2011 Hyundai Accent/Verna

Hyundai has got all its bases covered as far as its new range of saloon/sedans for 2011 model year is concerned - from the entry-level B-segment Verna/Accent right up to the D-segment Sonata. With of course, the newly unveiled C-segment Elantra/Avante being the most balanced of the lot - at least aesthetically and proportion wise. Boasting Hyundai's latest "fluidic design", the Accent is very much akin to a junior Sonata.

The 2011 Accent/Verna measures 4,340mm in length, 1,700mm in width, 1,460mm in height, and has a relatively generous wheelbase of 2,570mm - for a B-segment budget sedan.






The base Verna/Accent will beat with a 1.4-litre 4-pot capable of 106 hp and 135 Nm of torque - with the choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic.
However, the larger displacement 1.6-litre that pushes out 121 hp and 155Nm of peak torque will be paired only with a four-speed automatic transmission.

BMW does a CLS: gorgeous Concept Grand Coupe!

Not ever since the 'iconic' E34 5-series - at least in my books - and the slim and sleek E38 7-series that I have been this moved by an all-new BMW saloon or lately-fashionable 4-door coupe for that matter.

Watch out 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS and Porsche Panamera...could this be a revival of the 8-series nameplate from the boys over at Munich camp?

All-New 2011 Hyundai Elantra/Avante

A pictures tells a thousand stories, so they say. Judge for yourself how handsome Hyundai's latest "fluidic design" is and you'd be awed by how far this Korean automaker has come of age.

To be sold by Q2 in South Korea and perhaps up to six months later in other markets, the all-new Avante/Elantra will be sporting a 6-speed auto transmission mediating power to the front wheels - from a 1.6-litre (Gamma) GDI engine capable of 140 hp and 166 Nm - while claiming to be 10 percent more fuel efficient than its immediate predecessor.

2010 Hyundai Tucson available now in Malaysia

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd (HSDM) today released the pricing of the new Tucson. The new Tucson, which is scheduled to be launched officially next month, will be priced at RM 126,888 (OTR) for the standard 2.0 model, RM136,888 (OTR) for the 2.0 (High Spec), and RM 152,888 (OTR) for the 2.4 the top-of-the-line model.

The new Tucson 2-litre and 2.4-litre engine come with the all-new gasoline Theta-II and are fitted with Hyundai’s new six-speed automatic transmission. The gasoline engine delivers a 12.2 percent gain in fuel economy (10.1km/l versus 9.0km/l) and is 2.5 percent quicker in zero to 100km/h acceleration times (7.8sec versus 8.0 sec). It also delivers an 11 percent improvement in 60km/h to 100km/h overtaking performance (4.0 sec versus 4.5 sec).

Furthermore the unit is maintenance-free: the gearbox is not equipped with a dipstick as it is filled with an automatic transmission fluid that is good for the life of the vehicle thereby reducing maintenance costs.

Named after a city in the U.S. state of Arizona, Tucson has been one of the most popular Hyundai models with more than 1 million units sold worldwide since its launch in 2004.

Some of the notable features of Tucson are as follows:

• 6 Speed Automatic Transmission is Hyundai developed and maintenance free for the life of the vehicle.

• Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing allows the engine to produce 166 PS (122kW) for the 2.0l and 177 PS (130 kW) for the 2.4l Theta II engine.

• Panoramic Sunroof (for the top-of-the-line 2.0 and 2.4 version)

• Smart Key allows for driver convenience when locking or unlocking the vehicle without needing to take out the key from pocket or handbag.

• Engine Start Stop Button allows driver convenience when starting the vehicle without needing to take out the key from pocket or handbag with just a push of a button.

The new Tucson is now available for test drive and viewing at major Hyundai showrooms.

For further enquiries or to place a booking, please call the Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000.

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors offers its customers a 5 years warranty or 300,000km extended warranty.

Honda Freed is a 4-seater MPV now!

This is an 'official' JPEG image in my inbox from Honda Malaysia.
Strange how all of a sudden it becomes a 4-seater PREMIUM minivan.

In which case, it makes better sense to just get that Perodua Alza since it seats five, unless you're a diehard for Toyota Aphard-esque powered sliding doors!

Lexus ES 350, Gentle and Quiet

Edition 2010 Lexus ES 350 is not an aggressive sedan. If you want racing-kebutan who need a car with a shock acceleration like a European sports car, the Lexus ES 350 is not an option. But if you are looking for is the softness, silence, sophistication and comfort, these cars are the right choice.

Test Drive site claims that you can comfortably drink a cup of cappuccino while driving on it without worrying about spilling everywhere. This car is very 'smooth' but still powerful. Six-speed automatic transmission capable of delivering power without a pause as if in every gearshift.

Lexus ES 350 V6 engine carries 3.500cc which can produce 272 horsepower. 100km/jam speed can be obtained from a stop in just 6.8 seconds. Note that's great for bongsor sedan like this.

We stepped on the gas pedal response will be felt immediately. Engine is very smooth because equipped with electro-hydraulic system that can reduce vibration.

Lexus ES 350 interior no less captivating. A wide selection of wood panels that can add an elegant cabin car. For the 2010 model, had the better navigation facilities because it can be enabled with voice commands.

Safety factor is of particular concern. In front there are dual airbags and dual knee airbags. Plus side airbags and curtain airbags in order to protect the head from the hard collision.

Honda Freed: "you'll know it when we tell you" MPV is now available in Malaysia

Indonesian-made 7-seater compact MPV from Honda is now available as a PREMIUM segment people mover for 'only' RM112,980 on-the-road.

Interested in an Asean MPV that's way smaller than say, the Toyota Innova in all departments? Then head on over to your favorite Honda dealer and make 'em smile!

Tried & Tested: Mercedes-Benz E200 CGI (W212)

Click on all images to enlarge

How often have you noticed a burnt-out third brake light of the car in front of you? Or a pair or even all brake lights not functioning at all? More often than can be imagined right? So imagine the gall of the parliamentary lawmakers wanting to amend the Malaysian Road Transport Act 1987 to slap a maximum fine of RM1000 for road traffic offences currently capped at RM300. How often do you see people with malfunctioning brakes lights get pulled over? Not as often as for alleged speeding offences (speed trap) I bet.



Back to the subject of third brake lights, the all-new E-Class from Mercedes-Benz has had it migrating from the rear boot lip to the rear parcel shelf again...and in a very slim form. Neat. However, the rear end appears to be a rehashed W123's arse (think: white diesel taxis in the 70s) with angular theme and larger, horizontal tailamps. Altogether with an up-curved blistered arch that looks fussy and very much an after-thought. With such a disastrous looking butt - more so in solid-white - I seriously do not think the W212 leaves the W211 design for dead - unlike what the W211 did to the W210. It awed many - with its sleek n fluid design - in its movie debut "Men In Black 2". Remember that?



Aesthetic wise, the corner of the front headlamps where it meets the fender, bonnet and bumper is quite a disaster too - with surfacing and meeting of dissection lines grossly incongruent.




Cost cutting are abound almost everywhere in the new E200 CGI. Dash top material is B-class-esque rather than S-class aping. Of course, there are Artico-leather wrapping for the dashboard (Porsche's option style!) in the loftier E350, E500, E63 etc models in other markets but the base material is plain disappointing. So is the inner door rubber strip which is naked now. The premium fibred-fabric wrapping is gone: now a pale grained surface imprint serving to mimic the former. Rear seat are also disappointingly smaller with too much rounded edges, while the front seats bottom rounded sides translates to a noticeable lack of thigh support around the corners. What happened Mercedes-Benz?




For the base model E200 CGI too, there is now measly one-sided muffler at the rear, whereas the last E200K from the onset had a pair of mufflers - regardless of whether the exhaust tips are downturned or not. While the last W211 clearly had better differentiation at the steering wheel from the W203 C-Class, the new W212 compels you to steer gripping an item from a common parts bin. Does not convey a higher premium feel I must say. Not when you are asked to part with some RM366k in hard cash or hire-purchase for that matter.



Also, what's with this 3-zone Thermotronic (or is it called the lower-spec Thermatic) climate A/C now? It used to be twin-zone independent temperature control for the rear passengers, plus silent operation even at full cooling capacity. Now the centre console box mounted rear A/C blower just whirr and whine at its highest or near-maximum fan setting. No good.



While the A/C main control looked decidedly classier now, the cabin air-conditioner fiter(s) has lost its 'iconic' odour filtration finesse. Yes, you can smell diesel fumes and other noxious traffic odour(s) - albeit not excessively - once the A/C goes into fresh air intake mode. For the record, it's almost never insulting to your olfactory (nasal) bulbs in any of the previous W211 variants, unless you are in a diesel trucks and buses stationary convoy e.g. basement parked in KL's Puduraya bus complex.



Now, the good side of the new E200 CGI. The modified (read: recycled with turbocharger and direct injection cam-heads for the new dacade) M271 powerplant - 4-pot displacing 1.8L is now way more refined, NVH-wise than the clunky-cluttery Kompressor. So is the throttle response and engine pulling power, noting the 270Nm advantage over 250Nm previously for the final edition E200K. The 5 A/T 'box also seem better with the extra torque but a 6th cog (or 7-G Tronic?) would have been welcomed for calmer high-speed cruising at possible lower engine revs.


Steering feel, weight and feedback in the E200 CGI is way ahead the the "first gen" W211 E200K and felt like a superbly retuned and recalibrated version of the FL (new generation W211) E200K's rack - launched in 2007. It is very close to the E60 5-series in agility and hydraulic-resistance-feel now, minus the parking-speed "dead weight feel" of a typical BMW M-Sport rack.

Ride wise, it is undeniably firmer now in the E200 CGI. More so when you push the car harder and harder into corners. I reckoned it has got to do with some mumbo-jumbo regarding reactive dampers which closes some valves in the struts, thereby firming up damping rates, non-pneumatic nor electrical nor magnetic in execution of course. After all, this is the entry level W212. Tracking corners are sharper and quicker now, thus inspiring more confidence and smiles as you string up the bends, palpably better than the W211.

Rear passenger calm ride composure are still maintained mostly, even on busily winding B-roads, a classic, affable trait of M-B midsized execs accompanied by excellent incisive rebound damping i.e. no wallows whatsoever. The comfort "Benz" hallmark is not lost in the new E200 CGI, even in the pursuit of better handling and overall sportier drive here. High speed blasting stability still leaves the W204 C200K in the dust. An engineering input (or rather slightly lacking thereoff in the junior sibling) being intentional on M-B engineers part, as evident in W203 versus W211 of the previous decade.



With so much to love under the skin (drivetrain,chassis and suspension) and solid comfort of the new E200 CGI - the fronts seats are okay as you acclimatise to it (rear seats still have room for improvements) - it is sad that the external metal sheets of the new E-Class from C- pillar onwards right up to the butt lost its plot somewhat, somehow. Pity.



You might want to read this:
Mercedes-Benz E200K (FL) versus E200K (first gen)

Mercedes-Benz, First Quarter 2010 Sales Dominance

Mercedes-Benz has established itself as a premium brand leaders in Indonesia. Until March 2010 PT Mercedes-Benz Indonesia managed to master the retail sales of premium passenger car segment by 68 percent to 847 units.

Total retail sales for the month of March increased 44 percent over the same period last year, which reached 590 units. With the achievement of these sales, the Mercedes-Benz has closed the first quarter of calendar 2010 with honors.

"Last year the Indonesian market a little shaken the global financial crisis, but we actually accomplish with the number of sales in 2009 exceeded the level in previous years. This year we have done a better acceleration, achievement of the first quarter in the year 2010 signifies the increasing consumer confidence that the Mercedes-Benz Indonesia is the best premium brands, "said President Director of PT Mercedes-Benz Indonesia Rudi Borgenheimer.

The biggest contributor to sales of Mercedes-Benz during March 2010 ditujukkan by all sedan model line-up, both the C-Class, E-Class, and the New Generation S-Class. C-Class to be introduced into the Indonesian market since July 2007, in the first three months of 2010 led the mid-luxury sedan segment with market share has reached 69.2 percent or 303 units.

In the high-class luxury sedan, Mercedes-Benz came down with New E-Class models higher-tech, full performance, and fuel-efficient rivals far behind. Up to March 2010 New E-Class were able to sell in retail as much as 402 units or 88.2 percent market share, up 106% over the same period of 2009 (195 units).

A very exciting achievement was also demonstrated by the performance of retail sales model S-Class New Generation which came down in the upper segment luxury sedan. In the midst of aggressive competitors, the New Generation S-Class remains unshakable stand out as leaders of large-class luxury sedan with sales up to March 2010 reached 100 units or 69.9 percent market share. In total during the first three months of 2010 the New Generation S-Class sales increase of 92% over the same period the previous year.

Mrecedes successful premium-Benz sedans in Indonesia is not just through their achievements in retail sales. Indonesia Autocar magazine also has recognized the benefits of sedans, Mercedes-Benz by giving Autocar Readers Award in 2010 to C-Class, E-Class and S-Class last week.

"The success of Mercedes-Benz maintained its dominance in the premium sedan segment can not be separated from the advantages provided by our products. CGI technology that we began to introduce Indonesia to the poorer consumers get high appreciation, "said Rudi Borgenheimer.

In addition, the successful Mercedes-Benz to increase during the first quarter 2010 growth is also a role of the prime-Benz Meredes services to their customers in the country. Until now, Mercedes-Benz premium brand that has become the official network of the largest with 19 dealers and workshops spread across Java, Bali, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi.

"Mercedes-Benz is committed to always trying to improve the quality of service to all customers in Indonesia. Every year we conduct assessment services and network facilities of global standards that Mercedes-Benz high, "said Rudi Borgenheimer.

She also added, "Trust is provided by our loyal customers for our products and services must be aligned with innovation, imagination, efficiency and quality of our products and services. This is something that we hold firm for this and we will continue to maintain until onwards.

Toyota duplicate Lexus SUV problems

Toyota Motor Corp(7203.T) confirmed results of a Consumer Reports test revealing a handling problem in a Lexus sport utility vehicle and sales will not resume until it is fixed, the automaker said on Friday.

whether you are a fan of Lexus SUV? and if you find a problem in your car?

Separately, U.S. Congressional investigators sought more information about the review of electronic throttles by the automaker and its consult on the matter as part of a broader review this year of unintended acceleration.

Energy and Commerce Committee lawmakers scheduled a May 6 hearing and asked that Toyota U.S. sales chief Jim Lentz testify. Lentz appeared before the panel in February.

Both developments and news of a voluntary recall in the United States and Canada of 870,000 Sienna mini vans for a cold-weather corrosion risk came ahead of Monday's deadline for Toyota to decide whether to appeal a proposed $16.4 million Transportation Department fine.

U.S. safety regulators alleged earlier this month that Toyota knowingly hid information from regulators and violated regulations by delaying a recall in January for gas pedals that would not spring back as designed.

Toyota has said it had done a poor job of communicating before its recalls, and has taken steps to address the problem.

The latest safety issues come as Toyota is trying to repair its image for quality and reliability in the United States following massive recalls, congressional and regulatory investigations, and a flood of new lawsuits.

Toyota shares fell less than 1 percent on Friday in New York to $79.37.

Toyota halted U.S. sales of the 2010 Lexus GX 460 luxury SUV on Tuesday and stopped production overall after Consumer Reports warned of a rollover risk and issued a rare warning advising consumers not to buy it.

Road handling tests by the magazine published by Consumers Union found that vehicle's rear end could slide out in a tight turn.

Lexus spokesman Bill Kwong said in a statement that "our engineers in Japan replicated the driving procedure and have duplicated the Consumer Reports result."

Toyota was "evaluating potential remedies" and it was too early to determine the timing of any repairs, Kwong said.

He added that sales will remain suspended until the company is confident the issue is resolved.

David Strickland, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said on Thursday the agency would conduct its own tests on the Lexus used by Consumer Reports and on others of the same model.

Strickland applauded Toyota's handling of the warning on the Lexus SUV, which is a departure from the stiff criticism from regulators and lawmakers over how the company managed recent recalls.

Toyota recalled more than 6 million cars and trucks in the United States across its product line in October 2009 and in January for unintended acceleration linked to the "sticky pedal" problem and for floor mats that can trap the accelerator.

NHTSA engineers are in the midst of another review to address lingering questions about whether there are possible software or other electronic glitches in Toyota throttles and whether they could be behind consumer complaints of unintended acceleration.

U.S. safety investigators have never found any problems with the Toyota throttle systems, but lawmakers, safety advocates and others have questioned whether investigations over the years were thorough enough.

Preliminary work by Toyota engineering consultant Exponent (EXPO.O) showed no problems with the throttles, Toyota has said. The automaker has also said its internal reviews over the years have found that the system is sound.

Congress wants more answers, however.

In a letters on Friday to Toyota's Lentz and Exponent officials, Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Bart Stupak sought contracts, correspondence, reports and analysis related to Exponent's work for Toyota.

Toyota said in a statement it is "more than willing to meet with the committee and discuss" electronic throttle testing and steps to improve quality assurance.

Waxman and Stupak took issue with Toyota's conclusion in March that it had rigorously examined its throttle systems and found no problems.

Unit 1850 Honda Acura Recall ZDX

Los Angeles-Honda pulled back (recall) 1850 Acura ZDX units produced from this year due to problems at the dashboard materials, Thursday (15 / 4).

Recall this is done to check the dashboard surface materials ZDX potentially reduce the performance of airbags during a crash. Until now, Honda has not yet received reports of accidents involving this issue.

ZSX Acura owners will be notified by mail later this month, but the owner ZDX can also contact the hotline number provided by Honda to get further clarification.

Peugeot 908 and Audi R10

Last year Audi has dominated in North America in the American Le Mans Series in particular in the P1 class. The team could do with a race car with a diesel engine. The team was so dominant that he won all the races in their class last season. Apart from the fact that the Audi R10 diesel race car that dominated the ALMS, also won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

if I myself prefer a peugeot 908, how about you?

The dominance of the Audi on the track is about to be challenged by Peugeot. The latter, there was a diesel Peugeot 908 HDI to test in Sebring. These tests will give fans a look at what Peugeot Audi has in store for next season.

Last year, when tested for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Peugeot diesel car was faster than the Audi R10. But during the grueling endurance race, Audi has proved to be the best. It also came to the composers are undoubted pace in the American Le Mans Series.

Paddock Talk Zach Wenzel said that Audi used its dominant position in the last years 24 Hours of Le Mans as a standard for this year’s campaign. During the race, although the Peugeot has to be faster in the examination of the Audi R10 diesel cars beat the other ten rounds. This humiliating defeat could a fire under the French team have motor claims.

Wenzel said that the development of the 908 and its test is carried out in Sebring, to see how the R10 compared. “Even if Peugeot are not competing with Audi at Sebring, the main objective of the team 908 by Serge Saulnier’s done, a reference point on the pace of the R10 for the coming season, so winning that they can play a major battle to Wolfgang Ullrich and Audi in North America, “said Wenzel.

Both vehicles are operated with diesel fuel much in the promotion of diesel engines. In the U.S., where diesel engines could have been avoided, as Audi dominated in the American Le Mans Series with a diesel car equipped Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old car buff, that’s up in the Windy City has grown. It is the independence for a car magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his workshop.

Toyota Vios had been present

Jakarta - The presence of TRD Toyota Vios Vios be a starting point which is identical with the rise of low-cost sedan. TRD Vios are now theme grade Made To Impress Others, proving the Vios to be created for cars praised by people who saw it.

Vios Vios is still carrying the engine was still carrying the series 1NZ-FE engine, 1497 cc four cylinder 16 valve DOHC with VVT-i. Vios is able to achieve maximum power 109 hp at 6000 rpm and maximum torque 14.5 kgm at 4200 rpm. Significant changes occurred in the exterior and interior of the car that first appeared in 2003.

The new Vios sedan concept saloon offers the ultimate in luxury, comfort and safety. just look at the package changes made on the exterior side of such a new grille, new alloy wheel design is also more elegant rear lights and chrome license plate numbers that decorate the place. On the interior, a new pattern which is used fabric seat cover is also building a luxurious impression. Beige interior was warm and soft. Leather wrapped steering wheel also memberik softer impression.

From the side of safety, a lot of features that predicate 'first class', as revealed Marketing Communications Manager of PT Toyota Astra Motor (TAM) Ahmad Rizal. Among the smart entry, smart start-stop, headlamp HID (High Intensity Discharge), which provides optimum illumination during the night journey and electronic throttle control system that set the throttle as efficiently as possible. There's also a back sonar technologies that are not owned competitors.

Meanwhile, the Vios TRD Sportivo, which uses the base Vios GA / T is now more sporty with an additional aero spoiler kit such as front and rear bumpers and side skirts. Plus a new audio system that is more sophisticated. However, the suspension system has not changed. This is to maintain a level of comfort Vios. Especially for those who want to replace the suspension of the TRD, TAM provide it separately. Vios TRD Sportivo continued its success and Fortuner TRD Yaris TRD. It is not possible all Toyota models will be equipped with TRD variant.

Mazda Recall Issued On 90000th compacts In Asia

It appears it isn’t just Toyota and Lexus getting all the bad press. Mazda too has come under fire following the announcement that it will recall more than 90,000 compact cars, mostly in Japan and China.
if you are one of Mazda car owners?

The recall affects customers of the Mazda3 compact sedan and hatchback, currently the company’s most popular model, and includes those vehicles that were produced from January 2006 to March 2009.

The issue is in regards to an oil hose being placed too close to a radiator shroud panel, which because of friction when travelling on bumpy roads can cause the hose to leak.

"The company has received two cases of complaints due to the problem, both in China," a company spokesman revealed to the AFP. "No accident because of it has been reported."

Mazda is yet to confirm if the recall on its Mazda3 will lead to other markets, including the U.S. Stay tuned for an update.

The Corsa changes its name, now called Classic

In addition to changing its appearance, the new range of Chevrolet Corsa also renewed his name in Argentina: Classic will be called, a name that already has in Brazil a few years ago.

The car will be presented April 20 in Buenos Aires, where the changes will be made official: a new optical group, bumpers, grille, hood, trunk and door moldings. Inside the changes are minimal with some new details such as gear changes.

So far there have only known images of the four-door version of Brazil (photo), but in Argentina the whole family is amended, or the hatchback and the family will also receive the changes.

The units will be produced at the plant in Rosario, Santa Fe, and is expected to keep the 1.4-liter gasoline engine 92 hp using the current range and Agile

offering price of the Moselle in France has manufacturing facilities nano Europe

It seems Tata Nano will set the world record of a car which is there in the media spotlight the maximum number of times. Even though, Tata Motors has confirmed that Nano Europa is slated to hit the European shores by 2011, it has not announced whether the car would be locally manufactured or imported. Of late, a PTI has reported that the province of Moselle in France has indicated that it could lay a red carpet for the Indian automaker to make Nano Europa in their region.wow this is amazing

"Tata Motors should take a look at the Moselle province for establishing manufacturing and logistics units for Nano cars," Moselle Development Agency director General M David Malingrey told PTI on the sidelines of the JEC Composites Show. He also told PTI that the province also has lucrative business openings for major auto component makers as it is home to German firm Daimler's manufacturing unit for its popular urban two-seater small car 'Smart'.

It may be recalled that while unveiling the European version of Nano- christened as Nano Europa-at the 79th Geneva Auto Show, Tata Motors’ Ratan Tata (chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors) has said that the aforesaid car will be hitting the European market by 2011. However, the European version of what has been dubbed the people's car would be different from the one to be sold in India because it would have to meet different safety and emissions standards, Ratan Tata told reporters at the auto show. Sources on condition of anonymity have revealed that the Indian company will sell the Nano in Europe for 5,000 euros (US$6,316). It is widely believed that once Nano Europa gets launched, Tata Motors would leverage on the humungous distribution network of Italian auto giant, Fiat S.p.A.

With a length of 3.29 metres and width of 1.58 metres, the Tata Nano Europa continues to be stylishly petite but surprises with its spacious interior and generous leg space. The slightly longer wheelbase of 2.28 metres combines excellent space and manoeuvrability, further improving on the benchmark standard set by the Tata Nano. The enhanced spaciousness is complemented by redesigned interiors, marked by smooth curves and a high tech yet gentle feel.

To meet the driving needs of its target customers, the Tata Nano Europa will be powered by a 3-cylinder sporty all-aluminum MPFI engine matched with a 5-speed automatic transmission, and electric power steering. The gasoline engine will be class-leading, providing high fuel efficiency and low CO2 emission of less than 100 gm / km meeting the twin goals of being environmentally friendly and stylish – just like the Tata Nano.

The Tata Nano Europa meets all safety regulations. In addition to the all sheet-metal body, its energy absorbing design, use of advanced restraint systems, ABS, ESP and Air Bags will enhance passenger safety.

Just like the Tata Nano, the Tata Nano Europa incorporates exterior compactness with interior comfort and seeks to provide motorists the pleasure and utility of personal mobility combined with affordability and environment-friendliness, in a world where smaller, fuel-efficient cars are emerging as a preferred choice

Read more: Moselle in France pitches to offer manufacturing facilities to Nano Europa - WheelsUnplugged Automobile Industry News
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Lexus GX 460 is considered unsafe

Just several months ago, Toyota Motors Corp. had a recall of millions of their SUVs of various models due to a sticking gas pedal problem. This was followed by the incident of a runaway Toyota Prius who sped out of control because of the same gas pedal problem

what your responses about the Lexus GX 460?

Toyota has not gained back its reputation after these incidents when its new Lexus GX 460 got another negative feedback this time from Consumer Reports. Accordingly, the magazine rated the new 2010 Lexus GX 460 “Don’t Buy, Safety Risk” referring to the possibility of rollover accidents during sharp turns.

Toyota immediately ordered a temporary ’stop sale’ of these Lexus GX 460 2010 cars to conduct further investigations regarding this problem. According to the sales statistics, Toyota had about 6,000 Lexus GX 460’s that was sold since the car went on sale December of last year.

“We are taking the situation with the GX 460 very seriously and are determined to identify and correct the issue Consumer Reports identified,” Mark Templin, Lexus vice president and general manager, said in a statement.

I think Toyota need to make extra efforts to test their vehicles before selling it to public. They cannot afford another problem that would contribute to their current bad reputation.

Renewing Volkswagen Touran

The German brand launched its new range of MPV received cosmetic changes, mechanical and equipment. With a front similar to recent models of the company, will begin shipping in the Old Continent from next September.

The Volkswagen Touran MPV is a 5 or 7 seats that never came to Argentina and has just been refurbished by the company in Europe. The new line will begin shipping in September with cosmetic changes, new mechanical and equipment upgrades. Everything to keep fighting back to its rivals like the Citroen C4 Picasso, Ford C-Max, Renault Grand Scenic and Peugeot 3008, among others.

The main changes are in the front of where he adopted the new design trend this brand and models such as the Polo, Golf and Sharan VI. Inside the cabin there is a new steering wheel, instrument panel, center console and some commands

The five-seat variant has a trunk with a capacity of 695 liters, which can stretch up to 1989 with subsequent seats contested. For now, the company only said the seven-seat version with the back two rows refuted has a volume of 1,913 liters.

As for engines, will be available with three petrol engines and four diesel. The first is a 1.2 TSI (105 hp) and 1.4 TSI (140 or 170 hp), while the latter are 1.6 TDI (90 or 105 hp) and 2.0 (140 or 170 hp). The transmissions are manual or six-speed dual-clutch for the 170 hp gasoline engine and the two most powerful diesel.

It will have three trim levels: Trendline, Confortline and Highline. From the first fully air conditioning, audio system with CD and MP3 player, Electric windows and headlights with daytime running lights, among other things. The most complete variants may have dual zone climate control, sports seats, multifunction steering wheel and roof bars.

Beijing: so will the future MG

Less and less British, more ... China. Even the MG TF, the last bastion of the historic British brand, it seems next to fold. Compared to the voices that were chased in recent months about a possible retirement of the spiders' (former) trademark octagon, owned by SAIC, now the story seems to acquire greater substance.

We will know something more next April 25, the date of opening of the exhibition in Beijing. For the occasion, the Group noted that Chinese MG (and Rover) announced the presentation of a family of concepts that seem destined to take place over ten years of TF.

Have in common the theme of the project X210, and the basic features: compact size of sports cars, for two and a mid-engined, declined in coupe and spider.

Their names will be a revival of traditional MG. This will, in fact, the Midget, a spider with a canvas roof; the TF, a coupe-cabriolet is equipped with a roof structure similar to that recently proposed by Renault Wind, and the GT, a coupe shapes that recall , albeit distantly, some sporting a European production (Porsche Cayman, Audi TT).


As for the mechanics, which will be shared between the three versions in the coming days you will know if it is a direct derivation of the TF (the usual 1.8 DOHC 16-valve 135 hp with manual five-speed) or there will be more news tidbits.

According to the organization in fact too many blue cars circulating in Russia, and most of the time ignoring the traffic to the detriment of common drivers (in Italy CONI has proposed a cut for economic reasons). The protest action is the distribution of leaflets and stickers in more trafficked areas, accompanied by slogans such as "The servant of the people take off the sirens!" or "Megalki (flashing blue in Russian) are a disgrace for Russia."

In parallel, the Far send a letter to the institutions to demand the abolition of flashing for passenger cars supplied to the state structures, cars that are not clearly identifiable as belonging to officials of different ministries.


The protest in question stems from the widespread discontent among motorists for the sudden roadblocks and security risks whenever there is the passage of the blue car. According to Russian newspaper Vedomosti that in November 2009 had already launched online hunting with illegal flashing Megalka News website, the list of state structures that are entitled to the blue car in December 2006 amounted to 977 in Russia. Of these, at least on paper, 50 belong to the entourage of the President and 230 secret service (FSB).