Spied: 2009 Mazda6 sedan

The redesigned 2009 Mazda 6 family sedan is expected to launch next spring, and spy photographers captured both four-cylinder and V6 prototypes testing this week. This next-generation Mazda 6 is going to be bigger than the current model, with a wider track and longer body.

An engine upgrade is also expected for the top Mazda 6, with the sedan moving to Ford's 3.5-litre V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine debuted in the 2007 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers, as well as the Lincoln MKZ sedan, a car which shares the Mazda 6's CD3 platform. The V6 generates 250 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque.

BMW sheds some disguise

This is the first time the BMW X6 off-road, coupe-like crossover has been seen and caught barely disguised! The first spy shots of the upcoming BMW X6, a crossover SUV, were taken late last year around BMW’s Munich headquarters, but now the camouflage has come off and the sloping coupe-like roof line previously revealed is in 100% clear view.

This detail is particularly interesting on the X6, because BMW is applying an aggressive application of the four-door-coupe concept first seen on the Mercedes CLS, to the SUV/Crossover genre. There have been a number of performance-minded SUVs on offer, but the X6 is taking a unique styling approach which appears to be the most ambitious “form-over-function” SUV design effort seen to date.

The roof line begins arching downward after the B-pillar and continues plunging right to the X6's rising waistline. As a result, second-row headroom and rear cargo volume are both severely compromised. The new X6 will be longer and lower than the new X5, but this crossover is expected to seat only four. But what the sporty X6 loses in seating, it will gain in performance. Expect it to arrive sometime during the 2008 calendar year.

New Car: 2008 Fiat Uno Way (South Africa)

Fiat unveiled a new edition of their Uno for South Africa. Its been successful in the South African market along with other Fiat models sold there. There has been no press release on this model.

Other news:

2009 Fiat Uno:

The Uno was axed in the European market in 1993 to make way for the Fiat Punto. The Uno is set to make a comeback in 2009. Its rumored the car will be sold in developing countries in Europe like Romania, Czech Republic, parts of Russia and Italy.

The upcoming Uno is set to be sitting above the Panda but below the Grande Punto. So will the car make its way onto British shores? For the time being we just have to way patiently.

Tiguan on the streets...

Well on the streets of Eastern Europe. The small SUV was caught on a commercial shoot.

Volkswagen Scirocco in Death Valley

Volkswagen is in California to do some hot-weather testing in Death Valley on the new Scirocco pronounced (Sha-rocco). The new sports car is based on the Eos platform and will come onto the European market in 2009. The first generation Scirooco was a flop, especially in the UK as it had a hefty price tag.

The vehicle will be taking hints of the Volkswagen IROC concept (shown above). The rear end is set to be very identical to the IROC's rear. The interior isn't expected to stay the same in the production model. As well as retaining traditional VW quality, should be great. Gone are the concept’s bucket seats but the production Scirocco will retain the twin pods for the speedo and rev counter, the Eos-sourced air vents and the TT-esque ventilation controls. It will also be the first car to feature VW’s version of Audi’s MMI (Multi Media Interface).

Volkswagen will be aiming at the Audi TT. A price tag for the entry model is likely to start at £18,000 going upto £20,000.

Engines will be ranging from a turbo and supercharged 1.4-litre TSI will make an appearance in two states of tune, 138bhp and 168bhp. There’s also a 2.0-litre diesel with 168bhp, while the Golf GTI will donate its turbocharged 197bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine as well.

This same engine will be tweaked to power a hot R20 Scirocco. A V6 and four-wheel drive have been ruled out on the grounds of cost and thirst. Instead, expect a lightened car with 230bhp from the forced-induction four-pot. The lack of four driven wheels will mean the fastest Scirocco will never be as powerful as the Audi S3 - useful for Volkswagen's increasingly busy brand strategy masters.

Car Review: 2007 Skoda Fabia 2 1.4 TDI 80bhp Hatchback

Another vehicle I was looking forward to is the new Fabia. I wanted to see how it compared to its rival in size, power and practicality.

Although the Fabia isn't as big as the Fiat Grande Punto I compared it to the Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Swift and Peugeot 207.

I must say it is different from the other supermini's on the British market when it comes to style but it didn't feel as big as it looks.

Pros:

Boot/trunk

Style

Comfortable

Well equipped

Cons:

Fuel economy on petrol models

No standered sunroof

Reasonable front legroom

Car Review: 2007 Mercedes C220 CDI Sport Sedan

Another car I was looking forward to seeing was the new C-Class. On the Internet the car seemed bigger, wider, longer and taller than its predecessor. As I made myself comfortable in the car using the electric front drivers seat I was still appalled by the rear leg/knee room. Eventually I drained out the battery on the electric seat but I didn't bother telling the dealer....

The fascia looks alright and its starting to grow on me. We also had cream leather seats. The car is well equipped and comfortable. The boot/trunk wasn't ideal for me either...

Pros:

Electric seats

Spacious cabin

Comfortable leather seats

Well laid out centre console

Cons:

Rear leg/knee room

Expensive when accessorised

Teaser: 2008 Skoda Fabia Wagon

Skoda Autos have released a teaser image of there upcoming Fabia Combi.

Compared to the hatchback the Combi could stay the same size. The Fabia Combi's sighted testing in Europe had an additional rear side window located by the C-pillar. The new vehicle should make a world debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motorshow.