Review

Honda has released details of its new Stream SAV Sports Activity Vehicle. The mini-MPV has seven-seat capacity, in a similar way to Vauxhall's Zafira. It is initially available in 156bhp 2.0-litre engine, with prices starting at £16,995. A 125bhp 1.7-litre VTEC model follows in September, costing from £16,395. All models feature aircon, front and side airbags, ABS with brake force distribution, and electric sunroof, mirrors and windows. The 2.0 SE Sport adds climate control and front fog lights. The high prices mean that Honda has nothing in this sector to compete with the volume derivatives of the Scenic, Multipla and Zafira.

Toyota has introduced a new diesel engine option for its Previa MPV. The 2.0-litre D-4D unit, which produces 114bhp, offers a combined economy of 39.2mpg, together with CO2 emissions of 191g/km. The entry-level GS costs £21,450, with prices rising to £24,450 for the top-grade CDX.

Kia is offering the Sony Playstation as an in-car fitting in conjunction with its in-car video. The whole system comes in at a whopping £1,287, and that's excluding the fitting charge. But owners benefit from a system that is equally adept at game playing as film viewing, with the sound through infra-red headphones.

Subaru is selling 300 UK300 special editions. Based on the Impreza Turbo, it gains a full body kit, including 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, and uprated interior to give the looks, if not the performance, of the World Rally Car contender. The price is £24,995, a £3,000 premium over the base car. Subaru is expecting a high uptake of the Prodrive WR Sport performance pack, which is offered as an option on this model.

Volvo has released details of its new Bi-Fuel range. Fitted with both petrol and gas-fuel tanks, the new models could cut fuel bills in half. Either will be offered, with premiums from £1,800 to £2,200 expected. The complete Volvo range will be available in Bi-Fuel form, with deliveries expected by the end of the year. Volvo has temporarily dropped the diesel variants of its V70 and S80 range. Engines were sourced from Audi, but Volvo's own diesel unit will be introduced in 2002.

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