Daihatsu Hijet 2003 Other Sensor [0728600] on 2040-parts.com

Saab 9-3 back with a petrol engine?

When National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) bought Saab they planned to produce electric Saabs. But now they’re looking at relaunching the 9-3 with an ICE engine. Finally, after what seemed decades of trying to find a way to divest itself of Saab, GM agreed a deal with National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) to take the reluctant Griffin down the dead-end route of mainstream electric cars.

WRC Mini Concept (2010) first official pictures

While the Mini Countryman might be destined for suburban mumsville, BMW has confirmed the new model will also terrorise the countryside in the form of the WRC Mini from 2011, with IRC champ Kris Meeke at the wheel. Officially launched at the 2010 Paris motor show in concept guise, the WRC Mini will be engineered and run by motorsport doyen Dave Richards and his Prodrive outfit, although customer packages will be available too, allowing independents to compete in the car. Not so much – this is no time for misty-eyed Paddy Hopkirk odes.

Dacia Sandero: Looks just like a £33k car!

With Renault’s budget Dacia Sandero now hitting UK showrooms, one dealership has been asking shoppers to estimate how much a Sandero will cost. We’ve all been surprised with the reaction in the UK to the new Dacia range’s arrival in UK showrooms, and not just the price. Renault’s budget range is managing to offer properly credible new cars at prices that are almost a no-brainer, especially if value ranks higher on your wish-list than image or toys.