All the ideas on the car

VW is speeding up the development of a microcar below the VW up! slated to be a Smart and Toyota iQ killer.

In its most economical form, the new VW will return a class-leading 141mpg and emit less than 60g/km of CO2 – all without hybrid drive.

The three-door hatchback is set to go head-to-head with the Smart and Toyota iQ. It is strongly tipped by VW insiders to be called Chico after a VW concept car from 1991, and will become the entry-level VW, below the Up!.

It could cost as little as £6000 when it goes on sale in the UK in 2011.

We found an awesome video showing the unfolding of an Audi A6. Make sure to watch by clicking on the “read more” link below.

Some Australian bank robbers have used an Audi RS4 as their getaway car.

ATM Explosion, Clovelly Road, Clovelly. Thieves exploded the Bendigo Bank ATM and had to abandon their getaway car, an Audi sedan after they were cauught out when the explosion was premature. The Thieves then carjacked a second car to make their escape.

Nice review here of the Audi A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI.

The tightening of the 2.0′s springs and dampers, a 15mm lower ride height and bigger footprint has made it a more exciting drive than the softer 1.8. The 2.0 has much more grip, holding on resolutely through corners and steering responsively. The chassis is confidence-inspiring and gels very well with the drivetrain.

Happily, the ride hasn’t been compromised much. There are a few more shimmies and vibrations, but only large holes and road fractures tend to thump through to the cabin.

In town, the behaviour is very good, but vision is an issue to the rear because of the permanent roll hoops and small glass window. Those parking sensors are a very good idea.

We found a very nice review of the Audi Q5, the “best mid-size SUV to drive”.

This is the best mid-size SUV to drive that the world has yet known. It’s not perfect but it rivals a Porsche 911 in being a triumph of development over design (the oldest 911 cliché of all).

It has proper steering with a consistent, linear response and no vagueness, it stays level in corners without feeling stiff-legged and jittery (the usual “sporty” SUV problem), and it copes smoothly with bumps.

The Q5 is more evidence that Audi’s engineers have recently discovered the secret of driver-pleasing vehicle dynamics, having missed the point for years. Specifically, the Q5 has unusually sophisticated suspension design, and it can be had (as in the cars I drove) with Audi drive select.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder.

With the new Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder, Lamborghini has created a driving experience like absolutely no other – fascinating design, breathtaking performance and extreme handling characteristics come together with all the sensual intensity and open-air pleasure that only a soft top super sports car can deliver.

An even more powerful engine, permanent all-wheel drive and an all new chassis mean that the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder offers yet another significant increase in performance against its predecessor. With its innovative design, the new LP 560-4 Spyder takes the unique Lamborghini styling ethic to the next level; the Spyder displays this powerful and elegant design language with even greater distinctiveness, making it all the more unmistakable.

Today’s highlight in our popular soundcheck series: the Porsche Cayman S. Turn up the volume and enjoy!

Here are more spy shots of the next-generation Porsche 911 caught testing.

By the looks of it, the headlights are more vertical than the current model, and based on what’s covered, the front and rear bumpers and valances will see the majority of the work. Intriguingly, the side mirrors on the car are from the 993, which we imagine are for testing purposes only. If the lower rear valance is any indication, the exhaust outlets could come in for revision, as well.

We found a very nice review of the VW Jetta TDI by the NY Times.

I suspect that most middle-class consumers aren’t ready to bet five years of car payments that a gallon of unleaded will stay around $2. Many won’t be betting on a new car at all.

That makes the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI a smart hedge play.

This diesel-powered sedan or wagon is frugal on the front end, starting at $22,640 with a six-speed manual transmission. A $1,300 alternative-fuel tax credit becomes a de facto rebate, cutting the base price to about $21,000.

The Jetta is frugal in the middle years, with a rating of 30 miles a gallon in town and 41 on the highway. The tiny two-seat Smart is the only nonhybrid car that can match the 41 m.p.g. rating.

But like many new clean diesels, which meet even California’s tough emissions rules, the Jetta scoffs at its sticker. Hoarding fuel like a mobile Scrooge, I averaged a remarkable 48 m.p.g. over more than 150 miles of freeway driving. That’s the best mileage of any American-market car I’ve tested — gas, diesel or hybrid.

Nice review here of the Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro SE S-tronic from UK.

Predictably, then, any suggestions that the introduction of the new Audi Q5 in the current climate is tantamount to re-arranging the deck-chairs on the Titanic have been swatted aside with the gently bullish rejoinder that Audi has never been interested in overheating any of the rapidly burgeoning number of market segments it occupies, and that they’ll undoubtedly sell every one they make.

And, having driven it, I suspect they’re right. Largely because the damned thing’s so bloody convincing.

A source who joined the VW of America dealer meeting last week in Las Vegas told us that the VW Scirocco has been confirmed for the US, which has been rumored already, and will be introduced alongside with the VW Rabbit TDI. Cool news! Stay tuned for more, most probably from the LA Auto Show!