10 September 2008, 10:15 AM
Daihatsu now has the perfect answer for belt-tightening motorists wishing to downsize but not down-spec.
For its most popular model – the Sirion supermini – has now been expanded to include more luxury models badged simply ‘+’.
The extra equipment on Sirion ‘+’ models comprises a large electric sun-roof with a rain-sensing and anti-trap feature, front fog lamps, side protection mouldings, leather steering wheel and leather gear-knob for manual models.
The more luxurious ‘+’ models co
10 September 2008, 10:05 AM
Following a significant refresh for the entire lineup of Odyssey minivans in the 2008 model year, the 2009 Odyssey receives additional upgrades on the EX-L trim level with features previously exclusive to the Odyssey Touring. The Odyssey EX-L adds a power tailgate to its existing features, while its available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System gains Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® as standard equipment.
"The Odyssey has earned a reputation for
10 September 2008, 09:52 AM
The MINI brand is continuing its overwhelming story of success - now taking a new approach with the MINI Crossover Concept.
This Design Study offers a fascinating outlook at a new facet of the brand powerfully expressed by a truly innovative body concept - the fourth body variant, to be precise, following the classic two-door, the MINI Convertible, and the MINI Clubman.
The MINI Crossover Concept is a new model variant for the first time measuring more than four metres in length, with four d
10 September 2008, 09:40 AM
Poised to lay down the gauntlet to its lower-medium rivals, including the next-generation VW Golf, one of this year’s most eagerly-awaited new models, New Megane, has arrived. Previewed for the first time in five-door form, in the lead-up to its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October, the successor to one of Europe’s best-selling cars ushers in a new era of styling, handling and quality.
Retaining characterful styling, Renault Megane's is immediately eye-catching. Its dynamic, elegant styling has been
10 September 2008, 09:12 AM
An all-new show car will take centre stage at Paris alongside the new Cruze family saloon, as Chevrolet looks to further its incredible growth in Europe.
The seven-seat Orlando show car is a clear indication of how the company plans to move into areas of the market where it can attract new customers. The compact Orlando combines the attributes of an SUV and an MPV, with a stylish yet bold appearance and a practical seven-seat interior.
At the front, the car displays Chevrolet’s signature d
10 September 2008, 09:00 AM
Citroën has released first details of a special edition of its funky convertible supermini, the C3 Pluriel - The Charleston. The limited edition model will be unveiled at next month’s Paris Motor Show and is expected to go on sale in the UK in early 2009.
The C3 Pluriel Charleston fashions a contemporary reinterpretation of a design theme that once decorated Citroën’s famous 2CV - a stylistic nod to one of the most iconic cars in history, whic
09 September 2008, 10:38 AM
Lexus will headline its 2008 Australian International Motor Show line-up with the LF-Xh hybrid SUV concept.
The hybrid concept will be one of two all-new Lexus vehicles to be displayed at the show.
The all-wheel drive LF-Xh features a V6 petrol engine mated to a high-output electric motor hybrid system, reinforcing Lexus' commitment to a hybrid future.
Designed by Lexus' Shuhei Miyashita, the concept aims to capture the essence of Lexus' uni
09 September 2008, 10:27 AM
At Paris Motor Show in early October, Volvo Cars is presenting economical new diesel variants of the C30, S40 and V50 models with fuel consumption of just 4.4 litres/100 km (C30) or 4.5 litres/100 km (S40 and V50). The corresponding CO2 figures of 115 and 118 g/km mean that the C30 and V50 have best-in-class CO2 emissions in their segments. All three models - the C30, S40 and V50 - are equipped with a special set of efficiency-enhancing features
09 September 2008, 09:54 AM
As part of its efforts to reduce vehicle weight, Mazda Motor Corporation has developed a new plastic molding technology that enables a substantial reduction in the weight of plastic parts used in vehicles. This plastic molding manufacturing technique cuts the consumption of plastic resins that are used as raw material by approximately 20 to 30 percent, with associated reductions in vehicle weight.
The most common manufacturing method for produ
09 September 2008, 09:41 AM
Paris Motor Show Preview: First images of the seven-seat multi-purpose family vehicle
The Orlando show car, making its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October, is clear indication that Chevrolet considers to enter the seven-seat family multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment with a distinctive sport utility-like design, offering adaptable seating and impressive interior space.
Based on the recently announced all-new Cruze compact sedan,
09 September 2008, 09:21 AM
Ford Motor Company's hot-selling and fuel-efficient Ford Focus is significantly less expensive to repair than 19 other small cars, including the Toyota Prius, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported last week.
In a recent series of crash tests, IIHS determined that Ford Focus had the lowest repair costs among those tested. Compared to the Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Rabbit, which sustained about $4,000 or more in damage in
09 September 2008, 08:15 AM
The new Boxer Diesel Forester – itself only launched in April in petrol format – the boxer diesel catapults it to the top of the class for fuel economy and low emissions. It also offers drivers the longest range of any SUV at more than 1,000 km before refuelling.
No other competitor can match the new Forester 2.0D X
