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.