Evening Gazette

Back to Front by Volvo ; Drivelines

Steaming Along ; Drivelines

THE latest exhibit to go on display at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in Hampshire is the Grenville steam carriage, believed to be the oldest self-propelled passenger-carrying road vehicle still in working order. It is the best surviving example of the private steam-powered vehicles developed between 1860 and 1890 before the widespread appearance of the motor car. The Grenville steam carriage was designed in about 1875 by Robert Neville Grenville and built over a period of 15 years.

Hire Thefts Jump to Record High ; Drivelines

THE short-term car rental sector was hit by a recession-induced crime wave last year with a 12% rise in vehicle thefts. A 22% jump in the number of stolen hire cars during 2008 overshadowed a drop in HGV and van thefts, which fell by 29% and 2% respectively. The total number of hire vehicles stolen rose to a record high of 1,937 in 2008, costing the rental sector pounds 7m in vehicle replacement, recovery charges and lost income.

Fiat Goes Cool with 500 Convertible

CARS as cool as the Fiat 500 convertible don't come along all that often. The open top version of the popular retro model is on course to become hot property this summer.

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Taxing Times ; Drivelines

LTI Vehicles has scrapped its oldest taxi to date under the Government's scrappage scheme. The 20 year old Fairway had clocked up more than 600,000 miles and its owner got a pounds 5,000 discount on a new model of the London taxi, the TX4.

Meter Motor ; Drivelines

RENAULT is to make its Kangoo be bop Z.E. prototype electric vehicle available for test drives ahead of the arrival of the production vehicles in 18 months time. S

Survey of the Sexes ; Drivelines

WOMEN are at increased risk of being stranded due to poor car knowledge, according to research by Churchill Car Insurance. The company says that wS S omen fail to make the everyday checks that keep their cars in tip-top condition.

Renault's New World Cars ; Drivelines

RENAULT is using the Silverstone race track to unveil special editions of its Clio and Megane models that are inspired by motorsport. The French firm will take the wraps off the newcomers at the Renault motorsport festival at Silverstone over the weekend of July 4 and 5. Called the Renault Clio, Coupe and Megane World Series, they get additional equipment including an extended front spoiler, side skirts and a sports rear bumper that are collectively said to be worth up to pounds 1,190. The Cl...

Tiny City Car? That'll Be an Aston ; Motoring World

ASTON Martin is planning to go from one extreme to another - with the introduction of a tiny city car. The luxury sports car maker has joined forces with Japanese giant Toyota to produce the world's smallest four-seater luxury car.

Big Family Estates

BIG family estates are holding their value better than the trendy MPVs on the used car market at the moment. Is it a sign that the recent economic troubles have made people switch from the fashionable-looking MPVs to the sensible-feeling car that their dads used to drive? I have no idea, but if you plan to hang on to your car for a while it is clear that buying a large family estate makes more sense right now that buying an MPV. While you spend a bit more, you lose a lot less. So here are thr...

No Dampening Love Affair with Cabriolets

THIS morning I found myself sitting in traffic behind the wheel of a topless Peugeot 308 when, after days of glorious sunshine, there came a deluge so sudden and ferocious I could not have been wetter employed to spin a ball on my flippers while catching fish. Begging the question, why do we Brits have such a love affair with the cabriolet? Women won't throw themselves at you and while in California you can park up with the top down to get your roots done without any fears, in the UK you will...

Lexus Keeps Convertible Hush Hush

THE kings of quietness at Lexus have worked their magic to create what is possibly the most refined convertible in the world. Roof up and the Lexus IS 250C is as eerily silent as any other model from Toyota's luxury brand.

Finger On the Trigger ; Film: No 1 On Most Wanted List

Theatre: Charity Begins

Blast From Boro Past ; Music: Cut to Chelsea Dagger ...

Mighty Acorn Back On a Roll ; Film: Scrat has a Scrap On His Hands Now

Event: Festival Fun

Outfoxed by Indie Rockers ; Music: Foxes Have a Brush with Our Region

Pick of the Day

Friday Night with Jonathan Ross (10.35pm) The host is joined by Hollywood actor Sandra Bullock, Harry Potter star Emma Watson and composer Benny Andersson. Plus, electro-pop musician Little Boots performs in the studio. Horne & Corden (10.00pm) New series. Comedy sketches in which Gavin & Stacey stars Mathew Horne and James Corden introduce a variety of quirky characters. Previously broadcast on BBC3.