Spied: 2014 Nissan Qashqai/Dualis

Nissan has begun testing the next-generation Qashqai compact crossover in Southern Spain.

Spied here in test mule form, the altered prototypes give very little away about the exterior styling. Extended wheelarches and a slightly longer wheelbase hint at a repackaged interior, which will offer more cabin space. The current model’s dashboard materials and quality will be address with softer, more upmarket materials.

Leaked: 2013 Jaguar F-Type

The first official image of the 2013 Jaguar F-Type roadster has leaked onto the web via a well-known spy photographer, ahead of its world debut at the upcoming Paris motor show.

Posted by Chris Doane on Facebook, the low-resolution image reveals that the compact executive sports car will be heavily influenced by last year’s C-X16 concept.

Spied: 2014 Lexus IS

The next-generation Lexus IS sedan has been spied undergoing chassis testing in the United States.

Finally hitting prototype stage, the new IS will boast Lexus’ new design language, which will include the eye-catching ‘spindle’ grille. An F-Sport variant is almost certain, which include cosmetic highlights such as larger alloy wheels, F-Sport emblems, and more aggressive fascia’s.

Nissan Leaf sales continue to slump in U.S

Sales of the all-electric Nissan Leaf hatchback have continued to falter, putting Nissan’s original full-year sales target of 20,000 units in doubt.

Deliveries have slowed in 2012 with last month sales falling by 50% to 685 units. Year-to-date sales have also dipped 31.5% to 4,228 units.

Spied: 2013 Ford Transit Connect

The new Ford Transit Connect compact commercial van has been spied for the very first time, undergoing chassis testing in Austria.

Draped in thick disguise, it’s clear to see that the prototype is sporting a car-like design. Although the test car features a roof-hinged tailgate, a pair of side-hinged doors will be offered.

Teaser: 2013 Mercedes S-Class

Mercedes is near to revealing the new S-Class large executive sedan, which will be revealed sometime in 2013. The German manufacture has teased the design language and the shape of the newcomer, known internally as the W222, with a relief-like sculpture titled “Aesthetics S”.

“The sculpture highlights the artistic aspects of design,” explains Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars. “With the design and proportions of “Aesthetics S”, we are communicating a modern sense of status, sensual shapes and stylish sportiness.”

Spied: 2013 Volkswagen XL1

After confirming the XL1 concept for production early this year, Volkswagen has continued to test the upcoming XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle (SEV) in Southern Spain.

The two-seater supermini seems production-ready and can be seen in its full glory.

Spied: 2014 Toyota Corolla sedan

The twelfth-generation Toyota Corolla sedan has been spied testing publicly for the first time in the United States.

Although the compact sedan boasts extensive camouflage all round, it’s evident that the larger Avalon will influence styling. Beneath the disguise, a large air intake, xenon headlights, chrome highlights, projector fog lights, and LED rear lights will lend the next Corolla sedan an upmarket image.

Video: Cheeky; Toyota releases controversial commercial featuring an androgynous model

We doubt that Toyota’s new controversial and bold new advertisement will be reaching airwaves outside Japan any time soon.

You see the commercial stars the new Auris, which will appear at next month's Paris Motor Show in both regular and Hybrid forms, and an unnamed androgynous fashion model from Israel.

Spied: 2014 Hyundai i10

Spies have captured the next-generation Hyundai i10 undergoing testing in Germany for the first time, despite the fact the city-car underwent a facelift just over a year ago.

Moderately disguised, the prototype boasts an evolution in Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design language and will be largerall-round than the outgoing model.

Bad Karma: Another Fisker Karma catches fire

Another Fisker Karma spontaneously combusted recently while the owner of the $100,000 hybrid sedan was shopping nearby.

The incident took place on Saturday evening in Woodside, California when the owner noticed his vehicle was burning. According to the Woodside Fire Department, he immediately called the car manufacture who told the owner of the Karma to call 911.

One-off: BMW shoehorns V12 petrol engine into Z3 roadster

BMW has announced that its M-division produced a V12-powered Z3 prototype back in 1999.

The V12 Z3 roadster used BMW's M73 5.4 litre V12 engine from the E38 750i/iL sedans and E38 850Ci coupé of the mid-1990s to early 2000s.

Video: Creative road rage in Russia

This is the second dashcam video to come out of Russia where neither motorist is resorting to violence because of road rage.

In a cheeky and fun way to channel his frustration, the motorist in one car spills water over the windscreen of the following car. In retaliation, the driver of the following car jumps out of his vehicle to merely pop open the bootlid of the car ahead.

Video: Toyota Land Cruiser knocks down jaywalker

Zebra crossings are designed to allow pedestrians to cross the road safely and prevent jaywalking, whether you use them or not is your choice.

In the following video, a young woman decided to cross the road without looking around. At the same time, a Toyota Land Cruiser is rolling down the road at low speed and doesn’t see the woman until the last minute, in which the driver applies the brakes and knocks over the pedestrian.

Video: How to deal with road rage, Russian style!

This video is one of our favourite Russian dash-cam videos of this year! Not only is it creative but it also marks a departure from the usual palaver associated with dash-cam videos.

The story starts with two Toyotas driving through the city traffic in two separate lanes, which eventually merges into one. A stubborn Toyota Avensis hatchback driver refused to allow an equally stubborn Land Cruiser driver into the lane. Following numerous attempts, the frustrated driver of the Land Cruiser overtakes the Avensis and drives off down the road like a douché before coming to a stop on the side of the road.

New car sales rise for the fifth consecutive month (UK)

New car sales have risen once again in the UK during July by 9.3%, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

A total of 143,884 new cars were registered, making July the best month for sales this year and represents the fifth monthly gain. Last year, year-on-year figures totalled 131,634, following the industry’s 13th consecutive monthly decline in volumes.

Teaser: 2013 Hyundai HB20

Hyundai has released a few teaser images of their upcoming HB20 supermini, denoting “Hyundai Brazil” with the ‘20’ being a reference to the European-market i20 upon which it is based.

Judging by the images and video, the HB20 differs to the i20 with a sleek, dynamic and curvaceous bodyshell compared to the conservative i20.

Teaser: 2013 Kia Carens/Rondo

Kia has announced that it will launch the third-generation Carens compact MPV at the Paris motor show in late September.

Previewed in the pair of teaser images, the new Carens will be visually bolder than its predecessors and more upscale.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Fiat 500L

Fiat has detailed the new 500L sub-compact MPV, ahead of first European deliveries in October 2012.

Based on the Punto platform, which dates back to 2005, the 500L is available in four trim-levels, with three different powertrain options, two transmissions, and numerous options.

R.I.P: Sergio Pininfarina passes away aged 85

Renowned automotive designer, Sergio Pininfarina passed away last night at his home aged 85.
Pininfarina, honorary chairman of the Pininfarina Group, ran an automotive design house of the same name and is credited with some of the most iconic automotive designs over the last 50 years.

Big in Spain: Fiat proves popular in Spain

Although car registrations have fallen 8.2% in June, sales of Fiat soared by 21.6% last month as the firm shifted 1,900 units and 10,091 units during the first six months, representing a 5.3% year-on-year decrease.

The 500 city-car accounted for nearly more than half of sales, with 734 units sold – thanks in part to advertisement featuring Fernando Alonso. The new Panda nabbed around 689 units of the 1,900 cars sold.

Leaked: 2013 Renault Clio IV

Leaked images of the all-important Renault Clio IV have surfaced onto the web via Renault Ireland.

Boasting the firm’s new distinct design language, previewed by numerous concepts, the new Clio IV features lots of curves and creases, with large headlight clusters, chrome window line, and hidden rear door handles lending a more dynamic and sportier look.

Leaked: 2013 Honda 'kei-car'

Leaked patented images of an upcoming Honda kei-car have surfaced onto the Web.

The unnamed city-car will be heavily inspired by both the 1970s N600 and the 2011 N Concept 4 that was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. Unlike the tiny N600, it will have five doors.

Say what: Nine-year-old steals EV at gun point

A nine-year-old boy held bystanders at gunpoint before stealing an electric car and embarking on a 19mph (30km/h) joyride in Western Sweden on Tuesday 26th June.

The youngster screamed “it’s loaded” as he pointed the gun at stunned onlookers who watched the boy trying to break into an EV parked near a block of flats in the Gothenburg suburb of Kortedala.

Spied: 2014 Range Rover Sport

The new Range Rover Sport has been spied for the first time undergoing testing in Northern England, outside the firm’s Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire.

At first glance, spies thought it was another Range Rover Vogue, but a closer inspection revealed it was actually the Range Rover Sport.

Video: I'd tap that...

Or smash through it. If you have the inability to stop before a parking barrier in your Citroën C4 hatchback, you should really question your driving skills.

This particular incident took place in a car park entrance in Bulgaria when the female driver of the C4 crashed through the parking barrier.

Spied: 2014 Mini Traveller

Mini has begun publicly testing its new upcoming sub-compact premium MPV, dubbed Traveller, in Austria.

Using a Countryman Cooper S as a test-bed, the bright red test mule is distinguished by over-sized wheelarches and a longer wheelbase.

Spied: 2013 Citroën C4 Picasso

Spies have caught up with the next-generation C4 Picasso undergoing hot-weather testing in Southern Spain.

Styling is more evolution rather than revolution, so the new C4 Picasso will be instantly recognisable as certain styling elements will be carried over from the current car, including the elongated headlights and A-pillar windows.

Spied: 2013 Dacia Logan and Sandero

The next-generation Dacia Logan sedan and Sandero hatchback have been spied undergoing hot-weather testing in Southern Spain.

Despite the excessive camouflage, styling for both cars is expected to be both contemporary and upmarket.

Spied: 2013 Fiat Viaggio

Fiat may be looking to launch the recently-announced Viaggio sedan in Europe, as the first prototype has been spied on European soil.

The prototype was snapped on the sunny streets of Turin, Italy last week by another motorist.

Video: Weird footage sees yellow Citroën 2CV give birth

We must admit, we’ve seen some strange videos in our time but this video borders on creepy and cringe-worthy.
Filmed independently, it shows a pair of Citroën 2CV’s mating in the wild that eventually give birth to a ‘baby’ 2CV, which drives around looking for petrol to drink.

Spied: 2014 Ferrari California Turbo

A prototype of the Ferrari California sports roadster was spied on video undergoing testing at the marque’s private test-track in Italy.

What makes this footage intriguing isn’t the disguise, it’s the noise emitted from the front-mounted engine, as it appears to be sporting a turbocharged powerplant.

British car sales rise by 7.9% in May

The new car market in Britain grew by nearly 8% last month, marking the five month of increasing sales in 2012.
The market was assisted by strong private sales and return of the fleet sector, which had been in decline for the previous three months.

Spied: 2014 Mercedes C-Class

In our third 'spied' instalment, spies have caught the upcoming Mercedes C-Class sitting in traffic in Germany. Doing so, they also spied the interior for the first time.

Despite the extensive cladding, the next C-Class is expected to adopt styling cues off the larger CLS coupé and will feature a smaller oval-shaped grille.

Man dies after inhaling airbag fumes

Airbags are designed to save your life in the event of an accident, but at a recent inquest, it was cited that airbag gases caused the death of a British motorist.

On Friday 12th November 2010, 59-year-old engineer Ronald Smith was involved in a six-car crash. Smith escaped unharmed from his Insignia but the crash was so violent that one window shattered, causing a shard of glass to pierce the driver’s side airbag, releasing the contents.

Video: Consumer Report slams Toyota Prius C

Consumer Reports has criticised the Toyota Prius C supermini after taken it for a spin.

Although based on the new Yaris, the platform was described as lacklustre. The Prius C is powered by a 1.5 litre petrol engine, which combined with an electric motor, produces 99bhp (100PS/74kW).

Spied: 2014 Honda Civic Type-R

Prove that Honda is currently testing the much-loved Civic Type-R comes courtesy of these chassis test mules have were spied around Honda's technical centre at the Nürburgring, boasting an oversized rear wing.

Manabu Nishimae, president of Honda Motor Europe, admitted that “customers are keen to see sporty models and while we can’t deliver immediately we are going to develop and deliver those products.”

Spied: 2013 Ford Fiesta facelift

Ford is preparing an update of its popular Fiesta supermini, which launched onto the European market since Autumn 2008.

The model will receive a major facelift, with exterior changes including a reshaped bonnet, headlight clusters, modified bumpers, and an updated rear fascia.

Spied: 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Spies have caught the next-generation Mercedes S-Class luxury sedan undergoing testing in Germany, wearing a thin white disguise.
Gone are the prototype bolt-on rear lights, thick coating on the side profile, and fake bodypanels, revealing more details like the LED rear lights, chrome grille, and front bumper with curvy fog-light surrounds.

Spied: 2013 Kia Sorento facelift

Kia engineers are pushing the revised Sorento mid-sized SUV to the max!

Spied undergoing gruelling high-speed testing on the Nürburgring Nordschleife race-track in Germany, the facelifted Sorento will receive a fully redesigned fascia.

Teaser: 2013 Škoda Rapid

Škoda has released two teaser photos of the upcoming Rapid compact hatchback while road-going prototypes have been spied testing in Southern Spain and Eastern Germany.

A market launch for the Rapid will occur in Winter 2012 and will be positioned between the Fabia supermini and the Octavia compact family car. Not to be confused with the Rapid sold in India, the European Rapid will also be released in China in 2013.

Spied: 2013 Range Rover

Spies have caught the next Range Rover testing in the UK with minimal disguise.

The newcomer seems to hit the perfect balance between the original Range Rover and the sporty, contemporary styling of the smaller Evoque.

Spied: 2013 Citroën C3

Citroën has begun testing the Brazilian-market C3 supermini.

Although the second-generation C3 has been available globally since late 2009, the French marque still sells the first-generation post-facelift C3 in Brazil.

Leaked: 2013 Ford Transit Connect

The first images of the next-generation Ford Transit Connect have been leaked out of the European Patent Office, several months ahead of schedule.

The images show that the new Transit Connect will adopt a car-like fascia, similar to that of the new Transit but still in keeping with Ford’s Kinetic design theme.

Video: Ferrari driver crashes into taxi, killing three [NSFW]

Over the weekend, a horiffic accident took place on Saturday morning in Singapore.

The driver of the ultra-rare Ferrari 599 GTO, indentified as a 31-year-old Chinese business man, Ma Chi, skipped the red light at apporximately 115mph (186km/h) when he plunged into a Hyundai Sonata taxi, carrying a Japanese woman, on the junction of Rochor Road and Victoria Street. The taxi then hit a young male motorcyclist, who escaped with minor injuries. The impact was so severe that the engine of the taxi landed 30 metres away from the accident.

Renault expects Zoe to outsell Nissan Leaf in Europe

Renault has announced that it expects its Zoé electric supermini to outsell the market's first mass-produced compact family hatchback, the Nissan Leaf.

The bold claims come from Renault's anticipated production capacity figures of 150,000 units/year compared with Nissan's current 25,000 units/year for the Leaf.