Chris Adamson

For the British end of Toyota’s operation no model is more vital than the new Avensis, which goes on sale here this month.

LAUNCHING a premium grade sports utility in an economic climate where car sales appear to be in free-fall and the environmental lobby has got its teeth deep into off-roaders, would seem to be an untimely move.

RENOWNED worldwide for its four-square “boxer” petrol engines, Subaru has now put its experience to good use in creating the world’s first boxer diesel-engined passenger car.

THE Note is the first vehicle in the Nissan range to introduce ‘Nissan Connect’ - a 2DIN fully integrated audio and satellite navigation system.

AUDI starts the new year by unleashing a ten-cylinder, 525bhp, 196mph version of its R8 quattro four-wheel-driven sports car.

BMW has made a hard choice with its Z4 sportscar next year, after revealing it will come with a two-piece, electro-hydraulically operated Retractable Hard-Top roof that can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds.

JACKSONS Group Limited is planning to buck the shrinking automotive industry trend by opening up a new dealership in Christchurch.

A FOUR-DOOR, four-seater Porsche sportscar – not many people expected such a new model would ever see the light of day.

TOP Gear daredevil Richard Hammond takes on a new challenge this Sunday on the BBC’s popular motoring programme – rally-crossing a bus – and among his opponents is Poole racing driver Tom Chilton.

RENAULT dealers have started taking orders for the clean-lined new Laguna Coupe ahead of first deliveries in January 2009.