Saab 9-3 Out In The Wild

Caught in the streets of Sweden is the new 2008 Saab 9-3 facelift. The exterior has been heavily revised (especially the front end) to impact on the Areo X-concept.

The black plastic around the rear lights will be featured on the production model including the sedan, convertible and possibly the station wagon.

Saab says the rear end has been revised slightly but the interior won't be touched because it received a facelift in late 2006.

Saab 9-3 Out In The Wild

Caught in the streets of Sweden is the new 2008 Saab 9-3 facelift. The exterior has been heavily revised (especially the front end) to impact on the Areo X-concept.

The black plastic around the rear lights will be featured on the production model including the sedan, convertible and possibly the station wagon.

Saab says the rear end has been revised slightly but the interior won't be touched because it received a facelift in late 2006.

Returning To The UK

In a historic ceremony today, the media and VIP contingents from both the UK and China will witness the return of MG production to the Longbridge factory, the long-time home of this historic marque. Guest of honour will be Mr Liang Buo Hua, Governor of the Jiangsu Province in China where NAC MG is based and Mike Whitby, leader of Birmingham City Council.

Earlier today, Solicitor General Mike O’Brien, MP visited Longbridge, and personally handed over a letter of support from Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, on behalf of the British Government. Mr O’Brien met senior officials from NAC in the UK and China, as well as Mr Liang Buo Hua. Since acquiring the assets of MGR Group in 2005, NAC has been devoted to developing the MG brand and MG products, initially in China and Britain.

In only one year NAC completed the construction of a huge, modern production facility in Nanjing and had its first MG cars rolling off the assembly line on 27th March 2007 – which was also the date of the 60th anniversary of the company. NAC is also proud to have won the award for the ‘most attractive car’ at the Shanghai Motor Show held in April 2007. In the UK, NAC has been hard at work at the Longbridge plant; the production lines have been modified to allow the recommencement of manufacturing; a highly experienced management, engineering and production team is now in place, ready to re-launch MG into the marketplace later this year, initially with the famous TF sports car.

Longbridge is an essential part of the MG project. NAC fully understands that they need to keep the originality and Britishness of the brand and the UK is the only place where NAC can absorb the essence of British culture and transfer it into MG products. The role of Longbridge will be as follows: R&D centre for MG Engineering & testing of MG models HR recruiting for China and Longbridge A purchasing and logistics centre for China and Longbridge Manufacturing base for the UK and European markets Sales & marketing base for the UK and Europe.

Today’s event is the next crucial stage in NAC MG’s ambitious development strategy. “We realised from the outset of this project that retaining a manufacturing link with the UK is of fundamental importance,” says Yu Jian Wei, CEO of NAC.

“Longbridge will play a leading role in our European operation and the plant is now in a position to commence TF production for the UK market. This is a very exciting time for MG and it’s an important boost to the economy of the Midlands manufacturing region.” Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council said: “Longbridge is part of the fabric of Birmingham’s heritage and we are delighted that MG’s will roll off the production line once again. "We have worked in close collaboration with NAC to bring about today's announcement".

Two years ago, many people thought this day would never come. But as we celebrate a new era for Longbridge, I am delighted that NAC MG will breathe new life into this famous marque. "This clearly shows Birmingham making the most of international investment, and I am proud of the part the City Council has played to bring it about."

Returning To The UK

In a historic ceremony today, the media and VIP contingents from both the UK and China will witness the return of MG production to the Longbridge factory, the long-time home of this historic marque. Guest of honour will be Mr Liang Buo Hua, Governor of the Jiangsu Province in China where NAC MG is based and Mike Whitby, leader of Birmingham City Council.

Earlier today, Solicitor General Mike O’Brien, MP visited Longbridge, and personally handed over a letter of support from Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, on behalf of the British Government. Mr O’Brien met senior officials from NAC in the UK and China, as well as Mr Liang Buo Hua. Since acquiring the assets of MGR Group in 2005, NAC has been devoted to developing the MG brand and MG products, initially in China and Britain.

In only one year NAC completed the construction of a huge, modern production facility in Nanjing and had its first MG cars rolling off the assembly line on 27th March 2007 – which was also the date of the 60th anniversary of the company. NAC is also proud to have won the award for the ‘most attractive car’ at the Shanghai Motor Show held in April 2007. In the UK, NAC has been hard at work at the Longbridge plant; the production lines have been modified to allow the recommencement of manufacturing; a highly experienced management, engineering and production team is now in place, ready to re-launch MG into the marketplace later this year, initially with the famous TF sports car.

Longbridge is an essential part of the MG project. NAC fully understands that they need to keep the originality and Britishness of the brand and the UK is the only place where NAC can absorb the essence of British culture and transfer it into MG products. The role of Longbridge will be as follows: R&D centre for MG Engineering & testing of MG models HR recruiting for China and Longbridge A purchasing and logistics centre for China and Longbridge Manufacturing base for the UK and European markets Sales & marketing base for the UK and Europe.

Today’s event is the next crucial stage in NAC MG’s ambitious development strategy. “We realised from the outset of this project that retaining a manufacturing link with the UK is of fundamental importance,” says Yu Jian Wei, CEO of NAC.

“Longbridge will play a leading role in our European operation and the plant is now in a position to commence TF production for the UK market. This is a very exciting time for MG and it’s an important boost to the economy of the Midlands manufacturing region.” Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council said: “Longbridge is part of the fabric of Birmingham’s heritage and we are delighted that MG’s will roll off the production line once again. "We have worked in close collaboration with NAC to bring about today's announcement".

Two years ago, many people thought this day would never come. But as we celebrate a new era for Longbridge, I am delighted that NAC MG will breathe new life into this famous marque. "This clearly shows Birmingham making the most of international investment, and I am proud of the part the City Council has played to bring it about."

BMW 3 Series Caught Undisguised

For the BMW 3 Series facelift we can clearly see the newly sculpted lines of the lower center areas of the bumper fascia as well as the larger and deeper side air vents.

Since, this is a minor facelift, no changes are expected to the rear and engines will remain the same but the interior will be updated. The 3 series sedan and wagon mid-life facelift are expected to be unveiled in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the car is expected to go on sale in 2008.

The current car has been on the market since 2005 and has attracted alot of customers mostly British. BMW is hoping to lure away customers from the recently launched Mercedes C-Class and the upcoming Audi A4.

The 3 Series is Britain's best selling small executive car. This spy photo shows a pre-production model undergoing final cold-weather testing in Northern Sweden near BMW's test faculty.

BMW 3 Series Caught Undisguised

For the BMW 3 Series facelift we can clearly see the newly sculpted lines of the lower center areas of the bumper fascia as well as the larger and deeper side air vents.

Since, this is a minor facelift, no changes are expected to the rear and engines will remain the same but the interior will be updated. The 3 series sedan and wagon mid-life facelift are expected to be unveiled in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the car is expected to go on sale in 2008.

The current car has been on the market since 2005 and has attracted alot of customers mostly British. BMW is hoping to lure away customers from the recently launched Mercedes C-Class and the upcoming Audi A4.

The 3 Series is Britain's best selling small executive car. This spy photo shows a pre-production model undergoing final cold-weather testing in Northern Sweden near BMW's test faculty.

2008 Opel/Vauxhall Vectra Replacement See's Light

Opel/Vauxhall’s Vectra generation 3 has been on the market since 2001, and now generation Vectra 4 is about to see the light.

The car is expected to makes its international debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September. The US version Saturn Aura will follow a year later.

The next Vectra is sitting on the new GM Epsilon 2 platform allowing a wider and taller body to provide a better handling and more space inside for the passengers.

All in all the Vectra 4 will be an all new car with a completely new styling as can be seen on these photos. It will enter the market as a direct competitor against the recently launched Ford Mondeo and the VW Passat. Furthermore Opel will offer for the first time all wheel drive for the new Vectra as an option, and power will come from a wider selection of new engines including a 200 HP 2.7 litre V6 Turbodiesel and a newly developed 2.8 litre V8 fuel engines.

2008 Opel/Vauxhall Vectra Replacement See's Light

Opel/Vauxhall’s Vectra generation 3 has been on the market since 2001, and now generation Vectra 4 is about to see the light.

The car is expected to makes its international debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September. The US version Saturn Aura will follow a year later.

The next Vectra is sitting on the new GM Epsilon 2 platform allowing a wider and taller body to provide a better handling and more space inside for the passengers.

All in all the Vectra 4 will be an all new car with a completely new styling as can be seen on these photos. It will enter the market as a direct competitor against the recently launched Ford Mondeo and the VW Passat. Furthermore Opel will offer for the first time all wheel drive for the new Vectra as an option, and power will come from a wider selection of new engines including a 200 HP 2.7 litre V6 Turbodiesel and a newly developed 2.8 litre V8 fuel engines.

New Car: 2008 Kia Picanto facelift

Press Release:

NEW KIA PICANTO MAKES WORLD WIDE DEBUT IN BARCELONA:

Kia's best seller is about to get bigger and better. Only millimetres bigger but miles better in every way, the face-lifted Picanto is set for a world debut at the Barcelona show on 7th June.

Kia's design teams have updated Picanto to exude glamour while still maintaining its cheeky charm. A rounder nose and deeper rear bumper make the new model 40mm longer than its predecessor. Further changes in Picanto's looks are a result of all-new panels on the bonnet, front wings and front and rear bumpers. This new 'rounded' theme is also reflected in the light clusters and newly designed grille which will be gradually introduced across the Kia range. Fresh new colours and a restyled rounded exterior create a more intimate feel which continues on the interior as well.

The upgraded interior comes in five funky new colours to complement the nine new exterior colours on offer. New audio equipment and power steering will also enhance Picanto's high quality driving experience seldom offered in this sector.

Kia Motors European Vice President, Jean-Charles Lievens commented on this latest addition to the Kia range: "Picanto has been a great success for Kia, achieving more than 250,000 sales across Europe in a segment where we previously had no presence. Now we have refreshed our small car, upgrading its equipment and introducing a range of customer benefits, we aim to maintain its appeal and expand sales to 90,000 units annually over the next few years." Engine choices remain the same – 1.0 litre and 1.1 litre petrol units; there’s still no sign of Kia’s 3-cylinder diesel.

New Car: 2008 Kia Picanto facelift

Press Release:

NEW KIA PICANTO MAKES WORLD WIDE DEBUT IN BARCELONA:

Kia's best seller is about to get bigger and better. Only millimetres bigger but miles better in every way, the face-lifted Picanto is set for a world debut at the Barcelona show on 7th June.

Kia's design teams have updated Picanto to exude glamour while still maintaining its cheeky charm. A rounder nose and deeper rear bumper make the new model 40mm longer than its predecessor. Further changes in Picanto's looks are a result of all-new panels on the bonnet, front wings and front and rear bumpers. This new 'rounded' theme is also reflected in the light clusters and newly designed grille which will be gradually introduced across the Kia range. Fresh new colours and a restyled rounded exterior create a more intimate feel which continues on the interior as well.

The upgraded interior comes in five funky new colours to complement the nine new exterior colours on offer. New audio equipment and power steering will also enhance Picanto's high quality driving experience seldom offered in this sector.

Kia Motors European Vice President, Jean-Charles Lievens commented on this latest addition to the Kia range: "Picanto has been a great success for Kia, achieving more than 250,000 sales across Europe in a segment where we previously had no presence. Now we have refreshed our small car, upgrading its equipment and introducing a range of customer benefits, we aim to maintain its appeal and expand sales to 90,000 units annually over the next few years." Engine choices remain the same – 1.0 litre and 1.1 litre petrol units; there’s still no sign of Kia’s 3-cylinder diesel.

Meet The GL-Classes Younger Brother

Mercedes has descended upon the Nürburgring with their new GLK compact crossover. The new W204 C-Class-based sport-ute did some hot laps with a BMW X3, which will be its primary competitor, and our sources say that the GLK appeared to hold its own in the track day duel.

Since the "K" in GLK stands for kleine (German for small), the name implies that this car is a smaller version of the GL-Class. True to form, the GLK's styling takes many cues from the Mercedes' large GL-class sport-utility. The GLK won't rival a Land Rover LR2 for serious off-road prowess, but the extra ground clearance should provide a sufficient off-road capability when combined with Mercedes' 4matic four-wheel-drive system. Expect the usual range of C-Class engines to be on offered in the GLK.The exact launch date for the GLK is not clear.

A September unveiling in Frankfurt may be too early, which would leave the Los Angeles, Detroit, or Geneva auto shows as other potential launch events for the GLK to make its official bow.Next SUV to be released will be the little brother of the GL, the smaller GLK, based on the new C-Class Station wagon 4-matic.

Mercedes decided to join the group of smaller luxury SUVs that has been BMW X3 domain for the last years. And with Audi also developing a small SUV, the Q5, it will be crowded in that class. Power is expected to come from four and six cylinder engines, both petrol and diesel and later on there could be a V8 powered GLK 55 AMG version too.

All versions are expected to have the 7 G-Tronic, TouchShift automatic transmissions. The GLK will be built in Bremen/Germany alongside the C-Class, rather then in the US plant that builds the ML and GL. The price is expected to start at about 35.000 Euros or £20,000 when it will hit the showrooms in late 2008.

Meet The GL-Classes Younger Brother

Mercedes has descended upon the Nürburgring with their new GLK compact crossover. The new W204 C-Class-based sport-ute did some hot laps with a BMW X3, which will be its primary competitor, and our sources say that the GLK appeared to hold its own in the track day duel.

Since the "K" in GLK stands for kleine (German for small), the name implies that this car is a smaller version of the GL-Class. True to form, the GLK's styling takes many cues from the Mercedes' large GL-class sport-utility. The GLK won't rival a Land Rover LR2 for serious off-road prowess, but the extra ground clearance should provide a sufficient off-road capability when combined with Mercedes' 4matic four-wheel-drive system. Expect the usual range of C-Class engines to be on offered in the GLK.The exact launch date for the GLK is not clear.

A September unveiling in Frankfurt may be too early, which would leave the Los Angeles, Detroit, or Geneva auto shows as other potential launch events for the GLK to make its official bow.Next SUV to be released will be the little brother of the GL, the smaller GLK, based on the new C-Class Station wagon 4-matic.

Mercedes decided to join the group of smaller luxury SUVs that has been BMW X3 domain for the last years. And with Audi also developing a small SUV, the Q5, it will be crowded in that class. Power is expected to come from four and six cylinder engines, both petrol and diesel and later on there could be a V8 powered GLK 55 AMG version too.

All versions are expected to have the 7 G-Tronic, TouchShift automatic transmissions. The GLK will be built in Bremen/Germany alongside the C-Class, rather then in the US plant that builds the ML and GL. The price is expected to start at about 35.000 Euros or £20,000 when it will hit the showrooms in late 2008.

New Car: 2008 Seat Altea Freetrack XL4

You're looking at the first 4x4 Seat will sell in the UK; this is the Altea Freetrack and, unlike the recent crop of faux-4x4s from VW and Renault, Seat’s first attempt at jacking up a road car and adding some body cladding actually has a dose of real off-road ability.

The Altea Freetrack, based on an Altea XL, gets the VW group’s Haldex four-wheel drive system, as used by the Octavia Scout. It also has 40mm of extra ground clearance, which should mean it will be capable of dealing with more than just a gravel path.

Previewed by the Freetrack concept at this year’s Geneva motor show, the production car is essentially the same as the show car without the boot-mounted spare wheel. Some of the concept’s detailing has been toned down – the body-colour mouldings have been replaced by matt black cladding - but it retains protective underbody skid plates at the front and rear.

Engine options will be the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-pot from the Golf GTi with 197bhp, or the 168bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel. The petrol will reach 62mph in 7.5sec, the diesel in 8.7sec.

Inside it’s much the same as the standard Altea XL – the main differences are a new gearknob embossed with the Freetrack logo and a steering wheel with a dash-coloured insert.

Although this is Seat’s first vehicle with off-road pretensions, it is not Seat’s all-new SUV.

Confirmed by Seat boss Eric Schmitt for production at the Paris motor show, that car will be a bespoke model, with front and four-wheel drive powertrains, and will share mechanicals with the new VW Tiguan.

New Car: 2008 Seat Altea Freetrack XL4

You're looking at the first 4x4 Seat will sell in the UK; this is the Altea Freetrack and, unlike the recent crop of faux-4x4s from VW and Renault, Seat’s first attempt at jacking up a road car and adding some body cladding actually has a dose of real off-road ability.

The Altea Freetrack, based on an Altea XL, gets the VW group’s Haldex four-wheel drive system, as used by the Octavia Scout. It also has 40mm of extra ground clearance, which should mean it will be capable of dealing with more than just a gravel path.

Previewed by the Freetrack concept at this year’s Geneva motor show, the production car is essentially the same as the show car without the boot-mounted spare wheel. Some of the concept’s detailing has been toned down – the body-colour mouldings have been replaced by matt black cladding - but it retains protective underbody skid plates at the front and rear.

Engine options will be the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-pot from the Golf GTi with 197bhp, or the 168bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel. The petrol will reach 62mph in 7.5sec, the diesel in 8.7sec.

Inside it’s much the same as the standard Altea XL – the main differences are a new gearknob embossed with the Freetrack logo and a steering wheel with a dash-coloured insert.

Although this is Seat’s first vehicle with off-road pretensions, it is not Seat’s all-new SUV.

Confirmed by Seat boss Eric Schmitt for production at the Paris motor show, that car will be a bespoke model, with front and four-wheel drive powertrains, and will share mechanicals with the new VW Tiguan.

A Smashing Start For Nissan

In a coup that's sure to make sister company and safety champion Renault green with envy, Nissan's new Qashqai hatchback-cum-4x4 has scored the highest rating ever recorded by Euro NCAP for adult occupant protection.

The Qashqai scored five stars and 37 points in the European benchmark crash test; that's maximum points for protection of occupants in a side impact, maximum points in NCAP's offset front pole crash test, and near-maximum points in the frontal impact test.

In the crash safety body's other tests, the car also scored highly; it was awarded four stars for child occupant protection and two stars for pedestrian protection. The only car in the class that betters it in either of those areas is the Toyota Auris.

Mazda2 Production Starts

The first Mazda 2 rolled off the production line in Hiroshima yesterday. Vice President of Mazda, Robert Graziano, led the celebrations claiming that the new Mazda 2 "is the first of our new generation products to evolve to the next stage".

By this, he refers to Mazda's plan to produce driver's cars that are also safer and more environmentally friendly.

Following this strategy, the new Mazda 2 is 100kg lighter than the outgoing model in order to improve performance and economy, whilst the styling should suit the global markets that Mazda are now targeting.

The Mazda 2 made it's debut at this year's Geneva Show, where we reckoned it was one of the best new cars on show.

Sales begin in the UK later this year, and we can't wait to find out if Mazda has managed everything it claims regarding this all-important model. You'll be the first to know when we do.

The new Mazda2 is based on the same platform as the Ford Fiesta. The first image is showing a Lime Green Mazda2 which rolled off the production line.

A Smashing Start For Nissan

In a coup that's sure to make sister company and safety champion Renault green with envy, Nissan's new Qashqai hatchback-cum-4x4 has scored the highest rating ever recorded by Euro NCAP for adult occupant protection.

The Qashqai scored five stars and 37 points in the European benchmark crash test; that's maximum points for protection of occupants in a side impact, maximum points in NCAP's offset front pole crash test, and near-maximum points in the frontal impact test.

In the crash safety body's other tests, the car also scored highly; it was awarded four stars for child occupant protection and two stars for pedestrian protection. The only car in the class that betters it in either of those areas is the Toyota Auris.

Mazda2 Production Starts

The first Mazda 2 rolled off the production line in Hiroshima yesterday. Vice President of Mazda, Robert Graziano, led the celebrations claiming that the new Mazda 2 "is the first of our new generation products to evolve to the next stage".

By this, he refers to Mazda's plan to produce driver's cars that are also safer and more environmentally friendly.

Following this strategy, the new Mazda 2 is 100kg lighter than the outgoing model in order to improve performance and economy, whilst the styling should suit the global markets that Mazda are now targeting.

The Mazda 2 made it's debut at this year's Geneva Show, where we reckoned it was one of the best new cars on show.

Sales begin in the UK later this year, and we can't wait to find out if Mazda has managed everything it claims regarding this all-important model. You'll be the first to know when we do.

The new Mazda2 is based on the same platform as the Ford Fiesta. The first image is showing a Lime Green Mazda2 which rolled off the production line.

V8 Toyota Sequoia Caught

This isn't the best spy photo we've seen in awhile, but they are the first shots of the 2008 Toyota Sequoia. Built on the same platform as the Tundra pickup, this full-size SUV will get the same lineup of V8 engines along with five- and six-speed automatic transmissions. And you can bet it will match the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition when it comes to interior dimensions as well. Expect to see this new SUV in full production trim by the end of this year with sales beginning shortly thereafter.

The Sequoia will be borrowing syling cues of the 2007 Toyota Tundra.

V8 Toyota Sequoia Caught

This isn't the best spy photo we've seen in awhile, but they are the first shots of the 2008 Toyota Sequoia. Built on the same platform as the Tundra pickup, this full-size SUV will get the same lineup of V8 engines along with five- and six-speed automatic transmissions. And you can bet it will match the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition when it comes to interior dimensions as well. Expect to see this new SUV in full production trim by the end of this year with sales beginning shortly thereafter.

The Sequoia will be borrowing syling cues of the 2007 Toyota Tundra.

Abarth-ing The Fiat 500

At the rear, there's a hint of a roof spoiler nestling under a strip of black tape, and most of the brightwork (bar the door handles) from the 500 is dechromed, replaced by body coloured red or black trim. Does it work? To our eyes, yes - the 500 Abarth looks sharp and purposeful and, above all, fun. Just what a sporting 500 should be.

The red paint on this prototype is telling; Fiat is planning an unparalleled range of colours inside and out for the new 500, with the hope of surpassing Mini's extensive choice of personalisation. So expect lots of scope for tailoring your 500 to your exact whim. Fiat has used online microsites to gauge fans' interest in picking wild options and decals, so expect some pretty wacky toys with which to spec your car.

If the new Fiat 500 is one of the most intriguing new cars of 2007, this must be one of the highlights of next year: the Abarth version of Fiat's latest retro supermini, aimed squarely at the fashionable Mini set.

Spies were at the Nurburgring in Germany when Fiat's engineers took this prototype out for testing.

At the rear, there's a hint of a roof spoiler nestling under a strip of black tape, and most of the brightwork (bar the door handles) from the 500 is dechromed, replaced by body coloured red or black trim. Does it work? To our eyes, yes - the 500 Abarth looks sharp and purposeful and, above all, fun. Just what a sporting 500 should be.

The red paint on this prototype is telling; Fiat is planning an unparalleled range of colours inside and out for the new 500, with the hope of surpassing Mini's extensive choice of personalisation. So expect lots of scope for tailoring your 500 to your exact whim. Fiat has used online microsites to gauge fans' interest in picking wild options and decals, so expect some pretty wacky toys with which to spec your car.

Abarth-ing The Fiat 500

At the rear, there's a hint of a roof spoiler nestling under a strip of black tape, and most of the brightwork (bar the door handles) from the 500 is dechromed, replaced by body coloured red or black trim. Does it work? To our eyes, yes - the 500 Abarth looks sharp and purposeful and, above all, fun. Just what a sporting 500 should be.

The red paint on this prototype is telling; Fiat is planning an unparalleled range of colours inside and out for the new 500, with the hope of surpassing Mini's extensive choice of personalisation. So expect lots of scope for tailoring your 500 to your exact whim. Fiat has used online microsites to gauge fans' interest in picking wild options and decals, so expect some pretty wacky toys with which to spec your car.

If the new Fiat 500 is one of the most intriguing new cars of 2007, this must be one of the highlights of next year: the Abarth version of Fiat's latest retro supermini, aimed squarely at the fashionable Mini set.

Spies were at the Nurburgring in Germany when Fiat's engineers took this prototype out for testing.

At the rear, there's a hint of a roof spoiler nestling under a strip of black tape, and most of the brightwork (bar the door handles) from the 500 is dechromed, replaced by body coloured red or black trim. Does it work? To our eyes, yes - the 500 Abarth looks sharp and purposeful and, above all, fun. Just what a sporting 500 should be.

The red paint on this prototype is telling; Fiat is planning an unparalleled range of colours inside and out for the new 500, with the hope of surpassing Mini's extensive choice of personalisation. So expect lots of scope for tailoring your 500 to your exact whim. Fiat has used online microsites to gauge fans' interest in picking wild options and decals, so expect some pretty wacky toys with which to spec your car.

Extra Extra, Nissan Qashqai Gets 7 Seats

Up to the B-pillar it's standard Qashqai. Beyond that, Nissan's Cranfield engineers have inserted an additional 200mm into the chassis, raising and extending the roofline to make way for the third row of seats.The two slimmed down occasional seats will fold down flat in to the floor of the loadbay when not use, and will be equipped with individual three-point harnesses. And don't expect much luggage space with a full complement of passengers either - with the sixth and seventh seat erected, the boot will be good for a few soft bags and no more.

Keen to expand the sales appeal of its Sunderland-built Qashqai, Nissan is hurrying a seven-seater version of its off-roader cum hatchback to market. Sitting on an extended wheelbase and offering two third-row rear seats, the long-wheel base Qashqai will be primed to take on the Mitsubishi Outlander and its Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007 spin-offs.

Seven seats aside, the extended Qashqai will be little changed from the standard five-seat version. That means a comprehensive line-up of 115 bhp 1.6 and 140 bhp 2.0-litre petrol and 105 bhp 1.5 and 150 bhp 2.0-litre turbo diesel units, with the choice of front or four-wheel drive. No word on pricing yet, but expect to pay a £1500 premium over the standard model - for a £15,000 kick-off price. And given the production-ready look of this test car, expect it to arrive early next year.Step back and the hand of Carlos Ghosn can be seen, with Nissan borrowing a page out of Renault's model strategy -like the Scenic and Grand Scenic at sister company Renault, the Qashqai would offer five and seven-seater versions of the same car. Spinning two models off the same architecture at very cost - he's not called the cost-cutter king for nothing.

So far 5200 Nissan Qashqai's have been sold with most sale going to the UK market. Several prototypes have been sighted in the UK and Germany.