Cars Blog: November 2011

Honda Jazz Hybrid

The IMA battery pack and power control unit have been integrated in the area under the boot floor, retaining the normal boot area and allowing the "Magic Seats" to fold in the same manner as non-hybrid versions. This means that the seats still fold entirely flat to provide a surprising 831 litre of space or the seat bases can be folded up to sit vertically, so as to accommodate tall items within the car.

The IMA hybrid system is shared with the Insight and CR-Z hybrids, taking advantage of the proven reliability of this important technology. With almost two decades of development and 10 years of sales behind it, the Honda IMA system has proven itself to be a flexible and dependable system, with over half a million vehicles on the road benefitting from its combination of low emissions and fuel economy.

Honda CR-Z

The Honda CR-Z‘s exterior styling is formed around a "one-motion wedge" concept with a low bonnet line and wide stance giving the car a confident, athletic look. Signature Honda design features, such as the split level rear glass hatch and aerodynamic, shallow raked roofline have been referenced in the design of the sleek coupe and then combined with a curvaceous and deeply sculpted exterior form.

The overall power output of the engine and IMA system is 124 PS and a healthy 174 Nm of torque. The peak torque figure is identical to that of the 1.8-litre Civic and arrives at just 1500 rpm, a level where previously only turbocharged engines deliver their maximum. Even with torque levels directly comparable with a Civic, the Honda CR-Z emits 35 g/km less CO2 than its conventionally powered cousin. Other harmful exhaust emissions are also very low and the Nickel Metal Hydride battery pack can be recycled through Honda dealers, at the end of the vehicle's life.

Mercedes-Benz Viano

The Mercedes-Benz Viano and its striking new front design

Three slats painted in silver with chrome trims partition the radiator grille, fronting a sporty black grille featuring a diamond pattern. The radiator grille is offset by new reflector headlamps in a distinctive design. The daytime driving lights which come as standard are integrated with their own light source in the headlamp housings, together with the fog lamps.

Mercedes-Benz Vito

The driver's workplace in all models and the passenger compartment of the Mercedes-Benz Vito crewbus are more attractively appointed than ever. The new Mercedes Vito is readily recognisable by its new "face", combining the style of the current passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz with the robustness of a commercial vehicle.

The Mercedes-Benz Vito and its striking new front design

The new "face" of the is yet more striking, combining the style of the current passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz with the robustness of a commercial vehicle. Two slats divide up the radiator grille, which fronts a sporty black grille featuring a diamond pattern. The radiator grille is offset by new reflector headlamps in a distinctive design. The reflector has been enlarged to increase the light output.

Mercedes-Benz Viano

The Mercedes-Benz Viano leads its class, defining the new benchmark for large-capacity vehicles. The Mercedes-Benz Viano is instantly recognisable by its "face", featuring the Mercedes star in the style of the current passenger cars, and a newly designed rear section.

The Mercedes-Benz Viano and its striking new front design

Three slats painted in silver with chrome trims partition the radiator grille, fronting a sporty black grille featuring a diamond pattern. The radiator grille is offset by new reflector headlamps in a distinctive design. The daytime driving lights which come as standard are integrated with their own light source in the headlamp housings, together with the fog lamps.

Mercedes-Benz Vito

The driver's workplace in all models and the passenger compartment of the Mercedes-Benz Vito crewbus are more attractively appointed than ever. The new Mercedes-Benz Vito is readily recognisable by its new "face", combining the style of the current passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz with the robustness of a commercial vehicle.

The Mercedes-Benz Vito and its striking new front design

The new "face" of the Mercedes-Benz Vito is yet more striking, combining the style of the current passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz with the robustness of a commercial vehicle. Two slats divide up the radiator grille, which fronts a sporty black grille featuring a diamond pattern. The radiator grille is offset by new reflector headlamps in a distinctive design. The reflector has been enlarged to increase the light output.

Lotus Elite Concept

The ground-breaking new Lotus Elite Concept is exactly that. It's not only exquisitely elegant, in keeping with Lotus' core values, it's a car of substance incorporating some of the very latest technological innovations Lotus Elite Concept has to offer. The slick retractable hard top version and the optional use of hybrid technology with KERS are typical examples of Lotus tailoring technology to deliver perfect performance.

Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus said: "There's no denying that the Lotus Elite Concept is breathtakingly beautiful to look at but it's so much more than that, it's a car that over delivers in all other aspects as well. "Make no mistake, there's a definite market requirement for the Lotus Elite - it's the ultiimate sports car feel with comfort and space.

Mazda RX-8

Launched in 2003, the Mazda RX-8 hit the global market with a serious bang. Unchanged is the core of the Mazda RX-8 - a high-powered, lightweight and perfectly balanced machine powered by the world-renowned twin-rotor RENESIS rotary engine.

"Dating back to the Cosmo Sport released in 1967, every sports car ever developed by Mazda has had the same fundamental mission - to provide car lovers with a vehicle that's fun-todrive, exciting to look at and easy to own," said Tetsu Nakazawa, Mazda North American Operations' Mazda RX-8 vehicle line manager. "The new Mazda RX-8 embodies that mission, conveying the unique and distinctive Mazda brand DNA to the fullest."

Hyundai Avante

Lotus Elite Concept

So here it is, the Lotus Elite Concept, the first taste of what's to come from Lotus in the future. superb taste in design, style and 3. something elegant; the ultimate refinement.

The ground-breaking new Lotus Elite Concept is exactly that. It's not only exquisitely elegant, in keeping with Lotus' core values, it's a car of substance incorporating some of the very latest technological innovations Lotus Elite Concept has to offer. The slick retractable hard top version and the optional use of hybrid technology with KERS are typical examples of Lotus tailoring technology to deliver perfect performance.

Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus said: "There's no denying that the Lotus Elite Concept is breathtakingly beautiful to look at but it's so much more than that, it's a car that over delivers in all other aspects as well. "Make no mistake, there's a definite market requirement for the Lotus Elite - it's the ultiimate sports car feel with comfort and space.

Mazda RX-8

Hyundai Avante

Hyundai Motor Co. had its world-premier of the all-new Hyundai Avante compact sedan, the company's best-selling model worldwide, at the 2010 Busan International Motor Show.

"The new Hyundai Avante encompasses Hyundai's latest ambitions, featuring the best styling and performance in its class," Steve S. Yang, President & CEO of Hyundai's Global Business Division, said at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) today.

Hyundai has applied its latest 1.6L Gamma Gasoline Direct Injection engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission to the front-wheel drive compact, the first time GDI and six-speed automatic have been featured on a compact sedan in Korea.

Audi A2 Concept

The Audi A2 concept has a flat interior floorboard. The center console is attached to the driver's seat; the rear console extends forward between the two rear seats. The four individual seats add lightness, and there is storage space under the fold-up seat cushions. There is room between the rear seats for a city bicycle with its front wheel removed. The load area has two levels; a frame with functional nets creates the upper level.