Autoesque

Every year since 2014, trainees at the Škoda Vocational School for Mechanical Engineering have created a Student Concept Car.

SUV buyers can now order a more sporty Hyundai Tuscon. The new N Line trim grade combines stiffer suspension settings, recalibrated steering and numerous cosmetic changes.

Electric cars equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell are a very rare sight on Britain’s roads. The new Hyundai Nexo is unlikely to change that situation, because of two crucial issues.

Given BMW’s current desire to be represented in as many market niches as possible, the imminent arrival of a compact four-door coupé comes as no surprise.

When the V8 version offers brisk-enough performance and a more engaging driving experience, the pricier W12-powered Bentley Continental GT seems rather hard to justify.

Ford has taken inspiration from the 1970s for a new Mustang paint colour. Grabber Lime – which is as vibrant as that name suggests – will be available for all models including the Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT500.

Finding customers for the new Camry four-door saloon is likely to be a tough task for Toyota. There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with the car, but right now SUVs and crossovers (preferably from a prestige brand) are what an ever-increasing number of buyers want.

Expectations regarding the usability of electric cars are increasing all the time. Unfortunately, the practicality of Honda’s e Prototype – which previews a forthcoming production model – is just going to disappoint many prospective customers.

This year’s World Car Awards winners will be announced on the 17th of April at the New York International Auto Show. In the meantime, organisers have revealed the top three finalists in each category.

Two Bentley teams competed in the 1930 24 Hours of Le Mans race. For the official works effort the gruelling event was hugely successful, as its #4 and #2 Speed Six cars finished first and second respectively.

At a time when the trend is for smaller, more economical engines, the 6.0 litre V12 which powers the Mercedes-AMG S 65 is somewhat incongruous.

For the first time, Jaguar has been awarded the European Car of the Year title. It was the narrowest of victories, though.

At this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, Smart will be exhibiting a unique adaptation of its pure-electric EQ fortwo cabrio. The concept car, which is called forease+, clearly doesn’t rank weather protection as a high priority.

Toyota Gazoo Racing has developed a competition version of the all-new fifth-generation Supra. Built to comply with the increasingly popular GT4 technical regulations, it’s primarily aimed at customer teams. However, the project’s future really depends on public reaction, hence the ‘concept’ tag.

It’s still very charismatic, but the nine-year-old Alfa Romeo Giulietta is in danger of becoming outdated. Unfortunately, the car’s cause won’t be helped by some just-announced changes.

Abarth was founded in 1949, so this year the brand will be commemorating a special anniversary. To kick off the celebrations, a couple of extra models have been launched.