News in Brief

25th January 2008

Now SEAT gives Leon FR a hiding
Fans of the SEAT Leon FR can now add luxury to the hot hatch driving experience. Both the 197bhp petrol and 168bhp diesel versions are available with a set of bespoke black leather seats. Priced at £1,350, including fitting, the upgrade can be ordered as an optional extra on new cars, or retro-fitted to any current-shape FR.

Latest Lacetti is boxing clever
Automatic transmission is standard on the latest Lacetti in the Chevrolet line-up. When mated with the four-speed self-shifter, the 1.8 SX Auto Station Wagon develops 169Nm of torque at 3,600rpm and achieves 32mpg fuel economy, with CO2 emissions of 210g/km. The newcomer costs £12,795.

Lambo sales hit record levels
Supercar maker Lamborghini says its sales soared to a new high last year. The firm sold 2,046 models worldwide in 2007, up 15 per cent on the previous 12-month period. Its home market of Italy saw a huge 38 per cent increase. The company says that its increased dealer network is responsible.

Bridge closed after safety alert
A new multi-million pound bridge has been closed after a cable snapped and landed on the carriageway below. The 140-metre construction across the River Clyde in Glasgow was only opened to traffic in September 2006, and cost £20.3million to build. It carries four lanes of traffic, but has been shut indefinitelyas inspections are undertaken.

Join the ranks of chauffeur group
Fancy a lift? A new organisation, the Institute of Professional Drivers and Chauffeurs (IoPDC) has been formed, and is open to 250,000 qualified members in the UK. It offers a number of services including training, tailored insurance policies and guidelines on working hours regulations. It aims to increase professionalism in the industry.