Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spy Shots: First look at the 2011 Chevy Aveo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/spy-shots-first-look-at-the-2011-chevy-aveo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/spy-shots-first-look-at-the-2011-chevy-aveo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/spy-shots-first-look-at-the-2011-chevy-aveo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Back in August, in the wake of General Motors emergence from its pre-packaged bankruptcy, the automaker gave select members of the media a preview of several upcoming products. Among those was the next Chevrolet Aveo, which will take up the B-segment mantle to battle the new Ford Fiesta, Mazda2, Honda Fit, and Toyota Yaris. Unlike the current Aveo, which is built in South Korea by Daewoo, the new model will be built at the Orion, MI assembly plant north of Detroit.

While there had been speculation that the ungainly-looking Chevy Viva from Brazil would be the Aveo replacement, that is an entirely different car - although it will likely share some mechanical bits with the Aveo.

At the August preview, GM design manager Bob Boniface confirmed to us that the Aveo moniker would be retained because, in spite of the baggage the current model carries, it does have recognition and launching a new nameplate has been deemed too expensive a proposition. Of course, that was three months ago and the Aveo is still a year or so away from launch, so things could change. Whatever it's called, early spy shots from Brenda Priddy and Co. suggest that it's shaping up to be a better-looking car than the current model, with a wider stance that looks less tippy.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Spy Shots: First look at the 2011 Chevy Aveo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 chevy aveo2011ChevyAveoaveoaveo5chevroletchevychevy aveoChevy Aveo5ChevyAveoChevyAveo5spy picsspy shotspy shotsspy-shotsSpyPicsSpyShotSpyShotssubcompactSun, 22 Nov 2009 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Consumers increasingly shying away from small cars; owners unhappy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/report-consumers-increasingly-shying-away-from-small-cars-owne/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/report-consumers-increasingly-shying-away-from-small-cars-owne/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/report-consumers-increasingly-shying-away-from-small-cars-owne/#commentsFiled under:


2011 Chevrolet Cruze - Click above for high-res image gallery

When gas prices spiked above $4 per gallon in the summer of 2008, car buyers appeared to find their small car zen. Toyota Corollas, Honda Fits and Civics, Chevrolet Cobalts and Ford Focuses were flying off dealer shelves at a fevered pace, while truck buying dropped through the floor. Fast-forward to present day and car buyers are once again picking bigger vehicles while many of last year's "smart" small car buyers may be experiencing a bit of buyer's remorse.

A closer look at the current sales charts shows that Americans may not be too keen on small cars after all, as News Chief is reporting that America's compact car market has dropped 15% year over year. Even used small cars are taking a beating, as Kelley Blue Book reportedly told NC that small car residuals have dropped like a stone while larger vehicles are becoming increasingly valuable. In August 2008, truck prices dropped by 17% versus the same point in 2007, but from 2008 to 2009 overall truck sales jumped by 23%.

Perhaps the biggest issue here is that many of the customers who went small in 2008 are now unhappy with their more economical vehicles. George Peterson, president of AutoPacific told NC that a recent survey of 32,000 car buyers showed that customers aren't thrilled with their new small car, quoting customers as saying "'It does what I want, but it doesn't have what I want. It doesn't have the features, the power, the room, and next time I'll opt for a bigger car.'"

The survey showed that 30% of small vehicle buyers would like more power with their next new car or truck, 25% want more cargo room, and 25% want more technology. 18% of those surveyed would like more safety and 22% would like a softer ride. Only half of the subcompact buyers would opt for a compact vehicle with their next purchase, while 35% want a midsized sedan and 18% want a crossover or SUV.

While the Auto Pacific survey results shows that many car buyers are looking away from compacts with their next purchase, automakers are ramping up small car production. New products like the Ford Fiesta and the Chevrolet Cruze are coming Stateside over the next year or two, and if the apparent trend away from small cars continues, automakers will be fighting over a familiarly small group of perspective buyers. Unless, of course, gas prices once again spike into the stratosphere, in which case we're likely to repeat this process again.


Gallery: 2011 Chevy Cruze


[Source: News Chief]

REPORT: Consumers increasingly shying away from small cars; owners unhappy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto pacificAutoPacificbuyers remorseBuyersRemorsecar buyingCarBuyingcompact carCompactCargas pricesGasPricesnews chiefNewsChiefsmall carsmall carsSmallCarSmallCarssubcompactTue, 06 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: VW logs 13,000 orders for new Polo ahead of launch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/12/report-vw-logs-13-000-orders-for-new-polo-ahead-of-launch/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/12/report-vw-logs-13-000-orders-for-new-polo-ahead-of-launch/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/12/report-vw-logs-13-000-orders-for-new-polo-ahead-of-launch/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Volkswagen Polo: Click above for a high res-gallery

The new Volkswagen Polo is all-new for 2010, and early returns show plenty of interest in the little European hatchback. VW is reporting 13,000 pre-orders for the B-segment five-door; news that is sure to have executives at the German automaker doing their best Mazda3 impression. The Polo has been in production since March, but it won't officially hit showroom floors until June.

The brisk interest in the handsome little Polo is doubtlessly partly attributable to the German government's "cash-for-clunkers" bill which provides €2,500 to scrap old cars ($3,400 USD) in favor of a new model. The legislation has prompted German car buyers to pick up new cars at a brisk pace. In Europe, the compact Polo will receive powertrains that can produce between 59 and 103 hp, with a BlueMotion diesel that's capable of 61.9 mpg (US).

The U.S. is reportedly likely to receive two versions of the Polo within the next two years. If the models come through, both models will likely receive the automaker's new 1.2-liter TSI gas engine. Direct injection and turbocharging help the little four-banger reach 103 hp and 42.8 mpg (U.S.) combined.


Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Polo


[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]

REPORT: VW logs 13,000 orders for new Polo ahead of launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 VW polo2010VwPolobluemotiondieselPolosubcompactvolkswagenVWVW poloVwPoloWolfsburgTue, 12 May 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda Fit dominates <i>Consumer Reports</i> subcompact test]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/honda-fit-dominates-i-consumer-reports-i-subcompact-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/honda-fit-dominates-i-consumer-reports-i-subcompact-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/honda-fit-dominates-i-consumer-reports-i-subcompact-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click on the image above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Fit Sport

The folks over at Consumer Reports have ranked the Honda Fit Sport top among tested subcompact cars in their March 2009 issue. "We found the new Fit the most practical and enjoyable car in this month's group," says Consumers Union. The world's largest independent consumer product testing organization, who don't claim to be enthusiasts, ran the small Honda against the Suzuki SX4, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, and Chevrolet Aveo.

Compared to the rest of the group, the Honda Fit Sport 5-speed was the quickest to 60 miles-per-hour (an asphalt-melting 9.2 seconds) and sipped the least amount of fuel during testing (a not too shabby 33 miles-per-gallon overall). The CU testers were pleased with the Honda's versatile and flexible interior, but not with its dismal headlights. Of the five, only the Fit and SX4 were recommended. The Yaris and Aveo scored too low in testing to make the cut, and the Renault-based Versa sedan has proven too unreliable. Better luck next year, guys. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit Sport


[Source: Consumer Reports via PR Newswire]

Continue reading Honda Fit dominates Consumer Reports subcompact test

Honda Fit dominates Consumer Reports subcompact test originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevrolet AveoChevroletAveoConsumer ReportsConsumerReportsConsumers UnionConsumersUnionHonda FitHonda Fit SportHondaFitHondaFitSportNissan VersaNissanVersaSubcompactSuzuki SX4SuzukiSx4Toyota YarisToyotaYarisTue, 03 Feb 2009 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Welburn teases NAIAS-bound production Chevy Beat on Today Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/video-welburn-teases-naias-bound-production-chevy-beat-on-today/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/video-welburn-teases-naias-bound-production-chevy-beat-on-today/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/video-welburn-teases-naias-bound-production-chevy-beat-on-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



This morning's Today Show on NBC featured General Motors' design chief Ed Welburn talking with host Matt Lauer live from General Motors' Warren Tech Center. Welburn previewing the Detroit Auto Show's coming attractions, including the new Buick LaCrosse and the Chevrolet Camaro. Most newsworthy, however, was the designer's willingness to pull back the sheet - albeit partially - on what looks to be a production-bound version of 2007's Chevrolet Beat concept. Welburn promised that the car would be unveiled at the show in Cobo, leading us to speculate that the Beat may come to the States after all. Check out the Beat concept's high-res gallery below, and video footage from the show after the jump.

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Beat Concept


[Source: MSNBC]

Continue reading VIDEO: Welburn teases NAIAS-bound production Chevy Beat on Today Show

VIDEO: Welburn teases NAIAS-bound production Chevy Beat on Today Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeatChevroletChevyconceptEd WelburnEdWelburnGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMMatt LauerMattLauermorning televisionMorningTelevisionNAIASsneak peaksneak previewSneakPeakSneakPreviewsubcompactToday ShowTodayShowWarren TechWarrenTechThu, 08 Jan 2009 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Autogas Chevrolet Matiz Concept = LPG for the masses]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/autogas-chevrolet-matiz-concept-lpg-for-the-masses/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/autogas-chevrolet-matiz-concept-lpg-for-the-masses/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/autogas-chevrolet-matiz-concept-lpg-for-the-masses/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the fahgmitgas Matiz LPG Concept

Thanks to a company called fahrmitgas ("go with gas", get it?), our European readers will soon be able to cut their fuel costs to the low, low price of €3 (about $4.20 USD) for every 100 km of driving. Of course, they'll need need to be driving a converted Chevrolet (nee, Daewoo) Matiz converted to LPG, but on the other hand... that's just €3 to go 100 kilometers.

The fahrmitgas Matiz LPG Concept has been put through a suite of bench-tested enhancements in order to be so frugal. Since fahrmitgas is a supplier to Chevrolet, it has intimate knowledge of the Matiz's systems. After installation of the LPG unit and some engine tuning for mid-range power, the company added stop/start, lowered the car a whopping 30 mm, and fitted it with ultra low rolling resistance Hankook Optima 4S tires. A shift light on the center console helps the driver get the most of from his or her LPG.

A liter of gas in Germany is about €1 (@ $1.40 USD), meaning 3 liters/100 km for the LPG Matiz, instead of 5.2 liters/100 km for the petrol Matiz. fahmitgas is looking at a production run, but no timetable or prices have been announced. In the meantime, check out the press release after the jump and the high-res gallery of photos below.

Gallery: Fahrmitgas Matiz LPG Concept


[Source: Fahrmitgas]

Continue reading Autogas Chevrolet Matiz Concept = LPG for the masses

Autogas Chevrolet Matiz Concept = LPG for the masses originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketalternativeautogaschevrolet matizChevroletMatizdaewoo matizDaewooMatizeurofahrmitgasfuel economyFuelEconomygas mileageGasMileagegreenlpgmatizsubcompacttunerFri, 02 Jan 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota working on Yaris-sized 7-Seater?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/toyota-working-on-yaris-sized-7-seater/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/toyota-working-on-yaris-sized-7-seater/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/toyota-working-on-yaris-sized-7-seater/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you've been distressed by not being able to buy a clown car at any local lot, Toyota has news for you: the company is working on a Yaris-sized seven-seater. That is odd enough to make us ask "What?" and "Why?" in several languages. Even better, though, is when Toyota engineer Hiroki Nakajima says "We can do it, and give limo-like legroom in the back." We aren't sure what Nakajima-san's idea of a limo is, but the current five-searter Yaris doesn't have limo-like room for the people in the front, much less the back and the cargo area...

The next Yaris is due in 2011, and recent rumors suggest the use of Toyota iQ's packaging to make it more roomy inside. Toyota has also said it planned to build an MPV on blueprints of the iQ. While a repackaged Yaris with iQ clever bits would be an impressively spacious subcompact, we simply can't see it making for a limo-like minivan.

[Source: Auto Express]

Toyota working on Yaris-sized 7-Seater? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compactiqminivanmpvsubcompacttoyotatoyota iqtoyota yarisToyotaIqToyotaYarisyarisFri, 19 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Verve production likely headed to Mexico]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/07/ford-verve-production-likely-headed-to-mexico/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/07/ford-verve-production-likely-headed-to-mexico/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/07/ford-verve-production-likely-headed-to-mexico/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Ford's European-developed Verve will go on sale in the States sometime in 2010, aimed to capture some of the burgeoning small car market. Making money on small cars is always the sticking point when talk turns to subcompacts, and Ford's eyeing Mexico as the production location for the Verve. The Detroit Free Press has spoken with insiders who concur that while it'd be tough to build the Verve in the United States, Cuautitlan, Mexico makes more sense.

US automakers have been building cars in Mexico for years. The wages are lower, OEM suppliers are following the car companies across the border, and the government is happy to deal. Mexico is also ideally positioned to send cars north to the US and Canada, or move vehicles down to South American markets. Brazil has also been mentioned as a potential production location, but that doesn't seem as practical as Mexico, according to the Freep's moles. One thing is for sure, when the Verve arrives, there'll finally be some stylish Ford cars to buy here in the U.S.

[Source: Freep]

Gallery: Ford Verve Sedan Concept - US Version

Ford Verve production likely headed to Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cuautitlanfordmexicoproductionsubcompactverveThu, 07 Feb 2008 09:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai i10 revealed in India]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/01/hyundai-i10-revealed-in-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/01/hyundai-i10-revealed-in-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/01/hyundai-i10-revealed-in-india/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Hyundai's rolled out a new city car, the i10, which they feel is so good that it will double Hyundai's sales in that segment. Manufacturer propaganda always ladles on the glowing prose, but after reading through the specs, we were nodding in approval, too. A quick glance at the pictures had us thinking "modern day Excel," but that's not the case. Comprehensively equipped, the i30 comes standard with air conditioning, power windows, six-speaker stereo, and four airbags. The 1.1 liter four cylinder, providing about 60 horsepower, returns fuel economy in the 50 miles per gallon (US, 60 mpg Imperial) range, and low emissions.

Styling, well, it's in the very small car idiom, and it's not breaking any new ground. Tall and short, the i10 is not ugly, and in these days of $90-plus per barrel oil prices, small is ever more beautiful. The i10 will be exported from India, which will be the sole manufacturing base for the car. With the tight supply of Honda Fits, we could use another A-class ride for low dollars on these shores, maybe if we ask real nice?

[Source: Hyundai]

Gallery: Hyundai i10

Continue reading Hyundai i10 revealed in India

Hyundai i10 revealed in India originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyundaihyundai indiaHyundaiIndiai10indiamininew delhiNewDelhismallsubcompactunveilingThu, 01 Nov 2007 17:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota set to unveil microcar in Frankfurt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/30/toyota-set-to-unveil-microcar-in-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/30/toyota-set-to-unveil-microcar-in-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/30/toyota-set-to-unveil-microcar-in-frankfurt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Automotive News has a quick blurb about a new model set to debut from the folks at Toyota during this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. According to AN, Toyota's 3000mm-long microcar will be known as the Endo and will slot in below the Aygo, the smallest vehicle in the automaker's European lineup.

Styling of the SMART-competitor will be similar to the concept that debuted at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, sharing the same name. The seating arrangement of the Endo will be somewhat unconventional, with a 3+1 setup that will seat three adults, along with a smaller, foldable throne behind the driver's seat that can fit a youngin.

Automotive News' inside source says that sales may begin in the summer of 2008, although we wouldn't expect such a vehicle to find its way across the Atlantic - unless SMART starts doing a booming business.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Toyota set to unveil microcar in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 06:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compactfrankfurtmicrocarminicarsubcompacttoyotaMon, 30 Apr 2007 06:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota to sell diesel hybrid by 2010 thanks to Isuzu]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/21/toyota-to-sell-diesel-hybrid-by-2010-thanks-to-isuzu/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/21/toyota-to-sell-diesel-hybrid-by-2010-thanks-to-isuzu/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/21/toyota-to-sell-diesel-hybrid-by-2010-thanks-to-isuzu/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


AutoblogGreen has reason to be happy, having found evidence that Toyota's recent purchase of a 5.9% stake in Isuzu will bear fruit in 2010 when the Japanese juggernaut marries its Synergy hybrid drive system with a diesel engine. Presumably such a hook up was made possible, or at least hastened, by the expertise in diesels that Isuzu brings to the table. Toyota knows its way around an oil burner too, but its Hino commercial truck division usually deals with diesels meant for trucks and buses.

Heck, even we have to admit that we're excited for such a combo, as diesel engines excel in efficiency when cruising at highway speeds, much more so than a gasoline engine, which to this point has always been the electric motor's dance partner in modern hybrids. JapanToday is reporting that a Toyota subcompact with this diesel hybrid drivetrain will be available as soon as 2010. Assuming we're not all driving EVs by then, such a car should easily grab the mpg crown in the U.S.

[Source: AutoblogGreen, JapanToday]

Toyota to sell diesel hybrid by 2010 thanks to Isuzu originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Nov 2006 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieseldiesel hybridDieselHybridhybridsubcompactTue, 21 Nov 2006 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris Motor Show: Suzuki Splash concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/28/paris-motor-show-suzuki-splash-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/28/paris-motor-show-suzuki-splash-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/28/paris-motor-show-suzuki-splash-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We couldn't figure out why John was sending us pictures of a toy car from the Paris Motor Show until he filled us in that this is actually the very cute, very small Suzuki Splash concept. The little jellybean in Lagoon Blue is what Suzuki dubs a "clinic model," or the first step towards a new production vehicle.

The marketing guys at Suzuki say that it's a car for everything and anybody for every kind of trip, but we've heard that one before -- we peg this more as a driving machine for the young and cash-strapped, as well as senior citizens looking for something small and fun.

The exterior, Suzuki says, is inspired by the youthful quality one might find in a splash of water. LED lights abound, and the lines are fun and cartoonish. Check out the floating-look chrome A-pillar and the wraparound tail lights. The side mirrors incorporate cameras that feed into the center console display on the inside.

The interior is no small shakes either. The car is tall and the roof is glass, making it seem huge considering its small size. The floating look is evident in the instrument panel as well, where the gauges sit, bubble-like. Blue leather trim finishes off the look.

John snapped some great shots of the concept -- follow the jump and have a look.

Continue reading Paris Motor Show: Suzuki Splash concept

Paris Motor Show: Suzuki Splash concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-carb-carconcept carConceptCareconomysubcompactsuzukisuzuki splashSuzukiSplashThu, 28 Sep 2006 12:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler continues to seek partner for B-car production, China still in the mix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/26/chrysler-continues-to-seek-partner-for-b-car-production-china-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/26/chrysler-continues-to-seek-partner-for-b-car-production-china-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/26/chrysler-continues-to-seek-partner-for-b-car-production-china-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Dodge Hornet Concept

DaimlerChrysler has been looking for a partner to produce subcompact cars, like the Dodge Hornet concept the company unveiled in Geneva last year, and according to Chrysler Group CEO Tom LaSorda, a Chinese company may be the lucky recipient of the business. Speaking at an Automotive Press Association luncheon in Detroit on Monday, LaSorda said that the company is finishing up its research, and when asked if the partner would be Chinese, LaSorda said that Chinese automakers have not been ruled out.

D.C., which currently has no infrastructure in place to build and sell subcompacts, has said that it wants to make Dodge an international player -- a classification that all but requires the company to produce subcompacts. Earlier this year, LaSorda met with China's Chery Automobile Co. to discuss the topic further and if the partnership is given a green light, it will be the first such alliance of its kind.

[Source: Reuters]

Chrysler continues to seek partner for B-car production, China still in the mix originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Sep 2006 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b-carconcept carsConceptCarsdodge hornetDodgeHornetsubcompactTue, 26 Sep 2006 10:52:00 EST<![CDATA[New York Auto Show: 2007 Hyundai Elantra]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/new-york-auto-show-2007-hyundai-elantra/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/new-york-auto-show-2007-hyundai-elantra/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/new-york-auto-show-2007-hyundai-elantra/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The new 2007 Hyundai Elantra is the seventh new product from Hyundai in the last two years. The all-new midsize (that's a new EPA classification thanks to 112.1 cubic feet of interior volume) gets Hyundai's now traditional battery of safety equipment including six airbags, ABS brakes and front-seat active head restraints. The new lines echo the company's recent design philosophy of restrained expression. While some might call that boring, others will see the new Elantra as more mature in appearance than its predecessors. The bigger dimensions allow for an interior that's larger than the inner sanctums of the Civic, Corolla and even the Acura TL. It's clear that Hyundai is aiming the Elantra directly at both Japanese small sedans and will likely undercut them in price by a large margin.

We'll have to wait until later in the day to bring you more specifics on the Elantra's hardware, so in the meantime you can feast on more pics and Hyundai's pre-show press release after the jump.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading New York Auto Show: 2007 Hyundai Elantra

New York Auto Show: 2007 Hyundai Elantra originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Apr 2006 00:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CiviccompactCorollaElantraFocusKoreaKoreanmidsizesmall carSmallCarSouth KoreaSouthKoreasubcompactWed, 12 Apr 2006 00:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi tests i-Car in U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/05/mitsubishi-tests-i-car-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/05/mitsubishi-tests-i-car-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/05/mitsubishi-tests-i-car-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Is Mitsubishi Motors being a tease? American subcompact and microcar fans may soon go postal when they discover that the automaker has quietly brought over two of its i-Cars to the U.S. where they are running about in currently wet Los Angeles, California.

"We will drive it to get customers' comments," states Hiroshi Harunari, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. "We will study things like which size engine is suitable for the U.S." Currently, the i-Car uses a 660cc turbocharged engine which, while not exactly peppy, puts up around 40 mpg.

Mitsubishi is also testing the i-Car in the U.K.

[Source: Automotive News]

Mitsubishi tests i-Car in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Apr 2006 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>i-CarLos Angelesmicrocarmitsubishismall carSmallCarsubcompacttestingWed, 05 Apr 2006 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[More on the Honda Fit (including video)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/04/more-on-the-honda-fit-including-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/04/more-on-the-honda-fit-including-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/04/more-on-the-honda-fit-including-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The Auto Channel has an extensive article on the Honda Fit, which recently went on sale in the U.S. It delves a little deeper into the five-door subcompact: a summary of its main features; in-depth discussions on the vehicle's exterior, engine and transmissions; an overview of the chassis; a look at the interior with its "Magic Seat"; safety features; and, finally, an overview of all available accessories.

Of even more interest are three videos showing the Fit on the road, a tour of its interior, and the car gettin' dizzy on a turntable.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

More on the Honda Fit (including video) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Apr 2006 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Both Consumer Guide and Edmunds have published new reviews of the Honda Fit, which went on sale this weekend.

The Consumer Guide report found the tested Sport's version to be comfortable for the vehicle's class. Steering was surprisingly agile, though there was some body lean. The 109 horsepower engine definitely required planning on the driver's part when making a lane change. Driver seating, interestingly enough, is actually higher than the bigger Civic model.

The Edmund review found a surprising amount of room inside despite the exterior's diminutive dimensions. Part of this is due to the vehicle's fuel tank placement. Their staffers really liked the reclining rear-seat headrests. As for driving, testers liked the manual shifter, though the automatic version seemed to have more 'zip' than its self-shift sibling. Testers also found the Fit to be balanced and stable on the road and track (similar to the Consumer Guide report). Their biggest complaint was the 10.8 gallon fuel tank, though the Fit did average 32 miles per gallon.

Full details can be found here (Consumer Guide) and here (Edmunds). Additional Autoblog coverage can also be found here and here.

[Sources: Consumer Guide and Edmunds]

Consumer Guide, Edmunds review Honda Fit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Apr 2006 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car testsHondaHonda FitHondaFitHyundai AccentHyundaiAccentSubcompactYarisMon, 03 Apr 2006 20:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda finalizes pricing for the Fit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/21/honda-fit-pricing-announced/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/21/honda-fit-pricing-announced/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/21/honda-fit-pricing-announced/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Packed with safety features like side curtain airbags and anti-lock brakes, the new Honda Fit will come out of the box at $13,850. Tacking on an automatic transmission brings the price up to $14,650, but with only 109 hp on tap we recommend you stick with the stick. A sporty version with cruise control, spoilers and a 160-watt sound system starts at $15,970, although we're not sure which of those components actually contributes to sportiness. Look for the Fit in showrooms on April 20th.

[Source: Honda]

Honda finalizes pricing for the Fit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Mar 2006 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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