Mercedes-Benz showed up at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show with two world premieres: the Concept Style Coupe and the new G-Class. During the press conference that introduced these new models - that was graced by a short gig from renowned English artist Jessie J - Mercedes CEO, Mr. Dieter Zetsche, stated that in order to achieve its goal of becoming the world’s leading car manufacturer by 2020, the house of the three-pointed star considers China as a key-market, and for this reason the German carmaker is working to improve even further its own distribution and services network in the country.

Making its first appearance ever in a motor show, the new Concept Style Coupe is a compact 4-door coupe developed on the same platform that generated the recent B-Class and is supposed to anticipate a future model that should end up adopting the CLA moniker. Measuring 4,639 mm in length, 1,398 in height and 1,891 in width, this concept car uses a well-thought mix of tight and rounded lines that conveys a sort of ’speed’ and ‘movement’ vibe: its front end looks especially sporty and aggressive, adding up to the overall sleek and elegant aesthetics of the car. Its exclusive 20″ alloy rims and the very concept-oriented wing mirrors will not be used for the final production version of the car, whose most sporty variants will be equipped with a set of 19″ alloys courtesy of AMG. Under the bonnet pulses a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine delivering 211 hp, mated to a 7G-DCT ‘dual clutch’ automatic gearbox and to the 4matic all-wheel drive system. Definitely worth mentioning is also its brand new Comand Online infotainment system, which exploits the ‘cloud computing’ to improve its own efficiency and make the ride more pleasant for the passengers.

The other important new Merc on display in Beijing is the new G-Class. The model retains the iconic design of the first Gelandewagen - simple, squared off and extremely functional - but its mechanical and electronic contents have been updated to live up to nowadays standards. Having won the ‘Offroader Of The Year” prize more than 20 times since its debut in 1979, the re-styled G-Class now comes with modern day LED technology at the front, revised wing mirrors and a pair of newly designed bumpers. However, the most dramatic change affected its cabin, where we find once again the Comand Online system as well as the Distronic Plus and the Blind Spot Assist (all of which are becoming standard features on all the new Mercs). The ‘500′ version of the revamped G-Class line-up will come with a 5.4-litre V8 delivering 388 hp and 530 Nm of peak torque, while the ‘350 BlueTec’ will be powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine producing 211 hp and 540 Nm. Moreover, two muscular AMG variants of the model will also be a part of the new range, namely the G63 AMG - equipped with a 5.4-litre twin turbo V8 delivering 544 hp and 760 Nm - and the outstanding G65 AMG, pushed by a frightening 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 credited with an output of 612 hp and no less than 1,000 Nm of maximum torque.

View the full Mercedes-Benz @ the 2012 Beijing Motor Show photo gallery

Even though the aforementioned two new models are the undisputed stars at the Mercedes-Benz’s stall in Beijing, they are definitely not alone. Almost all the models of the current range are being showcased at the event, but a special mention goes to the Viano Vision Diamond, the latest Vision variant of the popular MPV. The exterior of this model is characterized by an exclusive color scheme that plays with the contrast between black and diamond white and is enriched by a few golden accents such as the diamond drawings that emphasize its exclusivity. The same white/black/gold theme continues in the cabin, which uses black leather upholstery with contrasting white stitching on the front and white leather upholstery for the rear bench. Comfortable seats aside, the passengers can also enjoy the ride while sipping some fresh Champagne that can be stored in mini refrigerator placed in the rear section and capable of holding up to 5 champagne bottles. And in case you are wondering: yes, there are a few flute holders too. If that’s not enough, behind the front seats there’s a massive 40″ TV screen that allows the passengers at the back to watch the telly, a DVD, surf the internet or even play some videogames. The exclusive Bang & Olufsen BeoLiving Viano sound system provides for the perfect acoustic experience and can be controlled - just like the blackening of the windows - through an iPhone or an iPad.

Nissan is also at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show to present the NV200 Taxi, which was premiered at the New York International Auto Show a few weeks ago. Just to put it into the right perspective, let us remind you that the Japanese carmaker has been selected to be the new NYC official taxi supplier starting next year, and therefore that plenty of these vehicles will be haunting the Big Apple for the following 10 years, so you better get used to it.

The NV200 comes with a low-emission 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine and has been designed to accommodate up to 4 passenger (not including the cab-driver) and their luggage. Among its most remarkable features there are the sliding doors, sunroof, a two-zone air-con (one for each row of seats), 6-way adjustable seats, USB and 12V recharging ports, integrated sat-nav, front and rear-seat occupant curtain airbags and the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.

Each day, 600,000 New Yorkers hop in the back of the 13,000 taxis that are spread across the city, covering about 500 million miles every year. Impressive figures, no wonder they wanted to upgrade the whole thing, and this is the vehicle actually in charge of making New York ‘greener’ and more sustainable: “The Nissan NV 200 will be the safest, most comfortable and most convenient taxi the City has ever had - said New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg - New York City cabs have always been iconic, and now they will set a new standard. The 600,000 passengers who use taxis to get around every day deserve the cutting-edge technology and top-of-the-line safety features that this model delivers.” Check out the specs of this model right after the jump.

Nissan NV200 Taxi of Tomorrow Specifications

Wheelbase (inches): 115
Vehicle height (inches): 73
Vehicle length (inches): 186
Vehicle width (inches): 68
Engine displacement (L): 2.0
No. of cylinders: 4
Air quality emissions rating: EPA Tier II Bin 5
Driven axle: Front
Availability: Late 2013
Model year: 2014
Estimated base taxi MSRP: $29,700

Included standard features:
2.0L Engine, front wheel drive
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Power windows
Opening side windows
Power locks
Power heated mirrors
Cruise control
Front compartment A/C
Front and rear-seat occupant curtain airbags, as well as seat-mounted airbags for the front row
Premium vinyl seat materials
6-way adjustable driver’s seat
Driver adjustable lumbar
Driver navigation system
Driver and Passenger Intercom System
Hearing Loop System
Primary partition
Vinyl floor
Exterior graphics
Yellow exterior color
Medallion holder
Low-annoyance horn
Exterior and interior taxi lighting
2nd row 3-passenger bench seat
Panoramic glass roof panel
Rear A/C with rear controls
Active Carbon Lined headliner to neutralize interior odors
Rear passenger reading lamps
Rear passenger charging station with 12-volt electrical outlet and two USB ports
Sliding doors with passenger entry step and grab handles

Honda showed up at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show with two new concept cars: the Concept C and the Concept S. These two prototypes are supposed to be an anticipation of the future design theme of the Japanases manufacturer and use sleek lines as well as futuristic aesthetics, although several details are very reminiscent of certain models that are already out there. Another pretty interesting model at the Honda stall in Beijing is the EV-Ster Concept, a little electric 2-seater that got unveiled at the latest Tokyo Motor Show.

The Concept C is a quite large sedan that boasts a pretty athletic look - especially as far as the rear end is concerned - with both tense and rounded lines. The aggressive aesthetic of the car uses is maybe a little too daring, with a massive and somewhat peculiar front grille, while the bumpers feel a little out of place in the comparison with the overall elegance of the model.

The Honda Concept S is supposed to be the prototype of a future global model that is like a small MPV. Apparently, the future model that will be based on this concept will carry on using the Odissey name in North America while in other markets will be introduced with a brand new name. Its streamlined design is pretty nice and doesn’t look too futuristic, which would have us believe that the final model will not look too different from this concept car. The model is pushed by an hybrid powertrain that - according to Honda - will allow for a comfortable ride and environmental protection.

View the full Honda Concept C and S @ the 2012 Beijing Motor Show photo gallery

Here are a few spy shots picturing the upcoming Ford Galaxy, the new MPV from the Blue Oval that is expected to hit Ford’s dealerships around the world at some point next year. These new images give us the chance to appreciate more details of its exterior design, especially the front end, which is quite heavily disguised and attached to the body of a current generation model. And by the looks of it, it seems that the 2013 Ford Galaxy will adopt the same design language that we have seen on the new Mondeo. Engines and gearboxes will actually be shared with the Mondeo, meaning that we might end up seeing an hybrid version of the Galaxy as well.

Here is a new, longer wheel-base version of the Renault Kangoo Maxi - dubbed ‘Grand’ - that will be made available in both 5- and 7-seat configurations. Basically, the Renault technicians have turned the commercial version of the model into a proper MVP, which really boasts plenty of space: with all the seats up the load capacity of the cargo area is 400 litres, a figure that goes up to 930 with the last two seats down and even to 3,400 litres with all the seats folded. Besides, for those who need to store really long and bulky objects, a foldable front seat is also available as an extra option.

The Grand Kangoo comes with a slew of storage spaces spread all across the passenger compartment and provide for an extra 145 mm of leg room for the occupants of the last row of seats. The model comes with sliding door - each one of which allows for a 636 mm wide entrance - while the mid row of seats is fractioned 60/40-split and can fold flat with just one quick and easy movement. The two separate rear seats in the third row are identical to Scénic’s second-row seats, then they should be comfortable enough for two adults.

This new MPV will initially be available in two trim configurations - Authentique and Privilege - and will come with a 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine available in power steps of 90 and 110 hp: the average fuel consumption of the former is rated at 5.1 litres/100km with 135 g/km of CO2 emissions, while the latter is credited with 5.5 l/100 km of fuel consumption and 144 g/km of CO2 emission. The Grand Kangoo will go on sale in Europe at the beginning of April, with the prices for the French market varying between 20,750 and 23,250 Euros.

View the full Renault Grand Kangoo photo gallery

Citroen has begun testing the next C4 Picasso on the road, as these spy shots demonstrate. The current incarnation of the popular C-segment MPV from the French carmaker has been around since 2006, so it is definitely the right time for a new version of this model. The new C4 Picasso will surely retain some of the most distinctive features of the outgoing model such as the small side windows behind the A-pillars, but it is also expected to mark a significant step forward

If someone is thinking that the design of the pictured mule looks too “normal” to be a Citroen, then it might be useful to remember that the C-models - such as the C3 and C4 - are getting a more and more conventional look, while the DS-models are the ones that are carrying on the “fancy Citroen look” tradition.

The next Citroen C4 Picasso should come with an engine range made of supercharged but economical petrol and diesel engines, with an hybrid powertrain (developed on the HYbrid4 platform) that will also join the fold at a later time. The second generation of the C4 should make its debut this fall in both its ‘regular’ and ‘Grand’ configurations (the latter is the one with 7 seats).>

Ford releases the first official pictures and info about their new Tourneo Custom, a vehicle largely based on the concept van we had seen around a while ago. The new MPV from the Blue Oval will hit the market in both 8- and 9- passenger configurations (that were introduced at the recent 2012 Geneva Motor Show) as well as a pure commercial vehicle (which will be introduced at the upcoming Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show, this coming April).

This front-wheel drive MPV will come with just one engine option: a 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine available in power steps of 100, 125 and 155 hp. All these configurations use a 6-speed manual gearbox and boast an average fuel consumption of 6.9 l/100 km.

Standard equipment include 18″ alloy wheels the Econetic system (with Start-Stop and KERS) , SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system, rear-view camera, Lane Keeping Alert and Driver Alert. To find out more about the new Ford Tourneo Custom MPV, check out the official press release after the jump.

All-New Ford Tourneo Custom Goes on Sale This Year; Stylish People Carrier to Attract Personal Use Customer

• Ford announces new Tourneo Custom will go on sale this year in Europe and other global markets. The Tourneo Custom is the first step in Ford’s commitment to refresh its entire commercial vehicle lineup by 2014

• The stylish production vehicle will debut at the Birmingham (England) Commercial Vehicle Show in April, delivering on the stunning concept unveiled in Geneva

• Tourneo Custom offers choice of eight or nine seats and short or long wheelbases

• With car-like dynamics, a driver-focused cockpit and all-new interior design, the vehicle is aimed at a new generation of personal use, lifestyle and executive shuttle customers

COLOGNE, Germany, March 19, 2012 – Ford Motor Company today announced the dynamic new Tourneo Custom will go on sale in Europe as well as other global markets later this year.

The stylish people-mover that won admirers as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show marks the first step in Ford’s commitment to refresh its entire commercial vehicle line-up by 2014. The production version of the Tourneo Custom will be unveiled at the 2012 Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show in April.

“The bold new Tourneo Custom signals the start of a revolution in Ford’s commercial vehicle range,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. “It’s a fantastic-looking people mover – inside and out – and offers outstanding day-to-day, real world practicality as well as being great to drive.”

New levels of style and function

With its dramatic new appearance, car-like interior design and driving dynamics, smart technologies and outstanding fuel economy, the Ford Tourneo Custom brings new levels of style and function to the people-mover class.

The Tourneo Custom has an advanced, streamlined profile based on the same “Kinetic” design approach popular on Ford passenger cars. This includes a sportier stance, bold rising shoulder line, flush glazing, distinctive trapezoidal grille and prominent wheel lips.

Available in eight or nine seat configurations, Tourneo Custom offers a choice of short wheelbase (4.97 metres) and long wheelbase (5.34 metres) versions, both of which provide generous space for people and luggage.

The additional length of the long wheelbase version translates into generous extra luggage space behind the third seat row. At a height of less than two metres, the Tourneo Custom also comfortably complies with most car park height limits.

Versatile car-like interior

The Tourneo Custom also brings car-like style and sophistication to the people-mover segment with an all-new interior constructed with high quality materials. The stylish, sculpted driver-focussed instrument panel features technologies closely-related to those found in the Ford car range. The cockpit is further enhanced by a highly adjustable driving position with the steering column adjustable for reach and rake.

The rear seats are a completely new design that can be easily folded into multiple configurations and removed in segments or completely. Rear passengers enjoy a spacious environment and comfortable, fully-trimmed cabin.

Smart vehicle technologies

The high level of technology offered by Tourneo Custom includes the following features:

• ECOnetic Technologies – Ford’s advanced low-CO2 features including standard Auto-Start-Stop and Smart Regenerative Charging on all Stage V emission vehicles
• SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system – enables mobile phones and music players to be connected to the vehicle, and operated by voice control
• Emergency Assistance – enabled by SYNC, this award-winning new feature is designed to assist occupants to contact the Emergency Services in the event of an accident, providing vehicle location information
• Advanced restraint system – includes driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
• Rear-view camera – integrated into the rear view mirror
• Lane Keeping Alert and Driver Alert – latest driver assistance features alert the driver if the system detects the vehicle is inadvertently drifting out of the lane, or the driver is becoming tired behind the wheel

Exceptional fuel economy

The powertrain is an improved version of Ford’s 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine with three power ratings: 100 PS, 125 PS and 155 PS. Featuring a six-speed manual transmission and standard Auto-Start-Stop, Tourneo Custom delivers combined fuel consumption of 6.9 l/100 km and 182 g/km CO2 emissions.

The Tourneo Custom is based on a new Ford global platform, engineered to deliver agile and responsive handling for car-like dynamics, enhanced ride comfort and reduced noise-levels; it offers outstanding functionality, durability and low cost of ownership, including an economical two-year /50,000 km 30,000 mile service interval.

“We have combined car-like levels of in-cab comfort and specification with enhanced practicality and reduced running costs,” said Barry Gale, chief engineer, Ford of Europe. “This stylish vehicle with genuine ability will enhance Ford’s reputation for long-term durability and value.”

New generation of Ford commercial vehicles

The Tourneo Custom and other all-new Ford Commercial Vehicles will be revealed in 2012, starting at the Birmingham CV Show in April.

Ford will also be presenting larger and higher payload Transits later in 2012. These models will be extensively sold on a global basis, including North America, and will also feature rear-wheel-drive.

Production of the new Tourneo Custom will start from mid-2012 at Ford’s plant in Kocaeli, Turkey, with market availability later in the year.

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

From the beginning of 2013 Kia will market a new medium-size MPV and to confirm this there are these spy shots which have been taken during a test carried on the vehicle on snowy ground. The Kia Cee’d based MPV 3 will be mounting the same engines of the Kia Cee’d - 1.6 and 2.0 l petrol as well as 1.7 and 2.0 diesel - its passenger compartment will accomodate either 5 or 7 people and it’s style will be more conventional than Hyundai’s people carrier.

Kia MPV 3 can’t be traced back to any prototype unlike the Hyundai ix30 - which has been developed around the HED-5 iMode Concept displayed at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show - and its most likely competitors will be the Ford C-Max, the Mazda5 and the Volkswagen Touran.

Ford releases a video showing how the innovative ‘Easy Door Access System’ of the upcoming B-Max, the new compact MPV from the Blue oval which will be unveiled at the next Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18). The final design of the model is very similar to the concept showcased last year at the same Geneva Motor Show, and this video gives us the opportunity to see how its brilliant 360-degrees Easy Door Access System works.

The Ford B-Max will be one of the first models to be equipped with the brand new 1.0-litre 3-cylinder EcoBoost unit, which will be available in power steps of 100 and 125 hp. The engine line-up of the model will also include a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder Duratorq TDCi unit producing 95 hp and capable of traveling for 25 km (15 miles) with just one litre of diesel, with 104 g/km of CO2 level. The model is expected to hit the market by the end of the year.

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.

TAKE NOTE FOR 2012

- New luxury N-TEC+ grade introduced
- Added specification to Acenta
- Great value and British-built

Over 100,000 British buyers have already taken Note of Nissan’s UK-built supermini-MPV. To ensure its continuing popularity with buyers it’s receiving further upgrades for 2012.

The first noteworthy news is an increase in equipment and style for the popular Acenta model. On the outside are new ‘diamond cut’ two-tone 16-inch alloy wheels, replacing the original 15 inchers. Add in chrome-effect door mirror covers and front fog light surrounds and the exterior changes become even more noticeable.

A new seat fabric with blue stitching is used to provide a more premium interior feel, while climate control, automatic headlights and rain-sensitive wipers all now come as standard.

Moving up the range, the best-selling N-TEC has been upgraded too. In addition to the Acenta specification, the new N-TEC+ incorporates rear parking sensors to help keep the bodywork scuff-free. As with the N-TEC, darkened rear privacy glass and the touch screen ‘Connect’ satellite navigation system also feature.

The ‘Connect’ system additionally provides a full digital music connectivity package with built in CD/radio, iPod gateway, Aux-in, USB connection and Bluetooth phone connection.

Despite all this equipment, buyers can own a Note for less notes than might be expected. Prices start at £11,200 for the Visia, with the new Acenta at £13,000 and the new N-TEC+ a further £500. This makes it a real alternative to less practical superminis.

The engine line-up continues with the 1.4, 1.6 petrol and 1.5dCi power units. The Pure Drive badged 1.5dCi emits a CO2 level of just 110g/km with a combined economy figure of 67.3mpg.

The first of the new Notes will reach dealers in early February.

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.