Drivers' 'huge petrol tax burden'

BRITISH DRIVERS are still facing a huge petrol and diesel tax burden despite three years of fuel duty freezes, according to the RAC Foundation. The UK has the highest rate of diesel tax in Europe while only Sweden imposes a higher petrol tax duty than the UK, the foundation said. Its figures showed that tax accounts for 59% of the price of diesel in the UK, with Sweden (56%) second and Italy (55%) third.

Redesigned 2013 Lexus LS offers new sheetmetal, safety features

Lexus Division unveiled its new LS 460 flagship luxury sedan that arrives in dealerships this fall, with standard and long-wheelbase editions, a hybrid version and a new F-Sport trim level with improved handling dynamics. Despite its sheet metal changes, the car is actually little changed underneath. Its 4.6-liter V8 engine and eight-speed transmission are basically carryover, at a time when luxury brands are using powertrain technology as a differentiating ploy.

BMW 730Ld takes ‘Top Chauffeur Car’ title from Jaguar XJ

BMW 730Ld Chauffeur and Professional Driver Car of the Year 2011 Last year was very much the year of the Jaguar XJ, with awards and praise oozing from every publication. But a year is a long time in the car world, and the XJ – winner of the Chauffeur Car of the Year in 2010-  has been beaten in to third place in this year’s Chauffeur Car of the Year by the BMW 730Ld. Professional Driver Magazine awards annual gongs for the best ‘working’ cars, judged by an invited panel of chauffeurs, motoring journalists and private hire operators who drive and judge the contenders during a one-day judging event.