Autoblog

VIDEO: The answer to how Honda will market the Accord Crosstour? Animated jazz

Chris Shunk — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Hatchback, Honda

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We're not so sure about the Honda Accord Crosstour. It's definitely a Honda, so at least from a marketer's perspective, that''s a big plus, but the big crossover/hatchback//wagon/thing isn't exactly what we'd call pretty, and worse, it isn't even as functional as its competitors. We're not alone in our criticism of Honda's latest, as the Japanese automaker has heard more than its fair share of Crosstour complaints on the Internets. Like it or loathe it, though, the Crosstour is upon us, and Honda dealers need to sell it. We were curious as to how Honda might try to ply such an odd duck, and we have at least a preliminary answer waiting for you after the jump.

The commercial starts off with about 15 seconds of oddly animated polygon characters playing some smooth, Cosby Show-style jazz. Between 15 and 20 seconds we see the band's instruments fitting in the Crosstour's hatch (though oddly, they don't play up the car's chief storage trick, its hidden storage box). At the 20 second mark, we finally see the Crosstour in the flesh, and the spot wraps up with a few words from actor Kevin Spacey as always. We're far from convinced, but you'll want to hit the jump to judge the 30 second spot for yourself.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Honda]

Continue reading VIDEO: The answer to how Honda will market the Accord Crosstour? Animated jazz

VIDEO: The answer to how Honda will market the Accord Crosstour? Animated jazz originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Citroën using cool interactive "augmented reality" tech to pitch new DS3

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Technology, Videos, Hatchback, Citroën

Citroën DS3 in augmented reality -- Click above to watch video

Citroën is using the latest in video technology to promote its newest compact, the DS3. First, you go to Citroën's augmented reality website and print out the interactive pages. Then, after you enter the augmented reality area of the site, you hold those interactive pages in front of your webcam, and what you'll get is a DS3 placed in various situations that you can control with the piece of paper in your hands.

Of course, you shouldn't take our word for it - check out the video after the jump and then hop over to Citroën's site to have a go for yourself.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Citroen DS3

[Source: Citroën]

Continue reading VIDEO: Citroën using cool interactive "augmented reality" tech to pitch new DS3

VIDEO: Citroën using cool interactive "augmented reality" tech to pitch new DS3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Kia c'eed spiffs up basic transportation

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:39:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Kia

2010 Kia c'eed -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Kia c'eed has come in for a voluminous number of changes, all of which are explained in the massively massive press release after the jump. The short of it is a restyled exterior, new interior elements, new mechanical structures such as a revised subframe for better NVH performance, the addition of hill-assist, a new diesel engine among the 5-engine range... see what we mean? This is not the Kia c'eed you knew...

What you really need to know about the new c'eed is that it takes a rightful place among the lead group of entry-level hatches in Europe. Sometimes you get in a cheap car and it looks cheap and feels cheap. That isn't the Kia c'eed - a little car that gives you a 6-speed manual to make the most of what power it offers. As has been the case with Hyundai and Kia lately, this one's probably going to be another good one.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Kia c'eed

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Kia c'eed spiffs up basic transportation

Frankfurt 2009: Kia c'eed spiffs up basic transportation originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault unveils updated Clio Renaultsport 200 hot hatch

Noah Joseph — Tue, 05 May 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Renault Clio RS 200 - Click above for high-res image gallery

200. That's a mighty big number for such a tiny car, but it's the horsepower figure that Renaultsport's latest hot hatch packs beneath its bonnet. And while it may be only three measley horses more than the 197 version on which it's based and replaces, Renault's performance and motorsport division has worked to improve the aerodynamics and cut weight to make each one count more.

Complimenting the mid-cycle revised styling of the entire Clio range, the Clio RS 200 and 200 Cup benefit from Renault's Formula One program, with which the French automaker attributes the aerodynamic expertise implemented on its latest hot hatch. Air passes over the front splitter to feed the the revised 200-hp, 2.0-liter 16-valve four-cylinder engine, but it also goes underneath to the flat rear bottom and exits the fully functional rear diffuser. The design also pushes air around the wider front fenders, past the side vents and around the widened track to give the new Clio RS its performance edge. The aerodynamic enhancements gives the car an even meaner look, while customers can choose from a wider variety of look-at-me colors, contrasting with either black or anthracite-finish trim.

Inside it's all business: the compact steering wheel has perforated leather trim with a yellow strip to show when it's centered, and Recaro racing buckets are available along with leather upholstery. Unfortunately the car isn't available Stateside, but across the pond the new Clio Renaultsport 200 starts selling next month at £16,570, while hardcore enthusiasts can save a bit and get the even more focused, stripped-down Cup version for £15,750. Follow the jump for all the details in the press release, and check out the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Renault Clio RS 200

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault unveils updated Clio Renaultsport 200 hot hatch

Renault unveils updated Clio Renaultsport 200 hot hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Cruze could spawn hatch and wagon variants

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

The Chevrolet Cruze may be delayed, but that doesn't mean that more variants of the Cobalt/Lacetti replacement aren't on the drawing board. In addition to the standard four-door model that Chevrolet debuted in Paris, a five-door hatch and a wagon will fill the rest of the range.

GM plans to produce the European Cruze in South Korea through its Daewoo operations, along with its plant in St. Petersburg, Russia. The new sedan was designed to meet the needs of a variety of markets, so additional body styles, along with different powertrains, safety specs and ride/handling requirements, will be employed throughout the world. GM announced that the U.S. version would be manufactured at the automaker's Lordstown, Ohio plant and will differ from the variants sold abroad. The Cruze should hit the U.S. market in 2011, but judging by recent reports, we're not holding our breath.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Chevrolet Cruze could spawn hatch and wagon variants originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 5-series hatch cometh

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 21 May 2008 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, BMW

Click above to view a high-res version courtesy of AutoExpress.

According to AutoExpress, the next generation BMW 5-series will be offered as a hatchback, along with its standard sedan and wagon counterparts. The Brit pub supposedly has it on good authority that the new hatch design will be similar to the "TwinDoor" feature offered on the Skoda Superb, which allows the driver to raise either the trunk alone or the rear window and trunk simultaneously. If employed on the new 5-series, storage - with the rear seats folded flat - could approach X5 levels. Expect to see the new 5er launched in 2010.

[Source: AutoExpress]

BMW 5-series hatch cometh originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 May 2008 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hot new hatch in Italian = Lancia Delta

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback

The new Lancia Delta has been spotted at a photo shoot, and this blogger thinks it's a mighty find looking car. The production version of the Lancia Delta HPE Concept that debuted at the 2006 Paris Auto Show, was apparently considered a disappointment, and the lines haven't really changed.

The car has traces of some recent Ford (of Europe, of course) products, such as the Verve and Fiesta, but that doesn't make it any less beautiful, and remember the concept car was out two years ago. The Delta, at about 4.5 meters long, 1.8 meters wide and 1.5 meters tall, is meant to challenge the Audi A3 and VW Golf, and will get turbocharged engines from 120 hp up to 200 hp. It looks like Lancia will be the last Fiat brand and take the longest to return to former glory, but this is a fine start.

[Source: Autogespot]

Hot new hatch in Italian = Lancia Delta originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skoda's Twindoor: An innovative all-in-one trunk and liftback

Michael Harley — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe

Click image for a gallery of the new Superb's Twindoor system

Czech automaker Skoda unveiled its new 2009 Skoda Superb (based on parent company VW's Passat) at the Geneva Auto Show this week. It's a great-looking car that represents an excellent execution of the platform, but that's not what makes it so eye-catching. We were more intrigued by that trunk... or is it a liftback?

The Superb features an innovative combo trunk/tailgate system that Skoda calls the "Twindoor." Its design allows the hatch to be opened like a conventional trunk, or like a rear hatch. The clever 'lift-trunk' sports not one, but two small releases in the same general spot that a single trunk release would normally be found. Press the button in the center, and it opens as a conventional trunk with spring assist. Press the button on the right, and it opens as a rear hatch with strut assist. Opened wide as a hatch and with the seats folded, the Skoda Superb has 565 liters of cargo space (our math says that's about 20 cubic feet).

The Skoda Twindoor deserves merit. It is a brilliant idea that we hope catches on with other manufacturers, hopefully on this side of the Atlantic. However, it does leave us wondering if we are witnessing the first signs that sedans are also evolving into that abyss of vehicles classified as the CUV. Thanks for the tip, Johanes!

Gallery: Skoda Superb Twindoor System

[Source:Skoda]

Skoda's Twindoor: An innovative all-in-one trunk and liftback originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Go Rally! - Citroen rolls out the C2-R2 Max

Dan Roth — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Tuners, Europe, Hatchback, Citroën

If your inner rally driver lusts for something different than the run of the mill Subaru or Mitsubishi, there's a tasty new Gallic morsel to spice things up. Citroen is taking their C2 to the FIA Junior World Rally Championship this year, and the C2-R2 Max Rally kit is their ticket to homologation. The kit keeps the price down, but doesn't skimp on serious pieces. The 1.6-liter engine belts out 190 horsepower, and there's larger brakes and a hydraulic steering rack to keep that power in check and make sure it's properly directed. There's also an adjustable rear suspension to help fend off competitors on the track. All of our puppy-dog enthusiasm is for naught; we can't get this un-subtle killer hatch in the United States. C'est la vie.

[Source: Inside Line]

Go Rally! - Citroen rolls out the C2-R2 Max originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo 'Junior' teaser images leaked

Noah Joseph — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 15:34:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Before its highly-anticipated unveiling at the Geneva show in March, Alfa Romeo has been leaking mere glimpses at its upcoming entry-level hatchback. Tentatively known as the "Junior" after Alfa scrapped its own online naming contest, the hatchback is based on sister company Fiat's Grande Punto platform, but with even more sumptuous Italian styling and a range of engines.

These latest images appear to have been prepared for its brochure, but have somehow found their way out of the factory and into cyber-space. None of the images, which can be seen after the jump, reveal anything more than some close-up details, but the when Alfa takes the wraps off its latest, it should give the Mini a run for its money.

[Source: Progretti955 via Carscoop]

Continue reading Alfa Romeo 'Junior' teaser images leaked

Alfa Romeo 'Junior' teaser images leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fiesta and Focus ST get more power

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Ford

While Ford keeps on cranking out newer, faster versions of the Mustang for American customers, Ford of Europe is preparing new packages for the Fiesta ST and Focus ST hot-hatches to do the same thing.

The £950 package for the diminutive Fiesta ST pushes power up to 185 hp from its 2-liter four, which is expected to come from upgraded engine management, cylinder heads, a new camshaft and exhaust. All that adds an extra 37 hp to the standard Fiesta ST's 148, dropping a sprint to 60 down half a second to eight flat.

Meanwhile, the larger, more powerful Focus ST gets treated to a similar upgrade, worth about £1,500. This package is tipped to include a new air filter, ECU and exhaust, amounting to a similar 38-horsepower increase in power for a total of 260 that drops the 0-60 blitz down to 5.5 seconds. Thank heavens Ford sells a version of the Focus here that's just as fast. Oh, wait...

Get this: current ST owners in Europe can also get this package retrofitted to currently-owned cars, along with a full-factory warranty on the parts. Europeans, then, will just have to make do with these hot hatch packages a while longer before the 300+ horsepower Focus RS arrives in 2009, at which point Blue Oval fanboys from the U.S. will invade your countries with the intent to drive.

[Source: Auto Express]

Gallery: 2008 Ford Focus ST

Ford Fiesta and Focus ST get more power originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Euro-only Toyota Auris gains sporty SR180 model

Dan Roth — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Toyota, UK

click above for high resolution gallery of the Toyota Auris SR180

The bucket of parts that makes up the Toyota Corolla also gives life to several other vehicles worldwide. In the UK and other parts of the world, they get the Auris, a three- or five-door hatch-type-thing. While Toyotas in the United States are sleepy affairs, the Auris is ringing in 2008 with a sporty, well-equipped SR180 version. Looking great with a lowered suspension from Toyota Motorsport and blacked out rear glass, the Auris appears intimately involved with the pavement. There's a subtle spoiler atop the hatch, which always gives a nice finish to the back end of this style car, and the wheel arches are nicely filled with 17-inch alloy rims. Underhood, Toyota's D-4D Diesel provides 175 horsepower and a whopping 294 ft-lbs of torque through a six-speed manual while returning 38 mpg (US) on a combined cycle.

Equipment levels are up, providing the driver with such goodies as dual-zone climate control, automatic headlamps and wipers, and cruise control. Stability and traction-control systems are standard, too. It all sounds and looks very good until you run the roughly £18,500 price through a currency conversion - coming out the other side at about $37,000 greenbacks. Some people would sell a kidney on eBay for the opportunity to get something like this Stateside, and it certainly is a rare Toyota that makes us say "That's cool." If you're someplace where you can take advantage of it, order yours now for January delivery.

[Source: Toyota]

Gallery: Toyota Auris SR180

Continue reading Euro-only Toyota Auris gains sporty SR180 model

Euro-only Toyota Auris gains sporty SR180 model originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Celebrity Upskirt: Alfa Junior caught unawares

Noah Joseph — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Overseas customers anxiously awaiting the upcoming entry-level model from Alfa Romeo have a little teaser to hold them over. The replacement for the three-door version of the long-in-the-tooth Alfa 147 is expected to debut at the Geneva show this coming March, but this is the first time we've actually seen it.

Unfortunately, all we can see is a bit of the front and rear bumpers, but like an unguarded celebrity pop idol getting out of a car, a little glimpse can be worth a lot. All that can be seen from the front shot is a fog-light flanking the front air dam, but the red cover betrays the iconic Alfa shield grille underneath. Around back is a better view of an intriguing overlapping double-oval exhaust peering out from what little rear overhang there is.

No word yet on whether the Junior (or whatever it will be called after Alfa bailed on its own online naming campaign) will eventually make it over the pond as part of the company's return to the American market, but we'll be on hand in Switzerland for the unveiling in three months.

[Source: Autoblog.it]

Celebrity Upskirt: Alfa Junior caught unawares originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport

Dan Roth — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:09:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Hatchback, Subaru

2008 Impreza Outback Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

The standard new generation evolution usually goes like this: bigger, roomier, longer, wider. For some models, it's not such a big deal to go fiddling with the specs, on certain cars it's even a welcome improvement. Subaru, however, has a conundrum on their hands when they go messing with the Impreza formulation. There's a loveable quirkiness to the recipe; start tinkering too much, though, and you'll end up with New Coke.

Thus, it's with trepidation that we sampled the 2008 Impreza. It certainly looks different than those which came before. New duds don't mean an expanded waistline here, the 2008 model actually twirls out considerably less measuring tape in several dimensions than its forebear, while gaining inches and tenths where they make the most difference. Better doesn't have enough depth to fully convey the marked improvements Subaru has made in their entry-level model for 2008. Even stretching to "a lot better" leaves more to be said

Gallery: Review: 2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport

Continue reading Review: 2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport

Review: 2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Online voters name upcoming Alfa hatch "Furiosa"

Noah Joseph — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Furiosa. That's what the new hatchback from Alfa Romeo will be called, by virtue of an international competition to choose the car's name.

The Italian automaker is getting farther away from the Alfa-numeric (pun intended) nomenclature and giving its models more emotive nameplates instead. The web contest offered online voters a choice of twelve names, and Furiosa got the most votes, beating out Agea, Enos, Everson, Fira, Milo, Mod, Nevo, Solea, Sparvo, Velvetta and Ventura. While some proposals had merit, some of the rejected names were a little cheesy (try to figure out which).

So we can stop calling it the Alfa Junior. The Furiosa is anticipated to make its debut at the Geneva show in March. We're so there.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Online voters name upcoming Alfa hatch "Furiosa" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sports Coupe

Alex Nunez — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz

Click image to enlarge

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sport Coupe never really caught on here in the US, and it was ultimately dumped from the automaker's Stateside lineup. It has lived on in Europe, however, and it will be updated to bring it closer in appearance to the all-new W204 C-Class sedan. The latest spy shot , posted by a member at GermanCarZone, shows a mildly disguised prototype at a filling station.

As you can see, the new-gen C-Class face has been applied, but since the coupe will continue to be built on the old platform (W203), the rest of the car's outward appearance is basically identical to the old model (shown at right). This is about as basic a facelift as you can get, and from the look of it, the C-Class Sport Coupe should remain unlamented in the US even after Europe gets the "new" car.

[Source: GermanCarZone via Carscoop]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sports Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Aug 2007 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX takes the stage

Eric Bryant — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 11:49:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Wagon, Hatchback, Subaru

UPDATE: Video of the WRX live reveal added after the jump

click the above image to view over 100 high-res shots of the 2008 Subaru Impreza

In what was surely one of the most anticipated debuts here at the New York Auto Show, Subaru took the wrapper off its new WRX while reminding us just how excited we should be about its revised sport compact.

We covered the key points of the overall Impreza refresh in our previous post, so we'll mostly stick to the WRX-specific details here. The intake manifold, turbocharger, and top-mounted intercooler are new. Peak power is unchanged, but peak torque now hits 800 RPM sooner, so it should be a bit more forgiving of improper gear selection. If you select the five-door, the boxer will breathe through a single exhaust tip, while the sedan gets twin outlets. Weight, meanwhile, is down by 50 lbs.

Outside, the sedan gets a discrete spoiler, while the hatch will wear an underbody diffuser. Both models will roll on 17x7" wheels shod in 205-section all-session rubber. A stability control system is available, should tail-out driving not be in the cards.

For those interested in WRC, Impreza will be campaigning the five-door version of its rallying rocketship.

Hit the high-res gallery for over 100 still shots of the 2008 Subaru Impreza, check out the official specs after the jump, and click-through to the Autoblog New York Auto Show megapost to see everything else that's been going on here at the Javits convention center.

Gallery: 2008 Subaru Impreza

Continue reading New York Auto Show: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX takes the stage

New York Auto Show: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX takes the stage originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2007 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show: Subaru's bigger Impreza makes its impression upon NYC [VIDEO]

Eric Bryant — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 11:06:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Wagon, Hatchback, Subaru

UPDATE: Video of the live reveal added after the jump!

click above image to view 90 high-res shots of the 2008 Subaru Impreza

After running a few executives across the podium at its press intro, Subaru finally got down to business and pulled the sheet from its refreshed Impreza 2.5i.

The four-door sedan version is exclusive to the US, and is about a half-foot longer than the five-door hatch shown here. Both models are 4.5" wider than the outgoing version, and carry the widened grille and new logo that are supposed to pay homage to Subaru's aircraft heritage. It looks better in person than in photos, but we're not yet ready to commit to, you know, actually liking it. Inside, the Impreza has a roomy feel, but the overall quality left us feeling a bit unsatisfied.

Don't look for significant increases in power under the hood; in fact, the naturally-aspirated 2.5L flat-four is actually down a few ponies at the peak, with a bit more torque and improvements in emissions and fuel economy as a consolation prize. It's still backed by a five-speed manual or four-speed auto. Those in the snow belt, take note - Subaru's commitment to safety is followed-through via the inclusion of the new stability control system, and of course Symmetrical All Wheel Drive is standard.

Keep an eye out for our post on the WRX version coming shortly.

Check out the 2008 Impreza in our photo gallery, the official press release after the jump, and of course there's a detailed list of our other coverage available in our New York Auto Show megapost.

Gallery: 2008 Subaru Impreza

Continue reading New York Auto Show: Subaru's bigger Impreza makes its impression upon NYC [VIDEO]

New York Auto Show: Subaru's bigger Impreza makes its impression upon NYC [VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2007 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2008 Ford Fiesta test mule

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

The Ford Fiesta name might not raise a lot of excitement in the American market, conjuring up as it does images of pathetically underpowered golf karts that pale next to other Ford products sold here like the Mustang and F-Series trucks. But in Europe, the Fiesta is one of Ford's top-selling cars. England's Car magazine reports that Ford sold over 100,000 Fiestas just in the UK last year, some 30,000 more than its nearest rival. Superminis are big business for Ford of Europe, which intends to keep it that way with the anticipated launch of the replacement for the current car, which has been on the market for five years already.

We can't tell much about the styling from this test mule, caught while undergoing cold-weather testing in Scandinavia, wearing body panels from the current version. But expect it to follow along Ford's latest global "kinetic" design direction, as seen on the new Mondeo and previewed by the Iosis concepts. Also expect a small increase in size thanks to the new B-class platform it will share with the Mazda2, but nothing to mess with the success of the current Fiesta.

[Source: Car]

Continue reading Spy Shots: 2008 Ford Fiesta test mule

Spy Shots: 2008 Ford Fiesta test mule originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Feb 2007 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot preps peppy 207 RC for Geneva

Noah Joseph — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 13:42:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, PSA

Click on the image above for all our high-resolution image gallery.

Peugeot will drop its latest hot hatch on us at Geneva next month with the debut of the 207 RC. After bringing you the skinny on the peppy little hatchback last month with early leaked photos, parent company PSA has been nice enough to give us the full monty ahead of the show, where they'll be releasing a number of new models.

The heart of the 207 RC is the same engine as the top-of-the-line MINI Cooper S, a 1.6-liter high-pressure turbo four pumping out 175 stallions. The engine was co-developed by PSA and BMW, and although the MINI's is coupled to a six-speed shifter, Peugeot has opted for five ratios instead. The corporate spec sheet claims the new Pug makes the run to 62 mph in 7.1 seconds and tops out of 136 mph.

Conclusion, press release aftter the jump.

[Source: Peugeot]

Gallery: Peugeot 207 RC

Continue reading Peugeot preps peppy 207 RC for Geneva

Peugeot preps peppy 207 RC for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Feb 2007 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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