Car brand Kia has recently launched a new vehicle that has been designed by Jeff Banks.

The Loughborough dealership for the company was the host venue for the unveiling of the Kia Soul, which was created for Matalan clothing store as a competition prize.

It was brought about as a result of remodeling Soul Samba in Tornado Red. Jeff Banks was impressed by how bold the car was and added to it racing seats, red alloys and an in-car cinema system.

The motor was then finished off with his autograph written on the tailgate with red LED mood lighting and the Jeff Banks’ crest was added to the roof.

Cliff Johnson, dealer principal at Loughborough, said: "The car looks absolutely amazing – very inspiring."

He added that the edition of the car was flexible in its design options, so consumers could customise their new purchase to "reflect their personality".

Jeff Banks was one of the first ten British companies to show in Paris as part of the newly formed Paris Pret a Porter in 1969.

The Unwrap a car for Christmas competition is set to launch next month on the 16th and run through to Christmas Eve.

The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) has come up with a list of tips in order to keep car owners safe on their journeys.

Some of the organisation’s pre-departure advice includes checking your vehicle is equipped with enough fuel for the outing and making sure you are aware of the anticipated weather conditions and traffic updates.

Not all drivers may realise that anti-freeze has a shelf life of two years, asserts the organisation.

Commenting further on preparation for the colder months, it states that hot water should never be used in place of de-icer for example, or a scraper when clearing the windscreen on frosty mornings.

Handy items the organisation suggests keeping in the car are things like blankets, a warm jacket, a rope for towing, a road atlas and a fire extinguisher.

The RMI is the representative body for those UK businesses providing service and sales to motorists and was established in 1913.

A Honda Civic Type R with a modified engine is to be made available to customers in the UK, it has been revealed.

Mugen, a company that tunes the manufacturer’s racing car engines, is to build the vehicles at its UK facility in Northampton.

However, numbers will be limited to 20, so interested parties may need to be quick.

The car will boast a 2.0-litre engine with a new intake system and modified camshafts, which boost the power by 20 per cent.

Hiroki Toyoda, vice-president of Mugen Euro, said the company has already received significant interest from potential buyers in the UK and abroad.

"Each Type R MUGEN will be an exclusive, hand-built race car for the road," he stated.

Mr Toyoda pointed out 300 examples of a similar model sold out in Japan in six minutes.

The Civic Type R Murgen will cost buyers £38,599.

In other news, Honda is currently showing its hybrid concept the CR-Z at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Reliable Land Rover car parts seem to have been a factor in the latest success of one of the manufacturer’s most popular models.

The Defender has come out on top in the What Car? Reader Awards 2009 and the editor of the publication said drivers appreciate the vehicle’s practicality.

Steve Fowler claimed the model has always attracted "a devoted following".

He explained: "It’s far from the most sophisticated car on the road, but its no-nonsense approach and longevity are what our readers like about it."

More than 20,000 reviews on the magazine’s website were taken into account and the Defender came out with the highest average rating.

Elsewhere, the Jaguar XJ took the crown in the executive and luxury class, while the Porsche took the title in the performance model category.

In other news, the Land Rover Discovery 4 recently claimed two honours at the Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Awards.

Vehicle owners have been advised to check a number of important car parts are in tip-top condition before the clocks go back this weekend.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) said headlamps and tail lights should be cleaned to ensure they offer as much illumination as possible on dark evenings.

It also claimed carrying a spare set of bulbs in the car is a good idea.

The group went on to suggest drivers should replace worn windscreen wiper blades and check the washer reservoir contains plenty of fluid.

Finally, it said motorists may need to reassess how fast they travel.

Chief examiner Peter Rodger stated: "Optimum driving conditions are now ending after an autumn with reasonably good weather, so drivers may need to reduce speed to reflect bad light and weather conditions."

Previously, IAM said batteries need more care and attention during the colder months, as a dip in temperature can take its toll on this vital car part.

Firms need to make sure employees who drive for business purposes are checking one particular car part in is good condition, it has been claimed.

According to TyreSafe, businesses have a responsibility to ensure fleet vehicles offer sufficient grip in wet conditions.

It issued this statement after conducting research that found 41 per cent of company car drivers had not checked tread depth in the past six months, with 25 per cent admitting they had never considered this aspect of auto safety.

Figures from RoadSafe show there are up to 1,100 work-related deaths every year in the UK.

Chairman of TyreSafe Stuart Jackson commented: "As part of their health and safety obligations, companies should make sure that drivers understand their own individual responsibility towards tyre checks."

Earlier this month, the group named motorists in East Anglia and the north-west of England as the worst culprits when it comes to neglecting this important car part.

Vehicle buyers opting for the Suzuki Grand Vitara have the option of an "innovative" new car part, it has been claimed.

The manufacturer announced both the three and five-door versions of the model are now available with Rear Camera Display technology.

Cars fitted with this system show drivers the area behind the vehicle whenever reverse gear is selected.

This is possible through the use of a camera positioned above the rear number plate, which sends the image it records to the rear view mirror.

Suzuki explained the device can help people keep an eye on children or pets that may be running around behind the car.

The rear view mirror also boasts auto dimming technology, which helps to prevent the person at the wheel being dazzled by the headlights of vehicles approaching from behind.

In other news, the manufacturer recently claimed the Alto is just as well suited to long journeys as it is to short urban commutes.

Drivers who regularly purchase car spares for their vintage vehicles may find there is plenty to get excited about at this year’s Classic Motor Show.

Organisers of the event have announced visitors can expect a range of prestige autos to be on display – from Bugattis to Ferraris.

They stated: "For anyone who likes their cars at the top of the luxury and performance game, a trip to this year’s Classic Motor Show is a must."

Bugatti enthusiasts will find one club is displaying six models by the marque, including a Brescia and Type 35B.

Meanwhile, Prancing Horse fans and movie buffs alike may be impressed to hear a Ferrari Lusso owned by Hollywood great Steve McQueen is also to be exhibited.

The Classic Motor Show is due to take place at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre between November 13th and 15th.

As well as the range of supercars on display, the event is also due to feature an array of vintage police vehicles.

Motorists who want to get a good deal for their vehicle when they come to trade it in – rather than having to sell it for its car parts – may be well advised to choose the colour carefully.

According to Carsite.co.uk, the shade of a used auto can have a significant impact on the amount owners are able to sell it for.

Spokesman Alistair Jeff commented: "Conservatively toned models will traditionally achieve a higher resale value than their more vibrantly coloured counterparts."

This comes after a recent poll by the website found pink vehicles are least popular with Brits, with 29.4 per cent of respondents naming this as the worst possible finish for a car.

Brown, gold lilac and lime were also among the shades most people would go out of their way to avoid.

In other news, Carsite.co.uk recently claimed the government’s cash for bangers initiative could be preventing some young drivers from getting a foot on the motoring ladder.

The online resource explained a significant number of the used models such individuals would normally opt for are now being scrapped.

Research highlighting just how much Brits depend on having their own vehicles may encourage more drivers to ensure important car parts are kept in tip-top condition.

A survey by Europcar asked people across Europe about their attitudes towards their motors and revealed people in the UK are most attached to their autos.

Of those questioned, 67 per cent of Brits admitted they would struggle to cope without their own vehicle, compared to 61 per cent of drivers from the other six countries involved.

In light of this, motorists may be wise to ensure crucial car parts – including batteries, lights and tyres – are well maintained.

The poll also found 62 per cent of British drivers have changed their habits behind the wheel in a bid to reduce fuel consumption and cut costs.

Regular maintenance is another way car owners can ensure their vehicles are running as efficiently as possible.