The Light at the End of a Long, Dark Tunnel?

It's funny how timing and context can affect one's views.

Take, for instance, these two dueling stories: NPR delivers the news that both Ford and Chrysler report double-digit sales drops for 2009, while over at Automotive News, a lead story declares that Ford sees a 33 percent jump in December sales (joined in making gains by BMW, Mazda, Nissan and Subaru). So is the company (and the industry at large) hurting or healing? Both -- it just depends on the numbers at which you're looking.It's funny how timing and context can affect one's views.

Take, for instance, these two dueling stories: NPR delivers the news that both Ford and Chrysler report double-digit sales drops for 2009, while over at Automotive News, a lead story declares that Ford sees a 33 percent jump in December sales (joined in making gains by BMW, Mazda, Nissan and Subaru). So is the company (and the industry at large) hurting or healing? Both -- it just depends on the numbers at which you're looking.

Megane Renaultsport 250 Cup

There’s no denying Renault is on a roll when it comes to hot hatches. With its rapid Renaultsport badged models, the French firm has taken the pocket rocket class by storm.

Now bosses are stepping up a gear with the all new Megane RS 250 Cup. Based on rakish coupe version of the company’s family hatch, the newcomer promises driving thrills, style and practicality in equal measure. We go behind the wheel to find out if it measures up on UK roads.

At a glance there’s no mistaking the Renault’s performance potential. A deeper front bumper, chunky wheel arch extensions and wider sills all add muscle to the Megane’s shape.

Inside, the changes are more low key. Apart from yellow stitching for the think rimmed three-spoke steering wheel, gearlever and door panels, the cabin is virtually the same as the standard Megane. There’s space for five adults, although the three-door only layout makes acccess to the rear seats a little tricky. However, for most hot hatch owners practicality takes a back seat to performance - and the Megane doesn’t disappoint.

The 247bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine delivers blistering performance, catapulting the Renault from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds. And while it lacks a stirring soundtrack, the unit is smooth and quick-revving. But it’s the chassis that shines brightest on the 250.

Standard Reanultsport Megane 250 models get uprated suspension, while our entry-level Cup version gets even lower and stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bars, a limited slip differential and special Michelin Sport tyres. The result is one of the sharpest and most involving hot hatches you can buy. Better still, Renault’s clever front suspension geometery virtually eliminates torque steer, while the standard Brembo brakes serve-up stomach-churning stopping power.

At £21,995, the French flier even represents decent value for money, undercutting the faster but less accomplised Ford Focus RS by a whopping £5,000!

Rival: Ford Focus RS
With 301bhp and the clever RevoKnuckle suspension, the fastest Ford blends pace and thrills. But it’s not as much fun as the stripped-out Renault – plus, it costs £5,000 more.

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/246466/megane_renaultsport_250_cup.html#ixzz0boUeIwan

New Meriva: unhinged

Prepare for a shock. A small shock, admittedly, but a shock nonetheless.

This is the new Vauxhall Meriva. Not a 'concept previewing the new Vauxhall Meriva', but the real, production Vauxhall Meriva. And it has suicide doors!

Actually, Vauxhall doesn't call them suicide doors. They're FlexDoors, apparently, which "allow unimpeded forward access/egress to and from the cabin". That's marketing-speak for ‘make it easier to get in and out of the back'.

We are unashamed suckers for a good suicide door - even on a sensible five-seat family car - so the Meriva is off to a good start. And it should be a tidy all-round specimen when it goes on sale later this year after its debut at the Geneva show in March.

For a start, it looks good, adopting bits of Astra/Insignia design language - check out that ‘sideblade' running down from the front wheel arch - and adding a natty new kink in the window line, which helps to improve visibility from the rear seats but mainly looks rather good.

With a wider track and longer wheelbase than the outgoing Meriva, it should drive better than the old car. It'll be launched with a range of six turbo engines borrowed from the Astra, ranging from 74bhp to 138bhp. Strangely, there's no word on a VXR version yet.

We'll get our first look at the new Meriva in Geneva (poets, know it, etc.) this March.