Impreza v Evo

Which do you think has sold the most in the UK this year, the Impreza or the Evo? Historically, it’s no surprise. Subaru launched its first hot saloon in 1993 and has shifted 37,000 of them since. By comparison, Mitsubishi – which didn’t have a rival until 2000 – has sold about 5,000. These are just the official figures; it’s impossible to know how many grey imports have arrived. But what about in 2009? Motoring hacks weren’t exactly falling over themselves to praise the hatchback Impreza (above), but were left dribbling with excitement at the Evo X. Interestingly, it’s the Subaru that wins, selling more than 500 hot Imprezas. Mitsubishi’s total is barely half that, but it’s strength is its range depth. If you compare every model – superminis, hatchbacks, SUVs, etc – there’s no contest. Mitsubishi has sold more than 10,000 cars this year, Subaru has barely scraped past 3,000.

... ... ... ... THAT'S IT FOR 2009. BACK ON 4 JAN. MERRY CHRISTMAS! ... ... ... ... ...

Aston Martin's city car. Yes, really...

You may have seen a picture of this car in the summer, but here’s a new version just published by Aston Martin. There was an element of ‘you’re having a laugh!’ when the Cygnet concept was first talked about in June. People checked their calendars to make sure it wasn’t April Fools Day. Yes, it really is a Toyota iQ with a new badge and grille. But Aston said it was serious about developing it as a luxury commuter vehicle, and this official picture proves that’s the case. What’s more, its plans appear to have subtly changed. Bosses had said it would only be available to existing Aston customers, based on the premise that they all have a second vehicle anyway so why not make it an Aston. But now the company line is that it will be “initally available” to Aston owners, suggesting it would go on general sale later. I'd like to see the V12 version. Unfortunately you'd have to sacrifice the seats...

Fiat's hot 500 - and it's diesel

Historically the words ‘performance car’ and ‘diesel’ haven’t sat happily together. But with modern turbos offering impressive torque, more manufacturers are developing and selling them. They’re least accepted as city cars, but again, things are changing. And Fiat is about to set a new benchmark with the most powerful diesel ‘hot hatch’ the A-segment has ever seen. The 1.3-litre 75bhp Fiat 500 diesel is being axed in favour of a new 95bhp version. It’s got more power and torque but less fuel consumption and emissions, which is hard to argue against. The new engine – christened the MultiJet II – also makes the car quicker; the 0-60mph time is down from 12.5 to 10.7 seconds. Okay, it’s not quite the Abarth model but it still makes this a pretty nippy, and rather stylish, motor. And you can’t argue with 72.4mpg fuel economy.

Infiniti's view from above

How cool is this? The idea of parking cameras isn’t new, but this next generation version I really like. It cleverly creates an overhead view (above, on the right of the image) to help you inch into a bay. It worked a treat for me in a space which others had given up on because of a hazardously close pavement bollard. How smug was I! Talking of brands new to the UK – see previous posting – the car this technology is fitted to is an Infiniti. Who? Infiniti is to Nissan what Lexus is to Toyota – the premium brand with big engines, lots of standard kit and high prices. I’ve been driving what’s expected to be the big-seller, though that’s a relative term. Only a handful will sell because it’s a performance SUV with a 3.7 or 5.0-litre petrol engine and no diesel. It’s a smart beast, drives impressively well and makes a great noise when it’s pushed. Oh, yes, and it’s easy to park.

A 22k hot Mini. Ouch!

I’ve been asked to write an article for the New Year issue of Auto Express magazine looking back at the last decade. Can you believe it’s 10 years since the millennium? It’s meant a trip down Memory Lane and one thing struck me. Of the new car brands launched in the UK since 2000 – Chevrolet, Dodge, Hummer and a few others – MINI has been the soaraway success. It’s shifted 1.55million cars worldwide since 2001. Who saw that coming? The lastest new model is a hot one, a John Cooper Works tuned version of the Clubman estate (above). My journalist colleagues reckon it’s pretty good to drive, but I’ll reserve judgement until I get the chance. The thing that sticks out is the price – it’s more than £22k, and that’s before you’ve looked at MINI’s legendary options list. It’s going to have to be exceptional for people to want to shell out that much.

All I want for Christmas is...

Looking for the perfect present for the performance car fan in your family? May I humbly recommend a day out at the Porsche Experience Centre. I was there recently for the launch of the Panamera saloon and it’s a great facility. Built right next door to Silverstone circuit in Northants, there’s a variety of track days on offer, including a chance to drive historic 911s. Most incorporate the hilarious ‘kick-plate’, a machine hidden in the track surface which randomly boots the back-end out left or right and invites you to catch the skid before you spin. There’s also several low-friction corners where you can practice your Stig-like power slides. Check out www.porsche.com/silverstone for details. And if you want to get the youngest family member interested, why not go for the 911 pedal car (above). Yours for £187. Yes, you read that right.