Fast lane: New Toyota hybrids

By Christopher Tan

SMALL BUT POWERFUL

As sort of an encore to its magical 1.4-litre twincharged engine, the Volkswagen Group has unveiled a new 1.2-litre direct injection turbo that puts out 105bhp and 175Nm of torque from 1,500rpm.

With an aluminium crankcase, the four-cylinder eight-valve engine weighs just 89.5kg. The first cars to have this mighty mite will be the three-door VW Polo (above) and Audi's three-door A3.

AVOID HITTING ERRATIC BOB

Volvo Cars has a new crash dummy nicknamed Bob. He never gets to sit in a car during a collision.

Instead, he is the one who risks being run over. He may suddenly appear from behind a parked car or around a corner. This is because he is suspended from a crane that can propel him into the driver's field of vision.

Bob's erratic behaviour poses a challenge to Volvo's latest active safety system, which features both radar and cameras. The new system will spot pedestrians who suddenly dart into the car's path, then activates the brakes if the driver does not respond in time.

NEW PRIUS CONCEPT

To be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in a fortnight are a couple of new Toyota hybrids. These include an all-new Auris hybrid concept and a new Prius Plug-in Hybrid concept.

Early next year, Toyota will test 150 units of the latter in Europe. The company will also display another Lexus concept: a sporty wagon-style hybrid with an extended all-electric range.

KIA'S NEW LPG-ELECTRIC HYBRID

Also, KIA will preview an LPG-electric hybrid at the Frankfurt show. The Kia Forte LPI Hybrid is powered by a 114bhp 1.6-litre engine that runs on liquefied petroleum gas (commonly used for cooking).

It also has a 15kW 105Nm electric motor powered by a 180-volt lithium polymer battery pack. It has a continuously variable transmission, stop-start function and "regenerative braking". The car's drag-coefficient is reduced to just 0.26. Kia will test a fleet of the unique hybrids from next year.

The Korean brand will also unveil an all-new model at the show. The Kia Venga is a compact car that offers the roominess of a mid-size model. It has a 2,615mm wheelbase and a 1,600mm roofline. The latest Kia will be equipped with a sliding rear seat that also folds flat onto the floor for a spacious cargo bay. Engine choices include a 1.4- and 1.6-litre, in petrol and diesel.

RENAULT COMPACT WAGON

Renault has stepped into the compact wagon segment with the Renault Sport Tourer. Stylishly designed and powered by 1.6-litre engines, the range could compete with cars such as Volvo's V50 and Audi's A4 estate.

The French wagon is suitably equipped for the job, with premium options such as dualzone climate control, electric folding mirrors, electrochrome rear-view mirror, electronic parking brake, panoramic sunroof and 16- or 17-inch wheels.

SAAB'S SPECIAL OFFER

Saab agent Trans Eurokars is marking the Swedish marque's "new era under the Koenigsegg Group" with a special offer to customers. They will be offered a competitive car loan with zero interest in the first year. In addition, they will enjoy a comprehensive five-year servicing plan at no extra charge.

BMW'S K BIKES

BMW's latest two-wheeled road warriors will be unleashed this weekend. The new K-series - K1300S and "naked" K1300R - will offer more punch and flexibility.

Engine displacement goes to 1.3 litres, offering 175bhp in the S and 173bhp in the R. The bikes come with a lot of equipment, including anti-lock braking system as a standard feature and a second generation of electronically adjustable suspension as an option.

Chevy, Cadillac offer new models, upgrades

MUNCIE -- Four all-new vehicles, as well as several upgrades to existing models, are among the changes to the Chevrolet and Cadillac car lines for 2010, say representatives of the local dealership. "In addition to our loyal customers, we're excited by the number of people visiting us for the first time," said Dale Aaron, assistant sales manager at American Chevrolet Cadillac of Muncie. "Among those changing over to Chevy or Cadillac from other brands are some who are purchasing their first-ever American-made vehicle."
New or completely-redesigned for 2010 are the Chevrolet Equinox and Camaro, the Cadillac SRX and a new Sport Wagon version of the Cadillac CTS.
Chevrolet Equinox
At up to 32 miles per gallon, the 2010 Equinox has the highest highway economy rating in its class, Chevrolet says.
The vehicle's mileage, refinement and build quality have been making for strong sales since the first of the new Equinoxes began arriving in Muncie about six weeks ago, according to Blake Absher of American.
"If people want to see what General Motors can do, come in and drive this Equinox and compare it to the foreign brands," he said. "The vehicle speaks for itself."
Chevrolet Camaro
The new Camaro, which reached showrooms this past March, has been popular among car enthusiasts, says Nate Allen, assistant sales manager at the dealership.
"For those who recall the early Camaros, the new one seems to bring back memories of happy times," he said. "But the younger people love this car just as much, for they have heard or read about the older Camaros and know how great they were, but they also know this one is much more advanced mechanically."
Cadillac SRX
Cadillac's luxury crossover vehicle, the SRX, has a new look and several upgraded features for 2010, Absher said.
"The SRX's climate control system now includes a humidity sensor and an air quality sensor to offer the ultimate in driver and passenger comfort," he explained.
SRX buyers can choose one of two new engines: a 265-horsepower, direct-injected, three-liter V6, or a 300-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.8-liter V6. Both engines offer high power levels from smaller displacement sizes to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, Cadillac says.
Cadillac CTS
There have been updates to the CTS sedan, such as new choices of wheels, but the big change will come in a few weeks with the introduction of the CTS Sport Wagon, said Dale Aaron of American.
"The CTS Sport Wagon is essentially the same size as the acclaimed CTS sport sedan on the outside," Cadillac announced in a press release. "However, the new Sport Wagon nearly doubles carrying capacity, with 25 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats."
Malibu
While the car's design did not change for 2010, a six-speed automatic transmission now comes at no extra charge on more Malibu models, and the standard 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine is now FlexFuel-capable, allowing it to run on either gasoline or E85.

All-New 2010 Ford C-MAX Revealed: Based on Next-Gen Focus, Offered in Two Body Styles

We've just been tipped off that Ford will swipe the covers off the all-new 2010 C-MAX minivan by the end of this week as the automaker seeks to get some additional publicity before the world premiere of the model at the forthcoming Frankfurt show . The new compact-sized MPV is based on the next-generation Focus platform with its styling loosely inspired from the Iosis MAX concept car that was displayed at the 2009 Geneva Salon in March.

According to Carscoop sources, Ford has followed in the footsteps of Renault and Citroen with their respective Scenic / Grande Scenic and C4 Picasso models by developing two different body styles for the C-MAX, one for the five seater version and another one for the larger and more practical, seven seater model.

While we're patiently waiting for Ford to green light the release of the first official images, we've added a full set of spy shots of the seven-seater model. Unlike the base C-MAX with five seats and conventional rear-doors , the seven-seater version features a pair of sliding rear doors that promise to improve access to the rear seats.

It is believed that Ford will premiere its newly developed 1.6-liter Ecoboost turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine on the new C-MAX that will also be available with numerous other normally aspirated petrol and turbo diesel units.

The new Ecooboost engine will eventually make its way on other Ford models in Europe such as the Mondeo and the next-generation Focus range.

Sales of the new C-MAX models are expected to start in Europe in mid-2010.

As for North America, even though Ford has confirmed that the US will get the all-new, next-gen Focus model in 2010, there's no word if the range will also include the C-MAX.