Opel/Vauxhall Cascada [w/gallery]

The Opel/Vauxhall Cascada effectively replaces the Astra Twin Top, but attempts to move the model upmarket as a separate product line. It has moved up a size to reflect its prestige aspirations: at 4,697 mm long and 1,840 mm wide, it's longer than an Audi A5. Like many of the latest generation of convertibles, the Cascada ditches a folding solid hardtop in favor of a lighter, more space-efficient and cheaper soft fabric set-up.

Toyota, Honda lead U.S. industry to 22 percent gain

U.S. light-vehicle sales, paced by Toyota and Honda, rose 22 percent in June as U.S. consumers continued to shake off economic jitters and replace aging cars and light trucks.

Government bid to cut driving options

PLANS DESIGNED to reduce petrol prices at motorway service stations and a freeze on the cost of the MoT test have been announced by the Government. A crackdown on whiplash injury fraud is also part of the driver-friendly package to be introduced from next year. Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said t he statutory maximum price of the MoT test for a car will be frozen at £54.85 until 2015 - potentially saving up to £50 million for drivers every year.