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The 2012 Chevrolet Spark is reportedly back on track for the US market. The Korean-built subcompact, sold in a previous incarnation as the Daewoo Matiz, will arrive next year as a 2013 model, riding on GM's Yo Gabba Gabba platform. Ok, no. More »
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The fate of the Chevy Beat is still in limbo for US markets, but as we see here, that isn't stopping the ongoing development of the latest GM minicar. The Beat gets a buddy for some hot weather testing and we get a look at the interior for the first time. For a subcompact, it's hard to be surprised by the spartan accommodations and the long-handled shifter, but we do like the floating gauge pod mounted directly to what appears to be a tilting steering column. Coupled with a high seating arrangement and supposedly true-to-concept styling, the Beat is shaping up to be more than your average econo-beater. More »
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With all insiders saying the Audi A1 will make an appearance at the Tokyo motor show next month, it's no surprise that various prototypes are making the rounds. A new series of shots from the Nizzurbring show what spies say is a VW Polo Cup edition body over an A1 chassis. Fender flares have been stapled forth to handle the A1's more bulldog-like stance. That's what engineers hope will give it an edge against the Mini Cooper. It's not coming to the states, but the A1 will show up in Europe, snow shoes and caviar lashed to the roof, sometime in 2009. [World Car Fans] More »
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What will Ford Europe's next generation of small cars look like? The company's giving a sneak peak by way of the Verve concept. The company says the subcompact model offers a "significant hint" at the new Fiesta, which will get a new look based on Euro Ford's "kinetic" design language. That's the styling vocab introduced with the company's S-Max and Galaxy vans and the latest Mondeo. The two-door concept will debut at next month's Frankfurt auto show. A few of the Jalops were talking yesterday, and one came up with the idea that Ford Europe should stage a hostile takover of Ford North America. The rest of us couldn't agree more. And just like that, Automotive News reports that Versions of the Fiesta for North America and Asia will go on sale sometime between 2008 and 2010. Hiho! More »
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Opel says it's plotting to show a hybrid version of its Corsa subcompact at the Frankfurt show, defying all those clean diesels who think so highly of themselves. The company says the comabination of a 1.3-liter gas engine and part-time electric motor add up to 62 miles per gallon US. That while spewing a mere 99 grams of C02 per kilometer. The concept Corsa also has such de rigeur hybrid features as stop-start. No word on whether the VW Polo BlueMotion has told all its friends the Corsa puts erasers up its nose. More »
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If you thought Audi would roll out its new entry-level luxe subcompact for Europe in Frankfurt, Germany's Auto Motor und Sport says, sie sind eine grosse dumbkoff!! The A1, the mag says, will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October as a hybridized concept. According to Michael Dick, commandant of Technical Development at Audi, the A1 will be "manlier" und "schportier" than BMW's Mini. As translated by the Finnish blokes at World Car Fans, he added, "When a father sits gladly in his daughter's car, then we've got it spot on." Makes sense, but now we feel creepy. [Auto Motor und Sport via World Car Fans] More »
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If you thought Mini buyers had a lot of accessories to pore through, better sharpen your number-two pencil. The Fiat 500's order sheet is like sweating out the SATs, without the raging hangover. Need a refill for the "Summer citrus fruit+Essence of the night+Breath of freedom" diffuser? Better check it off. Frau leather upholstery? Check. Ivory jacket-hanger for front head-restraint? Check. No, a black one. Check. "Italian flag" badge for wing? Check. Barcode racing stripe? What the hell. Click through for more customization trinketry. – Mike Spinelli More »
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Fourth of July was the official launch date — 50 years after the original "Nuova 500" debuted. And a press conference this morning confirmed and elucidated what had been known for nearly a year. Fiat's new, new 500 is here. That is, in Europe; Fiat CEO Sergio Macchione dashed all hopes of a US-bound 500 in a statement earlier today. Nonetheless, as expected the price will be between €10,500 and €14,500 — a sweet spot for minicars — and will come with a catalog of accessories that makes Mini's choices seem downright Victorian. Stay tuned... More 500 to come. – Mike Spinelli More »
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Carmakers are still apparently convinced US buyers would rather be poked in the eye with a stick than drive a hatchback. BMW's opted for a coupe for its US-bound 1-Series, not a snogback like the Euro model. Now, according to Edmunds Inside Line, Ford's planning to bring its Ford Fiesta model to the states as a sedan, not a hatch, as its sold in other countries. If you'll recall, the Fiesta was last seen in the US in the early '80s (pictured), as a pale competitor to the VW Rabbit. You can still find a decently preserved specimen or two rocking autocross courses, though you'd be hard pressed to find a roadworthy example that wasn't a mere pile of red dirt by now. But the Fiesta Hatch lived on across the pond, and talk of Ford bringing it o ver have been slinging since earlier this decade. But a sedan? Please Tell me it's not just about golf clubs. – Mike Spinelli More »
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The Cube is coming to the US. We've been hearing that (and its inverse) for nigh on two years. But if Japan's financial newspaper Nikkei is to be believed, a restyled Cube, along with two additional subcompacts, could hit these shores (and Europe's) as early as 2008. Long the favored hookup spot for Japanese youths, most of whose parents don't have a wood-paneled basement, the Cube will reportedly lead a charge into the lower end of the US car market. A full redesign, which will likely bring the two-box box up to current US crash-test standards, will be revealed next year. Roach clips and Shonen Knife albums, optional. – Mike Spinelli More »
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The new Fiat 500 is a four-wheeled hype machine for the boys at Fiat. The car's launch has already been pulled forward from September to July of this year. Now, Fiat CEO Sergio "The Count" Marchionne has devilishly implied that the 500 could hit US shores by 2010. "Sooner or later it is a possibility," he says. Sounds slightly somewhat definite, no? – Mike Spinelli More »
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Fiat's resurrection of the Cinquecento is nearly complete. The company's already sent out shots of the Nuova 500 to the auto press, given it its own minisite (curse the faux-reggae sound bed!), and targeted it for hipster-dork uptake. The last stage is to show the damn thing. And according to a set of images on Autoblog.it, that's happening on July 4th, in time for the 50th anniversary of its ancestors birth. – Mike Spinelli More »
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Why you should buy this car: Because you want an economical yet sporty car that gets very respectable fuel mileage, has a good measure of practicality, and throws fun to drive into the soup pot of miserly subcompact automotive selections. Because you fancy yourself a apex-carving Pompurin. More »
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Exterior Design: *** More »
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Back in the punk rock days of the early eighties Boston, a weekly paper called Boston Rock published a comic called Steven. Like Picasso, Steven had a friend named Brock. Unlike Picasso's pal Braque, Brock lived in a refrigerator box. From the outside his box looked like a box, but inside it was a luxurious flat. Sometimes when Steven visited Brock, he'd be installing storm windows or an air conditioner on the box, and they'd retire inside to watch big-screen TV. While the Honda Fit is no refrigerator box, it is a very entertaining vehicle that, like Brock's box, defies its subcompact size. More »
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Mazda's new Mazda2 subcompact entry will debut tomorrow at the Geneva auto show, but press-kit images leaked over the weekend ahead of an official revealing. It's the first incarnation of Ford's new Fiesta platform, for which the company reportedly has global ambitions. With more swages and wrinkles than a mechanical shi-tsu, the Mazda2 cuts a knotty design profile. According to gun-jumper km77.com, the Mazda2 for Europe will come with a choice of two engines, a 1.3-liter (in 75 hp and 84 hp variants) and a 1.5-liter with 104 hp. Five-speed manual and an automatic of similar coggage will be available. As the newest images indicate, a sports appearance package anchored by a factory body kit will be on the option sheet when the Mazda2 debuts in Europe this summer. No word on a US release, but feel free to speculate wildly. – Mike Spinelli More »
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Mazda today revealed the redesigned, flame-surfaced subcompact that is its new Mazda2, ahead of its unveiling at the Geneva show next month. Built on Mazda-Ford's new global B1 platform, the new two is rumored to be headed to the US to compete with the Nissan Versa, Honda Fit and that Toyota that looks like a doorknob. Possibly by 2008, but more likely by 2009. [Thanks to Stephan for the tip.] – Mike Spinelli More »
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According to the UK's Autoexpress, Ford's working up a new, super-Fiesta that will share a design aesthetic with Ford Europe's other new models (e.g., Mondeo and S-Max). The mag says the car's an outgrowth of the company's new small-car platform, from which the Mazda2 (which we will likely see in the US along with an new Ford small SUV, dubbed Ecosport) is based. Word is the new, Cologne-built model (represented above in spec illustration) won't be all econobox and no action. It'll get high-tech features like electronic brake force distribution and traction control systems and the Microsoft-developed Sync technology, as well as a markedly upgraded interior. The marquee event will be an ST model, powered by a turboxharged, 1.6-liter four, producing 170 hp. Hat hotchness! – Mike Spinelli More »
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So yeah, Mazda's been working on a new, world-market subcompact based on the same platform (B1) as the Ford Fiesta sold in Europe and elsewhere. That car, spies have said, is the Mazda2, whose appearance in the US is fairly certain, though a version from Ford model is still rumored to be in the works. Said spies also say the Mazda2's set for launch later this year, along with a wagon version. The shots may be doctored, but the unknowns are unassailable. – Mike Spinelli More »
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Any stateside Alfa Romeo fan worth their blood-soaked rags and empty bank account will be heartened to see this new spec image of the upcoming Alfa Junior. Though, lest they get too heartened, it's not likely to hit these shores. If you've not been playing along, Alfa Romeo is working up a new Mini fighter, resurrecting the Junior moniker to give the model historical context. According to Italian car magazine Quattrofettuccine (or something), Fiat Group will introduce the new Junior, which will be based on the Fiat Punto Grande, in 2008. Between this and an new Abarth-tuned Fiat 500 (fingers crossed), we may try out an intercontinental commute. – Mike Spinelli More »
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Considering a rumor that Toyota plans to produce its Endo concept (pictured), Edmunds Inside Line adds accelerant to the conflagration. The 10-foot-long four-seater was unveiled at the Frankfurt show last year, showcasing the deft spacial-engineering skills of Toyota's ED2 design studio of Europe. With DaimlerChrysler's Smart brand set for a major US push, it's no intuitive leap to imagine ToMoCo planning a competitor for the Fortwo. Of course, it already has such a car in play elsewhere in the world — the Aygo minicar. That means either the Endo will either replace the Aygo eventually, slot in above it as a premium-class small car, or be a distinctly American offering. Hmm – Mike Spinelli More »
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All the pundits are talking this morning about how Ford US missed the small-car revolution by leaving the money-losing Focus (not an entirely unfun car) to languish without a significant upgrade since the first Bush administration. We'd heard a rumor Ford was looking at bringing an even smaller car based on the worldly Fiesta platform to the US to compete with the Toyota Yaris et. al. That car was suggested to be the Mazda 2, or MicroSport, though AutoWeek reported recently the project was killed due to cost considerations. This is that car. Maybe the new management will reconsider. More »
]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=200889&view=rss&microfeed=true A German magazine reports Volkswagen is out of the running to partner with the Dodge boys on the Hornet project. According to Germany's Automobilwoche, Chrysler chief Tom LaSorda says that while Dodge's minivan partnership with VW is intact, the company is seeking for a new partner for the subcompact project, and will announce the decision sometime during the fourth quarter. In addition to Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Fiat (now looking more likely), supplier Magna Steyr, and China's Chery, Dodge is rumored to be eyeing Malaysia's Proton, Schwinn, Domino's Pizza and six guys who may or may not have a pretty good set of tools. More »
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According to Reuters, Fiat boss Sergio "Mac-n-Cheese" Marchionne says the company is interested in hooking up with DaimlerChrysler to build a new subcompact car, likely based on the Dodge Hornet concept. DCX is reportedly looking for a production partner with which to manufacture the subcompact for the global market, and Fiat, Marchionne says, is always on the lookout for such partnerships that reduce its need for development capital — such as its linkeup with Ford on the new 500 / Ka project. Among other companies named as potential mates for DaimlerChrysler have been Volkswagen, Mitsubishi, Hyundai and outsourcer Magna Steyr. Still, with the new 500 on the way, and Punto sales inching Fiat back from the financial brink, we'd imagine another subcompact to compete with would be the last thing Marchionne wants, though maybe snagging a piece of the US market wouldn't be a bad trade-off. More »
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Chevy dropped the tarp on the 2007 version of its 37 mpg subcompact, giving one of us the opportunity to see it up close and personal, even allowing us to lay our hands on the supple perforated leather leather-like leatherette interior (at only $250 more!) and stroke the many included amenities (can someone say aux in?) in this value-oriented car. Although there were no test drives today boys and girls — we can tell you that this car is all about saving you the benjamins, so although what we hear about the performance leaves much to be desired (including the days best quote — "Does the 13 second 0-60 performance give you cause for concern?")you can basically afford it with a newspaper route — the 4-door we saw has a base price of $12,395. Check out the pics below and click the jump for the press release. More »
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Dodge's Hornet concept totally has the X-factor — most agree not building it as a global B-segment car would be like Lee Iacocca killing the Mustang. It's got comfortably radical styling, C-segment roominess and windshield wipers (most concepts don't have 'em — go ahead and check). AutoWeek reports Dodge is likely ready to go with it, after a few details are ironed out. First, how will the US market for small cars shake out? Second, who will be its production partner, Mitsubishi or Volkswagen? Third, can it bring it to market without losing its off-kilter appeal? So many questions, only four years till the end of the decade. More »
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Why you should buy this car: It's small, cheap, frugal, reliable and not slow. More »
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Exterior Design ** More »
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Egghead that I am, I've always had a bit of a problem analyzing mainstream Toyotas. The damn things are so stunningly unobjectionable that criticizing them is the reverse equivalent of complaining that Beethoven's Ninth is too loud. Just like the Corolla or, um, what is it? Best-seller... Oh what a feeling... Camry! Just like the Corolla or the Camry, the Yaris hatchback goes (yes really), stops, turns, brakes, carries people and stuff, doesn't cost much to buy or run and doesn't break. Of course, thankfully for me, that doesn't mean it's perfect... More »
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Our gadgetorific bretheren at Gizmodo, not to be confused with the evil Gizmondo, got wind that Honda may be secretly working up a hybridized version of its Fit subcompact, despite publicly denying it would do so. According to a report, Honda is set to launch the Fit-brid in Japan for around $12,000. No word on any manner of US-bound model, considering we haven't even gotten our hands on the one that runs on coal and horse pucky yet. More »
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We'd heard a rumor last year that Ford is considering bringing its Fiesta to America in 2007 as a new entry-level model below the Focus. Maybe if Mazda decides to launch the Mazda2 in the US market — as was implied recently by Mazda prez Hisakazu Imaki — Ford will ride along with a rebadged version. At least that's what My Ford Dreams is asking. Whatever happens, it's assured something will happen in the lower end of the Ford stable — it has to, what with all the competition gearing up for a mini showdown. More »
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Chevrolet's redesigned 2007 Aveo sedan — launched in Europe earlier this year — will make its stateside debut at the Los Angeles auto show next month. Chevy's Daewoo-designed is larger and more powerful than its predecessor, with a a 16-valve DOHC four engine that'll put a dent in your loafers (huh?), producing around 103 horsepower and 107 lb.-ft of torque and hooked to a five-speed manual. With new munchkins due this year from Toyota, Honda and Nissan — and others expected from Dodge and VW, the entry-level market looks like it'll be hotter than a goat roast in in El Azizia. Trust us, that's hot. More »
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Suzuki released details on two new concepts it's bringing to the Tokyo show, one of which is a retro-themed coupe (pictured), the LC (Little Coupe? Less Car?), which recalls the Suzuki Suzulight of the 1960s. The company calls the LC a friendly mini car that s ready to put a smile on your face." (We're smiling already.) The second is the MR Wagon concept, or "Mom's Personal Wagon," a small but kid-friendly runabout that takes a traditional minicar construct and adds extra roominess and convenience features for carting earache-wracked youngsters screaming to the pediatrician. Maybe it comes with earplugs. More »
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Americans who've never driven a new Renault M gane Clio, but really want to (they should) will be pleased with Nissan's new Versa subcompact for the US. The 2007 model-year, $12,000+ almost-minicars will arrive first in hatchback form in mid-2006 and, later in 2006, in sedan guise. Nissan also announced further "enhancements" to its 2007 car lineup, including an all-new Sentra, all-new Altima and "enhanced" Maxima (we're not sure a Maxima can, linguistically speaking, be further enhanced, but we're willing to put a cork in it, just this time). The Versas will be assembled at Nissan s Aguascalientes, Mexico facility, which also builds the current Nissan Sentra. More »
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Nissan has taken yet another drink from the tank of not-quite words, coming up with Versa as the name of its new subcompacts for the US. The Versa, a Scion competitor that will be built at the company's Mexico plant, will come in hatchback and sedan flavors, and it'll be powered by a 1.8-liter sippy-cup four hooked to a continuously variable transmission. Options will include such dig-it-kids options as Bluetooth compatibility, satellite radio and a Rockford Fosgate subwoofer. According to The Car Connection, the 2007 Versa cost in the $12,000 range to start. The sedan will look like the company's Tiida compact, while the hatch will resemble the Sport Compact concept unveiled at the New York show this year. More »
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AutoWeek is reporting Honda wants to flood the increasingly gas-shy US market with considerable quantities of subcompacts. As Honda President and CEO Takeo Fukui announced last month, Honda is introducing its Japanese Fit model, which will, er, fit below the Civic in its North American line, in 2007 in the face of new competition in the subcompact space from Ford and Nissan. Koichi Kondo, CEO of American Honda Motor Co. Inc., told AutoWeek its unofficial sales goal is 60,000 units. More »
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This story's been floating around for months, but it's probably one of the more likely rumors shopped this year. Ford Motor is reportedly considering a new, small car for the US market that's priced in the $10,000 range. With competition on the way from GM's Daewoo-China alliances, Ford risks getting shut out of the American-branded subcompact market. According to Automotive News, dealers — using their canary-in-a-coalmine senses — are clamoring for a lower step in the Ford line, and the company may ablige in model year 2008, with a Mexican-made Ford Fiesta. No word on which body style, other than the hatchback would make it north of the border. More »
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