'Customers can also enjoy Volkswagen's free '2+3' extended power-train warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance programme, if they order any Volkswagen car at the car show.' Several car dealers offer roadside assistance in Hong Kong. We have heard of the efficiencies of Bentley Hong Kong's service, but we invite you to comment on your dealer's back-up facilities.

Ferrari goes topless

The Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M will be unveiled at Italian Motors' 101 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay showroom at 11am on Wednesday. The 1,340kg high performance sports car (right) is 80kg lighter than the F430 Spider and features the best of Ferrari's latest mid-rear-engine, eight-cylinder technology, says the dealer's spokeswoman, Sancy Chan.

The fastie's 510hp V8 engine and six-speed plus reverse F1 gearbox delivers blistering 0-100km/h acceleration 'in just 3.7 seconds and a superb top speed of 315km/h', she says. 'In fact, the Scuderia Spider 16M is faster round the Fiorano circuit than any other Prancing Horse open-top road car yet built.'

That sounds just right for school runs in Southside traffic. The car is also said to sip 15.7 litres of fuel per 100km (18mpg) on a 95-litre tank and spew 360 grams of carbon dioxide per km on combined runs, but it's a looker and real boast for a so-far undisclosed price in Hong Kong. Only 499 examples will be produced, in a choice of two colour schemes, Chan says.

'The standard version is black with grey trim, while a tricolour livery is also available as part of the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme,' she says. Other exclusive features include a roll-bar with carbon-fibre outer shell and a specific new generation audio system that can be combined with the removable customised Ferrari iPod Touch 16GB with central dock just in front of the dashboard.'

Alfa dealer hatches MiTo discounts

Alfa Romeo dealer Auto Sportiva is offering an early bird HK$20,000 discount on the three versions of the 155hp MiTo compact (below) it launched last week. The basic Progression model with 16-inch wheels, silver Brembo brakes, fabric seats and a red instrument panel is HK$189,800. The Distinctive Sport version on 17-inch wheels, with bi-xenon headlights, a panoramic roof, red Brembos, Blue & Me with the CD/MP3, fabric sports seats and a white instrument panel is selling for HK$199,800. The Distinctive Premium with leather seats is HK$219,800, says dealer spokesman Chan Wai-to. 'We are expecting the first batch in summer and we already [have versions] in red, white and black,' he says of the 1,368cc turbocharged quickie with a six-speed manual box that promises sprints to 100km/h in eight seconds. Daniel Wu (bottom) seems comfy in its natty interior, but watch out for a hatchback war on Gloucester Road. Chan says: 'We are pitching the MiTo at the Mini Cooper S manual [0-100km/h in 7.1 seconds; HK$324,800] and other hot hatches.' If these prices are too much, the more spartan 1,586cc Suzuki Swift Sport (above) is a little screamer with a 0-100km/h sprint in 8.9 seconds for HK$169,900.