Audi A1 Metroproject Quattro debuts at Tokyo

The Audi Metroproject Quattro concept is believed to be the first version of the Audi A1.In an earlier interview, Audi Technical Development chief Michael Dick said the A1 would be "manlier and sportier" than the MINI Cooper and he was right. This car has a smooth, attractive front-end that seems to form a intimidating grin and rear tail-lights that virtually ogle down trailing motorists. This car rides on elegant, lightweight, ten-spoke wheels. Inside the cabin, the Metroproject has remarkably clean lines, what appears to be paddle shifters behind the steering wheel and a built-in MP3 player. On top of everything else, you can apparently keep track of this car's status on your mobile phone!

The Audi Metroproject Quattro has a battery pack in visibly mounted in the boot and lit in soothing blue lights with a charge indicator on the side. We had heard rumor that this concept would be a hybrid and it certainly seems that way.

The A1 should be offered with a turbocharged gas engine, turbocharged diesel engine ranging in size from 1.2 litres to 2.0 litres. A base model with an 80 horsepower, naturally aspirated 1.4 litre engine is also expected to hit showroom floors.

With a base price at or below $25,500, Audi hopes their MINI-killer will sell between 80,000 and 100,000 units per year. Audi has done a great job with the design of this car, that sales of the Fiat 500 might also be affected. Although formerly expected at the Frankfurt show last September, the Audi Metroproject Quattro concept will be exposed to the public in person at 10:30 am Tokyo time on October 24th, at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. Production on the Audi A1 is planned for 2009.

Dick also said, "When a father sits gladly in his daughter's car, then we've got it spot on."Congratulations, Mr. Dick. We think you have it spot on.

Kia ECO Cee'd set for production in 2009

Production of ‘eco’ cee’d models planned from December 2008

Significantly reduced fuel consumption and lowered emissions

Will meet Euro5 emissions more than two years before requirement

Retains best-in-class 7-Years Warranty and EuroNCAP 5-Star rating

Aerodynamic enhancements cut drag to Cd 0.29:

The impressive performance, fuel economy and emissions figures of the concept car were largely the result of improved aerodynamics which brought the drag coefficient down from Cd 0.33 to just Cd 0.29, representing a significant improvement of 11%. Following extensive wind-tunnel testing, Kia engineers lowered the concept’s suspension, fitted under-floor coverings to the front, middle and rear of the vehicle, adopted wheel arch linings with ‘spoiler’ lips to smooth airflow around the wheels, plus a low-drag front grille to improve air flow over the vehicle. Finally, ultra-low rolling resistance Michelin tyres were mounted on special 17-inch alloy wheels that generate minimum disturbance to the airflow along the sides of the car.

Euro5 emissions, enhanced electronics and reduced engine friction:

Engines for the ‘eco’ cee’d models will already comply with the Euro5 emissions regulations which come into force in January 2011. Engine changes which will transfer to the ‘eco’ cee’d range from the concept car include measures to maximise fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, such as reduced turbo boost pressure (diesel models), enhanced fuel injection timing, modified residual gas rates and reductions in internal engine friction.

New ISG (Idle Stop&Go) system:

To maximise the value of the aerodynamic and powertrain improvements, the new ‘eco’ cee’d models will be fitted with Kia’s new ISG (Idle Stop&Go) system, including Smart battery Power Management. This system has regenerative braking, which automatically recharges the battery during deceleration, and switches the engine off when the car is stopped and the engine is at idle, dramatically cutting both fuel consumption and emissions during typical stop-start city driving.

More gears, lower revs, lower consumption:

All the new ‘eco’ cee’d’ models will be fitted with a new six-speed manual gearbox instead of the five-speed used on standard cars. Higher ratios for fourth, fifth and sixth gears will improve fuel consumption at motorway speeds. First, second and third gears retain the standard ratios to ensure that the dynamic performance of the standard car accelerating from standstill is carried over. To further guarantee that the ‘eco’ cee’d models’ engines and transmissions are always operating at high efficiency, an ECU-controlled ‘Shift Indicator’ will be fitted in the instrument cluster. This displays the optimum gear choice for the speed at which the car is travelling, and indicates the ideal moment (based on road speed and engine speed) at which to change gear.

Customer choices for a greener future:

The new ‘eco’ cee’d product line-up will include all three regular cee’d body styles – five-door, three-door and wagon – to continue Kia’s policy of maximising customer choice. All ‘eco’ cee’d models will retain the standard cee’d electric power steering, fully independent suspension and all-disc braking system, so the ‘eco-friendly’ cars will be just as much fun to drive as the regular models.

2008 Hyundai i10 facelift; Undisguised

We recently published some spy photos of the upcoming Hyundai i10 which was caught wearing heavy disguise and now we have it captured naked in India where it will be made.

2008 Hyundai i10 facelift

New Car: 2008 Citroen C5

These are the first official pictures of the all-new Citroen C5, which arrives in 2008.

Even so, we reckon that the new C5's got just enough Gallic flair to set it apart, and it's a good-looking machine. This time, the C5 comes in both estate and saloon forms, the latter with a concave rear window – a real Citroen feature. There's no hatch, whereas the previous model came as an estate or a hatch that looked not unlike a saloon.

Coil springs or hydropneumatics:

In a big departure for Citroen, the C5 will be available with 'normal' coil-spring suspension, though the company's trademark Hydractive hydropneumatic suspesnsion will be an option. The entry level models will come with coil suspension, and the posher models with hydropneumatic. With a push for more fleet sales, Citroen reckons on a 50:50 split of sales between the versions.

Both coil-sprung (double wishbones up front, multi-link at the rear) and Hydractive cars are based on Citroen's Platform 3 – also used in the Peugeot 407 and the C6 saloon. Citroen says the new car is 70kg heavier than the current C5.

It's a big car:

The C5 saloon is 4.78m long, 1.86m wide and 1.45m tall, and sits on a 2.82m wheelbase. The estate is the same width, but 4.83m long and 1.48m tall.

Expect interior space to be excellent. There are few quirky Citroen touches in the smart-looking cabin, though the dials have "annular needles", said to have been influenced by the instruments in aeroplanes. That means that the needles run around the outside of the dials, leaving the inside clear for digital displays.

Economy, frugality, exclusivity:

A total of seven engines will be available; three petrols and four diesels.The petrols are 123bhp 1.8 or 138bhp 2.0 four-pots, and a 208bhp 3.0-litre V6.

Diesels are a 107bhp 1.6, a 134bhp 2.0, a 168bhp 2.2 and a 205bhp 2.7-litre V6.

They will be available with a range of five and six-speed manual gearboxes, a six-speed auto for the V6 diesel and a six-speed sequential manual 'box.

There will be three trim levels: Harmonie, Caractere and Exclusive. All models get standard cruise control and electric parking brakes. Options include xenon lights, massage seats and Citroen's next-generation NaviDrive sat-nav.

Front, front side, curtain and driver's knee airbags are standard, and rear side airbags are optional.

The saloon goes on sale in the UK in late May 2008, and the estate follows in August. Expect prices to start at around £15,500.

The new C5 will be competing against the Ford Mondeo, Renault Laguna, Mazda6, Vauxhall/Opel Vectra, Honda Accord, Toyota Avensis and the Volkswagen Passat

New Car: 2008 Honda Fit (JDM)

The new Fit will go on sale in Japan on Friday, October 26, 2007. The Fit has gained popularity as a small car that features outstanding packaging, excellent fuel economy, and advanced styling.

The second-generation Fit was developed following the tradition of Honda’s man maximum, machine minimum concept with the goal of creating the ideal small car for a new age. To provide values which exceed customer expectations for a small car and to set a new benchmark in the highly competitive small car segment, packaging, utility and driving performance have been further advanced with the all-new Fit.

The packaging of the new Fit is based on Honda’s innovative center tank layout, with a longer wheelbase and wider track for enhanced interior space and practicality, combined with the small-car maneuverability of a 4.7-metre minimum turning radius. The front pillar has been moved forward to create a spacious interior, while the exterior boasts exhilarating styling. An ingenious interior layout helped create a comfortable cabin with space equivalent to a mid-sized sedan. The new Fit’s practicality has also been enhanced with four-mode “Ultra Seat” and three-mode “Ultra Luggage” storage spaces.

The new Fit’s dynamic performance is made possible by a newly developed 1.3-litre i-VTEC engine that delivers maximum output of 73kW (100PS). Combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and newly developed torque converter, the engine provides enjoyable driving and class-leading 24 km/l fuel economy. The body rigidity and crash safety performance were also enhanced while maintaining weight equivalent to the previous model. Moreover, the newly designed chassis also helps achieve superior comfort and steady handling.

Newly added to the Fit lineup is a Road Sailing (RS) version which highlights a sportier and sophisticated character with a newly developed 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and a specially designed suspension with enhanced styling and a richer feel.

Honda Fit was first introduced in Japan in June 2001. It is now being produced in six factories in five countries and sold in approximately 115 countries around the world, with cumulative sales of more than two million units.

Honda’s man maximum, machine minimum concept is a basic approach to car design that calls for maximizing the space available for humans and minimizing the space occupied by mechanical components.

Key features of the new Fit:

Exterior styling:

The exterior styling is intended to express both spaciousness and dynamic motion, with front pillars moved forward for an advanced, super-forward form. The fuel lid dovetails seamlessly with the monoform styling thanks to Honda’s first application of a push-lift opener. The door mirrors provide greater visibility with 30% more surface area supported by a compact mount located at the base of the front quarter light. The addition of five new colors brings the total available body colors to twelve.

Packaging:

The center tank layout was carried over from the previous model to help maintain the maneuverability expected of a small car while allowing enhancement of cabin space and practicality. The overall length has been increased 55 mm to 3,900 mm and the width 20 mm to 1,695 mm, while the 1,525 mm height remains the same as the previous model, allowing for use of tower parking.

While the wheelbase has been increased 50 mm to 2,500 mm, the tread size has also been increased to help optimize the steering angle and maintain the minimum turning radius of the previous model at 4.7 metres.

An emergency tire repair kit is provided instead of a spare tire, freeing up 64 litres of storage space beneath the floor. Combined with the space in the luggage room this brings the total available luggage space to an amazing 427 litres.

The rear hatch opening is located 605 mm from the ground, making it easy to load and unload luggage. The rear doors also open to a wide 80° angle, providing even easier access for passengers and facilitating loading and unloading of luggage.

Interior:

The cabin features an ingenious layout with equivalent space as one of Honda’s middle-class sedans, providing passengers a natural feeling of comfort.

The large three-meter cluster provides superior visibility with permanent illumination. The speedometer, located in the center of the cluster, features a large LED display providing of a broad range of information, including current fuel economy and range indications.

To ensure a comfortable driving position for all drivers, a tilt and telescopic steering column as well as a ratchet-operated seat height adjuster have been applied.

The front quarter windows are three times of the size of those in the previous model, and the width of the front pillar has been reduced by 20 mm to provide enhanced visibility. A new Sky Roof provides even more sense of space and comfort in the cabin. The power sun shield can be opened and closed with the touch of a switch for a comfortable cabin all year round.

The front seat is based on the seat frame of a middle-class sedan and fitted with springs and padding optimized for seat hold and ride comfort. The rear seats are 20 mm wider, 15 mm deeper and have cushions 10 mm thicker for enhanced ride comfort. The left and right headrests fit into the seat back for easy seat arrangement and 30% better rearward visibilities.

Utility:

The four modes of “Ultra Seat” provide enhanced utility.

Utility mode:

Easy one-motion dive down and release operation of the rear seats. The luggage space can be extended to a maximum length of 1,720 mm thanks to the spacious full-flat floor. The three “Ultra Luggage” modes provide added practicality to Fit’s cargo space.

Upper/Lower mode: Lift the flexible luggage board from the floor to separate the luggage space into upper and lower partitions. The net used to create the upper space is perfect for carrying irregularly shaped objects that won’t sit flat. The Fit interior is replete with practical utility, starting with 10 cup-holders and a wide range of easy-to-use storage spaces.

A Honda HDD InterNavi navigation system equipped with a 7-inch wide display and a 40GB hard disk is available as a factory option. And with the new Fit Honda introduces two new services to enhance the driving experience of members of the InterNavi Premium Club: New Road Data and Earthquake Information System.

Powertrain:

The new Fit comes with either of two new engines: a 1.3 litre i-VTEC or a 1.5 litre i-VTEC. In addition to the superior low-rpm torque of its predecessors, the new 1.3l i-VTEC brings more power to the high rpm range and delivers enhanced fuel economy in everyday driving. The new four-valve configuration with enhanced intake performance and drive-by-wire technology combine to help achieve a power rating of 73 kW (100PS). The use of only one of the two intake valves at low rpm increases EGR efficiency, helping the Fit achieve a class-leading 24 km per litre fuel economy.

The new 1.5 litre i-VTEC delivers superior fuel economy combined with lively dynamic performance and plentiful torque throughout all speed ranges. Intake valve timing and clearance settings switch to match for low- and high-speed driving and optimized valve overlap in the low-, mid-, and high speed ranges enhances intake and exhaust efficiency for power output of 88 kW (120PS) and superior fuel economy of 19.6 km per litre.

The Fit’s continuous variable transmission delivers enhanced drive and off-the-line acceleration thanks to the implementation of a new torque converter. Higher gear ratios also help improve fuel economy by keeping rpms low during cruising. The low-friction, high-efficiency oil pump and pulleys as well as a new creep control system provide optimized creep control at low speeds and during idling for improved fuel economy.

Body:

Body construction and design have been ingeniously modified to improve body rigidity and crash safety performance even while maintaining the same weight as the previous model. Noise and vibration during idling as well as booming noise while cruising are quieter than ever thanks to highly efficient connections of structural members and enhanced body stiffness.

The implementation of sound-absorbing acoustic materials in the roof, carpet, and dashboard insulation contribute both to greater quietness and to lower weight. The RS Type is equipped with special damping and acoustic materials to achieve quietness expected of more expensive vehicles.

Chassis:

The newly designed chassis realizes both superior ride comfort and steady handling. The rigid body and supple suspension provide an exceptional dynamic performance.

The new Fit features a McPherson strut front suspension.

The H-shaped torsion beam rear suspension achieves the maximum possible space for the rear seats and cargo area as well as supple ride comfort and steady handling.

The new electric power steering has more capacity than the previous model, and improvements to steering gear box rigidity and attachment points provide a more direct steering feel.

Safety:

The RS Type comes with Honda’s vehicle stability assist (VSA) system, which is the first implementation of VSA with a manual transmission vehicle in this class. In addition, engine torque control and DBW throttle control enable precise control of the vehicle in driving.A side curtain air bag system function with the front seat i-side air bag system to provide added protection against head injuries during side collisions. Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body provides enhanced self-protection and better compatibility in collisions with other vehicles. Honda pedestrian-injury reduction body design helps protect pedestrians from injury in the event of a collision.

All Fit models are equipped with an electronic brake distribution ABS system plus brake assist functionality as standard equipment. In addition to an ISO FIX child seat bar, tether anchors are provided in both the left and right rear seats as standard equipment.

Environmental:

All types have been certified by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport as having achieved a 75% reduction with respect to emissions regulations for 2005. All types equipped with CVT exceed Japanese fuel economy standards for 2010 by 20%; G- and L-Type equipped with 4WD as well as RS-Type equipped with 5MT exceed Japanese fuel economy standards for 2010 by 5%; RS-Type equipped with 4WD comply with Japanese fuel economy standards for 2010.

The use of VOCs in the cabin has been reduced to a minimum, and all types comply with indoor density guidelines set out by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Rotating passenger seat:

A rotating passenger seat is available to take full advantage of Fit’s ease of access. Incorporating the same styling, ride comfort, and bolstering as the base model, this exclusive seat has been designed with a specially contoured seat cushion for enhanced ease of access. Oversized bearings help ensure smooth rotation.

295 mm of foot space during rotation—a full 65 mm more than the previous model—has been achieved together with a seat height of 585 mm for enhanced ease of access.

The tip up configuration of the ULTRA SEAT Tall mode enables easy loading and unloading of a wheelchair through the rear seats.

New Car: 2009 Nissan GT-R

Numerous GT-R prototypes have been caught testing around the world, including at Germany's Nürburgring and California's Laguna Seca Raceway, but this is the first look at the rocket coupe's completely undisguised sheet metal.

Most of the specifications aren't expected to be announced until Nissan's Tokyo show press conference on October 24, but today we know that the all-wheel-drive 2009 GT-R will get a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 that produces 473 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. It'll drive all four wheels through a rear-mounted transaxle. The only transmission will be a GR6 dual-clutch six-speed automatic. And of course there will be paddle shifters for your enjoyment — the same leather-wrapped aluminum paddle shifters as Nissan uses in the G35 sedan.

Nissan says the GT-R will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, finish the quarter-mile in 11.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 192 mph. Base price is expected to be less than $80,000.

If true, the GT-R will be serious competition for the Porsche 911 Turbo, which it has been routinely seen testing alongside.

Renault Vel Satis replacement to be built in South Korea

Reports are that Renault is planning a follow up to its mold-breaking Vel Satis executive sedan, joining an alleged roadster for release in 2009.

Renault Samsung Motors, a South Korean subsidiary of the French company, has been tapped to produce a high-end Vel Satis replacement for export markets, including France.

The new four-door vehicle will be produced in Butan, but sold under the Renault banner in Russia, the Persian Gulf, Latin America, and Western Europe.

A follow up to the critically acclaimed, but poor selling Vel Satis, the new sedan will join production of a new 4×4 for the Korean manufacturer. RSM plans to produce 170,000 vehicles this year, with plans for around 300,000 by 2010.

Volkswagen Up! heading for production

Confidential documents leaked from Volkswagen have revealed the group’s expectations for its new breed of rear-wheel-drive small cars.

We got our first glimpse of this next generation at the Frankfurt motor in September, in the form of a cleverly-packaged, rear-engined city car concept called the Up!.

It’s expected to go into production in 2010 and will most likely be built at one of Skoda’s factory in the Czech Republic that is currently being modernised to cope with extra production capacity.

VW estimates sales of 4.1 million models over a nine-year lifecycle and considers this its biggest project since the original Beetle was phased out for the Golf in 1974.

Around 200,000 cars a year will be sold in Europe, badged as Volkswagens, Seats and Skodas. Developing markets such as Russia and India will make up a significant proportion of the remaining demand.

The production model based on the Up! concept will be cheap to buy and run, with three-door versions expected to cost around £6000.

New Car: 2008 Ford Focus Facelift

Winner of more than 80 awards and the only vehicle in the world to be named Car of the Year both in Europe and North America, Ford’s Focus has been something of a phenomenon since the launch of the original back in 1998.

Now in its second generation, with more than 1.1 million examples sold in the UK and a range which includes hatchback, saloon, estate and Coupé-Cabriolet derivatives, the Focus success story enters another chapter.

Following its unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford has announced that a new version of its family favourite will begin rolling off production lines from the end of 2007. Three-door, four-door, five-door and estate body styles will be first in UK showrooms, Coupé-Cabriolet and ST sporting flagship variants arriving in spring 2008.

Benefiting from Ford’s ‘kinetic design’ approach to styling, the 2008 Focus takes its inspiration from the critically acclaimed new Mondeo. The result is a classier and more distinctive appearance from a vehicle that’s now as exciting to look at as it is to drive.

Working from the front towards the rear, trapezoidal grilles, swept back headlamps, bold wheel arches, newly shaped rear glass, a contoured tailgate and new tail lamps are the key changes. Higher trim grades benefit from chrome detailing and a stylish, body-coloured upper rear spoiler.

Inside, the upmarket aura continues. New soft-touch plastics now cover the instrument panel as well as the upper front door trim and this is complemented by plush new seat fabrics plus a variety of attractive fascia finishing's. The instrumentation has been re-designed too and, along with all other interior controls, is illuminated in red. Controls for the upgraded audio equipment and two-zone air conditioning have also been ergonomically improved.

Furthermore, the Titanium now includes a newly designed centre console (optional with Zetec and part of the Sport Pack), which adopts the flowing 'kinetic design' look. In addition to a movable armrest and a four-litre-capacity storage compartment, there are storage areas for back-seat passengers or the facility to add optional items such as a 230 volt socket or the USB audio connection box. Another feature available as an option from the beginning of 2008 is the Ford Power Button, which will be positioned near the gear shifter.

The aesthetic appeal of Ford's latest Focus is matched by a range of mechanical introductions, including an all-new automated gearbox. The Ford PowerShift transmission will be available from early 2008 in the new Ford Focus as well as the Ford C-MAX, in combination with the 136PS and new 110PS versions of the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine.

Jointly developed by Ford and transmission specialists GETRAG, the gearbox consists of two layshaft transmissions working in parallel, each with its own wet clutch unit. Thanks to the layout of the intermediate shafts – one carrying the 'uneven' gears 1, 3 and 5, while the other one 'even' gears 2, 4 and 6 – the next gear change can be prepared by pre-selection whilst in motion and at full power.

As a result, in this configuration, the average fuel consumption improves by around 10 per cent, and CO2 emissions will be lower, compared to a conventional six-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Final homologated fuel economy and CO2 emissions data, as well as performance data for the Ford Focus with this new transmission technology, will be published closer to the car's market launch.

Another new development is the Focus "ECOnetic" which features an array of aerodynamic efficiencies and is powered by a 109 PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi with standard Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Average consumption for the Focus ECOnetic is a frugal 65mpg. This corresponds to an average CO2 emission of only 115g/km, which is a class leading result for a conventional vehicle in this segment.

As a direct result of the Ford ECOnetic initiative, all Focus 1.6-litre TDCi variants will achieve 119g/km CO2 and this is regardless of power rating, body style or wheel dimensions. Flexifuel version of the 1.8-litre Duratec petrol four-cylinder engine can be fuelled with bio-ethanol E85-fuel as an alternative to conventional unleaded petrol – or in any mix of both. The Ford Focus range also includes CNG (compressed natural gas) and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) derivatives both based on the 2.0-litre Duratec petrol engine.

The 2008 Ford Focus range will initially be offered across Studio, Style, Zetec and Titanium trim grades. More detailed information about the UK range and prices will be release close to the car's on-sale date.

Ford Europes sets new September sales record

September sales increased by 3.1 per cent to a record for the month of 179,200
Sales for the first nine months of the year increased by 70,300, to 1,384,500

Across its main 21 European markets, Ford sold a record 179,200 vehicles, a 3.1 per cent increase over September 2006. Market share improved to 9.8 per cent.
For the first nine months of the year, the company's sales increased by 5.4 per cent, to 1,384,500.

The Focus and Fiesta were Ford's top car models, selling 45,400 and 40,300 units respectively, while new Mondeo sold 18,350 units, its highest volume yet. Transit and Transit Connect dominated the company's commercial vehicle sales. Sales of the new Transit soared 5,300 units, to 21,200, with the Transit Connect improving by 700 units to 8,900 units.

Britain was the Ford's top market, selling 70,800 vehicles. Share in that country was a market leading 15 per cent. Elsewhere, Ford increased its sales in most of its main 21 markets, with particularly strong performances in Russia (+3,200) and in Italy (+1,265). Turkey achieved the company's highest market share, 17.8 per cent, with sales of 7,360.

"We enter the final months of the year in a strong position and we are optimistic that 2007 as a whole will be a year of significant sales progress for us," said Stephen Odell, Vice President, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe.

Ford's sales data includes both passenger cars and commercial vehicles from its 21 major European Sales Companies, including Russia and Turkey. Market share excludes Russia.

Ford Taurus selling slow...

The new Ford Taurus (old 500) isn't selling too well. Ford was hoping to sell around 20,000 units each month.

The Taurus is the safest mid-sized sedan sold in the U.S at the moment.

September sales for the Taurus and the 500:

3,562 Tauruses were sold in September 2007 while 6,054 Five Hundreds was sold in the same month in 2006

Long wheelbase Jeep Grand Cherokee to replace Commander?

When the existing Jeep Commander goes out of production at the end of the decade, it will mark the end for the short-lived nameplate. That's because Chrysler has no plans to build a second-generation Commander.

Introduced at the New York auto show in 2005, the Commander will only go for one life cycle and cease production sometime around 2010. Slow sales and company reorganization — along with weak fuel economy and poor reviews — have doomed Jeep's seven-passenger 'ute.

However, Jeep will not let the seven-passenger market slip away. Once the Commander dies it will, in essence, be replaced by a long-wheelbase version of the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee. Further, the next-gen Grand Cherokee is set to be built on a chassis shared with Mercedes-Benz.

Sources indicated this is still the plan even after the separation of Daimler and Chrysler. Obviously Chrysler's new management wants to save wherever possible — sharing the cost of chassis development (which is hugely expensive) is a great way to do that. That said, it would be wise to keep in mind that Chrysler is still in the midst of a turn around and anything is possible.

Jeep sold 88,000 Commanders in 2006 thanks to heavy discounts, averaging between $6,000 and $8,000. Analysts suspect the Commander mostly cannibalized sales of the slightly smaller Grand Cherokee, rather than bringing in new customers. The company sold 139,000 Grand Cherokees last year, down 75,000 from the previous year.

New Car: 2008 Jaguar X-Type

Jaguar’s X-type saloon is set to receive a fresh look that mimics the styling of its big brother, the XJ.

The new 2008 X-type makes its debut at the Tokyo motor show later this month. It’s not just the styling that’s different, either; almost 500 components have changed in the car, and the 2.2-litre diesel will be available with an automatic gearbox for the first time.

That should broaden the car’s appeal, especially as prices remain close to those of the current car.

But the X-type will no longer be available in America from March 2008, when the new XF saloon goes on sale.

The smallest Jaguar has struggled to sell in the numbers required in the US, and as of December this year, production of US-model cars will stop.

The new 2.2-litre diesel automatic will cost from from £22,500 for the saloon and £23,900 for the estate when the revised car goes on sale in the UK in March.