On September 9th, 22 assorted vehicles all running on LPG/Autogas, will be setting off from Land’s End in Cornwall to John ‘O’ Groats on a challenge to drive economically, so that the percentage difference between petrol and LPG is as small as possible. OEMs, main dealers, autogas converters and the general public can all take part.

The idea is to raise awareness of the LPG industry and to prove how inexpensive LPG is, and dispel the myth that there is a lack of filling stations.

After the trip is completed, data will show the average motorist, who is looking at alternative fuels, how easy was it to find and what is the national average price.

The entrance fee is £250 and covers accommodation, breakfast and coaches to the evening events. Any profit made will be donated to Help For Heroes. Visit www.wcrlpg.com for details

Stop/Start features for the first time as an option on 1.6-litre petrol variants of Nissan’s Qashqai. This fuel-saving and emissions-reducing system not only makes the Qashqai a greener choice, it also drops it down one VED tax band.

In the diesel line-up every model now benefits from diesel particulate filter technology, and the 1.5 dCi’s output has increased from 105bhp to 109bhp.

Previously a £400 option, 18inch alloys are now fitted as standard to all n-tec models, trimmed in a black and silver finish. Drivers can also choose a new Chrome Pack option. For £250, the Qashqai and Qashqai+2 n-tec feature chrome door handles, chrome fog lamp surrounds and chrome side strips. Inside, the pack also includes door and tailgate entry guards and carpet mats.

From October Nissan’s X-Trail will benefit from a series of extensive updates with the most obvious changes made to the frontal aspect. The grille is of higher quality and flows down into the bumper assembly and retains the twin-angled struts either side of the Nissan logo.

The lights are sleeker and more technical in appearance, with either Xenon or halogen projectors (depending on grade) for the main lights and halogen parabole for the high beam.

In profile, the X-Trail’s stance has been improved, thanks to an increase in wheel size, with a 10-spoke 18in alloy design, which is also wider, now up to 225/55/18.

The Range Rover Evoque has entered its final phase of testing, with hundreds of prototype models dispatched around the globe for trial in the toughest climates and conditions.

Land Rover is making no secret of the operation – its design team has fitted 10 prototypes with ‘funky’ camouflage wraps, to introduce the new vehicle in 10 key cities. Paul, 4×4’s art ed, spotted the New York version cruising around Tunbridge Wells. Think the driver took a wrong turn…

The 2011 Freelander 2, on sale in the UK from the end of September, benefits from a new 2.2-litre diesel engine available with either 148bhp or 187bhp outputs, a new look exterior plus interior alterations and a new Premium Pack option.

Land Rover’s new turbo-diesel engine is available in the 4WD Td4 148bhp model featuring manual transmission and intelligent Stop/Start technology as standard (an auto ‘box without Stop/Start is available as a cost option), or the new SD4 model delivering 187bhp (available in auto only).