BMW is the king of the luxury automotive world. They’ve got the best sales and their rivals are struggling to overtake them. But things were different in the 19050’s, when the company was almost bankrupt. That’s when they turned to making cheaper models. This 1958 BMW Isetta 300 was brought to the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $20,000 - $30,000.

It was offered without reserve. Power is from a 18.2 cubic-inch single-cylinder engine with an overhead valve and an available 13 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and drum brakes on all four corners. The car rests on a small, 59.1-inch wheelbase. The Isetta 300 pictured here benefits from a recent repaint in a two-tone scheme that complements the lines of the bodywork, and is in period style. It is to correct specification in all major respects including chrome trim and front fenders, and retains the original odometer and gas gauge.

The interior is in white and gray vinyl, with the sunroof top in matching gray. Condition throughout is fair, though the chrome brightwork shows some blemishing. Much to the amazement of many, this vehicle proved that the collector car market for small vehicles is alive and strong, as bidding surpassed the estimated value and settled at $35,200 including buyer's premium.

READ MORE - BMW Isetta 300 How Much Price

The 3-Series is now bigger than ever before, and while the base car is still relatively affordable for what it offers, it’s still not enough to stave off new entry-level luxury sedans. Though Nissan didn't reveal the concept's powertrain in Shanghai, we've learned it was fitted with the 190-hp, 1.6-liter turbo-four from the Nissan Juke that also served as base for the engine in the DeltaWing. 

Though the engine gives up some power to the 200-hp flat-four in the Toyobaru, it's said to have a wider torque band with stronger mid-range and top-end response. Rumors are suggesting that the plan is to use Juke's platform, and the project is being called "Mini-Z".It would almost certainly be front-wheel or all-wheel drive. That would help differentiate it from the BRZ/FR-S, but would certainly turn off those of us with sportier intentions.Nissan's 190-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbo was underhood in the concept. 

Notably, the project is a joint Japan-China effort, with Japan doing the heavy lifting in terms of development and China handling design and data assembly. China will be the car’s main market, and it will also be offered in Japan and Europe. A decision on U.S. availability has not yet been made. Development on the Mini-Z is well under way, with a launch possible as soon as late 2013. Look for a base price of under $22,000.

READ MORE - New Nissan Mini-z 2014 With FWD

The BMW M135i is the epitome of compact speed right now. Before any customer has ever set foot in the car, it’s already being heralded into the world as an ideal driving machine. All that excitement comes from fitting the smallest car with the 3.0-liter straight six you normally find in a 335i 3-Series. Along with the 320-horsepower M135i, fresh engines and features are among the new treats, as well as Sport Line, Urban Line and M Sport Package trims. 

The new 102-hp 114i model establishes the base, followed by the 136-hp 116i, 170-hp 118i and 218-hp 125i on the gasoline side, the 116-hp 116d, 143-hp 118d, 184-hp 120d and 218-hp 125d on the diesel side. Six-speed manuals are the go-to, with two eight-speed automatic transmissions in the options column. The M135i and 120d can be had with xDrive all-wheel drive, a first-time application on the 1 Series. 

The BMW M135i’s body has been specially designed to handle the impressive power delivered by its powerful engine. It will get the usual M design elements, including a new front apron with large air intake vents to meet the cooling demands of the high-performance straight six-cylinder engine, auxiliary units, and over-sized brakes. The three-dimensional flaps on the outer air vents were inspired by automobile racing and take the space reserved for the fog lights in other versions of the three-door BMW 1-Series.

READ MORE - BMW M135i 2014 Review

The first image of the 2013 Renault Clio leaked today, offering a preview of the new generation model. Unfortunately, the photo is not accompanied by any official details, however, the design changes are obvious. Renault's 2013 Clio features a completely new front design, with dark headlights, a new grille and bumper and a larger emblem. 

The engine first had an output of 169 PS. This was then upgraded to 178 PS in the case of the Clio RS 182, which has twin exit exhaust tail pipes, a 4-2-1 manifold and a high flow 200 cell sports catalytic converter. 

The new Clio's cabin looks more premium and is distinguished by its chic styling and interesting details such as a pair of deeply set instrument panel gauges and a large screen for the infotaintment and navigation system on the center console, which may or may not be standard on all models. The Clio 4 will enter the market with Renault's newest downsized turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, including a 0.9-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol unit producing 89hp (90PS) and a 1.2-liter turbo petrol engine with around 115-horses.

READ MORE - 2013 Renault Clio Spesification