Wix 51096 Engine Oil Filter on 2040-parts.com

Chinese brands are narrowing the quality gap with foreign automakers

When it comes to vehicle quality, domestic Chinese brands are catching up to their global peers, according to the 2010 China Initial Quality Study published by J.D. Power and Associates. The consultancy found that the quality gap between domestic and foreign brands has reached its narrowest margin in the survey's 11-year history.

Mazda MX-5 Kuro Special Editions

Mazda has released yet another special edition MX-5 for the UK market in the guise of the Mazda MX-5 Kuro.  Yes, it’s yet another special edition MX-5, this time the Mazda MX-5 Kuro which comes as either a 1.8 litre soft top or a 2.0 litre Roadster Coupe. It seems the Japanese like the idea of ‘Black’ Special Edition cars as much as we do in the West (Kuro means black in Japanese), with the last ‘Kuro’ special being the Nissan Juke Kuro. But oddly Mazda are offering the MX-5 Kuro not just in black but also in Velocity Red Mica and Crystal White Pearlescent, with the ‘Kuro’ bits referring to the Brilliant Black roof, door mirrors and dark gunmetal 17″ alloys.

Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari: the £30k Fiat 500 is here

Hot on the heels of the Aston Martin Cygnet as the most unlikely badge to find on a city car is this: the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari. The prancing Shetland pony was today confirmed for UK sale – and it's going to cost the thick end of £30k. That's right: 30 big ones...  Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari: just a pumped-up Fiat 500?You got it.