News in brief

24th April 2007

Chrysler has anounced prices for its new Mondeo rival, the Sebring, which arrives in June.

The range starts from £17,995 for the 154bhp 2.0-litre petrol, while the 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel and auto-only 172bhp 2.4 petrol model both cost £18,995. All versions come with air-con and stability control as standard.

AUDI'S hot RS8 got more than what it bargained for at a recent track test at the Nurburgring.

Spy photographer Hans Lehmann watched the RS8 enter the Brunnchen section of the circuit - a fast double-right-hander followed by a tricky left bend - when it suddenly burst into flames.

Thankfully, emergency services arrived quickly and the test driver managed to escape unhurt. But the prototype - which is worth an estim­ated 1million Euros (£682,000) - was completely destroyed in the accident.

AN ALL-NEW budget SUV is being launched by Indian car maker Mahindra.

The Scorpion's debut has been on hold for 10 years, after the company admitted that it didn't meet strict UK safety standards. But it now says the diesel-powered 4x4 is ready to hit showrooms by the end of the year. An MPV is planned for 2008.