Beneath the boxy clothing of each lies a platform and power-train borrowed from one of Honda's more popular saloon cars.

ECONOMIST: The trouble with excellence

SUVs' occupants are three times more likely to die from their vehicle rolling over than are the occupants of saloon cars.

ECONOMIST: America's favourite mode of transport is under attack

Market research revealed that ageing baby boomers and their children were tired of boring, functional saloon cars no matter how clever their design.

ECONOMIST: The trouble with excellence

Ford is bringing in slightly Americanised versions of saloon cars that have been successful in Europe, while GM plans to do the same with versions of its German-designed Opels.

ECONOMIST: A crowded car industry

In the TV ad, Coulthard, who retired from racing in October after a spell in saloon cars, demonstrates to motorists that even the best drivers adjust their speed on country roads.

BBC: David Coulthard

He campaigned hard for the cabbies of his home town who, after a long court battle, were forced to change their saloon cars back to traditional London black cabs at great cost.

BBC: Parmjit Singh Gill