CAR TALK
LUXE NEW MINI
BMW has introduced the most exclusive and luxurious Mini yet at the Shanghai motor show. The “Mini Inspired by Goodward” is a 1,000 limited edition Mini crafted using Rolls-Royce materials and overseen by RR designers. The Mini has an interior trimmed in walnut burr, black RR-quality nappa leather, a deep-pile lambswool carpet, a roof lining and sun visors in cashmere. Most will be bound for China of course. Price to be announced.
FIVE-DOOR AUDI Q3 COMING TO THE UK
Audi has also shown its Q3 compact SUV ahead of its unveiling in Shanghai. The five-door five-seater Q3 will arrive in the UK in November priced from £25k. Three engines – 168bhp 2.0-litre turbo, 208bhp 2.0-litre turbo and a 175bhp 2.0-litre diesel – will be available at launch though a more frugal 138bhp version of the diesel which should achieve 54.3mpg will follow. This is Audi’s third dedicated SUV, following on from two which exceeded their original sales targets.
CHANGING DRIVING TASTES
Two out of three of us have changed the way we drive in order to save money on fuel. An online poll – by Motorpoint – found 64 per cent of people had altered their behaviour behind the wheel. It also said that sales of fuel-efficient super-minis have also rocketed, with heightened demand for models such as the Ford Fiesta. Demand for such fuel-efficient cars has risen by 30 per cent in the last month alone.