Honda has begun production of the new, seventh-generation Civic compact at its Swindon plant.

The president of Honda Motor Europe, Manabu Nishimae, said: “The last three years have been extremely difficult for all of Honda’s European operations. We have faced many challenges beginning with the economic downturn to the two natural disasters in Japan and Thailand. Throughout this period associates have remained committed and I am extremely proud of how they have responded to these challenges.”

Dacia has released some new information about its UK launch.

Initially, the Romanian-based, French-owned budget manufacturer will offer the compact Duster SUV and the Sandero supermini, before expanding the range with a pair of new MPV’s, a city-car, and a wagon.

Citroën has added two new special-editions to the C3 range, known as C3 Black and C3 White. The special-editions is recognisable by their ‘Obsidian’ black body or ‘Polar’ white body colour. Replacing the current entry-level VT, power comes from a 72bhp 1.4i petrol engine. Linked to a 5-speed manual, the C3 Black and White average [...]

Latest reports suggest that Hyundai Europe is mulling over a performance-orientated i30 hatchback. Allan Rushforth, Hyundai Europe CEO, said such a model is being discussed and is likely to be developed by Hyundai Europe. Based on the forthcoming three-door variant, due in Winter 2012, the newcomer will have sportier styling than its five-door sibling.

In an attempt to bolster sales, Nissan has readied a pair of special-edition derivatives of the Micra hatchback. Named Kuro and Shiro, meaning black and white in Japanese, the new models are based on the mid-grade Acenta trim, adding some new equipment.

Jeep has released prices of the new Grand Cherokee SRT8 and introduced a new range-topping trim-level, called Overland Summit. Claimed to be the fastest Jeep ever, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is powered by a 465bhp 6.4 litre HEMI V8 w/cylinder deactivation that develops 630Nm (465lb-ft) of torque. All that power and torque allows for a [...]