New Car: 2012 Honda Accord facelift (EU)

Honda has revised its popular Accord mid-sized family car for the 2012 model year. The facelift includes minor exterior and interior changes, reworked engines, and chassis alterations.

The 2.2 i-DTEC engine now emits 138g/km for the manual sedan, down by 9g/km from 147g/km, 11g/km drop from 170g/km to 159g/km for the automatic sedan, and 10g/km tumble from 153g/km to 143g/km for manual transmission wagons, thanks to internal friction losses. Torque and engine power output remains untouched at 350Nm (258lb-ft) and 148bhp (146PS/110kW).

The 2.0 i-VTEC models sport aerodynamic revisions. With a manual transmission and in sedan body-form, a CO2 figure of 159g/km, down 9g/km from 168g/km, is achieved.

In order to improve NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels, Honda has had its Japanese based engineers working with those in the UK and Germany. This has resulted in higher density foam under the bonnet and dashboard to enhance refinement.

Externally, new headlights, grille, air-intakes, bumpers, and fog lights will feature. On sedan models, chrome trim will sit above the number plate on the bootlid. Internally, dark silver and bright silver trim accents will be used on the handbrake and door handles. EX models obtain illuminated footwells.

On ES, and ES-GT trim-levels, redesigned 17” alloy wheels and three new colours will be offered; Alabaster Silver, Graphite Lustre metallic and Celestrial Blue Pearl. New technology like Active Cornering Lights and High Beam Support system will be standard on Accord’s equipped with bi-xenon headlights.

The facelifted Accord will premier at the Geneva motor show before going on sale in July 2011.

Toyota recalls Avensis and Lexus IS250 over potential fuel leaks (EU/NZ)

Toyota is announcing yet another recall...this time, the mid-sized Avensis and compact Lexus IS250 models have been recalled in Europe and New Zealand.

In the UK, the Avensis fitted with the 2.0 VVT-i and 2.4 VVT-i petrol engines is being recalled over concerns involving the fuel system.

The first concern is linked to the fuel pipe, where small cracks can arise after a long period of time. The second worry is related to possible insufficient tightening of the fuel pump check valve. Worst case scenario, a fuel leak is possible. No accidents or complaints have been issued in the UK.

Around 15,500 British-registered Avensis vehicles are affected by this recall and were built between July 2000 – September 2008. Roughly 125,500 Avensis' have been affected around Europe. The exact number is unknown in New Zealand.

The IS250 model, built between August 2007 – February 2009, is being called back due to defective fuel pressure sensor. The fuel pressure sensor may become loose and could cause a fuel leak.

Like the Avensis, no problems have arisen yet and around 3,100 models have been affected.

Jon Williams, Managing Director of Toyota GB PLC, said, “We are committed to putting the customer first and have a total focus on the quality of all our products. We will liaise with our customers to carry out the repair procedures as efficiently as possible, with minimal disruption.”

All repairs are free to affected customers and take between 1hr – 3hrs.

New Car: 2012 Fiat Freemont

Fiat has unveiled its new large MPV called the Freemont. The Freemont is essentially a European version of the Dodge Journey and is the first Fiat model from the brand’s alliance with Chrysler LLC.

The Freemont will be built at Chrysler’s Toluca factory in Mexico, alongside the Journey and imported for the European market.

Minor revisions include LED tail-lights, new bumpers, and a new radiator grille sporting the Fiat emblem. Fiat claim the Freemont is a “factotum vehicle” which has been “designed to meet the diverse needs of families and those seeking a spacious, comfortable and versatile vehicle to cater for the frenetic pace of everyday life or weekend leisure time”.

The entrance of the Freemont means that the compact Multipla MPV will be replaced; a plan that has been delayed due to Fiat’s lack of spending. The Freemont will sit alongside the sub-compact Qubo, and the compact Doblo MPV.

The new vehicle has had its chassis extensively reworked for “greater accuracy and directness” to make them more appropriate for European tastes.

Two engines will be offered; two tunes of the 2.0 MultiJet and a 3.6 litre Pentastar V6. The diesels arrive with 138bhp and 168bhp, both linked to a 6 speed manual, while the V6 produces 272bhp. In the pipeline, a 4x4 variant will be offered, using the more powerful diesel engine and the V6 petrol engine. Both will be hooked to a 6 speed automatic.

Inside, the Freemont uses more soft-touch materials and sports a reworked instrument panel and centre console.

The 7 seat Freemont measures at 4,890 long, 1,880mm wide, and 1,720 high, so with all the seats flipped down, luggage space is calculated at 1,461 litres. Two trim-levels will be available as part of the ‘Fiat Fair Price’ strategy.

Entry-level models will come with tri-zone climate control, keyless entry, advance trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring system, front fog lights, ESP, x7 airbags, hill-start assist, touch-screen radio, cruise control, and steering wheel audio controls.

The range-topping trim will arrive with 17” alloy wheels, privacy rear glass, Bluetooth w/satellite navigation system, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rear parking sensors, roof rails, electrically folding door mirrors, and automatic headlights and wipers.

A world debut will happen at the forthcoming Geneva motor show, with sales starting in June, however, Fiat says it "will re-evaluate this in the future" for the UK market.

Citroën reworks Nemo commercial van for 2011 (UK)

Citroën has revised its popular Nemo sub-compact van with the addition of a new diesel engine and stop/start.

While the previous 1.4i petrol engine remains, the 1.4HDi has been replaced with a 1.3HDi Fiat-sourced engine, which is more powerful and offers lower CO2 emissions. The new Euro 5 1.3HDi boosts power from 70bhp to 75bhp, with an increase in torque to 190Nm (140lb-ft), from 160Nm (118lb-ft).

The new Euro5 Nemo now increases combined fuel economy to 65.7mpg (4.2l/100km), while carbon emissions dip from 119g/km to 113g/km. A diesel particulate filter system (DPFS) is fitted as standard. When compared to the 1.4HDi, the new 1.3HDi will save an estimated £230, over three years and 20,000 miles.

The 1.4i petrol is also now Euro5 and offers better fuel economy and lower emissions over the previous variant. CO2 emissions drop from 164g/km to 148g/km while combined fuel economy is now rated at 44.1mpg (6.4l/100km). This engine is now primarily available for Ready to Run Dual Fuel (petrol/LPG) conversion.

Robert Handyside, Citroën’s Commercial Vehicle Operations Manager, said; “The new Euro 5 Nemo uses advanced technology very effectively to provide significant operational, financial, environmental and safety benefits. It now carries more, while using less fuel and also has significantly lower CO2 emissions. This is a van designed to suit today’s tough economic climate.”

The base ‘X’ Nemo starts at £9,165 for the 1.4i and £10,665 for the 1.3HDi diesel. Stand equipment includes driver’s airbag, flat-folding front passenger seat, height adjustable steering wheel, power steering, immobiliser, guide-me-home headlamps, trip computer, 12v power socket, and RDS stereo radio w/MP3 input.

Mid-spec LX starts at £11,365 and comes with remote central locking, height/reach adjustable steering wheel, electric front windows, electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors, height adjustable driver’s seat w/lumbar support and armrest, dash-mounted clip board, and nearside sliding door.

Range-topping Enterprise comes with air conditioning, Bluetooth, and rear parking sensors at £11,925.

Sales start now.

Ford may export U.S built cars (CN)

Ford has said it’s delving into whether it should export its U.S produced vehicles to China. Normally, U.S built cars don’t travel any further than Canada, however, Ford has allegedly signed a contract to discover the opportunity.

“Ford Motor Company is evaluating opportunities to import vehicles to China from the U.S, subject to our business plan and to Chinese regulatory approvals governing vehicle imports,” Ford said.

Ford is growing its efforts via various joint ventures with Changan , Mazda and Jiangling. Despite arriving late to the Chinese market, Ford is currently constructing a $300m joint factory with Jiangling.

There is no word on what models will arrive in China, but we expect to see the Edge crossover among the line-up.

Volkswagen Passat CC faces 6 month waiting list (UK)

It’s not unusual for a car in the UK to have a 6 month waiting list...unless it’s a Passat CC of course. Volkswagen UK has confirmed that customer may have to wait upto 6 months for their car to arrive.

A Volkswagen spokesman said the brand has been 'struggling' to deliver certain variants and that there was a lack of Passat CC’s for both retail and fleet customers.

There are many reasons for the delays according to Volkswagen, together with some retailers receiving more orders than their share and DSG models in short supply.

The wait has irritated certain customers so much that some are ordering the new Passat instead, due the short lead time.

Scion city-car launch postponed (U.S)

For those who think the Smart ForTwo is too feminine for them and were holding out for a 2011 Scion iQ will be disappointed.

According to an insider at Toyota, Scion has pushed back the launch date until Summer 2011 for a couple of reasons.

The first reason is that prototypes that were needed to get ready for production was overdue by a few months, creating a hold-up in the planned delivery schedule.

The second reason according to Greg Thome, spokesman for Toyota, is the wish of Scion to draw attention to the recently launched tC.

Toyota has also cancelled the media test-drive event. The test-drive launch has been moved to Summer to connect with the new launch date.

Suzuki may pinch Volkswagen engines

Suzuki is looking to Volkswagen for engines following meagre sales since 2007.

Volkswagen bought 19.9% of Suzuki back in 2009 because Suzuki was unable to compete in the mainstream, because of the brand’s low volume. The alliance would permit the companies to share technology and allow Volkswagen a pathway into Suzuki’s key markets; Japan and India.

At the moment, the thought of the two companies sharing engines is “being considered,” however, with little co-operation with one another, it’s expected the two firms will share platforms or influence technology in the future.

Director-marketing and product planning for Suzuki, Steve Younan, said, “Our whole product cadence got pushed back because of this relationship. We had to slowdown our process to see what we could take advantage of and what they could take advantage of. It’s taking longer than we thought.”

So in the distant future, your Suzuki Alto may be powered by a VAG 1.2 TDI...

Hyundai targets Chinese mid-sized car market (CN)

Following its extraordinary success in the U.S, according to a senior executive, Hyundai is aiming for its long lasting growth to come from China.

“It is time to strengthen our brand’s premium image in China to pave the way for our long-term growth there,” Jung Myung-Chae, GM at Beijing Hyundai Motor’s brand strategy division said.

Despite Hyundai arriving late in the Chinese market, it’s the 4th largest manufacture in the country. The line-up consists of a mixture of vehicles from emerging markets and the North American market, however, the most popular model was the Elantra compact sedan.

2010 saw Hyundai drop off 700,000 cars, with a majority of vehicles being compact sedans with a small engine displacement.

Myung-Chae said Hyundai will now concentrate on larger vehicles and in order to keep up with local demand, the brand has assembled its third Chinese plant.

“As part of our global brand strategy, we want to focus more on the mid-sized sedan segment this year,” Jung said.

New Car: 2011 Ferrari FF

Ferrari has released photographs of its first ever four seat, four-wheel drive model, the FF – hence the model’s acronym.

The FF replaces the 612 2+2 coupé and aims to draw a new kind of “all-roads, all-weathers” Ferrari customer and is designed by Pininfarina with assistance of Ferrari’s chief designer, Flavio Manzoni. Ferrari anticipates the FF will attract customers who normally purchase all-wheel-drive saloons or SUVs for winter driving.

An all-new, longer wheelbase, independent suspension w/magnetically adjustable dampers and Brembo carbon ceramic disc brakes will feature, alongside stop/start. The four-wheel drive system, alleged to be approximately 50% lighter than similar applications. Ferrari's exclusive, patented 4RM (four-wheel drive) maintains the perfect weight distribution (53% over the rear axle). Completely integrated with the car's electronic dynamic control systems, the four-wheel drive technology delivers record levels of performance on all terrains and in all conditions via continuous and intelligent predictive torque distribution to all four wheels.

At 4,907mm long, the FF is similar in size to the outgoing 612. With the rear seats erected, there’s a compact-family sized luggage space of 450 litres. Flip the rear seats down, 800 litres of space is on offer.

The front 6.2 litre V12 mounted engine will be linked to a 7 speed double-clutch gearbox. This allows the car to produce 650bhp (659PS/485kW), 683Nm (504lb-ft) of torque, and emit 360g/km, while returning 18.3mpg (15.4l/100km).

The FF will debut at the upcoming Geneva motor sow and will go on sale shortly after.

Renault introduces short-term entry-level 'Bizu' range (UK)

Renault has introduced a provisional budget line-up, called Bizu.

Bizu was intended "to tempt customers looking for greater value for money", and flows from the entry-level Twingo city-car to the Scénic compact MPV (excluding the Wind roadster).

Available until June, the Bizu models can offer savings of upto £3,870 can when compared with entry-level models. The base Twingo 1.2 16v 75bhp Bizu starts at £6,595, rising to £12,595 for the Scénic 1.6 VVT 110bhp.

All Bizu models feature ABS, brake assist, electric front windows and Bluetooth connectivity w/AUX input as standard.

The Clio Bizu is equipped with body-coloured rear spoiler and brushed chrome effect fog-light surrounds.

The Mégane and Scénic models have ESC, electrically adjustable, heated door mirrors, air-conditioning and keyless entry.

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI S-Line pricing announced (UK)

Audi has given its hottest A1 yet a sticker price of £20,705.

The A1 1.4 TFSI utilises a twincharged (supercharger & turbocharger) 1.4 litre petrol engine that kicks out 182bhp (185PS/136kW) and 250Nm (184lb-ft) of torque. This is linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic transmission, giving a 0-60mph (97km/h) time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 141mph (227km/h).

Combined fuel economy is 47.9mpg (5.8l/100km), with carbon emissions of 139g/km.

Standard features will include 17” alloy wheels, part leather/fabric sport seats, ESP w/ESD, remote central locking, air conditioning, Bluetooth, 6 speaker audio system w/iPod & MP3 compatibility, and electric front windows and door mirrors.

Order books are open now.

Suzuki launches 4WD Swift and Kizashi (DE)

Suzuki is expanding the Swift and Kizashi line-up with the addition of four-wheel drive for 2011.

The four-wheel drive Swift is exclusively available in 5dr and with a 94bhp (95PS/70kW) 1.2 litre petrol engine that’s mated to a 5 speed manual. Combined fuel economy stands at 51.3mpg (5.5l/100km) with emissions of 129g/km.

It carries a price tag of €14,490 (£12,280) and includes including air conditioning, leather steering wheel, electric door mirrors, MP3/CD/radio w/USB port and audio controls.

The Kizashi sedan is equipped with Suzuki's intelligent all-wheel drive system (i-AWD), which allows the driver to switch from front- to four-wheel drive at a push of a button. The Kizashi sports a 2.4 litre 178bhp (180PS/133kW) petrol engine that is linked to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). With combined fuel economy of 34 mpg (8.3l/100km), CO2 emissions stand at 191g/km.

Starting at €29,900 (£25,380), standard features include xenon headlights, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic climate control, 10 way electrically adjustable heated driver’s seat w/memory, and rain-sensing wipers w/dusk sensor.

Porsche 911 prototype caught jammed in a snowbank

Our spy photographers have caught up with the next-generation Porsche 911, flexing its muscles in the Swedish countryside. While the winter testing regime is tough, one Porsche engineer took it to another level.

While driving towards an ice track, the driver lost control and ploughed the 911 prototype one metre into a snowbank. Good news is that no one was injured; the bad news (from an engineer’s point of view) is that spies got up-close and personal with the vehicle.

A few little things have caught our eye; firstly the side vent look fake and may be a sticker, and secondly, the rear lights have the disguised with a set of faux tail-lights. The production model will feature glitzy LED’s.

The 911 will now measure at 4.49 metres long (56mm longer with 10mm going to the wheelbase) and 11mm shorter. It’ll also be 20kg lighter than the outgoing model, with 19” alloy wheels expected to be standard.

The entry-level 911 will be powered by a 3.4 litre Boxer engine, developing 345bhp (350PS/257kW) with a top speed of 180mph (289km/h). The Carrera S will be using a revised 3.8 litre that pushes power to 395bhp (400PS/294kW). Top speed is also increased to 188mph (302km/h).

The new 911 will be revealed later at the Frankfurt motor show.

Via WorldCarFans

Aston Martin Cygnet pricing announced (UK)

Aston Martin will launch a duo of special editions of its new Cygnet city-car. The special editions will be called White and Black, the brand confirmed.

On the White version, “Snow White” paintwork, white diamond alloy wheels, chrome highlights, and white leather seats will dominate, while on the Black edition, matte black louvers, “Magic Black” paintwork, black leather seats, and dark chrome accents will feature.

Transmission wise, a 6 speed manual will be standard, while a CVT can be obtain optionally. Powering the car will be a Toyota-sourced 1.33 VVT-i petrol engine, developing 97bhp (98PS/72kW) and 123Nm (92lb-ft) of torque.

The Cygnet can reach 62mph (99km/h) from 0mph in 11.8 seconds and return 56.5mpg (4.9l/100km) when linked to the manual, although the CVT is 0.2 seconds quicker at 11.6 seconds, but not so fuel efficient at 54.3mpg (5.2l/100km). Carbon emissions are roughly at 116g/km for the manual and 120g/km for the CVT.

Huge importance is being placed on the interior, hence why Aston Martin will imprint ‘Handcrafted in England’ on the door sill plates. The roof lining is finished in Alcantara to give a sense of quality.

The special editions will arrive with a specially made Bill Amberg five-piece luggage set, including a glove box bag, removable door pocket bag, holdall, garment bag and collapsible tote bag. Other standard features will consist of a satellite navigation system, x9 airbags, ESP, electrically adjustable/heated/folding door mirrors, keyless entry & start, heated front seats, and HomeLink w/auto dimming rear-view mirror.

With order books already wide open, the special editions will cost from £30,995 (€36,500). Production of the Cygnet White and Black will start in April.

BMW X1 launch delayed (U.S)

If you didn’t know, the BMW X1 outsold the Audi Q5 last year, but due to this record demand, BMW has now delayed its U.S launch.

Tom Plucinsky, a spokesman for BMW noted the X1 won’t arrive "until fall of 2011 at the absolute earliest."

The Leipzig factory that produces the X1 can hardly keep up with orders from Europe, so a U.S introduction isn't yet possible. In the UK for example, the X1 is now commanding a four month wait.

However, the postponement is only affecting the U.S, as the Canadian launch will go ahead this year as planned.

Maybach to be replaced in 2014

Mercedes is re-launching the Maybach brand in 2014, with an all-new uber limousine that centres on the forthcoming rear-wheel drive S-Class sedan, also due in 2014.

Two wheelbases will continue to be offered, like the current model. An insider suggests the new Maybach will boast a “traditional three-box design”, on level with consumer tastes.

Rumours started spreading about the Maybach brand due to meagre sales in a deprived economy. At NAIAS, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said that "everything is on the table" regarding the brands future, as well as the likelihood of shutting it down.

Better financial markets and interest from initial customers has encouraged Mercedes to develop a second-generation model that will “act as a technological showcase”.

Internal sources confess that basing the Maybach on a chassis that is nineteen years old was a costly blunder. That stopped Mercedes from renovating equipment like the satellite navigation, communication, entertainment systems, and safety features.

The new model however, will be brimming with all-new technology, including Mercedes’ Magic Ride system, which may provide the new Maybach with ride quality similar to the Rolls-Royce Phantom, scheduled to be replaced in 2016.

Volkswagen may terminate twincharger petrol engine

Volkswagen may ditch its award-winning twincharger petrol engine according to internal sources.

The 1.4 litre mates both turbocharging and supercharging and is said to be too complicated and dear to manufacture.

Volkswagen engineers trust that turbocharging technology can attain related results at a lower cost.

Vauxhall Corsa VXR Blue pricing announced (UK)

Vauxhall has announced pricing on the Corsa VXR Blue edition.

Powering the pocket-rocket is the regular 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine, lifted out of the regular Corsa VXR. It produces 190bhp (192PS) and 260Nm (192lbft) of torque. Vauxhall has stated a 0-60mph time of 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 140mph.

The Blue edition features all things blue...give or take. Externally, the car is finished in metallic blue paint and comes with 18” alloy wheels, front spoiler, privacy windows, sports suspension, upgraded brakes, and blue stitched leather steering wheel, front bucket seats and coloured air vents.

Prices start at £19,425 – £445 less than the standard Corsa VXR –, which undercuts the Citroen DS3 R and the Mini Cooper Works by up to £3,600.

Honda fast-tracking turbocharged CR-Z

According to our sources, Honda is looking to fast-track its turbocharged CR-Z, which will be powered by a 1.6 VTEC-i 4-cylinder and may be offered in both 160bhp and 200bhp variants.

The reason for the potential fast-track is down to very strong feedback and tumbling domestic sales. A world debut of the production model could premier next year in Tokyo.

Prospective customers were saddened after finding out the CR-Z is only available with a 112bhp 1.5 VTEC-i and a 14bhp electric motor.

Toyota launches special-edition Aygo Go! (UK)

Toyota is launching a special edition of the popular Aygo city-car. Named Go!, it features a 4.3” touch-screen TomTom satellite navigation system w/voice recognition, Bluetooth, and a USB port.

The TomTom navigation system is equipped with useful points-of-interest (POI) including filling stations, hotels, service stations, cafes, and more.

The 4.3” touchscreen offers a bird’s eye view and can also display playlist and album details and SMS messages, with speech-to-text facility if required.

The Aygo Go! Also includes rear privacy glass, 14” alloy wheels, internally adjustable door mirrors, and a leather steering wheel to its standard specification.

New standard colours consist of Chilli Red and Cirrus White, with metallic Carbon Quartz available as an option. Also offered optionally are air-conditioning and an Aygo Style and Protection packs.

While Aygo Go! Arriving with both 3dr and 5dr, powering the car is a 1.0 VVT-i, 3-cylinder 68bhp petrol engine that’s mated to either a 5 speed manual or a MultiMode semi-automatic transmission.

Sales start now.

New Car: 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible

Chrysler has lifted the lid on the new 200 Convertible. For 2011, the 200 Convertible will sports a revised exterior, interior, and engines, just like the regular 200.

Like the Sebring, the 200 Convertible will seat four adults in comfort and will be available in two different electric roof options; hard top and fabric. The hard-top is body-coloured and will drop with the press of a button on the key fob.

Options like SIRIUS Satellite Radio, 30GB HDD/CD/DVD/MP3 radio w/SIRIUS Travel Link, and metallic paint will be offered.

Two petrol engines will be offered to customers; a 173bhp 2.4 litre World Gas Engine and a 283bhp 3.6 litre Pentastar V6, both mated to a 6 speed automatic.

Three trim-levels will be obtainable; entry-level Touring, mid-range Limited, and range-topping 200 Convertible S, which will have a late availability date.

A Chrysler insider said “There is no confirmation that the 200 sedan will be built in right-hand drive, and that is also the case with the cabrio”. The 200 Convertible will debut alongside the 200 sedan at the Geneva motor show, before going on sale in 2012 as a Lancia.