Carlson P882 Front Brake Disc Hardware Kit-disc Brake Hardware Kit on 2040-parts.com

BMW X3 sDrive18d: First RWD X3 launches

BMW has launched the BMW X3 sDrive18d, the first rear wheel drive X3 and the new entry point in to the X3 range. If Land Rover can offer a 2WD Evoque, then there’s no reason why BMW shouldn’t offer a 2WD X3. So we get the BMW X3 sDrive18d as the new entry-level X3 and the first rear wheel drive X3.

2013 Skoda Octavia price & specs – costs from £15,990

Skoda has revealed prices and specifications for the new Octavia which will cost from £14,990 rising to £23,240. The new Skoda Octavia – Skoda’s new Octavia built on the new VW Golf platform – was revealed last month and goes on sale in March, so Skoda have had their abacus out to work out how much they want for a piece of new Octavia action. Starting point is the Octavia 1.2 TSi S which will cost £15,990, with the cheapest diesel – the Octavia 1.6 TDI S – starting at £18,040 and the range topping out with the Octavia 2.0 litre diesel Elegance at £23,240.

WINTER BREAKDOWN EXPENSE FOR USED CAR OWNERS

SOME VEHICLE components are nearly three times as likely to fail during the winter months as in the summer leading to potentially expensive repairs for the owners of older vehicles, according to Warranty Direct. The specialist insurer and warranty provider analysed 50,000 live automotive policies and found that ignition coils are 283 per cent more likely to fail between December and February than between June and August. Fuel injection pumps, thermostats and a number of electrical components are also more likely to suffer in the cold leading to an average winter repair bill of £408.60, the company has warned.