The new Audi A3 Sportback has been given the seal of approval after a road-test by a motoring columnist.

A review written for the Coventry Telegraph said that the double edge of the Audi A3’s driver appeal with an all-new 1.6 litre diesel engine along with leading edge efficiency-boosting technology “is paying dividends”.

The revamped model sees the new engine replacing the old 1.9 TDI, and is capable of delivering up to 68.9mpg.

It will do 0-62mpg in 11.4 seconds, with a top-speed of 121mph, while its 109g/km CO2 output is also favourable for the environmentally conscious.

“The start-stop system cuts engine power at idle when the clutch pedal is released and the gear lever is in its neutral position, and then restarts in just two-tenths of a second – more rapidly than any other comparable system – when the clutch is depressed,” the review added.

Audi’s new A3 Sportback displays the manufacturer’s “premium character” thanks to a refined style, agile driving fun and elaborate technology, according to a review.

A blog posting on NetCarShow said that the sporty elegance of the A3 models was already perfectly expressed, however, a number of new exclusive touches has boosted this further.

“The single-frame grille element and the trims on the B-posts are painted in high-gloss black, the lower air inlets have chrome struts, the exterior mirrors are aerodynamically optimised and there are chrome strips in the door handles,” the review stated.

Furthermore, at the rear, all the A3 versions now have a diffuser insert with eye-catching separating edge, while the rear lights have been tinted on the three-door version.

Last month, Carey Russ, writing for TheAutoChannel.com, said that the new Audi A3 Sportback offers “unique combinations” of performance and handling, while entry-level comfort and fuel economy has also been improved upon.

MINI’s latest model has been officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, showing off what is on offer later this year.

The MINI Countryman will be the first ever car made by the manufacturer to feature four-wheel drive technology to sit alongside its Hatchback, Cabriolet and Clubman models.

AutoTrader reported that the Countryman is wider, longer and taller than any of the other MINIs, offering extra luggage space, with four wide-opening doors.

The new car will also be available in either four or five-seat configurations, with no extra cost to the buyer.

"It’s business as usual inside, with the familiar centrally-mounted speedometer, steering column-mounted rev counter and funky vents and switchgear, but there’s more feeling of space than any MINI before," added the source.

The MINI Countryman will be available from September 2010, starting at £16,000 for the most basic model, and costing as much as £20,810 for the top-spec 181 BHP Cooper S version.

MINI has announced that it is adding a world-first in-car entertainment system to its new Countryman model. Known as MINI Connected, the USB interface will allow maximum integration of the iPhone into the in-car audio system. This technology will mark the basis for smartphone functions in the car, including telecommunications, entertainment and online applications. All of the controls through MINI Connected will be controlled using the car’s existing operating system, which is fitted with the optional Visual Boost radio. Web radio will also be available through MINI Connected, meaning that the driver has a choice of radio stations streamed to the vehicle from anywhere in the world. The new technology will also relay vehicle and driving information, such as safety and comfort-related advice, which might include guidance on the air conditioning system or prompts to fasten a seatbelt. Going on sale in September, the MINI Countryman will cost £16,000, and will be the firm’s first four-wheel drive car.

The success of the Mini car has helped BMW record a global sales rise of 17 per cent on the year in January, according to new figures.

Total sales for the BMW Group, which includes Mini and Rolls-Royce vehicles, rose to 82,120 cars.

BMW also revealed that sales of its Mini models rose 20 per cent, with 12,181 being sold around the world last month.

Ian Robertson, board member for BMW, said that models such as the new 5 Series and the Mini Countryman will help the group deliver a single digit growth percentage range for 2010, while it also hopes to sell more than 1.3 million vehicles this year.

Phil Lanning, writing in the Sun, said that the Countryman, Mini’s biggest ever car, will be the firm’s most practical thanks to more interior space and four individual seats, with the two in the back also folding flat to allow storage.

The BMW Group, manufacturers of the Mini range of cars, has been recognised in a leading eco-motoring award ceremony.

Green-car-guide.com gave the German car-maker the Greenest Manufacturer of the Year 2009 award, having recognised that it has made the biggest impact in bringing lower emission cars to British people in the last year. It is the second time that the car giant has won the title in three years.

The judges said that BMW’s fuel-saving and emission-reducing EfficientDynamics technologies were part of the reason why they had won the award.

BMW and Mini cars also received praise, as the manufacturers did not compromise styling or driving enjoyment in order to achieve their green improvements.

Paul Clarke, founder and managing editor of Green-car-guide.com, said that BMW Group offers an ideal range of vehicles to meet the criteria of the award.

Mini recently unveiled pictures of its new Countryman model, becoming the firm’s fourth variant. It goes on sale in Europe later this year.

New models of BMW Minis are set to benefit from a range of new technical and personalisation options this year.

A new petrol engine will be fitted to all First, One, Cooper and Cooper S models in the Hatch, Convertible and Clubman rangers, giving more power and torque, while also making the vehicle greener by reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

The entry-level Mini First will benefit from a brand new 1.6 litre, four-cylinder engine, which will produce 75bhp, while it will also now reach a top speed of 109 mph. Its zero-to-62mph time has also been reduced to 13.2 seconds.

Mini fans will also be able to benefit from a range of customisation possibilities so they can have their new car just as they want it.

Rainbow colour options are being introduced by the manufacturer, while an extension to the Graphite Special Edition model range has also been announced.

BMW Mini also recently unveiled its new Countryman, a four-door competitor to the VW Polo and Golf.