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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.

Fuel duty freeze is 'no give-away'

MOTORING GROUPS have given a cautious welcome to Chancellor George Osborne's announcement of a freeze on fuel duty until May 2015. But Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin's insistence on the value of HS2 to the UK cut little ice with opponents of the high-speed rail scheme. On fuel duty, both the AA and the RAC pointed out that Mr Osborne was already getting big sums from motorists in taxation.

Aston Martin Zagato, Alfa Romeo take honors at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

A 1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale won the Trofeo BMW Group, given by the judges for the best in show at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, over the weekend. The Coppa d’Oro, for best in show as voted by the public, went to a 1942 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS. The Aston Martin V12 Zagato, created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the famous DB4 GT Zagato, won a design award for Best Concept Car or Prototype.