Mercedes-Benz OKs the CLS wagon

Mercedes-Benz will launch a wagon version of the second-generation CLS sedan as a rival to the recently introduced BMW 5-series GT and the upcoming Audi A7. The new four-door--presaged by the German carmaker's 2008 Concept Fascination two-door shooting brake revealed at that year's Paris motor show--is among a throng of niche-market models under consideration by Mercedes boss Dieter Zetsche. "We're seeking to improve our returns by better utilization of existing platforms," a high-ranking Mercedes source told AutoWeek.

Fiat 500L launches

The Fiat 500L – a larger Fiat 500 based on the Punto – has launched in Italy ahead of going on sale in the UK in early 2013. We had the official arrival of the Fiat 500L at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and now we get the 500L’s official launch in Turin – together with lots of new photos and a video – before the 500L goes on sale around the world. The 500L is actually based on the underpinnings of the Punto to create a 500 MPV and, sensibly, Fiat has done with the 500L  what MINI did with the Countryman and slapped an iconic badge on even though the 500L bears scant resemblance to its cute little sibling.

Jaguar Land Rover Heritage Parade in London for Queen’s Coronation Festival

Jaguar Land Rover drive their Royal Heritage cars down the Mall to celebrate the Coronation Festival Remarkably, considering 2012 was the 60th anniversary of the Queen coming to the throne and the celebratory events we had, we’ve heard very little about the 60th anniversary of the coronation. In fact, we’ve already passed the diamond anniversary of the Queen’s coronation (on 2nd June) without any huge fanfare but, for some reason, we have a ‘Coronation Festival’ from 11-17th July to celebrate the ‘Best of British’. But it seems Jaguar Land Rover couldn’t wait for the event to start properly, so they’ve jumped the gun and gone parading a selection of Jaguars and Land Rovers with Royal connections  round London this weekend.