Small bits of news from the auto world

Another zoom-zoom

The Mazda Sassou concept vehicle is a lightweight, urban vehicle for young, first car customers that makes every day city driving fun, highly practical and economical. Sassou, a sleek, three-door hatchback, evolved from Zoom-Zoom exterior design language with youthful lightness and surprising hidden features. The use of translucent plastic that disguises the head and rear lamps, advanced interior systems using a USB stick key and an ingenious rear seat morphing system, hint at where Mazda might be heading with a future B-segment vehicle.

Five buying tips

When shopping for a new car, first call Consumer Reports New Car Price Service to learn the wholesale price, invoice price and sticker price. Then get ready to bargain up from the wholesale price, never down from sticker price. Be wary if the dealer tries to sell undercoating, rust proofing, fabric protection, extended warranty; all are usually overpriced. After an agreement, then talk trade. Know exactly what your car is worth by calling Consumer Reports at 1-800-509-9376.

Scratch guard

Nissan Motor Co. unveiled a new car paint that repairs its own scratches and scrapes. Minor scuffs disappear in about a week with the Scratch Guard Coat, a clear paint which Nissan says is the first of its kind, contains elastic resin, similar to a rubbery surface, and can repair itself of slight scratches. The scratch-proof paint job will be offered only on some Japanese models of the X-Trail.