Mazda has won a Japanese technology award for an energy-efficient engine-stopping device it introduced this year. The Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference of Japan (RCJ) gave its Technology of the Year award to i-stop, which is used in the Mazda3 to automatically switch off the engine whenever the car is stopped. Combustion energy then restarts the engine in less than half a second when the car moves off, meaning that drivers can save on fuel and emissions without interrupting their drive.

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:11:30

British drivers could start to see electric car charging points appearing all over the country thanks to a new £30 million scheme. The government has outlined its Plugged-In Places initiative, which will see between three and six cities have charging stations for the eco-friendly vehicles installed on streets and in car parks and shopping centres. This scheme will act as a testing ground for the development of a national charging infrastructure in the future, which will make life easier for those investing in electric cars.

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:47:34

Volkswagen is the most popular European vehicle manufacturer among UK drivers, according to a new online poll. The German carmaker came top in a survey conducted by RoadTestReports.co.uk to identify the European brands people considered the best and most reliable. More than a third of respondents chose Volkswagen, with Skoda and SEAT, both of which are owned by the Volkswagen group, finishing in second and third places.

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:26:39

Toyota has begun taking UK orders for the latest version of the Land Cruiser, claiming that the new 4x4 can "excel in the toughest conditions". The Japanese carmaker has enhanced the newest incarnation of the famous brand with a number of performance and safety features to allow for comfortable off-road driving. Among these is Crawl Control, an automated engine and brake control system for tough conditions, as well as in-built cameras and monitors to allow drivers to see the area around the car more clearly.

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:10:59

Scottish motor experts have named the Land Rover Discovery 4 as the year's best car. The Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) awarded the rugged 4x4 its overall Car of the Year award in recognition of its versatility, sturdiness and comfort. More than 60 different cars were in competition for the award, with vehicles being trialled on Scottish roads over the last year to determine a winner.

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:29:25

Toyota is launching a special Platinum version of the Aygo city car, which offers a range of exclusive new features. Based on the Aygo+, the Aygo Platinum will provide an all-new look to the car with a crystal silver paintjob and 14-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. The interior of the vehicle has also seen extensive refurbishment with the addition of leather upholstery and gear knob trim, as well as a six-speaker audio system.

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:15:47

The Lotus Evora has beaten off competition from a host of more expensive vehicles to be named Evo Car of the Year 2009. Performance car magazine Evo took 13 cars for a three-day test on the Isle of Skye in order to decide what the best vehicle currently available is. Among the field were the Lamborghini Murcielago and Artega GT, together with the usual suspects from Porsche and Ferrari, and some more affordable alternatives in the form of the Renaultsport Clio 200 and Volkswagen Scirocco R.

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:48:35

Nissan has released an updated version of the GT-R, with changes designed to make the vehicle more comfortable and powerful than ever. The Japanese carmaker has improved the handling, suspension, braking and emissions performance of the supercar, making it more dynamic while also enhancing its safety and environmental efficiency. In addition, the car's audio and navigation systems have received an overhaul, with new models now coming equipped with a hard drive for music, as well as a greater range of maps and a higher resolution info screen.

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:28:09

Volvo has revealed the first images of its new S60, which it promises will be one of the best cars in the saloon sector. The carmaker has described the vehicle as the sportiest and most dynamic car it has ever produced, expressing confidence that it will offer "emotional appeal" to drivers. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the S60 can also be equipped with a safety technology known as Pedestrian Detection, which automatically stops the car if the driver fails to react to someone crossing the road.

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:23:36

Vauxhall's new Astra has received a glowing industry endorsement in the form of a place on the European Car of the Year award shortlist. The compact car, which is set to hit UK dealerships next month, has been named in the seven-car shortlist after deliberation by a panel of 59 journalists from across the world. An Astra was last named Car of the Year in 1985 when the Mk. 2 model won the award, while the accolade's current holder is another Vauxhall model, the Insignia.

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:10:27