The vehicle itself looks set to take Europe’s luxury hatchback market by storm in early 2011, with the luxury arm of Toyota expecting its launch to double their business in Europe. Lexus have promised not to compromise performance for economy with the new CT200h, which will feature a 1.8L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gas engine. The four driving modes; EV, ECO, normal and sport, look set to ensure that there is a mode to suit any driving style and all conditions.

You can check out the darker side of green campaign online and see how the CT200h proposes to make hybrid cars a stylish option for the future.

A major aim for Honda with this 2013 release is to protect the sale price of the Civic, while improving both its looks and performance. The equipment and interior finish of the vehicle look set to overhauled, with the exterior taking inspiration from the popular CR-Z model. Under the bonnet, there will be more similarities with the CR-Z, namely a hybrid engine featuring the same powertrain; a 1.5 litre petrol engine that delivers 124 HP and 131 lb-ft of torque. Also available will be a new low emission three-cylinder engine.

There are a range of components included in BMW’s vision for carbon fibre plated cars, with some being available across the M3 range. Door mirror caps and lower front splitters will be obtainable for all models, while coupe and sedan owners will have the opportunity to purchase a rear boot lid spoiler.

The parts have been tested in the company’s Munich-based wind tunnels, but besides looking strikingly cool, what is the point in carbon fibre parts? BMW say that their accessories will reduce lift and minimise drag, thus enhancing high speed stability and maintaining fuel efficiency. The parts are yet to be priced up for the public, but they will be covered by a two year warranty and will be available from authorised dealers.

The new, reworked models will be available in showrooms from September, with MINI aiming to sneak their new diesel models in underneath the road tax threshold under the current system. The One D and Cooper D are the two reworked models that will benefit from a new super-efficient diesel engine, with other designs in the range undergoing a few other nips and tucks.

Across the range there will be a minor design makeover, with a new front bumper with a lower air intake that incorporates a set of fog lights being the main feature. The interiors have also received a gentle polish, with the switchgear being updated for better functionality and a range of new colours and trim options now available.

The improvements that Lexus are likely to make are not incredibly substantial, but nonetheless will make a difference to the exterior aesthetics of the vehicles in the IS model range. The major change that will set the 2011 IS range apart from your used Lexus IS is the inclusion of LED daytime running lights incorporated into the headlights. The lights are in fact receiving something of an overhaul, with redesigned fog lights, bumper insets and new tail lights all looking set to feature.

There will be interior changes too, with Lexus adding a new steering wheel with new accents, a chrome strip above the glove box, a USB connector, and an aluminium trim. Perhaps the main reason for the tweaks is the decision to include engines that are 15% more fuel-efficient than current models, which will please all Lexus fans.

This new Countryman may not be the most practical invention that BMW have come up with, but their novelty model with a giant Makarapa (a customisable South African workman’s helmet) attached on top has certainly caused a stir on the South African streets as fans embrace the fun and festivities that have been bywords of this first African World Cup.

Makarapa helmets have proved to be popular fan items at the tournament, although unsurprisingly they have been overshadowed by the sound of the vuvuzela, a horn that almost every person in the country appears to have purchased. BMW have used MINI to display how in touch they are with popular culture in a country that has all the world’s eyes focused on it until June 11th.

The design is believed to be a hybrid model, consisting of elements of both the S2000 and the original Honda Beat, a mini-car that was around at the start of the nineties. There have been hints for some time from the company that an alternative to their only current sporty model, the CR-Z are in the pipeline, although it seems unlikely that this particular model will surface any time before 2014. Even the next generation of Toyota sports cars, including a new small coupe are set to beat this new concept to launch, as they are due in early 2013.

Honda are said to have submitted some interesting patent applications, with the use of aluminium likely in upcoming models – a far cry from your used Honda Civic or Jazz. The new model is being referred to as the mini-FT-86 in Japan and is likely to be a mid-engine, rear wheel drive, two-door hatchback.

All that realistically separates the frozen gray M3s from the standard coloured models is the stylish paint job and impressive dual-leather interior. However, trading in your used BMW for one of these limited edition models carries considerable kudos, particularly with only 30 being made available. The eye-catching exterior paintwork is achieved using a metallic luster finish which is produced with a silk matte clear coat on top of the grey metallic base coat, making the model distinguishable from the conventional gloss finishes of other M3 Coupes.

Mugen performance parts and accessories will now be available through a select band of eight Honda dealerships throughout the country. Following a limited run of Civic Type R Mugens, the Japanese motorsport firm is slowly beginning to take off on these shores. The range of new parts that will now be on offer include forged aluminium wheels, brake upgrades, quick-shift gearbox kits and sports suspension, while a range of body styling kits will also be available.

The dealerships across the country that will stock the Mugen parts are strategically spread out, with Inchcape catering for the South East and Two Mills the North West. Parts and accessories for other Honda models are expected to be introduced gradually over the forthcoming year.

Using Facebook to create a campaign to encourage support for the idea of a race at the Road Atlanta track in the United States, MINI have ruffled a few feathers at Porsche and have set up a petition for fans to try and convince Porsche, whose 911 model should, on paper, wipe the floor with the Cooper, to show up on June 21st. The response from Von Platen to the idea was somewhat flippant, with the Porsche CEO belittling the campaign and pointing out his company’s rich racing heritage. It remains to be seen whether Porsche will decide to represent themselves at the event, which seems set to go ahead regardless and will be streamed on the MINI USA Facebook page.