Good week, bad week: March 12

* Good news for the planet * Bad news for Surrey * Great week for wind-in-your-hair motoring...

Published12 March 2010

Car reviews

Kia Sportage

Aston Martin Vantage

BMW 5 Series

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It's been a good week for driving with the top down, but a difficult seven days if your name is Andrew Humberstone.

Audi R8 Spyder
We've reviewed Audi's sensational new R8 Spyder and reckon it's as close to perfect as you're likely to get with its roof up or down.

If you've got 111,995 to spare it's an excellent way to invest your cash. If not, well, there's always the lottery.

Petrol or diesel?
If your budget falls short of a new Audi R8 Spyder, we've introduced a new tool on whatcar.com to help you decide whether a petrol- or a diesel-powered car will be cheaper for you.

Good times for the planet
It's also a good week for average new car CO2 emissions, which have plummeted as motorists tighten their belts and choose more economical cars.

The findings come in a new report from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which reveals the scrappage scheme has also helped to slash emissions at their fastest-ever rate since records began.

Car deals

A sorry week for Surrey
Things don't look so healthy in Surrey, which has the most potholes of any county, according to a survey by Kia.

Surrey County Council rubbished the report, but not because it thinks it doesn't have a lot of holes instead, the council claims it has far more than Kia reckons. At least it's fixed 15,000 since the end of the cold snap.

Alfa Romeo fails their customers
Humble pie has been on the menu for Andrew Humberstone this week. He's the boss of Alfa Romeo in the UK and admitted that Alfa has failed to deliver the right products as well as decent levels of quality and service. Humberstone says the brand is 'at a crossroads', so let's hope it takes the right turning.

The is the week that was, March 12, 2010
Here's a full round up of what else has been going on this week:

Car buyers, we need you
Petrol versus diesel which is cheaper?
Beat the new 'showroom' tax
Audi R8 Spyder: belt up and mike up
Have you been stung by 'showroom' tax?
Who has the biggest saving?
Surrey tops pothole chart
Visit What Car? for exclusive previews
Alfa boss admits failings
Fiat's new engines in F1 Ferrari
Vauxhall Meriva exclusive preview
Win 25 free driving lessons!
Our stars of the Geneva motor show
Dramatic cuts in UK CO2 emissions
Ford Grand C-Max reviewed
What's the future for Jaguar Land Rover?
Toyota's hydrogen cars reach Europe
Politicians plans for motorists