John Simister

John Siminster writes for the motoring section of The Independent.

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Motoring: Smaller, cheaper, better than ever

And the technology in this new Mercedes moves it streets ahead of the coupe competition.

Motoring: The Germans get there first

You'd expect that at the Frankfurt Motor Show. But VW, Mercedes and Audi had better watch themselves. The rest are catching up fast.

Motoring: Road Test: Smart, as in funky but chic

Swatch and Mercedes linked up to build a revolutionary mini-car. Swatch pulled out, but Mercedes finished the job.

Motoring: Road Test - Out of the black hole

The Nissan Primera: about as charismatic as a breeze block? Not any more. And it's good to drive, too.

Motoring: Two for the price of one

Fiat is at it again: the Italian company is launching one car, with one name. But with two very different models designed for very different markets, sporty and family. But both are fun to drive, says John Simister

Motoring: Road Test - Pop goes the diesel

Heard the one about the Alfa Romeo diesel... well it's no joke. The new Alfa 156 has a diesel engine and runs like a dream

Motoring: It may be a car - but is it art?

The best car designers are effectively artists. So where better to celebrate their work than the RCA?

Motoring: Undercover charm - Subaru

Road Test; Its looks may not wow, but get behind the plasticky wheel and you will understand why Subaru's Legacy has such a following. By John Simister

Motoring- Road Test: French for fun

Renault's highly successful hatchback Megane has had a Japanese facelift. You get more of everything, except good looks.

Motoring: The Independent Road Test: You big smoothie

Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI diesel. Diesel? Yes, diesel.

Day In a Page

Johnny Marr talks relationships and reunions

He's worked with Modest Mouse, the Pet Shop Boys and Beck, to name a few, and recently released his first solo album. So why, wonders Johnny Marr, do people still hark on about The Smiths?
After the flood: From Haiti to Britain, one man has captured the devastation of our increasingly deluged lands

In pictures: After the flood

From Haiti to Britain, one man has captured the devastation of our increasingly deluged lands
Death becomes her: Meet the very modern mortician who champions 'cool' funerals

Death becomes her: A very modern mortician

Ever considered baking a loved one's remains into a cake or putting their ashes in fireworks? If so, talk to Caitlin Doughty, champion of the alternative death industry.
How long can the 'Keep Calm' trend carry on?

How long can the 'Keep Calm' trend carry on?

At first it seemed clever and cute. Then the 'Keep Calm' motif went mad, spawning endless offshoots.
The man who built Brum: A lament for the demise of John Madin's Brutalist Birmingham

John Madin: The man who built Brum

The architect's buildings were supposed to leave an indelible, futuristic mark on his beloved hometown but they are now being inexorably torn down.
School of chop: Learning the art of butchery at the Ginger Pig

School of chop: Learning the art of butchery

How do you butcher a lamb? Or make Mexican street food in a British kitchen? Christopher Hirst finds out.
James Pembroke: The man who's eaten everywhere

The man who's eaten everywhere

Few people know more about restaurants than James Pembroke, who only spent five mealtimes at home during his entire childhood.
A Berliner in 1963 – but did John F Kennedy once admire Adolf Hitler?

A Berliner in 1963 – but did John F Kennedy once admire Adolf Hitler?

The young JFK praised 'superior' Nordic races during visits to Germany
Banned Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof to attend Cannes Film Festival 2013, his first public appearance since prison

Banned Iranian director to attend Cannes Film Festival

Mohammad Rasoulof to make his first public appearance since being imprisoned three years ago
Seeing the larger picture: Inspiring images of space

Seeing the larger picture: Inspiring images of space

An exhibition explores images how photography has shaped astronomy
Eat Spam and carry on: Wartime pamphlets could teach us a thing or two about healthy, thrifty eating

Eat Spam and carry on

Wartime pamphlets could teach us a thing or two about healthy, thrifty eating
Facial hair: Cat beards and the purrrsuit of excellence

Facial hair

Cat beards and the purrrsuit of excellence
The 10 Best salt and pepper sets

The 10 Best salt and pepper sets

Whether they're for everyday use or to make your dining table look just right, it's worth getting a stylish shaker...
Ferran Soriano: Predicting success if Manchester City 'vision' is followed

Ferran Soriano: Predicting success if Manchester City 'vision' is followed

Chief executive says trophies will come if a 'core' of suitable players is in place
Thomas Müller: We couldn't handle losing a Champions League Final again

Thomas Müller: We couldn't handle losing a Champions League Final again

The Bayern Munich forward tells Tim Rich his side have to shed chokers' tag after two recent final defeats