The new, refreshed, Kia Sorento is in the showrooms now. The revised 2.5-litre turbodiesel and new 3.3-litre V6 petrol engines are said to deliver improved performance; while suspension modifications provide a better balance of ride and handling and safety is enhanced with state-of-the-art accident-avoidance features. The revised model uses the same body panels as the original car but with new front and rear bumpers, projection-style headlamps, tail lights and body mouldings. The overall length has increased by just 20mm as a result of the new bumpers. Full Article

Banbury Animal Rescue and Kindness Service is an animal charity operating in the UK that offers temporary homes for abandoned animals. While they help a lot of animals get off the street and into loving homes, a shortage of volunteers and foster families is putting the charity under undue strain. "We're the only charity that takes in unwanted animals around here and finds them a new home. We are getting a lot of requests to take animals in but we have not got enough people coming forward to volunteer to take care of them," stated Committee member Joyce Turner. Full Article

Belgrade city officials are planning to take steps to reduce the city's stray dog population. The city of Belgrade located in the country of Serbia is planning a mass dog spaying and neutering program. Currently the city is dealing with an abundant supply of stray dogs and plan to do something humane about the situation instead of taking the more drastic approach. The plan is to spay or neuter, microchip and vaccinate over 4000 dogs over the next two years. The plan is set to kick into action at the start of September, with a monthly goal of spaying or neutering at least 250 dogs. Full Article

David Beckham says he has not signed a new deal at Real Madrid but his camp insist talks are scheduled to resolve the 31-year-old's future. Beckham's current deal expires at the end of the season and reports claimed he had signed a new two-year contract. But a spokesman for the 31-year-old said: "He hasn't signed a new contract but we're due to sit down in September to hold talks." "There is intention on both sides to tie David to an extension." He added: "Madrid are happy and likewise David has gone on record to say he has enjoyed his time at Madrid." Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon was reported to have claimed a deal had already been done and said is had been done "for sporting reasons". Full Article

One of Northern Ireland's newest tourist attractions is to shut down after only 18 months. The Lagan Belle narrow boat has been taking tours on the Lagan canal but will make its last journey later this month. William Wallace began the service after Lisburn City Council invited expressions of interest. He said about 4,000 people used the service in the first year, but numbers have since dropped. "The first year was very successful, but this year has seen a downturn," Mr Wallace said. Full Article

As fuel prices continue to rise, cash-conscious car buyers are able to rely on Perodua to help them keep motoring costs down. Until the end of September, the Perodua Kelisa Ex, claimed to be Britain's most affordable new car to own and run, is now even better value for money. At just £4499 delivered (plus £93 road fund licence and first registration fee (6 months), Perodua have slashed £200 off the usual price of their lead-in model. Full Article

Details of the all-new MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S have been revealed. Featuring a completely new body design, a modern interior and modern high-performance engines, the two new models go on sale before the end of the year. The external design of the new MINI has remained true to its forebear, yet every body panel is different. The MINI design team deemed evolution preferable to revolution and MINI's styling remains instantly recognisable. Full Article

BMW is introducing three new six-cylinder powerplants into the BMW 3 Series range for September 2006. BMW's most popular model now encompasses a new twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol engine, to be badged 335i, and a single turbocharged diesel engine called the 325d. Joining these two new units is the most powerful diesel ever to power a BMW in the UK - a twin-turbocharged 2,993cc engine with 286hp. Following its launch in the 3 Series Coupé range, the 335i-badged cars come to the BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring ranges. Full Article

Peugeot's latest concept car is to debut at the Paris Motor Show in September. The 908 RC owes its name to its engine - the Peugeot V12 HDi DPFS, which will power the racing version of the 908 in 2007. The abbreviation "RC", used to designate sports models in the Peugeot range in mainland Europe. Peugeot tells us that the original idea was to create a limousine with an imposing style that offered its four occupants a new driving sensation. The final design, however, is said to be an uncompromising car that combines dynamic performance, comfort, luxury and environmental protection. The 908 RC is powered by Peugeot's V12 HDi DPFS (diesel particulate filter system) diesel engine, designed to take part in the "Le Mans Race Series" programme in 2007. Full Article

Thousands of spectators gathered in Liverpool for the climax of a 35,000-mile yacht race. The Clipper 05-06 Round the World Yacht Race featured 10 identical craft circumnavigating the globe. The Western Australia team won the race on Saturday, while the Liverpool team missed a podium finish when they were beaten into fourth place by New York. Spectators lined the River Mersey to welcome the crews back into the city where the race started last September. Each of the racing yachts are named after - and officially endorsed by - a different city or country including New York, Western Australia, Victoria, Qingdao, Jersey, Liverpool, Singapore, Durban, Glasgow and Cardiff. Full Article

The Goodwood Revival will this year celebrate a bizarre phenomenon with a display of small, inventive cars. With oil prices at record levels, the British motorist increasingly needs to consider driving a more economical motor car. This is pertinent in 2006, but it was equally relevant fifty years ago when the Suez crisis began in late July 1956, leading to drastic fuel shortages and spiralling oil prices. The Suez crisis prompted thousands of UK motorists to buy and drive a variety of clever, quirky and distinctive economical microcars, usually imported from Continental Europe. Full Article

US entertainment giant Disney is to cut 650 jobs worldwide as part of plans to produce fewer adult-oriented films and concentrate on family blockbusters. The firm is to reduce its film output from about 18 to 12 movies a year, with only two or three from adult-oriented subsidiary Touchstone Pictures. Touchstone releases do not match Disney films'''' profits or provide the same marketing tie-ins, the company said. The Pirates of the Caribbean sequel has been a huge success for Disney. A hit like Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man''''s Chest can spawn other products including video games and action figures. Full Article