Car and Van News

Mercedes-Benz has given its SL 350 and SL 500 models AMG Sport status, which sees the two cars gain a range of extra standard equipment.

The SL 63 AMG has also gained more kit as standard, like its sisters the changes applying to cars built from June onwards.

BMW is promising buyers more choice than ever before in its 3 Series range.

By the time the range is complete it will boast more body styles and a greater diversity of trim packages than seen before, and the availability of four-wheel drive for the first time.

Skoda’s latest Octavia family hatch is in the process of launching in the UK, and from June it will be joined by an estate version unveiled at Geneva.

Like its saloon sister the third-generation Estate is longer, wider and with a longer wheelbase than its predecessor.

Skoda will unveil the Estate version of its new Octavia family car at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

According to its creators the new Estate will offer qualities above what is normal in its segment.

MINI could get a performance-focused sub brand, just like the long-established M division at parent company BMW.

According to MINI product and planning manager Dave Tuckett, the brand would focus around the John Cooper Works (JCW) road and competition cars offered by MINI.

What is it: All-new version of C-segment family hatch

Key features: Hybrid model, new look, better quality, UK built

MINI will unveil a John Cooper Works version of its latest Paceman two-seater coupe at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

Described as an “elite performance version of the first compact Sports Activity Coupe”, the car will go on UK sale in March, at prices expected to be around £29,500.