MINI Countryman Cooper & Paceman Cooper get ALL4 4WD

The MINI Countryman Cooper (pictured) & Paceman Cooper get ALL4 4WD We always find it astonishing that car makers ‘ration’ the availability of four wheel drive platforms in their cars, usually citing a ‘lack of demand’. But that lack of demand is usually predicated on the lack of supply, and increasing the supply of 4WD cars would see more sold, especially after a series of harsh winters where many motorists struggled to keep their cars in a straight line. So the decision by BMW to extend the availability of their ALL4 4WD setup to a wider range of MINIs is welcome, with the petrol Countryman Cooper and Paceman Cooper now getting the ALL4 option too.

Tokyo Motor Show: Lexus LF-NX Concept

WHILE this striking LF-NX concept might have only made its debut a few months a go, for the Tokyo Motor Show Lexus has unveiled an updated version of its striking compact SUV. With its bold grille generating plenty of column inches, the premium Japanese car maker has decided to remodel the car’s nose slightly as it continues on its path towards eventual production status. Also new is the inclusion of a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, which is likely to feature alongside Lexus’ usual hybrid offering.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta gets ALFA TCT semi-automatic ‘box

Alfa Romeo Giulietta gets ALFA TCT semi-auto 'box We really like the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. In a world where many cars look the same, the Giulietta has style and panache. And it’s a decent drive, which will now be improved with the addition of the ALFA TCT semi automatic gearbox to the options list.