Honda Accord is known for its look and plenty of features

Honda Accord is a great looking car. The V-shaped grille and 17 inch alloys add an air of class, and the overall design a fine balance of not being too showy or understated. The rear – especially the light clusters – lifts the Accord above the sober styling of its predecessors, and the fancy 17 inch multispoke alloys fitted to our top-of-the-range test car hoist the looks yet higher.

Honda Accord combines high technology and high quality with everyday economy of operation and keen attention to detail. The popular LX and EX sedans are terrific cars with comfort and convenience features that make them great daily drivers. Order the leather interior, and the EX becomes an affordable luxury sedan. The four-cylinder i-VTEC engine is powerful and responsive, delivering strong acceleration performance for passing. The V6 adds another level of sporting appeal.

The leather interior on our EX test car suits the Accord particularly well, and the fittings and dash feel solid, although the plastics used look a little shiny and low-rent. There’s plenty of storage space, and the dashboard instruments are well presented, although the buttons on the central unit could be a little more intuitive to use. The steering wheel adjusts, meaning finding a good driving position is easy.

Honda cars are about as reliable as you can get. The Accord feels well built, and the chances are, apart from servicing and replacing consumables such as brakes and tyres, you’ll never need to see the inside of a garage.

Alfa Romeo 147 Q2 Sport

Alfa Romeo is releasing a limited number of stunning special edition Alfa 147 Sport and Sport Q2 models in the UK.

The new Alfa 147 Sport features a number of unique enhancements to the Alfa’s exterior styling. New 17-inch 5 spoke wheels add poise, while satin effect wing mirrors, a roof spoiler and chrome exhaust hint at the sporting prowess. The sport theme continues inside, with some subtle touches starting with exclusive Q2-type cloth used for the seats, aluminium pedals, sports dials, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and darkened roof lining.

 Search New and Used Alfa Romeo 147 Q2 Sport Cars

Alfa Romeo thinks there’s no harm in emphasising the sporting credentials of its 147 prestige hatch. Will buyers agree? (Motoring.co.uk)

Adding the Q2 differential has revitalised the 147. It rivals the best hot hatches for driving enjoyment and provides extra stability, particularly in the wet. The diesel engine is smooth, willing and frugal, while the body has lovely Latin looks. On the downside, the interior is cramped, while the quality and reliability remain questionable. Until these issues are addressed, the Alfa will remain charismatic and fun – but ultimately flawed. (Auto Express)

Audi’s crazy convertible 4×4 concept

Auto Trader UK – Car News

Audi has unveiled a 150mph off-roading convertible which it claims is the world’s cleanest diesel car.

The Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro concept, which is on display at the LA Auto Show, is powered by a turbocharged 3-litre V6 diesel producing 235bhp and 368lb/ft of pulling power.

This accelerates the Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro from 0-62mph (100kph) in 7.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 149mph, while averaging 38.6mpg.

Audi has used a non toxic solution called AdBlue in the engine, which destroys pollutants and reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90 per cent.

Rolling on 21-inch alloys, the Audi– which is based on the same platform as the A4 and A5 – features Quattro four-wheel drive which channels 60 per cent of the pulling power to the rear wheels through an EIGHT-speed automatic gearbox.

And in areas with poor traction the power distribution can be diverted so the front wheels can take up to 65 per cent with the rear wheels capable of taking 85 per cent of the pull.

Inside, the Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro is fitted with Google Earth-powered sat-nav, where the driver can click on an image in the Google interface and be directed to that destination.

Initially a concept, it’s unlikely the Audi will have 21-inch wheels and it may eventually lose the cabriolet feature and be the future Q5, a more compact version of the Q7.

How to haggle for a used car

Earlier this week we reported how buyers spend too much because they don
’t haggle, so how can you push down the price of a used car?

Dominic Sacco spoke with TV’s haggling master and Strictly Come Dancing star, Dominic Littlewood, and used car expert Jason Dawe, to help save you money.

Millions of pounds worth of classic cars will be auctioned tonight.

Millions of pounds worth of classic cars will be auctioned tonight.

A Mercedes Benz from the collection of Formula 1 mogul Bernie Ecclestone is expected to fetch up to £4 million as the historic cars change hands for a total of up to £20 million.

Basic Car Checks |

Many general checks can be carried out by the driver/owner but there may be safety and driving implications. For guidance, a skilled technician should be referred to for help in accordance to the manufacturer’s service schedule and the Owner’s manual or whenever you are unsure about what to do.

Maintenance you may need help with:

• Engine Oil
• Engine coolant level
• Radiator
• Brakes
• Air filter
• Battery – if this becomes flat you will need jump leads. To start your car off somebody else’s by attaching the positive terminals of each car together and the negative terminals of each car together then starting the engine.
• Exhaust
• Belts
• Shock absorbers
• Steering fluid -Transmission, brakes, clutch and power

Maintenance to consider in winter:

• Engine anti-freeze
• Special battery care
• Ignition and starting

Maintenance to consider in summer:

• Cooling system
• Suspension

Simple maintenance you can do:

Windscreen washers and wiper blades – As it is now a legal requirement to have washers filled up, fill the reservoir up to the brim with windscreen washer fluid when it is only ¼ full. Look out for wear, cracks and damage. Wiper blades should usually be replaced once a year and earlier if smearing occurs.

Lights: Check all lights are operating correctly. It is advisable to use the help of a friend to inspect the exterior of the vehicle whilst you are operating the controls. See lights diagram