A round-up of other motor news in brief
VOLVO PLANS NEW IMAGE: Volvo is preparing to preview a new "dynamic" image for the brand. Steve Mattin, the new design director, is set to unveil a new concept car early next year, probably in time for the Geneva motor show, which will point the way for a new look for the brand. No details are available, but it's likely to feature first on a cross-over vehicle.
Following the introduction of the new C30 hatchback (pictured), the Swedes' next new models will be an XC50 cross-over vehicle, a redesigned V70 and a new XC70, followed by a redesign of the current S60. Meanwhile, the Swedish marque has announced pricing for its new C30 model range. They will start at €26,500 for a 1.6-litre petrol. The 1.8-litre petrol starts at €32,000 and the 2.5-litre T5 is €39,750. In the diesel range, the 1.6-litre diesel comes from €29,950, the 2-litre diesel at €32,950
ROLLS DOWNSIZES LUXURY: Rolls-Royce is to launch a series of smaller, cheaper luxury cars to be built at its factory in West Sussex within the next four years. Ian Robertson, chief executive of the BMW-owned company, said at the Paris Motor Show that the cars are expected to be sold at around €250,000 to €350,000, well below the €500,000 cost of its sole current model, the Phantom. Just under 800 Phantoms were sold last year, but this is set to rise with the imminent launch of a convertible version.
Mr Robertson insisted that Rolls-Royce had no intention of going "head-to-head" against Bentley, its luxury car rival owned by Volkswagen.
RENAULT TURBO: Renault is to introduce a new 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that will put out 100bhp. The new engine, which will feature in a range of its small cars, was announced at the Paris Motor Show where the company also revealed a concept version of two new models; it's new Twingo supermini and the Koleos. The latter - a small soft-roader SUV - is the French firm's take on Nissan's new Qashqai. Both are due in 2007.