Autoblog UK

Hyundai's wave of modernisation has affected the smaller models primarily. With the i10, i20 and i30, this wave broke just at the right time on our shores. Now it looks like the ix35 is set to follow the Tucson in continuing the success of the carmaker. More up-to-date, more good-looking, more powerful (to some extent) and yet more fuel efficient - a new model is launched in Europe. The ix35 confidently sorts out the poor range of diesel engines by offering not just one diesel but three. Prices have yet to be announced but we can assume that the ix35 will again offer the usual good value for money.

The VW Polo took the Golden Steering Wheel award in the small car category. The VW Polo has been around since 1975. The mark 5 version of Volkswagen's small car was launched in 2009. The Polo is available as a 3 or 5 door hatchback saloon. In its original form, it was sparsely equipped. The Polo is now much bigger than the first model. Visually, the new Polo with its broad C-pillars suggesting sturdiness and its wide stance, takes its cues from the current VW Golf. The Polo beat off the following cars: Ford Ka, Suzuki Alto, Hyundai i20, Toyota iQ, Citroen C2 und Nissan Pixo.

Mattias Ekström reigns supreme. In the final of the Race of Champions tournament at the Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing, the Swedish DTM driver defeated seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher 2-0. After finishing behind him in 2007, Schumacher lost for the second time in the final against Ekström. The 31-year-old Swede had his first win in 2006 at the Stade de France in Paris and then won again the following year at London's Wembley Stadium. In the semi-final scrap between the two German drivers, Schumacher came home ahead of Sebastian Vettel, with whom he had clinched the Nations Cup on the previous day. In the second semi-final, Ekström defeated reigning Formula One World Champion Jenson Button.

The most important prize award for cars in Europe was instituted by the publisher Axel Springer in 1976, and has been awarded annually since then. On the 4th November, top managers from the car industry accepted awards for the model year 2009 at the Axel Springer Building in Berlin. Eight new models in total received a Golden Steering Wheel award. For the third time, a Green Steering Wheel prize was presented for the best eco car. Fiat and Ferrari president, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, received an honorary award.

The winners in the individual categories:

Small car class: VW Polo
Compact class: Vauxhall Astra
Medium class and above: Audi A5 Sportback
Luxury class: Porsche Panamera
Supercar: Mercedes SLS
MPV: Renault Scenic
Eco award: Toyota Prius and VW Blue Motion
Honorary prize: Luca Cordero di Montezemolo

At the SEMA convention in Las Vegas, one vehicle in particular is attracting a lot of attention: the TRAX Subaru WRX STI. This automotive creation, the brainchild of artist and snowboard virtuoso Ken Block, is making its public debut in Las Vegas.

Responsible for the actual construction work are rally experts Vermont Sportscar. The WRX STI comes equipped with a set of special EXE-TC Group N shock absorbers, a modified 400bhp 2.5L four-cylinder boxer engine and a KAPS five-speed automatic gearbox. Particularly eye-catching are the four snow-cat tracks in place of wheels. These turn the TRAX WRX STI into an awe-inspiring apparition capable of undreamt-of performance, even on the toughest terrain. And as a sort of bonus, this Subaru comes with a sort of sleigh in tow, the ideal solution for a family snowboarding trip.

At motor shows around the world, exhibitors have recently vied with each other to present an image of modesty. Not so in the US gambling mecca of Las Vegas where the biggest names in auto tuning are currently flexing their muscles at the SEMA convention (3rd - 6th November). The American tuning and accessories industry had a turnover of over $30bn last year, a trend that looks set to continue. The abbreviation SEMA stands for Specialty Equipment Market Association. Trade representatives from more than 100 countries are expected to attend the event which is being held on 180,000 square metres of exhibition space.

There are around 2,000 exclusive models on display. This show has the lot, from beefed-up muscle cars and pick-ups to show cars and the full gamut of tuning components. To nobody's surprise, the Mustang once again registers as the most 'pimped' vehicle, with no fewer than eight different versions of the sports car on display. Probably the most interesting of these comes from the Ford Racing Team, who are producing the Mustang Cobra Jet in a limited edition of fifty units. Every single one of the 2010 version has been sold already, so a wistful glance at the gallery below will have to suffice.

The Tokyo Motor Show has always been different from the rest. This applies to the vehicles on parade and to the visitors in equal measure. Basically, the Japanese and the Europeans have divergent tastes. They read manga comics (by preference to Donald Duck), are mad about electronic gadgetry and drive cars that we would consider shoe boxes on wheels.

This became clear from the concept cars exhibited by the national automotive industry, which effectively turned it into a design Disneyland. There was hardly a serious idea on display with any future prospect of realisation. The Toyota FT-86 will certainly grace the landscape as the next generation Celica. But virtually all the other show models have no chance at all of ever making it onto the road.

Playing Russian roulette has apparently become slightly boring and predictable. That's according to the Bulgarians, who decided it was about time to come up with a better, riskier and stupider version of the game.

The rules are simple – take a car, race it insanely fast through red lights at night against others and see if you make it first and alive. If you do, you could win up to £5,000. If you don't, well...

With a large selection of deaths on offer – embedded in a post, underneath a truck, off a ravine, choking on your air-bag etc, this game is much more exciting than the old Russian roulette with its one and only option.

However, there is a strict set of rules you will have to follow in order to get your money. For example, if you touch your brakes or crash into a pedestrian you will be disqualified and can wave bye-bye to the mullah. That is whether the pedestrian dies or not.

The game started in the busy streets of Sofia at the end of the summer and is very popular among SUV male drivers in their early twenties. The little daredevils are keeping the authorities busy as they try to tackle the problem. The illegal races are also attracting large and blood-thirsty crowds of spectators, who inadvertently might end up being part of the game.

Kids, don't try this at home...

Last week in Hamburg, the well-known New York street artist Craig 'KR' Costello gave a Mini a paint job in his so-called 'Krink' style. This involves applying the paint in such a way that it runs down the surface, looking as if it has been laid on too thickly. In the case of the Mini seen below, the silver streaks appears to trickle down the bodywork plus the rear and side windows. KR Costello made a name for himself in the 90s with his distinctive signature style. Ultimately, this led to the Krink brand name and line of products. You can find examples of his work in all the major metropolises of the world, in vestibules, on walls or in underground railway stations.

From 3rd to 6th November, the US Tuning Elite are convening at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Jay Leno is a popular TV star (Jay Leno Show) in America and an avid car collector. His specially tuned Camaro can be seen at the SEMA Show. This racer is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6L direct injected V6, pumping out around 425bhp. Of course, the Leno Camaro has also had a visual makeover in the guise of a new front spoiler with integrated air intakes for brakes and a bonnet lid sporting huge air vents.