2014 Volvo S80 grabs IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus+

The second-generation Volvo S80 has been with us since 2008, and just a year before its scheduled replacement with an all-new model it has managed to grab a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The S80 now joins its XC90, XC60, and S60 siblings in receiving this accolade, which was instituted just last year when the IIHS created a new type of crash test called the small overlap test. The small overlap test is designed to recreate a rather typical road accident scenario, one which hadn't been added to the roster of crash tests by most vehicle organizations.

New Vauxhall Astra – Frankfurt details & Prices

The New Vauxhall Astra (2010) at Frankfurt We’ve seen the pictures of the new Astra some time ago – and had some detail – but the news from the floor on the new Astra comes in the form of price and spec. And the Astra looks like it’s placed itself pretty well. The entry level Astra – the Exclusiv 1.4i – offers 86bhp and comes with AirCon, Stability Control and an MP3 compatible radio/Cd for £15,675.

Chevrolet Spark subcompact goes teen idol, but 'dubs' not standard

If ever there was a car built for 16-year-olds, the 2013 Chevy Spark is it. It comes standard with a team of electronic nannies, more infotainment than Saturday-morning television and a length that's a full three feet shorter than the Cruze and one foot shorter than the diminutive Honda Fit. “We listened to what young people said they wanted in a car.