The most interesting new model at the Ford stall in Beijing is probably the new EcoSport, a compact SUV model developed in Brazil on the base of the recent B-Max that we had seen as a prototype at the last New Delhi Auto Expo.

The Ford EcoSport is bound to become a global model and will be powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine with low fuel consumption and emissions. The clean and modern interior is quite reminiscent of the style adopted by the latest Ford models, with all the basic commands within reach for the driver as well as the by now well-known Ford Sync infotainment system, which allows to read text messages and email.

The car on display at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show is the model sitting at the top of the range, with the Mars Red paint job: it uses the Titanium trim, which provides for some chrome details on the outside (i.e. the front grille) and a variety of accessories in the cabin. The seats come with some leather insert, while the passenger compartment uses a captivating two-tone color scheme and can accommodate up to 5 people (driver included). Besides, the loading space can be increased by folding the rear bench.

0 comments

The new compact SUV from Citroen, the C4 Aircross, seems to have all it takes to be successful in one of the most competitive segments of the market. After its official launch at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the model will hit the showrooms by the beginning of the summer in both front- and all- wheel drive configurations, and the ‘buzz’ it has generated on the internet is indeed quite promising.

The engine range of the Citroen C4 Aircross include 3 units, all of which will come with start-stop system and Euro5 homologation. There will be a 1.6-litre with direct injection producing 115 hp with 152 Nm of peak torque; a 1.6 HDi delivering 115 hp and 270 Nm coupled with a 6-speed gearbox and a 1.8 HDi credited with an output of 150 hp with 300 Nm of maximum torque. The first one is the ‘greener’ option of the lot, with just 119 g/km of CO2 emissions, but it is also the only one that will be available with the front-wheel drive configuration only. Besides, a 2.0-litre unit with direct injection homologated for the Euro4 standards will also be made available outside Europe. This engine is produces an output of 150 hp with 198 Nm of peak torque and can be coupled to either a 5-speed manual or a CVT gearbox.

The C4 Aircross measures 4.34 meters in length, 1.8 meters in width and 1.63 meters in height, and has a boot capacity of 442 litres. Inside, the model offers good cabin space which has been designed to accommodate 4-5 people and to provide them all with the same kind of comfort of a saloon car. Standard equipment include Navidrive sat-nav with touch-screen, rear view camera, Keyless Access & Start and a pretty nice Rockford sound system.

View the full Foto della Citroen C4 Aircross photo gallery

0 comments

Mini has released a new funny commercial that features the Countryman. The model is powered by a four-cylinder engine (petrol or diesel) offered in several variants with related powers, ranging from 98hp of the Mini One to 143hp of the Cooper S. The S accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds reaching a top speed of 215 km/h, with CO2 emissions of 143 g/km.

During the 2012 New York Auto Show Mini displayed a sportier racing variant. We are obviously talking about the Countryman John Cooper Works powered by a 1.6-litre engine with output of 218 hp and 280 Nm of torque and 300Nm in overboost, coupled to the ALL4 four wheel drive. Aesthetically the car features an aerodynamic kit, sports chassis with lowered suspension, chromium plated sports exhaust system and 18-inch alloy wheels.

At the American Auto Show was also displayed the “Mini 10 Years Anniversary” special edition to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the British brand on the US market. As expected the car based on the Mini Cooper with 122hp, it is available in the three colours that make up the American flag: red, blue and white.

0 comments

The new Hyundai Santa Fe has been officially unveiled at the New York international Auto Show. The third generation of the popular Korean SUV will then retain its classic moniker, dropping the anonymous ix45 name that was rumored to be the final choice. The ‘regular’ version of the model measures 4.69 meters in length, 1.88 in width and 1.68 in height with a wheelbase of 2.70 meters, while the Long Wheel Base variation (LWB) will have a 2.80 meters wheel base and gain 20 cm in length. Thereby, the new Hyundai Santa Fe is a little bit bigger than the model it is about to replace. It must be noticed though that these figures are the ones of the US version of the model, its European counterpart might end up being a little smaller.

The new Santa Fe will come in three versions: three versions: a five-passenger Santa Fe Sport, Santa Fe Sport 2.0T and the larger seven-passenger LWB Santa Fe. Standard equipment will include 7 airbags, panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, power seats, Blue Link infotainment, sat-nav and audio multimedia systems with an 8″ display.

The big hexagonal grill, its pair of mufflers and the 19″ burnished chrome alloys - as well as the overall line of the model - give it a well-defined personality. The engine range will be made of one petrol and two diesel units: a 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI engine developing 264 hp, a 2.4-litre direct injection (GDI) producing an estimated 190 hp, and - for the Long Wheel Base variant - a 3.3-litre GDI V6 engine delivering 290 hp. However, Hyundai did not release that many details on these engines.

View the full Hyundai Santa Fe photo gallery

Continue reading: The new Hyundai Santa Fe unveiled in New York

0 comments

The new Toyota Venza will debut in a matter of hours at the 2012 New York Auto Show, but the Japanese carmaker has already released a video and a bunch of official pics of the latest, face-lifted version of this car. The design of the model is significantly different from its predecessor and uses a newly designed front grille that provides it with a more accentuated personality.

The new head and tail lights, new wing-mirrors, chrome accents here and there as well as a slighlty different pair of bumpers complete the extyerior look of this crossover model. Inside we have a revised steering wheel with more buttons and the Entune trim package, which also provides for a smartphone dock on the dashboard.

The engine range is still the same: a 2.7-litre 4-cylinder unit delivering 181 hp and 246 Nm of torque and a 3.5 litre V6 producung an output of 268 hp and 333 Nm of maximum torque. Both engines can come with either a front- or a four-wheel drive configuration, and use a 6-speed automatic sequential ECT-i gearbox. To find out more about this model, check out Toyota’s official press release right after the jump.

View the full Toyota Venza model year 2013 photo gallery

Continue reading: Toyota Venza model year 2013

0 comments

The new Volkswagen Tiguan, expected in 2014, will be built using the benefits of the MQB platform and will be offered in three different body styles: in addition to the Sport Utility, which will retain the same size as the current model, there will also be an SUV-Coupe and a long wheelbase variant. The latter model is reported to be more than half a metre longer than the “standard” Tiguan and specifically designed for the American market.

To satisfy the needs of this important market, the extended-length crossover is expected to have the classic three-rows of seats. Although this version is an affordable alternative to the more expensive Touareg, its launch could create some financial risks to the Wolfsburg brand. Speculation suggests the Tiguan will mount TSI and TDI engines based on hybrid technology.

View the full Volkswagen Tiguan restyling gallery

Continue reading: New Volkswagen Tiguan will be offered in three body styles

0 comments

Volkswagen has released a video that features the new Passat Alltrack, crossover version of the Passat Variant. Version 2.0 TDI 170hp BlueMotion Technology 4MOTION with six-speed DSG twin-clutch automatic transmission, will be available from the 28th May 2012 priced at £31,025.

Among the various electronic systems offered as standard we find the ESP, trailer stabilisation function, MSR, engine drag torque control, XDS, electronic differential lock and Driver Alert System, that monitors driver’s response and detects fatigue.

The Passat Alltrack also features an Off road program activated by a button placed on the dashboard, Start & Stop system and regenerative braking. The car, with suspensions raised by 30mm compared to the Variant, rests on Valley 7J x 17 alloy wheels and 225/50 R 17 tires.

View the full Volkswagen Passat Alltrack photo gallery

Continue reading: Video: Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

0 comments

At the New York International Auto Show (6th-15th April) BMW will be displaying the new stylistically updated X1, boasting a brand new engine, the 2.0 petrol with output of 245 hp. The news has been revealed by BMW Blog, which also writes the Bavarian crossover will be available for the first time in North America. The X1 facelift will be equipped with new bumpers and fascias, redesigned headlights, refined interior materials and, as said before, a 2.0-litre engine with 245 hp, in addition to the six-cylinder 3.0-litre version with 320-hp exclusive to the M Performance version.

0 comments

The future of the prototype Mini Paceman was written since its first appearance. In January 2011, Ian Robertson revealed that “there will be a seventh member of the Mini family – the MINI Paceman Concept!” The words of the Head of Sales & Marketing of BMW are now confirmed by a recent indiscretion, which Car and Driver credit to an insider of Mini: the crossover will make its debut in late 2012 and will be called Countryman Coupe. No details are held about the aesthetics, but almost certain are the engines in petrol and diesel versions, already offered by the Countryman 5-door.

Just a reminder: the Paceman measured 4.11m long, 1.79m wide and 1.54m high. It was powered with a 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine developing 211 hp and coupled to an ALL4 four wheel drive, while the aesthetics of the body was characterised by strong horizontal lines that enhance its muscular look, fleeting rear and large headlights. The car was displayed at the 2011 Detroit Motor Show.

0 comments

Here is a new lot of spy shots starring the upcoming revamped version of the Audi Q5, yet another model that is about to receive a mid-life facelift. The mid-sized SUV from the four rings house will come with a new single-frame front grille (with more rounded edges) as well as the mandatory redesigned head-lights. The pictured mule seems to equipped with the sporty S-Line Exterior package, which is also going to be updated with chrome-outlined air-intakes on the front bumper (which are covered with some sort of black film in these pics).

In our gallery you will also see a picture of the interior of the car. Although most of it was still covered (something that would have us believe that a major upgrade for it is also in the works), we notice some better refined door panels with a different shape. As for the engine line-up, the next Audi Q5 should inherit all the most recent versions of the various 4- and 6-cylinder supercharged petrol and diesel engines that the German carmaker is currently using for its range. To be more specific, the 177 hp 2.0-litre TDI and the 245 hp 3.0 V6 TDI will surely make it in the list, while the inclusion of the brand new 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 diesel unit (delivering no less than 313 hp) is also very likely. The face-lifted Audi Q6 is expected to debut in the showrooms by the end of the current year.

View the full Audi Q5 facelift photo gallery

0 comments