Autoesque

If you need to use a car that’s resistant to bomb blasts and bullets, then choosing something inconspicuous like Škoda’s armoured Superb Estate could be a wise move.

WPP and Kantar Millward Brown have published their latest annual BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands study. As might be expected, technology companies Google and Apple dominate the overall results once again.

At this year's Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, BMW Motorrad is displaying its vision of what a future multi-role motorcycle could look like. The bike – which has been named Concept 9cento – mixes compact dimensions with an angular fairing and a stubby tail section.

100,000 examples of the pure-electric Leaf have now been sold in Japan since its introduction there in 2010. To commemorate that achievement, Nissan decided to build something unique.

Honda’s Swindon-based Product Engineering team has created a one-off Civic pick-up truck. Named ‘Project P’, it was originally a pre-production Type R hatchback that was presumably just sitting at the factory gathering dust.

Redesigned light clusters, bumpers and wheels identify the 2019 Kia Sportage, while its interior benefits from updated instruments and new infotainment systems. However, the most significant changes concern the powertrains.

With its 227 bhp (170 kW / 231 PS) 2.0 litre turbocharged engine and enhanced handling capabilities, the Mini John Cooper Works Hatch would make a formidable police pursuit vehicle. A lack of space for carrying equipment and transporting arrestees might present some operational difficulties, though.

When Vauxhall and Opel first announced the new Corsa GSi , no mention was made of the car’s engine. Now that incongruous omission has been addressed.

Nissan has revealed the finished Armada Mountain Patrol, a one-off overlanding vehicle that was devised with assistance from the brand’s Facebook and Instagram fans.

Given the general apathy that UK car buyers have towards C-segment saloons, Honda’s decision to begin selling the four-door Civic here in August does seem strange. However, as hardly any other rival marques now offer such a vehicle, maybe there’s some pent-up demand to satisfy?

Volkswagen has unveiled the Golf GTI TCR Concept at this year’s GTI Treffen, which is currently taking place in Wörthersee, Austria.

This year’s World Performance Car of the Year has just been improved. A new Competition version of BMW’s M5 promises better dynamics, extra pace and a higher price compared to the regular model.

BMW has introduced a range of M Performance Parts for the recently-launched 404 bhp (302 kW / 410 PS) M2 Competition .

‘Sporty’ and ‘full-size SUV’ are two terms that shouldn’t really go together. Chevrolet doesn’t agree though, hence the introduction of a Performance Package for the Suburban RST.

In 1993, Rover launched the first factory-built Mini cabriolet. A quarter of a century has now passed since that event, hence the arrival of a 25th Anniversary limited edition.

Most well-appointed pick-ups are offered solely in double cab guise, but some prospective customers would happily trade passenger accommodation for more cargo space. Isuzu’s latest D-Max variant is intended to satisfy their requirements.

Mazda’s latest limited edition has a rather misleading name. Sure, the rear spoiler and door mirror caps are black, but the new MX-5 RF Sport Black is only available with Eternal Blue Mica paintwork.