LATEST NEWS SNIPPETS: AUGUST 21 >> AUGUST 28

Subaru are to launch a new addition to the Legacy range at this autumn's London Motor Show - the Legacy 2.0 GL all-wheel drive saloon and estate. Prices will be competitive with the likes of Ford's Mondeo at UK�15,495 for the saloon and �17,750 (on-the-road) for the estate. This shows how serious Subaru is about becoming accepted as a mainstream manufacturer. Having established themselves as a world-class rally team (Subaru came first and second on this week's Finland Rally), they now want a piece of the lucrative medium-size saloon market. The Legacy is certainly up to it.

Other changes to the Subaru range for the 2000 model-year include:

• All Legacys gain side airbags, keyless entry, outside temperature gauge and intermittent wiper with timer.
• Legacy 2.5 GX gains leather-covered steering wheel, gear know and handbrake lever plus map pockets for front seat backrests.
• Impreza Turbo gains new six-spoke alloy wheels, body-colour mirrors and door handles, graphite finish centre console and fascia panel and variable-speed intermittent wipers.
• Impreza GL and Sport gain keyless entry.
• Prices for the Impreza, Forester and Justy ranges are frozen.

Latest changes to the Land Rover Freelander:

• Availability of dual-tone leather seats
• 16 inch sports alloy wheels
• Air conditioning as standard
• Price ranges from UK�16,995 for 1.8i 3 door

• Power-folding mirrors standard on XS and ES models
• Auto-dipping interior mirror with built-in compass on ES

The current Ford Fiesta is still a strong seller, and seems to have benefited from it's 1996 face-lift enormously. However, the current car is to be replaced yet again, with mainly cosmetic changes. The Car Enthusiast do not have any pictures of that car just yet, but we do know that the Ford Ikon has just gone on sale in India, which sports a cheery new face. It is thought that this will be the look of the new Europe-bound Fiesta. The Fiesta name should be retained however - it's history dates back to the first of the series in 1976. Expect official pictures of the new Fiesta within a month.

Volkswagen's already impressive range of engines in the Passat range includes the unusual VR5, but now there is another option for the driver that likes a bit of oomph, but still wants frugality. The new diesel Passat is powered by a BMW-rivalling 2.5-litre V6 engine. This powerplant churns out 150bhp with the use of turbocharging. The impressive figure however is the acceleration-inducing torque: nearly 230lb.ft at only 1500rpm! Expect there to be the option of either the Tiptronic gearbox or a six-speed manual. Externally the car will be similar to the VR5, and performance will be very similar, with better economy.

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