Trq Steering Idler Arm Psa67572 on 2040-parts.com

Chevrolet Cruze gets better fuel economy for the 2012 model year

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is making a run at its Eco brother, with a highway fuel-economy rating of 38 mpg with an automatic transmission, 2 mpg more than last it got last year. A manual transmission is now more widely available on the Cruze, according to the General Motors ordering guide. The 1LT and 2LT models will now be available with the six-speed manual, which should increase the fun quotient with the turbocharged 1.4-liter engine.

Snake surprise for garage mechanics

MECHANICS attempting to jump-start a car were given a shock when they found a snake under the bonnet. Garage workers in Kelty in Fife called out animal charity the Scottish SPCA after they discovered the 2ft (0.6m) corn snake in the engine of the Fiat Punto they were working on. The reptile, which has been named Punto, is now being looked after at the Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Balerno.

Fiat 500L MPW goes on sale. Costs from £15,795

The Fiat 500L MPW (pictured) is now on sale. Costs from £15,795 The latest extension (literally) to the Fiat 500 range – the Fiat 500L MPW – has gone on sale in the UK so lovers of Fiats appealing 500 can still get their fix even if they have a Brady Bunch sized family. A stretched version of the already stretched Fiat 500L, the 500L MPW (which gets the 500L Living badge outside the UK) isn’t a true 7-seater, but does get two extra occasional seats in the boot for transporting the smallest members of your brood when needed.