This week's motor news in pics

Mazda's new concept hits Paris Motor Show

One of the most talked about cars at this years Paris Motor Show is the Mazda Kiyora.

It's a small concept car designed to meet the needs of young urbanites and indicates the direction Mazda could take with a car this size in the future – especially in terms of technology.

It features components that are being developed at Mazda for use in the near future – like a next-generation 1.3-litre DISI engine, a new automatic transmission, and a rigid and lightweight bodyshell for very high fuel efficiency and low emissions.

Kiyora's design supports these technologies with aesthetic features that are expressive of the water theme yet highly functional.

Avis advises on change in French motoring law

Avis Rent a Car is advising those who drive on the continent to be mindful of a new change in French law, which came into operation on 1st October 2008.

It is now compulsory that all drivers on French roads carry a warning triangle in their vehicles.

"It is important that motorists are kept aware of the changes in foreign driving laws," says Daniel McCarthy, Commercial Director, Avis UK. "Renting is always a safe bet abroad, but if you would rather take your own car over to France, it is important that you're equipped with a hazard warning triangle before entering the country."

Ford unveils all-new 'Custom' KA

Ka customers who want to make their new 'pride and joy' stand out from the crowd will be able to choose from a new range of option packs when the new model hits the road in January 2009.

Three factory-fitted packs have been specially developed for the all-new Ka - the 'Digital', the 'Grand Prix' and the 'Tattoo' (each available on the standard Zetec model only).

Bernhard Mattes, Vice President of the Customer Service Division, Ford of Europe, said: "Using its bold design as their starting point, our designers have created a unique selection of features for the cheeky new Ka, giving owners an expressive array of interior and exterior options."

Major study into safety of young drivers at work

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has launched a major research study aimed at helping young drivers to stay safe when they are on the road as part of their job.

RoSPA's Young Drivers at Work project is seeking the views of managers who employ 17-24-year-old drivers. It will lead to a better understanding of the safety issues involved in these employees getting behind the wheel for tasks such as making deliveries, going to meetings or travelling between sites.

A questionnaire for employers can be accessed at www.rospa.com/roadsafety/youngdriversatwork/ until December. A report on the findings will be published in March 2009.

World debut for Lexus IS 250C at Paris motor show

Another car to make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show is the new Lexus IS 250C, set to go on sale across Europe during the summer of 2009.

The new model combines the award-winning design of the IS sports saloon with outstanding open-top engineering ingenuity.

Other features include a three-part lightweight folding aluminium roof which opens in 20 seconds, a one-touch fold and slide action on front seats, styling for minimum wind disturbance during top-down driving and a 205bhp (208 DIN hp) V6 petrol engine with six-speed automatic transmission.

The seven biggest blunders of the MOT world

Kwik-Fit has revealed the seven blunders of the MOT world, showing that more than half of MOT failures concern just seven common parts.

The top seven areas for MOT failures are: tyres (illegal tread or damage), brakes (unsafe brake wear), windscreens (chip or crack in line of vision), headlamps (blown bulbs or incorrectly aligned lights), registration plates (number plate cracked or obscured), suspension (shock absorbers dangerously worn or corroded) and exhaust system (overly corroded).

Significantly, many of the top seven failure codes are also safety related and as he head towards winter, the firm advise that prevention is better than cure.

Tango at the Tower marks UK launch of new Ford Fiesta

The all-new Ford Fiesta marked the start of its sales in Britain yesterday with a spectacular tango dance extravaganza at the Tower of London.

Using two of the first all-new Fiesta models to arrive in the UK, stunt drivers drove the Squeeze Green and Hot Magenta models to perform a unique Tango car dance, specially created by choreographer to the stars Paul Harris and international stunt driver Paul Swift.

Strictly Come Dancing winner, Mark Ramprakash, and Tango troupes from across London joined in the party atmosphere.

Today, while they nurse their hangovers and smoking tyres, the all-new Fiesta goes on sale across Britain.