New Subaru Forester UK launch summer 2013

The 2013 Subaru Forester was revealed in Japan earlier this month and Subaru confirm it will arrive in the UK summer 2013. The new Forester does look very like the current Forester, but it does get some cosmetic tweaks with new bumpers, a more defined crease down the flanks and new alloys, mas well as a few extra toys like a new Infotainment Centre and SatNav with reversing camera. But what is also new is that in addition to a 2.0 litre petrol and diesel engine option – both with around 150PS – Subaru has confirmed the 2012 Forester will also get a new a new 2.0-litre direct injection turbo good for 280PS, which should bring a whole new dimension to the Forester experience.

Honda cancels V8 program, S2000 and CR-Z convertible, report says

Fun appears to be on the chopping block at Honda. Plans for the successor to the S2000 sports car, a lineup of rear-drive Acuras, a proposed V8 engine and a drop-top built off the CR-Z hybrid are all dead, according to a report in a British magazine. The reason: Honda is rethinking its product plans as it grapples with the global downturn in sales and economic conditions, Autocar is reporting.

Ford Escape recall addresses door handle issue

Ford is recalling Escape SUVs from the 2013 and 2014 model years for a problem that can make the doors difficult to close or -- more ominously -- can cause the doors to open while driving. A total of 581,986 SUVs made between October 5, 2013, and April 10, 2014, are affected; Ford blames the recall on assembly misalignment between the exterior door handle and the door outer panel. The danger of this assembly issue involves the possibility of an unbelted passenger falling out of the SUV, though Ford has not indicated that any such incident has occurred.