Autoblog

Citroën C1 / Peugeot 107 twins refreshed

Zach Bowman — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, Peugeot, Citroën, Design/Style

Citroën and Peugeot have released the first volley of information and images on their refreshed C1 and 107 runabouts. The Citroen C1 will bow with a new face, complete with a shorter hood, redesigned foglamp housings and new LED daytime running lights. The vehicle's rear valance has also received a few design touches to differentiate it from the previous year model. Buyers can expect to find the same 68-horsepower three-cylinder gasoline engine bolted to a manual transmission under the hood.

Not surprisingly, its mechanical twin, the Peugeot 107, has received a similar once over. Designers have graced the three-door with a reworked front fascia that features a new front bumper, foglight housings and LED daytime running lights, just like its Citroën cousin. Peugeot will also offer the 107 in three trim levels: Access, Active and Allure.

The Citroën C1 will be on display at the Brussels Motor Show starting on January 10, and it's probably fair to assume the Pug will make the scene there as well. Hit the jump for press releases on both of these small hatchbacks.

Continue reading Citroën C1 / Peugeot 107 twins refreshed

Citroën C1 / Peugeot 107 twins refreshed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW previews its vision of a safer city scooter with C1-E concept

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Safety, BMW, Motorcycle, Electric

BMW C1-E Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Says BMW, "This is what a safe, environment-friendly and highly practical single track vehicle for city traffic could look like in the future." Well then, let's dissect that statement and see how BMW sought to accomplish these seemingly contradictory goals.

First, safety. Between 2000 and 2003, BMW offered a scooter in Europe called the C1. Though a marketplace failure, that machine may still be the safest two-wheeler ever offered. Featuring a fully-enclosed cabin with integrated rollover protection, a front-end impact zone, a rider seat belt and a low center of gravity, the C1-E has safety baked right in from the start. To that package, BMW adds electronic aids that include integral ABS, Tire Pressure Control, Anti-Slip Control and Traction Control. So... safety? Check.

Environmentally-friendly? The scooter itself emits nothing - BMW borrowed the electric motor and control systems from electric scooter manufacturer Vectrix (which recently filed for bankruptcy). Vectrix's battery pack, though, has been swapped out with a high-tech lithium ion unit for greater energy storage. Alternatively, BMW could equip the same basic platform with any electric motor or small internal combustion engine of its choice.

Now, how about practicality? First, that enclosed rider cockpit means the C1-E could be used in nearly any kind of weather. Further, the bike features a large luggage compartment behind the rider. As far as single-track vehicles go, this one's pretty darn practical. As much as we'd like to see the C1-E go into production, that's not currently in the cards. BMW built this concept as its contribution to the European eSUM safety project. Want to know more? Check out the gallery below and hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: BMW C1-E Concept

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW previews its vision of a safer city scooter with C1-E concept

BMW previews its vision of a safer city scooter with C1-E concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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C-Max and Kuga may follow Euro Focus to the U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ford Kuga

Nary a ~~month~~ ~~week~~ day goes by that we're not told of the imminent importation of Ford's grass-is-greener Euro models. The Fiesta has been approved for U.S. consumption in 2010, and even though we've heard the Focus shtick before, it would appear that it's finally coming to fruition in late 2010 or early 2011. But Ford can't rely on just one product to justify sales of the next-generation C1 platform in the States (there's also the Volvo S40/C30 and Mazda3), so it's looking to bring two other Blue Oval-branded models to justify the expense.

Speaking with Automotive News, Ford's president of the Americas, Mark Fields, confirmed that the U.S. is slated to receive multiple C-segment vehicles that have already debuted in Europe and Japan. The first vehicle that could conceivably be brought to market is the recently released Kuga crossover, which shares the C1 platform and could be marketed as the next Escape or Mercury Mariner if we're lucky. The second model is the Ford C-Max, which is a more modern take on the traditional people mover, and would provide SUV refugees a compelling case to downsize their rides into anything but a minivan.

Fields didn't divulge when the European product onslaught would take place, but it's a safe bet that if either vehicle immigrates across the Atlantic, we'll be seeing them around the turn of the decade.

Gallery: Ford Kuga

Gallery: 2008 Ford C-MAX

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

C-Max and Kuga may follow Euro Focus to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 May 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 Mazda3

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 18:07:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Ford, Mazda

Brenda Priddy and her camera-wielding spies caught the new Mazda3 undergoing testing, and although the shots themselves don't provide much detail, per usual it's more than meets the eye. The hacked-up front end indicates that a new fascia is on the way, likely to conform with the automaker's penchant for swooped-back headlamps and larger fender blisters. Out back, a new dual exhaust arrangement will help to expel exhaust gases from either a 148 HP 2.0L four, or an upgraded 2.5L mill that will increase output between 20 and 30 HP over the outgoing 2.3L engine.

What lies beneath the awkwardly assembled body panels is more compelling, as the new Mazda3 is built atop the next-generation Ford Focus C1 platform. So even though Ford still neglects North Americans by not offering the Euro-Focus at home, you can get your hands on the good bits when the new Mazda3 goes on sale here in 2009.

[Source: Inside Line]

Spy Shots: 2009 Mazda3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citro�n offers boy-racer-look C1 Chrono

Alex Nunez — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 18:38:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, PSA

Click for hires image gallery

Citroën's C1 supermini is getting some new casualwear from the French automaker. Last week, the automaker released the C1 Chrono. Mechanically identical to any other C1 with the 68-horse 1.0i 3-cylinder, the C1 Chrono is equipped with a -- wait for it, kids -- tachometer! The little rev counter is mounted on a stalk attached to the main instrument cluster.

The addition of basic instrumentation is also celebrated through the application of race-look body decals and the installation of white rearview mirror housings. Très sportif, indeed! 14" alloys keep the pert little Citroën planted to Parisian streets. Inside, white-faced gauge and an RDS radio with CD complete the deal. Only 800 will be made available and pricing ranges from €10,950 to €11,850 depending on bodystyle and transmission selection. Full details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Citroën ]

Continue reading Citro�n offers boy-racer-look C1 Chrono

Citro�n offers boy-racer-look C1 Chrono originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Dec 2006 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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An American in Paris disses the Euro Focus

John Neff — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

We spend so much time on this blog bemoaning the fact that Ford has yet to offer to the "Euro" Focus in the United States. So much time, in fact, that we fear the concept of a C1-based Focus on U.S. soil has been placed on a pedestal and is widely considered to be the smartest move Ford has never made.

While all that might be true, it was refreshing to read Edmunds editor Erin Riches recount her experience renting a Ford Focus ZX5 TDCi in France (Editor's note: we have no idea if she visited Paris while there, but who goes to France and doesn't visit Paris?). Franc-ly, she was not impressed. Knowing the Euro Focus is based on the same platform as the lauded Mazda3 and Volvo S3, perhaps she was expecting a car that could carve a twisty path between wineries and plow down cobblestone streets with aplomb. Alas, she found the ride "soft, soft, soft" and the steering uncommunicative, which surprised her considering how fun our Focus can be to drive in any trim level. The nail in the coffin was Ford's 1.6-liter TDCi diesel engine, which while able to lurch around for 400 miles between fill ups, was noisier and clunkier than modern day diesels from Volkswagen.

Of course, this doesn't mean Ford is off the hook with the North American market. It just means that now we want Ford to fix the soft suspension, sharpen up the steering and have a better diesel available before it brings the Euro Focus to our dealers. You know what? Forget all that, just sell the Focus ST here and we'll call it even.

[Source: The Driving Woman]

An American in Paris disses the Euro Focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Oct 2006 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2008 Ford Focus coupe and sedan

John Neff — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Sedan, Ford

No, these aren't shots of Focus test mules running on the C1 platform that underpins the European Focus; we're still a long ways off from a true next-generation Focus. However, these shots do show the heavily refreshened Focus that will arrive for 2008 and guess what... there'll be a coupe version! While both the front and rear of the coupe and sedan are heavily covered, we know the front covering is hiding a Fusion-inspired three-bar grille. The side panels of each car, however, are clearly visible and reveal a pair of sharp character lines that originate behind the front wheels. Perhaps some sort of small vent is hiding under there, or else the lines come straight off those fender flares for which the Focus has become quite well known.

The Car Connection is comparing the coupe to the late Escort ZX2 model, though it appears to be a much more substantial vehicle with an extended roofline that allows for a useable back seat.

Whether or not this substantially upgraded Focus can carry Ford's small car line on its own shoulder until a B-segment vehicle arrives remains to be seen, as consumers in the U.S. continue their growing fascination with small, efficient transportation.

Thanks to Jay for the tip!

[Source: The Car Connection]

Spy Shots: 2008 Ford Focus coupe and sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Oct 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Volvo readies XC60 mini-ute for NAIAS in January

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 20:10:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Volvo

As we've heard from Wheels24 before, Volvo plans to offer a smaller XC in their lineup in the not-too-distant future. The Volvo XC60 mid-size SUV, should be available to the public in late 2008. The news here comes from the folks at World Car Fans who say it will be dubbed XC60, rather than XC50 and that it will share a platform with the V70. Based on the Ford C1 EUCD platform, the XC60 should sport familiar gas and diesel engines from the S40 and V50. It is also expected to share much with the next-generation Land Rover Freelander/LR3, including its trick AWD system.

Although only labeled a concept at this point, the car should be unveiled at the NAIAS in Detroit in January and go on sale as early as Spring 2008. Expected to be approximately the same size as the Toyota RAV4, it will compete a bit further upscale with the likes of the Lexus RX, BMW X3 and new Acura RDX. Styling is conservative and the family resemblance is unmistakable if this rendering is accurate.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

Spy Shots: Volvo readies XC60 mini-ute for NAIAS in January originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Sep 2006 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citro�n C-P1NK, C1 Airplay not afraid to show their colors

Alex Nunez — Sun, 23 Jul 2006 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Europe, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows

Well, you can't accuse Citroën of taking a conservative approach at this year's British Motor Show. The automaker has its full lineup on display, including some new special edition models and a few attention-grabbing show cars and concepts

The fuel-sipping (60 mpg!) C1 city car is well-represented, with special editions bowing in the form of the C1 Airplay and C1 Rhythm, and a garish new show car called the C-P1NK. The C1 Rhythm is a C1 3-door that benefits from a healthy infusion of additional standard equipment. Appearance-wise, there are no changes -- it looks like a regular C1.

The C1 Airplay, on the other hand, loosens up a bit. Available in black or red, the interior features either high-gloss red or chrome accents on the gauge rims, door panels, and shifter. (The exterior paint finish selection determines which cabin trim package is used.). In addition to those detail enhancements, the Airplay gets equipped with a 1GB iPod nano and dash-mounted dock. If you want to further personalize the car's look, the body can also be dressed up with optional side decals, but we're not so sure that's a great idea. The C1 has plenty of style as is -- no need to fix what isn't broken.

Finally, the C-P1NK is a pure show car that really assaults the senses. Fitted with an aero kit and a nice set of alloys, it takes its namesake color scheme and really runs with it. Not only is the bodywork finished in a garishly hot "passion pink," but it's also covered with custom airbrush designs on the hood and side panels. In back, the exhaust outlets are heart-shaped.

(Additional info and photos after the jump)

[Source: Citroën]

Continue reading Citro�n C-P1NK, C1 Airplay not afraid to show their colors

Citro�n C-P1NK, C1 Airplay not afraid to show their colors originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Jul 2006 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2008 Ford Focus

John Neff — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Sedan, Wagon, Hatchback, Ford

This is a pretty bad shot of a heavily camo'd 2008 Ford Focus taken with a camera phone. It's damn near impossible to see any changes, but we'd bet our last gallon of gas that there's a shiny three-bar chrome grille hiding under that covering. The 2008 MY Focus will likely see the last tweak before we (FINALLY) get a Focus based on the company's C1 platform around 2010. Until then Ford will graft the Fusion's three-bar grin onto the Focus and apparently refresh the rear, as well.

Rumor on the Focaljet forum where this and more pics were posted is that the Focus three-door hatchback, five-door hatchback and possibly wagon will be deleted from the lineup next year. As far as we know that's just speculation, although it wouldn't surprise us if Ford trims down the number of Focus models being offered in the last couple of years before it's replaced. Perhaps if we're lucky part of Ford's accelerated Way Forward plan will be to sell the C1-based Focus here ahead of schedule.

Thanks focaljet-1 for the tip!

[Source: Focaljet]

Spy Shots: 2008 Ford Focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jul 2006 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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