Opel returns to motor racing, Mitsubishi Lancer named most reliable car of last 15 years and Nissan updates the Leaf EV.
Opel/Vauxhall has announced a return to motor racing with race-ready versions of both the new Adam and Astra GTC. While the Adam will take to the dirt, competing in the FIA R2-class ADAC Opel Rally Cup, the Astra, which is based on the hot VXR version, will stick to the track in the Astra OPC Cup – the highlight of which is a 24 hour endurance race at the Nürburgring.
The Mitsubishi Lancer has been named the most reliable car of the last 15 years by automotive warranty specialists Warranty Direct. Its research revealed that Japanese and Far Eastern manufacturers produce the most reliable cars, with only three European models - the Vauxhall Agila, Mercedes E-class and Volvo S40 - making it into the top ten. The Audi RS6, BMW M5 and Mercedes SL topped the list of the least reliable.
Nissan has unveiled the 2013 Leaf in Japan. A new electric motor and AC/DC converter saves 80kgs, and the Leaf gets a style upgrade in the form of new alloy wheels, optional blue-tint headlamps and a choice of three new paint finishes. Currently the revisions only apply to the Japanese market model and aren’t planned for UK cars.
Tom Heron