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Auto Express Newsletter, 16th Aug 2011

Dear Omss,

It's a BMW special this week on autoexpress.co.uk. We have the first completely undisguised shots of the new BMW 3 Series ahead of its unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. They may be grainy but they show the compact executive gets a 5 Series-inspired look. We also bring you news of a shake up of the way the firm’s models are badged. Bosses in Munich are rumoured to be launching an all-new name: the 2 Series. Find out what the new 2 Series will look like and read all the details here. We also have the first official pictures of the sportier, three-door Kia Picanto, exclusive images of the all-new Renault Clio and details of the new 128mpg plug-in Toyota Prius. Read all the latest news here. Our road test team has been behind the wheel of the new BMW 1 Series Convertible, the range-topping diesel MINI Countryman SD and the most efficient Hyundai i40. We've also pitted the storming new Mercedes C63 AMG against the muscular Vauxhall VXR8 GTS in a battle for supersaloon honours. Find out who came out on top here. We’ve also got an exclusive prize worth nearly £4,000! We’ve teamed up with Turtle Wax and Paramount Pictures to celebrate the launch of one of this year’s biggest movies - Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Up for grabs is a limited-edition, three-in-one games table, which is one of only five in the world. You can win it by entering here. Regards, Dan Strong Digital Editor
Double top story

New BMW 3 Series First completely undisguised shots of new BMW 3 Series appear, showing a 5 Series-inspired look.

BMW 2 Series on way Replacements for BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible will wear the new 2 Series badge.


Competitions

Win a Transformers games table and cleaning kit Up for grabs is a three-in-one limited-edition games table offering air hockey, pool and table football!


CarBuyer reviews

Ford Focus Estate Family and business buyers alike will love the latest version of Ford's best-selling carrier.

Audi Q3 The Audi Q3 brings the firm's first-class build quality and efficient engines to the crossover sector.

Vauxhall Ampera Competition in the eco car segment is hotting up, and the Vauxhall Ampera is a real contender.


News

New Renault Clio revealed Our exclusive images show a striking look for the next-generation Renault supermini.

Kia Picanto 3dr revealed Kia has released the first official pictures of the sportier, three-door version of its city car.

128mpg Prius plugs in Larger battery pack lets new plug-in Toyota Prius go further on electric power.

Bugatti Galibier confirmed Sumptuous four-door will go into production with 1,000bhp-plus output from uprated W16 engine.

New diesel engine for Defender Land Rover's oldest model gets cleaner 2.2-litre diesel engine for 2012.

Insurers to pay out over riots Burnt-out cars will be covered by insurers – but only if they’re fully comp.

KTM's Twizy rival Austrian firm KTM reveals all-electric three-wheeler to go on sale in 2013.


First drives

BMW 118d Convertible We get behind the wheel of BMW's new 60mpg soft-top.

MINI Cooper SD Countryman Range-topping diesel version of chunky Brit promises pace and efficiency. We see if it delivers.

Hyundai i40 BlueDrive Cleanest version of new family car arrives in Britain. Is the stylish estate a winner?


Group tests

Mercedes C63 AMG vs Vauxhall VXR8 GTS Storming new C63 AMG tackles the muscular Vauxhall VXR8 GTS in a battle for supersaloon honours.


Long-term tests

Renault Megane Sport Tourer We put our practical estate through its paces on a special Renaultsport track day.

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This week's mag - out tomorrow!

17th - 23rd August 2011

Ford Focus RS confirmed, Mercedes' baby CLS uncovered and new BMW M3 spied, plus best value hatches tested.

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