Driven: Kia Picanto

The first-generation Kia Picanto was one of the cars that helped promote Kia from the lower half of the second-division to somewhere near the playoff places. Its combination of great value, five-door practicality and vaguely cutesy - if thoroughly unremarkable - design found it many a home on the driveway of those looking for an A-segment hatchback. The second-generation model is playing a rather tougher ballgame.

Infiniti opens London design studio

Shiro Nakamura, Alfonso Albaisa and Simon Cox have officially opened Infiniti Design London, as Nissan's premium brand becomes fully separated. "We have a clear vision to make Infiniti a key premium brand," said Nakamura, senior VP of design to the assembled press. "Design is a clear defining force." The new studio is adjacent to Nissan Design Europe's base in the Paddington area of London, on the second floor of the protected Battleship Building that also houses Virgin's HQ.

Lexus LS: Still loves a Champagne glass

Lexus LS - Still loves a Champagne Glass Back when Lexus was born as the posh Toyota, Toyota’s advertising bods had to convince the American public that Lexus was more than just a big Toyota – with an even bigger price tag. The pitch was that this new Lexus LS would give you highway smooth – just like a big, lazy ‘Mercan V8 – and brilliant build quality, and all for less than a Mercedes S Class. Which was the target.