Auto Express Newsletter, 5th Jun 2008

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Dear Criss,

In a world exclusive, Auto Express can take the wraps off the new Vauxhall Astra VXR. Sexier than ever, the ferocious hot hatchback gets an all-new 1.8-litre turbocharged powerplant and an even sharper chassis. Read all about the Ford Focus ST rival here...

We've got first official pictures of the new Insignia's interior too and can reveal for the first time exactly what Vauxhall has planned to tempt Audi A4 drivers out of their cars. Meanwhile our road testers have been hard at work pitting the winners YOU voted for in Auto Express's 2008 Driver Power survey against their latest rivals. So click here to see the new Mondeo meet Skoda's Octavia plus many other crucial head-to-heads...

We've also taken the covers off Alfa Romeo's stunning new drop-top - the MiTo Cabriolet - which is full of Italian style, plus Subaru's Impreza Coupe - a stunning two-door that's got BMW's 3-Series Coupe in its sights.

We've a bumper crop of first drives this week as well, with an exclusive test of Saab's Freelander-rivalling 9-4X and Ford's new twin-clutch automatic gearbox-equpped Focus Powershift.

Finally, with the Le Mans 24hr race just over a week away, Auto Express has teamed up with BP Ultimate to offer one lucky reader the prize of a Jaguar XKR to take to the race. That's not it for great offers though - you can still get a fantastic three-for-two British Motor Show deal too.

And with Father's Day just around the corner, why not use Auto Express's print service to send a special e-card?

Dan Strong

Auto Express Motoring & Digital Editor

Double Top story

New Astra VXR turns up the heat

Vauxhall's Astra hot hatch is getting meaner and greener as it takes the fight to the Ford Focus ST.

Driver Power 2008: exclusive test

The cars YOU voted best in 2008's Driver Power reliability survey go head-to-head with their latest rivals.

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News

Alfa MiTo Cabriolet opens up!

First pictures of Alfa's sensational drop-top MiTo

Subaru Impreza Coupe sets sights on BMW

Subaru's Impreza Coupe turns on the style and guns for German rivals

Vauxhall Insignia's interior revealed

Striking interior pictures give the inside line on Vauxhall's all-new Insignia

SEAT Ibiza SportCoupe

Sporty three-door joins the all-new Ibiza line-up as Spanish firm gets ready to take on the Ford Fiesta.

First Drives

Saab 9-4X

Swedish prestige brand gets ready for some rough times with this stylish off-road rival to Land Rover's Freelander.

Ford Focus Powershift

Ford joins the hi-tech dual-clutch automatic gearbox brigade with its Powershift-equipped Focus.

Vauxhall Astra VXR Nurburgring

Bold limited edition version of Vauxhall's Astra VXR celebrates the model's on-track success.

Group Tests

Renault Laguna GT vs Toyota Verso T180

Both the new Renault Laguna GT Sport Tourer and Toyota Verso T180 aim to provide practical family transport but which is the the better buy?

Long Term Tests

Chrysler 300C Touring

Find out how our latest arrival, Chrysler's stunning American estate, is faring.

Promotions

Want to be a racing driver?

Here's your chance to prove it, with Vauxhall's VXR Racing Driver Of The Year competition.

British Motor Show offer

Log onto www.seetickets.com/motorshow/ and enter the code BIMS08 for a fantastic three-for-two offer.

Competitions

Drive a Jaguar XKR to Le Mans!

We've teamed up with BP Ultimate to offer you an unforgettable Le Mans weekend.

Win a DAB Tuner

Here's your chance to upgrade your existing car radio to crystal clear digital quality.

Products

Bike carrier test

We rate eight of the best buys for carrying bikes when out and about in your car...

If you have any comments or queries on the website or newsletter, please contact the Motoring and Digital Editor, Dan Strong, on the link below.

WebMaster.autoexpress@dennis.co.uk

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