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2009 Mazda 3 hatchback unveiled ahead of Bologna

Mazda has today released the first pictures of the new Mazda 3 hatchback, ahead of the Bologna Motor Show on December 3rd. The pictures come hot on the heels of the recently announced saloon and, just like the saloon, the Mazda 3 hatchback is a much fresher design, with far more sporty pretensions. One of the big aims for Mazda with the 3 was, of course, a much more economical car without sacrificing the old model’s strengths.

A tribute to Ermanno Cressoni

Last week the car design community suffered a great loss. Ermanno Cressoni or 'Arch' as many of his designers affectionately referred to him, passed away on Thursday 30th June in Milan after battling with cancer for 13 months.'Arch' was a reference in car design and his contribution to our profession was much more important than stated in the press. As Alfa Romeo Centro Stile Director he directed the Alfetta berlina, the famous chrome GTV grille from the early seventies is attributed to him, as is the Giuglietta sedan of the late seventies, the Alfa 33, the 75, and many of the racing Alfas we adore from the late 60s and early 70s.

Opel / Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer Crossfour revealed

Insignia Sports Tourer Crossfour leaks out Opel / Vauxhall are planning a competitor to the Audi Allroad with a high-riding version of the Insignia Sports Tourer CrossFour. Audi have had the butched-up estate market pretty much all to itself for a long time with the Allroad, but hot on the heels of theVW Passat Alltrack we now look like we’re about to get a new competitor from GM in Europe – the Vauxhall / Opel Insignia Sports Tourer CrossFour. Opel has taken the normal recipe for the CrossFour, with plastic bits bolted on to the bumpers and wheel arches, a higher ride height and the obligatory four wheel drive, and mixed them in to the very capable Insignia Sports Tourer.