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[Chevrolet Cruze could spawn hatch and wagon variants]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/27/chevrolet-cruze-could-spawn-hatch-and-wagon-variants/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/27/chevrolet-cruze-could-spawn-hatch-and-wagon-variants/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/27/chevrolet-cruze-could-spawn-hatch-and-wagon-variants/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet cruzeChevroletCruzechevychevy cruzeChevyCruzecruzefive doorFiveDoorhatchwagonMon, 27 Oct 2008 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo C50?: Volvo considering five-door C30]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/29/volvo-c50-volvo-considering-five-door-c30/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/29/volvo-c50-volvo-considering-five-door-c30/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/29/volvo-c50-volvo-considering-five-door-c30/#commentsFiled under: , ,



During a sit down with Volvo's senior veep of R&D, Magnus Jonsson told Automotive News that a five-door version of the C30 might be in the cards. "The five-door would be less exciting from a design perspective, but we're looking to expand." That seems like an accurate statement considering that stretching the three-door model could have a few negative aesthetic implications. But if sales of the C30 in the U.S. and Japan go through the roof, a five-door model could be a competitive product for buyers looking to move up market from the C30's platform sibling, the Mazda3.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Volvo C50?: Volvo considering five-door C30 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c30five doorFiveDoorthree-doorvolvovolvo c30VolvoC30Mon, 29 Oct 2007 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: Live unveiling of the 2008 Saturn Astra]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/07/chicago-auto-show-live-unveiling-of-the-2008-saturn-astra/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/07/chicago-auto-show-live-unveiling-of-the-2008-saturn-astra/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/07/chicago-auto-show-live-unveiling-of-the-2008-saturn-astra/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above image to view a high-resolution gallery of the new Saturn Astra

Saturn just rolled out the new Astra to the crowd at the Chicago Auto Show, with the automaker claiming that the compact will help fulfill the brand's promise to bring "appropriate and affordable technology", "great design", and "quality without compromise" to customers.

The Astra survives its overseas excursion largely unchanged, with the most major differences being a set of cupholders and tires that allow it to meet GM's standards for foul weather performance (a result of Americans' lack of awareness or complete apathy when it comes to the use of proper snow tires). Yet another variation on the Ecotec architecture, displacing 1.8L and producing 140 hp, drives the front wheels. The sporty intentions of the three-door model are made evident by the quicker ratio rack in its electrohydraulic steering system, larger wheels with more aggressive performance rubber, and standard stability control.

The long wheelbase and wide stance lend a roomy feel to both the three- and five-door model, and rear storage appears to be rather generous. Need we say the rest of the interior is far better than the vehicle it replaces? We are getting a bit tired of silver paint and oversized trip computer displays, but otherwise, there is little to offend inside the Astra (and kudos to GM for installing a decent set of bolstered seats in the three-door).

We've included plenty of live shots and official press pics of the 2008 Saturn Astra here. You can find the complete press release from Saturn after the jump, and we've also produced a nice video of the introduction with live-action views of the new Astra.

Gallery: 2008 Saturn Astra

Continue reading Chicago Auto Show: Live unveiling of the 2008 Saturn Astra

Chicago Auto Show: Live unveiling of the 2008 Saturn Astra originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Feb 2007 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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