2009 LA Auto Show Coverage by Autoblog

Xavier Navarro

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Tokyo 2009 Preview: Suzuki Swift hybrid plug-in concept

by Xavier Navarro (RSS feed) on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 7:28PM Tokyo


2010 Suzuki Swift hybrid plug-in concept - Click for high-res image gallery

The Suzuki Swift is a competent subcompact that the Japanese marque sells both in Japan and Europe. In the latter, the little hatchback is available with a solid 1.3-liter diesel dubbed DDIS. To make things even cleaner, Suzuki has announced that it will introduce a plug-in series hybrid version of the Swift at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, and the powertrain reminds us of nothing less than a smaller Chevrolet Volt.

The model, which is just a concept at this point, uses a 660 cc engine, probably sourced from a kei car. The engine charges the lithium-ion batteries, which are placed between the front seats – we suspect they extend into the middle of the rear seat as well. The batteries power a 54 kW motor that moves the front wheels.

We'll learn more when we get to Tokyo, but for now, check out our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Suzuki Swift plug-in hybrid


[Source: Suzuki]

REPORT: All of Europe's 15 most fuel-efficient cars get better than 56 mpg

by Xavier Navarro (RSS feed) on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 1:01PM


2009 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet – Click above for high-res image gallery

There are many European cars that can be considered very fuel efficient. However, have you ever tried to put them on a list and finding out how efficient they really are? If you follow us after the jump, you will find that list, which shows Europe's 15 most fuel-efficient vehicles.

Interestingly, the list doesn't include just city cars, either. On it, you'll find subcompacts as well as compacts. Unsurprisingly, the truth is that you'll find that most of them are diesels which, thanks to the upcoming Euro V rules, now include DPF (diesel particulate filters) as standard. Perhaps even more unsurprisingly, the Smart CDI came out on top.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo


Photos Copyright ©2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Auto News]

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Mercedes partnering with Renault to develop new-gen Smart Forfour?

by Xavier Navarro (RSS feed) on Jul 24th, 2009 at 5:58PM



According to Germany's Manager-Magazin, Mercedes-Benz has approached Renault about cooperating in the development of a new small car. Although conversations have just started, it seems that Smart could once again have a four-seat car in its lineup.

This would be the second attempt to develop such a model, after the original sales flop of the ForFour. That model, shown above, was c-odeveloped with Mitsubishi and shared the Colt's underpinnings. Rumors about such new model are not new, but the German publication points that the company's strategy relies on selling more subcompact premium cars. Developing the new A and B Class models can be pursued as an in-house development, but the family Smart would apparently require a partner.

[Source: Manager-Magazin]






Autoblog Podcast #154: Gobbling up the News

Chris, Sam, and Dan kick out a podcast just in time for the long holiday drive.

 
 

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