Kia Sportage Mk4 Rear Coil Spring on 2040-parts.com

Four big pickups get low marks in crash tests

Four 2009 full-sized pickups got low marks in side-impact crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a research group for auto insurers. Crash protection is "poor" in crew-cab versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and Nissan Titan without side-impact airbags, according to test results the institute released on Wednesday. The Dodge Ram with standard side-impact airbags got only a "marginal" rating, the institute said.

NHTSA may investigate Grand Cherokees over fuel-tank fire hazard

The Jeep Grand Cherokee from the 1993 to 2004 model years may be investigated by federal safety regulators after a complaint that its fuel tank is an exposed fire hazard that may have contributed to hundreds of deaths. Last month the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety complained that the SUV's fuel tank extends below the rear bumper and is inadequately protected from crashes and rollovers. The vehicle's fuel filler neck also tears off in crashes, said the center's petition for an investigation and recall.

New 2015 Skoda Fabia PROPERLY revealed – debuts at 2014 Paris Motor Show

The new Skoda Fabia (pictured) has been revealed The new Skoda Fabia tease started in July and now, ahead of a reveal at the Paris Motor Show in October, Skoda has taken the wraps off the new Fabia. The new Fabia is based on the new VW Polo and grows by a substantial 90mm in width – with all the additional interior elbow room that offers – and drops by 30mm in height, both of which conspire to make the new Fabia look wider, lower and more purposeful. With influences from the Vision C Concept, the new Fabia gets a contoured bonnet and a grill edged in chrome, wide-set fogs, a heightened waistline for added length and a set of angular headlights.