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2014 Nissan Versa priced at $12,780

The 2014 Nissan Versa with a five-speed manual transmission -- at dealerships today -- will set you back $12,780, including $790 for destination. Stepping down to a four-cog automatic will cost a grand more. For that price -- the lowest in America, by the way, more on that later -- buyers get a 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, available air conditioning, six-way adjustable driver's seat, and a radio with an auxiliary input.

Cash for clunkers: Is it ready for prime time in America?

One proposed solution to prop up new-car sales in the United States involves paying bonuses to owners of older vehicles who send their cars to the scrapyard and buy new ones. Proponents say that not only does the auto industry benefit, but so does the environment, as emissions decrease and fuel economy typically improves in newer models. Critics, however, say that scrapping older vehicles hurts collectors by reducing the number of older models available and also hurts those least able to afford to buy newer vehicles by driving up the price of used cars.

Skoda confirms prices for two new models

SKODA has announced prices for its two latest models; the Rapid Spaceback and the facelifted Yeti. The Spaceback, which is 180mm shorter and smaller of boot than the ‘notchback’ Rapid, is designed to be the brand’s long-awaited direct rival to the likes of the Ford Focus and Kia Cee’d. It will start from £14,340 on the road for the 1.2 TSI petrol S model with 85bhp.