Nissan presents the new Note model year 2012. The compact MPV launched by the Japanese manufacturer in 2006 gets new accessories and upgraded finishing, while its engine range is basically the same, with two petrol and one diesel options: the entry level unit is a 1.4-litre gasoline delivering 88 hp and 128 Nm of peak torque, then we have a 1.6-litre producing 110 hp and 153 Nm of torque with average fuel consumption of 6.6l/100 km, and finally the 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine with 90 hp and 200 Nm of torque, that boasts a fuel consumption of just 4.2 l/100 km.

The ‘Acenta’ version will come with 16″ two-tone rims in place of the 15″ set of the previous version, and will have chrome accents for both fog-lights and wing mirror shells. The cabin gets refreshed by a new set of fabrics, new blue cross-stitching finishing and the addition of climate control and automatic headlights, now listed as standard equipment. The oddly called ‘N-Tec+’ trim also gets the same upgrade, with also rear parking sensors, privacy glass and Nissan’s “Connect” touch-screen satellite navigation to top it off. The latter also allows for iPod, Usb, Aux-in and Bluetooth connectivity, providing the new Note with the necessary modern-day technology. To find out more about the model and its price, check out Nissan’s official press release right after the jump.

Continue reading: Nissan Note model year 2012

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Here are some pictures of the first mule for the next generation Mercedes Vito, which is probably being tested as a base for the new Viano as well. With that high bonnet and the massive grille, the pictured model appears to be quite aggressive in its shape - almost as it was some sort of AMG version - but it is quite likely that the design is just a temporary solution in order to fit a new engine and/or its cooling system in the mule’s body, perhaps with some testing equipment too.

The next Vito and Viano and Vito are expected to make their debut in 2013 or 2014, and there is also the chance that a Renault-badged version of the same model will also surface as the partnership between the two groups allows them to work together on both cars and transporters.

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The all new 2013 Dodge Dart might be stealing the show at Chrysler’s stall at the 2012 NAIAS, but there are some other interesting models on display. One of these models is the Chrysler 700C Concept, arguably one of the most mysterious cars at the event. This three-row minivan showed up in Detroit completely unannounced, and the utter lack of official data about it do not help us to figure out which sort of vehicle it actually is. It could be a mere exercise in style, a sort of anticipation of the design language that Chrysler might use for its future MPVs, but we would just be speculating here.

Another interesting presence at this year’s Chrysler booth is the 200, which is expected to appear in Europe as well within a few months with a Lancia badge. The model is in Detroit in both hardtop and convertible configurations, but there is also the 200S, a spiced-up version of the quiet 200 sedan developed by MoPar that is available in two steps called Stage 1 and Stage 2. The former comprises a new aerodynamic kit, 18″ rims and chrome inserts, while the latter adds a more performing suspension, sports exhaust and an upgraded air-intake system. However, the standard Pentastar V6 engine has been left untouched.

View the full Chrysler 700C at the 2012 NAIAS photo gallery
View the full Chrysler 200 at the 2012 NAIAS photo gallery

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South Korean manufacturer Hyundai has unveiled its new multi-purpose vehicle ‘Hexa Space‘ concept at the Auto Expo in New Delhi. The most distinctive feature of the vehicle is that it boasts seating for eight passengers, and all the seats are shaped hexagonally in order to optimize the space in the cabin. The Hexa Space concept measures 4,300 mm in length, 1,820 mm in width and 1,647 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm, and is powered by Hyundai’s Kappa 1.2-litre turbo GDI engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The model adopts Hyundai’s characteristic “Fluidic Sculpture” design language and uses an innovative sliding rear doors system that makes it easier to entry, exit and load the vehicle. The seats offer multiple configurations for seating: center seats fold flat for greater comfort, the second row folds flat to create a limousine function and the back row folds flat for light-cargo use. In addition, seven seats fold flat for heavy hauling and all eight fold flat for camping. According to Hyundai, the Hexa Space is aimed at young urban families in the 30-40 age group that need their vehicles to serve many purposes.

View the full Hyundai ‘Hexa Space’ MPV Concept photo gallery

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The first images of the Dacia Lodgy have been released in view of its official unveiling at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18). The new MPV from the Romanian manufacturer (a Renault’s subsidiary since 1999) measures 4.5 meters in length and will be offered in both 5 and 7 seats configuration, while the engine range will the same as the Duster: a 1.6-litre petrol engine delivering 110 hp and a 1.5 dCi diesel unit, probably available in power steps of 90 and 110 hp. da 90 e 110 CV. As the name suggests, the strong points of the model will be the comfort for its passenger and a large luggage space.

According to the automaker, the Dacia Lodgy maintains the typical traits that made many recent model successful: generosity (which can be seen through its market leading cabin size for its price), simplicity, (thanks to equipment specifications focused on the essential) and reliability (thanks to technical solutions proven on other Renault Group vehicles). Still in the words of Dacia, “Families looking for a versatile vehicle for a contained price, who have traditionally turned to used vehicles, will now be able to purchase a new MPV complete with a three-year warranty.” The Lodgy will join the Duster, Logan, and Sandero as the fourth model in Dacia’s range, and will be assembled at their plant in Tangier, Morocco. No other technical details are currently available.

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Bulgaria’s interior styling specialist Vilner presents its own rendition of Mercedes-Benz’s light van Vito. Obviously, the most distinctive features have to be found in its fully soundproofed cabin, where Vilnus made large use of premium materials such as Amareta, Alcantara and Nappa to transform the vehicle into a luxurious business class van.

Top-notch fabrics aside, the model also uses electronically adjustable seats lifted from the Mercedes CL, a multimedia system exploiting a built-in 19″ LCD screen and a mini-fridge. Passenger compartment aside, the package prepared by Vilner for the Vito also includes bi-xenon headlights and a new set of alloys. No word on price, but surely it won’t come cheap. See the short official press release after the jump to find out more.

View the full Mercedes-Benz Vito by Vilner photo gallery

Continue reading: Mercedes-Benz Vito by Vilner

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These spy shots we have just received confirm that Peugeot is already working on the next generation of its successful 5008 model. In comparison to the current version of the MPV, the pictured mule seems to be wider, or at least that’s the impression we have looking at those wider wheel arches. Other changes we can see for now are five wheel bolts instead of the four and that the fuel cap has changed side.

Apparently, the new 5008 will share the same engine range of the upcoming Peugeot 301, designed successor of the 308, meaning a wide range of diesel and petrol engines as well as a diesel-hybrid. The new 5008 is also expected to get lighter, more environment-friendly and more roomy on the inside, but obviously we cannot verify that from these shots.

View Peugeot 5008 Spy Shots

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Honda releases a new video starring the American version of Honda CR-V’s fourth generation, which looks indeed quite different from the current model. The new CR-V has been unveiled a few days ago at the Los Angeles Auto Show and is available only with a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine - producing 186 hp and 220 Nm (163 lb/ft) of torque - and a 5-speed automatic gearbox.

Honda already confirmed that the new Europen version of the CR-V will be produced in England, will not be too similar to this one and should be launched toward the end of 2012, most likely at the next Paris Motor Show. By the way, this new footage is sound-less, so you might want to put your favorite song on while watching.

View the full Honda CR-V USA 2012 photo gallery

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Lancia Voyager is ready to take on the international market hoping to sell in Europe at least 11,000 units a year: a demanding target in the current financial climate, but nevertheless not impossible to achieve. In Europe we are talking about a starting price of €39,900 which, taking all the trims into consideration, can be quite inviting.

Lancia has introduced some innovations: it has modified the bumper’s design, the front grill, introduced some new LED lights and in terms of passenger compartment’s configuration, the Voyager is adopting a 2-2-3 module, the direct evolution of the 2-3-2 chosen for the Chrysler Grand Voyager. The body is characterised by numerous chrome elements and the optical groups’ design is also been reviewed: the final result is an eye-catching and flashy vehicle that won’t surely go unnoticed.

Talking about the engine, the four-cylinder 2.8 diesel (163 hp / 360 Nm) at first sight doesn’t seem enough considering that the Voyager weights 2.3 t, nevertheless it satisfies this vehicle’s needs. Be prepared for a regular drive though: the Voyager keeps a steady pace without any significant acceleration regardless of how hard we push the pedal. The six-speed automatic gearbox in our opinion feels a bit slow while the braking system is of remarkable good quality: responsive and sharp.

View the full Lancia Voyager photo gallery

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An official press release from Lancia has revealed plans and first official pictures for the Voyager, the new large MPV that will replace the Phedra in Lancia’s fleet. The new model measures 5,21 meters in length with 3,1 meters of wheelbase, can accommodate up to 7 passengers and - as the name suggests - is clearly based on the Chrysler historic model with the same name.

Initially the Voyager will be available with two engines: a 2.8-litres 4-cylinder diesel (163 hp and 360 Nm) and Pentastar 3.6 V6 petrol (283 hp and 344Nm). The exclusive Gold version will feature leather-upholstered seats, heated steering wheel, 17″ alloy wheels, cruise control, electric tailgate and CD/MP3 audio system.

Average fuel consumption for the diesel version is 7,9 l/100 km with CO2 emission of 207 g/km, while the petrol version will have 10,8 l/100 km of average consumption, but 90% of its maximum torque value will be available between 1600 and 6400 rpm, making it an extremely flexible model. Both engine will come with 6-speed automatic transmission and torque converter.

Continue reading: Lancia presents its own Voyager

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