New Car: 2008 Honda Accord

This is the all-new Accord. It may not look very different, but according to Honda this will be the car to catapult the Japanese brand into contention with established premium marques.

A ground-up re-design, the Accord will again be sold in saloon and Tourer forms, which are both expected to arrive in the showrooms this July. The current Accord sold 8500 units in the UK last year. Honda UK expects the new model to jump to between 12- and 14,000 sales, with prices kicking off at £18,000 and rising to over £23,000 for a diesel Tourer – roughly £1000 over prices for the current model. The new car is ‘significantly’ wider and slightly lower than the outgoing model. Under the sharper skin is a new, more rigid platform with new front and rear multi-link suspension.

Honda says it benchmarked the BMW 3-series to achieve a ‘more involving, communicative drive’.

More power; less emissions:

The Accord will be offered with two petrol engines and a new ultra-clean diesel. The 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol is good for 154bhp and will improve economy thanks to revised valve and intake engineering. The 2.4-litre i-VTEC delivers 197bhp at 7000rpm and 187lb ft at 4500rpm.

However, the big news for European drivers is the Accord’s new 148bhp i-DTEC diesel, which has a massive torque output of 258lb ft at just 2000rpm. The previous Honda diesel unit was a benchmark for refinement, but Honda says it has made the new i-DTEC engine ‘more powerful, smoother and cleaner’. It’s so clean it will meet the US’s ultra-stringent ‘EPA Tier II Bin 5’emissions standards without the NoX-reducing urea injection system Mercedes fitted to its US-bound Bluetec diesel engines.

All three engines will be offered with a six-speed manual box. A five-speed auto is also offered on the petrol engines, with a diesel auto arriving in 2009.

A quality finish:

A great deal of effort has been expended on the fit and finish of the new ‘cockpit-like’ interior, which features floating, back-lit, instruments and a central LCD multi-information display.

Honda sources claim the interior feels a ‘class up’, going so far as to say it rivals the Audi A6 for space and quality. Even the front seats are described by Accord engineer Toshiro Morita as ‘no expense spared.’ Audi was the target when the Accord’s body and interior quality was being refined. BMW was the target for the engine development and the sophistication of engineering individual components, with Audi, BMW and Lexus used as reference points for the Accord’s electronics.

This includes Motion Adaptive EPS, which combines the stability system and electric power steering to detect instability and makes steering inputs designed to get the drive to steer in the correct direction. It also gets the option of Adaptive Cruise Control, a Collision Mitigation Braking System and Lane Departure Warning. You won't have to wait long to find out if the new Accord stands up to the hype; it will make its international debut at the Geneva show next month.

New Car: 2009 Acura TSX

All-New 2009 TSX to Debut at New York International Auto Show:

Acura announced today it will debut the all-new 2009 Acura TSX sports sedan at the 2008 New York International Auto Show and released an exterior photo of the new model. Scheduled to go on-sale in the spring, the 2009 Acura TSX will be the second generation of Acura's popular entry level sedan and feature numerous advancements in performance, styling, technology and safety.

"The new 2009 TSX speaks clearly to the direction we are taking our Acura sedans in the future," said cock Colliver, executive vice president auto sales, "The TSX is a significant step in the advancement of our sedan lineup and the continued enhancement of the Acura brand."

Acura unveiled the new 2009 RL at the Chicago Auto Show last week and also announced the company will introduce an-all new TL performance luxury sedan later this year.

The 2009 Acura TSX will be introduced during the New York International Auto Show media days which occur on March 19th and 20th.

Press release:

The 2009 Acura TSX will be introduced during the New York International Auto Show media days which occur on March 19th and 20th.

Press release:

All-New 2009 TSX to Debut at New York International Auto Show.

The second-generation Acura TSX is designed to appeal to young professionals with its keen-edge styling, athletic performance and advanced electronic features.

Designed and engineered to reaffirm its place as a desirable and affordable entry point for entry-premium buyers, the all-new second-generation 2009 TSX is larger, more agile, more performance minded and even "more Acura" than ever before. Carefully crafted to honour the original TSX's vision as a world-class sports sedan, the new TSX has significantly evolved to offer more comfort, convenience, driving performance and safety. It does so with expanded luxury and electronic features, a wider stance for more agile performance, and advanced safety systems.

The 2009 TSX is expected to appeal to current TSX owners, young professionals and other image seekers who will appreciate its innovative styling, technical allure and total performance - while also valuing the outstanding customer treatment that owners have come to enjoy at Acura dealerships. Extremely brand conscious and eclectic in their tastes, buyers will find the TSX as satisfying for driving colleagues to lunch as it is for weekend snowboarding trips or vacation travel.

Powertrain:

An all-aluminium DOHC i-VTEC® in-line 4-cylinder engine heralds a pair of firsts for the TSX model, including dual balance shafts and a direct ignition system. Along with improved performance, it is also cleaner as it now meeting the EPA's aggressive Tier 2-Bin 5 and CARB LEV II Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards for the first time in TSX history.Displacing 2.4-liters and producing 201 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque (with manual transmission), the new in-line 4-cylinder engine produces its useable power across a much wider rpm range, while five percent more torque further strengthens the engine's pulling power at middle rpm levels. This allows the 2009 TSX to be more responsive off the line and out of corners, and stronger in the middle of the rpm range where the engine operates most of the time.

This newfound performance and flexibility is due in part to a higher compression ratio, revised valve timing, and improved intake and exhaust gas flow. Further credit goes to the TSX engine's i-VTEC® "intelligent" valve control system, which provides the power characteristics of a V-6 without sacrificing the light weight or fuel efficiency of an in-line four. Likewise, a new rear-mounted exhaust manifold layout, a close-coupled catalytic converter design, and a Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system substantially reduce emissions levels. Estimated fuel mileage is 21/30/24 mpg* (city/highway/combined, 5 AT) and 20/28/23 mpg* (city/highway/combined, 6 MT).

Two transmissions are available, both as standard equipment - a 6-speed close- ratio manual with new performance-oriented ratios for Second through Sixth gears, and a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic with a new lock-up torque converter assembly. The manual transmission features a short-throw shifter with a precise, light action that makes it highly rewarding to use, while the Sequential SportShift automatic permits fully automatic operation with intelligent features such as Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control, which make driving the TSX on hilly or winding roads more enjoyable. If the driver desires, the automatic transmission can also be operated manually via new steering-wheel mounted F1®-style paddle shifters.

Body and Chassis:

The 2009 TSX body structure includes two firsts for the Acura division, including a closed-channel cross-braced roof structure and inside frame rails. Along with a stronger rear bulkhead, the closed-channel cross-braced roof structure yields a more rigid and vibration-resistant structure. The first use of inside frame rails for any Acura model help tailor the aerodynamics underneath the car for improved fuel economy, lower emissions and reduced noise. In addition, new A-, B- and C-pillar separators improve the TSX's quietness over rough roads and at high speed. Slippery aerodynamics also helps fuel economy as well as high-speed stability - all while lowering emissions.

In addition to its 3.0-inch greater width and 2.6-inch wider track, the 2009 TSX has a 1.3-inch longer wheelbase and 2.4 inches more overall length. These dimensions combine to provide greater interior roominess, more agile handling and improved ride quality. Another first for Acura are the TSX's new dual-mode suspension dampers, which provide superior suspension damping characteristics at both lower and higher damper speeds. Using a unique deflector plate stack, the new dampers adjust compression damping characteristics to suit the vehicle speed, cornering forces and road surface. In creating the second-generation TSX body design, Acura designers sought to retain the crisp, dynamic design of the original and enhance it by widening the body overall and adding more muscular and distinctive cues to create a keen-edged sports sedan. Their key design goal was to create an aerodynamic design that evokes both emotion and tension with a decisively sporty flair.

Outward visibility is improved with a slimmer A-pillar design, while an auto up/down front passenger window adds convenience and a reverse-linked passenger-side door mirror tilts down to help improve safety while parallel parking. The new TSX also has a wider trunk opening and a lower trunk lift-over height for more convenient loading.

Exterior/Interior:

Functionality and refinement converge with luxury and style in the interior of the 2009 Acura TSX. Featuring a blend of sweeping, contemporary shapes, a high level of standard comfort and convenience features, widespread use of premium materials and an available Technology Package, this 5-passenger sports sedan offers the upscale modern interior that customers have come to expect from Acura.

From the precision-crafted metal door sills to the satin-metal finish accents, from new leather-covered seats to the steering-wheel mounted controls, and from the premium 7-speaker sound system to the dual-zone automatic climate control, the TSX represents a merge of intelligent design and innovation. For example, Bluetooth® connectivity is standard and includes a HandsFreeLink® cellular telephone interface that makes communications easier and safer while en route.

Typical of Acura, the TSX offers an exceptional level of standard equipment. Included are a standard power passenger seat, a new folding key with remote entry, new automatic headlight activation, a premium 7-speaker sound system with CD, AM/FM/XM®, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® , and USB port music interface. A HomeLink® remote control system is also standard.

Adding to the already impressive list of TSX standard equipment is the available Technology Package, which bristles with leading-edge electronics that make driving much more efficient and enjoyable. These include an Acura Navigation System with Voice RecognitionTM, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic, AcuraLink® weather, and the highly useful AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System. The navigation system also features Real-time trafficTM covering 76 major metropolitan markets, and offers Traffic Rerouting with dynamic route guidance to help navigate around slow-downs. For 2009, the TSX receives a dash-mounted electronic compass for added directional information while driving.

Included in the Technology Package is a premium sound system tuned by legendary sound engineer Elliot Scheiner. This 10-speaker Acura/ELSTM Premium Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio includes a new Note function for XM® Radio that makes it easy to identify songs to recall at a later date. With push of a button, the Note function can capture 10 seconds of up to 30 songs, along with noting text indicating song title, artist name, and XM® channel.

Safety:

The 2009 Acura TSX leads the way in safety with its new Advanced Compatibility EngineeringTM (ACETM) body structure. Engineered into the TSX model for the first time, ACETM improves the dispersal of frontal crash energy through the use of load-bearing frame structures that better match the TSX with other vehicles of different sizes and with different bumper heights. Simply put, ACETM helps maximize the effectiveness of the TSX's front crumple zones, better dispersing crash forces before they reach the passenger compartment.

A broad range of passive safety features likewise contributes to occupant safety, including six airbags (dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, new dual-chamber front seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions). Three-point seatbelts and head restraints are provided in all seating positions, and front seatbelt load limiters with an integrated automatic tensioning system further protect the TSX driver and front passenger. A new Active Headrest Restrain System is used for the first time on the TSX, while the rear seat features a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system that allows for the easy and secure affixing of up to two child seats. Exterior features designed to further improve safety include daytime running lights (DRL), pedestrian-injury mitigation features such as a deformable hood, hood hinges and windshield-wiper pivots, and a 5-mph front bumper and 2.5-mph rear bumper.

The 2009 Acura TSX is expected to achieve the highest ratings in both government (NHTSA)** and independent (IIHS) crash testing - including garnering IIHS's TOP SAFETY PICK.

Finally, the 2009 Acura TSX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®) that provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.

New Car: 2008 Renault Koleos

Renault haspublished the first officical photographs of the car that represents its first step into the 4x4 market: this is the new Koleos. A 4.5-metre 'soft-roader' that will give the French maker a car to pitch against the Toyota RAV4, Vauxhall Antara and the new Ford Kuga this summer.

The Koleos is, for Renault, one of the most valuable fruits of its alliance with established 4x4 maker Nissan. It was designed by the former, but engineered and developed by the latter, and comes packed with the Japanese brand’s specialist 4x4 technology such as electronically controlled all-mode active four-wheel drive and hill descent control.

Based on the brands’ ‘Alliance C’ platform, the Koleos shares mechanicals with both the Nissan X-trail and Qashqai. It will be built in Korea, at Renault-Samsung’s Busan plant, where it will share a production line with Korea’s native Samsung QM5.

The Koleos will be available on a global scale with a choice of three powerplants. Nissan supplies the car's range-topping petrol engine, a 168bhp 2.5-litre option which is, according to one Renault UK spokesperson we referred to, “unlikely to be offered in Britain.” Instead, UK buyers will be limited to two 2.0-litre diesel options, one with 148bhp and one with 173bhp.

The less-powerful of the two oil-burners will be available as a front-wheel-drive-only model, offered for around £18,500; the range-topping model is likely to come in around £22,500. Sales will begin this June

Chevrolet Epica pricing announced (UK)

On the 26th April, the Chevrolet Epica (which is almost as long as the BMW 5 Series sedan) will go on sale in the UK.

This front-driven four-door - which comes with a six-cylinder engine, air conditioning, cruise control, electric windows, an MP3 CD player, six airbags and 16in alloy wheels will be priced from just £13,595. That’s not just less than a Skoda Superb, it’s even less than the cheapest diesel-engined Ford Focus.

The Epica 2.0 LS will become the cheapest new six-cylinder car on the UK market. With just 143bhp under the hood, it won’t be the most powerful but it should be smooth-driving and comes with the option of an automatic gearbox. A 148bhp, 2.0-litre diesel option will also be available at £14,595 which could become popular amongst taxi drivers and families with a budget.

The Epica is built in Korea, and will be imported to Britain by Chevrolet UK alongside the Captiva 4x4.

TATA Nano goes on sale in 2012 (EU)

In four years time, the TATA Nano will reach European showrooms. Meanwhile, in that time, TATA will alter the Nano to make it cleaner and safer for Europeans because, the engines have to meet Euro 5 emission standards and the most stringent crash standards. The problem is that the car consumes alot of petrol which is leading to high emissions and the fact it doesn't have any airbags.

"We will develop a successor model in four years time, which will meet the Euro 5 emission regulations and the crash standards in Europe," Girish Wagh, head of Tata’s compact car division. The cheapest car in the world will have a production total of 250, 000 units yearly.

Another target is to reduce the average fuel consumption from 5 litres per 100km (62.5 miles). Initially the Nano will be marketed and sold in developing countries in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa and Asia. It’s therefore questionable whether the rich western European countries even have a need for such a vehicle, unless Eastern Europe is the initial target. No doubt other auto makers are monitoring this situation closely to see how it all plays out for Tata.

FIAT 500 sold out (UK)

The United Kingdom had an initial allocation of 4,500 units when sales began two weeks ago, but already Fiat dealers are struggling to replenish stocks of the popular modern-retro car.

Originally, 16,000 units were planned for the UK but due to demand, it looks as if that figure could rise to 25,000 units annually. Fiat executives, who have hit the proverbial jackpot with the 500, can not wipe the smiles off their faces because of 500. The growing waiting list is evidence of this 500 madness that hasn’t been seen since the launch of the new MINI in 2001. So bad/good is the situation – depending on who’s asking – that certain buyers are taking advantage and seeing the investment opportunity presented by the shortage of cars.

They are offering their cars for sale on auction on websites like eBay, some at ridiculous prices because they know the waiting list is long and people with the cash aren’t willing to wait. Fiat South Africa is also saying better order your 500 tomorrow, otherwise you may have to wait until the end of July for delivery. One Fiat dealer claims he can’t believe the number of MINIs that park outside his dealership where owners want to check out the 500, which is priced at €1200 less than MINI.

The phenomenal success of the 500 comes at a time when the Fiat Group has recorded its largest ever trading profit – €3.2 billion based on a turnover of €59 billion – in its 2007 Annual Results. These figures are up 12.9 percent on 2006 with a 66 percent increase in trading profit, and the Automobiles sector almost doubled its profit over 2006, to €1.1 billion.

The 500 has won heaps of awards including Car Of The Year 2008 and the Gay Car Of 2008.

When the 500 came out on the 21st January, I immediately went to my local dealer to see the car myself. I was told a 6 - 12 weeks waiting list is in order after I ask about the demand.

As for the sportier models, they are likely to be powered by a 1.4 litre petrol engine developing around 155bhp & 180bhp for the Abarth which is due in late 2008 and 200bhp for the Abarth SS which is due early '09.

I sat in the 1.4 100bhp Sport model. I didn't really like the chrome exterior pack which chromes the door handles, parts of the front and rear bumpers, exhuast pipe and window line etc. The interior is surprisingly spacious for such a small car and headroom is great. Trunk room seemed fairly reasonable for a car this size but fold the rear seats and you'll have more space than you can handle. So, my mini verdict:

Pros - Spacious cabin especially with glass roof, great front head/leg room, fashionable and chic and funky interior

Cons - Rear headroom made me feel claustrophobic, rear legroom is poor and my knees dug into the driver’s seat and the centre console looks empty.

What else is in the pipeline? As I said above, 2 sports models are currently testing around Europe. The Abarth will take on the Mini Cooper S and the Abarth SS is currently class-less. A cabrio is due next year alongside a wagon which will rival the Mini Clubman. A wagon based SUV could even reach showroom in 2010 and the 500 itself should get facelifted aswell.

Related links:

FIAT 500 at 2008 F1 Grand Prix
FIAT 500 UK pricing
FIAT 500 production expands again
FIAT 500 crash test results
Private importers import FIAT 500 in UK
FIAT 500 production expands
FIAT 500 goes off-road
FIAT 500 Abarth expected in Tokyo
FIAT 500 goes on sale in France & Italy
FIAT 500 commercial shoot pictures

Hyundai Sonata pricing announced (U.S)

Hyundai Motor America announced pricing for the refreshed 2009 Sonata. The 2009 Sonata features an all-new interior, enhanced suspensions and revised powertrains boasting even more horsepower and improved fuel economy. The 2009 Sonata is now on sale at Hyundai dealerships.

“You’d expect that all of these changes and new content would lead to startling new price points for the Sonata,” said John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “But that’s not Hyundai’s business model. With a starting price of just $18,795, including delivery, the 2009 Sonata is very well equipped to compete with the best mid-size sedans on quality, craftsmanship, capability…and of course, value.” The Sonata combines refined design, proven dependability, spirited performance and an extensive list of standard features to increase its appeal to a broader range of customers. For 2009, Sonata raises the bar for value and standard safety technology in the mid-size segment.

Hyundai’s sales leader boasts new features ranging from standard USB/iPod auxiliary inputs to available navigation and sport-tuned suspension. Combined with Sonata’s continued leadership in safety – it remains the only mid-size sedan under $20,000 with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – the 2009 American-made Sonata is the smartest choice in the competitive mid-size sedan segment. The new, second-generation Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine delivers more horsepower and quicker acceleration. Fuel economy numbers are 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway with the standard five-speed manual transmission or the newly available five-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®.

The Theta II is rated at 175 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine now features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on both camshafts and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing. Sonata’s 3.3-liter V6 engine now pumps out 15 more horsepower and three more pound-feet of torque (249 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 229 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm). This newly refined powerplant features all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, CVVT on both camshafts and stiffer hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. A variable intake system is added for 2009, which further broadens its power curve, improving off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. New mileage figures for V6-powered Sonatas are 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway.

All V6-powered Sonatas use Hyundai's five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission, which features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. The automatic transmission has a new reducing valve and solenoid valve for smoother shift quality while the manual transmission has been refined for more precise shifts. The pleasant surprises continue inside where Hyundai designers have thoroughly revamped the cockpit to create the ambiance of an upscale, premium sedan.

The sophisticated look is achieved thanks to a completely new center console and instrument panel, which borrows design cues and rich materials from the premium Hyundai Veracruz. The Sonata continues to be classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Large Car, truly a “class above” Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu (all are categorized as mid-size cars). Music lovers will welcome the 2009 Sonata’s inclusion of standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and USB input) to accommodate and charge audio devices such as iPods®. Other refinements include dual-zone climate controls for the driver and front-seat passenger and two-stage front seat warmers. A new factory-installed touch screen navigation system is now available as well.

The design team added a more refined touch to Sonata’s exterior design, with new bumpers, lamps, wheels and grille creating a more elegant, dynamic and taut stance. The unibody design crafted of high-tensile steel features a concave hood design, distinctive rear-door cut lines, strong Z-lined body-to-bumper interfaces and four-barrel jeweled projector lens headlights. New chrome bodyside and bumper moldings match the chrome grille and chrome-accented exterior door handles on Limited models. On the safety side, 2009 Sonata’s front collision performance has been improved by tweaking the design of the engine subframe. Every Sonata also has lifesaving ESC as standard equipment along with six standard airbags. The braking technology package includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Sonata GLS 2.4-literI4 5-speed manual $18,795
Sonata GLS 2.4-liter I4 5-speed automatic $19,995
Sonata GLS 2.4-liter I4 PZEV 5-speed automatic $19,995
Sonata GLS 3.3-liter V6 5-speed automatic $22,245

Sonata SE 2.4-liter I4 5-speed manual $21,195
Sonata SE 3.3-liter V6 5-speed automatic $23,845

Sonata Limited 2.4-liter I4 5-speed automatic $24,645
Sonata Limited 2.4-liter I4 PZEV 5-speed automatic $24,645
Sonata Limited 3.3-liter V6 5-speed automatic $26,345

Related links:

New Car: 2008 Hyundai i40/Sonata
Hyundai Sonata hot-weather testing