From October 2010 the revised Citroen C4 Picasso range will hit UK showrooms, having been debuted at the Paris Motor Show.

Most intriguing is that the update marks the introduction of Citroen’s e-HDI ‘micro-hybrid’ technology in the UK. It’s really just a posh engine start-stop system linked to a 110bhp HDi diesel engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, but it results in impressive efficiency.

The system uses a reversible alternator that captures brake energy to charge the battery, as well as performing start-stop duties. With it, the C4 Picasso returns 58.9mpg on the combined cycle and the Grand Picasso 57.6mpg. Emissions are 125- and 132g/km respectively.

The facelift is standard issue stuff, including a mild front-end redesign, new rear light clusters and some daytime LEDs

A very green showdown between an electric supercar and an electric superbike has happened at Thruxton – the first race of its type we believe.

The Citroen Survolt and the Agni Z2 fought it out at the Thruxton race circuit in a test of speed and agility. A big publicity stunt, sure, but it makes compelling viewing as the 300bhp Survolt and the 65bhp Agni battle it out.

Obviously weight plays a part, so despite the massive power advantage of the twin electric motored Survolt, the Agni is quicker to 62mph: 3.5 seconds for the bike, and ‘under five’ for the car. The Survolt hits 162mph, while the 220kg bike tops out at just over 130mph.

The electric competitors were both piloted by women

Reviews homepage -> Mitsubishi reviews

| Week at the Wheel | Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 |

Inside & Out:

The Evo FQ-400 looks very Japanese. We’d never think of it as a great looking car, but the narrow, grimaced headlamps and the sharp, busy lines at the front look like something out of a manga comic book. Things are more sedate at the rear, with the exception of the serious spoiler and air diffuser.

Sadly, the interior is also very Japanese. That nation’s car makers aren’t renowned for building vehicles with particularly exciting cabins and the Mitsubishi is no exception. It’s not short of standard equipment – and the leather and Alcantara seats are a nice touch –

Reviews homepage -> Renault reviews

| Week at the Wheel | Renault Grand Scenic |

Inside & Out:

When a car is made so specifically for families, its main qualities should be space, versatility, durability and storage. The Grand Scenic has plenty of all those. You might not be able to bet your house on the reliability of the electrics (the previous Scenic was notoriously temperamental in this department), but the surface materials and general sense of build quality is excellent. As is the air of family friendliness, with space for five adults and an extra rear pair of chairs for kids that fold up and down easily. When they’re stowed, the boot is perfectly flat-floored and perfectly enormous.

Although Citroen didn’t use the word ‘crossover’ in today’s (August 30, 2010) press release, it’s obvious that’s what the new DS4 is. The second model in Citroen’s reinvented DS line will be unveiled to the public at the Paris Motor Show next month, alongside the car it’s based on, the new Citroen C4.

The DS4 trades on its striking styling. While obviously from the same school of design as the five-door C4 hatchback, the DS model has a higher ride height and features more extravagant detailing. Standout aspects include the Alfa Romeo-esque hidden rear door handles and curved LED daytime running lights.

Inside, Citroen’s designers have been given a free rein to distance the DS4 from the C4, with more premium materials as standard, a high level of equipment

Citroen has released full details of its new DS3 Racing – the hot-hatch version of the DS3. Available to order from this September 1, it will be powered by a tuned version of the 1.6-litre THP engine, producing 207bhp. Priced at 23,100, the latest offering from the French maker is pricier than its main rivals – the Clio Renaultsport 200 and Ford’s outgoing Focus ST.

Citroen is guaranteeing exclusivity with only 200 right-hand drive models coming to the UK. Based on the existing Citroen DS3 THP 150, an enhanced chassis and running gear modified by Citroen Racing aims to give the DS3 a sportier drive. Top speed is 146mph and 0-62mph takes 6.5 seconds.

In order to appeal to the hot hatch market the suspension settings have been modified

Reviews homepage -> MINI reviews

| First Drive | Munich, Germany | Updated MINI range |

It’s freshen-up time for the MINI. The hatchback, Clubman and the Convertible have all received a very mild restyle and the diesel engines have been reworked for the usual eco-friendly reasons.

New gadgets, colour schemes and alloy wheel designs are on the cards, too. They’re not huge changes, but they’re sure to be enough to keep reeling the punters in.

In the Metal

There are a number of alterations to the exterior of each MINI, but they’re very minor indeed. Each model has slightly more defined front driving lamps and either a black cross piece (Cooper) or an additional air intake