Ford Focus RS Line Models

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.

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2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

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.

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2017 Audi A4 Arrive in US Dealerships

German's rival to the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class will arrive in US dealerships this Spring with a single engine option, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four gasoline mill rated for 252hp and 273 lb-ft of peak torque paired to a standard 7-speed dual-clutch transmission for both the front-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive versions.

Prices start from $37,300 for the FWD Premium trim, not including a $950 destination charge, which compares to $35,900 for the outgoing A4, though Audi says it comes with an expanded list of standard kit that includes keyless start/stop, rearview camera, Audi smartphone interface, LED interior lighting, digital 3-zone automatic climate control and Audi pre sense city. The most expensive model in the launch range is the Prestige with quattro at $48,900.

Later on, Audi will enhance the A4’s lineup with an entry-level 2.0L gasoline and a frugal 2.0L diesel engine, as well as the performance S4 model fitted with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 pumping out 349hp (354PS) and 368 lb-ft of peak torque for a 0-62mph (100km/h) time of 4.7 seconds. It will compete against the BMW 340i and the Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG.

While there are no plans to introduce the regular Avant (station wagon) model in the States, Audi will offer the taller-riding A4 Allroad, while company officials are also discussing the possibility of bringing the next generation of the high-performance RS4 to North America.

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New 2016 Honda Civic Coupe

The announcement that the Civic Coupe would be revealed in LA was made no more than a week ago, which meant that it was only a matter of time before we got to see the production version of that surprisingly sporty Civic Coupe Concept shown in New York earlier this year.

Before we get into any specifics, let's talk about what we see and don't see. For starters, the car isn't as aggressive as the NY concept, that much is obvious. Gone are the tiny mirrors, the body kit, the blacked out grille (though there's still room for these things to make their way onto sportier versions), as is the massive rear wing and the central exhaust tip.

Now, what Honda does want us to know is that the 2016 Civic Coupe will be launched officially in March 2016, boasting a sporty new chassis, a more spacious and quieter cabin and according to the Japanese manufacturer, even class-leading crash safety ratings.

Just like its sedan sibling, the 2016 Civic Coupe will feature two engines, one of which is the first-ever turbocharged engine of the Coupe, with more power, better performance as well as fuel efficiency. Lower spec models will be powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine, good for 158 HP and 138 lb-ft (187 Nm) of torque with anticipated fuel-economy ratings of 31/41/35 mpg (city/highway/combined), or 7.5/5.7/6.7 liters/100 km.

This engine will also be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission on these lower spec cars. Mid and high spec models are powered by a new 1.5-liter DOHC direct-injected turbocharged engine (a first for the Civic Coupe), good for 174 HP and 162 lb-ft (219 Nm) of torque. Anticipated EPA ratings sit at 31/42/35 mpg, basically identical to 2.0-liter i-VTEC unit.

In terms of styling, Honda made sure to produce significant upgrades for the new Civic Coupe, where the exterior does share a lot of the concept's sporty and premium character thanks to the bold front fascia, fastback profile and the aggressive detailing.

Inside, the overall room has grown by 8.4 cubic feet (237 liters) while the rear seat legroom is increased by more than 5 inches (12.7 cm), compared to the outgoing Coupe model. Throughout the cabin, you'll notice a soft-touch instrument panel with molded stitching, more premium seat fabrics and a new TFT center meter.

All new Civic Coupes, starting with the LX version and moving to the top of the line Touring model, feature upgraded interiors with solid standard equipment levels that include auto on/off headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, acoustic glass windshield, automatic climate control (dual-zone in upper trims), Electric Parking Brake with Brake Hold and Walk-Away auto door locks.

New features such as the LED headlights, remote engine start, heated front seats and side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, full-color TFT center meter and seven-inch Display Audio touchscreen are also available.

As for audio and connectivity features, the new Civic Coupe comes with a new Android OS-based 7" Display Audio touch screen interface, and a whole bunch of streaming audio options such as Pandora, SiriusXM and HD Radio. Versions with Display Audio are also compatible with both Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay platforms, while the highest spec models will feature Honda's new Satellite-Linked navigation system, developed together with Garmin.

Since Honda is also bragging about the 2016 Civic Coupe's safety characteristics, it's important to note that the car has a next-gen Advanced Compatibility Body Structure and the available new Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety tech. Thanks to these features, Honda is targeting the highest available US safety rating from the NHTSA and a top safety pick rating from the IIHS.

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Citroen DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback Facelift

The makeover consists of a new front end which sports the "DS Wings" grille design as well as new DS LED Vision headlights. Besides these, the new DS 4 Crossback adds a 30mm higher ride height and black alloy wheels, black wheel arch and bumper trims as well as grey roof bars for a more rugged appearance. Inside, the DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback feature door panels upholstered in Nappa leather and semi-aniline leather upholstery with the brand’s signature "watch strap" design.

Another update for the DS 4 is the introduction of a two-tone paint option with a choice of four colors for the roof and rear spoiler, the door mirrors and hub caps. The optional Perla Nera Black, Whisper Purple, Virtual Blue or Tourmaline Orange finish on the roof mean that up to 38 color combinations are possible. There are nine body colors available, including three new hues: Tourmaline Orange, Artense Grey and Platinum Grey.

The facelifted DS 4 will be the first DS vehicle in the PSA Group to offer CarPlay compatibility with the most recent Apple iPhones. The function will be accessed via a new 7-inch color touch screen which controls all vehicle functions, from navigation to music. In addition, thanks to the new touch screen the center console requires 12 fewer buttons. Other available features include a reversing camera, keyless entry and start, as well as blind spot monitoring.

The engine lineup for the refreshed DS 4 includes six engines (three petrol and three diesel units) with outputs ranging from 120PS to 210PS. The most powerful engine is a new THP 210 S&S 6-speed manual fitted for the first time to a DS vehicle. The engine delivers 210PS (208hp) at 6,000rpm and 285Nm (210lb-ft) of torque from 1,750rpm to 4,000rpm. The DS 4 Crossback will launch with two engines – a 130PS petrol unit and a 120PS diesel.

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Alfa Romeo Giulietta Business Edition

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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