The new Mitsubishi Mirage that was introduced last year to the Asian markets will replace the current Colt in Mitsubishi’s range over here in Europe. At the moment it is not clear whether the model will still use the Colt name or not, but it seems certain that it will make its debut in 2013, and here are a few spy shots picturing a lightly camouflaged European version of the car captured during a test. Apparently, the car will get some slightly changed details and is will probably come with a different set-up than its Asians cousins.

Since Mitsubishi is producing the new Mirage at their new plant in Thailand, it seems quite likely that European version of this model will end up being much cheaper to produce than the outgoing Colt, which is being assembled at the Born plant, in the Netherlands. Even if it is slightly smaller than the current Colt, Mitsubishi says the Mirage will still be able to accommodate up to five adults (obviously including the driver). Power is expected to come from a range of petrol engines starting with a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine with start/stop

Renault has accidentally revealed the first two official teasers dedicated to the next generation of the Clio (the fourth.) The two snapshots were allegedly taken from some internal documents presented at Renault’s general shareholder meeting in Paris on Friday, April 27. The images show the front and the rear quarters view of the new French B-segment’s outline. The car has been created by Laurens van den Acker, who has given us a glimpse of Renault’s new design strategy with the electric Zoe. The new Renault Clio will be unveiled in October at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

Mini has chosen the 2012 Beijing Motor Show to introduce to the world two new models: the Mini Hyde Park and the Mini Cooper S Countryman ‘The Chinese Job’, with the latter specifically designed for the Chinese market and clearly inspired by the famous ‘The Italian Job’ movie. Fancy name and a few subtle details aside, this model is just a cosmetic variation of the usual range, in the same fashion as other ‘limited editions’ released by the English/German manufacturer in the past.

The Mini Hyde Park instead (that we introduced a few days ago along with the Green Park trim) can be easily recognized by its exclusive color scheme, which features Pepper White as basic color and contrasting Hot Chocolate brown for the roof, wing mirrors and a pair of longitudinal stripes. Inside, the Pepper White/Hot Chocolate theme continues, while the seats use mixed leather and fabric upholstery. This special trim - dedicated to the famous park in London - will be made available for the Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper D and Cooper SD models.

At the Mini stall in Beijing there are also all the current variations of the Mini Cooper S: the Clubman, the Countryman, and the more recent Coupe and Roadster, all of which are equipped with the same 184 hp 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine. Check the whole lot out in our exclusive photo gallery.

View the full Mini @ the 2012 Beijing Motor Show photo gallery

In the wake of the recent Mini Baker Street and Mini Bayswater, the English/German automaker presents another two limited editions inspired by two of the most famous park in London. The new Mini Hyde Park and Mini Green Park are special variants for both Hatch and Clubman body styles and will be made available worldwide.

The Mini Hyde Park can be easily recognized by its Pepper White / Hot Chocolate paint scheme that involves also the roof and the exterior wing mirrors. The bottom section of the Mini’s C-pillars are usually black, but they have also been painted Pepper White the look of this version. The Mini Green Park uses the same sort of theme of the Hyde Park, but with British Racing Green bits replacing the Hot Chocolate parts to create the contrast with the Pepper White bodywork.

In the cabin the Pepper White theme continues and is pretty much identical for both trims, with also cloth or leather seats offered in Carbon Black or Polar Beige, whereas the dashboard is lined in Black/Polar Beige leather. These two brand new themes will be made available for the Cooper, the Cooper S, the Cooper D, the Cooper SD and the Clubman variants.

View the full Mini Hyde Park and Mini Green Park photo gallery

Kia releases a nice 30-second long video starring their own new Soul city car and Michelle Wie, the popular 22 years old golf star from Korea. The revamped Soul model year 2012 comes with newly designed head- and tail-lamps and bumpers: the front one has a thicker outline around the fog-lights whereas the rear one now sports an unusual black bar.

However, the most relevant news is the addition of a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre unit with direct injection to its engine range. This unit will provide the little Kia with an output of 140 hp and 164 Nm of torque, enough to push the Soul from 0 to 100 km/h in 10 seconds with 149 g/km of CO2 emission. The already familiar 1.6 CRDi engine maintains its 128 hp output but - thanks to a clever diet - it has shaven half a second off the 0-100km/h sprint-time of the equally equipped Soul of the previous generation. The CO2 emission level of this engine went down to, going from 137 to less than 130 g/km.

The special Urban Shark version - a variant created with the input of sporty fashion brand Maui&Sons - will be made available with the 128 hp turbocharged 1.6-litre common-rail unit as the only engine option. This premium trim includes some fine features such as the standard 18″ alloys, heated wing mirrors, rear-view camera, leather coated steering wheel and gear lever knob, blackened rear windows and an audio system with CD/mp3 player, USB/AUX/Bluetooth connectivity and commands at the wheel.

View the full 2012 Kia Soul photo gallery

Peugeot is at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show with three brand new models: the new 4008 crossover and the concepts 208 Gti and 208 XY. The 208 Gti anticipates a possible sporty version of the little hatchback and is equipped with the same engine as the RCZ: a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder THP unit delivering 200 hp and 275 Nm of torque coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox that can push it from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7 seconds flat.

The 208 XY instead might be the first attempt at making an especially refined version of the model: this prototype has been designed and built paying a lot of attention to every detail, and its interior uses premium materials and top-notch finishing. This model is equipped with a 1.6-litre e-HDi units delivering 115 hp and rolls on classy two-tone 18″ alloys.

The Peugeot 4008 debuts with what should be the definitive version that will hit the showrooms this Spring. Measuring 4.34 meters in length, the new all-wheel drive crossover model from the Lion house boasts a captivating and yet athletic design that seems to have met the taste of the audience in Geneva. The model will come with two diesel engine options: a 1.6 HDi producing 112 hp and a 1.8 HDi delivering 150 hp, both of which can be coupled to either a manual or an automatic 6-speed gearbox. Also making an appearance at the Peugeot’s booth and in our exclusive photo gallery is the restyled 107, which was premiered at the recent European Motor Show in Brussels.

View the full Peugeot live at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show photo gallery

At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Lancia displays the new Thema AWD along with Flavia Cabrio. The four-wheel drive Thema, which will be available next autumn in conjunction with the 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar, will be presented in versions Executive and Platinum. The AWD system is “on demand”, the car normally uses the rear wheels traction and only in case of low grip takes the drive torque to the front axle of the car. The gearbox is a 8-speed automatic ZF that transmits a full 286 hp to the petrol engine.

Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels with all-season 235/55 tires. Inside it stands out the car audio system Beats by Dr. Dre, which integrates many speakers of the highest quality, scattered inside the car that will satisfy even the most refined ears. The Chivasso manufacturer stated that the four-wheel drive system fitted on the new Thema AWD reduces fuel consumption by 5% compared to its competitors.

At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show Lancia also introduced the new Flavia Cabrio. The convertible is the development of the Chrysler 200 and it is already available to order. It mounts a 2.4-litre petrol engine producing 175 hp coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The price list provides an “all inclusive” package which consists of UConnect multimedia system with satellite navigation and touch screen placed on the dashboard. The Cabrio sports LED rear lights and 18-inch alloy wheels; it measures 4.9 meters lenght and has space for 4 people.

In Geneva were also unveiled the new Ypsilon 2012 and the Voyager in Silver and Platinum versions. The Ypsilon is back on the Geneva stage a year after its first appearance showing its new fittings and colours. The Lancia Voyager, an MPV in clear Chrysler style, has replaced the Phedra and can accommodate up to seven passengers. Two motors are available, the 2.8 diesel engine producing 163 hp and the 3.6 V6 petrol with 283 hp.

View the full Lancia Thema AWD and Flavia Cabrio - 2012 geneva Motor Show Live gallery

Volkswagen showed up at the ongoing 2012 Geneva Motor Show with a slew of new models, most notably the new Golf GTI Cabriolet, the Cross Coupe Concept and the 5-door version of the Up!. The convertible version of the Golf GTI is powered by the same 2.0-litre engine of the hatchback version, delivering 211 hp and 280 Nm of peak torque. this unit can be coupled to either a manual or a DSG dual clutch auto transmission. Its performance figures are pretty impressive: 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 7.3 seconds and 236 km/h (147 mph) of top speed. Aesthetically, the car is almost identical to the model it is based upon, although certain details are wittingly recalling the glorious GTI convertible of the 80s.

Also making its first appearance ever is the 5-door variant of the little VW Up!, which is on display in Geneva in four different variants that were specifically designed for the Swiss event. Its compact design makes it an ideal city car, while its 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine allows it to be pretty responsive and doesn’t need to drink that much. Among the special versions showcased at the VW’s stand in Geneva, there’s also the Swiss Up!, an homage to the host of the kermesse which boasts patterns inspired by Swiss flag both inside and outside. There are also two special versions of the 5-door Cross Up!: the Winter Up!, thought for skiing lovers, and the X Up!, dedicated to those who need to carry a lot of stuff when traveling. Besides, there is also the Cargo Up!, a little van-version of the model for commercial purposes which boasts no less than 1,400 litres of capacity.

The Geneva Motor Show represents the world debut for the Polo Blue GT as well, which is powered by a 1.4 TSI engine producing 140 hp and boasts an average fuel consumption of only 4.7 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 108g/km. The standard model comes with a manual gearbox, but a DSG dual clutch transmission will also be made available as optional extra, an addition that will have the average fuel consumption figure go down to 4.5 l/100 km, with 105 g/km of CO2 emission. Also making is world debut is the new , an innovative SUV with an undeniable sporty flair to it. This car is credited with a total output of 306 hp that is the result of the combined action of its TDI engine as well as two electric motors. Claimed top speed for the Cross Coupe Concept is 220 km/h (136 mph), but the most significant figure for this car concerns its fuel consumption: it requires just 1.8 litres of diesel every 100 km, while CO2 emissions is rated at 46 g/km only. Last but not least, the VW Passat Alltrack is also in Geneva for its official debut on European soil: this all-wheel drive version of the Passat is powered by a 2.0-litre TDI unit delivering 170 hp, and has a ride height increased by 30 mm. Check the whole lot out in our exclusive photo gallery.

View the full Volkswagen live at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show photo gallery

Fiat releases the first official video starring the 500L, the longer version of the popular 500 city car which will be officially unveiled at the imminent Geneva Motor Show. The ‘L’ in its name in fact stands for ‘Large’, underlining the model most distinctive feature: measuring 4.14 meters in length, 1.78 meters in width and in 1.66 meters in height, the 500L is actually considerably bigger than the car it derives from, also boasting an outstanding 400 litres of trunk capacity. Fiat would like it to be a perfect combination of 500’s dynamic style with the benefits of a large car, and it is pretty obvious that the crown now held by the Mini Countryman is what they had in mind since the beginning.

Under the bonnet we will find Fiat’s usual engine line-up: initially the model will be available with the well known 1.4-litre and 0.9-litre TwinAir petrol units as well as the 1.3-litre MultiJet II diesel unit, although more option might become available at a later time. The 500L styling was designed at the Fiat’s Centro Stile (Style Center) according to their ‘Simply More’ philosophy, retrieving some elements that we had already seen in the past in models such as the Fiat 600 Multipla of the mid-50s.

One of the most interesting features of the 500L is its glazing, which goes all around the vehicle with as little ‘interruption’ from the pillars as possible. Fiat claims that this solution will help drivers when parking the car by providing an overall better visual around the car. The Fiat 500L will be available with a range of 30 different color choices for its livery.

View the full Fiat 500L gallery

Fiat is apparently about to launch a new Panda sport edition, a 105 hp TwinAir two-cylinder turbo engine version. The TwinAir engine is already available in the 65 hp and the 85 hp versions but, as a Fiat spokesman declared to Autocar, Fiat is developing a more powerful engine. The engine is flexible enough to have a broad range of power outputs, but 105 hp is the limit without significant re-engineering of the unit.

But let’s try to investigate why Fiat engineers are developing this model. If the new Panda is commercialized, it will be a direct competitor of Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 Turbo or Audi A1 1.6 TDi, just to give a couple of examples, and it could also be in direct competition with another model of the Fiat family, Fiat Punto 1.4 MultiAir. If a sport version of the notorious Panda enters the market, its price will be around € 14.000 euros (the TwinAir turbo da 85 hp starts from € 12.450 Euro) same price as Renault Twingo Gordini 1.2 102 hp. Other cars with the same features, like Mazda 2 1.5 and Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSi, under 4 meters in length, are priced no less than € 15.000 -15.500.

Can the new Panda be successful in a market where for the same price people can choose between a range of cars in a superior class (Lancia Ypsilon, Seat Ibiza, Peugeot 208, Hyundai i20 and Fiat Punto Evo) though less powerful?

View the full New Fiat Panda gallery

Renault will soon market the new Twingo Mauboussin, a limited special edition conceived to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Available in a Tourmaline Brown metallic paintwork, this model displays some elegant decals that make the Parisian jeweler’s touch immediately recognisable. Needless to say, this exceptional Twingo is all about luxury and of course, it comes with 15′’ Dark Gunmetal Pirate alloy wheels.

On the inside, Mauboussin’s signature style is even more evident and the logo appears on the seats - made with a mix of fabric and leather - and on the floor mats. To make the deal even more exclusive, customers will also receive a Mauboussin pendant watch called “1960, je t’aime”.

The Renault Twingo Mauboussin is fitted with either 1.5 l turbodiesel dci eco2 (85 hp) or a petrol 1.2 LEV 16V eco2 (75 hp) and it’s going to be marketed only in France, Italy, Austria and Marocco at a starting price of €15,800 (including VAT) for the turbodiesel and of €13,500 (including VAT) for the petrol.

Check out the full Renault Twingo Mauboussin photo gallery.

Mercedes has released the first pics and info of the Smart Fortwo Cdi Teen. This version of the popular city-car is powered by a 54 hp 0.8-litre diesel engine and is aimed at the young drivers, boasting a power-to-weight ratio of 55 Kw/Ton. The car goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 16.8 seconds, with a top speed of 135 km/h (84 mph). Average fuel consumption is rated at only 3.3 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 86 g/km.

The Smart Fortwo Cdi Teen comes with an all-black paint job, sat-nav and 15″ alloy wheels courtesy of Brabus, which will also be available in white as an optional extra. The model is based on the Pulse version and will come with a price tag of 11,900 €.

View the full Smart Fortwo Cdi Teen photo gallery