Autoblog

Forbes names 12 hardest new cars to find

Chris Tutor — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, Infiniti, Lexus, Mini, Toyota, Luxury

2010 Audi Q5 - click above for high-res gallery

With many automakers scaling back production to better balance supply with demand, it's not surprising there are several hard-to-find models right now. Forbes Magazine made some calls and did a little research and turned up what they say is the top 12 most difficult to find cars. After the run on high-mileage cars recently, you'd expect to see hybrid models like the Toyota Prius at No. 2 on the list. Tied for second is a car on the other extreme, the Chevrolet Camaro. Both model are spending an average of 18.5 days on dealer lots.

But Forbes says the hardest to find new car recently is actually the Audi Q5. The Four-Ringed crossover sat around in showrooms an average of only 16.8 days in June and July. Audi had another hit on the list with its S5, which tied for 12th place with the Mini Cooper.

Only one other American nameplate showed up as a hot seller, and that was Ford's Escape and Escape Hybrid, slipping in at No. 10. Toyota had a whopping five vehicles on the list, including the Prius and the Lexus RX 350/RX Hybrid. The Matrix was No. 4, the FJ Cruiser No. 8, and the RAV4 was No. 9. Said another way, "Thanks, Cash for Clunkers!"

Oddly, the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI didn't show up on Forbes' list. From our personal experience and reports from readers, the car is almost impossible to find due to production issues and demand -presumably that's because the study calculated days on lots for the entire Jetta lineup, not just specific models therein.

Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5

[Source: Forbes]

Forbes names 12 hardest new cars to find originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Reports of Toyota RAV4 gearbox woes mount as owner anger grows

Michael Harley — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Safety, Toyota

Imagine merging into speeding highway traffic when your transmission suddenly balks at the shift, leaving you struggling to choose between that 70,000-pound semi filling your rear view mirror or the shrinking median on the right side of the road. This scenario is just one of the complaints being lodged against Toyota's 2001-2003 RAV4 as owners complain about the Japanese automaker's reluctance to acknowledge a fault with the so-called cute-ute's electronically-controlled transmission.

According to the reports (more than 120 complaints have been lodged to the NHTSA so far), the engine control module (ECM) may fail and send mixed signals to the transmission. Once the tranny starts to misbehave (noticed through rough or missed shifts), the ECM needs to immediately be serviced to avoid major transmission damage. Long story short, owners are miffed that Toyota has internally confirmed the issue (a TSB was issued to dealers in March of 2006), but has failed to notify consumers who are facing costly repair bills to replace transmissions when all many needed was a simple electronic module.

A spokesman for the NHTSA says the agency doesn't like to open investigations unless the problem is identified as a clear safety issue, but they "are watching it very closely." Toyota, meanwhile, is studying the issue to determine whether to extend its warranty on the parts in question.

[Source: NYTimes.com]

Reports of Toyota RAV4 gearbox woes mount as owner anger grows originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota announces pricing for 2010 models, upgraded engine for FJ Cruiser

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Hatchback, Toyota, Off-Road

Toyota's 2010 lineup will receive a suite of aesthetic, performance, and safety changes and minor price bumps, beginning with the FJ Cruiser. ToMoCo's chunky 'ute gets engine mods that include dual VVT-i and roller rocker arms, returning 19 more horsepower and one additional mile per gallon, with a price increase of just $360. At the other end, the 2010 Yaris will count things like Vehicle Stability Control and traction control as standard on the whole range, and the MSRP gets nudged up by $150.

The RAV4 Limited gets a little more chrome inside, and the price doesn't change. Nor does the price change on the Highlander, unless you want the stainless steel exhaust tip that will run you $50. But the SUV does offer more amenities on the base model, including a backup camera and moonroof.

The Avalon's price goes up by $100. For that you get auto up/down windows in the rear. The Tacoma gets "an enhancement to the front cup-holder functionality," but no price change. The vehicles will start arriving on dealer lots in August and September, and you can read up on all these changes and more in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota announces pricing for 2010 models, upgraded engine for FJ Cruiser

Toyota announces pricing for 2010 models, upgraded engine for FJ Cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport strikes agreeable balance

Dan Roth — Thu, 14 May 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Crossover, Toyota, Reviews

2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

The small crossover segment, where the neo-sorta-trucks live, is one of the hottest battlegrounds for consumer dollars. Small skirmishes go on in the border regions; confused vehicles don't know whether to be mud-slingers with brash attitudes or optioned-up urban sophisticates. Toyota's RAV4 certainly brings sophistication, and though it can venture off road a bit, it's not a jumbled, mixed-up mess. The RAV's classification-straddling lets it serve the whims of a broad array of potential buyers.

Wanting to cover all the bases, the RAV4 can be had in a variety of configurations, from a basic front-driver with four-cylinder power up to a leather-lined, four-wheel-drive Limited with a silly-powerful V6. A Sport version seeds right in between the base and Limited, carrying a satisfying level of equipment. There's an allure to the big horsepower delivered by the six - especially when it costs as little on EPA ratings as the RAV's 3.5-liter - but these days, "adequate" is riding a wave of newfound popularity as Americans struggle to pinch more pennies. In keeping with that spirit, when it came time to test a RAV4, we decided to try life with a four-cylinder 4WD Sport.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport

Continue reading Review: 2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport strikes agreeable balance

Review: 2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport strikes agreeable balance originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2008: Toyota RAV4 "Performance Sport" lacks performance and sport

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:43:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Crossover, Toyota

Click above for high-res gallery of the Toyota RAV4 Performance Sport

Santa Ana-based MV Designz took Toyota's overtly practical RAV4 and kicked the majority of the 'ute's functionality out the hatch. With a custom wide body kit, front and rear fascias, LED headlamps, hood and panoramic glass roof, the RAV4 Performance Sport comes off as a prop reject from the stillborn Judge Dredd sequel, and the 22x9.5 (front) and 22x10 (rear) USW wheels and lowered suspension won't do it any dynamic favors. No word on engine mods outside of a new exhaust, but with the added aerodynamic drag and an interior stocked with Alpine goodies, we'd guess that the base V6 will have a hard time living up to Toyota's line about the RAV4 Performance Sport being "ready to set new speed records."

Gallery: Toyota RAV4 Performance Sport

SEMA 2008: Toyota RAV4 "Performance Sport" lacks performance and sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

As yen sweetens, Toyota sales sour

Michael Harley — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota

Being Toyota doesn't grant you any additional immunity from simple global economics. Word from Tokuichi Uranishi, executive vice president of Toyota, is that one of the world's largest automakers is going to miss its sales target of 9.85 million vehicles for 2008.

Toyota execs cite slowing sales in the United States, Europe, and Japan as a primary factor. In addition, rising raw material costs are hurting the global automaker, which assembled 9.37 million vehicles in 2007. To top it off, a yen that hit a 13-year high against the dollar at the beginning of this week is cutting profits on exports from Japan.

It may be up to China, Russia, and Korea to pick up some of the slack. Those emerging Asian markets are active, and Toyota is looking at them for future growth. In a move towards achieving that goal, the Prius, Camry, and RAV4 sports-utility will be introduced in South Korea shortly. Sales are expected to be just 500 units per month initially, and then increase to upwards of 1,000 a month.

[Source: Automotive News, subs req'd]

As yen sweetens, Toyota sales sour originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

JAPAN: Look! Another Toyota crossover

Justin Gardiner — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Crossover, Toyota

What was wrong with Toyota's popular little SUV the RAV4? Not enough seats apparently, so Toyota have heeded their customers' cries with this, the 7 seat Vanguard. Based on a stretched RAV4 floorpan, even some of the body panels come from the '4.

Launched today in Tokyo, the Vanguard comes with a choice of familiar engines: the 2.4liter 2AZ-FE or 3.5liter 2GR-FE, with a 7-speed "Super CVTi" attached to the former and "5 Super ECT" to the latter. Makes sense to us, as the extra torque and power of the V6 should dispense with the need for the pseudo-7-shifter's annoyingly frequent interventions.

Toyota says, "The Vanguard is a new luxury-class mid-size SUV with a high degree of mobility and power to spare." Follow the "read" link for more marketing guff, but make no mistake, they're on to another winner here, no matter how cramped that third row may be.

Prices start at around 2.7million Yen (US$23,000) rising to almost 3.5million.(US$30,000) The suits aren't saying if or when it's heading overseas though. Considering it's been labeled as a "luxury-class" model, one wonders if a glitzed-up Lexus version might be under consideration to be an Acura RDX and Infiniti EX competitor.

[Source: Toyota]

Gallery: Toyota Vanguard (JDM)

JAPAN: Look! Another Toyota crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2007 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Audi's Q5 CUV coming to Geneva

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 15 May 2007 09:07:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Audi

As Audi's relentless quest to fill every conceivable automotive niche continues, the folks of the interlocking rings plan to unveil the Q5 at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.

According to AutoExpress, the Q5 will share its underpinnings with the recently released A5 and will draw on the styling cues forged by its big brother, the Q7 and the Cross Coupe quattro unveiled in Shanghai. Naturally, the Q5 will get Audi's trademark goatee, along with LED headlamps, all-wheel-drive and a commanding stance. Inside, Audi's entrant into the highly competitive cute 'ute segment will come complete with seating for five and the multi-rail system, originally employed in the A6 Allroad, that prevents parcels from shifting under load.

Power is expected to come in both diesel and gas-powered flavors, possibly including the 4.2-liter FSI V8. Strap a few turbos onto that mill and we may even get a RSQ5. We doubt it, if for no other reason than that badge may be a bit awkward on the boot.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Audi's Q5 CUV coming to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2007 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Chris Tutor — Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

Sometimes news is just too good to keep to yourself. Just ask GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. With his company supposedly claiming 13 spots on Edmund's Consumers' Most Wanted list, Lutz just had to brag a bit on the corporate blog before the winners were made public.

And he should brag. Most other car of the year awards are chosen by us automotive writers who usually prefer horsepower over hip room. As the name implies, Edmund's CMW awards are chosen by the car-buying public. And despite not voting with their wallets, the car-buying public who visits Edmund's really like their GMs.

The GMC Acadia got Most Significant vehicle of the year, beating out Honda's Fit, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Ford Edge and the Toyota Tundra.

Click through to see Edmund's press release as well as the other category winners.

[Source: Edmunds, GM FastLane Blog]

Continue reading Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Saturn Vue gets a $3k bump in the sticker

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 09:49:00 EST

Well, $3,295 to be exact.

The base price of the new and greatly improved Vue will come in at $21,395 (with shipping), placing it squarely in the same pricing segment as the Honda CR-V ($21,195) and Toyota RAV4 ($21,595).

According to Robert Reuter, GM's chief engineer for compact and crossover vehicles, the price increase is justified, consider that the new model gets a larger, 169 HP 2.4-liter inline four and an automatic transmission, where before a manual used to reside. Additionally, 16-inch wheels are included, along with a bevy of standard safety equipment including ABS, collapsible pedals, side curtain airbags and stability control.

Since the new pricing puts the Vue up against some of the biggest players in the burgeoning crossover segment, it should be interesting to see how well Saturn's second highest selling model will fare when it's thrust into the marketplace.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Saturn Vue gets a $3k bump in the sticker originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: 2009 Ford isosis-X

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Ford

Some cloaked shots of the production version of Ford's newest cute ute have surfaced. First shown as the iosis-X concept in Paris, this C-segment crossover features that same "kinetic design language" we see in Ford of Europe's S-MAX and C-MAX, in a size that slots between the two. This small crossover would compete head-to-head with the Toyota RAV-4 and Honda CR-V, among others.

Just when we thought the CUV/SUV market couldn't get any more crowded, this would be the eleventieth UV in the Ford lineup alone. But it's a looker, this one. Using spy photos of a heavily disguised prototype, the artist created a rendering that looks athletic and stylish but functional, sort of like a scaled down Mazda CX-7, which is a good thing. Our previous spy shots of this productionized iosis-X looked markedly different, but it's likely the older pics were of a test mule. As this vehicle gets closer to it's early 2008 launch and Frankfurt debut, the shape seems to be taking its final, more stylish form.

[Source: drive.com.au]

Spy Shots: 2009 Ford isosis-X originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Upwardly mobile: Toyota lifts prices on seven 2007 models

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 08:05:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Toyota

This just in from the Department of Mundanity: Toyota hikes prices on seven models in their 2007 lineup.

Overall, it's nothing spectacular, with MSRPs rising just 0.7-percent or $136 on average. The vehicles included in the price increase are the Yaris, with a bump of $100, the unchanged and much-maligned Corolla up another $100, the other unchanged, Corolla-based Matrix MSRP moves north an additional $150, the FJ Cruiser gets another $200 tacked onto its sticker, the four-wheeled appliance known as the Camry has another $200 affixed to its bottom line (hybrid not included), the RAV4, cutish-ute comes in at another $200 higher and the Tacoma will cause you to haul in an additional $200 if you want to drive off in Toyota's entry-level pickup.

Yawn. We're going out for a cup of coffee and we'll be back with more exciting news later in the day.

If you care to endure the press release, follow along below the fold.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Upwardly mobile: Toyota lifts prices on seven 2007 models

Upwardly mobile: Toyota lifts prices on seven 2007 models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Dec 2006 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

False alarm: Toyota recalls 220,000 vehicles for lying check engine light

John Neff — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Toyota

In addition to the recalls announced by Volkswagen today, we should all tell you about a recall Toyota issued on Wednesday for check engine lights in some 60,700 Highlanders built from 2001 through 2003 and 159,100 RAV4s built in 2001 and 2002. The Malfunction Indicator, as it's called by sticklers, can light up when there's no underlying problem with the vehicle due to an issue with the software on the ECM. There have been 80 reported cases of this happening.

Of course, recalls don't exist in Toyota-land. Here they're called Special Service Campaigns, a description that must've been invented by a suit in marketing because it sounds like something fun to do, like a Jeep Jamboree or something. Nevertheless, a recall is what Toyota announced on Wednesday, even if it is for something as minor as a wonky check engine light.

Full press release can be found after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading False alarm: Toyota recalls 220,000 vehicles for lying check engine light

False alarm: Toyota recalls 220,000 vehicles for lying check engine light originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Dec 2006 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Do you CRaVe the new CR-V?

Erin Mays — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Honda

Honda's new CR-V is all about satisfying your CRaVings, or so we're all about to be told. Rubin Postaer & Associates (RPA) is behind the new sport ute's $50 million advertising push, which lauches September 28. The ads draw upon the animation and fun reminiscent of Civic and Fit commercials, showing how the CR-V can help satisfy cravings for things like coffee and the beach.

In the beach commercial, the CR-V "tans" into each of its various available exterior colors. While in the coffee commercial, the CR-V becomes a big mug of coffee. Yum. The commercials end with the tagline, "Something new to crave. Presenting the all-new CR-V from Honda."

Look for Honda's "CRaVe" campaign in broadcast commercials, billboards, in movie theaters and on Honda's web site near the end of the month. You have until then to develop a CRaVing.

[Source: Automotive News]

Do you CRaVe the new CR-V? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Sep 2006 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW X1 to take on the VW Tiguan

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 08:05:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, BMW

Germany's own Autobild magazine printed the above rendering of what may be BMW's attempt at crashing the ever-competitive small SUV segment. Although Toyota and Honda have been the biggest players over the past several years, Volkswagen obviously saw a niche that needed to be filled with the upcoming Tiguan and it seems that BMW may follow suit with their own luxury SAV.

Predictably named the X1, the new soft-roader will stretch an estimated 170 inches, which compared to its larger sibling the X3, comes in about 10 inches shorter overall. Engine choices are open to speculation, but the smart money is on one of BMW's 3-liter inline sixes, with the possibility of upgrading to their new, turbocharged mill, found in the new 335i.

Whether a business case can be made for the new 'ute is a decision best left to the bean counters at BMW. We just hope that if the X1 finds its way into production, it can compete with the stalwarts of the genre.

BMW X1 to take on the VW Tiguan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Aug 2006 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Crash Results: Camry and RAV4 leading, Caliber makes improvement over Neon

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 11:08:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Chrysler, Daimler, Dodge, Kia, Lincoln, Toyota

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) just can't stop ramming large, bumper shaped projectiles into the newest vehicles for 2007. Today the IIHS released the results of it most recent tests and it looks like Toyota is well represented at the top and the Caliber has made impressive improvements over its predecessor, the Dodge Neon.

The Toyota Camry received the institute's highest rating for a side impact, receiving an "excellent" score mainly due to its standard side-curtain airbags that provide the best possible protection to its occupants in one of the most common crashes.

Also tested was the Neon-replacing Dodge Caliber, which handily beat out its elder for both front and side impacts. Whereas the Neon was one of the worst vehicles tested at the time, the Caliber, with its standard side-curtain airbags, was awarded a "marginal" designation, compared to the Neon that received "poor" scores throughout its lifetime.

Other vehicles tested include the new RAV4, Kia Optima, Lincoln Zephyr and Hyundai Tucson.

One aspect of the tests that deserves note is that all the manufactures did not perform as well on the rear-impact tests as the IIHS would like. Where front and side impacts are some of the more dwelt upon crashes, the IIHS contends that back and neck injuries caused by collisions from behind are becoming more of an issue and they would like to see automakers address this problem with more research and development.

Follow the link to read the full report.

Crash Results: Camry and RAV4 leading, Caliber makes improvement over Neon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Aug 2006 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VW Tiguan begins to take shape

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, SUV, Crossover, Volkswagen

Volkswagen's oddly named Tiguan (hey, the people have spoken), has broken cover on the current issue of Germany's Auto Bild magazine. Although clearly a computer-generated interpretation of VW's cute 'ute, the cover shot gives a more realistic rendering of what is to be Volkswagen's answer to the RAV4 and CR-V. Worthy items of note include the high and tidy belt-line, minimalist C-pillar and pseudo-spoiler, ala Touareg/Cayenne.

As a reminder, the Tiguan will be based off the current Golf platform and make it's debut at the Los Angeles auto show this coming November. Production is slated to begin in 2008.

[Source: The German Car Blog]

VW Tiguan begins to take shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Jul 2006 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 in the Autoblog Garage Day 3-4

Chris Paukert — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 11:54:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Crossover, Suzuki

Fish around in your pants for the Suzuki's fob, punch the unlock button, pull the handle, and clamber inside. Or, rather, you might've, were there actually a need to engage in a bit of pocket-lint spelunking. Not so with the new Grand Vitara. In an unusual move for its class, Suzuki has fitted their compact SUV with a type of keyless entry and start. Oh, there's a fob (a big, chunky one, at that), but you won't need to lay hands on it every time you want to get in or out of the vehicle... that's what those rubberized oval buttons on the two front doors and rear cargo access door are for. Approach the vehicle with the fob somewhere on your person, and the 'Zuki detects its presence, allowing you to open the door (one push on the handle button for your door, two nudges for everyone). It's a system that works well, particularly as keyring-resident box still works as normal. Hidden within is a key for valets and less-than-trustworthy types.

[Click through to the jump for further interior impressions and more than a dozen photos!)

Continue reading 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 in the Autoblog Garage Day 3-4

2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 in the Autoblog Garage Day 3-4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jun 2006 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford Focus-based SUV for Europe?

Erin Mays — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 18:34:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Ford

It's a sktechy translation, but we're diggin' it anyway... there's a rumor around some European blogs that Ford is working on a compact SUV based on the Focus for the European market. Set directly in its sights will be the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4, so we highly doubt it will appear here unless the Escape grows in size significantly with the next generation. Also, the Focus will most likely be the first Ford-branded vehicle to be sold in the U.S. on the company's C1 platform, which also underpins the Volvo S40, Mazda3 and Euro-spec Ford Focus.

This five-door, five-seat mini-SUV is expected to sport optional four-wheel drive if our interpretation of the translation is correct, and should hit European showrooms in 2008.

[Source: Autoblog.it]

Ford Focus-based SUV for Europe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 in the Autoblog Garage Day 1-2

Chris Paukert — Mon, 29 May 2006 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Trends, SUV, Crossover, Suzuki

Suffice it to say that Suzuki has never stunned North American consumers with beautiful automotive designs. In point of fact, reviewing their history reveals a certain manic quality, little of it pretty. Oddball propositions like the toy-like X-90 and character-free Esteem have given way to the likes of Suzuki's ill-proportioned Aerio and milquetoast non-statements on the order of the Verona and Forenza. But there are tangible signs that the automaker is finally finding the plot- the inexpensive Italdesign-penned Reno and the tweener SX4 crossover are both attractive propositions. But the offering most likely to become the company's poster child is the all-new-for 2006 Grand Vitara.

A direct replacement for its tired, boxy predecessor that reigned from 1999-2004, the new Grand Vitara is infinitely more compelling with even just a cursory glance. By comparison, yuppies ought to be clamoring for the reborn GV like it's next year's Ikea catalog. Simply put, it's a looker. The strong lines of its clamshell-style hood set the tone, creating a defining ridge across the top of the rectilinear grille, lending the clear-lensed headlamps a bit of edge. The former element is of the blacked-out cross-hatch variety, with a thin, u-shaped chrome lip adding definition and a bit of class. Even when viewed from the dead-on, the GV's meaty fender flares lend it a properly butch stance, particularly as they mold so nicely into the bumper, itself augmented by a pair of blisters housing auxiliary driving lamps. Complaints? Well, the chrome 'S' badge on the nose is a bit outsized, coming across like a Superman logo reinterpreted by an anime artist. But it's hard to blame Suzuki's designers for wanting to get the message out that they're finally in the business of making attractively styled vehicles.

(Click here for the full walk-around, along with more commentary)

Continue reading 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 in the Autoblog Garage Day 1-2

2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 in the Autoblog Garage Day 1-2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 May 2006 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments