Chevy Malibu Eco hybrid is a tough sell

Most prospective Chevrolet Malibu buyers at Castle Chevrolet in suburban Chicago quickly decide that they don't want to pay nearly $3,000 more for the Eco mild-hybrid version. "For most people, it's hard to justify the extra money based on the extra fuel economy" of a combined 3 mpg more than the base model, says Jeff Tuckman, the dealership's inventory manager. "You've got the base LS model sitting next to it that's just as nice and luxurious." It's a problem flagged by many Chevy dealers.

2013 facelift for the Mercedes E Class & Estate revealed

The 2013 Mercedes E Class and E Class Estate get a facelift with updates to the styling and engines and higher levels of equipment. The restyling of the 2013 E-Class is surprisingly comprehensive for what amounts to a mid-life facelift, with new single headlights replacing the old split lights, new grill – with the choice of a traditional grill or a sporty version (think SLC grill) – new bumpers, new bonnet, smoother haunches and a crease line down the side all the way to the new LED tail lights. Inside, the new E Class gets two part trim the extends right across the dash in either wood (if you’re old) or aluminium (if you’re not), new analogue clock in the middle between the air vents, new instrument cluster, new air vents, new centre console  and new steering wheel with a Direct Select lever and flappy paddles.

Button wins in Barcelona – another Brawn 1-2

Button wins for Brawn GP in Barcelona - with Barrichello in second place [ad#ad-1] Brawn’s fairytale season continues, with Jenson Button taking the win in Barcelona, with team mate Rubens Barrichello in second place. Button lost first place to team mate Barrichello off the line but, after a safety car on the first lap, strategy genius Ross Brawn moved Button on to a two-stop strategy, which proved a master stroke as Button cruised in to an 11 second lead by mid-point, and ended the day 13 seconds ahead of Barrichello at the finish. Ferrari had a better day than they’ve had of late, and Massa looked good for a strong finish, but an error at his last pit-stop left him short of fuel, and he had to back off and let Vettel in the Red Bull through in the dying laps of the race to have a chance of making it to the end.