Autoblog

Subcompact car sales in a funk despite high gas prices

Chris Paukert — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Earnings/Financials

When gas prices rise, knee-jerk consumerism means that sales of small cars increase in lockstep, right? Well, sometimes - but that's not always the case. Ward's Auto reports that sales of subcompact car sales in America are off despite fuel prices pushing and holding at $3.50 to $4.00 a gallon across the country. According to the report, the "Lower Small" segment has seen a 2.6-percent sales decline since October, while fuel prices have been on the rise. Despite their comparatively thirsty appetite for fuel, the industry publication notes that sales of large crossovers are up a whopping 61 percent over the same time period.

Part of the sales stories may center on the boom/bust cycle that comes as a result of new or aging models in each segment - the full-size CUV segment has received a raft of new models, including the refreshed Lambda triplets from General Motors, the Nissan Pathfinder and even derivatives like the new Sport model in the Ford Explorer family. Yet it isn't as if America's subcompact segment is stagnant - as Ward's points out, most of the players are two years old or less.

Sales losers in the first quarter of the year include the Mazda2 (pictured - down 51.9 percent), Toyota Yaris (-27.9 percent) and Hyundai Accent (-24.7), though other models including the Kia Rio and Chevrolet Sonic slipped as well. Conversely, the Nissan Versa and Ford Fiesta held their own, registering sales up 11.6 percent and 3.3 percent, respectively.

Part of subcompacts' sales problem may be due to the fact that those same automakers offer larger compact models whose fuel economy figures are comparable to that of their smaller counterparts. Further, pricing differences may not amount to all that much between the models - particularly in leasing situations where compact cars' typically command higher residual values.

Subcompact car sales in a funk despite high gas prices originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus to get own version of Toyota Prius C?

George Kennedy — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 15:44:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Lexus, Toyota, Rumormill

The CT 200h proved that Lexus could make up for the sins against excitement committed by the company's short-lived HS 250h. Its bold styling and greatly improved handling combined with a fuel-efficient drivetrain suggests a brighter future for the compact luxury hybrid segment.

Word is, though, that Lexus is working on a sub-CT hybrid entrant. According to Malaysian automotive outlet Paultan, the diminutive luxury fuel-sipper will be based on the Toyota Prius C. The website has tentatively dubbed the model AS150, but it is here where we must advise that you take some of the report's details with grains of salt in varying sizes. If history provides us with context, any Lexus hybrid would include an "h" in the name, for example.

More believable, though, is the speculation that the powerplant would be a variation of the 1.5-liter Hybrid Synergy Drive module that powers the Prius C. Another alternative floated by Paultan is that an even smaller 1.2-liter turbocharged unit featuring direct injection could find its way into the subcompact's engine bay.

Lexus to get own version of Toyota Prius C? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EPA says Fisker Karma is a 2.5-ton subcompact

Chris Shunk — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Fisker, Electric

The Fisker Karma is 16.5 feet long and tips the scales at 5,300 pounds. Sounds more like a 1960s Lincoln than an extended-range green machine capable of 32 miles on electric power alone, doesn't it? Actually, if you ask the Environmental Protection Agency, the Karma is a lot more like a subcompact.

That's because the Karma features interior volume of less than 100 cubic feet, and Auto Observer reminds us that the EPA classifies vehicles based on cabin volume. This odd determinant of vehicle size means that the Aston Martin Rapide, Ford Mustang and the Bentley Continental Convertible are all subcompacts. If that makes no sense to you, you're not alone. Automakers have long used the overall exterior length to classify vehicle size.

As you can imagine, Fisker isn't all that thrilled with the EPA's subcompact label or its methodology for determining fuel economy. The automaker claims that the EPA used a worst-case scenario to come up with 32 miles on electric power, and the company maintains it is certain that the Karma can travel 50 miles without using any gasoline. Overall, the Karma received a rating of 52 mpge due to the fact that it averaged just 20 miles per gallon on gas-only power during EPA testing.

EPA says Fisker Karma is a 2.5-ton subcompact originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reader Spy: 2012 Hyundai Accent hatchback caught napping

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:16:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Hatchback, Hummer

2012 Hyundai Accent hatchback - Click above for high-res image gallery

Eagle-eyed Autoblog reader James spotted a camouflaged compact hatchback sitting in a parking lot in South Korea the other day, and fortunately for us, he had a camera with him. At first glance, this is obviously a new Hyundai based on the upward sweeping crease along the side that is characteristic of Hyundai's new 'fluidic sculpture' design language.

Closer examination indicates that this is almost certainly the five-door hatchback version of the new Verna/Accent that debuted at the Beijing Motor Show in April. The wheels are the same as the ones we saw on the Verna and the side crease extends ahead of the door cut-line which differs from the Elantra that debuted a week later at the Busan show in Korea.

Also somewhat visible is the rocker panel indentation ahead of the rear wheels that is characteristic of the Accent. We expect the North American market Accent to debut some time this Fall, perhaps at the Los Angeles or Detroit Auto Show.

Gallery: Spy shots: 2010 Hyundai Accent hatchback

Photos by James Jang

Gallery: Beijing 2010: Hyundai Verna

Reader Spy: 2012 Hyundai Accent hatchback caught napping originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Mazda2 puts fun before frugality

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Mazda, First Drives

2011 Mazda2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda says there's a little bit of Miata in everything it does. While it's easy to chalk that up as marketing frippery, when the automaker launched the Little Roadster That Could back in 1989, it proved that great things can come from a machine developed to be simple, reliable and driver-focused. Even now, none of Mazda's wares offer class-leading fuel economy or practicality, but they've proven to be some of the best drivers in their segments. And as enthusiasts, it's easy to exchange a bit of functionality for a larger helping of fun.

Now, Mazda hopes to achieve this same sort of positioning within the B-car segment - a class that's grown substantially in America and is projected to double in size within the next few years. The 2011 Mazda2 comes to town right on the heels of its sister car, the Ford Fiesta, but as we found out after a lengthy drive through the city of Montréal and the countryside of Canada's Québec province, it's a wholly different machine. And while the Fiesta is sure to provide some serious competition for the 2, there are plenty of other well-to-do B cars in the U.S. that are ready to be sized up against the minuscule Mazda.

If you only look at the stats, you wouldn't think Mazda has positioned the 2 to be anything overly special. Not only is it the least powerful car in its segment, but it doesn't offer some of the clever technology or unique packaging to make it stand out from its kin. But Mazda is immensely proud of the new 2, and though we looked on with skeptical faces, the people in charge simply told us that the little hatch's story is best told on the road. So let's get to it.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Mazda2

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Mazda2 puts fun before frugality

First Drive: 2011 Mazda2 puts fun before frugality originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Mazda2 dealer order guide surfaces on the interwebs

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Mazda

2011 Mazda2 - click above for high-res image gallery

You only have two more months to wait for the Mazda2 to appear in your local showroom, but you can start practicing your mixing and matching right now with the newly freed dealer order guide. The 2011 Mazda2 starts at $13,980 plus a $750 destination charge and goes all the way up to $16,980, including destination charges for the top-flight automatic Touring model. That last figure is actually $945 more than the larger Mazda3, so if you might want to crunch some numbers if you're pondering going high-end, but even if you do, you're still looking pretty sweet against competitors like the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and Hyundai Accent.

On top of the a 100-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that comes with the car, you can play around with options such as fog lights, portable Garmin navigation, a Motorola hands-free device and a kayak carrier. Check out the guide in our gallery below and let the configuration games begin.

Gallery: 2011 Mazda2 Dealer Order Guide

Gallery: 2011 Mazda2

[Source: Mazda via Inside Line]

2011 Mazda2 dealer order guide surfaces on the interwebs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 May 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Ford Fiesta aims to be the new subcompact king [w/video]

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford, First Drives

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

With over 750,000 Fiestas floating around Europe and a highly-successful social media campaign (if one can quantify such a thing) under its belt, the 2011 Ford Fiesta is nothing if not overexposed. And we've driven it. Thrice. So is there really anything left to learn?

As a matter of fact, yes.

The Fiestas we've sampled over the last year have all been European-spec models, which had us constantly questioning whether Ford would neuter its soon-to-be least expensive offering on its way to U.S. shores. After two days of fruitful flogging on the roads surrounding San Francisco, those concerns have largely been laid to rest. However, like any inexpensive conveyance, it's all about compromise. But Ford has managed to restore some balance to the B-segment while putting the rest of the subcompact class on notice.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Fiesta

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Ford Fiesta aims to be the new subcompact king [w/video]

First Drive: 2011 Ford Fiesta aims to be the new subcompact king [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The DetroitBureau.com on Autoblog with Paul Eisenstein

Paul Eisenstein — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:41:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback

Betting on small cars...

My friend, Sam, is your classic Texan. Big home, big pool, big personality and, of course, a big car, a Chevrolet Silverado pickup that he uses a couple times a year to haul lumber and yard supplies from the local mega-mart. But most of the time he's sitting in Dallas traffic, running up big gas bills.

And that's got Sam thinking about whether he really needs all that much of a truck. The last couple weeks he's been stopping by the local mega-auto mall - where, as you'd expect, they carry just about every brand of car - looking at a number of alternatives, all of them a lot smaller. A classic Chevy truck fan, he's leaning towards the new Equinox, though he could easily afford something more lavish.

When even Texans are starting to downsize, one has to ask what's going on in the American automotive market. "There is an opportunity in small cars," that General Motors hopes to exploit, says CEO Ed Whitacre, with an assortment of new products such as the pint-sized 2011 Chevrolet Spark. His counterpart at Ford, Alan Mulally, echoes that view, and has ordered up a variety of new models, including the subcompact Fiesta and the next-generation Focus.

Import brands are already invested in the small car segments, with models like the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. Even highline makers are downsizing, with offerings such as the Mini and the BMW 1-Series.

In a nation that has long felt that big is better, why is small suddenly beautiful? The first sign that things might be shifting came in mid-2008, when U.S. fuel prices soared to record level triggering, in turn, a collapse in sales of pickups and sport-utility vehicles. The trend was short-lived, however. Even before pump prices started slipping back, small car sales began to wane.

So, why is the industry betting so big on small cars now? For one thing, most expect gasoline prices to reach $4 a gallon in the long-term. Meanwhile, tough new federal fuel economy standards also press the industry to downsize.

Paul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com, and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

Continue reading The DetroitBureau.com on Autoblog with Paul Eisenstein

The DetroitBureau.com on Autoblog with Paul Eisenstein originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Subaru says it can't Justy-fy selling a subcompact in the U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Subaru

What do Toyota, Nissan and Honda all have in common? (Besides the fact that they are all Japanese automakers, that is?) They all re-entered the subcompact market in 2006 after abandoning it years ago. What's more, Mazda is planning to bring its subcompact Mazda2 to U.S. shores next year, Suzuki has signaled its intent to enter the B-segment with its popular Swift hatchback, and the domestics are in the game with the Chevrolet Aveo and forthcoming Ford Fiesta.

So, where does that leave Subaru? After all, the company has roots in small cars, starting with its first automobile, the downright minuscule 360, all the way up to the off-the-wall, four-wheel drive, three-cylinder Justy and its unconventional CVT.

Subaru spokesman Michael McHale tells Wards Auto, "The thing with the B-sector is you have to ask how you make money at the lower levels. You look at the pricing on the B segment - it's a tough segment to make money." Indeed it is - with base models of some competitors starting just under $10,000, profits are in very short supply.

For an automaker as small as Subaru, taking a risk on what is likely to be an unprofitable model generally isn't a smart idea. In other words, don't hold your breath for another subcompact Subaru any time soon.

[Source: Wards Auto]

REPORT: Subaru says it can't Justy-fy selling a subcompact in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: First look at the 2011 Chevy Aveo

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:04:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

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.

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REPORT: Consumers increasingly shying away from small cars; owners unhappy

Chris Shunk — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

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.

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REPORT: VW logs 13,000 orders for new Polo ahead of launch

Chris Shunk — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen

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.

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Honda Fit dominates Consumer Reports subcompact test

Michael Harley — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki, Toyota

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.

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

Chris Paukert — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Videos, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

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.

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Autogas Chevrolet Matiz Concept = LPG for the masses

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Tuners, Budget, Hybrid, Europe, Green, Hatchback, Chevrolet

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.

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Toyota working on Yaris-sized 7-Seater?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Minivan/Van, Hatchback, Toyota

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.

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Ford Verve production likely headed to Mexico

Dan Roth — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 09:41:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

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.

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Hyundai i10 revealed in India

Dan Roth — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Hyundai

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.

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Toyota set to unveil microcar in Frankfurt

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 06:54:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Budget, Europe, Toyota

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.

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Toyota to sell diesel hybrid by 2010 thanks to Isuzu

John Neff — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Green, Technology, Isuzu, Toyota

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.

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