A Pillar Bmw Mini Cooper R50 R53 Punisher Graphics Decal on 2040-parts.com

Octavia Greenline hits new fuel economy high

BUSINESS users on a budget have been given some good news with the announcement of a fuel-sipping new Skoda Octavia Greenline. Thanks to its inherently lighter third-generation chassis, the spacious Octavia is now capable of 88.3mpg in EU standard tests, which corresponds to just 85g/km of CO2. The amazing figures put the car on an emissions par with the likes of the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion and even the supermini Kia Rio 1.1 diesel.

Ford is developing a virtual child to improve safety research

Researchers at Ford have started constructing a "virtual" six-year-old child that will help them research future safety devices. It will take years to build the complex, multilayer digital dummy, Ford said on Thursday. And the finished computer model won't be used for vehicle validation or crash testing.

Aptera hits a speed bump

While the streamlined, electric two-seat Aptera 2e may be one of the most efficient cars ever designed, the process of getting it to market is becoming a little less efficient. Original plans had the 2e going on sale this year, but the company said on Wednesday that the car will be available to consumers starting in 2010. No specific date was set.