8 HRS AGO - Aston's first SUV is caught by Spanish photographers with no disguise, with official reveal not due until December The reveal of Aston Martin's new DBX SUV appears to have been spoiled, with pictures of an undisguised car surfacing online several weeks ahead of the official unveiling.  The car, which is Aston's first high-riding model, was papped during what looks like a promotional shoot by Spanish site Autopista. As expected, the design has significantly moved on from the concept, with a front-end inspired by the DB11 and details such as a tail-lights that curve up and across the tailgate.  Although the car in these images appears to be pink, the DBX in these photos is most likely red, and the effect is simply due to low quality photography.  Earlier this week Aston revealed the first shots of the DBX's interior, although they didn't reveal too much. It is clear, however, that the model's leather interior will seek to embody the firm's characteristic blend of comfort and opulence, Collapse

12 HRS AGO - A two-tier road system would separate the rich and poor motorists forever if we aren't careful, says Mike Rutherford Collapse

14 HRS AGO - Japanese manufacturer's first zero-emissions model is likely to be an SUV with up to 150 miles of range Mazda’s first electric vehicle, to be revealed at Tokyo motor show next week, will develop the design language first seen on the recently launched Mazda3 to reflect “futuristic values and changing lifestyles,” said the car maker. The model, which will go on sale next year, has a coupe-like cabin and “achieves a lightweight look by adopting a unique door concept”. Mazda added that the front face bears a “friendly expression”. The interior is said to use empty spaces around the centre console to create a closeness between the driver and passenger seats. Mazda added that interior materials were chosen for comfort and “eco-friendliness”, both of which are intended to make the cabin comfortable. The model, previewed by the e-TPV prototype, will adopt an SUV bodystyle, which can more easily accommodate an underfloor battery pack. The latest information from Mazda follows confirmation Collapse

1 DAY AGO - Directing a film isn't all that different from owning and fixing old bangers. Honest. A film writer and director is interviewed. He has made a movie, seen it released to widespread acclaim and is now kicking back, enjoying the spoils and thinking about the next one. He’s got ideas, plans, scripts various, and is thinking of locations, actors and themes. He’s visiting, talking, looking, writing, drawing; taking his time formulating a dream. For him, this is the best, most creative, most enjoyable part of the film-making process. Other bits, not always so much. Studios have to be convinced. People have to be persuaded to part with money: sometimes, it’s not enough. Locations don’t work, dates change, the vision gets skewed during filming – this doesn’t look like the storyboard, the atmosphere in this scene is wrong, this star doesn’t get on with that one – and it’s not until it’s all done and he’s in the editing suite that it starts to come back together again. Then not necessarily as Collapse

1 DAY AGO - Just days before Mazda’s first electric model is revealed, we drive a CX-30-bodied prototype It’s fair to say Mazda hasn’t been quick off the mark for electrification, instead choosing to focus on improving the delivery of traditional fuels. One outcome has been the impressive spark plug-controlled compression ignition technology, introduced on the new Mazda 3, which promises to “combine the economy and torque of a diesel engine with the performance and lower emissions of a petrol unit”. Nonetheless, no maker can put off the inevitable - introducing an electric model - for much longer, given the next tranche of emissions targets landing in 2021. And so we find ourselves in Frankfurt, Germany, driving the prototype of Mazda’s first EV, disguised beneath the body of the upcoming CX-30, just days before the model is fully revealed at the Tokyo motor show.  The production EV will be a small SUV, able to accommodate the underfloor battery but also be suitable for city driving, given its Collapse

1 DAY AGO - 50% deposit secures the British-built affordable electric city car, which is set to land in UK and Sweden by mid-2020 Fledgling Swedish electric car company Uniti has opened online orders for the Uniti One affordable electric car. The British-engineered compact EV will arrive in Sweden and the UK first in mid-2020, with a choice of battery capacities and prices starting from £15,100 including government grant.  Three days after a customisation system went online, Uniti has added over one thousand potential customers to its waiting list, and is now accepting 50% deposits from Swedish and UK customers to secure their cars for delivery next year. "We're thrilled at the hugely positive response to our unique electric city car," Uniti CEO Lewis Horne said. “We’ve been quiet over the past few months, busy preparing for this moment, and are really excited to see the Uniti One on sale today.” The entry-grade, 12kWh Uniti One will be capable of 93 miles between charges, while the optional Collapse

1 DAY AGO - Toyota will launch a new production-ready two-seat electric vehicle at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, designed for short-distance travel Collapse

1 DAY AGO - Two-seater is designed for elderly and young drivers in urban environments Tokyo-bound two-seater is designed for short urban journeys; company is revamping its battery leasing programme Toyota will display a new compact urban electric car at the Tokyo motor show, ahead of a planned Japanese on-sale date in late 2020.  The as-yet-unnamed two-seater is referred to as an ultra-compact battery electric vehicle (EV) and has been designed “for short-distance travel with limited impact on the environment”.  With a claimed range of 62 miles, an "extremely tight" turning radius and a top speed of just 37mph, the model is aimed squarely at drivers in built-up urban environments, and more specifically the elderly. Charging time is a claimed five hours from a 220-volt power unit.  Akihiro Yanaka, head of development, said: “We want to create a mobility solution that can support Japan’s ageing society and provide freedom of movement to people at all stages of life.” Toyota also notes the new Collapse

1 DAY AGO - The Dacia Duster is a capable off-roader at an attractive price Dacia's family-friendly SUV is a pioneer of cut-price motoring. Perfect for the big car enthusiast on a budget Duster drivers are a hardy bunch. There’s a 2013-reg 1.6i Access in white, the most basic run-of-the-mill version you can buy, that’s done 141,000 miles, has had two owners and is being advertised for £2499. Think about it: two individuals have happily clocked up 70,000 miles apiece in this car, a vehicle so basic it doesn’t even have a radio. We’re talking about the Duster Mk1, by the way, the model that ran from 2012 to 2018 and which shook up the market with its low prices. For example, new in 2012, that 1.6i Access – the engine produces a paltry 103bhp – was just £8995. That got you a roomy, genuinely family-sized SUV with a big boot, good visibility and rugged looks. Most versions had roof bars, too. Spend a bit more and you could have it with a frugal 108bhp 1.5 dCi diesel engine, four-wheel drive and Collapse