Autoblog

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]

One of our international readers caught a trio of Honda's next gen products on a Chinese site that includes the next Fit, Accord and CR-V. We're awaiting a translation of the site from our colleagues at Autoblog Chinese, so until then we have to let the pics speak for themselves, which probably originated as renderings and/or altered spy shots from a Chinese auto mag.



Autoblog reader James Cheung who sent the tips notes that the site reveals the next gen Accord will be released in Japan first, then the U.S., Europe and China. The car will be built locally in each region but not differ in design, unlike the company's strategy with the new Civic.



Of the three we think the Fit earns the award for most improved, sporting a beefier more substantial visage. The Accord looks lower and wider than the current model while wearing a face similar to the one on the new aforementioned Civic. The CR-V looks, well, as odd as the CR-V has always looked.

UPDATE - The Chinese translation just came in and we're told the new Fit will be ready by June of 2007 and the Accord by the following September. We've also learned the Chinese site is referencing a Japanese car mag.

Thanks for the tip from China, James!

[Source: auto.sonu]