Jim Magill’s tad Fiat 500 obtained a moratorium in SoCal the present weekend and we got with the lucky few who got chosen seat long time in it. As we just now blogged, Jim shipped his microcar to the States all the way based on data from Belfast, Northern Ireland to windfall growth a small amount of funds for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, and to balance amongst one or two fellow Fiat tifosi along the way. As side of the guidelines the Cinquecento is making driven to a little above average profile happenings to confirm it off and aide spread the word regarding his cause. In the OC the current out of Saturday morning, the car attracted a ton of treatment at a weekly car show, much sitting in the shadow of a few Zagato-bodied Lancias and Alfas. While the nearby Isettas drew up it give the impression favorably huge, the pithy Fiat was a good deal understood for its frugality and little footprint. After the demonstrate we headed for a spin and halted to take a few pics of the car upcoming to a handy Smart ForTwo.

Following the internet’s unofficial, unscheduled and possibly unwanted (at minimum by Volkswagen) reveal of the sixth-generation Golf the week, VW has thrown its cards on the table and revealed its hand. Along in on high-res images, VW has revealed overly the new Golf is able to launch right now October in Europe and subsequently purchase its way to markets in Africa, Asia, Australia and North America. Unfortunately, the association did not specify the U.S. (could merely be Canada, for instance), but we are likely on VW of North America’s word such a it am able to swiftly go on turn over in the States. Europeans, however, get above all dibs and the base prices is able to be 16,500 Euros at launch.

The car’s new design carries offer trademark Golf cues but adds a bit of crispness. VW displays it is larger number of “three-dimensional” as opposed to the latest car, that is multiple from the time they’re both technically objects in space. Regardless, VW performs fess up to the Scirocco’s influence, really the extensive shoulder section on that the roof sits. The interior moreover was inspired and borrows bits and pieces of the a larger number of steep Passat CC.

Power for the new Golf, in Europe at least, might be with uni gas engines and two diesels. All of the gassers would be TSI, i.e. properties incorporate both a supercharger and turbo. The diesels meanwhile get routine rail injection all over the team in on two balancer shafts to quell vibrations. Finally, DSG is so much replacing the automatic in all Golfs exclusive of base models. Either a 6- or 7-speed DSG should be exhausted depending on that engine it is paired to. Electronic doo-dads input “automatic distance control” (ACC), “adaptive chassis control” (DCC), a “park steering assistant” and updated ESP system.

If you have listened to our numerous newly made podcast, it is discernable this a couple of us are eagerly expected the occurrence of an critical addition to the Suzuki lineup: the Swift Sport.

We’ve carried on eyeing-up the Swift Sport based on far away, far too long, understanding which we will adore its miniscule footprint, perky-four and road-sucking prowess.

And what is not to love?

A small, high-revving 1.6-liter engine, in variable valve timing, that is been heard honed on the absurdly demanding Junior World Rally Championship circuit. A close-ratio, uni swiftness manual becomes to molest 125 hp before it reaches the tarmac and a suspension setup, mated amid 17″ wheels, overly are able to bid a few Miata drivers on hand to the dark (front-wheel drive) side.

We can not wait, and thankfully, the blokes within the duration of at World Car Fans hold looking at us all the sour things to pour during in a hatch-induced haze.

Since spy shots had by now spoiled the surprise, Nissan determined to unveil its Qashsai small crossover for Europe to come of its official debut at the Paris Motor Show subsequently presently month. The car’s development was a real English effort, amongst styling showing out of Nissan Design Europe in London, engineering based on data from Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield and creation set to start at Nissan’s factory in Sunderland.

Nissan instigates no bones in regards to the Murano’s styling impacts too can be observed in the Qashqai, and why when it? The tiny SUV is making positioned as a bridge for European shoppers tired of making junk to C-segment cars but who are not fairly prepared for a HUMMER H2. Four engines am able to fuel the Qashqai: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas (113 hp/118 ft-lbs.), a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas (138 hp/148 ft-lbs.), a 1.5-liter diesel (105 hp/177 ft-lbs.) and a 2.0-liter diesel (148 hp/236 ft-lbs.). Mated to people engines plans to be a myriad of gearbox choices, not excluding a five- and six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic and a CVT. Finally, to imbue the Qashqai amongst specific degree of off-road prowess, either 2.0-liter ideal can be equipped providing Nissan’s ALL-MODE 4×4 system.

The Qashqai looks as if it’s to be an appealing all-around package, while it looks as if it’s it can not be following Stateside to have to sort out off among the Toyota RAV-4 and new Honda CR-V, with others. The CUV can be exported to Nissan’s property industry of Japan and “other out of country markets”.

Since spy shots had by now spoiled the surprise, Nissan determined to unveil its Qashsai small crossover for Europe to come of its official debut at the Paris Motor Show subsequently presently month. The car’s development was a real English effort, amongst styling showing out of Nissan Design Europe in London, engineering based on data from Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield and creation set to start at Nissan’s factory in Sunderland.

Nissan instigates no bones in regards to the Murano’s styling impacts too can be observed in the Qashqai, and why when it? The tiny SUV is making positioned as a bridge for European shoppers tired of making junk to C-segment cars but who are not fairly prepared for a HUMMER H2. Four engines am able to fuel the Qashqai: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas (113 hp/118 ft-lbs.), a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas (138 hp/148 ft-lbs.), a 1.5-liter diesel (105 hp/177 ft-lbs.) and a 2.0-liter diesel (148 hp/236 ft-lbs.). Mated to people engines plans to be a myriad of gearbox choices, not excluding a five- and six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic and a CVT. Finally, to imbue the Qashqai amongst specific degree of off-road prowess, either 2.0-liter ideal can be equipped providing Nissan’s ALL-MODE 4×4 system.

The Qashqai looks as if it’s to be an appealing all-around package, while it looks as if it’s it can not be following Stateside to have to sort out off among the Toyota RAV-4 and new Honda CR-V, with others. The CUV can be exported to Nissan’s property industry of Japan and “other out of country markets”.
The Chevrolet WTCC Ultra should be in the core of the automaker’s stand at the Paris Motor Show subsequently presently month. The WTCC Ultra is a ready-to-drive concept, according to Chevy, this “bends the most recent World Touring Car Championship regulations”. Chevy reports it was implemented by a committe across the globe, that causes sense if one compares the highly exaggerated front grille to the one discovered on right now Chevy Malibu test mule in the States. It’s stubby, muscular proportions, though, are supposed to hint that it is supposed rapidly when standing still. A 190-hp diesel engine powers the WTCC Ultra when it in point of fact is likely fast. Renderings are sharp fun, but we are actually interested to see for ourselves in body how such concept’s styling transfers to plastic and steel.

Despite perception overly suffer carried on floating virtually ever since the debut of the Hornet notion in Geneva their year, Volkswagen would not be while Dodge through a platform to get a B-segment vehicle.

According to an report that is due for publication the Monday in the German magazine Automobilwoche, VW’s bid to share its Polo’s bases was too extreme for the German-American automaker. However, DaimlerChrysler’s plans to form the Hornet or a similar car plans to not be thwarted, as D.C. is much the system of negotiations in on Chinese, Japanese and European manufacturers.

Although such a may be a efficient hurdle for Dodge’s new sub-compact, the relationship between VW and Dodge to acquire a mini-van has been heard left intact.

We’re decreased as opposed to a day away based on data from the official unveiling of the 2009 Ford Ka, but as is often the case, additionally cracks are becoming in the dam. This current leakage comes courtesy of AM-Online, among two new images shooting the Ka’s new rear end and, other importantly, the interior.

Ford’s “Kinetic” cues carry within to the Ka, in on a slanted stance, huge C-pillar and minimal spoiler underneath the rear window. The interior has undergone a complete update, and also a new three-spoke steering wheel in on brushed aluminum accents who tie to the door processes and curvaceous heart stack. The new IP is a diffused blend of simplicity and functionality, among a high-mounted shifter similar to this discovered on the EP3 Civic Si, along amidst two-tone thrones this meet the turquoise hue of the exterior.

Earlier states hint at so motivation can be should by a opportunity of 3 powerplants – a 1.4-liter or 1.6-liter gasoline engine or a 1.6-liter TDCi diesel – and a ST variant should possible follow, powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter.

Look for all the official things later on today or the beginning of tomorrow.

Like just about most any automaker, Mercedes-Benz is feeling the pinch of insane gas price levels and an region slow-down in the States. Daimler AG expects M-B’s dealings in the U.S. to dwindle in the instant portion of the year and in form to remain conditions in the black, car levels in the U.S. are ready to rise.

To counter the shift in clamor on larger, thirstier vehicles to smaller, thriftier rides, Mercedes is reconsidering its past decision not to send back its upcoming production compressed and sub-compact vehicles in the U.S. Mercedes originally calculated to bid the B school over, but the weak dollar lead to the automaker to have off. With the access of the 1-series, the forthcoming X1 and minimal crossovers according to Audi on the way, Mercedes is seeming to shoot it front-wheel-drive A and B lesson vehicles to U.S. lendees the current is able to be open to a miniature car out of a luxury automaker.

The A superiority hatch was just recently revealed and the B superiority got a facelift formerly presently year, however, both examples are able to experience to experience one or two revisions to be predicted for transactions in the U.S. With a greater number of derivatives on the way, combined with 230 hp, turbo’d two-liters and a B lesson likely sharing the C’s foundations (similar to the 1 line paying for the 3 series’ platform), do not anticipate either exemplary to hit U.S. shores before 2011.

What’s a Mercury? That’s a ask that is kept on on the lips of senior execs at FoMoCo for select time. Positioned between Ford and Lincoln, the badge-engineered kind has kept on lacking defined packages for through a decade, but according to the Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s overseas product chief, that is being offered to change.

Mercury may be repositioned as an entry-level premium type the present should significantly slot in underneath Lincoln, but are able to be erected up completely of miniature vehicles and crossovers. Lincoln dealers, on the a larger number of hand, is planning to be stocking mid-size sedans and large vehicles, additonally Mercury could focus on smaller, greater number of fuel-efficient products.

The original move on Mercury’s portion to reestablish itself could turn up in the shape of a new compact car, derived from what i read in an unnamed Ford vehicle, that is slated to go on be purchased in 2010. The Milan and Mariner would remain, but the Sable, Moutaineer and Grand Marquis will be nixed from the time properties can not fit in amid Mercury’s most recent makeover.

The earliest image of the redesigned Ford Ka has leaked out to come of its official debut in Paris such a October, and as expected, the new microcar takes all the affirmatory cues based on information from Ford’s European design language. The headlamps, front fascia and accent lines all ape the new Fiesta to smart effect, and through a platform shared by the Fiat Panda/500, the new Ka will carry on to be an engaging leads to of puttering roughly town.

Engine opportunities might initially be limited to two gasoline powerplants (a 1.4- and 1.6-liter), along amongst a 1.6-liter TDCi oilburner. Further at a slump the line, guess the Ka ST to earn the Fiat 500 Abarth’s turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, Other suspension tweaks and a redesigned front clip.

Volkswagen is struggling hard to cause the up! a reality, but the technological problem of a rear engine, RWD car are proving to be larger number of daunting as opposed to expected. The VW engineering assembly is reportedly experiencing hassles conjuring up a low values rear-engine layout. The difficulty has been heard struggling to accommodate a radiator in the up!’s nose and transferring coolant in the car. Early up! prototypes are as well experiencing a difficult cycle investing in cross-wind stability due to the unbalanced heft of its rear drive/rear engine layout. To affirmatory these types of issues, a good deal of styling fluctuations may be necessary, but if the simple condition of the up! is compromised, the German automaker may suffer to give the impression at front wheel force as an option. In spite of any questions engineers are having, VW executives are confident any problems is planning to be overcome.

We’re hoping too leads to we can continuing to project the low&wshyp;priced hatch to be pushed via the rear wheels easily such as the first Bug. Then again, the Mini has proved this minimal cars can be fun and driven by the front wheels, and as for a while now as the up! is cheap, efficient, and adorable, there can be lots of buyers.