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Mercedes GLA goes subterranean

FOR SUV owners looking to test their cars’ off-road credentials, the obvious place to put them to the test probably isn’t nearly 200 metres underground. But that’s exactly where the new Mercedes GLA found itself as it descended into Winsford Rock Salt Mine, 620 feet beneath the Cheshire countryside. The working mine, which supplies much of the UK’s gritting salt for wintry roads, played host to four standard (apart from extra driving lights) GLA models, which were lowered down into the mine nose first before being let loose in the 130-mile network of tunnels.

Tesla touts top sales at Detroit auto show

Tesla credits the "exceptional cold weather performance" of its Model S for 20 percent-higher-than-expected Q4 sales of 6,900 units, bringing total Model S sales worldwide to 25,000 so far. In fact, Tesla says its sedan does so well in the snow that the rear wheels are the only ones that need any torque. "This car performs outstandingly in winter conditions," said Tesla vp of vehicle engineering Chris Porritt in a video released the day of the Detroit Auto Show.

Peugeot 408 GT teased ahead of Beijing 2014 debut

Peugeot will show a new concept car at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show this April, hinting at a small four-door coupe that could rival the Mercedes-Benz CLA. The prototype will most likely be based on the French firm’s current 308 hatchback – underpinned by PSA Peugeot Citroen’s latest EMP2 platform – and will continue to evolve the brand’s new design direction. On Bing: see pictures of the Peugeot 308 Find out how much a used Peugeot 308 costs on Auto Trader The concept is thought to be relevant to the Chinese market only, however, as Peugeot already sells a 408 saloon model solely in that territory, based on its older 308 hatch.