Changes to a number of car parts means the new Mazda3 MPS offers a more responsive ride than its predecessor, it has been claimed.

The updated model arrived in UK showrooms at the beginning of the month, priced at £21,500.

According to the manufacturer, the auto’s stiffer chassis and bodyshell, its modified suspension and the new power steering mean it offers more precise responses to the actions of the person at the wheel.

The model recently took part in the MPG Marathon – an event designed to highlight the benefits of adopting eco-friendly habits when driving.

It achieved 41.75 mpg – a 43.48 per cent improvement on its official capability.

Iain Robertson, who drove the auto, stated: "On the technical front, its throttle control is outstanding, the engine’s responses are instant and the clutch and gearshift action is simply stunning."

Meanwhile, Mazda set its highest sales record ever in Scotland last month.

Volvo has announced the various car parts and accessories that will be included on the new C30 and C70 models.

Buyers will be able to choose from four trim levels for the first model – S, SE, SE Lux and R-DESIGN.

The latter option comes with front and rear spoilers with colour-matched side skirts, front fog lights, five-spoke, 17-inch Cratus alloy wheels and a chrome-plated sports tailpipe.

Inside the auto boasts steering wheel remote audio controls, sports floor mats and blue instrument dials.

Meanwhile, the C70 is available in a choice of three trim levels – S, SE and SE Lux.

The final option includes features such as active bending headlights with an automatic cleaning system and leather-faced upholstery.

Prices for the C30 start at £14,495, while buyers will be looking at paying a minimum of £25,995 for the C70.

First deliveries are scheduled for January 2010.

In other news, Volvo has welcomed the recent extension to the scrappage scheme.

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.

Ener1 has announced it will be producing an important car part for Volvo’s C30 electric vehicle prototype.

The American company revealed it has been contracted to supply the auto’s lithium-ion battery

President Ulrik Grape expressed delight at being asked to work with the manufacturer.

He stated: "We are developing a close working relationship with Volvo and are collaborating intimately on integration of the battery and safety in these advanced vehicle concepts."

The C30 electric auto is a zero-emission model – designed for city commuting.

Ener1 pointed out the car is capable of covering the daily mobility requirements of over 90 per cent of European workers.

The lithium-ion battery means the auto can complete up to 95 miles when fully charged.

Meanwhile, Volvo recently claimed if the model goes into mainstream production, it will only be when the company’s engineers are happy it is as safe as all of the manufacturer’s other cars.

A revised model from Volvo boasts better green credentials than ever, the manufacturer has announced.

The updated C30 1.6D DRIVe with Start/Stop technology now boasts CO2 emissions of less than 100 g/km.

As a result, people buying the car will be exempt from paying road tax.

Volvo said it put in a lot of time and effort to improve the environmental performance of the model.

Spokesman Peter Ewerstrand explained the company had set itself a goal of reducing emissions below the 100 g/km level.

"We’ve left absolutely no stone unturned in our determination to reach this target and it’s wonderful that we have succeeded," he stated.

The car also boasts fuel economy of 74.3 mpg, which means motorists may find the auto helps them save money at the pump.

Meanwhile, drivers keen to protect their no-claims bonus may want to consider the Volvo XC60 when they come to trade in their current vehicle.

The model comes with City Safety technology, which has been designed to reduce the likelihood of low-speed accidents.

The new Volvo C30 is to be offered with the option of a sports chassis, it has been revealed.

According to the manufacturer, this car part allows for "a significantly sharper ride".

It explained the use of stiffer bushings produces more precise steering, which responds ten per cent faster to the person at the wheel.

Meanwhile, the roll stabilisers also offer more resistance in order to reduce leaning when cornering.

In addition, the dampers are stiffer and build up pressure faster.

Customers can have the sport chassis fitted to all variants of the C30, apart from the 1.6D DRIVe with start/stop technology.

The latest edition of the model is due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt International Motor Show later this month, before going into production in November.

In related news, Volvo also intends to debut its new C70 at the same German auto event.

This model is scheduled to arrive in showrooms early next year.

A range of new Volvo car parts give the revised C70 a "bold" look, it has been claimed.

The front wings of the model have been redesigned in order to give the nose a distinctive wedge-shape, the manufacturer explained.

In addition to this, the grille and bonnet now form a more obvious V-shape and there are also larger air intakes.

Volvo stated the latter change combined with an enlarged iron mark helps to produce "a strong on-the-road stance".

The car also features new headlights with additional detail around the lower grille and fog lamps.

Meanwhile, the manufacturer pointed out significant changes have been made inside the model as well.

Fedde Talsma, exterior chief designer, stated: "We have … increased the exclusiveness of the interior materials and trim details to enhance the feeling of luxury."

The auto is due for release early next year.

In other news, 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the invention of the three-point seatbelt – a Volvo car part that has reportedly saved one million lives worldwide.

In recognition of the 50th anniversary of one of Volvo’s most successful car parts, the manufacturer has been given a special accolade.

Back in 1959, the company invented the seatbelt and to mark the occasion Prince Michael of Kent has presented the firm with an award.

Volvo was also deemed worthy of the honour in light of its continuing work in innovative safety design.

Managing director Peter Rask revealed the firm is determined to carry on developing its vehicles so that its customers are as protected as possible behind the wheel.

He explained: "The company is now aiming towards a vision that by 2020, nobody should be killed or injured in a Volvo."

Prince Michael of Kent presented the manufacturer with its latest award as a representative of the Commission for Global Road Safety.

In other news, Volvo recently announced the launch of a range of performance upgrades – produced in association with Polestar Racing – for its road cars.

In recognition of the 50th anniversary of one of Volvo’s most successful car parts, the manufacturer has been given a special accolade.

Back in 1959, the company invented the seatbelt and to mark the occasion Prince Michael of Kent has presented the firm with an award.

Volvo was also deemed worthy of the honour in light of its continuing work in innovative safety design.

Managing director Peter Rask revealed the firm is determined to carry on developing its vehicles so that its customers are as protected as possible behind the wheel.

He explained: "The company is now aiming towards a vision that by 2020, nobody should be killed or injured in a Volvo."

Prince Michael of Kent presented the manufacturer with its latest award as a representative of the Commission for Global Road Safety.

In other news, Volvo recently announced the launch of a range of performance upgrades – produced in association with Polestar Racing – for its road cars.

Of all the car parts designed to improve safety, the seatbelt is the most important, it has been claimed.

Volvo made this statement as the three-point version of the device celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Invented by the manufacturer in 1959, the seatbelt is believed to have saved about one million lives worldwide.

Peter Rask, managing director with Volvo, claimed the product is still key to protecting drivers and passengers.

He explained: "Other safety systems – such as airbags – are designed to work in conjunction with seatbelts, so it remains the most important safety device in any modern car."

Mr Rask went on to urge motorists not to overlook how crucial it is to belt up.

In 2007, some 300 road fatalities could have been prevented if people had been strapped in properly, according to Department for Transport statistics.

Meanwhile, motorists who are worried their seatbelts are not working as they should may find they can buy replacements online.