirable option.

Join AutoWeek and Dutch Mandel for 2011 Mille Miglia coverage

To celebrate the now-annual enthusiast extravaganza more commonly known as the Mille Miglia 1000 in Italy, AutoWeek is getting quality time in a legendary German coupe: the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, commonly referred to simply as the Gullwing. Our own Dutch Mandel is on the road in the Italian countryside. Check out his live tweets, photo galleries, reporting and event history at the AutoWeek Mille Miglia 2011 page.

BMW Zagato Coupe (2012): first official pictures

This is Zagato's take on a modern Bavarian sports car: the BMW Zagato Coupe, based on the Z4. Handcrafted as a one-off by the famous Milanese coachbuilders, it takes pride of place at the Villa d'Este Concours in Italy. What makes the BMW Zagato Coupe so special?