n With the revised Felicia hatchback in the showrooms since last month, Skoda has now introduced the estate version, left, which comes with the same minor styling changes. As in the hatchback, engines include Skoda's own 1.3-litre unit and two Volkswagen designs, the 1.6 petrol and the 64bhp 1.9 diesel.

There are four trim levels, and the premium for estate bodywork means prices from #8599 to #11,499. They include a three year unlimited mileage warranty and a three years or 45,000 miles service and maintenance package. Metallic paint, which noticeably improves the car's appearance, is #195 extra.

n The Scottish Motor Trade Association is the latest group pressing for information on how the government will identify the ''least polluting cars'' which are to benefit from the forthcoming #50 reduction in road tax.

It is important to maintain the pressure about this definition, so that we do not end up with a daft situation in which small-capacity cars with poor emissions test results are taxed more lightly than large-capacity cars which may be measurably cleaner.

n About a year before it goes on sale, this weekend's Scottish Volkswagen Owners Festival at Doune Motor Museum will feature one of the new VW Beetles, right. The presence of the car, on show here for the first time, represents quite a coup for the club.

The two-day event involves Volkswagens and Audis, with manoeuvring tests and concours competitions as well as hot-rod displays and a mini Highland Games.