Based on the C-EVO platform it shares with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Fiat could hijack the Linea badge for the badge-engineered Dart.

Dubbed C-Medium, one cannot help but notice the Dart's taillights, bonnet rake and daylight opening

This does not mean the Fiat-branded Dart will take over as the successor to the Linea in markets where the car is already sold. Fiat is testing the Linea facelift in Europe and the current model is expected to live on for a few more years before the next generation model sees daylight. Steering News is told the Linea successor is unlikely to be bodied on the C-EVO platform.

Fiat's version of Dodge Dart speculatively rendered by Theophilus Chin

The Fiat C-Medium is likely to be out in market by July after the premiere in Beijing during April. Under the bonnet, a locally made 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine with two outputs 88KW/210nm and 110KW/230nm, mated to a 6-speed ‘DDCT-C635′ dual clutch transmission will provide locomotion.

[Spyshot from Playerschina.com; Rendering from TheophilusChin.com]

Fiat 500 facelift inspired by the four-door 500L is a realistic possibility

There could be more drama on the front fascia with the introduction of symmetric fog lights and carved out, delicately detailed lower air intake.

Fiat recently introduced a 900cc twin-cylinder petrol engine that sips fuel. An electric version has been caught testing in California that could be manufactured in Mexico this year. Fiat sells a 1.3-liter Multi-jet variant and a host of petrol engine variants.

Fiat’s performance factory Abarth will be rolling their sleeves to do something more out-of-the-box with the facelift. Fiat has been running the 500 without cosmetic changes for five years now now and a plastic surgery could instill a bit more life into the car’s remaining lifetime.

[Source - CarPassion.it]

The C-Pillar execution and the rake of the rear windshield is very Nissan Jukeish

A substantial customization program is expected to be on offer to compete with the likes of the Fiat 500 and the Citroen DS3. A notable feature is an iPad-like infotainment system developed with TomTom that has downloadable applications.

At this stage we’re unable to determine the exact details on its platform and mechanicals. There are plenty of components Renault could borrow from cars such as the Micra and Juke. The Clio is Renault’s B-Segment hatchback for European countries.

The speculative rendering of the 2013 Clio has DeZir concept written all over it!

Under the hood a 0.9-liter three-cylinder engine turbocharged to provide higher outputs is complemented by 1.2- and 1.4-liter petrol engines. The well-known 1.5 dCI is expected to serve economy-seeking customers.

[Source - AutoWeek.nl]

The B-Max will be formally presented at the Geneva Motor Show next month, a year after the concept was seen.

Designers have not made a taller Fiesta and put down their tools - B-Max has a unique personality

Styling from last year’s concept car has been largely retained on the road-going version. The wide grille on the front fascia that is fast becoming a signature touch on Ford cars is seen on the B-Max too.

Production model Ford B-Max looks very similar to the concept shown at Geneva 2011

The B-Max will be powered by the 1L Ecoboost diesel engine shown at the Delhi Auto Expo last month for application on the EcoSport mini SUV. Ford is likely to use a newly developed 1.5L DuraTorq diesel engine for long distance customers.

Renault branded Lodgy is heading to Brazil

Dacia will officially show the Lodgy at the Geneva Motor Show in March. One of the company officials has reportedly admitted that the Lodgy could cannibalize sales of the Logan MCV (MPV on the Logan platform) but said the new model could attract new and more customers.

To be sold in Romania from June, Dacia will then hand over the project to its parent company.

The Renault-branded Lodgy models sporting a different front end are going to be manufactured in Brazil next year with 1.6L 108hp and 1.8L 128hp petrol engines.

The Lodgy sits on the Logan platform and is pitched to customers looking for an inexpensive minivan. Staying true to Dacia traditions, the Lodgy will offer the highest space-for-money proposition and compared to rivals cost less to run and maintain.

The Lodgy will be extended to customers in 5- and 7-seat variants. To give you an idea, we presented artist renderings of stripped-down as well as sporty Stepway variants last week.

[Source - AutoSegredos.com.br Actmedia.eu and Youtube.com]

You can read more about the exteriors and engine options here- http://indianautosblog.com/2011/12/hyundai-hb

What we have found meanwhile is the first rendering of HB’s interiors.

One can see traces of the Verna and Avante in this dashboard

First thing that catches the eye is funky layout of the dash. As we have seen in the new Verna, i20 or even the low-budget Eon, Hyundai’s strive for quality interiors has taken a massive leap ahead. They are much nicer place to be in than the competition at same price band. With the HB’s interiors (though a rendering) it seems the designers have only bettered it.

The 4-spoke steering wheel looks chunkier along with the very handy steering-mounted controls. Faux aluminum/titanium inserts with black theme surely add sportiness to the dash. Swanky shaped air-vents on either sides are a very nice-touch indeed. The protruding centre air-vents is stylish yet subtle. Two-pod instrument console with a LCD display in between looks neat and well-spaced.

The whole dash is flowing towards the centre, providing the passenger side storage bin more space (note the bulge) for knick-knacks. Thanks to the designing team there aren’t much control knobs/buttons on the dash causing overkill.

What really drew my attention at first is the gear lever; it’s an auto-tranny. And then when you check the tachometer you find the red-line at around 4.5k rpm – That’s the only slip up in this rendering!

[Source - RevistaAutoEsporte.globo.com]

The SUV could come out in the next two years with a W12 petrol engine. Bentley is keen on a petrol engine as China and USA, two biggest markets for Bentley, have a higher demand for a petrol. The diesel engine could come from the VW Group’s wide selection. The Audi Q7′s V12 TDI could make the cut, but it seems to early to predict any outcome. A smaller petrol engine, perhaps the 4-liter V8, is also said to be in the race. Prices are expected to start at a steep 140k UK pounds.

It isn’t just Bentley who is working on a SUV. Fiat Group’s Maserati brand is also working on a crossover-SUV. A four-door sedan and a SUV are interesting options for Lamborghini considering they have been to those zipcodes (LM001 and the Estoque concepts).

Our friends at WorldCarFans.com guess a giant V12 engine displacing 6.3-liters lurks under the bonnet producing a lofty 700hp to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Unlike competitor models, the replacement to the 599 uses an aluminum body.Supercar bodies are synonymous with carbon fiber but Ferrari cites high cost and only a marginal performance benefit for the switch.

The 599 replacement, tentatively referred to as F620, is expected to arrive at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The second is the “Stepway” variant inspired by the Sandero by Yellow Cab. It features body colored fitments, a roof-mounted utility box, flared wheel arches, fog lights with brushed aluminium surrounds, star-shape alloys and special grille.

Will Dacia consider manufacturing a sporty edition of the Lodgy and leverage on the Stepway brand built by the Sandero? After all there are mini van customers who like the idea of driving a sporty vehicle!

Which one do you prefer? Yellow Cab’s outdoorsy Lodgy or the minimalist Lodgy by JW01?

[Source - AutoWeek.nl]

The new Golf is likely to bow in during the final months of 2012 or early 2013. It is bodied on the VW Group’s all-new, common platform called MQB. VW is planning over and above the current lineup of engines.

In addition to turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, engineers are said to be developing hybrid and electric powertrains for the group’s best-selling family hatchback. Volkswagen is planning a selection of body styles like station wagon, crossover and mini van.

Marginal growth in dimensions are expected but the weight is said to have come down due to the involvment of superior materials and better construction practices.

[Source - Cochespias.net]