Peugeot 2008 DKR heading for the Dakar Rally. Not that it looks much like a 2008

The Peugeot 2008 DKR (pictured) is heading for the Dakar Rally After steering clear of the Dakar Rally for a quarter of a century, Peugeot is back in the endurance rally game with the Peugeot 2008 DKR, a rally car that shares its name with Peugeot’s 2008 Crossover – but little else. Instead of the almost cutesy looks of the 2008, the 2008 DKR gets looks that could have come from Mad Max with a sinister-looking black paint job, just two doors, short overhangs for better obstacle negotiation, 37″ off-road tyres and a thumping great wing at the back. Unlike most cars that tackle the Dakar, Peugeot has decided that rear-wheel-drive is the way to go as it allows for bigger wheels and more suspension travel, rather than the four-wheel-drive preferred by the majority of entrants.

2010 Astra – the advert

Vauxhall / Opel are pushing the boat out with an advert for the 2010 Astra The 2010 Astra – whether it’s an Opel or a Vauxhall - is a very big deal for GM in Europe. So it’s probably just as well that it’s got a lot going for it. There’s something for everyone from the entry level Astra (the Exclusiv 1.4i) with 86bhp and a decent spec which includes Aircon, to the replacement for the old Astra 1.8 SRi – the SRi 1.4 Turbo.

New 2013 Porsche Macan revealed

The new Porsche Macan has been revealed – and the smaller SUV sibling to the hit Porsche Cayenne is all set to become another Porsche best-seller… but will it be a Range Rover Evoque beater? In a surprise reveal, the covers have been almost completely removed from the new Porsche Macan compact SUV, prior to its public debut at the 2013 LA Motor Show later in November. What emerges is an SUV that’s a clear evolution of the Porsche Cayenne, but which is also sportier, more sculptural and, well, more Porsche-like.