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Volkswagen Taigun concept (2014): VW’s new baby SUV

It seems the tailgate-mounted spare wheel could be making a comeback – first Ford launches the EcoSport, now VW has followed suit with this updated Taigun concept. Both cars are small crossover SUVs, aimed at emerging markets, particularly Brazil and India. With the EcoSport appearing in UK dealerships this May, however, we don’t think it will be too long before a production version of the Taigun offers VW’s take on the idea to European buyers as well.

Audi Q5

Audi has chosen the Beijing Motor Show to unveil its new mid-sized Q5 SUV. The newcomer's exterior design is a thoroughly orthodox development of current Audi themes: a mix of Avant and Q7 ideas housed in a deeper body section than one is used to seeing. The rear relates most strongly to the Q7, with its full-width powered tailgate design, where the tail lamps open with the tailgate and auxiliary lamps in the bumper house the mandatory lamp functions.

Drayson Racing and RCA launch EV racing car contest

Drayson Racing has launched a contest with the Royal College of Art's Vehicle Design program to design electric racing car concepts for the FIA's new Formula E series, which is set to start in 2014. The RCA's students are asked to present designs that explore new themes within the technical constraints as part of this course's curriculum. The previous Drayson Formula E concept was developed by Sergio Rinland who will be part of a series of workshops and lectures on aerodynamics, engineering packaging, production engineering and materials, giving students the technical knowledge to develop their designs.