Auto Car Latest : Subaru confirms coupe launch

Subaru’s version of the Toyota FT-86 concept will make its public debut at the Geneva motor show, the firm has announced.

The ‘Toyobaru’ was previewed as the FT-86 as long ago as 2009, but has been delayed by at least a year. In particular, engineers and designers are said to have been struggling to implement the car’s particularly low bonnet line in production form, due to pedestrian impact regulations.

See pics of the new Subaru coupe in testing

In a press release, Subaru said that its Geneva show stand is to include the Impreza Concept (unveiled at the LA show last year), the Trezia small MPV and a “Rear-wheel-drive Sports Car Technology Concept”. The firm also confirmed that the sports car would use a horizontally opposed ‘boxer’ engine.

It’s thought that both cars will use the same basic powerplant, a 2.5-litre unit, but that the Subaru version will feature turbocharging to increase its output to around 260bhp.

Skoda's new Fabia special latest auto car

Skoda has launched its latest special edition Fabia, the Monte Carlo.

Based on the Fabia SE and created to celebrate 100 years of the Monte Carlo Rally and 110 years of Skoda’s participation in motorsport, the special edition features piano-black body trim, black roof, door mirrors and radiator grille, smoked headlights and black 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels.

See the pics of the new Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo

Interior touches include either black or red and black sports seats and red-stitched leather steering wheel, handbrake and gearstick gaiter.

Five engine variants are available – three 1.2-litre units with various power outputs and two 1.6-litre TDI options.

Prices for the entry-level 1.2-litre version with 68bhp start from £12,755, rising to £14,030 for the most powerful 1.2-litre 104bhp TSI. Prices for the diesel versions start at £14,185 with the top of the range TDI CR 104bhp model costing from £15,000.

The new Fabia Monte Carlo is set to make its first public appearance at Rallye Monte Carlo, which runs from 19-22 January.

Audi RS3 Sportback Auto Car Review

Here is Audi's long-held plan to reach beyond the S3

The upgraded driveline is supported by a reworked chassis

Suspension is compliant enough to soak up the bumps without any undue harshness

Powered by the same turbocharged 2.5-litre, five-cylinder petrol engine used in the TT RS

Drive goes to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic gearbox

Beautifully sculpted interior hints at its awesome power

Unlike the S3, it will not sell in three-door form

Audi RS3 Sportback
Price: £39,900; Top speed: 155mph (limited); 0-62mph: 4.6sec; Economy: 31.0mpg; CO2: 212g/km; Kerb weight: 1575kg; Engine: 4 cyls in line, 2480cc, turbo, petrol; Installation : Front, transverse, 4WD; Power: 335bhp at 5400-6500rpm; Torque: 332lb ft at 1600-5300rpm; Gearbox: 7-spd dual-clutch auto