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.