Peugeot Special Edition 207 Model

Following recent price reductions across the 207 range and the introduction of standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in January, Peugeot Australia has announced the introduction of a new special edition 5-door hatch model: the 207 Sportium.

Sitting between the entry-level 207 XR 5-door manual at $19,990 and the range-topping XT 5-door with a Recommended Vehicle Price of $23,990, the Sportium 5-door starting at $21,990 adds a host of unique features designed to further enhance the strong value-for-money proposition represented by the 207.

The 207 Sportium is available in the following Euro 5 emissions-compliant engine variants:
1.6L petrol manual
1.6L petrol automatic
1.6L HDi manual


All three Sportium versions offer the following special equipment:
16-inch ‘Estoril’ alloy wheels;
Sports bumpers;
Fog lamps;
Rear parking sensors;
Rear electric windows;
Leather steering wheel;
Tailored carpet mats;
Privacy glass;
Aluminium pedals, door sills and gear knob (manual);
"Dark silk" interior trim;
Body-coloured side mouldings.


A selection of five elegant colours is offered:
Bianca White;
Moroccan Red (metallic);
Thorium Grey (metallic);
Aluminium Grey (metallic);
Onyx Black (metallic).


Pricing:
1.6L petrol manual, 5-door hatch - $21,990
1.6L petrol automatic, 5-door hatch - $23,990
1.6L HDi manual, 5-door hatch - $25,190

2011 Kia Sportage is The Safest Car

The 2011 Kia Sportage has been recognized as one of the safest new vehicles on the market; it's earned Top Safety Pick status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

While the Sportage wasn't actually tested, the IIHS applied results from the 2010 and 2011 Hyundai Tucson, which is nearly identical structurally. And as interior trim and door pieces can often make the difference between a 'good' and 'acceptable' score, there's apparently more in common between these two vehicles than Kia or Hyundai would like us to believe. Though Kia and Hyundai are run as separate companies in the U.S., and their respective models are typically built at separate plants, the two brands come from the same South Korean automaker.

The Sportage (and Tucson) can take 4.43 times its body weight in a designated area of the roof before it deforms a specified amount. That easily surpasses ratio of four the IIHS requires to earn a 'good' rating, and is much better than the federal government's current requirement of just 1.5 (a requirement of about three times body weight will be phased in).

The new 2011 Sportage is hardly Kia's only safety bright spot. The model joins the 2010 Forte sedan, 2010 Soul hatchback, and 2011 Sorento crossover in earning that top recognition from the Institute.
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2010 Jaguar XJ Sentinel

The new XJ Sentinel offers the ultimate in discreet protection, being virtually indistinguishable from the standard XJ model, yet featuring a state-of-the-art armoring package which provides occupants with up to B7 levels of ballistic protection.

Benefiting from Jaguar Land Rover’s extensive experience in the armored vehicle market, the XJ Sentinel is supplied with a full three-year 50,000 mile factory warranty, along with comprehensive after-sales support from specialized technicians

Jaguar engineers focused on ensuring that the XJ Sentinel retained the real-world usability of the standard car. Based on the long wheelbase XJ, the armoured vehicle maintains that model’s luxurious interior package, its compelling blend of comfort and agility, and convenient servicing using regular dealer equipment.

Range Rover Evoque

The new Range Rover Evoque, a completely new crossover, with a revolutionary design. But that was presented until now in 3-door version. Here are the first spy shots of the five-door model, dressed in traditional camouflage colors.

On the track at the Nurburgring was surprised that Evoque in 5-door, run in testing by engineers from Land Rover. It is likely that this variant to enter on the series production rather than the three doors.
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2011 Dodge Durango

Not a lot is known about the new Durango yet, but the minisite's photos and that positioning statement, along with the fact the vehicle will be built on the same platform as the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, provide some strong clues as to what we can expect.

The exterior images that have been released so far show a streamlined exterior with a powerful hood that points toward an aggressive, "hunkered-down" stance, and that will be emphasized by a relatively high beltline. That latter design cue is used to strong but subtle effect on the Jeep, so leveraging it in the Dodge is a natural choice. A relatively low ride height might get thrown into the mix as well, since Dodge has already explicitly stated the Durango isn't aiming to provide the same kind of extensive off-road capabilities as the Grand Cherokee.

And that could be an important key to the Durango's success, since it will further differentiate the Dodge from both its sibling and the rest of the competition.



Among the first moves: A Dodge Durango "minisite" is now up at www.dodge.com/2011durango/ to provide a sneak peak at what the company is calling its "three-row performance SUV."

2011 Saab Aero X

2011 Saab Aero X Pic

Alfa Romeo Giulietta Test Drive

A second test drive video from Autocar, this time involving an Italian hatch, which is the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

The version tested in the video is powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a capacity of 1368 cc, which enables the the Alfa Romeo Giulietta output168 BHP @ 5,500 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500 rpm.

When sprinting from from nought to 62 mph the Alfa Romeo Giulietta takes 7.8 seconds while the maximum speed it can reach is 135 mph.

In a combined mode the Alfa Romeo Giulietta return 48.7 mpg, while CO2 emission levels are 134 g/Km.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta - 90sec review


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Alfa Romeo Brera Production Ends

Alfa Romeo will cease production of the gorgeous Brera coupe and Spider, and the really sad news is that they are not going to be replaced with a new model, they will be just killed off. The Brera was a creation of Pininfarina and during its five years of presence in the market it hasn’t been a financial success for the company!
Sad....
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Porsche 918 Spyder Makes Its Driving Debut

The Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid made its driving debut on a closed road in Monterey California, just days prior to its appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

After being shipped over from Germany by plane, engineers handed the keys of the new 918 Spyder Hybrid to Porsche AG Design Chief Michael Mauer. The car drove under its own power which comes from the mid mounted 3.4 liter V8 out of the RS Spyder as well as in all electric mode which powers just the front wheels.



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Nissan New Machine: 1.2-Liter Three-Cylinder

The three-cylinder, known as the HR12DDR, uses direct injection, variable valve timing, low-friction treatments on internal components, and a stop-start function. But the most important feature of the HR12DDR is that it runs on the Miller cycle, a little-known combustion cycle last seen in the United States in 2002.

Kia Pop EV Concept

The 2010 Paris Motor Show begins next month and you can be certain that the trend will be electric vehicles.Kia will be there offering us more details on the Pop Concept, which is a zero-emissions car just like the Nissan Leaf.

Nissan Leaf iAd on 4th generation iPhone

Nissan Leaf iAd on 4th generation iPhone

Mazda to Recall Half A Million Car

Mazda Motor Corp expects to recall more than half a million vehicles worldwide due to power-steering flaws, a company spokesman said, its largest recall ever as Japanese carmakers come under rising scrutiny for quality problems.

The automaker has filed applications with local authorities to recall 215,000 vehicles in the United States and more than 10,000 in China, and now plans to broaden the net to include major export markets such as Europe and Australia, the spokesman said, confirming a domestic media report.

The recalls, estimated at 514,000 vehicles, target the Axela and the Premacy, known in some markets as the Mazda3 and the Mazda5, manufactured in Japan from 2007 to 2008.

The vehicles could experience a sudden loss of power steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Nissan sets 2011 SUV, Truck Pricing

Nissan North America set its pricing Thursday for its 2011 model year Armada SUV and the full-size Titan pickup truck.

The Armada starts at a manufacturers suggested retail price of $37,910, with the most expensive model carrying an MSRP of $52,890.

Nissan said the Titan will range from an MSRP of $26,820 to $39,620

2011 Nissan Juke

Nissan has just released pricing for the 2011 Juke – the company's new baby CUV. Buyers looking to scramble into the driver's seat can look forward to a base MSRP of $18,960 (*plus destination) for the Juke S when equipped with a CVT and front-wheel drive. Prices for the range-topping Juke SL with a CVT and all-wheel drive hit a ceiling of $24,550 before any options are added.



All models will come from the factory with a new direct-injection turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Nissan says that when bolted to the company's efficient CVT, the Juke should return 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Meanwhile, six-speed manual-equipped models start at $20,260.

2011 Mazda2

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The 2011 Mazda2 is the smallest car the automaker sells, but leg and head room are ample in both front and back seats.

New 2012 Chrysler 300

For 2012 Chrysler has stepped up to the plate and given the big sedan a refresh. No official photos have been released yet, but thanks to Autoblog.com, who recently posted some spy photos



The Chrysler 300 first hit showroom floors in late 2004 where it became an instant success amongst car fans and dealers. It had a low-slung chopped roof line and was aggressively styled with design elements reminiscent of cars from the late 1960′s and early 1970′s. It was big, comfortable and was equipped with 3 different engine choices. A 250 hp V6, a 350 hp 5.7-liter V8 or the 6.1-liter 425 hp Hemi, which was released in 2006 as part of the SRT-8 performance package. The Chrysler 300 has now been around for six years and although over 350,000 have been sold the car is beginning to get a bit long in the tooth.

SsangYong Rexton

SsangYong, learned and now looking for a strategic investor, the market is launching in October Paris Motor Show Super SsangYong Rexton model.

Created as a reinterpretation of the successful model Rexton, Rexton Super prejudice but only minor at first glance, the radiator with a new grille that resembles the one used by Mercedes Benz to its cars, with a stronger logo. Inside, the Korean SUV will also subtle changes and some better quality materials.

Under the hood, the Super SsangYong Rexton will certainly have a 2.7 liter engine comes Mercedes-Benz, which develops 165 hp and 186 hp version XDi the XVT turbo.

Besides Super Rexton, SsangYong will present in Paris and Korando C model powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine that develops 178 hp. Based on the C200 concept, introduced in 2008, new Korando C will go into production immediately after the release of the Paris Motor Show.

2011 Volkswagen CrossTouran

Volkswagen press release:

Wolfsburg, 11 August 2010 - It’s the positive lifestyle statement of thesummer: the new CrossTouran! Following the CrossPolo and CrossGolf launched earlier in the year, the CrossTouran now fills the gap in the Cross lifestyle family. Volkswagen’s ‘more extrovert’ compact MPV is nowavailable to order from a starting price of €27,700.

The Touran already follows the new Volkswagen design DNA and impresses externally with a dynamic character line, a new, powerful rear-end design and two-part taillight clusters. However, the CrossTouran traditionally ‘goes one better’ and with its modified bad road kit complete with longer suspension springs it gets 20 millimetres more ground clearance than the standard model. On top of that comes the mix of 215 tyres at the front and 235s at the back, both on

17-inch alloy wheels. Thanks to its striking exterior elements the new CrossTouran is also instantly perceived as an autonomous model. The widened wheel arches form a unit with the side sills, which are drawn right up into the doors. It is also given a sporty character by the differentiated front and rear bumpers and the black grained protective strips on the doors.

In addition to a specific design the autonomous ‘Cross’ brand also stands – like ‘GTI’ and ‘R’ – for a specially designed set of features. As well as the alloy wheels, bodywork kit and bad road suspension, the new CrossTouran boasts added features aplenty: a roof rack in matt aluminium, decorative trim in stainless steel look, electric windows front and rear, extra comfortableseats in the front with height adjustment and lumbar support, leather steering wheel plus leather trim on gearlever knob and handbrake and a special seat cover pattern.

Through the sum of its specialfeatures the CrossTouran glistens with Wolfsburg virtues: interior comfort and convenience (40 storage bins and optional third seating row), driving fun and environmental awareness. For instance, as well as with the familiar TSI and TDI engines the new CrossTouran is now also available with the particularly efficient and environmentally friendly ‘EcoFuel’ natural gas engine. Fuel consumption when driving on natural gas is 4.8 kilograms per 100 kilometres, which equates to CO2 emissions per kilometre of 133 grams. The additional natural gas tanks are locatedbeneath the floor, so that the vehicle’s cargo capacity of up to 1,989 litres is not affected.

In total CrossTouran customers havea wide array of TSI, TDI and natural gas engines to choose from, ranging in power from 77 kW to 125 kW (105 to 170 PS). This lifestyle-oriented all-rounder – complete with all visual and technical refinements – can now be ordered in Germany from a starting price of €27,700.

Hybrid Beetle

Autocar reports that VW is planning a "radical design" for the next-generation bug, set to debut at next year's Detroit auto show. The redesign will include a hybrid Beetle with a drivetrain resembling what was seen on the New Compact Coupe concept at this year's Detroit show--a lithium-ion battery pack, 20 kilowatt electric motor with a li-ion battery pack, 177 horsepower, 110 pound-feet of torque, and an average of 45 miles per gallon. The hybrid Beetle may not match those numbers exactly, but chances are it will come close.

The Beetle isn't the only upcoming electric option from VW. Aside from the already-unveiled hybrid Touareg, VW plans to release a hybrid Jetta in 2012 as well as an all-electric Golf in 2013.

2011 Volvo C30 T5 ASR R-Design

The Volvo C30 is reasonably inexpensive, comfortable, fast and economical.

1974 Daihatsu 360 Max

1974 Daihatsu 360 Max Pictures

Toyota Planning Rear Wheel Drive Sport Car

According to Motor Trend, the late Toyota chief test driver Hiromu Naruse dreamed of a low-cost, rear-wheel-drive car aimed at young drivers. Since Naruse's untimely death earlier this year, Toyota began development on such a car: a hatchback based on the chassis of the Toyota Aygo city car, with an engine from Daihatsu. Toyota will reportedly source the 1.5-liter I-4 powerplant from Daihatsu, and may also have its Japanese subsidiary produce the vehicle.

Toyota hopes the rear-wheel-drive setup will be attractive to youthful consumers, and the vehicle is expected to tip the scales at a sub-Mazda Miata weight of 2200 pounds. Should it arrive in North America, it's poised to be the least expensive rear-wheel-drive offering.

The new Toyota hatchback will likely retail closer to $16,000

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is

BMW says the Z4 sDrive35is can accelerate from zero to 60 in 4.8 seconds. Anecdotal evidence suggests it is quicker. (BMW / November 5, 2009)


Shifting paddles for the Z4 sDrive35is are mounted on the steering wheel.

Alfa Romeo 156 Commercial

Video featuring the Alfa Romeo 156

2011 Nissan Elgrand

Nissan has released the new version of its luxury MPV - the 2011 Nissan Elgrand. The 2011 Nissan Elgrand comes equipped with a 3.5-liter VQ35DE engine that develops 206kW(280PS) at 6400rpm and 344Nm(35.1kgfm)of torque at 4400rpm. The 2011 Nissan Elgrand is also available with a smaller 2.5-liter QR25DE engine developing 125kW (170PS) at 5600rpm and 245Nm(25.0kgfm) of torque at 3900rpm. The new 2011 Nissan Elgrand MPV is available with both a 2-wheel-drive system and a 4WD system and features the company's Adaptive Shift Control system that which detects the driver's acceleration and act accordingly.

The equipment list of the 2011 Nissan Elgrand includes Intelligent Cruise Control, Xenon headlamps, an auto light system, Active AFS, and various safety system. The 2011 Nissan Elgrand also features a body especially constructed to offer increased pedestrian protection while offering a high-strength "safety cell" for the passengers.

The 2011 Nissan Elgrand price and availability will be announced at a later date.

The Blue LEAF

The Leaf, as you are probably aware, is Nissan’s new plug-in electric vehicle, and the first of the new generation of consumer EVs to be released here in the States

Priced at just under $33K ($25K including the government rebate), the car is really competing with Accords and Legacys and the like. While it’s easy to suggest that it also competes with the Volt, the pricing and technology really set the two apart; all they’ve got in common is an electric motor.

Nissan LEAF Pictures

Nissan Will Build Condominium for Nissan Leaf

Nissan continues to make electric vehicle partnerships around the world with the launch of the Nissan LEAF looming – and now it has established a new relationship on home turf.

Nissan has joined forces with Daikyo Incorporated, one of the largest condominium builders in the country. The two have signed a memorandum of understanding which will involve the launch of a demonstration project for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in condominium buildings.

Together, they will review and suggest approaches for installing chargers and Nissan will provide electric vehicles and chargers on a test basis to condominium owners for a trial period in an effort to identify any issues and potential solutions.

Nissan and Daikyo have also issued an invitation for condominium association boards in Yokohama City and Kanagawa Prefecture to apply for the programme.

Daikyo now hopes to install charging infrastructure in around 10 per cent of the parking in each of the buildings in its Lion Mansion Series that are scheduled for construction after April this year.
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2011 mazda 3

Available in a four-door model and a five-door hatch, the 2010 Mazda 3 comes in a narrower range of colors than previous models. It has a three year/36, 000 mile warranty with a transferable powertrain warranty for five years/60, 000 miles.
The 2010 Mazda 3 is powered by either the base 2. 0 liter engine, with 148 horsepower and 135 pound/foot of torque, or a new 2. 5 liter engine with 167 horsepower and 168 pound/foot of torque. It features a new six speed manual transmission or the five speed automatic which has a manual shift mode. Fuel economy is expected to at least match the previous model of around 22/30 mpg.
Those who have rated the Mazda 3 on performance claim that the enhancements to the body seem to work well with the mechanics of the car. The steering is direct and responsive, the braking is sharp, the suspension is fine tuned and the engine has enough power to drive the weight of the vehicle with ease. Some claim that the new model drives better than the already good previous model. None of the 3′s reputation for aggressive performance has been lost in the redesign.
Safety is an important consideration these days, and again the Mazda 3 comes up trumps, scoring 5 stars for front end collisions for both driver and passenger, and on side impacts, 5 stars for driver and 4 stars for passenger. It received a 4 star roll-over rating. This has been achieved with two front and side air bags and side curtain air bags. It features an anti-lock braking system and brake assist as standard.

How to Enhance The Resale Value of Your Car

Here are a few tips on maintenance of your car to help you to enhance the resale value.

Get car servicing at right time at authorized stations: Delay in car servicing may result in long term damage done to the car and ay also cause loss in the resale value of the car over a period of time.

Use car AC carefully: You can lengthen the life of your car by wisely using the air conditioner (AC) of your car. By simply switching off the AC when not required can ensure less pressure on the engine of the car.

Get tyres properly inflated: Properly inflated tyres help in a better performance of the car. If the tyre pressure is not proper it can also result in pressure on the car engine. It can also affect fuel efficiency of the car. Regular checking of tyre pressure is thus very important.

Drive carefully: Driving carefully is not only good for your safety but also for the resale value of your car. Even a minor car crash can lead to major loss of value in the resale value of your car.

Customize using Genuine Accessories: Customization of a car using dubious accessories may result in loss of resale value. To retain your cars resale value use only genuine accessories.

Repair car body in case of any scratches & dents done on the exterior & interior of the car. Fix car damages as soon as possible.

Buy genuine spare parts only: Buying local spare parts as it may cause long term damage to your car. Saving of few bucks may result in loss of a long term.

Use accelerator and brakes properly: Many people are careless in using brakes and acceleration in the car. Careless use of brakes shortens the life of the engine. Too abrupt acceleration also puts pressure on the engine of the car. So, be more careful in use of both. By experience you can actually learn to predict a situation when you have to use brakes and you can be prepared in advance. In any case, when you are driving carefully at a moderate speed, there will hardly be any need for abrupt braking or acceleration.

Give relaxation to car engine: Remember that the engine is a machine and be careful in its use. Do not keep in on unnecessarily. When you are stuck in a traffic jam or waiting at a major traffic signal, switch off the engine. This way you can lengthen life of the car as well as save fuel.

Avoid speeding: Besides putting your life at risk, rash driving also puts too much pressure on the engine. Driving at a moderate speed is good for the life of the engine. It is also good for your pocket as it will result in saving of fuel. Just by driving wisely you can ensure a long life for your car.
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