Nope, it’s not the feast that the whole town is buzzing about but instead, it’s the 2011 Ford Fiesta. It’s is basically the automaker’s attempt to fill in the wide open gap, a.k.a. B-class car, in its vehicle lineup. This small car is available in two versions: the five-door hatchback and the four-door sedan. Both models are front-wheel drive but with only a single engine choice available - the 1.6-liter four-cylinder with Ford’s Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT). This powerplant makes 120 horsepower and 112 ft-lbs of torque. Ford rates its fuel-economy by 29-mpg city and 38-mpg highway for the manual, and 30-mpg city and 40-mpg highway for the automatic. When it comes to design, Ford did a great job on this one as it has a lot of factors that can literally turn heads. However, it still remains to be seen if the known pickup truck manufacturer’s gamble has truly paid off.

Source: Auto Guide

Even GM knows that the old Chevrolet Aveo wasn’t necessarily a bad car, but it was just a little too boring. So they wanted more excitement to it, more “European”, and GM did all that with a new Aveo.

The new Aveo’s exterior features flared fenders, a dual-element grille and round tail lamps that would certainly attract the eyes. But jumping to the most conspicuous element, GM has thrown a deep shade of blue into the car. They call it Boracay Blue. This color was all over the interior and exterior of the car highlighting certain aspects. The most notable is the Boracay Blue colored brake calipers popping out from behind the 19-inch, five spokes wheels. Leaving other minor feature behind, we jump again to what most people wan to know – its performance. GM has decided to equip the Aveo with a 1.4 liter Ecotec engine that pulls out a decent 138 horsepower. Ultimately, the Boracay Blue made “more excitement” and “European” happen in the new Chevrolet Aveo RS.

Sources: Car Junky, Google

Here is another option for all of you out there who are looking for a new transportation for the whole family. Toyota has unveiled the all-new Etios, which is designed as a family car. As of this moment, this particular model is only available in India. This article is made to serve as a teaser for all of you who wish the Etios will also make its way to your part of the world.

In terms of appearance, the new Toyota Etios is great to look at. It has a very contoured exterior, gleaming panels, and aggressive-looking front end.

To know more about it, don’t hesitate to read the PR.

PRESS RELEASE

Toyota Unveils Concept Version of New Compact Car for India

Tokyo-TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces its production and sales subsidiary in India unveiled today-under the banner: “World First, India First”-a concept version of the “Etios*”, a compact car newly developed specifically for the Indian market. Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private, Ltd. (TKM) is showing the concept car at the 10th Auto Expo automobile show in New Delhi, which runs until January 11.

The Etios is aimed at family users in India’s rapidly growing automobile market. Reflecting its “one class above” theme, the Etios’ styling evokes a sense of advanced status, and, along with a spacious interior with abundant storage space, it aims to offer both smooth and powerful driving and excellent fuel efficiency.

To make the car as affordable as possible for potential customers, thorough use of local parts will be pursued to keep costs low.

On display at the show are a sedan version with a newly developed 1.5-liter gasoline engine and a hatchback version with a newly developed 1.2-liter gasoline engine.

Etios chief engineer, Yoshinori Noritake, said at the show: “I visited many Indian cities and homes to learn the market and to hear from the consumer directly.

Over four years, more than 2,000 engineers have been involved in the development of the Etios, and each has devoted his or her best effort with no compromises. I am convinced in my heart that the Etios offers joy of ownership and quality of life to consumers in India.”

TKM will produce the Etios from late 2010 at its second plant, which is now being built expressly for the new car.

Annual sales in India are set at 70,000 units. Exports are planned.

At the show, the TKM exhibit, with its key message of “Quality Revolution”, comprises a total of 14 production and concept vehicles, including the third-generation “Prius” gasoline-electric hybrid passenger car, which is scheduled to go on sale in India in 2010, the “Prado” SUV recently unveiled for the Indian market, the “i-REAL” personal mobility vehicle and the “Fine-S” fuel-cell hybrid vehicle.

Photo Credit: Autoblog

Have you seen the latest version of the Ford Fiesta? It features one feisty design! And FYI, I’m not talking about the sedan version, but the hatchback!

If you don’t like hatchbacks, it’s time to start liking them if you want to make the new 2011 Ford Fiesta your own.

Here are some pictures of this lovely and feisty Fiesta! Enjoy!

Photo Credit: Autoblog

Volkswagen finally unveiled one of its most anticipated models – the VW R20 at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Prior to its launch at the said auto show, rumors about the R20 have been circling the web for quite some time already. This model is actually the latest R-badged Golf. However, observant people will immediately spot some of the big differences that this particular model holds when compared to its predecessor, the Volkswagen Golf R32.

One of the first things that will be noticed about the R20 is its lower grille that looks sturdier. This bigger grille looks very efficient in cooling the engine after a long, hard drive. From there, the vehicle just oozes smooth lines and contours. There’s not a single awkward crease in the VW R20, for which its maker must be praised. The car is also equipped with excellent LED daylight running lamps. And aside from the excellent exterior, the new VW R20’s interior has not been neglected. The interior features are well-thought and carefully designed. The two-tone interior adds to its class and luxury. Occupants would surely have an unforgettable experience when they ride in the 2010 Volkswagen R20.

Here is the press release about this new VW model.

PRESS RELEASEWorld premiere 7: Golf R as most powerful Golf ever

Automotive passion has always had something to do with performance. However, Volkswagen is demonstrating – in the world premiere of the new 199 kW / 270 PS Golf R at the IAA – that fuel consumption values can be corrected downward even in the high-end sports car area. The highlight here: While in the now retired Golf R32 (184 kW / 250 PS), 10.7 litres of fuel was processed by the injection system every 100 kilometres, on the new Golf R – thanks to a boosted high-tech TSI – the figure is just 8.5 litres, which is 2.2 litres or 21 percent less! The all-wheel drive Golf R (350 Newton-meter torque between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm) sprints to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds (Golf R DSG: 5.5 seconds) and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Two of the many identifying visual features of this exceptional Golf conceptualised by Volkswagen Individual: newly developed LED taillights and LED daytime running lights. The Golf R can be ordered in Germany starting at the end of this year.

Photo Credit: Autoblog

A family of four — Mom, Dad and 2 kids — would be quite comfortable in a sedan. But then, maybe a hatchback would be a better choice because it offers more room for passengers and cargo. A recommended hatchback for 2009 is the Suzuki SX4 Hatchback. This car is given positively high ratings in terms of space, safety, and cost.

The Suzuki SX4 Hatchback is a very affordable option for a family car considering that it’s an all-wheel drive. The JX model costs just $21,195. Those who want more options in their ride can opt for the JLX I model that costs $24,295.

Comfort is a sure thing in the Suzuki SX4’s interior. It has 98.5 cubic feet of interior volume, ample enough for 5 adult passengers and a bit of luggage. However, if the rear seat is folded there would be more space to put cargo in. There’s more headroom because of its high roof. Some of its remarkable interior features include the remote keyless entry, power windows, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel that comes with audio controls.

Safety is another aspect that the Suzuki SX4 is proud of. In fact, this car did very well in government crash tests. It earned four stars out of four in terms of driver and front passenger frontal crashes. Helping make this car safe are the standard safety equipment like anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, daytime running lights, all-wheel drive, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Aside from that, the Suzuki SX4 has dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, front seat-mounted side impact air bags, two-row side curtain air bags. LATCH child seat anchors are also a part of the safety features.

Now, performance-wise, the 2009 Suzuki SX4 is able to deliver reasonable functions. Its 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine produces 143 hp. This engine is matched with a five-speed manual transmission and an optional four-speed automatic. 

All vehicles have their Achilles heel. Nothing is perfect, so expect the Suzuki Sx4 to have flaws too. The bad point of this vehicle is the heavy weight that makes it a tad slow on the road. This also affects the car’s fuel economy. But, despite all these, the 2009 Suzuki SX4 is still a great option if you need a new family car.

Photo Credit: IMGS

To buy or not to buy? This is one of the dilemmas of most car owners when they are faced with the option of replacing their current rides. Well, if you have doubts in car models available in the market, you must think first to avoid any regrets afterwards. We all know that cars are one of the pollutants which harm our environment. Therefore, you have to choose environmentally friendly cars; at least you can help in lessening the harmful substances in the air. Of course, we have to ensure that the next generation will still breathe fresh air. Instead of buying cars which are harmful to the community, why not try environment-friendly cars?

These days, car manufacturers design vehicles that are comfortable and fuel efficient. We all know that burning fuels is harmful to our environment. When you choose environment-friendly cars, it’s just like you lessen the burning of fossil fuel which contributes a lot to air pollution. Hybrids and electric cars in particular have lower rate of pollution compared to other car models. There are several models of friendly cars for you to choose from. Chevrolet Aveo is one of top 3 environmentally-friendly cars in the world. 

For the past few years Chevrolet Aveo has high fuel consumption rates and because of that, its popularity in the motor vehicle market has decreased. However, after some modification by the company, its popularity grew as it became one of the favorites among car owners. This car is smaller compared to other cars available today. Its interior layout is designed by the great Italian, Giorgetto Guigiaro. There are several colors available in the market such as beige, baby blue, white, royal blue, red, black, maroon and lemon green. Chevrolet has cool features which are ideal for the family. Unlike other cars, Chevrolet has isofix anchorage for your children. Well, talking about the performance, this car delivers smooth performance on the road. Whether you opt to buy one with manual or automatic transmission, you will surely enjoy both. Sure there are car models which seem similar to the Chevrolet Aveo but then they can’t compare to the real thing.

Nowadays we have to be practical when it comes to buying anything. However, you should also consider the conveniences that it brings. Remember our goal is to create a green world for the next generation. With the friendly cars we can still breathe fresh air for our families.

Photo Credit: Chevroletcars

“A MINI as a family car?!” Maybe this would be your incredulous reaction when you read this post. Yes, the MINI can be a family car as well. Long gone are the days the days when the MINI is stereotyped as a very small car. This brand and its fleet have come a long way since the first production car was launched in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. MINI cars have undergone a series of revamping and redesign to be what it is today.

Right now, the MINI model that is right for family use is the Cooper Clubman. This car offers the convenience of spacious seating and cargo capacity. But, more than that, the Clubman offers fun driving experience that is so unlike other family cars of today. Who ever said a family car has to be staid and boring? The ever who said that couldn’t be more wrong! The 2009 MINI Clubman is a testament to that fact.

The 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman has new features to delight users. It now has a 3.1-inch extension in the wheelbase, which means it’s longer and more spacious than the 2008 model. More room for people and more room for cargo. And instead of the hatch door, the new Clubman gets a two-split center-opening doors that open to the side. This new door means faster and easier access to the rear when loading and unloading.

A fun ride is always possible with the Clubman because of its 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing producing 118 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque. Some of you might find this engine configuration wanting; however it’s enough since you are not going to do any racing when you have your precious kids as passengers. Safety is another big factor that a lot of car owners consider in their car. The 2009 MINI Clubman is equipped with six airbags, anti-lock brakes, cornering brake controls, daytime running lamps, and electronic brake force distribution.

Standard features that go with the Clubman include the following: Keyless Go entry, universal mobile phone prep, HD radio, and the Sirius Satellite radio. Navigation system, stiffer suspension, Xenon headlights, and new park distance control are also some of high-tech options available.

You know, the MINI Cooper Clubman could be one of the best investments you ever make. Take practicality, convenience, and fun in one cute package! 

Photo Credit: Automotive

This entry is a continuation of the list of vehicles that became recipients of the Mother Proof Awards. Coming second to the 2008 Chrysler Town and Country is the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz.

2008 Hyundai Veracruz
No, it’s not a minivan rather; it is an SUV/Crossover. This is a very stylish vehicle with smoothly flowing lines in front and at the back. Even its profile shows sleek lines and aerodynamic design. One thing you’ll notice about its exterior is the roof rack which is a big advantage especially if you need to lug lots of baggage around. A more subtle feature here is the front window solar control glass, fog lights, heated dual power mirrors with LED side repeaters. For its interior, the Hyundai Veracruz has leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob for an easy grip. Entertainment is excellent with the Infinity Logic 7 AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3/6-disc changer surround sound system with 10 premium Infinity speakers. It has three rows of seats to accommodate passengers comfortably.

Excellent road performance is provided by the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz through its 3.8L, all-aluminum V6 engine with 260 hp and 257 lb-ft of torque. This engine is matched by a Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and Variable Intake System (VIS) for achieving up to 23 MPG on the highway and 16 MPG in the city. This vehicle’s superb road performance is balanced through the safety features installed. This vehicle has antilock brake system with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution and brake assist.

2008 Mazda CX-7
This vehicle is the perfect vehicle for families because of its ample space and great performance. This is a mid-size, five-passenger Crossover SUV. Sporty handling is a sure thing thanks to the turbocharged four-cylinder engine matched by a six-speed automatic transmission. Through this engine, driving along twisted roads is smooth and effortless. Steering is easy and convenient with the sporty-looking steering wheel.

The 2008 Mazda CX-7 is also available in three trims – Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. Each of these trims has unique features that set them apart. So, customers have to know which one would be the best unit for their family’s needs.

2008 Volvo XC70
This vehicle is a wagon, but not a typical wagon. It’s redesigned to have a bit of SUV flavor in its style. It has raised suspension and is 2 inches longer in wheelbase and is 4 inches longer overall. It is equipped with a 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that can produce as much as 235 horsepower. The only transmission available is a 6-speed automatic. Families will be extremely safe riding in this vehicle because it has ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A highlight in this model’s features is the Blind Spot Information System and optional integrated child booster seats. Navigation system is likewise available as an option.

Photo Credit: New Yok Automall, Autospectator, Automotive

Competition is one of the factors that keep car makers on their toes. In the automotive industry it will not do a company any good if it lets competition get ahead. All the hard work and dedication these companies put into developing their cars pay off in the end. Just like in Mazda. I’m guessing that from the time it conceptualized the Mazda6 folks over there never thought that it would receive any kind of award. Mazda6 is proclaimed “The Best Family Car” by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) in its Scottish Car of the Year Awards 2008. The reason it was chosen? “Rarely has a car ticked all the right boxes when it comes to quality, refinement, and reliability…Mazda has more than met the ambitions of many motorists”.

This program has been running for 11 years now. The members of the ASMW are the ones that judge the entries. For this year, which is the 11th year, 50 models launched in 2008 vied for the title. Among the 50, only Mazda6 met the standards of the association. It was chosen above Honda accord, Mitsubishi Lancer, Citroen C5, Kia pro-ceed, Ford Focus, Peugeot 308, and Dodge Avenger.

According to ASMW President Bill Craven, “Mazda has more than met the ambitions of many motorists following the introduction of its all-new Mazda6”.

Mazda’s UK managing director Jeremy Thomson upon learning of the award said, “We are truly delighted that the Mazda6 has been named Scottish Car of the Year’s ‘Best Family Car’. This 2008 award is further confirmation that the all-new Mazda6 continues to attract family buyers thanks to its people and luggage carrying abilities and very competitive CO2 emissions levels, ideal for family motoring needs.

“The new Mazda6 has built upon the original model’s sportiness and design flair while the new bodyshells, which are significantly stiffer as well as lighter, mean that both the hatchback and the estate models deliver even more responsive handling.”

Mazda6 is one of the company’s best selling models. I guess many people opt for this car because of the variety of engine options available. Prices of the different trims range from £15,110 to £22,130.

For families who want all convenience and safety can choose the Mazda6. An award-winning car as this will not let you down.

Photo Credit: Car Advice