69 Nova Grille on 2040-parts.com

Vauxhall Astra (2009): the first sketches

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 08 September 2008 09:00 Vauxhall has just issued these first official sketches of the new Astra ahead of its launch in 2009 at next year's Frankfurt motor show. Although heavily silhouetted, we can make out an evolution of today's mid-sized hatchback. This sketch is of the coupe-style three-door Astra, but there will again be a more upright five-door and indeed a whole suite of other Astras to fit every pocket.

Toyota recalls 6.58 million cars – 35,000 in the UK

The Toyota Yaris (pictured) – one of the Toyotas recalled It seems Toyota has decided its dealer service centres aren’t busy enough, so it’s revealed a massive series of recalls for 6.58 million Toyota’s around the world – and 35,124 in the UK – to fix a raft of problems. The cars affected are the RAV4, Hilux, Yaris and Urban Cruiser models, and although no accidents or injuries have occurred as a result of the problems, Toyota are taking no chances. The Rav4 and Hilux models are being recalled to fix a spiral cable assembly in the airbag module where the shape and location of a retainer for the flexible flat cable could damage circuitry when the steering wheel is turned.

More on Alfa Romeo's rear-drive strategy

The revised Alfa Romeo plan that Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is expected to announce next April focuses on a new, still unnamed rear-wheel- and all-wheel-drive architecture. A key aim of the new plan is to boost Alfa's global presence. "With our current segment coverage and our geographical footprint, we compete in about 5 percent of the global market," Alfa's European boss, Louis-Carl Vignon, said in an interview.