nTrying to outrun a high-speed patrol car is never a great idea, partly because the top police drivers really know what they are doing. Down in Humberside, the vehicle crime unit has just put a couple of particularly mean machines on its fleet.
They are Subaru Impreza Turbos modified by Prodrive, which runs Colin McRae in the World Rally Championship. Engine changes have boosted the power output to 244bhp, and these four-wheel drive screamers can hit 60mph in five seconds from a standing start.
One is in traditional police livery. The other, doubling up pursuit with surveillance work, is outwardly standard, although no Impreza Turbo is actually unobtrusive even when standing still.
nVolkswagen is bringing out eleven different versions of the new Polo estate, at prices from #11,205, with three trim levels and a choice of four engines.
In addition to 75 and 100bhp 1.6-litre petrol units, the engine options include a 64bhp diesel and the TDI 90bhp turbo diesel. As well as being a strong puller, thanks to a torque figure of 149lb ft down at 1900rpm, the TDI should manage an overall fuel consumption on the high side of 55mpg.
nFord is running Saturday shifts in both Dagenham and Cologne to cope with demand for the Fiesta car and van ranges. Car versions alone accounted for more than 422,000 sales throughout Europe in 1997, and the Fiesta's market share has increased since then. Last year, Dagenham also produced more than 12,000 cars badged as Mazda 121s.
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