Kia reveals VR7 spec for 2014 Kia Picanto, Rio and Cee’d models

Kia reveals new VR7 spec for the 2014 cee’d, Picanto and Rio Kia already offers value for money across its range, but the new VR7 trim level for the Picanto, Rio and Cee’d offers even more for even less. All the Kia VR7 models get the same basic additions to the standard spec – AirCon, Bluetooth, alloys, reversing sensors, heated door mirrors and electric windows – with individual models getting additional extra tweaks. The Kia Picanto VR7 – as a three or five door with the 1,0 litre petrol engine – starts at £8795 and adds better upholstery, chrome door handles and a new front grill whilst the Kia Rio VR7 can be had with either the 1.1 litre diesel of 1.25 litre petrol and adds body coloured bumpers, new door handles and mirrors and more safety features to the list.

Would you buy a Chevrolet Montana?

A few weeks ago, we asked you if you would be interested in a Ford Ecosport, a compact sport utility based on the Ford Fiesta. Defying the laws of just about every scientific discipline, the Ecosport manages to fit within the footprint of a Golf. A few of you were intrigued by the Ecosport's looks and frugal engines -- and it has to be noted that the Ecosport is taking developing markets by storm.

CDN–GM Interactive Design Competition winners announced at NAIAS

The winners of the CDN–GM Interactive Design Competition have been announced at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Following a guided tour of the auto show with the GM design team, the finalists gathered on the GMC stand in Cobo Hall where Mark Adams and Ken Parkinson – heads of design for Cadillac & Buick, and Chevrolet & GMC respectively – were joined by Car Design News' Editor Owen Ready to present the winners of each brand's competition brief. Joining them on stage were the mentors from GM's design teams who interacted with the entrants throughout the competition to critique and help develop their work, making this a truly unique contest.