New AutoCars News: Compact Cars

Honda HR-V Crossover

The all-new HR-V features a lower profile fuel tank mounted under the front seats in order to free up the underfloor space beneath the rear seats, enabling the use of their 60:40 split Magic Seats - which can adopt several configurations.

New BMW i3 Model

BMW will keep improving the two i vehicles it already sells, and we presume they too will feature an LCI (facelift) at some point which will also improve some of the technical aspects as well as update the styling, gadgets and interiors.

2016 Infiniti QX50

The updated 2016 Infiniti QX50 has a wheelbase increase of more than three inches, creating additional rear legroom and interior volume as well as new front and rear fascias, newly designed alloy wheels, side sills, and a slightly higher ride stance.

2016 Hyundai Tucson

The All-New Tucson has a bold and athletic presence achieved through refined, flowing surfaces, bold proportions, sharp lines and most importantly, our newest generation hexagonal grille – our brand signature.

2016 Toyota Avalon

The fourth generation Toyota Avalon first saw the light of day back in 2012 when it became an overnight hit with mid-size car buyers across the continental United States.

All-New SuperB Skoda

The All-New Superb is a bigger, more elegant-looking and tad more luxurious car than Skoda's existing Octavia, with the two cars positioned slightly below and above the mid-size segment respectively.

Kia Sportspace Concept

The study is a stylish estate created for long distance driving, with Kia saying it has been designed "for fast and efficient travel with maximum comfort and minimal stress, in the best grand touring tradition of the weekend getaway."

New Alfa-Romeo Sedan

The sedan still hasn’t got a name, although it has constantly been referred to as the Giulia. Alfa Romeo will also offer a high-performance model.

2016 McLaren 570s Coupe

McLaren 570S Coupe McLaren says that its new coupe is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.2 seconds, to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.5 seconds, while top speed is 328 km/h or 204 mph.

Showing posts with label Compact Cars. Show all posts

VW Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40

5:35 PM

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The third generation EA888 engine now uses features like a water-cooled exhaust channel to the turbocharger and variable valve timing with dual camshaft adjustment. 0-62mph now comes in 6.3 seconds for both manual and DSG versions, with the top speed limited to 155mph. It's the 40th anniversary of the iconic Golf GTI and VW marks the occasion with the launch of the Clubsport Edition 40.

DSG-equipped models come with launch control as standard while VW says that the unladen weight figure is a fairly lightweight 1375kg. Other features include the electronic differential and the retuned suspension. But the most important new feature of the new Golf GTI Clubsport is the new aero suit it's wearing, offering for the first time real downforce on both axles. A completely new front bumper, side sills, rear diffuser and a roof spoiler are specially designed to push the new Clubsport firmer on the tarmac.

The cabin hosts a pair of optional bucket seats, finished in Alcantara and cloth while the dashboard and door cards are decorated with special "Honeycomb 40" trim strips. Customers will also get the option of a black-painted roof. The UK market will receive just 1,000 units of the new Golf GTI Clubsport which is available for order now, starting at £30,875 for the three-door manual model.

10:10 AM

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During discussions with Auto Express just before the Detroit Auto Show, Ford's executive vice president of global marketing, sales and service, Steve Odell, revealed that there is room to expand the RS brand. "The RS brand is really valuable. People race it. People collect it. I believe there is room to expand", he said. Odell remains tight-lipped about what the next RS-badged model from Ford could be. According to reports however, it seems highly likely that it will be a hardcore, performance-focused variant of the Fiesta.

Speculation as recent as late December claims that the Fiesta RS will arrive sometime in 2017 and be powered the same 1.6-liter turbocharged engine as the Fiesta ST. While the ST has 197 hp on tap that's arguably more than enough for a hatchback of the Fiesta's size, that figure could jump to 246 hp for the RS. Unlike the latest Focus RS which requires all-wheel drive, the entry-level RS model will retain front-wheel drive. No need to worry, though: Ford has proven time and again it can tune the chassis and suspension to make powerful FWD cars handle with aplomb.

10:56 AM

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The Audi A2 city car will be offered with a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine and an all-electric powertrain with a lithium-ion battery pack and electric motor similar to those used in the VW e-Up. Intriguingly, the automaker is said to have ruled out a diesel engine due its higher development costs.

This is the third time Audi attempts to enter this segment. In 1999, the original Audi A2 was introduced but soon scrapped after failing to pull buyers away from the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. In 2011, an electric A2 concept was unveiled and pinned to reach the production line, but in 2013 the project was axed.

9:35 AM

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Just like the sedan, the Cruze hatchback comes with a class-leading 106.3 inch (2,700 mm) wheelbase, but also a unique roof and rear-end design, which includes wraparound taillights and an integrated spoiler. Design-wise, it's definitely a massive improvement over what we came to know as the 5-door Cruze. Chevrolet didn't skimp on the practicality either, as the Cruze hatchback features 524 liters (18.5 cu ft) of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can become 1,189 liters (42 cu ft) with those very same seats folded.

Alan Batey, president of GM North America said that "With 9 percent market growth in small hatchbacks last year, it’s the perfect time to bring the Cruze Hatchback to America. As Cruze continues to set the tone for Chevrolet globally, it articulates the brand promise of offering cars with the latest technologies, more features and greater efficiency, performance and safety with fresh, distinctive styling."

On the road, the new Cruze hatchback is 91 kg (200 lbs) lighter than the previous generation model, thanks mainly to an all-new, more rigid and lighter architecture - 100 lbs lighter to be exact, whereas the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine itself is also 20 kg (44 lbs) lighter and comes with Stop/Start tech. While these numbers aren't mind-blowing, they will have meaning to customers who are new to Chevrolet as well as to returning customers. In the US, the Cruze is the segment's second-best selling model to people under 25, and 35% of those customers are actually new to the Chevrolet brand.

Spec-wise, the 2017 Cruze hatchback will be offered in LT and Premier trims, as well as with a more expressive RS package which brings unique front & rear fascias, rocker panels, rear spoiler, fog lamps and 18" wheels to the table. Other key features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility via the MyLink system (available 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot), Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alerg, Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Park Assist. Chevrolet also pointed out how neither the Corolla nor the Civic feature these types of safety systems, and that inside the cabin there is more rear legroom then you get in the Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra.

Sticking with the cabin, the Cruze hatchback can be configured with a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, Athens leather-appointed seating surfaces and true French seams. Stepping outside, you'll find halogen projector-beam headlamps with LED signature lighting. On the road behavior will be dictated by the electric power steering and on Premier models, a Z-link rear suspension as well, which is good considering how there are plenty of models in this segment which offer reasonably sporty drives.

7:14 PM

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Changes are most obvious on the 1.6 JTDM-2 engine, which now benefits from more power as well, as output has increased from 105hp to 120hp. Thanks to the addition of a variable-geometry turbo charger and low rolling-resistance tyres, CO2 emissions are down from 104g/km to 99g/km, while fuel efficiency improves to 74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100 km) on the official combined fuel economy cycle. That's a significant improvement over the 70.6 mpg (4 l/100 km) recorded by the current 105hp engine.

The drop in emissions results in a one percent BIK (benefit-in-kind) reduction to 17 percent. Furthermore, the annual Road Fund Licence is now £0. Thanks to the additional power, the engine boosts top speed by 6 mph (10 km/h) to 121 mph (195 km/h), while the 0-62 mph sprint is improved by 1.3 seconds to 10.0 seconds.

All other engines available for the Giulietta in the UK see their emissions and economy improved, with the exception of the recently-introduced 2.0 JTDM-2 turbo diesel with 150hp. Despite the updates, pricing remains unchanged, with the 1.4 TB 120hp Progression starting at £18,450 OTR and the 1.6 JTDM-2 120hp Progression priced from £19,500 OTR.

The high-spec Alfa Romeo Business Edition model starts from £19,080 OTR for the 1.6 JTDM-2 120hp turbo diesel. The model features a 6.5-inch touchscreen Uconnect infotainment system with voice activated satellite navigation, 3D mapping and DAB digital radio, front and rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, alloy wheels and metallic paint.

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3:21 PM

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The new Soul EV-e model offers a long list of standard equipment at a lower price point, while the Soul EV+ continues as the range-topping trim and is further enhanced for 2016 with the addition of the Sun & Fun Package. The other states in which the Soul EV is available (Georgia, Hawaii, Oregon, Texas and Washington) will continue to offer only two trim levels - Soul EV and Soul EV+.

In addition, all Kia Soul EV models get additional standard features for 2016 including a charge port nozzle lock, an illuminated Aux/USB port and two new exterior colors: Shadow Black and Bright Silver.

Priced from $32,775 ($25,275 if the federal tax credit is deducted), the new Soul EV-e model offers a long list of standard features including a DC fast charge port, 6.6-killowatt onboard charger, 3.5-inch OLED Supervision cluster, smart key with push button start and a driver-only ventilation function that closes the passenger vents to help maximize efficiency based on vehicle occupancy. The Soul EV-e also includes heated front seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and FlexSteer.

However, compared to the $34,775 Soul EV, it lacks a battery-heating system, heat-pump HVAC, navigation system, backup camera, UVO EV connectivity services, cargo screen, and turn-signal side mirrors.

For 2016, the popular Soul EV+ gains a new available Sun & Fun Package, which includes a panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting and speaker lights that pulse to the beats of the six-speaker audio system. Standard EV+ features include ventilated front passenger seats, heated rear outboard seats, leather trimmed seats, front and rear Park Assist, and power folding mirrors.

Nothing changes from a technical point of view, with the Soul EV offering an EPA estimated range of 93 miles (150 km) from its 27-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

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8:43 AM

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Mopar is showcasing the customizing potential of the new Fiat 500 with a vehicle featuring a black micro carbon pack for side mirror covers, roof and dashboard, chrome bonnet line, tire valves caps with Fiat logo, black carpet mats, bi-color alloy wheel kit in matt grey and matt black, ivory 500 logo and Italian flag.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles parts, service and customer care division has designed more than 100 accessories for the new Fiat 500. The offer includes 14", 15" and 16 inch alloy wheels with different designs, colors and finishes, mirror caps either chrome-plated or painted in a variety of colors, side badges, chrome-plated molding on the roof and rear spoiler, as well as stickers for the sides and the roof.

Functional features are also offered, including a tailgate rack available with two systems for transporting winter sports equipment, like skis and snowboards. The range includes three dedicated Sport packs (Black, Red and White), consisting of a colored stripe along the belt of the car ending with a checkered pattern near the rear window, mirror caps in matching body color and two specific key covers.

Customers can choose other key cover kits, such as the sparkling "Swarovski" kit with 500 logo, the exclusive Corallo Red kit or the "Italy" kit with chevron pattern featuring the colors of the Italian flag. New customization kits will be available with original wrapping films for the roof and mirror domes, with five colors available: microcarbon black, matt silver, matt titanium, military green and jeans.

Finally, Mopar also offers original accessories including a coat hanger on the front head restraint, carpet mats, steel kick plate and sports kit which brings aluminum pedal covers and foot rest. Sales if the Mopar collection dedicated to the facelifted Fiat 500 will begin this autumn in Europe.

4:22 AM

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The compact MPV offers up to three rows of seats placed in a unique stadium arrangement, elevated gradually toward the rear. Featuring a massive front grille as well as front and rear bumper garnishes that connect the lights, the Toyota Sienta is available in eight different body colors, including the new Air Yellow.

There are five optional extra Flex Tones available, which allow owners to combine the body color with contrasting accents on the front grille, mirror caps and bumpers. Inside, the Japanese minivan sports a simple and easy to read instrument panel, while switches and other controls are located on the lower part of the center console. There's also a 4.2-inch color TFT LCD display.

There are three different interior colors schemes available, as well as orange accents with satin-plated and piano black ornaments. The minivan offers three interior layouts: 7-seater, 6-seater, and 5-seater (for wheelchair users). Interior space has been increased in all areas compared to the previous generation model.

There are two engine options available: a 74PS (73hp) 1.5-liter hybrid system and a 109PS (108hp) 1.5-liter gasoline unit which utilizes the Atkinson Cycle alongside Cooled EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) and VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent by Electric motor).

The hybrid returns 27.2 km/L (3.6 l/100 km or 63.9 mpg US) under the Japan's JC08 test cycle, making it eligible for eco-car subsidies and tax incentives. The non-hybrid Sienta returns 20.6 km/L (4.8 l/100 km or 48.4 mpg US) in 2WD configuration. A "Stop & Start System" is offered as standard.