Top 5 news stories of the week

1. Ford S-MAX

Ford has just revealed the Ford S-MAX concept and it will be showcased at Frankfurt early September. The concept features a bolder front end with chrome detailing and raked back headlights. It's based on the same platform as the next generation Mondeo and is likely to use a range of turbocharged EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel engines. A hybrid version is also a possibility with prices expected to start in the region of £23,000.

Full story: New Ford S-MAX turns on the style

2. Nissan Autonomous drive

Nissan has confirmed plans to introduce autonomous drive vehicles to the new car market by 2020. The manufacturer has almost completed the construction of an autonomous proving ground in Japan, which will enable these cars to be tested to the limit in the safest possible environment. A labyrinth of laser scanners, 360-degree view cameras, actuators and artificial intelligence will help the car navigate and evaluate its surroundings, in essence making the driver a passenger in their own car.

Full story: Nissan to introduce autonomous drive by 2020

3. Peugeot 208 FE Hybrid

Peugeot had a busy week revealing another Frankfurt debutant, this time the Peugeot 208 FE Hybrid. Using the standard 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine from the 208 VTi, the FE Hybrid model is twinned with a 40bhp electric motor, resulting in emissions of only 49g/km of CO2. It’s capable of covering 0-62mph in eight seconds and can run purely on electric power for 12 miles. The FE Hybrid is a full carbon fibre construction to keep weight down, shedding almost 200kg from the standard 208's kerb weight. However, there has been some fairly substantial sacrifices in order to reach those headline figures, including a lack of air-con, power steering, assisted brakes and a smaller 20-litre fuel tank.

Full story: Peugeot 208 FE Hybrid revealed

4. Peugeot 308 R

Peugeot is taking the fight to Volkswagen with its warmed-up 308 hatch back. Titled the 308 R, Peugeot is targeting the VW Golf GTI and the French manufacturer already has a head start. Using a 1.6-litre turbo engine developing 266bhp, the 308 R has a 39bhp advantage over the GTI. This means 0-62mph can be achieved in 5.9 seconds - half a second quicker than the Performance Pack version of the GTI. Although it will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the coming weeks, Peugeot has refused to comment on the 308 R’s chances of making it into production.

Full story: Peugeot 308 R takes aim at VW Golf

5. Volvo Concept C

Volvo will unveil a new concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. It will be the first of three concepts giving us an insight into the future design philosophy of the Swedish manufacturer. The concepts are supposed to reflect the three new pillars of Volvo design - 'Scandinavian authority, creativity and activity' - with the coupe picture in the gallery representing 'authority'. The first production car you’re likely to see the new design applied to is the Volvo XC90, expected to make its debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show before going on sale in early 2015.

Full story: Volvo Concept Coupe