02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 Trailblazer R. Front Window Regulator 631281 on 2040-parts.com

Next-gen Passat to offer hybrid and twin-turbo power

VOLKSWAGEN is going even more upmarket with the all-new version of the Passat, which is due to hit showrooms later this year. Soon buyers will be able to include a plug-in hybrid and an all-new 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel among their forecourt options, as VW goes chasing after its sister company Audi. Weight-saving measures have chopped up to 85kg from the new kid on a like-for-like basis, which helps achieve VW's stated efficiency boosts of 20% versus equivalent outgoing Passats.

BMW to build front-drive sedan

BMW boss Norbert Reithofer has surefire plans for a new front-wheel-drive entry-level sedan, falling in just below the existing 3-series sedan. The new four-door, known internally at BMW's Munich-based headquarters under the working title NES (New Entry-level Sedan), forms part of a new range of front-wheel-drive models set to join the BMW lineup in the near future. “The NES is integral to our growth plans,” a BMW insider source revealed.

Drivers make New Year Resolutions

MORE THAN half of British drivers have made a New Year’s Resolution, with many promising to drive more courteously or more economically. A survey by motoring organisation the AA found that 14% of drivers will make the effort to drive for greater economy, while 11% said they would walk more to save fuel. A further 6% are aiming to drive less and 5% want to cycle more to cut down on car use.