Synopsis

Traditional car design in Eastern Europe has lagged decades behind the west, but with the new Lada Samara, the Russians seem to have caught up. Sue Baker visits the Togliatti factory in Central Russia to drive one of the first right-hand drive versions of the new hatchback. This week’s car of the decade is the Austin Mini, a symbol of the 60s. Chris Goffey samples the cheaper end of the 4x4 market — how useful are they as transport for families in rural areas?