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IT’S commonly accepted that we are living through one of the most exciting periods the car industry is likely to see. As Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said recently, there will be more change in the next 10 years than we’ve witnessed in the past 50. While the technology and powertrains develop at a ferocious pace, it’s fair to say there has been little evidence that how we buy cars will evolve quite so dramatically. But it appears that finally the retail experience is beginning to catch up. In the past week alone, we’ve learned of two new ideas that provide an interesting glimpse of the future. Firstly, Hyundai told us that it would build on the success of its two Rockar operations in shopping malls (above) by building smaller ‘Tesco…

■ Exclusive images show stylish baby brother to A5 Sportback ■ Exclusive images show stylish baby brother to A5 Sportback Sam_Naylor@dennis.co.uk @SamNaylor_AE AUDI is readying its all-new A3 family car range, with the next hatchback, Sportback and Saloon set to be joined by a sleek new four-door Coupé. The line-up should be complete by the end of the decade, with the new addition giving Audi a direct competitor to the Mercedes CLA. The move is aimed at shifting some of Audi’s compact models up a segment into the executive class – where the A4 saloon competes – without a dramatic price hike. Mercedes has enjoyed huge success with this strategy, filling niche segments in its compact cars range – with models such as the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake –…

James_Disdale@dennis.co.uk EXCLUSIVE IMAGE A Avarvarii MITSUBISHI is on a roll. The incredible success of the Outlander PHEV SUV has seen it emerge as the fastest-growing brand in the UK for the past three years. Yet its overall sales still trail mainstream rivals’ by some way. So Mitsubishi is turning to the booming crossover class with an allnew SEAT Ateca and Nissan Qashqai rival. The car is still a year away – and it’s likely to be called the Eclipse when it arrives – but Auto Express got exclusive access to a development prototype to find out how it’s shaping up. Despite the heavy disguise, it’s clear the high-riding machine will have looks on its side. Mitsubishi claims the car’s styling is closely based on the stunning XR concept that wowed…

■ Design and technology updates due this spring up James_brodie@dennis.co.uk @JimmyBrods BMW has revealed a range of updates across its 4 Series range, with the Coupé, Gran Coupé and Convertible all benefiting from a mild facelift, new interior tech, plus M Performance styling packs. Design tweaks are modest, but the new models usher in revised hexagonal LED headlamps inspired by the units found on the new 5 Series. They form part of a slightly refreshed nose, with a new front apron on Sport and Luxury Line models. LED foglamps are now fitted as standard, while full LED tail-lights also feature, with a new horizontal lighting signature. Four new 18-inch and 19-inch alloy wheel designs are now available, as are two new paint options: a turquoise Snapper Rocks Blue, plus Sunset…

AHEAD of Ford launching its hybrid Mustang in 2020, a facelifted version of the current model has been introduced, with more power and a new look. It will arrive in UK dealerships next year. The tweaks are minor, but certainly noticeable: they’re headed by a reshaped front end, sporting an angular new bumper and headlamps. At the back, there’s a new spoiler, plus a more aggressive rear diffuser housing quad exhausts. Ford will continue to offer the Mustang with two power units in the UK – the 5.0-litre V8 in the GT and the 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost in the entry-level car. However, the V8 has been reworked to produce more power – although Ford has yet to reveal by how much. A new 10-speed auto will replace the current six-speed…

THE MINI Countryman is the latest model to receive the John Cooper Works treatment, with the 228bhp crossover due to debut at the Shanghai Motor Show in April. As with its JCW stablemates, the MINI hatch and Clubman, there’s a host of racy styling additions – such as the new front bumper with chunky cooling inlets, a model-specific bodykit, and new roof spoiler. A wealth of JCW badging and 18 or 19-inch unique alloys also feature. Like all JCW models, the Countryman uses the 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbo fourcylinder petrol engine delivering 228bhp – a 13bhp increase over the outgoing model. This also produces 350Nm of torque between 1,450rpm and 4,500rpm, and can take the crossover from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds – but MINI hasn’t said if that’s with the standard…