Fit to boot

Made-to-order luggage designed to fit into the boot of the new Mini is now on sale in Britain. Christened the "Mini pack", it comprises a suitcase, airline case (including toilet-bag), and duffel bag and costs about $1000. The pack is part of a collection of products, including driving shoes, watches, jackets and folding chairs.

If the shoe fits

Talking of exclusive items, drivers in the Bentley team are using racing shoes made-to-measure by German craftsman Axel Himer. "One crucial element is the flexibility of the sole, which has to be different for each individual driver," said Himer. The shoes take about 50 hours to make. The first pair of prototype shoes is hand-made on the mould. After two fittings, a second pair is made. They are worn during test driving. Changes are then made to the third and final pair of shoes. One of the drivers, Britain's Johnny Herbert, said: "The hand-made shoes are not only more comfortable in a long-distance race, they also increase the sensitivity and the man/machine interface."

Prices in Focus

The Ford Focus range will start at $26,995 when it goes on sale in New Zealand next month. The base model five-door is the 1.6-litre five-speed GL manual. The GL automatic will cost $28,490. The 2-litre Zetec manual is $32,490 and the automatic at $33,990. The automatic 2-litre Ghia will be $34,490 and the top-range ST170 three-door $39,990.

Show and tell

The new Honda Accord Euro will be on display at the National Motor Show in Hamilton this weekend. The car is powered by a 2.4-litre engine producing 140kW (187bhp) and will go on sale in July. The Euro is one of two new Accords. The other is the bigger Accord V6, the American model. Saturday sees the start of the two-day Dunlop Targa Bambina from Taumarunui to Otorohanga.

Diesel switch

Growth of diesel in Europe shows no sign of slowing, research by German specialist Bosch shows. Diesel registrations in Britain rose from 436,600 in 2001 to 602,600 last year, an increase of 38 per cent. In Western Europe, diesel's share was up from 36 per cent in 2001 to 40.3 per cent last year. Bosch expects it to rise to 50 per cent within the next four years. The increase in Britain is in part due to new tax rules for company car drivers, which favour diesels with low CO2 emissions. BMW expects its new diesel 730d to be its best 7-Series seller. The 3-litre engine delivers 160kW (218bhp) and 500Nm of torque, has a carbon dioxide emissions figure of just 227g/km and does 7.4 litres/100km (33.2mpg).

Family favourites

The second annual list of children- and parent-friendly vehicles has been released by the American Automobile Association and Parents magazine. The two groups choose 15 vehicles based on children-friendly features and safety ratings. This year's list includes vehicles like the Volvo XC90, noted for its anti-rollover hardware and centre-sliding child seat, and the Nissan Altima, for its low boot-loading level. Also praised were the Honda Civic, Mazda 323, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Volvo V70, Volkswagen Passat, Volvo XC90, Ford Expedition and Honda Odyssey.

We are the world

Cadillac, the luxury arm of General Motors, is the official vehicle for the 75th Academy Awards next week. It has provided 10 Escalades and 20 DeVilles for VIPs and staff from the accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers, which tallies the votes.