The updated Vauxhall Astra features a number of car parts and technological innovations not normally associated with compact class autos, it has been claimed.

According to the manufacturer, the model may well end up attracting a whole new group of customers as a result of its high-spec equipment.

Buyers will find the vehicle is fitted with Advanced Forward Lighting – which is capable of changing its intensity to suit various conditions.

The car also comes with an ergonomic driver’s seat, with six-way adjustment and an extendable cushion.

In addition, the model is available with the option of a bike carrier integrated into the back bumper.

The revised auto can be ordered immediately, with initial deliveries scheduled for December.

Marketing director Andy Gilson said it is hoped the model will attract buyers looking for a motor "offering all the style and quality of a premium product – such as an Audi A3 – but at a far more affordable price".

Vauxhall previously announced a number of UK police forces would be using the new Astra.

Motorists concerned that the energy used in producing car parts for new autos being sold through the scrappage scheme means it is not a particularly eco-friendly initiative may have nothing to worry about, it has been suggested.

According to one environmental industry group, the positives of the programme outweigh the negatives.

Clean Green Cars dismissed criticisms the initiative is an expensive way to reduce CO2 emissions and not that beneficial to the planet anyway.

Spokesman Jay Nagley commented: "While not perfect, the extension of the scrappage scheme should be welcomed."

The company said autos being traded in tend to release significantly more CO2 than those being bought.

It also claimed the programme funds itself because the £1,000 provided by government is covered by the VAT payable on new vehicles.

Finally, the firm dismissed objections that motorists buying new cars under the scheme would have done so eventually without the financial incentive.

It explained ten-year-old motors are rarely exchanged for brand new autos.

The company made these comments after the Environmental Transport Association voiced concerns over the extension of the scheme.

Companies involved in the production of car parts for electric vehicles may be hopeful more cities and towns across the UK will follow in Brighton’s footsteps.

It has been revealed the area will boast ten Elektrobay charging stations by the end of 2009.

The same number again are then due to be installed early in 2010.

Elektromotive – the company that builds the charging stations – is based in Brighton.

Commenting on being involved in an initiative in the firm’s home town, managing director Calvey Taylor-Haw said: "We have installed Elektrobay in locations across the country, as well as in Europe and even Saudi Arabia, but this project is especially exciting for us."

He added the widespread adoption of electric cars in Brighton would help reduce both air and noise pollution.

Meanwhile, Elektomotive recently announced it was planning to demonstrate the benefits of its products to politicians attending the Labour and Conservative Party conferences.

Automotive enthusiasts who are passionate about anything to do with vehicles, car parts and accessories may want to follow in the footsteps of musician Jools Holland.

The TV presenter recently paid a visit to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu to check out the new World of Top Gear exhibition.

Previously, Holland has appeared on the show presented by Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond – and taken part in the fastest lap feature.

On seeing the Suzuki Liana that he drove to record his best time on display at Beaulieu, the former member of Squeeze was keen to see if he could improve on his earlier performance.

However, as this was not an option, he decided to matters into his own hands and move his name manually up the fastest lap leader board.

Meanwhile, three additional cars that have featured on Top Gear joined the exhibition at Beaulieu recently.

Visitors can now see the Toyota Hilux, Triumph Herald and Fiat Coupe that appeared on the show.

The government has suggested a wide range of sectors will benefit from the extension of the scrappage scheme, including those producing car parts.

It announced funding is to be increased to £400 million so there will be enough cash to subsidise up to 400,000 vehicles.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said individual component makers should be among the firms to reap the rewards.

Business secretary Lord Peter Mandelson said: "The sector has been strongly affected by the recession, but the scrappage scheme has delivered a boost to manufacturers and the supply chain."

However, he added the extension of the programme is a short-term measure, which should not be viewed by the industry as "a blank cheque".

The scheme will now run until February next year or when the cash has gone – whichever comes sooner.

Meanwhile, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has welcomed the announcement, claiming it will inspire confidence in businesses and consumers.

People who describe the scrappage scheme as a green initiative are failing to take into account the energy required to produce car parts for new vehicles, it has been suggested.

The Environmental Transport Association (ETA) claimed extending the programme should not be passed off as being positive for the planet.

It acknowledged the autos being scrapped tend to release more CO2 than those being purchased.

However, the group added this was not the only aspect of the process that should be taken into account.

It explained producing vehicles has a detrimental impact on the environment, which may outweigh any benefits.

Commenting on the extension of the scrappage scheme, director Andrew Davis said: "This is little more than a panicked way of propping up the industry as, given time, those cashing in the grants would most likely have bought the new car anyway."

Earlier this month, research carried out on behalf of ETA revealed British motorists are 16th in a table of nations in Europe buying the least-polluting autos.

Motorists who like to fit their autos with the highest-quality car parts available in order to make them as safe as possible may be tempted to opt for Continental products after hearing about the company’s latest success.

The firm has taken the title of Manufacturer of the Year at a recent event.

It received the honour at the Tyre and Fast Fit Awards from the National Tyre Distributors Association.

Managing director David Smith commented: "We are delighted that our work and efforts have been recognised by the industry."

The company was deemed worthy of the accolade in light of its consistently positive performance in independent tests and innovative new products such as Contiseal – a puncture-resistant car tyre.

Currently, the firm’s products hold 11 Which? magazine Best Buy recommendations.

Meanwhile, the Institute of Advanced Motorists recently urged drivers to check tyre tread depth on a regular basis during autumn in order to reduce their chances of being involved in accidents.

Motorists who fail to look after one of the most important car parts in their vehicle could end up shortening their auto’s life, it has been suggested.

According to the Good Garage Scheme, drivers need to protect their engines by checking oil levels regularly.

It cited a report broadcast on Channel 5’s Fifth Gear that claimed 25 cars a day are ruined in the UK due to insufficient volumes of this vital fluid.

Technical manager Phil Dugmore said: "Many motorists simply forget to check their oil level and by the time the oil warning light comes on, a lot of the damage has already been done."

In order to draw attention to the issue, the Good Garage Scheme has launched a new campaign.

Check Your Oil has been established to encourage more motorists to get into the habit of looking under the bonnet.

In other news, Castrol recently started a trial in London to help drivers choose the most suitable product for their engine.

Speed cameras have been set up that identify passing cars – and further down the road the best type of oil for the make and model in question is displayed on a billboard.

A change to the theory test may help to make Britain’s roads safer, if it has the desired effect.

From now on, anyone taking the assessment will be faced with a case study question.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) explained the introduction of the new element is part of a long-term programme of reforms aimed at improving the way people are taught and tested in the UK.

Currently, just one case study is being presented to learners taking the theory test.

However, this may increase in the future.

Director of driver education and learning at DSA Jill Lewis commented: "Case studies are widely used in education to put learning into context and test comprehension of a subject, so many candidates will have encountered this type of question before."

If the change does help to make novice motorists better equipped to deal with the challenges of negotiating Britain’s roads, it may reduce the number of car parts damaged every day in accidents up and down the country.

A Volvo car part that features in the XC60 could make the auto an ideal choice for motorists with caravans.

The vehicle is fitted with Trailer Stability Assist technology, which means if a mobile home being pulled by the model starts to snake across the road, braking is applied to individual wheels in order to right the problem.

Judges at this year’s Caravan Club Towcar awards were certainly impressed with the auto.

They awarded the model first place in the £25,000 to £32,000 category and drew particular attention to the motor’s poise and load-carrying capabilities.

Caravan Club chairman Grenville Chamberlain said: "Terms such as ‘confident’, ’sure-footed’ and ‘doesn’t feel like it’s towing’ were used plentifully by the judges. Volvo has produced another excellent towcar."

The auto beat rival models from the likes of Toyota, Skoda, Subaru, Isuzu and Honda.

However, the Volkswagen Golf was named the overall winner at this year’s event.