Restyled 2014 Mazda 3 preens in Frankfurt

The new Mazda 3 made its first auto show appearance on Tuesday in Frankfurt. It's the first time we've seen the hot hatch since its five-city launch in June that coincided with the 10-year anniversary of the first 3. It's the third member of the family to use the Kodo design style, which means “soul of motion.” Here in the States, the 3 will offer two gasoline engines, both with direct injection.

£2,500 price cut for Subaru BRZ

Subaru has cut the retail price of its sporty BRZ coupe by nearly 10% to £23,995 on-the-road for the SE Lux model. The reduction from the previous £26,495 list price (effective from 1 May 2014) marks a £2,500 saving for customers. The price drop is in part related to the introduction of the firm’s performance flagship model, the WRX STI, which hits UK shores in May 2014.

Subaru XV gets a price cut – down by £1300 on 1.6 litre versions

It wasn’t a bad starting point for an able mid-sized crossover – a high-riding Impreza, in all but name –  but it wasn’t the cheapest offering in the class. But now, with the Yen being a bit kinder to Japanese car makers, Subaru has decided to nudge the price a bit lower to start the XV range off below £20k for the first time. The price drop for the XV only applies to the 1.6 litre petrol versions, but you can now get the entry-level XV 1.6i S for a more affordable £19,995 rising to £23,415 for the XV 1.6i SE with the Lineartronic gearbox, reductions across the range of £1300.