South Wales Echo

Sporty Skoda

Astra-Nomical Joy ; Road Test Vauxhall Astra Sxi

FOR more than a quarter of a century, Vauxhall has played a major part in influencing the evolution of the compact family car. Since the launch of the first Astra back in 1980, the then Luton and now Ellesmere Port car maker, has enjoyed a prolonged and dominant presence in this part of the market.

Take a Look at Reliability ; Second Hand News in Association Usedcarexpert.Com

CRUISING down the bypass at the weekend I saw something I don't think I have seen before - a Kia had broken down. I've seen almost every other car break down, but Kia and Hyundai always seem to just keep going.

Toyota's New Yaris a Good Sport

TOYOTA has given its Yaris T3 models a more muscular appearance and added SR badges to create a sporty feel. The new SR versions are based on the standard 1.3-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel models but whilst there are no engine changes they are decked out with ToyotaMotorpost 16-inch Pit Lane alloy wheels, roof spoiler, chrome exhaust finisher, brushed alloy gear shift knob, front scuff plates and the suspension is lowered.

Cabbies' Favourite ; Road Test Skoda Octavia Estate

SOMEHOW you just know you're on to a winner when professionals who make a living behind the wheel adopt your brand name. And Skoda bosses must be dancing in the streets these days as everywhere you look there's a taxi driver weaving through traffic in a Superb or Octavia.

Caliber Is High Enough to Woo Europe

WHAT is it that grabs us about off-roaders? Whether you are a bloke or a girl, an office workers or a brickie, a young mum or a grandad... there seems an inevitable attraction towards the chunky, go-anywhere looks of off-roaders.

Museum Planned for His to Ric Bay Building

ONE of Cardiff's most iconic buildings is to be turned into a people's museum. Ambitious plans for the Pierhead in Cardiff Bay, announced today by National Assembly Presiding Officer Dafydd Elis-Thomas, will see special hi-tech displays devoted to the city's links with multi- cultural communities and the sea.

Striker Speaks Out ; the Man Who has 250,000 Daffodils to Pick Live It!

Closing Date Revealed ; the Man Who has 250,000 Daffodils to Pick Live It!

FEARS that Penarth's main post office will close have been confirmed. The Windsor Road branch will close on April 23, with a new town centre branch believed to be opening in Glebe Street. Sub post- master Richard Bingham said: "It's sad. We wanted the post office to stay."

Spring Deals in the Air ; Packages Revealed by Nissan

NISSAN is continuing a range of special deals to put a spring in your step this spring. They include a three-year servicing deal on all Note models for pounds 299, or if you prefer, a zero per cent finance deal with a 30 per cent deposit. Both are available to customers until the end of March.

Could You Help to Track Down Burglary Suspect?

THE son of a bungalow owner came face to face with a burglar who stole jewellery and escaped on a bicycle. The thief broke into the detached Kazimain Bungalow, in Newport Road, Old St Mellons, Cardiff, between

Is There Really a Pointe to This? ; Despite a Flat Housing Market, Some Believe New Development Will Be Success

WILL it be the city's crowning glory - or a towering reminder of a thwarted dream? Developer Bay Pointe's two-tower, 127m-high, half-a-billion pound flat complex in the International Sports Village, Cardiff Bay, would be the city's flagship development.

Over-60s Art Group Is Still Amajor Draw

WHEN council funding for a community amateur arts group was cut, it was disbanded. But theover-60s enjoyedtheir weekly class so much, they decided to continue the group themselves and, more than a decade later, the Rumney Art Society is still going strong.

Out & About

A SPRING fair is being held on Saturday, March 8, at Christchurch Hall, Lake Road North, Cardiff, from 2pm to raise funds for animal charity Catwell. Call 029 2075 3475 for information.

Recipe of the Day ; Nice & Easy in Association with Somerfield

Red Pepper & Courgette Roulade INGREDIENTS:

Hot Topic

Following Marks & Spencer's announcement of a 5p charge for every plastic carrier bag given out, do you think it's a good idea? "Yes. Why not use paper bags instead? People are much more tuned into recycling those and they cause less of a problem"

Macho Star Goes Fluffy ; Flick of the Week the Accidental Husband (12a, 90 Mins) Rom-Com **

HAVING a lasting career as a Hollywood leading lady is hard. Every year another slew of beautiful young starlets parade across the screen and every year another raft of them are cast onto the scrap heap.

Also Released

SEMI-PRO (15,91 mins)Comedy *****

Coming Soon

TICKETS go on sale today for James Blunt's concert at Cardiff International Arena. The much-derided singer continues to sell truckloads and his second album All The Lost Souls has shifted over three million worldwide, boosted by singles 1973 and Same Mistake. He opens his UK tour at the arena on Friday, October 3. Tickets cost pounds 32.50 and go on sale today from the CIA box office on 029 2022 4488.