The Volvo XC90 has been given a mild face-lift for 2012 to help it compete against newer rivals.

Exterior changes include new six-spoke alloys, LED daytime running lights, new rear light lenses, LED brake lights and restyled lower door mouldings.

Look closely and you?ll also spot silver roof rails (previously they were black), while inside there?s a new three-spoke steering wheel, aluminium trim and new-look instruments.

An all-new replacement model is at least 18 months away, so this upgrade is designed to keep the XC90 competitive in a market that?s moved on a lot since the car appeared in 2003.

What?s it like to drive? The only powerplant is the 2.4-litre five-cylinder D5 diesel.

It was tweaked last year to provide 197bhp and 310lb ft of torque (up from 182bhp and 295lb ft), but the XC90 still feels ponderous because its gearbox takes an age to shift down. Ask for a burst of acceleration and there?s a huge delay before the car responds, and when it does the engine emits an unpleasant growl.

It?s a pity, because the XC90 is good at shutting out wind- and road noise, and it feels both comfortable and secure when cruising at speed.

Just don?t expect sharp handling; you?re always aware that it?s a big, heavy car, and the steering is slow.

What?s it like inside? The cabin of the XC90 has always been a pretty good place to spend time, and this remains the case.

The dashboard might look a bit dated, but it feels very solid. What?s more, the commanding driving position offers an excellent forward view and the new instruments are clear.

Only die-hard XC90 fans will spot the differences, but the new trim is tasteful, and the leather seats are comfortable. There are seven of them, and the versatility they offer is one of the car?s high points.

The rearmost seats fold down flat into the boot floor, but even when they?re all in place there?s a reasonable amount of luggage space.

Should I buy one? The 2012 modifications do little to disguise the fact that the XC90 is getting on a bit; younger rivals such as the BMW X5 and Land Rover Discovery are significantly better to drive and more refined.

Even so, there?s still a lot to like about the XC90. It?s classy, comfortable and well built, and while the prices don?t look especially low at first glance, massive discounts are available.

Rivals:
BMW X5

Land Rover Discovery

What Car? says?


Mark Pearson

 The Golf Cabriolet is a soft-top version of VW?s class-defining Golf hatchback. We?ve driven

it before with 1.4-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engines, but VW has now added a lower-powered 1.4-litre petrol model and the 2.0-litre diesel that we?re testing here.

What?s it like to drive? The 2.0-litre diesel in question is the 138bhp unit that?s available in a host of VW Group cars, including Audi's A3 Cabriolet

.

In the Golf Cabriolet it rumbles a bit when you?re driving around town and feels surprisingly lethargic at low revs. However, it comes alive when the turbo kicks in and is both flexible and quiet at motorway speeds.

Our test car was a GT model, and this comes with lowered suspension that makes the low-speed ride a bit too firm.

The pay-off is tighter body control on twisty routes, but the fabric roof means rigidity is slightly compromised compared with the Golf hatch, and agility suffers.

What is it like inside? Just like the Golf hatchback. The dashboard is classy and well laid out, and there?s plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment available. It?s a pity rear visibility is limited with the roof up.

There?s room for four six-footers in the cabin, but when the roof is down there?s a lot of bluster in the cabin unless you put the wind deflector across the rear seats.

The 2.0-litre engine is available with SE and GT trims, and these both bring a DAB radio, Bluetooth, parking sensors, cruise control and a fully electric roof.

Should I buy one? The 2.0-litre diesel engine in this Golf Cabriolet is smoother than the 1.6-litre diesel, but it isn?t as flexible as you might expect.

If you can afford the higher running costs, the 158bhp 1.4-litre petrol is far more likeable; it?s more powerful, refined and fun, as well as cheaper than the equivalent 2.0-litre diesel.

Rivals:
Audi A3 Cabriolet

BMW 1 Series Cabriolet

What Car? says?


Rosie McMahon

 Mercedes will bring Facebook to its cars

from 2013, it revealed at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Alongside Facebook, Mercedes drivers will also be able to log on through the vehicle's Comand system and use services from Google, including Street View. However, many of the services provided will be available only while the vehicle is parked.

Fans of Facebook will get a streamlined version of the social media site. The Mbrace2 Facebook screen lets users check their wall, news feed, friends, places and events. Drivers are able to change their status ? using preset updates based on location and destination ? while on the move.

They can also locate friends who've 'checked in' nearby, and find local businesses while on the move. More personalised functionality ? such as the ability to write bespoke status updates ? becomes available when the vehicle is parked.

Mercedes will also offer apps for smartphones that link to the Mbrace2 system. These will let drivers monitor their vehicle's use and generate diagnostic information about their car's mechanical state of health ? alerting the owner and dealer to potential problems before they fully develop.

All the apps will be available for IOS (iPhone) and Android smartphone platforms.

The features use cloud technology, so owners can use any compatible smartphone to check up on their vehicle.

Mbrace2 will be rolled out across the range from 2013 in the US. There's no confirmation yet as to when the technology will arrive in the UK.

Pete Barden

 The new Renault Twingo

will cost from £10,350 ? an increase of £355 over the equivalent outgoing model.

The heavy face-lift includes a redesigned front end, giving it a face that brings it in line with Renault?s new design identity. New paint finishes and roof decals mean buyers can personalise their Twingo

.

Standard equipment includes cruise control, Bluetooth and, from March, a USB port. The audio system has been upgraded, too.

Cost options include climate control, electric sunroof and an iPod-compatible radio, which, when combined with a downloadable Renault-developed app, can be used for GPS navigation and to analyse real-time fuel consumption.

All Twingos will come with the 74bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine found in the previous car and the Clio. Average fuel economy is 55.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 119g/km.

The Renault Twingo is available to order now and will be at dealerships from February.

Rosie McMahon

 We put the What Car? fleet through the ultimate test - every day life.

We?re a varied bunch of people, and drive each other's cars regularly, so we find out what the cars on test are like from a wide range of perspectives.

Each week we update our reports, giving you the insider track on what these cars are like to own.

Simply click on the links below to get the latest on our cars.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Run by Tom Webster, Staff Writer
Alfa Romeo Giulietta on test

Audi A1
Run by Rosie McMahon, data editor
Audi A1 on test

BMW 5 Series Touring
Run by John McIlroy, magazine editor
BMW 5 Series Touring on test

Ford Focus
Run by Adele Donaghie, managing editor
Ford Focus

Honda CR-Z
Run By Steve Huntingford, new cars editor
Honda CR-Z on test

Hyundai i40 Tourer
Run by Stephen Hopkins, art editor
Hyundai i40 on test

Jaguar XF
Run by Euan Doig, group production editor
Jaguar XF on test

Lexus CT200h
Run by Iain Reid, web producer
Lexus CT200h on test

Kia Picanto
Run by Will Nightingale, road tester
Kia Picanto on test

Mini Countryman
Run by Alex Newby, deputy editor
Mini Countryman on test

Mini Coupe
Run by Ivan Aistrop, content editor
Mini Coupe on test

Mercedes-Benz CLS
Run by Chas Hallett, editor-in-chief
Mercedes CLS on test

Nissan Leaf
Nissan's electric Leaf is tested by What Car? staffers
Nissan Leaf on test

Peugeot 508 SW
What Car? publishing director, Andrew Golby, takes on the Peugeot 508 SW.
Peugeot 508 SW on test

Seat Alhambra
Run by John Bradshaw, chief photographer
Seat Alhambra on test

Vauxhall Astra GTC
Run by Emma Butcher, consumer editor
Vauxhall Astra on test

Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer
Run by Neil Williams, photographer
Vauxhall Astra Sport Tourer on test

Volkswagen Passat Estate
Run by Barnaby Jones, deputy production editor
Volkswagen Passat Estate on test

Used
Nissan Qashqai
Run by Rory White, used car editor
Nissan Qashqai on test

Our cars: previous reports

BMW Alpina D3

Audi A2 on test

Citroen DS3

Ford S-Max

Hyundai ix35

Infiniti M30d

Jaguar XJ

Mazda CX-7

Nissan Juke on test

Peugeot 3008

Range Rover on test

Renault Megane Renaultsport

Skoda Yeti

Volkswagen Golf

Volvo S60

 Mini has added the Baker Street and Bayswater to its London-themed special edition hatchbacks.

The Mini

Baker Street gets special grey metallic paint with black bonnet stripes, and gloss-black 16-inch alloys. The interior has cloth-and-leather seats with a diamond pattern on the seats plus cockpit and door trims.

All Mini Baker Street models get the Pepper Pack as well, with climate control, Bluetooth, front foglights and leather-trimmed steering wheel included. One, One D, Cooper and Cooper D models can be specified with the Baker Street trim, with prices starting at £16,365. That?s £1685 more than the standard One Pepper Pack model.

The Mini Bayswater has a special turquoise metallic paint scheme with contrasting blue and grey bonnet stripes, along with 17-inch black alloys that sport silver edging. The bespoke interior includes leather seats with side bolsters that have a metallic sheen plus contrasting blue and grey stitching.

The Chili Pack is included on Bayswater models, which adds climate control, part-leather sports seats and front foglights. Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper S and Cooper SD models can be specified with Bayswater trim, with prices starting at £18,565 ? a £1500 price increase over the Cooper Chili Pack.

Both the Mini Baker Street and Mini Bayswater trims go on sale March 1, and replace the outgoing Pimlico and Soho special editions.

Rosie McMahon

 Drink-drive arrests during the 2011 Christmas period were up over the same period last year ? despite fewer breath tests being taken in 2011.

Of 156,569 tests carried out, 4.55% of drivers were either over the drink-drive limit, or failed to take the test ? up from 3.91% in 2010.

The Association of Chief Police Officers said that 7% of people tested after a collision were found to be over the limit, compared with 4.1% of those taking routine breath tests.

A rise in intelligence-led policing resulted in fewer tests being taken, with police forces targeting drink-drive hotspots and allowing the public to send tip-offs by text.

Police carried out 36% more field impairment tests to detect if drivers were impaired by the use of drugs, with 91 of the 540 tests leading to arrests.

The figures revealed that younger drivers are more likely to risk getting behind the wheel after drinking, with 5.7% of under 25s failing breath tests, compared with 4% of older motorists.

A shortage of education was offered as a reason for the rise by Neil Greig, director of policy and research at the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

?The Government are no longer doing TV advertising on drink driving, and research says this is the medium that tends to stick best in people?s minds,' he said.

He also urged the Government to include drink-drive messages on bottles of alcohol. This would be alongside health messages that the Government plans to print on bottles from 2013.

Tom Webster

 The VW CC is a lightly face-lifted update of Volkswagen's handsome Passat CC

.

As well as dropping the 'Passat' name, the key changes are revised front and rear-end styling ? the bumpers and grille are new ? while the most useful improvement is the upgrade to five seats over the Passat CC's four.

Mechanically, the car is unchanged. Petrol engines include a 158bhp 1.8 TFSI and a 207bhp 2.0, while the diesel line-up consists of 138- and 169bhp 2.0 TDIs. The V6 petrol engine has been dropped.

New features include optional blind-spot monitoring, City Emergency Braking, high-beam assist, lane assist, climate-controlled seats and a drowsiness monitor.

What's it like to drive?
Additional sound-proofing and impressively refined engines make the CC as sophisticated to ride in as it is to look at. The entry-level 1.8 petrol is an enthusiastic engine that's not short of torque, while the 138bhp diesel that will continue to be the best-seller is smooth and quiet.

For the most part, the ride is good, despite sharp bumps occasionally troubling it. The VW CC proves agile, stable and easy to handle through bends, if not quite as sporty as its styling suggests.

The steering is partly to blame for that ? the 1.8's felt disconcertingly vague at times, although the 2.0 diesel's was smoother-moving and more precise.

What's it like inside?
The CC looks invitingly stylish from the outside and few will be disappointed when they sit in it.

There are attractively sculpted high-quality mouldings, aluminium highlights and some particularly tasteful colour schemes. The high level of standard equipment includes sat-nav, a DAB radio, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and dual-zone climate control.

There's generous space up front, although that's partly because the seats are smaller and a little less enveloping than they might be, and plenty of legroom in the rear.

Tall back-benchers could tangle with the ceiling of this more rakish saloon, but headroom isn't that bad. An unusually long boot, with a big well beneath, is supplemented by easy-fold split rear seatbacks.

Should I buy one?
This is a handsome, stylishly sumptuous car that comes with some particularly good engines, generous equipment and for most users, more than enough room. It's also refined, making it an excellent long-distance machine.

It's not cheap compared with more conventional saloons in this class, but it's likely to hold its value better, potentially making it cheaper to own overall. The stop-start-equipped Bluemotion diesel averages 60.1mpg, and emits 125g/km of CO2. Keener drivers may prefer the crisper dynamics of Ford's Mondeo or the excellent new BMW 3 Series, but otherwise, this freshened CC makes a tempting buy.

Rivals
Audi A5 Sportback

BMW 3 Series

What Car? says?


Richard Bremner

 The VW Up is our Car of the Year 2012

but before you head to the showroom to place your order, take a look at our step-by-step guide to buying the perfect Up.

Three- or five-door?
For the moment, only a three-door version is available, but a five-door will go on sale in the summer. Come back to What Car? next week, when we will have our first verdict on the five-door Up.

Engine
Choosing an engine for the VW Up is relatively straightforward. There is one 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine, offering either 59bhp or 74bhp. It avoids the annoying thrum of three-cylinder engines of old, but the higher-powered version is more eager and copes impressively well at motorway speeds.

You don't need to worry about making a gearbox choice ? all Ups come with a five-speed manual.

Read the What Car? review of the Volkswagen Up

Trim
There are five versions to choose from ? Take Up, Move Up, High Up, Up Black and Up White.

The entry-level Take Up model is fairly basic; it sits on steel wheels and doesn't get air-conditioning.

Air-conditioning does come with Move Up models, but the wheels are still made of steel.

For us, High Up is the model to go for. It has alloy wheels, air-conditioning, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and, crucially, one of the most feature-packed infotainment systems we've seen in a city car.

The majority of functions are controlled via a removable five-inch touch-screen on top of the dashboard, which has Bluetooth for handsfree calls and to stream music. It also doubles up as a sat-nav.

Up Black and Up White are versions of the High Up with special paint jobs and begin to make the Up look particularly pricey.

Options
Metallic paint is a £450 option, but in our view the standard Tornado Red or Candy White look pretty good and won't be a barrier to prospective buyers when it comes to sell on the Up.

What we would recommend, however, is the £225 Driver's Assistance Pack (£400 on basic Take Up models) ? which won the Safety Award

at this year's Car of the Year Awards.

The pack has VW's Emergency City Braking. This useful feature watches the road ahead and applies emergency braking if it decides you are about to drive into the car in front.

Our perfect Up
Price: £10,390
Driver assistance pack: £225
Total: £10,615

Read the What Car? review of the Volkswagen Up

How to haggle when buying an Up
The VW Up doesn't officially go on sale until March, but already you can get around 2.5% off the basic price if you haggle. That would bring it down to £10,150. Remember you can haggle on the price of options, too. Internet brokers can offer great deals, too. Drivethedeal.com can get our perfect Up for £10,060 ? a £555 saving.

Initial hopes of being able to buy an Up on a £99-a-month leasing plan have been dashed

, but keep an eye out on Up offers after the car hits the showrooms.

Do you really want an Up?
That's an important question to ask. If you can wait until the summer the Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo ? virtually identical to the Up ? go on sale. Choosing between them could be down to personal taste or even which dealer is closest to you, or makes you feel most valued.

Iain Reid