Subaru Oem 73323ac000 Accessory Drive Belt/v-belt/fan Belt 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.

Mercedes E63 AMG facelift and power boost (2013) full details

Let's ignore the visual changes on the new Mercedes E63 AMG for a moment and get straight to the facts. In top-spec 'S' guise, this four-door saloon will hit 62mph in 3.6 seconds. That's a tenth faster than a Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 supercar, and quicker still than Merc's own SLS AMG.

Flintoff spared ban for speeding

ANDREW 'Freddie' Flintoff has escaped a driving ban for speeding in his Bentley after arguing "exceptional hardship" to magistrates. Flintoff, 36, was already on nine points for speeding and in danger of an automatic ban with another three points after admitting being behind the wheel when flashed by a camera doing 87mph on the M6, near Linstock, Cumbria on January 28 this year, Carlisle Magistrates' Court heard. But JPs accepted a ban would amount to exceptional hardship because of the effect on others who rely on his extensive charity work and the privacy of his three children.