Concept Car: Citroen C-Airscape

The covers have well and truly been lifted off Citroen's four-seater concept car, the C-Airscape, soon to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. These "official" photos, supposedly leaked previews the sleek lines and premium packaging of the upcoming Citroen C5, the finished product of which has itself already been leaked. We say "official" because it looks like some-one has taken the pictures themselves whilst the photoshoot was happening and that fact the photos are also low-quality.

The C5's debut was expected to be scheduled for Frankfurt, although a Geneva Motor Show unveiling is more likely. But exclusive of the 6 month advance on the C5's styling, the C-Airscape may very well have its roots in previewing a new convertible C5.

Following in the footsteps of sister manufacturer Peugeot and its 407 Coupé, the C5 is likely to spawn a production version of the C-Airscape concept car, not only introducing an entirely new model to the C5 range, but taking the firm upmarket. Front styling echoing Pininfarina's 406 Coupé and Audi-esque rear styling suggest Citroen want to take on the Germans with improved packaging and stunning good looks.

Rumors have suggested that a coupé-cabriolet version of the Citroen C5 could join the line-up in 2009 but judging by Pegueot 407 Coupé which failed, the CC seems unlikely.

Nissan Tiida sells in more EU countries

With the gap that's emerged between the discontinued Almera and Primera models, Nissan hopes that its 'Tiida' hot hatch, currently sold in Japan, Australia, Mexico, the U.S. and eastern Europe, will appeal to customers in Western Europe when it goes on sale in January 2008. The 'Tiida', the "ever-changing tide in Japanese, will offer three engines choices: a 1.6 litre petrol (110hp), a 1.8 litre petrol (126hp) and a 1.5dCi (105hp).While Portugal and Spain will only get the five-door version, Nissan will supply the Austrian, Swiss and German markets with both three- and five-door models. The 'Tiida' has been for sale in a number of central and eastern European countries since June and it will be launched in Russia in October.

A Nissan spokesman said annual European sales targets are set to "peak at 40,000 units," with 60% of buyers being previous Nissan owners. The 'Tiida' will be positioned between the medium-sized Qashqai SUV and Nissan's Note minivan.

NISSAN TO EXPAND TIIDA SALES:

· TIIDA to be launched in Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Austria and Portugal
· On sale from January 2008
· Four and five door models, three engines (two petrol, one diesel)

TRAPPES, FRANCE (August 16th, 2007) - Nissan Europe announced today that it will introduce the TIIDA model to a further five markets early next year, following its recent selective European launch.

As from January 2008, Germany, Switzerland and Austria will offer both the four and five door models while Spain and Portugal will launch the five door model. All three engines will be available; a 1.6 litre petrol (110hp), a 1.8 litre petrol (126hp) and a 1.5dCi (105hp).

The latest countries identified were part of the ongoing launch strategy for the TIIDA model in Europe, where Nissan studied market opportunities where there was a concentration of loyal customers of Almera and Primera who may consider purchasing a similar model in the future. Once fully rolled out, the total volume for the model will reach 40,000 units.

“Up to 60 percent of TIIDA customers will have owned a Nissan previously, so by expanding the launch across Europe we are allowing even more customers the opportunity to stay with Nissan for many more years. Equally, we are confident that TIIDA’s many strengths will also lead buyers to Nissan for the first time,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Nissan Europe.

TIIDA was launched in the Baltics, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia since June and will be launched in Russia and Ukraine in October. The model is also sold in many global markets including Japan, the US (Versa) and in Mexico, where all TIIDA models for the European market are built at Nissan’s Civac plant.

The name TIIDA is derived from a word in a Japanese dialect meaning ‘ever-changing tide’ and sits between NOTE and QASHQAI in terms of price. It appeals to the customer looking for a more conventional type of car and places an emphasis on traditional values such as comfort, interior space and ease of use.

Skoda Superb uncloaked

The current Skoda Superb has been on the market since 2001. Now a first prototype mule of this model’s replacement has been sighted in Germany.

It is clearly visible that the next generation Superb will grow considerably in overall length. The Volkswagen-owned Skoda company will also give the new Superb all new styling. This is the first spy photo of the rear end uncovered.

Nothing is not yet known about the engines, but most likely again it will use four and six cylinder petrol - and four and six cylinder turbo diesel engines.

Fiat sports car coming up?

Fiat’s plans for reviving the Abarth name could include models unique to the brand, Cars Of The Future® has learned, and specifically a new, small two-seater roadster designed to rival the Mazda MX-5.

According to highly placed Fiat officials, plans are in motion within the firm to resurrect Abarth as a fully fledged sports car brand in its own right, and to develop a compact sporting roadster with which to launch it. In conversation with Cars Of The Future® journalists, Abarth boss Luca De Meo and ex-Fiat marketing chief Steven Norman have both mentioned the possibility of stand alone Abarth cars, and a small roadster in particular.

Potentially based on the 500 platform, such a car would fit perfectly with Fiat’s aspirations for the brand and with Abarth’s history. It would also dovetail with the brand's intention not to produce a Punto cabrio, as various Fiat officials have mentioned to Cars Of The Future®, as that decision leaves room for an affordable roadster in the group's model range - a successor for the Barchetta, which we also know won't be directly replaced.

The likeliest engine for the Abarth Roadster would be the turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol motor that will serve under the bonnet of the forthcoming 500 Abarth. That offers potential for up to 150bhp.

Abarth produced a series of small, light roadsters and coupes in the 50s and 60s, such as the 205 Vignale. Acclaimed for their looks and performance, the cars helped to establish Abarth as more than just a works race team.

Fiat showed a Punto Abarth at the Geneva motor show earlier this year that had been stripped of its Fiat badging. And although the first round of Abarth-tuned Fiats, starting with the 500 Abarth to be launched at the Tokyo show in October, will retain their Fiat badging, Cars Of The Future® has learned that they could be putting in the ground work for a family of Abarth-only sporting models - possibly hot hatchbacks, roadsters and coupes - based on Fiat mechanicals, but designed from the outset with sporting edge in mind.

A concept for a small Abarth roadster was also shown earlier this year at Geneva, by Italy’s IED design institute. Called the SS, it has no official connection with Fiat, but IED has worked closely with Fiat in the past on car design; could it have been operating on an unofficial brief from Turin? Italian industry watchers think it's more than a possibility.

No decisions have been made at Fiat over the future of such a car, but it could go from designer’s sketch to production-ready model in a surprisingly short time. By carrying out a lot of the 500 and Bravo development virtually, using computer models, Fiat has taken the two cars from concept to market in under two years. With this experience, it could bring a roadster based on the 500 to market in an equally short time.

BMW M3 Coupé sold out (UK)

The UK’s allocation of BMW M3s has sold out. Some 700 cars were reserved for UK buyers for 2007, and they’ve all gone. Each car was ordered with an average of £4700-worth of options – taking the averge price of the car up from £50,625 to £55,325.

The most-wanted option is apparently the 19-inch alloy wheels – the very same wheels that BMW’s chassis people reckon do nothing for the car’s dynamics.

One of the next most popular options was the DAB digital radio.

In 2008, sales are expected to top out at around 2000 cars – demand for the last M3 peaked at 1800 cars a year. The new saloon and coupe-convertible versions of the M3 will add to that tally.

New Car: 2008 Infiniti EX35

Infiniti revealed their new small crossover which is set to battle the BMW X3, Land Rover Freelander/LR2 and other premium SUV's. The officail pictures show the European model which will go on sale in late 2008. The American model is yet to be unveiled. It will play a host to all sorts of new features. V6 diesels will be availible on the European market alongside a V6 petrol engine.


PRESS RELEASE:



* EX revealed 16 August at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance


* Innovative Coupe Crossover concept


* Standard ‘ATTESA E-TS’ all-wheel drive


* Powered by a 3.5-litre 290hp V6 (US specification)


* First introduction of the advanced Around View Monitor system


* To be launched progressively across Europe starting from Autumn 2008 together with the G Saloon, G Coupe and a successor to the iconic FXROLLE, SWITZERLAND (16.08.07)


The all-new 2008 Infiniti EX coupe crossover, revealed this week at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, will form part of a four model premium range that will be launched across Europe starting from Autumn 2008.The EX is a new addition to the global Infiniti range. To be badged EX35 when it goes on sale in the US at the end of this year, this all-wheel drive crossover slots in below the iconic FX and offers an exceptional combination of seductive design, elegant interior and advanced technology systems. These include the world production car debut of the advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) system, which utilizes four small cameras to give the driver a “top-down view” of the outside of the vehicle while parking. The new EX35 also becomes the second Infiniti production vehicle, following the Autumn introduction in the US of the 2008 Infiniti M-series, to offer the new Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system, and the first to feature “Scratch Shield,” a special “self-healing” clearcoat paint. Launch timing of these technologies in Europe is to be confirmed.


Coupe-Inspired Exterior:


Designed by the Infiniti design centre in Japan, the EX35’s sculpted elegance should have a timeless appeal. Sleek lines portray speed, grace and finesse combining the look and feel of a luxury coupe with the elevated cabin of a 4×4.


The sporty proportions include a long hood, short front and rear overhangs, rearward cabin and smooth coupe-like roofline arching over the windows to the C-pillars.“The EX35 is the perfect fusion of a luxury coupe and a sporty 4×4,” said Jim Wright, Vice President Infiniti Europe.



The EX35 has a length of 4631mm and a width of 1803mm making it maneuverable in town. While a height of 1589mm gives it a more dynamic stance and a lower centre of gravity than most other 4×4s.


EX35’s exterior includes many signature Infiniti touches, including a double-arch grille, large L-shaped headlights with available Bi-Xenon Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), integrated fog lights, distinctive LED taillights and “dynamic arch” profile. Other exterior features include a high-mounted rear hatchback spoiler, chrome-finished dual exhaust pipes, an available power tilt/sliding sunroof with one-touch activation and optional roof rails and crossbars. The EX35 also features a standard puddle lamp integrated in the driver’s side door mirror as part of the Hospitality Lighting Concept.


Eight exterior colors will be offered including two shades new to the model.



One of the unique features of the new EX35 is the special “Scratch Shield,” a special “self-healing” clearcoat paint, which is designed to maintain its gloss-level over time. The paint repairs fine scratches, such as fingernail scratches under door handles, restoring the EX35’s surface close to the original state. The process, which takes anywhere from one day to one week (depending on the surrounding temperature and the depth of the scratch), is accomplished through the use of a special highly elastic resin. This resin is combined with a conventional clearcoat to increase the paint’s flexibility and strength by raising the resin density.


Elegant Interior Design:


Like all Infiniti vehicles, the EX35 is conceived to offer an invigorating and engaging interior environment. And one that is both indulgent and inspiring.The driver-focused “wave-inspired” cabin layout features an Infiniti signature “double-wave” instrument panel, easy-to-read high-contrast gauges with white-and-violet illumination and hospitality lighting with a pin LED light mounted over the center console and Infiniti-signature analog clock.


The instrument panel also features a 7-inch color display with Infiniti controller for the trip computer and additional vehicle information, including the available Infiniti Hard Disk based Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for music storage and playback.


Other technology systems include available Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System and standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition. Available technology features include RearView Camera (available separately, or as part of the Around View Monitor system), front and rear parking sensors, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Bose® Premium Audio System with 11 speakers including 2 subwoofers, 6CD in-dash changer and iPod® connectivity.

The interior is offered with cloth or leather-upholstered seating surfaces, available in four different colour concepts, reflecting Infiniti’s desire to offer the customer a high level of personalisation. A special Black Lacquer trim comes standard on the center console, with optional genuine Maple wood trim for the centre.


An 8-way power driver’s seat with 2-way manual lumbar support is standard, along with a 4-way power passenger’s seat. A driver’s seat memory system is also offered, along with available heated front seats and 8-way power front passenger’s seat. Also available is an unusual 60/40 split power-folding 2nd row seat (operated from the front or hatch area) making it easier to get the best out of the interior space.“The EX35’s interior is all about driving pleasure and passenger comfort,” said Wright. “Like the exterior, it offers a coupe-like feel but surprising versatility – ideal for today’s active lifestyles. Its design is elegant and made using beautiful materials that indulge as well as calm.


Advanced Platform and Powertrain:


Under the EX35’s dramatic body is an equally advanced platform and powertrain based on the latest Infiniti performance technology. Its advanced FR-L platform provides the same high levels of handling precision and balance as it does for the Infiniti M, FX and G Coupe and Saloon.



Every 2008 US-specification Infiniti EX35 comes as standard with the fourth-generation VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine (shared with the new G35 Saloon), rated at 290-plus horsepower (estimated) and 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, DS sport mode with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), and Adaptive Shift Control.



The engine block features ladder frame construction, variable exhaust cam timing (eCVTCS), asymmetric piston skirts, twin knock sensors and Iridium spark plugs. Its symmetric twin ram air intake system helps reduce airflow resistance, while the dual exhaust system has been designed with equal length exhaust manifolds and reduced muffler exhaust pressure help improve engine breathing.



Both are tuned to create authoritative harmonies, helping enhance driving pleasure, an exciting engine sound and expected improvements in emissions and fuel economy (versus the previous generation VQ engine).The fourth-generation VQ engine design also includes a long list of advanced systems found on the previous design – including a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), a “noiseless” timing chain for quiet operation, an electronically controlled “drive-by-wire” throttle system, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, and molybdenum coated lightweight pistons.


Every EX35 utilizes a subframe-mounted independent front double-wishbone suspension with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links, high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers and anti-roll bar. The rear suspension is an independent multi-link design with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links and axle housing, high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers and anti-roll bar.


Steering is provided by a speed-sensitive power-assisted steering system with power-assisted front and rear discs (vented front) and standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).Also standard is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), while an advanced Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking is optionally available.Available wheel and tire combinations include an 18-inch 8-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/55R18 tires.


EX35 features Infiniti’s ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system, which is also utilized on the 2008 M, FX and G Saloon.The system utilizes an active torque distribution management system with an active centre clutch designed for smooth starts and better traction and maneuverability on snowy and wet roads than conventional all-wheel drive systems, plus minimal compromise of rear-wheel drive performance characteristics on dry roads.


Advanced New Technology:


The EX35’s advanced technology design is highlighted by one system that is the first production version available in the US and Europe.


The Infiniti Around View Monitor:

It utilizes small front, side and rear-mounted cameras to project an all-around view of potential objects on every side of the vehicle – helping reduce blind spots when parking.“Conventional mirrors, no matter how carefully you use them, just can’t provide a view around the car that the Around View Monitor’s four-camera system does,” said Wright. “Rear bumper parking sensors help detect objects behind a car, but again they can’t give the view of the space around the vehicle that the AVM does.”EX350 European specification:The information given above relates to the US market EX35. Specifications of the European version will be confirmed closer to the on sale date.



In terms of positioning, it is difficult to find any direct rivals for the EX being arguably the first of a new wave of coupe crossovers. But looking at other cars available currently, the EX might be lined up against rivals as diverse as the BMW X3 3.0si and Audi A4 3.2FSI quattro avant.


Infiniti Europe:


The EX will get its first European showing at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The brand will be launched across Europe, city by city, starting in the autumn of 2008 – a process that will take two years. Infiniti Europe will reveal more details of its launch schedule towards the end of 2007.



Four models will be available in Europe from launch. These will include the G saloon, the G coupe, the EX as detailed above, and a successor to the iconic FX to be unveiled next year. A replacement for the M-series will join the European range early in the next decade along with the option, on the M-, EX- and FX-series, of a high performance V6 diesel.



Superior customer service will be as important to Infiniti as the product. This starts with the retail network, all of which will employ the new Infiniti Retail Design Environment Initiative (IREDI) that has a look and feel more akin to a luxury designer hotel than a car showroom, and continues with Infiniti’s Total Ownership Experience (TOE) philosophy that covers all contacts the customer will have with the brand said Wright: “The launch of a premium car brand in Europe is a rare and special event". Infiniti will have the simple philosophy of offering the independently minded customer a new alternative of vibrant product teamed with excellent service. The cars are all elegantly designed, comprehensively equipped and aimed at the enthusiast. But they are only half the story. Effortless ownership will be equally important as you will discover closer to the launch.”

New Car: 2008 Aston Martin DBS

The car everyone has been waiting for since seeing Casino Royale is finally here. Aston Martin has taken the wraps off the stunning DBS coupe, revealing a car that exudes performance and power yet still has the same proportions that made the DB9 one of the most beautiful cars in the world. The DBS will be officially unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this week and will go on sale in Q1 2008.

Under the hood you’ll find the same venerable 6.0L V12 engine found in the DB9 but with a number of modifications. These include a ‘by-pass’ engine air intake port that opens above 5500rpm to allow more air into the engine, and re-profiled air inlet ports that further improve airflow into the combustion chamber. Mated to the engine is a six-speed manual gearbox – no “softcore” auto for the DBS, thank you. The result is a power output of 380kW (510hp) and peak torque of 420 lb.ft (570Nm). In addition, Aston Martin’s extensive use of carbon fibre has reduced the weight of the DBS to 1695kg, around 65kg less than the equivalent manual DB9.

How does it perform? Glad you asked. The DBS will hit 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds and keep pulling all the way to a 191mph (302km/h) top speed, making it a true supercar.

Everyone knows that power without control is nothing, which is why Aston Martin has pulled all the stops to make the DBS excel around the track. It’s the first Aston to be fitted with carbon ceramic brakes, greatly reducing stopping distances and providing excellent resistance to fade. Also new is an Adaptive Damping System with five different settings to adjust the car’s ride and handling characteristics. Providing contact with the road are 295 size 20” Pirelli tyres in the rear.

New Car: 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS

Motown automakers love the local Woodward Dream Cruise. Could there be a better backdrop for introducing the latest high-performance hardware from Detroit?

Chevrolet is using this year's event as the launch pad for the 2008 HHR SS, a high-output turbocharged edition of its compact people hauler, engineered and developed by the GM Performance Division under John Heinricy. The HHR SS goes on sale in late 2007.

The heart of the HHR SS is a turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 260 horsepower and is mated to a five-speed transmission massaged in Sweden by GM Powertrain.

GM Performance has developed an all-new FE5 sport suspension for the SS edition, complete with specific stabilizer bars, spring rates and damper tuning. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and stability control are standard. The car also gets 18-inch polished forged-aluminum wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport MXM4 tires.

The HHR SS features redesigned front and rear fascias, mesh-style upper and lower grilles, foglamps, new rocker moldings, rear spoiler and SS badging. Exterior colors include Victory Red, Black, Light Tarnished Silver Metallic, Mystique Blue Flash Metallic and Sunburst Orange II Metallic.

Inside, the car gets SS-embroidered sport seats with ultra suede inserts, a specific gauge cluster, an A-pillar-mounted turbo boost gauge and a new shifter arrangement.

Upcoming Skoda rumors

Skoda Motors is planning a few new models before 2010. The new range will consist of SUV's, MPV's, family cars and sports vehicles.

2008:

Skoda Fabia Estate/Combi:

As we posted yesterday it will be launched at the upcoming Frankfurt Motorshow and the flagship grade will receive a six speed automatic transmission. Prices are expected to start around £11,000. The Fabia Combi will be an important model in the UK line-up.

Octavia Facelift:

The Octavia will be facelifted for next year and its sister; the Volkswagen Golf will be revised aswell. The facelift won't be minor just a nip & tuck.

Superb:

Unlike the current Superb which is a sedan the 2008 model will be a hatchback making it more practical. This will be Skoda's flagship model. The current Superb was based on the 2002 Volkswagen Passat platform, the new car will be using the same platform as the current Passat (late 2005 on). Spy photos of a pre-production model of the new flagship hatchback shows the car will be much better looking than the predecessor inside and out. The engines and transmission will be borrowed of the current Passat aswell.

2009:

Yeti:

Despite being a concept for many many years the new Yeti will be a small SUV and it will be taking mechanical components off the recently launched Volkswagen Tiguan. AWD and 4Motion will be optional on the Yeti otherwise it could be using 2WD with the power going to the front wheels. A world debut is expected at the upcoming London motorshow.

Joyster:

This was a concept last year which is based on the Fabia II platform. The Joyster is crossed between the Fabia and Roomster. Skoda hasn't given the green light just yet but car fanatics are almost certain this will go into production in 2009. Like the Morris Minor wagon, this will be a 3 door wagon with a conventional one door opening. No twin glazed doors. The Joyster will sit above the Fabia hatchback and sedan but below the Fabia Combi.

Fabia Convertible:

This is another rumor which has been lurking on the Internet. Seat and Volkswagen will be building convertibles based of their supermini's in 2009. The trio will remain and 4 seaters. Its not clear whether the cars will have fabric tops.

Skoda city car:

Incorporation with Seat and Volkswagen, Skoda will have its own version of Volkswagen's Up! city car. Expect petrol, diesel and hybrid powerplants.

2010:

Skoda Octavia/Octavia Plus:After the facelift in 2008 there will be a whole new Skoda Octavia. Early impressions which date back to 2003 shows the Octavia having the Roomster's face along with the same A and B pillars and the C-pillars will be similar to the Fabia II but the lines will be sleek and flowing.

The Octavia Plus will be based off the Volkswagen Golf Plus but the Octavia "Plus" could offer upto 7 seats but that could be unlikely. 5 seats sounds more reasonable. There are rumors of a high roof version of the Golf Plus which could make its way onto the Skoda model.

Infiniti enters Western Europe

Nissan will bring its luxury brand Infiniti to Western Europe next year with cars going on sale in the fourth quarter of 2008. Jim Wright, head of Infiniti Europe, expects the United Kingdom and Germany to be Infiniti's most important markets. In Europe, Infiniti currently operates in Ukraine and Russia.

Wright remains cautious about the German market, stating that "we have no ambition to imitate the German manufacturers, since we would fail at that." Wright has set an annual sales target of 500 units per dealership to be achieved by 2013 through a channel of 12 to 14 dealerships spread across the country. In order to convey exclusivity, Infiniti dealerships will not be incorporated with Nissan outlets. The Infiniti G-series will be Infiniti's first model on the European market.

Jaguar XF undisguised

Yesterday we brought you pictures of the XF sedan in heavy black disguise undergoing high speed testing in Germany and mechanical testing in England, today we can revealed the rear end of the new XF.

The production car was being loaded onto a truck in England to go testing elsewhere. The car shown is another right hand drive.

Jaguar is preparing a replacement for the current S-Type, to be named Jaguar XF and scheduled for launch this fall.

Code-named X 250, the new XF aims in particular at buyers of the very successful BMW 5-Series. The current S-Type has been on the market since 1998, and although it had found many faithful buyers, the nostalgic styling turned out not to be for everyone. The new XF abandons traditional styling to pursue a more youthful modern design as seen in the C-XF Concept.

The XF engines range from 6 and 8 cylinder engines including the new 3.2 liter petrol 6-cylinder, first used in the Volvo S80. Also the 4.2 liter V8 of the current model is expected to be upgraded to 5.0 liter. Transmission is a six speed automatic controlled through an all-new gear selector interface called JaguarDrive.

New Car: 2008 Skoda Fabia Estate/Combi

Skoda will be premiering their second-generation Fabia Estate at September's Frankfurt Motor Show, sporting larger dimensions and an expanded range of engines.

The new Fabia Estate is larger in every respect than its predecessor, generating some extra 54 litres of boot space, while load-lugging ability with the rear seats folded down is up by 235 litres. This increased stowage space combined with a larger interior, storage trays and a plethora of cubby holes all give the new Fabia Estate class-leading stowage, with Skoda claiming it could give equivalent models in the class above a run for their money.

There is now a choice of six petrol and diesel engines, all mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, with the introduction of a 1.6 16V engine, also available with a six-speed Tiptronic automatic.
Production of the present Fabia Estate, having sold some 630,000 units worldwide, will continue until the end of this year. Expect more details following the Fabia's premiere in September.

Press Release:

Škoda is set to unveil the new Fabia Estate at September’s International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt.

The latest edition to the Czech firm’s line-up is larger in every respect than its predecessor. Škoda’s new load-lugger is 7mm longer and 46mm higher than the model it replaces. Its enhanced dimensions (4,239mm long, 1,642mm wide and 1,498mm tall) not only give the car a more imposing road stance, but also allow for a far larger interior.

Boot capacity has grown by an impressive 54 litres (up to 480 litres). With the rear seats folded flat a total of 1,460 litres stowage space is offered (235 litres more than before). This impressive figure is not only class-leading in its own segment, but even gives similar models from the class above food for thought.

Buyers will have the choice of six engines altogether (three petrol and three diesel). The range starts with the 1.2 12V HTP (70bhp). The 1.4 16V (85bhp) and 1.6 16V (105bhp) are also offered. The diesel line-up consists of the 1.4 TDI PD (70bhp), 1.4 TDI PD (80bhp) and 1.9 TDI PD (105bhp). All of the powerplants are mated to a five-speed manual transmission, but the 1.6 16V version is also available with a six-speed auto (Tiptronic) as an option. Trim designators, as with the Fabia hatchback, will be simply 1, 2 and 3.

Besides its fresh new ‘Škoda family’ design, the latest Fabia Estate also offers a number of clever features deigned to enhance convenience and make the lives of passengers and drivers more comfortable. Key strengths include the impressive boot capacity, the roomy passenger space, an abundance of storage trays, hooks and cubby holes to keep possessions secure and a boot roller cover with automatic quick release - with one touch the cover is retracted making loading and unloading quick and easy.

Škoda has sold over 630,000 first-generation Fabia Estate worldwide (production of this model will continue until the end of this year).

Jaguar XF caught in England & Germany

Our spies in Northern England and Germany have fresh spy photos of Jaguar's answer to the

upcoming Mercedes E-Class, the XF. The new XF will come in 2 model; a regular sedan with an optional petrol V6 and a V8 supercharged petrol engine XFR. Diesel engines will also be in the line-up. Our spy captured two prototypes; a British model which is RHD and a European model which is LHD as you will see in the pictures. The last photo shows a prototype wearing a rear air diffuser hence why engineers are undergoing high speed testing at the Nurburgring. Numerous prototypes have been sighted in Europe, U.S and Dubai. The new XF could be unveiled at the upcoming Frankfurt Motorshow and it will go on sale in the UK spring 2008.

Hot Mondeo breaks cover

Ford recently launched the Mondeo across Europe and now the sportier version of the Mondeo has broken cover. The new carwill be named ST.

Prototypes have been sighted in Germany and the UK. UK based test mules have taped badges and twin exhausts pipes and steel trims.

Under the hood, there could be two engine alternatives. The first could be the 260 bhp 2.3 litre four-cylinder turbo-engine taken from the Mazda 6 MPS and the second engine could be the five-cylinder 300 bhp engine from Volvo.

In order to disguise the slightly larger frontal air intakes, Ford engineers decide to heavily tape some of the intake and the lower radiator grille.

Prices could start from around £25,000 and the new sporty family car will rival up against the upcoming Mazda6 MPS.

In the UK, the Ford Mondeo ST is rarer than the Aston Martin DB9 with under 600 units sold.

Citroen C3 MPV spied

Citroén has decided to enter the crowded market segment of mini MPVs with a version of the C3 dubbed as the C3 StreetLounge.

Scheduled to be released in 2008 this new model will compete directly against the Renault Modus,Vauxhall/Opel Meriva, Nissan Note and Ford’s upcoming Fiesta based B-Max.

Based on the same platform as Peugeot's 207, the C3 StreetLounge will get most of the engines that we can find under the little lion’s hood today. That means both petrol engines as well as the powerful HDI engines. Buyers will also have the choice of three gearboxes, a standard manual, the clutchless Sensodrive as well as a fully automatic transmission.

The new car is going to be a five-seater with a loading area that can be extended by sliding or folding the rear bench. Inside there will be centrally mounted dials as well as higher quality materials. Also, some features of the recently released C4 Picasso will find its way into the new mini-MPV.

Maybe we can expect a concept of this car at Frankfurt’s Car Show in September with the production model being debuted a year later at the Paris Car Show in Paris 2008.

Pictures are showing a prototype testing at a secret track in France as well as a artist impression of how the car could look like.

New Car: 2008 Chevrolet Aveo

This is the all-new 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. The new supermini will be unveiled at the upcoming IAA Frankfurt Motorshow. Engines will consist of 1.2 litre (84 hp) and 1.4 litre (98 hp) engine but there are still no diesels in the Aveo line-up. The new car should be hitting European showrooms in March 2008.

Although its not the best looking supermini on the market its sure to be as successful as the current model.

Renauult Laguna Wagon caught on photoshoot

The Renault Laguna is yet to reach European roads but spies in France have caught the station wagon on a brochure shoot.

The new large family car will go on sale 12th November 2007 in the UK.

Engines will be the same as the hatchback and prices are yet to be announced but expect them to be competitive.

Suzuki set to unveil D-Segment competitor

The Kizashi concept provides strong clues as to the future midsize sedan that Suzuki plans to launch in early 2009 in North America and other global markets. The new mid-sized sedan will be officially been unveiled at the Frankfurt Motorshow in September. When the car reaches production it will rival against the Ford Mondeo, Honda Accord, Vauxhall Vectra, Renault Laguna, Mazda6 etc in the European market.

To be built in Japan, the new four-door is a larger companion to the SX4 sedan. It will be joined by a new midsize wagon and is expected to replace the Korea-built Forenza.

Kia Mesa sheds disguise

We've seen some official teaser shots of the upcoming Kia Mesa SUV and now we have a fresh spy photo of the new vehicle undergoing final hot-weather testing in Death Valley.

The Mesa's production is expected to start in 3 months time. The rear end is still plastered heavily with disguise.