Suzuki Splash 2010 Speedometer [0161400] on 2040-parts.com

4x4 prices rise sharply

FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE cars are soaring on the used car market, according to car auction house British Car Auctions (BCA). Off-roader values rose by up to 16% in October as the first signs of winter emerged. With some medium-term weather forecasts highlighting a colder-than-average winter, BCA is predicting that 4x4 prices may keep rising.

2012 Renault Scenic / Grand Scenic facelift

Renault Scenic & Grand Scenic get a facelift for 2012 Renault has tweaked the Scenic and Grand Scenic for 2012 with a mild styling facelift, trim changes and two new engines. The Renault Scenic (and Grand Scenic, too) were really the first in the race to fill a niche for comfortable, versatile transport for ferrying your brood and their stuff. Not completely French-soft in ride – but far more comfortable than most later rivals – and quite well built, the Scenic – with its Megane roots – offers a better than average combination of handling and grip, even if it is a bit compromised by its height.

Design Services: Ficosa International

In the hierarchy of car design the exterior of a powerful sports car is usually regarded as the highest level whilst the design of some of the smaller functional components tends to sit at the bottom. But even for companies not obviously dependant on sexy curves to help them make money, design is increasingly being recognised as a critical ingredient for commercial success. Whilst most large suppliers have grown their design capability over the last decade, few have truly embraced the potential of having a focus on Design within their corporate strategy.