Opinions

Manufacturers are bound to repeat successful and profitable models

New cars

How success eliminates surprises in car design

You might frown at the seemingly endless repetition of popular models, but it's entirely justified - and it doesn't mean the manufacturers are becoming risk-averse

Richard Bremner

12 September 2013

How success eliminates surprises in car design

This 'Group B Study' concept from Porsche previewed the 959

Frankfurt motor show

Frankfurt's show stars from 1983 shine on

The Frankfurt motor show's full of remarkable new cars, but it also showcases how the classics are being preserved and enjoyed

Richard Webber

12 September 2013

Frankfurt's show stars from 1983 shine on

The Clio's rivals, like the Fiesta ST, are still offered with a manual transmission

Motor shows

Renault's RS Clio and the dual-clutch debate

Many might mourn the loss of a manual option for the RS Clio, but there's still hope for enthusiasts wanting something with a hard edge

Mark Tisshaw

12 September 2013

Renault's RS Clio and the dual-clutch debate

Optional trims, equipment and premium finishes are designed to boost profits

Frankfurt motor show

Europe's car makers need to go upmarket, or go bust

The shrinking European car market is forcing many companies to push their cars upmarket, but they need to act fast

Hilton Holloway

12 September 2013

Europe's car makers need to go upmarket, or go bust

Why steel wheels are the best part of Caterham's entry-level Seven

The 160 fits our mantra for new sports cars: 'Don't increase power, reduce grip'

Frankfurt motor show

Lack of grip and less power is why back-to-basics Caterham will be a real hoot

Of all the details we've received regarding Caterham's new sub-£17k Seven, the most intriguing (and exciting) is its low-spec tyres

Matt Prior

11 September 2013

Lack of grip and less power is why back-to-basics Caterham will be a real hoot

Is a joint venture with Fiat the right way forward for Mazda's MX-5?

Porsche wouldn't sell off the 911 so why is Mazda trading its MX-5 to Alfa Romeo?

Frankfurt motor show

Is a joint venture with Fiat the right way forward for Mazda's MX-5?

Surely Mazda is giving away its crown jewels by developing an MX-5 sibling with Alfa Romeo

Matt Saunders

11 September 2013

Is a joint venture with Fiat the right way forward for Mazda's MX-5?

Some of the inaccuracies in this article were later changed

Frankfurt motor show

I read the news today, oh boy...

It's great that the motoring press is getting on board with the electric and hybrid revolution, but other parts of the media need to catch up

Matt Burt

11 September 2013

I read the news today, oh boy...

Why the BMW i3 is a truly game-changing electric car

The BMW i3, in all-electric form, is claimed to be capable of covering up to 124 miles

Frankfurt motor show

Why the BMW i3 is a truly game-changing electric car

The new i3 looks set to be more desirable than any other electric car to date - and not just because it stacks up well on paper

Andrew Frankel

11 September 2013

Why the BMW i3 is a truly game-changing electric car

Nissan launched its all-electric Leaf back in 2010; other manufacturers are now committing to electric cars with conviction

Frankfurt motor show

Nissan's autonomous future

With its Leaf having shown that electric cars are viable, worthwhile and increasingly relevant, Nissan is now turning its attention to autonomous vehicles

Mark Tisshaw

11 September 2013

Nissan's autonomous future