Suzuki will bring a more driver-oriented SX4 Sportback model to market this year based on the SX4 Crossover. This five-door hatchback will get a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 150hp and 140 ft-lbs of torque and get a combined 26 mpg. Buyers can opt for a CVT automatic transmission with paddle shifters or stick with the...
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After news reports late last week that Suzuki was in talks with Volkswagen, the Japanese automaker’s CEO has officially denied the story. “So far there’s been absolutely no contact (with Volkswagen),” said Chief Executive Osamu Suzuki to the Chunichi Shimbun daily. “Lately, we’ve been the victim of a lot of rumors (of equity tie-ups and...
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In the latest issue Consumer Reports tests 22 small cars and hatchbacks and Honda’s new Insight only rates a “Good.” That might not sound all that bad, but CR usually gives all Hondas an “Excellent” or “Recommended” or “Top Pick” rating. Out of 22 cars, the Insight is just 21st. The only car to rate...
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Toyota will bring its iQ city car to North America by 2012, badged as a Scion model. Scion debuted a concept of the iQ (shown above) at the New York Auto Show this year. When it does launch, however, expect it to look significantly more tame. Currently the mini car (about the size of a...
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Aston Martin has just released details of an upcoming concept car the luxury British automaker is working on… and it’s not at all what you might expect. Rather than a high-powered exotic, this new machine, called the Cygnet, is a tiny commuter car. The Cygnet is based on the Toyota iQ and while it sounds...
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BMW will bring a small electric vehicle to market in the United States by 2012 according to BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer. The car will be a small (very-small) three door, four-seater hatchback. In fact, it’s so tiny that it will not only fit under the 1 Series and the MINI Cooper, it will slot in...
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Volkswagen is reportedly looking at purchasing a 10 percent stake in Suzuki as it looks to create a solid partnership with the Japanese automaker. Te reason for VW’s interest is Suzuki’s expertise in mini cars – like the Suzuki Alto, pictured above. The Alto is currently the best-selling vehicle in India and Volkswagen wants to...
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News of the special edition Denim Kia Soul leaked several weeks ago but now Kia has officially introduced the car, and hinted that there will be more limited edition models coming. The Denim Kia Soul is based on the Soul+ model and gets a few extras. Setting the Denim model apart is a special denim...
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Can you hear that? It might sound a lot like Monty Python’s John Cleese, but it’s actually Chrysler’s PT Cruiser screaming, “I’m not dead yet.” That’s right, despite plans to scrap the retro-styled economy car, production will continue on. Pre-bankruptcy Chrysler had announced that it would cease production of the PT at its Mexico plant...
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So far Kia has had a lot of success with its trendy new Soul model, receiving plenty of positive feedback on the car. The Korean automaker isn’t about to let the favorable public relations end there either, as it is poised to launch a new special edition of the compact crossover-thingy. The folks over at...
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Scion has added yet another product to its already extensive list of dealer-offered accessories – a Kenstyle aero kit for the xB model. The kit includes a new front bumper, side skirts and a rear bumper, all for a reasonable $1,299.99 plus installation. The kit is a part of Scion’s Optomize accessory program and is...
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Hyundai and Kia have announced plans to build more fuel-efficient versions of the Accent, Elantra and Forte. These “blue” models will be much like GM’s XFE (Xtra Fuel Efficient) cars and trucks and use many of the same techniques. For starters, fuel-economy will be improved through the use of a five-speed, rather than the standard...
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Scion has just rolled out its final special edition model for 2009, the xB Release Series 2.0, starting at $14,650 – just $1,270 over the base price. What you get for that amount is a long list of extras, not to mention Electric Wasabi green paint and the knowledge that only 1,600 such models will...
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Ford recently launched a new website dedicated to the 2011 Fiesta (due out in early 2010) and the option sheet lists a turbocharger kit! Don’t get too excited, however, as the site is aimed at gauging consumer interest and isn’t necessarily a list of the options Ford will offer. Most likely the automaker just wants...
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Indian automaker Tata has confirmed that it will bring the Nano to the U.S. in the next three years. The Nano, launched officially several months ago in India, holds the title of being the world’s cheapest car with base models priced at just $2,000. David Good, a U.S. representative for the Indian automaker, which also...
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Mitsubishi has just revealed the production model of its i-MiEV electric car in Japan and it plans to have models on the road by July. Initial sales of 1,400 vehicles will be to government entities with public sales starting in April of 2010. As a full-electric vehicle the i-MiEV creates zero emissions and is powered...
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Launched in 2005, the current Hyundai Accent model is in desperate need of an update (if not a complete overhaul). Looking to infuse a little interest into the sub-compact the Korean automaker just released its 2010 model in Korea (known there as the Verna), with a few minor technical changes and a significantly different new...
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We’ve known for quite some time that Ford was planning on bringing its Fiesta model to North America, but as these most recent spy photos show, the U.S. automaker will launch more than just a hatchback. Photos of this Ford Fiesta Sedan show a European-inspired sedan, with a long wheelbase and very short front and...
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It may look like a wild and wacky concept car but Kia may be getting close to building the Soul’ster. The funky convertible, crossover jeep-like thingy debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, just after the Soul went into production. A little over a year ago, putting the Soul’ster into...
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Due to the overall turmoil at General Motors these days a lot of projects have been put on hold. Included in that list is the replacement for the current Aveo. A new Aveo, code named the T300, was due out in April of 2010, but now that product has been delayed until January of 2011....
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The month of April marked an important milestone for both Honda Motor Co. and hybrid cars. Last month the new Insight achieved the status of being Japan’s most popular vehicle with more units sold than any other model – marking the first time a hybrid has ever been the monthly sales leader. In April, 10,481...
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There is a definite possibility that Ford’s European Ka microcar could make its way to dealerships in North American in the next few years. A new second-generation Ka was just launched in Europe in 2009, using either a 68hp 1.2-liter gasoline engine or a 74hp 1.3-liter diesel engine. At just 142.5-inches long, the Ka is...
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Suzuki doesn’t have a new vehicle for the New York Auto Show, but it’s resurrecting some SEMA Show cars that are so old old we had forgotten all about them and thought the company’s press release was about some new tricked out versions of the SX4. But how can you forget a name like Zuk?...
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With all the excitement surrounding the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, you’ve probably forgotten all about the Tiburon. The what? Do they still make those? Our point exactly… and technically speaking, no, they don’t make Tiburon’s any more… although you can still buy a “new” one. OK, so the car does still exist, but it won’t for...
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