BUMPER to BUMPER; Nissan torque up new-look Patrol.

A NEW more powerful and refined version of the Nissan Patrol GR is to go on sale this Spring.

The flagship off-roader, pictured above, gains a potent three-litre direct injection engine and a sophisticated new automatic transmission.

The all-new turbodiesel offers substantial increases in torque and power, as well as efficiency.

In addition to gaining new safety and security equipment, the Patrol GR's well-appointed interior has been upgraded and is now a match for the imposing exterior.

Its introduction will build on Nissan's record last year of selling more than 53,000 Patrols.

FRENCH manufacturer Citroen have picked up a host of accolades recently thanks to their advanced common-rail HDi diesel engine.

The power plant has helped the best-selling Xsara to be voted Estate Car of the Year by Diesel Car magazine.

The award follows the model's success in taking top spot in the Tow Car of the Year competition in the under pounds 15,000 category, while its larger stablemate, the Xantia HDi, scooped the Diesel Car of the Year title by the Ulster Motoring Writers' Association.

The Xsara was singled out for its ability to pull from very low revs, its effortless and refined cruising ability and its fuel consumption figures of between 45 and 50mpg during everyday use.

VOLVO are at the final stages in developing their own 160bhp common- rail direct injection diesel engine for their V70 estate car.

The 2.4-litre five-cylinder turbo unit is scheduled to be available in about 12 months and will end the company's reliance on Audi, who meantime supply the Swedish manufacturer their current power plant.

Volvo are also designing a smaller two-litre diesel unit for their V40 and S40 models which at present are fitted with Renault units.

LIKE it or love it, Volkswagen's new Beetle has certainly made a big impression, even though just a trickle of the right- hand drive super bugs have so far made it on to British roads.

But not content with the two-litre power plant that can drive VW's radical newcomer to 115mph, the German marque have now shown an ultra- potent four-wheel drive RSi variant.

Powered by an uprated 3.2-litre 225bhp V6 unit honed into the cramped engine compartment, this top- of-the-range sporty beastie will be capable of rocketing the car to 140mph through a six-speed gearbox.

Inside the cabin, extensive use has been made of carbon fibre and aluminium is used for the pedals and foot rests, gear lever, grab handles, lights and wiper stalks.

Leather figure-hugging Recaro sports seats give that touch of luxury expected from a machine costing around pounds 30,000.

On the slightly wider body shell, a large spoiler has been bolted on the rear to give the car stability at speed while uprated suspension and 18-inch 16-spoke alloys are fitted all round to help glue the car to the road.

With availability set to be pretty scarce, would-be buyers might want to get their orders in now for delivery towards the end of next year.