Press Release:

Opel Presents Corsa Hybrid Concept

* Near future: Corsa Hybrid concept car and Vectra Flexpower show potential
* Good outlook for environment: ecoFLEX variants with lowest CO2 value in model line
* Clean debut: Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX with 119 g CO2 per kilometer
* Ongoing advancement: Combination of intelligent fuel-saving technologies

Rüsselsheim. Opel presents a range of especially economical and low-emission vehicles at the IAA in Frankfurt (September 13 - 23, 2007). The current models showcase how automotive technology will look in the near future: the Corsa Hybrid concept car uses innovative technology with starter generator and stop/start automatic transmission which contributes to an average consumption of about 3,75 liters of diesel per 100 km (99 g CO2/km). The Vectra Flexpower with a 2.0-liter turbo engine designed for operation with bioethanol/gasoline mix also makes its debut at the IAA.

Opel will soon offer new ecoFLEX variants, which have the lowest CO2 emissions in their respective model line. The premiere variant - the 55 kW/75 hp Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX with diesel particulate filter - makes its European premiere at the IAA. Available to order from December, the well-equipped five-door version produces just 119 grams of CO2 per kilometer, which corresponds to an MVEG consumption of 4.5 liters of diesel per 100 km. ecoFLEX variants of other high-volume model lines will also be available at the end of the year: Meriva 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX, Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX, as well as natural gas-powered Zafira and Combo CNG ecoFLEX versions.

The current product portfolio highlights just how committed Opel is to the reduction of emissions and consumption. Numerous Opel models positioned around the ecoFLEX area at the IAA produce less than 140 g CO2 per kilometer.

Corsa Hybrid concept car with just 99 grams CO2 per kilometer

The Opel Corsa Hybrid concept car, which makes its world debut next month at the IAA in Frankfurt, is a result of General Motors' expanded efforts to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Powered by the next-generation GM Hybrid system and diesel engine technology, the Corsa Hybrid concept car requires just 3,75 liters of diesel per 100 km and emits only 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Based on the 55 kW/75 hp Corsa 1.3 CDTI, fuel savings are largely achieved by GM's next-generation belt-alternator starter technology debuting in this concept. The Corsa Hybrid uses a lithium-ion battery.

The Corsa Hybrid concept car's hybrid technology combines the functions of a starter motor and electric generator. Its highly efficient diesel engine is also switched off by the hybrid system when the car is stopped, and restarted when the brake pedal is released. When extra power is required, such as when accelerating or overtaking, the motor provides significantly higher torque. This combination of 1.3-liter diesel engine and electric generator reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The lithium-ion battery provides the necessary electrical power for the belt-alternator starter, and the battery itself is recharged by the concept car's regenerative braking function: when decelerating, the fuel is shut off and the vehicle's kinetic energy is transformed into electrical energy.

The Corsa Hybrid concept car represents GM's global commitment to a comprehensive and cost-effective advanced technology strategy focused on producing commercially viable and sustainable cars and trucks. These include alternative fuel vehicles, ongoing improvements to conventional internal combustion engines and transmissions, hybrid-electric and electric vehicles, as well as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX signals the start

At the IAA in Frankfurt, Opel begins the current phase of its long-term ecoFLEX environmental strategy. This includes offering an especially low carbon dioxide-emitting ecoFLEX variant in each high-volume model line. ecoFLEX versions combine low consumption and emissions with excellent economy and driving fun. The first car in this range is the Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX, which only produces 119 grams of CO2 per kilometer and consumes an average of just 4.5 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers.

These excellent figures are a result of the world's smallest four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel engine. The 1.3 CDTI ECOTEC was named "Engine of the Year" in the 1.0 to 1.4-liter displacement class in 2004 by automotive journalists from 26 countries because of its refinement, responsiveness and superb economy. Optimization of the engine map helps the four-cylinder unit achieve an average consumption reduction. High-level fuel management is ensured by the up to five, 1400-bar fuel injection processes per cycle that create an extremely fine fuel atomization in the combustion chambers, which have a total displacement of 1248 cm3. The maximum torque of 170 Nm is available from 1750 - 2500 rpm and maximum output of 55 kW/75 hp at 4000 rpm. The Corsa ecoFLEX with additionally longer axle-drive ratio has a top speed of 163 km/h and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 14.5 seconds. This extremely economical engine predestines the Corsa, highly versatile Meriva and spacious Astra five-door model to be ecoFLEX variants.

Natural gas propulsion with monovalentplus concept qualifies for ecoFLEX league

Opel's natural gas-powered ecoFLEX vehicles also boast impressive environmental qualities. The Zafira and Combo CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) produce almost no soot particles, 20 percent less carbon dioxide than a comparable gasoline model and an up to 80 percent reduction in other harmful emissions. The two CNG variants' unrivaled low operating costs also qualify them for the ecoFLEX league. The 69 kW/94 hp 1.6-liter engine obtains the most from its fuel, regardless of whether it runs on natural gas, biogas or any mixture of the two. A 14-liter reserve gasoline tank ensures continued mobility on routes without a natural gas filling station. Thanks to economical consumption and ample natural gas tank capacities, a total operating range of over 500 kilometers is available.

The natural gas vehicles' excellent efficiency and unrestricted everyday suitability is ensured by the innovative monovalentplus concept. This concept made Opel the first automaker to successfully optimize an engine for natural gas operation and still enable the use of conventional gasoline. The unit has special pistons, valves and valve-seat inserts, as well as separate injection banks for natural gas and gasoline.

ecoFLEX variants show their colors

Opel emphasizes the special importance of the ecoFLEX versions with functional and design refinements. The hallmark of the premiere vehicles in Frankfurt is the "Green spirit" exterior lacquer. The bright turquoise color also trims the seat center strips. Distinctive elements of all ecoFLEX variants include the ecoFLEX signet on the rear and the green segment on the rpm counter. The latter shows the ideal rpm range to get the most from the engine's high fuel-saving potential. The driver then knows when to change gears for improved fuel economy. Green stitching on the leather steering wheel, gear stick sleeve and the green gearshift guide on the gear stick are all eye-catching details.

Portfolio-wide application of environmental technologies

In addition to the ecoFLEX variants, Opel offers a wide range of vehicles that lead the way in their classes for fuel consumption and emissions. The engine concept is called "Eco-Turbo" and forms the basis for Opel's state-of-the-art diesel and gasoline engines. Eco-Turbo engines follow the downsizing principle - turbocharged units with relatively small cylinder volumes - and successively replace units with larger displacements. Reduced engine friction and higher thermal efficiency are the results. Eco-Turbo engines run at more economical operating points, which significantly reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.Take the Astra as an example: the 1.6 turbo ECOTEC (132 kW/180 hp) replaced the 2.0 turbo (125 kW/170 hp) in spring 2007. The smaller engine uses 14 percent less fuel than the two-liter unit, and therefore also produces less CO2 emissions. The new 1.7 CDTI turbo-diesel (81 kW/110 hp and 92 kW/125 hp) consumes seven percent less fuel than the 1.9-liter unit (74 kW/100 hp and 88 kW/120 hp). These Eco-Turbo engines also achieve better driving performances.

Gasoline engines with large displacements are being successively replaced by units with gasoline direct injection. Opel's current direct injection engine range consists of a 2.2 DIRECT ECOTEC and a 2.0 turbo ECOTEC high-tech unit. The 2.0-liter turbo engine from the Opel GT produces an impressive power output per liter of 132 hp and features "Cam-Phase" - variable camshaft phasing -, which together with other measures reduce consumption by an extra three percent. Cam-Phase technology is also used in the 1.6 ECOTEC and 1.8 ECOTEC engines in the Astra, Zafira, Vectra and Signum.

Opel also wants to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption further with a range of optimizations to the engine's periphery. This includes introducing Electric Power Steering (EPS) - familiar from the Corsa - across all variants, as it only draws exactly as much energy as it needs from the generator. The variable oil pump operates in a similar way, only moving as much lubricant around the engine as is actually required in the prevailing driving situation. Other fuel-reduction measures include low-resistance tires and detail improvements to the vehicle's aerodynamics.

Vectra Flexpower runs on bioenergy

In the mid-term, Opel is committed to offering more variants that can operate on alternative fuels. At this year's IAA, Opel displays the Flexpower, a Vectra sedan which appears unchanged from the outside, yet has a two-liter turbo engine that can run on E85 bioethanol fuel, conventional gasoline or any mixture of the two. The Flexpower's engine management adjusts throttle position, air volume, injection and ignition point depending on the fuel mixture. The result of this continuous calibration is reliable, high performance. Despite the differences between gasoline and bioethanol when it comes to knocking resistance and energy density, the Vectra Flexpower's 2.0t engine produces 129 kW/175 hp and 265 Nm of torque at 2500 rpm.

As bioethanol is produced from renewable crops, the Flexpower's propulsion delivers a balanced carbon dioxide level. This is because the amount of CO2 released from E85 during combustion is practically identical to the level of carbon dioxide the plants absorbed from the atmosphere through photosynthesis when they were growing.

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

Press Release:

Fiat 500: CUSTOMISATION

Line and Styling
185/55-15 alloys 18 spokes*
185/55-15 alloys 5 spokes*
185/55-15 alloys 9 spokes*
185/55-15 alloys 5 spokes two-tone*
195/45-16 alloys 5 spokes*
195/45-16 alloys 7 spokes*
195/45-16 alloys 17 spokes*
Chrome-plated nudge-bar on front bumper
Chrome-plated trim on bonnet
Sideskirts
Rear spoiler on tailgate
Front air dam
Rear air dam
Chrome-plated exhaust terminal
Sticker 500 Italia stripe
Sticker White barcode
Sticker Black barcode
Sticker Red sport band
Sticker White sport band
Sticker Black sport band
Sticker White roof+bonnet arrow
Sticker Red roof+bonnet arrow
Sticker Black roof+bonnet arrow
Sticker Red monochrome 500 stripe
Sticker White monochrome 500 stripe
Sticker Black monochrome 500 stripe
Sticker Lateral Italia band
Sticker Black chequered roof
Sticker Red chequered roof
Sticker White chequered roof
Sticker Black number 5
Sticker Red number 5
Sticker White number 5
"Italian flag" badge for wing
500 Italia badge for rubbing strips
Black chequers badge for rubbing strips
Red chequers badge for rubbing strips
Sport badge black with white background for rubbing strips
Sport badge red with white background for rubbing strips
500 badge red thread with black background for rubbing strips
Black 500 badge for rubbing strips
Red 500 badge for rubbing strips
Barcode badge for rubbing strips
Chrome-plated mouldings for bumpers
Car cover with picture of 1st 500 series
Steel kick plates
Sporty aluminium pedal covers and footrest
Black jacket-hanger for front head-restraint
Ivory jacket-hanger for front head-restraint
Kit of three "Sport" key covers
Kit of three "Italia" key covers
Kit of three "barcode" key covers
Frau leather upholstery*
Leather knob*
Comfort
Aluminium bars on tailgate
Ski holder for tailgate bars
Snowboard holder for tailgate bars
Side air deflectors
Rear splashguards
Black fragrance diffuser
Ivory fragrance diffuser
Refill for "Summer citrus fruit" diffuser
Refill for "Essense of the night" diffuser
Refill for "Breath of freedom" diffuser
Refill for "Summer citrus fruit+Essence of the night+Breath of freedom" diffuser
Rubber mats
Carpeting mats with black border ivory graphics
Carpeting mats with ivory border ivory graphics
Carpeting mats with black border black graphics
Luggage compartment storage unit
Luggage compartment organiser
Nets for luggage compartment
Pull-out trailer hook with cable
Car Care Kit

Related:
More on the Fiat 500 [internal]

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

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

Spy Photos: 2010 Ford Fiesta, U.S. To Get Sedan, Not Hatch [Edmunds]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2009 Ford Fiesta; Small-Car Showdown Coming: Ford May Throw a Mexican Fiesta in the US [internal]

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

Nissan to release new subcompact cars in NAmerica [Forbes]

Related:
Nissan Cube Could Face off with Scion in the US [internal]

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

Fiat CEO sees 'incredible interest' in 500 model [Forbes via Autoblog]

Related:
Spy Photos: Fiat 500 En Route Somewhere! [internal]

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

Nuova Fiat 500 in viaggio - 4/4 [Autoblog.it]

Related:
The Fiat 500 Returns: More on the New Cinquecento; Fiat 500? Real Soon!; Cinquento Nuovo! New Fiat 500 Pics Arrive [internal]

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.

Why you should not buy this car: Because you have lived your life maintaining that economy cannot possibly be fun. Because you fancy yourself a tough guy. Because you care more about burnouts than mileage. Because you have a multi-kidlet family.

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: No
Fashion Victims: Yes
Treehuggers: Yes
Mack Daddies: No
Tuner Crowd: Yes
Hairdressers: Yes
Penny Pinchers: Yes
Euro Snobs: No
Working Stiffs: Yes
Technogeeks: Yes
Poseurs: Yes
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: No
Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Also Consider:
Nissan Versa
Suzuki SX4
Toytoa Yaris
Kia Rio5
Chevy Aveo

Vitals:
Manufacturer: Honda
Model tested: FiT 5-door Sport
Model year: 2007
Base Price: 13,850 [Non-sporting 5-speed]
Price as Tested: 15,170 [5-speed Sport]
Engine type: 1.5 Liter 16-Valve SOHC VTEC Horsepower: 109
Torque: 105 @ 4800
Redline: 6300
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 2471 manual 2551 automatic
LxWxH: 157.4 X 66.2 X 60 [inches]
Wheelbase: 96.5 [inches]
Tires: P195/55 R15 84H [Dunlop SP 31]
Drive type: Front Wheel Drive
0 - 60 mph: 9.25
1/4-mile: 17.22
Fuel economy city/highway: 33 38
NHTSA crash test rating: 5/5/5/3/4

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2007 Honda Fit Sport, Part 1; Part 2; Jalopnik Reviews [Internal]

Special thanks go out to Cole Coonce help with photography in the production of this review. – Mike Bumbeck

Exterior Design: ***
Fans of Hello Kitty's ber cuteness will likely enjoy the Fit styling a bit more than those who dig GI JOE with lifelike hair. We could also be wrong about that. The design is entertaining if not a textbook case of form following function. Sport version adds trick rear spoiler and other sporty bits to give a bit more GT style to the cute box look. We like the goofy grin, but you may not.

Interior Design: ****
Everything is right where it should be. Buttons click accordingly. Plastic is not super fancy, but is well executed to the point it helps the driver not think of it as bad plastic. Plastic is used in a plastic fashion that functions exactly as expected. Simple and intuitive knobs thankfully replace Apollo rocket program button-and-switch arrays. Lots of room even for large guys thanks to an efficient use of space.

Acceleration: ***
Respectable power for 1500cc's of VTEC power. Not much to play with in the lower RPM ranges, but completely enjoyable above the 3500 or so rpm mark. The opening of valves is accompanied by just enough intake trumpet and valve growl to provide freeway on ramps and right foot rev happiness with a proper accompaniment. The little engine almost tells you directly to install a cold air intake for improved sonic amusement.

Braking ***
In normal mixed use driving around the mean streets of Los Angeles and Ventura counties the binders functioned as they should. Not much of a nose dive decelerating off freeway ramps, and no complaints in amateur driver avoidance maneuvers. Even sheets of rain and errant Ford vans with rolls of carpet extending out its flapping rear doors brought no braking drama from the Fit.

Ride ***
While we can't vouch for the standard Fit the sport version was a little choppy at the California speed limit over the 101 going through the valley. Around town at city speeds the Fit ate up the chuckholes and steel construction plates fairly well for a tiny short wheelbase car with smallish wheels. Our passenger didn't notice any chop but did keep leaning over to check corner speeds.

Handling ****
The Fit stays planted on line into corners and leaves with surprising predictability for a front driver. The engine spins out just enough power to the front wheels as not to compete with lateral traction, making the Fit a fun handler through chicanes and corkscrews. A set of UHP tires could turn the Fit into big fun and return a to a smile to the driver bigger than the one it wears.

Gearbox *****
The Fit gearbox telescopes precision right up though the driver's hand with a satisfying click and subsequent click from the shifter with each gear selection. We thought about shifting for all of three seconds and then shifted according to engine soundtrack. Click-klik. Klik-click. VTEC-klik. Automatic Fit Sport is available with paddle wheel shift selector.

Audio/Video ***
Even though he's been known to shill for Mitsubishi, we tested the system using the barely intelligible yet stalwart croakings of none other than Mark E. Smith accompanied by a (surely) now disbanded version of the Fall. The stock system won't win any decibel contests, but the single knob control worked well and was welcome in a world of overly complex audio interfaces. Auxiliary input in lower center console perfect for use with that portable 8-Track player. Bonus for blue tone lighting.

Value *****
With gas-sipping mileage, enjoyable performance, excellent build quality, and a good measure of practical cargo and people carrying ability, the Honda Fit Sport is an excellent value for the money. You can get something similar for less, but by the time fancy wheels and optional bits are added to the list the sticker prices start to merge.

Toys *****
The entire vehicle can either be a very fun toy or everyday practical automobile. Deciding on which depends largely on the moment, what rpm reads on the tachometer, and what needs to be stuffed into the deceivingly large interior. Even the day night selector on the rear view mirror evoked a sense of wonder.

Trunk *****
While the Fit harbors no trunk it does have loads of space for a car of sub-compact size. Since the engineers stashed the fuel tank up under the front seats the entire rear of the vehicle to fold flat for hauling. Rear seats can also be folded up against themselves for flat and low space directly behind the front seats for hauling potted plants, cheap furniture made of Soviet-era glue and sawdust, or Sector9 long boards.

Overall *****
The Honda Fit is a truly fun-to-drive subcompact econobox with some innovative features and a great deal of character. Build quality is 100% Japanese. A subcompact vehicle may not be the answer for for a more than three-person drivership, but the Fit makes sense on many levels that defy its size. If we had any, we would put our money on a five-speed Fit Sport as an inter-urban runabout or country going mini space wagon. – Mike Bumbeck

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2007 Honda Fit Sport, Part 1; Part 3; Jalopnik Reviews [Internal]

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.

There's a reason the Fit reminded me of quirky comic-strip characters from decades past. From the outside Honda's small hatchback conveys a certain cartoonishness, such that pressing the remote key fob to unlock the doors is like feeding a Neopet or pressing the snooze button on a Pompurin happy singing alarm clock. From the front the Fit even appears to wear a goofy grin. The good lot of this presence comes from the Fit's diminutive size. The subcompact exterior dimensions are fairly comical when compared to majority of large SUV's or even minivans the on the road.

Inside, the Fit tells a much larger story. Plenty of room greeted this six-foot extra large American male. While a family of six would be more suited in a 1975 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight Station Wagon with rear facing kid seating, the Fit managed to transport several humans while grinning and revving all the while. The car's interior genius is in a super-efficient use of space. For instance, the fuel tank resides under the front seats. This placement, along with the super-folding rear seats allows the entire rearward interior of the Fit to be folded flat to reveal an expanse of flat floor. The back seats are an entertaining operational marvel. A few quick lever and seat folding moves, and the Fit coverts to cargo mode, defying its diminutive size.

Driving the Fit is where the comedy turns into entertainment. We tested the Fit Sport automatic out on the Willow Springs Raceway's Streets of Willow road course, and the Fit five-speed in mixed-use urban driving. The 1,500cc VTEC engine is no torque monster, yet has enough under foot to make for decent thrust. Accompanying valve growl from 3,000 rpm and up was the perfect traveling companion — aggressive enough to hear, yet polite enough not to annoy. Out on the racetrack, the Fit Sport stayed planted on line, and the paddle shifters proved entertaining. The paddles went unmissed after a few bouts rowing through the gears of the crispy five-speed manual transmission. Wringing out the manual Fit gets things moving along nicely and keeps the ears busy. On more chopped up sections of Los Angeles's 101 freeway, the Fit's ride was choppy but otherwise compliant for a sporting subcompact with a short wheelbase and small wheels. Putting all sixteen valves into full song out of corners did not stop being fun for the entire week.

While I was driving one night, Honda revealed its approach to the Fit by a single touch. Seeking to avoid temporary blindness from a sea of SUV headlamps, I reached for the rearview's day-night lever. It returned a click so satisfying that I couldn't resist moving it back and forth a few more times. The attention and effort paid to that small switch permeates the entire Fit. Audio and climate-control knobs are simple and intuitive. The rear seats are ingenious and comfortable. It kept us thinking of the Kodama tree spirits from Hayao Miyazaki's anime masterpiece "Princess Mononoke." The Kodama made a sort of clicking noise to announce their presence, turning invisible once more as they blended back into the forest. The Fit is no exception. – Mike Bumbeck

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2007 Honda Fit Sport, Part 2; Part 3; Jalopnik Reviews [Internal]

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

[via km77.com]

Related:
Will The Mazda2 Be The Ford2? [internal]

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

[via Mazda, Auto Motor und Sport]

Press Release:

All-new Mazda2 to Debut at the
2007 Geneva International Motor Show

Hiroshima, Japan, 13th February 2007. Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the all-new Mazda2 (known as the Mazda Demio in Japan) at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show to be held from Tuesday, 6 March through Sunday, 18 March 2007. Officially titled the Salon International de l'Auto de Gen ve, the Geneva Motor show press days are March 6 and 7, and the public days are March 8-18. Mazda will hold its press conference on Tuesday, 6 March at 14:15 CET.

The all-new Mazda2 is more than just a model freshening of the current Mazda2. In 2002, the Mazda6 heralded the arrival of Mazda's new generation of Zoom-Zoom vehicles, and now the Mazda2 becomes the first of these to evolve to the next level. As such, the new Mazda2 represents the progression of Mazda's Zoom-Zoom brand promise.

Related:
More on the Mazda2 [internal]

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

Fiesta turns on the style [AutoExpress]

Related:
Spy Photos: Mazda2, Wagon Too; Spy Photos: Ford EcoSport in Hollywood; Wolf's Ford Fiesta Concept [internal]

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

SPY PHOTOS: More Mazda2 Sedan and Wagon [World Car Fans]

Related:
Spy Photos: Mazda2 [internal]

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

[via Carscoop]

Related:
Spec'ing The New, Entry-Level Alfa Romeo [internal]

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

Rumor Mill: Tiny Toyota Endo May Go Into Production [Edmunds]

Related:
Spy Photos: Is Toyota Building the Endo Concept? [internal]