Posted on January 31st, 2008 by Auto News
Subaru has slotted the company??s first ever diesel engine into the Legacy Sports Tourer and Outback ?? and it’s a gem.
In fact, you??d be forgiven for thinking Subaru has been building diesels for years.
If you look at the figures, the Sports Tourer is more powerful, economical and eco-friendly than the estate versions of the Ford Mondeo or Volkswagen Passat.
Okay, so you won??t fit quite as much in the boot, but you??ll be driving something a lot more exclusive.
Smooth operator
The engine is refined and powerful: 0-60mph takes just 8.5sec in the Sports Tourer and 8.8sec in the Outback off-road version.
The propulsion doesn??t suddenly kick in, though; instead, there??s an even spread of power similar to that of a petrol engine.
A six-speed gearbox would improve things even further, but buyers will have to make do with the five gears on offer for now.
Keep the noise down
Engine and road noise are impressively low, too. So low, in fact, that the official moving sound levels suggest that the Legacy is quieter than a Rolls-Royce Phantom, although the frameless side windows generate a fair amount of wind noise.
The ride and handling are also excellent, especially in the Sports Tourer.
Prices
The diesel-equipped Sports Tourer costs ??19,995, while the Outback is ??21,495.
That’s good value when you consider that both models are well-kitted: cruise control, dual-zone climate control, six airbags, folding door mirrors and a CD player all come as standard.
So are they worth a look?
Yes, as long as you??re buying with the knowledge that a Mondeo or the new Mazda 6 would offer more for less money, especially when you factor in the likely discounts.
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Posted on January 31st, 2008 by Auto News
The ongoing feud between Subaru and Mitsubishi over whose rally-bred econo rocket is more cult-worthy is about to get even hotter. Of course, we??re talking about the Mitsubishi Evo versus the Subaru WRX.
Well, say hello to the latest warrior to enter the battle: the Mitsubishi Prototype S, making its debut at the 2008 Geneva auto show in March.
Most significant about the Prototype S is its hatchback bodystyle, which previews not only the first five-door to be based on the solid new MMC (Lancer) architecture??a vehicle expected to go on sale in Europe and Japan soon, with U.S. sales to follow??but also what the Ralliart version will be like.
Under the skin is basically the same powertrain found in the recently revealed Lancer Ralliart sedan: a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 240 horsepower (in the Ralliart, it makes 235) and 253 lb-ft of torque, mated to Mitsubishi??s new six-speed ???SST??? dual-clutch manual transmission.
The Prototype S??s full-time all-wheel-drive system has an electronically controlled active center differential, just like the Ralliart, but no rear-axle active torque split ? la the Evo.
As such, the production model that will stem from the Prototype S??we expect it will be called the Lancer Ralliart Sportback??will be directly competitive with the 224-hp Subaru WRX, which, incidentally, is also available in both sedan and hatchback configurations.
No word on whether Mitsubishi is considering a fat-fendered five-door version of the Evo to compete with Subaru??s hatch-only, 305-hp STI.
This isn??t the first time we??ve seen a hatchback version of the new Lancer. Indeed, the beautifully styled, fastback ???Concept Sportback??? debuted at the 2005 Frankfurt auto show and gave the world its first look at the Lancer, long before any production model was revealed. Ever since the sedan was launched more than a year ago, we??ve been waiting for a production-ready hatch to surface.
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Posted on January 31st, 2008 by Auto News
The already substantial BMW line-up is to be joined by a 320d Convertible and 125i Coup?©.
These new convertible and coup?© models will make their world debut alongside an EfficientDynamics concept car and the new M3 Convertible at the Geneva Motor Show.
The 320d Convertible is penned as the most frugal open-top car in the 3 Series range.
Available in both SE and M Sport guises, the new 320d uses the same 1,995 cc engine from other 320d models in the 3 Series range to offer 177hp and 350Nm of torque.
This single-turbocharged two-litre diesel engine propels the 320d Convertible from zero to 62mph in 8.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 139mph.
EfficientDynamics plays a part in the car’s performance with stop-start technology on manual cars, a second-generation common-rail injection engine, and a Diesel Particulate Filter fitted as standard.
These technologies deliver an impressive 53.3mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of just 140g/km.
Meanwhile, the BMW 1 Series Coup?© range has been enlarged with the addition of a fourth derivative.
The six-cylinder 125i joins the twin-turbo 135i M Sport, the four-cylinder 120d, and the 123d that features the world’s most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in a production car.
Generating 218hp from its 2,996 cc engine, the new 125i Coup?© accelerates from zero to 62mph in 6.4 seconds and achieves a top speed of 152mph.
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Posted on January 31st, 2008 by Auto News
These are teaser images of a teaser car previewing a first look at the next-generation Acura TSX for North America.
The images offer glimpses of the new Honda Accord for Europe which makes its world debut at the Geneva auto show in March. We care because the Euro-spec Accord will be sold as the 2009 TSX on this side of the pond.
Honda so far is only showing isolated aspects of the redesigned Accord sedan and the Accord Tourer wagon for Europe, which is based on the concept we saw at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show. Both vehicles are slated to go on sale this summer.
We expect the TSX will be available with the turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine currently found in the Acura RDX. Europeans wanting a gasoline engine will have a choice of Honda??s revised 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter gas mills.
Also available under the hood of both the TSX and the European Accord will be Honda??s all-new turbocharged 2.2-liter i-DTEC diesel engine, projected to generate about 150 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. The TSX should become Honda??s first car with a diesel in the U.S.
Honda also has promised new chassis technology for better handling, as well as the usual ???unique package of passive and active safety features??? on the new vehicles.
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Posted on January 31st, 2008 by Auto News
There??s a bejeweled look to the Equator compact pickup truck that marks Suzuki??s entry into the segment in North America.
This is the first illustration the Japanese automaker has released of the new Equator which makes its world debut at the Chicago auto show. Nissan promises to show ???several lightly modified versions of its new truck,??? which could suggest more cab configurations than the one in this teaser picture.
The Suzuki ???S??? is prominently displayed on a grille that adopts some cues from other Suzuki vehicles, but no whole-scale familiarity. The bumper shares styling with the Suzuki X-Head concept. The truck also relies on chrome accents, door handles, and a running board to add a bit more bling.
The Equator is essentially a Nissan Frontier and Nissan will build the Suzuki-badged version at its plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, starting in 2008. We must wait for the Chicago show to learn to what extent the two share components, including powertrains, as well as common sheetmetal.
The two automakers reached an agreement in 2006 for Nissan to build a mid-size pickup for Suzuki to sell in North America as well as a version of the Nissan Serena mini-minivan for sale in Japan. In return, Suzuki was to produce a mini-vehicle for Nissan in Japan and a new A-segment car for Europe.
The move mirrors that of Mitsubishi, which contracted Chrysler to build the Raider pickup as a rebadged Dodge Dakota. The Raider has not been a sales success and will be dropped from the Mitsubishi lineup when the assembly contract between the two automakers expires.
Suzuki has modest sales goals in the 20,000 range for the Equator, saying it largely is a vehicle for loyal customers to haul their Suzuki-brand powersports toys without having to turn to the competition.
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Posted on January 31st, 2008 by Auto News
Driving
The Maserati??s 4.2-litre V8 engine, built by Ferrari, is a cracker. Eager, hungry for revs and tuneful, it??s magic when used hard. There??s always a bit of delicious background engine and exhaust noise. It??s fast, too, despite the hefty 1,800kg kerbweight ?? 0-100mph takes a mere 11.9 seconds! However, it??s more frustrating in daily use, because of a marked lack of mid-range pull, while the automatic gearbox??s reluctance to give you full control is frustrating. It is, however, a capable driver??s car. It??s not as polished as, say, a Jaguar XKR, but we think its flaws add character. The dampers feel fidgety and it can lose composure on bumpy roads ?? but, once you??ve got used to the sharp, light steering and alert chassis, it??s huge fun, with lots of feedback.
Marketplace
Maserati is one of the most glamorous and evocative automotive brands of all time ?? and the GranTurismo is more stylish than any German rival. It has exuberance, flair and a real sense of drama and passion. It??s a huge car, mind, with a long wheelbase, though there are some advantages to this. There??s just the single engine, gearbox and trim line at the moment, with a very extensive (and expensive) range of bespoke options available. Rivals to the two-door coupe include the Jaguar XKR, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, BMW M6, Mercedes SL and, of course, the Porsche 911.
Owning
The Maserati may have a small boot, but inside, there??s a real surprise. The long wheelbase provides enough space for a pair of rear seats as roomy as a family hatchback! They even have ISOFIX mountings for child seats. But it??s up front where the real excitement lies. The rich, tactile materials, shapely steering wheel and chrome-ringed buttons look superb. And while ergonomics are not perfect, they??re leagues ahead of Maseraris of old. Shame the unintuitive sat nav is lifted straight from a Peugeot, though. There is also a little more wind and road noise than you??d expect. And as for running costs, prepare for a shock. There are only 16 dealers in the UK, and three visits will cost you ??3,999! The 25,000-mile service alone will cost ??1,757. Luckily, tall gearing means everyday economy won??t be disastrous, while exceptional retained values should mean you won??t lose out when you come to sell.
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Posted on January 31st, 2008 by Auto News
Driving
The Myvi isn??t particularly fun to drive, and doesn??t inspire confidence in bends. The damping isn??t that composed, it??s easily unsettled on country roads and the car suffers from considerable body roll. Steering isn??t particularly accurate, either, while the small, narrow tyres see it soon reaching the limit of grip. This small footprint also contributes to disappointing brakes ?? not good news for emergency stops. The brake pedal is slack too, as is throttle response. And the engine itself, while quick on paper, doesn??t feel so on the road. It??s strained at high revs, and the gearchange is notchy. At least compact dimensions, light controls and a tight turning circle make it a capable choice around town.
Marketplace
The Myvi is based on Daihatsu??s Sirion ?? in comparison to the firm??s other models, it appears positively cutting edge. Only headlights, bumpers and ungainly bonnet lines set the Malaysian apart from the Japanese Daihatsu; both display the short, narrow, tall city-car look. The single five-door bodystyle comes with the single 1.3-litre petrol engine, and a choice of SXi manual or MZi auto trims. The budget hatch has no end of rivals, including the Proton Savvy, Hyundai Getz, Kia Rio and Toyota Yaris. Don??t forget Subaru??s Justy, too ?? like the Myvi, it??s nothing more than a rebadged Daihatsu Sirion!
Owning
There??s plenty of leg and headroom in the back of the Perodua. The driving environment is equally spacious, although the high-mounted and upright driving position won??t appeal to all. Controls are simply and basic, so most drivers will find it easy to get on with. But it could be more inspiring, while the materials aren??t that modern or attractive. What??s more, thin doors don??t give the impression of ???big car?? solidity, while road and wind noise at speed are pronounced. Low servicing costs make up for a small dealer network and 10,000 mile intervals, though official fuel consumption figures of 48.7mpg could be better ?? and the Myvi needs to improve on average Perodua retained values of less than 35 per cent.
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Posted on January 31st, 2008 by Auto News
Driving
Light but responsive steering and a slick five-speed gearbox mean the Grand Modus is perfect for nipping around town. The ride is smooth and comfortable, and while the car is unsettled by really big bumps, for the most part it is easy to drive and uncomplicated. The key engine is the 1.2-litre TCE, a 100bhp turbo petrol engine. This replaced the old 1.4-litre ?? yet while it offers decent pace and economy, in our experience the larger 1.5-litre dCi diesels offer even lower consumption, while providing even more shove throughout the rev range.
Marketplace
The Grand Modus has grown up, and promises to put right the wrongs of its smaller sibling, for a premium of ??600 over the base car. It was launched with a facelifted version of the original car in early 2008, taking inspiration from Grand versions of the Espace and Scenic ?? offering a bigger boot and more practical seating. It has similar styling to the standard car, so received new headlights and other tweaks with the 2008 facelift. Two trims are available, Expression and Dynamique, with a choice of five engines; the 1.2-litre petrol in non-turbo and TCE turbo form, an auto-only 1.6-litre, plus 1.5 dCi diesels in 86 and 106 guise. The dCi 86 can be mated to a ???Quickshift5?? semi-auto gearbox.
Owning
By adding 93mm to the wheelbase and 160mm to the length, Renault had given the Grand extra space in the rear, meaning three can fit comfortably. There is 117 litres more boot space, boosted to 1,454 litres when the sliding rear bench is folded flat. The cabin is basic but well built, with lots of clever storage spaces and an elevated driving position that offers good visibility. All Grand Modus variants have standard air con, helping keep the glassy cabin cool. However, while it??s well-equipped and decent value ?? as well as being more practical than the standard car ?? the Grand Modus still suffers from the unimpressive retained values of the standard car. For best returns after three years, go for the diesels, which may cost more but also return excellent fuel economy figures of over 60mpg on the official cycle.
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Posted on January 31st, 2008 by Auto News
The Grand Marquis is a full size sedan that has earned the honor of being best selling Mercury vehicle ever produced. However, the 6 passenger 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis is sadly outdated and outclassed by the competition in just about every respect.
This large sedan is rear wheel drive and powered by a 4.6 liter V8 engine that delivers 224 horsepower and is controlled by a 4 speed automatic transmission. There is more than enough power to allow for quick acceleration, and highway rides are relatively smooth and comfortable. The EPA estimates fuel ratings at 15 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway, which is within average range for a full size sedan, but essentially the same fuel economy ratings apply to a few other cars in this class and they all produce much more horsepower than the Grand Marquis.
The first of two trim levels is the base model GS, which is complimented by the upscale LS. The GS comes standard with 16 inch wheels (the wheel covers are faux chrome), keyless entry, full power accessories, air conditioning, automatic headlights and stereo with CD player. The Grand Marquis LS replaces the 16 inch faux chrome covered wheels with 16-inch alloy wheels and includes the features found on the GS and adds leather seating, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a fold down armrest in the rear, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, fog lights, heated side mirrors and an overhead console that provides access to a compass and Homelink technology. Options for the GS and LS models include a sunroof, heated leather seats and a premium audio system with in dash CD changer.
With a perfect 5 star safety rating for front, rear and side impacts awarded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the LS model, driver and passenger safety is one of the 2008 Grand Marquis’s strong points. The GS is not as well equipped but still earns a respectable ‘Good’ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Antilock disc brakes are standard on both models, while the worthwhile enhanced traction control feature is standard on the LS and optional for the GS. Overall, the Grand Marquis offers a fair amount of comfort and convenience and is a safe, reliable vehicle. Not a bad purchase price, but those who continue to do their research will find similar vehicles with more luxurious comfort and convenience features, additional horsepower and a more modern and attractive design both inside and out.
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Posted on January 31st, 2008 by Auto News
The 2008 MINI Cooper, with its British inspired design is one of the most identifiable vehicles on the road-and one of the few small cars that is actually just a lot of fun to drive. It is available as a hatchback coupe or convertible, and unlike many other manufacturers, the two different- yet equally charming-versions are vastly different from one another.
Both the hatchback and the convertible version of the MINI Cooper are available in Cooper and Cooper S trim versions. The hatchback base model Cooper is equipped with a 1.6 liter 4 cylinder engine that delivers 118 horsepower; while the Cooper S Hatchback features a 1.6 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder that is capable of 172 horsepower. Both hatchbacks are mated to a standard 6 speed manual transmission, though a 6 speed automatic with manual override is available as an option. Both models include a variety of standard features including power windows and doors, air conditioning, premium grade vinyl upholstery, leather wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescopic capability and a stereo system featuring 6 speakers, CD player and auxiliary jack.
The MINI Cooper convertible is powered by a similar fuel efficient 1.6 liter, 4 cylinder engine that delivers 115 horsepower in the base model and 168 horsepower in the supercharged MINI Cooper S convertible model. The base model is equipped with a 5 speed manual transmission, while the Cooper S convertible is available with a choice of a 6 speed manual or 6 speed automatic transmission. In terms of features, the base model Cooper convertible and the S model convertible both include the vast majority of the features found in the hatchback version, with the addition of a power operated soft top convertible top with sunroof functionality and rear parking sensors.
The cultural phenomenon continues with the 2008 MINI Cooper, with its distinctive boxy shape and unique style-plus it can be so much fun to drive and is so easy to maneuver through traffic and park in the tightest of spaces. In addition, the ability to tailor the car to your own needs is more than satisfied no matter who you are with the enormous variety of options that are available for both models either individually or as part of an options package. These add ons features include a panoramic dual pane sunroof for the hatchback, and a navigation system, fog lamps, xenon headlamps, heated leather seats, Bluetooth connectivity, a premium audio system, keyless entry are available for both models. There are also a variety of special interior and exterior design components available for both the hatchback and the convertible. This is one car that is exceptionally customizable, handles well and is typically purchased by those who need fuel efficiency and want their identity to shine through their customized choice of automobile.
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