CAR TALK
Is the new Ford Focus ST a tangerine dream?
The Ford Focus ST will cost from £21,995 when it goes on sale in June. Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine, the new Focus ST develops 247bhp, yet can return 39.2mpg with CO2 emissions of 169g/km. The car has a unique suspension and upgraded steering and performance brakes. An estate version will also be sold. Buy it in Tangerine Scream paint.
Sublime new Renault relaunched
Renault has relaunched its historic Alpine brand. The rear-wheel drive Alpine A110-50 prototype – inspired by the classic Alpine Berlinette – has been built by RenaultSport Technologies on the Mégane Trophy race car platform. It has carbon-fibre bodywork and scissor doors and is painted in a new version of the famous original Alpine Blue. Power comes from a 3.5-litre 400hp V6 engine.
Volvo fits new pedestrian airbag to its motor
Volvo’s cars are known for protecting passengers but the new Volvo V40 goes even further – it is the first car ever to fit a pedestrian airbag as standard. During an impact the rear of the bonnet raises and an airbag inflates at the bottom of the windscreen. This raises the bonnet so that it can deform and dampen – to absorb a pedestrian’s impact – while the airbag cushions them too.