Auto News archives

Pontiac Announces New Small Car for U.S. Market

Expanding its portfolio in the rapidly growing small car segment, Pontiac announced plans to bring the sporty, five-door hatchback G3 to U.S. showrooms early next year. When it arrives, the G3 will provide Pontiac with a total of four vehicles capable of more than 30 miles per gallon on the highway. Already successful in Canada (as the Pontiac G3 Wave) and Mexico (as a sedan model), the G3 offers an EPA estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway while providing the best shoulder and hip room in the

The Stylish New Honda City Sweeps in

The all-new Honda City will make its European debut at the Istanbul Motor Show in October. The compact sedan is a radical departure from the previous generation car, with a totally new exterior style, featuring some visual elements of the stylish Accord. The restyled exterior is joined by a new 1.4 i-VTEC engine, which gives the City significantly more power and better performance. The new engine, which is also shared with the new Jazz is fitted with Honda's acclaimed i-VTEC system, which

Saab 9-X "Air" BioHybrid Concept Redefines Convertible Design

Over 25 years after unveiling the first four-seater convertible to the world, Saab’s design classic takes on a new form in the shape of the 9-X Air concept car. Set to be revealed at the Paris Motorshow on the 2nd October 2008, the 9-X Air concept provides a tantalising glimpse of what a future convertible from Saab could look like. Featuring a unique Canopy Top, the 9-X Air breaks the mould of conventional convertibles by incorporating pro

Mazda MX-5 wins ‘best roadster’ used car award

A legend in its own lifetime, the iconic Mazda MX-5 roadster continues to deliver pure motoring thrills – as a new or used car – almost 20 years since its debut.  This week, MX-5 has overcome the challenge of numerous short-listed rivals to win its class in the ‘2008 Auto Express Used Car Honours’ in the popular weekly

BMW at the 2008 Paris Motor Show

Celebrating the world debut of the new BMW 7 Series, the first appearance of the new BMW 3 Series at a motor show, and the latest developments in the BMW EfficientDynamics automotive strategy, the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium cars is setting outstanding highlights at the 2008 Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris from 4–19 October. The new BMW 7 Series arouses new emotions in the luxury saloon segment, offering a truly unique driving experience, supreme grand touring comfort, a

Carlsson Introduces its Smart Fortwo Program

Carlsson, the highly acclaimed Mercedes-Benz tuner, is pleased to announce a comprehensive personalization programme for the second generation Smart Fortwo, the smallest car in the Daimler AG vehicle range. The highest quality in component design and manufacturing techniques transforms the popular Smart Fortwo into an even more sporty and individual runabout. All tuning starts with a set of distinctive alloy wheels. Apart from looking good, an alloy wheel should be light and strong, qualities that complemen

2009 Mercedes-Benz S 400 BlueHYBRID

The CO2 champion in the luxury class, with an efficient hybrid drive system and lithium-ion technology Mercedes-Benz is launching its first passenger car model equipped with a hybrid drive system in summer 2009 - the S 400 BlueHYBRID. The combination of a modified V6 petrol engine and a compact hybrid module makes the S 400 BlueHYBRID the world's most economical luxury saloon with a spark-ignition engine. The NEDC combined fuel consumption is a mere 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres. This make

Mazda to Exhibit Special Needs Vehicles at Int. Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition 2008

Mazda Motor Corporation will exhibit three special needs vehicles at the 35th International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition (H.C.R.) 2008, organized by Japan’s Health and Welfare Information Association, from September 24 through 26, 2008, at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center. Mazda will display three special needs vehicles intended for the Japanese market. The AZ-Wagon i is equipped to carry wheelchairs, the MPV Second Row L

Hyundai's New U2 1.6 CRDi Achieves Best-in-Class Performance for Compact Vehicles

The Powertrain R&D Center of Hyundai Motor Company has completed development of a new, more fuel efficient and cleaner diesel engine for compact passenger vehicles (C-segment and below). Displacing 1,582cc, the U2 is an inline four cylinder engine which utilizes second generation common rail diesel injection system to deliver class-leading performance. "Our diesel engine development capabilities are truly world-class and the proof can

2011 Chevrolet Volt

General Motors launched its next 100 years today by unveiling the much-anticipated production version of the Chevrolet Volt - a vehicle that delivers up to 40 miles of gasoline- and emissions-free electric driving, with the extended-range capability of hundreds of additional miles. "Revealing the production version of the Chevy Volt is a great way to open our second century," said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. "The Volt is symbolic of GM's strong commitment to the future ... just the

More Murano than ever

Hot on the heels of the Qashqai+2 comes the striking all-new Nissan Murano, the second generation of a model that was key to establishing the entire crossover genre. Even more generously equipped than its predecessor, the latest Murano is priced from £32,795. Murano will continue to appeal to customers who appreciate the fusion of the dynamic driving characteristics of a luxury saloon and the security, space and desirability of an SUV. But it is now quicker, more economical to run, sportier y

Renault launches 2009 Scenic Range

The compact MPV pioneer, Renault Scénic, continues to lead the way in the style and practicality stakes.  To ensure it stays at the forefront of the highly-competitive sector, it has been revised for the 2009 model year, including the introduction of a new special edition designed to tempt retail buyers. Externally, the three-model Scénic range benefits from a front end facelift with new chrome-effect grille and black headlight surrounds, as seen on the sporty GT versions of Mégane and New La