|
|
---|
Friday, February 29, 2008
2 Hyundai coupes arrive in 2009 (UK)
Hyundai will launch two new coupes by 2009. The first will be front wheel drive and will replace the current Coupé SIII. This is be based off the i30 and will look alot like the Veloster. Expect the same radical design, including the shooting brake-style rear end and squat, wide body, although the glass roof may be lost for safety reasons. Engine options will include the 1.6 and 2.0-litre engines also used in the i30, with a diesel model still being considered.
As part of Hyundai’s new brand restructuring, the next Coupé will remain in the same price range as the current model (which starts at £15,700) without compromising the level of quality which has been set by the new ‘i’ cars; it hasn’t yet been decided if that nomenclature will appear on the coupé.
Hyundai is confident that the new, more premium coupé’s price won’t rise because it will not come with a V6 engine option — as the current model does.
The second coupe is likely to be the Genesis Coupé. The plan is to introduce an entirely different, more performance-focused coupé based on the rear-wheel-drive, 350bhp V6 Genesis coupé concept that was unveiled at the 2007 Los Angeles show. This would be Hyundai’s answer to the Nissan 350Z, and would be available with the concept’s V6; the V8 from the Genesis saloon concept is also being considered.
The Genesis coupé has not yet been confirmed for the UK, but Tony Whitehorn, MD of Hyundai UK, maintains that Hyundai “must have a sports car as its halo model”.
Odd-looking Mazda6 spied (U.S)
Meet your new Mazda6, provding you are in the U.S. This pre-production car was spied in the snowy state of Detroit.
The vulgar headlamps are part of the car right down to the Jaguar XF looking exhausts. A 3.5 litre V6 is likely to be used but the 3.7 litre V6 used in the CX-9 is unlikely.
Look for the official debut of the Mazda6 in the next few months with sales beginning sometime this year.
Related link:
Spied: 2009 Mazda6 sedan
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Subaru Forester pricing announced (U.S)
Last month, Subaru debuted the Forester SUV and this month, they have revealed the pricing for the new compact SUV.
Priing will start at $19,995 which which undercuts its predessor by $1200 but thats without the $665 destination charge. The PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions) model will start from $20,195 and the XT Limited will be priced from $28,195 excluding destionation charge.
The crossover is what Subaru calls a "more SUV-like" look, in part due to its 3.6-inch-longer wheelbase, now up to 103.0 inches.
Power will come from a 2.5 litre petrol normally aspirated and turbocharged engines. The turbo models will be mated with an automatic transmission. VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) and traction control will be standard across the range. It will go on sale in April.
Related links:
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Hyundai i30 Estate pricing announced (UK)
After months of teasing UK customers on the Hyundai UK website, Hyundai has announced the prices for their newest arrival in the i30 family.
The i30 estate will start from £12,995 for the entry-level Comfort grade which gives you a 1.6 litre petrol engine that is equipped with electric folding door mirrors, air conditioning, 15” alloy wheels, ESP, six airbags, USB/iPod and aux connections. Expect to pay £16,295 for the flagship Premium grade which features 17" alloy wheels, heated & leather seats, climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rear parking sensors and front windscreen wiper de-icer.
It goes on sale 2nd April.
i30 Estate 1.6 Comfort £12,995
i30 Estate 1.6 Style £13,995
i30 Estate 1.6 Style Auto £14,995
i30 Estate 1.6 CRDi Style £14,695
i30 Estate 1.6 CRDi Premium £16,295
Standard specification:
Comfort:
Air conditioning
15” alloy wheels
ESP
Six airbags
Electric folding door mirrors
USB/iPod and aux connections
Style:
As Comfort, plus:
16” alloy wheels
Automatic lights-on sensor
Cloth seats with leather trim
Leather gear knob and steering wheel
Solar control glass (windscreen)
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Premium:
As Style, plus:
17” alloy wheels
Climate control
Auto-dimming rear view mirror
Leather seat facings
Heated front seats
Rear parking sensors
Front windscreen wiper de-icer
Related link:
Hyundai Elantra Touring preview
Friday, February 22, 2008
Chrysler gives Europe a diesel SRT 300C
Later on this year, Chrysler will install a 3.0 V6 diesel engine in the 300C SRT which is borrowed from the regular 300C 3.0 CRD. This means 218 bhp, 163kW and 376lb ft of torque.
It will be available as a sedan or a touring model and boasts many of the SRT features including 20-inch alloys, body kit, chrome mesh grille. On the outside bootlid spoiler, revised rear light clusters, and extra LED lights will be incorporated in the facelift.
The interior will feature a satellite navigation system with a 20GB drive (referred to as MyGig), carbon-fibre detailing and leather sports seats straight out the of the 425bhp, 6.1-litre V8 SRT-8.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Honda Swindon plant produces 2 million cars
£80m investment tops day of achievement
This week marks Honda's celebration of the 2 millionth car from its Swindon car production facility. The silver CR-V is scheduled for production tomorrow evening (21st February, 2008) nearly 16 years after car manufacturing began in October 1992. Today the company announced substantial new investment, showing further commitment to its UK manufacturing operations. Building on its 22 year history, Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd. (HUM) is investing a further £80 million to upgrade and improve manufacturing processes.
This includes:
• £20 million into Plastic Operations which started mass production in January 2008 - capable of moulding and painting 1300 sets of bumpers for Civic and CR-V each day
• £16 million into a new casting facility employing the Honda patented process of ASCT (advanced semi-solid casting technology). This unique new process will enable HUM to independently cast diesel blocks, a process which, until now, has only been carried out at Honda in Japan
• A further £50 million being invested in welding and paint production technology, increasing efficiency and production flexibility. Honda's Swindon plant has shown a 25% increase in production volume over the last 18 months, with the company's UK sales operation breaking through the 100,000 sales barrier for the first time in 2007. Currently just under 30% of Swindon production goes to the UK market. In 2007, HUM produced 237,783 cars. David Hodgetts, Director at HUM, stated that "We are extremely proud of our workforce here in Swindon. This major milestone demonstrates the scale of our achievement since our operations began nearly 22 years ago. This fresh investment will enable Honda to improve overall competitiveness and increase the level of localised manufacture in Swindon. " Ken Keir, Senior Vice President of Honda Motor Europe, said "The fact that there are over two million happy customers driving Swindon built Honda cars is testament to our Associates' commitment and is a great accomplishment."
Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd. (HUM) : Key Facts 1) HUM Vehicle Production History
• Accord 4 Door (1992~2002 ) 280,432
• Accord 5 Door (1999~2002) 46,418
• Civic Aerodeck (1998~2000) 48,064
• Civic 3 Door (2001~Present) 213,810
• Civic 5 Door (1994~Present) 777,850
• CR-V (2000~Present) 633,426
Total 2,000,000
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Suzuki Splash pricing announced (UK)
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Mazda2 makes 100,000 milestone
Mercedes CLK Coupé exposed in snow
Although it’s hard to see underneath the camouflage, the front light clusters are expected to be spilt into two and with the rear light clusters, they maybe located on the boot-lid.
Based of the new C-Class sedan, the next generation CLK will show signs of a similar design. Engines aren't expected to change much but the current 3.5-litre V6 will most likely remain as the base powerplant, with the 5.5-litre V8 continuing as an option. Diesel engines will also be available for the European market. Rear-wheel drive will continue as well, although there is speculation that 4Matic will be added as an option.
The CLK coupe is due late 2008 with the convertible expected to follow in 2009.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Say bonjour to the new Sandero
Updated on: 06/06/08
New pictures: 2009 Dacia Sandero SUV via Auto.cz
The Sandero has been launched in Brazil as a Renault but when the European counterpart arrives, don't expect the same name treatment.
Although, the Sandero is set for launch in 2009, Dacia is hot on its heels, testing it thoroughly in Southern Italy and Romania. Compared to the Brazilian Sandero, the European model will have a revised radiator grille.
Better specc'ed grades could have colour coded bumpers and door mirrors, electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors, front electric windows, height adjustable drivers seat, remote central door locking etc although, lower grades will be available for the UK market.
The Sandero will measure at four-metres and should be available at £6,500, which is the same price tag as an entry-level KIA Picanto.
The Sandero is based on the same BO platform and mechanicals that are found in the Logan saloon, estate and van. Its official launch will be at next month’s Geneva motor show but it won’t go on sale in the UK until early 2009.
There will also be a seven-seat version of the estate car which will be available to Europeans but isn't likely to come to the UK, however, the Logan estate could join our range later on in 2009.
When the new variants appear, they will be sold through Renault’s strong 200 dealer network with most showrooms having their own “Dacia” section.
A hatchback and estate aren't the only variants in the pipeline, expect to see a pseudo "SUV" looking Sandero hatchback and a sedan, which are all due to launch in 2009.
Related links:
Renault Sandero video
Renault Sandero launches in Brazil
New Car: 2008 Renault Sandero
SsangYong cuts prices across the range (UK)
SsangYong was thinking about pulling out of the UK market due to poor sales. Only 1,500 cars were sold last year with the Rexton II be the most popular but even this even suffered poor sales itself due to high tax band and emissions.
The new Kyron will start from £14,995, this being front wheel drive which is saving you £3000 from the previous price tag of £17,995. This undercuts the Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V and KIA Sportage. The Rexton II SUV sheds £2,600, with a sticker price of £19,995. Powering it is a 2.7 litre diesel engine and lets not forget, it is almost as big as the Land Rover Discovery/LR3, but the Rodius doesn't get a price cut.
These price reductions are due to the brand being bought and distributed by Koelliker UK and re-launching.