Archive for February, 2012

Any company developing a platform in these competitive times is looking to maximize usage. The Volkswagen Group is a great example, on the MQB Platform the Germans have planned not less than 40 models. Creating a platform with such flexibility comes with risk but its not the first time we’re seeing manufacturing stretching the limits of their platform. Hyundai has been developing a B+ segment [...]

Honda revealed CR-V European prototype Honda has pulled the curtain off the European version of the CR-V. The prototype has revised headlights with clear indicators and LED daytime running lights, along with a mildly tweaked grille, and modified lower front bumper and fog light surrounds. A Geneva debut is expected. [Read more at AutoBlog.com] Citroen DS4 Racing concept exposed Following the footstep [...]

The 2012 Volvo V40 hatchback has been leaked further with the recent montage of images revealing the car’s interiors, new angles of the exterior et all with the help of videos. The reaction to the pictures have been very encouraging, with commentators on websites such as WorldCarFans.com and AutoBlog.com lauding Volvo for its efforts in keeping the cabin simple yet interesting. Sloping roofline [...]

Being drop-dead gorgeous to the onlooker and practical and ergonomic to its occupants, the Kia Cee’d has been very successful all over the world. Also being the “reasonably priced car” on the world’s most watched motoring program Top Gear, it has managed to get some positive publicity as well. Now, it is on its way to say hello to North America because debuting at the Geneva Motor show [...]

Last week we brought you images of the Fiat C-Medium test mule from China, incorrectly believed by many as the Fiat Linea successor. In truth, the Fiat C-Medium is a rebadged Dodge Dart, that sits on a bigger, more expensive C-EVO platform that it shares with the Alfa Romeo Guilietta. The C-Medium name was the project codename and explains the car’s size and category. The product is likely to [...]

Production of the new low-cost Dacia MPV Lodgy has been kicked off at the newly inaugurated manufacturing facility in Tangiers, Morocco. The Lodgy makes its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show early next month. It will be positioned well below the equivalent Renault vehicle, the Kangoo. Although the Renault group is being silent about the specifications, it is likely to be similar to the Logan-based [...]

According to reports on Chinese auto blogs, Fiat will rebadge the Dodge Dart and begin manufacturing it in China through the Guangzhou-Fiat joint venture this year. The first prototypes, thickly camouflaged, have been caught out in China by the local website PlayersChina. Based on the C-EVO platform it shares with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Fiat could hijack the Linea badge for the badge-engineered [...]

Volkswagen Group SA have reason to cheer as they made immaculate progress in January. Their two recently launched cars, Polo and Polo Vivo (Series 4 model) secured the top two positions in the passenger car sales. The Polo clocked 2,644 units while the older Vivo version snapped up 2,964 orders. These two vehicles put together captured 15% of South Africa’s passenger car marketshare. With an [...]

If reports on the Chinese media are to be believed, Geely may have convinced Volvo boss Stefan Jacoby to execute a luxury business saloon along the lines of the S-Class and A8. The Volvo Concept Universe showcased at last year’s Shanghai Auto Show sparked speculations on Volvo’s entry into the S-Class segment. Volvo was quick to play down these reports adding the S80 will be as far as they’ll [...]

After the presentation of Fiat 500L you start to understand the kind of changes Fiat will have in mind for the facelift of the Fiat 500. As portrayed in this rendering by Auto Passion, the headlights could grow into the bonnet from the more upright position on today’s car. Fiat 500 facelift inspired by the four-door 500L is a realistic possibility There could be more drama on the front fascia [...]