Jalopnik: Hatchback

Alfa Romeo Mi.To Showing Cute Side At Milan Marketing Shoot

Mark Arnold — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 09:56:55 EDT

They say you haven't become a true "petrolhead" until you've owned an Alfa Romeo. To meet that requirement in America, that requires scavenging through used car ads and, subsequently, junkyards. However, for the places in the world that actually get new Alfas, owning one of the Italian beauties will be a bit more feasible when the Alfa Romeo Mi.To hits dealer showrooms. But while most Alfas have gorgeous proportions, you have to look at the Mi.To from just the right angle to find it pretty... right?

Well, at least that's what the car appears to think. Yes, much like a teen girl with shaky self-esteem, the Mi.To must think that it looks best when it's taking its own picture, holding a camera out in front of itself just so. The shots were taken in Milan at what we're told was some kind of marketing photo shoot, but if anyone out there finds them posted on the little Alfa's MySpace profile, we won't be surprised.

Hat tip to Domenic!

2008 Mazdaspeed3, Part Three

Mark Arnold — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Why you should buy the 2008 Mazdaspeed3:
You want a fast car, but have to pick up your children from school. You want a WRX STI, but can't quite afford the running costs and you don't need the AWD anyways. You got a bunch of tickets a few years ago; you still like driving fast, but want to preserve what little credibility is left of your driving record. You've seen the light, and understand that hot hatches are the most practical, best value all-round vehicles for an enthusiast, but you think the WRX is too soft, the GTI needs more power, the Caliber SRT-4 is too loud, and the other 3-doors are too small.

Why you shouldn't buy this car:
You need a dope ride to pick up some shorties. You think "Tokyo Drift" was the most awesome racing movie ever. You don't consider chrome racing rims to be oxymoronic. You want a roof scoop on your car, but have no idea what they're for. When someone says, "driving dynamics," you think they're talking about a tuning company. You like hatchbacks because they have more room in the back for a system.

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

Also Consider:
• Audi A3 2.0T
• Dodge Caliber SRT4
• Mini Cooper S Clubman
• Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door
• VW GTI 5-door
• BMW 135i and massive debt
• Moving to France, buying the greatest of all hot hatches, the Peugeot 205 Gti 1.9 and taking up smoking

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: Mazda
• Model year: 2008
• Base Price: $23,090
• Price as Tested: $24,805
• Engine type: 2.3-Liter Turbocharged DOHC I4
• Horsepower: 263 @ 5,500 RPM
• Torque: 280 @ 3,000 RPM
• Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
• Curb Weight: 3,180 lbs
• LxWxH: 177.8" x 69.5" x 57.7"
• Wheelbase: 103.9"
• Tires: P215/45R18
• 0 - 60 mph: 5.8 Seconds
• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 18/26 MPG
• NHTSA crash test rating: NA

Also see:
• 2008 Mazdaspeed3, Part One
• 2008 Mazdaspeed3, Part Two

2008 Mazdaspeed3, Part Two

Mark Arnold — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Exterior Design: ***
The 2008 Mazdaspeed3 doesn't visually distinguish itself much from the standard Mazda 3 hatchback, but it doesn't need to. The basic design's thick D-pillars, subtle shoulder bulges over the wheels, and angular lines are a good starting point. More important is how the car doesn't look. There are no scoops, fins, stripes, or stickers exclaiming the car's performance. The slightly larger rear spoiler, which we suppose is theoretically functional, looks just like the spoiler on the standard car. The wheels look boring. Even the intercooler is hidden away, breathing through the normal-looking grille.

Interior Design: ***
For some reason, there are more Mazdaspeed logos inside the car than there are outside. But besides some extra red trim and stitching, it's again much like the standard 3. You have plenty of room for a few of your friends and their stuff to come along, though there's not much extra room for the driver's knees. Aside from that, everything is quite comfortable, despite being over-styled in the manner of an athletic shoe.

Acceleration: ****
The 263 HP is impressive, but that's just half the story. At just 3000 RPM it's making an STI-threatening 280 lb-ft of torque. Mash the throttle in any gear, at any RPM, and the Mazdaspeed 3 pulls with minimal lag thanks to the turbocharged 2.3-liter aluminum-block inline four with direct injection. The power may drop off at 6000 RPM, short of the redline, but that's to be expected from a turbo. To help get grunt to the ground, there's a limited-slip differential and a trick torque-management system that reduces torque steer. The car still staggers around from a launch, over rough surfaces, around low-speed corners, and pretty much any other time you get on the gas in first or second gear.

Braking: ****
If you want to stop in a hurry, the brakes are quite good. However, they can feel just a bit oversensitive if you're not wearing communicative shoes. Once you get used to the relatively light pedal and short travel, they're confidence inspiring, working equally well for spirited driving on back roads or brisk sprints through the city.

Ride: ***
You don't expect a Mazda hot hatch to ride like a Buick, but that's not to say you don't feel somewhat annoyed by how bouncy the car feels over poor surfaces. It doesn't make any sense until you've brought it up to speed, where you realize they haven't forgotten to put shocks on the car, they've just tuned it to feel composed going fast. That being said, if you're planning on using this as a city car in a dense urban area, it may get a bit obnoxious.

Handling: ****
You may expect a relatively nose-heavy car like this to have a serious understeer problem; it does, but you have to be pushing seriously hard to find it. What you get instead is a car that feels well-planted and very grippy. It's not extremely flickable, like some smaller 3-door hatches, but if you keep in mind that this is actually a bigger car than a Subaru WRX 5-door (which feels soft by comparison), you don't mind so much.

Gearbox: **
Don't think that, because you're in a Japanese hatchback, everything is going to feel light and dainty. The gearbox and the clutch are very weighty. That's not a bad thing, though, as I much prefer feeling like I'm operating a machine rather than just pushing plastic buttons. No, the problem I had with the shift action was not weight, but vagueness. At times, it's hard to distinguish between selecting 1st or 3rd, and 3rd or 5th, which is not a unique issue, but an issue nonetheless. A bigger issue is that the shift into 5th or 6th gear requires too much effort at an angle, which, for my arm, was uncomfortable and tiring. But maybe I just need to go to the gym.

Audio: ****
The Bose system, with its 222W digital amp, on this Grand Touring model pumps through 7-speakers, and sounds great. Combined with satellite radio, you'll almost forget that there's an in-dash 6-disc MP3-capable CD changer. If that's not enough, there's also an auxiliary jack for your MP3 player.

Toys: ***
The audio system has pretty much everything you need to stay entertained, but there's also an available DVD navigation system that's easy to use. If you're a techno-fiend, there's not much else. But if you're easily wowed by gimmicky tech, you would've already been sucked into buying a Ford with Sync.

Value: *****
The Mazdaspeed3 is a tremendous value. All this performance, practicality, equipment, and overall quality comes in at just over $24,800 as tested. If you want fewer options, you can get one for about $23,000.

Overall: ****
To get this much speed combined with this much practicality usually requires a paying a far higher price. That the Mazdaspeed3 combines talents to create an affordable, high-quality and, above all, discrete package is an impressive achievement. Still, if we're picky (we are), we'd like to see a touch more driver involvement. And more hot hatches on this side of the Atlantic, please.

Also see:

2008 Mazdaspeed3, Part One

Mark Arnold — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Cruising the affluent suburban streets of the Chicago area in the 2008 Mazdaspeed3, I'm looking for trouble. The dimming evening light and warm weather has brought out all the usual suspects: everyone from boy-racers in tuned Hondas to middle-aged men in Ford GTs. Chirping the tires as I dart from stoplight to stoplight, I feel like a 17-year-old taking a joyride in his dad's sports car. But I'm not racing anyone — yet. I'm just trying to get the attention of someone else who wants to run me. It's usually not something I do, but with 263 HP under my right foot, and a 6-speed gearbox in my right hand, I'm in a juvenile mood. Chasing down a previous-generation Subaru WRX that's sporting some aftermarket wheels and a loud exhaust, I feel like I might be biting off just a bit more than I can chew.

After flashing my hi-beams in the WRX's mirrors and revving my engine as I pull up next to it at a red light, I don't even get so much as a glance from the driver. Maybe he's just playing it cool. So I turn the traction control off and wind the engine up to about 3000 RPM. Green light, release the clutch, and we're off. I kill the Scooby. Oh, wait — he wasn't racing. So I try again at the next light. Will he take the bait this time? Nope. And that's the thing about the Mazdaspeed3; nobody seems to think it's anything special. To most eyes it's nothing more than a normal Mazda 3 hatchback. Paint it in a dark color and it's practically invisible. Which means that the WRX probably didn't even take me seriously enough to bother wasting gas on. It actually would have been a close race, but it didn't happen. So, I continue cruising.

To say there's a proper method for illegal street racing may sound oxymoronic, but it's true. You hear from a friend who heard from a friend that there's a bunch of guys that hang out at a certain place, and from there they go to the place where they actually race. You don't need to bother asking when, because it will always be at a spontaneous time after midnight. That is to say, the serious guys aren't out at 9PM just driving around hoping to find a victim — like what I'm doing.

So I start looking for parking-lot hangout spots, and eventually find one. Immediately I start scoping out the competition: a few enhanced Audis, a late-model Mustang, a kid with mom's CL55 AMG, an Evo IX, a small crew of crotch-rockets, the obligatory mid-life crisis man with his Corvette convertible, and some other stuff drifting in and out. Slim pickings. I buzz through in first gear to gauge reactions. With the relatively loud stock exhaust, I actually do get a few glances from some guys. I say "guys" not because there aren't any girls around hanging out, but because not a single one of them seemed to care. It's as if my gray 5-door compact isn't sexy enough. So I park the car and sit with my windows down and the stereo up. But time passes and nothing happens. This is lame. I resume cruising, but as one suburb blends into another and into another, I feel like I'm just driving in circles. Out here it's just an endless blur of shopping malls, big-box stores, chain restaurants, and cubicle farms. I've gotta get out of here.

The next morning I wake up at my own leisure, and engage in a lost cultural ritual known as breakfast. Today I'm setting my own pace instead of trying to keep up with the rat race. So, when the navigation system asks me which route I want to take on my spontaneous trip up to Wisconsin, I choose the one with the fewest number of expressways. If I encounter a few dawdling Lincolns along the way, so be it. Cars like this shouldn't be confined to petty stoplight cockfights; they should actually be driven. Sure, the back roads to Madison are no Nürburgring, but at least I get to focus more on the driving and less on weaving between traffic and watching for speed traps. And it's out here, surrounded only by farmland and lakes, that the car calms down. It's no longer fidgety and bouncy, but poised and confident. No longer am I being dragged around by the brute force, but I'm part of the machine—and we want to go faster.

Also see:

2009 Pontiac G3 Heading North?

Ray Wert — Wed, 28 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT

The forum fan-boys over at GMInsideNews were rooting around the EPA's always-helpful fueleconomy.gov site, and found an interesting entry with fuel economy numbers for something called a "2009 Pontiac G3" and "2009 Pontiac G3 Hatchback." Wait, what? We knew all about the rest of the G-whatever lineup, and we know President Bush once got confused and climbed into the back seat of a G8 thinking it was a summit of the group of eight wealthiest nations, but we though the only Pontiac G3 was down South. Way down South. Of course the sedan version of the Chevy Aveo is sold in Mexico as a Pontiac G3. We even knew the arrowheaded brand revealed a rebadged version of the Aveo5 hatchback (which itself...

...is a rebadged Korean Daewoo Kalos) in Montreal as a Pontiac Wave, but do these EPA numbers mean we'll be getting them stateside as some kind of "Driving Un-Excitement?" Or will they be forced to stay on the Canadian (or Mexican, where they'll begin to be built starting at GM's new San Lois Potosi plant in June of 2009) sides of the border like other riff-raff? We've sent out an e-mail to Pontiac PR with the hopes of getting to the bottom of this before the platform prostitution starts to go totally insane. We mean, what's next — a re-badged Silverado called the Pontiac G10? We shudder at the thought. [via GMInsideNews, Motive]

BMW 1-Series Hatchback Spotted With Manufacturer Plates

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 08 May 2008 19:00:00 EDT

We've got to give credit to Phil, a BMW 1-series hatchback is something that those keen of eye might have missed driving around here on US soil and, even if some would have noticed it as an oddity, they might not have been so quick as to get such good photos of the thing. That it has New Jersey Manufacturer plates is no surprise, as most special Bimmers do. The question is, will the BMW 1-Series five-door, which is sold in Europe, join the 2009 BMW 1-Series already here in the states?

Probably not. If we had to put money down we'd say that this is just a car here for engineering evaluation purposes, an advertisement or something else. Nevertheless, we can dream can't we? (Thanks to Phil for the photos)

'78 Civic Fits Four Shopping Bags, Will Fit In '08 Civic's Glovebox

Murilee Martin — Fri, 02 May 2008 10:20:00 EDT

No car illustrates the concept of Long Term Model Bloat better than the Civic (for a good example of Short Term Model Bloat, compare the 1970 Mercury Cougar with the 1974 version). Here's Honda boasting about the ability of the '78 Civic hatch's ability to swallow four shopping bags. The '78 Civic hatchback weighed 1,708 pounds... about 1,000 pounds less than the '08 Civic sedan.

Rucksack Is A Sack, To Give Your Hatch's Booty Some More Back

Travis Hudson — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:30:00 EDT

Yes, when you bought that hatchback you thought you would have more than enough room to grow, but one marriage and 2.5 kids later the hatch's back no longer has the cushion for all the crap you're pushing in. Don't splurge on the minivan, yet, just invest in a super trendy and cool Rucksack! Think of the Rucksack as a backpack for your hatchback. It straps on the hatch door and provides more than four cubic feet of extra space for all of those things that randomly accumulate in any family-mobile. You know, like soccer balls, Dora the Explorer videos, and empty orange bottles of "Mother's little helper."

The Rucksack includes wheels so it can detach and be rolled with ease. In fact, the only downside of this $425 accessory is that it blocks the entire back windshield. But that's why we all learned how to reverse with our side-view mirrors in driver's training now, isn't it? [Auto Rucksack via boj]

Fiat Gets Forked

Mark Arnold — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:45:00 EDT

What do you do with your little Fiat when you need to get rid of it? Sell it? Bring it to the junkyard? Jump it over a river? Take the body off and reattach it backwards? The hoonin' possibilities are endless. Well, in the UK you apparently just throw the car away. We can't help but think this is wasting a perfectly good LeMons racer. Though ditching a car this way probably does take advantage of a loophole in some sort of obscene car disposal tax law.
[YouTube]

Abt Sportsline Tunes VW R32, Hits 370 HP Note

Ray Wert — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:18:14 EDT

The German tuners of Abt Sportsline have had their way with the VW Golf R32 taking the well-known and already sporty hot hatch down the road of higher horsepower. Although you'd never expect it with such few changes Abt's made to the exterior shell. Although Abt gives their R32 a new side skirt, blackened chrome dual pipes and of course, 19-inch wheels and Abt decals, very little else signals the changes Abt's got going on under that blue bonnet.

And yes, the changes are a-plenty under the hood, as Abt's tuning team took the base engine from VW and spun the dial to 11 by way of a modified motor management system and the introduction of an Abt compressor kit with supercharger and air cooling system. Those changes bump the base model up 120 horses to a tire-squealing 370 HP. Those changes to the motor also boost the top speed to over 168 MPH, with a 0-to-60 time of a mere 5.0 seconds. Five ain't scratch, but it ain't too shabby either. [via World Car Fans]

Ford Fiesta 3 and 5 Door Live And In Color, Retina-Searing Color

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 10:40:00 EST

Lord almighty these cars are bright in person. Ford went ahead and dropped the real deal Ford Fiesta on us and they went out of their way to slather then in colors the Joker would be very proud of. We're pretty excited by the idea of a compact Ford in the market again, though we don't have confirmation yet on the 5 door coming stateside yet. One thing the original (good) Focus was never faulted for was its handling, and it's something Ford has figured out which we're hoping transfers to a potentially more flickable car.

Hopefully the horrible decontenting fate that sank the C170 Focus for us doesn't beset the Fiesta, but we'll just have to wait and see. If you don't remember how the long winded press release felt when it first came out, go nuts soldiering through it down below.

FIESTA FOREVER: FORD'S NEW-GENERATION GLOBAL SMALL CAR PREVIEWED AT 2008 Geneva Motor Show
COLOGNE, 14 February, 2008 - Ford of Europe is reinventing its small car range for a new generation of customers in 2008, starting with a stylish and exciting all-new Fiesta. First Details of the three-door model are released today, and the car will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Designed and developed in Europe for sale in Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia and the Americas between 2008 and 2010, the new Fiesta is the first major product of Ford's new global product development process. Its stylish and dynamic flair combines with all the traditional Ford small car strengths to create a confident, contemporary introduction to the next chapter of the Fiesta success story.

The new Fiesta opens another chapter in the story of the popular Ford small car that has sold more than 12 million units since its introduction in 1976. Charismatic and individual, the new model makes major strides in craftsmanship, quality of materials and product choice while continuing to represent Fiesta's traditional strengths of practicality, value for money, agility and safety. It also brings a host of big-car features to the small-car segment for the first time.

New Fiesta clearly embodies the hallmarks of 'kinetic design', which has so convincingly infused emotion into the core of the Ford range in Europe. The Geneva debut confirms that new Fiesta will bring the most appealing elements of Verve, a trio of concept cars shown recently around the world, to production reality.

It also ends speculation surrounding the name of Ford's new-generation small car for global markets.

"This new car embodies the very essence of Fiesta - fun, vitality and emotion," said John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe. "We know there isn't a better name for the new model, and we have over thirty years of investment in the Fiesta brand to consider.

"We're confident that the combination of dynamic new 'kinetic design' exterior, great interior design and craftsmanship, and a host of new technologies and features will provide compelling reasons for a new generation of customers around the world to take a fresh look at the Ford Fiesta. I know they will be both surprised and delighted with what they see and feel," Fleming added.

Small Car with Global Plans

The new Ford Fiesta is closely related to the exciting Verve Concept vehicle that was revealed to great acclaim at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Frankfurt car was one of three Verve Concepts, with the others, both four-door sedans tailored for regional market tastes, shown recently at Guangzhou in China and the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Together, these concepts paved the way for the company's new global small car programme for the 2008 to 2010 period, with the European Fiesta first to debut in production guise.

Ford designers and product development engineers in Europe have led the vehicle's global development process.

"For Ford, this is truly a world premiere," said Joe Bakaj, Vice President of Product Development, Ford of Europe. "The new Fiesta is the first car born from our new global product development process. More than ever, we're leveraging our global product development expertise, and this car sets the scene for future great products for customers around the world that are already being developed behind it in the Ford Global Product Development System pipeline."

European production of the new Fiesta commences in the autumn of 2008 at the company's Cologne plant in Germany. Later, as production ramps up, the Valencia Assembly Plant will bring additional Fiesta capacity on line in 2009.

"Fiesta has its heart in Europe but its eyes on the world," said Marin Burela, Ford's Global Executive Director for small-car development. "We're building on Ford's hertitage of excellence in small car development to give the new Fiesta truly global reach and identity. By 2010, this new small-car family will be manufactured in Europe, Asia and North America and be marketed as Fiesta in all of the world's key automotive markets."

The new vehicle range will introduce several Ford firsts for a small car, including - from later in 2008 - another model in the new Ford ECOnetic range promising CO2 emissions of fewer than 100 grams per kilometre.

Fit and Trim

* New model retains predecessor's compact size, but is lighter and stronger
* Intelligent Protection System includes new driver's knee airbag
* Detailed enhancements to acclaimed driving character include Electric Power Assisted Steering (E-PAS) and reduced road, wind and powertrain noise

Unlike key competitors in the European small-car segment which have grown in size and weight, the new Fiesta stands on virtually the same footprint as before. The new-generation Fiesta is actually lighter than its predecessor.

"Staying small and resisting weight gains were key objectives of the new Fiesta development process," said Joerg Beyer, Fiesta Chief Carline Engineer. "We've been absolutely committed to keeping Fiesta a compact car and having a razor-sharp focus on cutting weight. That really pays off when it comes to fuel economy and CO2 emissions."

Component by component, the Ford development team scrutinised for weight but refused to compromise on key areas that are important to customers. One of the biggest is safety, where new Fiesta makes a bold step forward with an extremely robust safety structure and the Intelligent Protection System of safety technologies that brings a driver's knee airbag to Fiesta for the first time.

The new Fiesta makes extensive use of ultra high-strength steels in its body structure. A remarkable amount of these specialist steels, including boron steel and dual-phase steel, is the secret to Fiesta's quantum leap in structural stiffness for its light weight. These steels are used particularly in safety critical areas, such as the A-pillar and B-pillar, part of the ultra-rigid 'door ring' structure of the Fiesta bodyside.

Extending Fiesta's traditional excellence in driving dynamics was also a priority. The new Fiesta will have a dynamic character to match its poised, 'kinetic design' style hinting at energy in motion. Ford's acclaimed dynamics engineers also worked hard to enhance Fiesta's ride comfort and isolate road, wind and powertrain noise from the cabin, and to give the new model an impressively quiet driving quality for a small car.

New Fiesta retains the MacPherson strut front suspension and twist-beam rear suspension layout that has been one of its traditional strengths, but the new suspension and steering system has undergone an array of enhancements.

Electric-Power Assist Steering (E-PAS) is introduced in the Fiesta for the first time. E-PAS provides the right balance of low-speed assistance and excellent feel and responsiveness.

E-PAS has another key benefit. It is another key facet of new Fiesta's initiatives to reduce fuel consumption.

The electric power steering pump only operates when steering-effort assistance is required, unlike traditional hydraulic PAS pumps that operate constantly when the engine is running. This brings a fuel consumption reduction.

Efficient Powertrain Choices

* Total of five powertrain choices at launch from efficient 68 PS Duratorq TDCi diesel to new Duratec 1.6-litre Ti-VCT petrol engine which delivers 115 PS
* Fiesta ECOnetic ultra-low CO2 model will deliver less than 100g/km emissions

With a broad array of powertrain choices, the new Fiesta is a responsive, yet efficient, performer.

New to the Fiesta range for European markets is the popular Ford Duratec 1.6-litre Ti-VCT engine. The 115 PS engine with variable intake cam timing, provides a well-balanced blend of performance and economy. It brings a 15 PS performance improvement over the outgoing Fiesta without a fuel consumption penalty.

The Fiesta range also retains:

* 1.25-litre (60 and 80 PS) and 1.4-litre (91 PS) Duratec petrol engines
* Both Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engines, the 1.4-litre (68 PS) and the 1.6-litre (90 PS - available with Diesel Particulate Filter) which have been enhanced with revised injection technology and electronic control sophistication.

Fiesta will be offered with Ford Durashift 5-speed manual transmission or the Durashift
4-speed automatic transmission (available with 1.4-litre (91 PS) Duratec engine).

Concept becomes Reality

* Production Fiesta is clearly related to Verve Concept
* Futuristic interior from Concept makes production with integrated HMI centre stack
* New technology highlights include keyless vehicle technology, 'Ford Power' engine start button, Ford Easyfuel capless refuelling, USB connectivity and ambient interior lighting

The new Ford Fiesta brings the radical Verve Concept exterior and interior styling to production reality and incorporates features and technologies normally found in larger, more expensive vehicles. It rejects the notion that an affordable small car has to be basic or boring.

The highlight of the Verve Concept interior - the futuristic, mobile phone-inspired, human-machine interface technology of the instrument panel centre stack - will be a core feature of the new Ford Fiesta when it hits the road.

Gone is the flat, upright centre stack of the instrument panel, a feature typical of many small cars driven by the need to package a large radio head unit behind the fascia panel. New technology allows Fiesta to separate the key elements of audio system - the control buttons, display and underlying electronics - in a distributed architecture that gives designers more freedom to create aesthetically pleasing, functional shapes.

Many customers of the new-generation Ford Fiesta were raised with mobile phones and they will be instantly comfortable with the design of the car's Ford Convers+ system, which follows the centre stack contours to frame a large-screen display and control panel with key buttons for audio, in-car phone and vehicle settings.

Convenient toggle switches incorporated into the steering wheel allow the driver to control the system's key functions easily and intuitively.

The Ford Convers+ feature - already available on the Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models - represents a major step forward for the small car buyer. It is just one of several new features and technologies in the new Fiesta, including keyless vehicle technology symbolised by the distinctive 'Ford Power' button on the instrument panel.

The advanced technology of Convers+ will not be offered solely on high-spec vehicles. Ford expects more than 85 per cent of Fiesta orders to feature one of two available multi-function displays.

Another Verve Concept feature - the lozenge shaped array of large twist dials for the heating and ventilation systems at the midpoint of the centre stack - is retained in the production Fiesta design. This feature was inspired by the design of contemporary power showers.

Connectivity is another new Fiesta strength. The new centre console features a convenient tray for MP3 players complete with built-in jack sockets for an auxiliary (AUX) audio cable and a USB, along with the traditional 12 Volt outlet. This allows the car's audio system to control and charge the MP3 player.

Bluetooth® connectivity with Voice Control is also offered in the new Fiesta, along with more big-car technologies, including:

* Ford Easyfuel, the convenient capless refuelling system recently introduced with the Ford Mondeo designed to prevent accidental misfuelling
* Reach and rake steering wheel adjustment
* New ambient lighting features that provide a softly elegant red glow to discreetly highlight the interior of the vehicle
* 'One shot' up and down driver window with anti-trap technology

Bold, Dynamic, Sculpted

The bold colours, dynamic shapes and sculpted surfaces of the new Ford Fiesta indicate how deeply the spirit of the Verve Concept has been carried into production as the latest model of Ford's 'kinetic design' family.

Exciting and vibrant new production colours include 'Squeeze' and 'Hot Magenta', which is a production version of the unique colour developed for the three-door Verve Concept car.

"We were so pleased with the positive reaction to the body colour of the first Verve Concept, that we decided to adopt this colour for inclusion in the range soon after launch," said Burela.

The dynamic, coupé-like profile and sporty stance of the new Fiesta demonstrates that none of the emotional appeal of the concept cars has been lost.

"All the vital elements of 'kinetic design' combine to create a visually rich, dynamic exterior shape that is very close indeed to the original concept car," said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe's Executive Director for Design. "Full surfaces, bold graphics and dynamic lines combine coherently and harmoniously to create a dynamic spirit of fun and energy in motion."

With a feeling of toned muscularity, the new Fiesta asserts an air of confidence, stylishness and individuality. Its aggressively contoured bonnet and front wings convey a broad-shouldered stance, and its face features a distinctive signature element - a bold lower trapezoidal grille that draws attention and reinforces the key Ford attribute of sporty driving dynamics.

Chrome and brightwork are used selectively, like jewellery accents, to convey elegance and sophistication.

Large and full of character directly from the Verve concepts, Fiesta's bold headlamps become part of the shoulder shape and extend aggressively rearward almost as far as the stylishly raked A-pillars. The headlamp units incorporate all primary front lighting and signal functions - complemented on the lower bumper flanks by round, chrome-ringed fog lamps.

New Fiesta's profile emphasises its new, cab-forward shape and an attitude of poised, sporty style. The sweeping roofline extends appealingly from the forward-stretching A-pillar rearward, framing the bold graphic of the Fiesta side window profile to create the sporty feeling of a coupé for both three-door and yet-to-be-revealed five-door bodystyles.

"The Design team put as much importance on the shape of the five-door as the three-door," said Stefan Lamm, Chief Designer Exterior, Ford of Europe. "Both cars are based on the same body, which makes them sporty and dynamic, almost coupé-like."

The Fiesta side windows combine to create a unified profile window graphic - a key 'kinetic design' element that communicates dynamism. An elegant accent of chrome frames the lower edge of the side glass and accentuates the signature Ford "kick-up" at its rear.

The new Fiesta also features the signature bold wheel arches that communicate the vehicle's stance and dynamic capabilities, giving visual emphasis to new 17-inch alloy wheels.

Dynamic, 'kinetic design' lines arc from side to side, uniting the upper corners of the tail lamps with the distinctive spoiler, which incorporates a slim LED stop lamp array. The sculpture of the body shapes is accented by elements like the new tail lamp - another Verve element that feels like it is an integral part of the body - and the V-shaped tailgate's chamfered rear glass.

"I've been saying just wait for the new Fiesta to see how kinetic design can be translated into a small car," said Martin Smith, Executive Director of Design for Ford of Europe. "But now the wait is over. New Fiesta evokes an instant emotional response that says 'I want one' which extends the traditionally practical values of the Fiesta brand to appeal to a new, style-conscious generation of small car buyers."

Full technical details of the new Fiesta range will be released closer to the launch of the production model in autumn 2008.

Ford CONFIRMS FIESTA AS GLOBAL NAME FOR SMALL CAR

COLOGNE, Germany, Feb. 14, 2008 - Ford's new small car family will use the Fiesta name around the world, the company confirmed today.

Designed and developed in Europe for customers in Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia and the Americas between 2008 and 2010, the new Fiesta is the first major product of Ford's new global product development process. This new small car keeps alive a name synonymous with more than 30 years of success and strong driving dynamics in Europe and is already well known in markets across Asia, Australia and South America. The Fiesta also was offered in the U.S. from 1978 to 1980.

"The new Ford Fiesta captures every aspect of what's defined Ford as a small-car leader in Europe and builds on it in terms of driving dynamics and design," said Mark Fields, president of the Americas, Ford Motor Company. "When it arrives in North America in 2010, the Ford Fiesta will set a new standard in the small car segment. Even before it arrives in this market, though, the new Fiesta demonstrates how leveraging our global strengths can yield attractive benefits for customers around the world."

The dynamic new look for this global family of small cars was previewed in three Ford Verve Concept vehicles which made their debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007, the Guangzhou Motor Show in November 2007 and the North American International Auto Show in January 2008.

In Europe, the new Fiesta will debut first in production guise at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show in March and will go on sale in fall 2008 in three- and five-door hatchback body styles. By 2010, the new Fiesta will be on sale in markets across Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia and North America in a variety of regionally tailored models derived from a common platform.

"With the all-new Fiesta, we want to create a world standard for small car quality, design and comfort in a vehicle that is as exciting to drive as it is to look at. We believe this all-new model will attract a whole new generation of small car buyers, whether they are in Britain, Spain, China or California," said Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Company President and CEO. "The new Ford Fiesta will set the standard for delivering to our customers products they really want and value while taking advantage of our wonderful global resources."

The new Ford Fiesta brings the dynamic Verve Concept exterior and interior styling to production reality, demonstrating that small cars can be stylish, sophisticated and emotional. It rejects the notion that an affordable small car has to be a commodity.

The new Ford Fiesta also makes major strides in small car craftsmanship, quality of materials and product choice while continuing to represent traditional strengths of practicality, value for money, agility and safety. It also brings a host of big-car features to the small-car segment for the first time.

"The new Ford Fiesta is an example of how good a small car can be," said Jim Farley, Ford's group vice president, Marketing and Communications. "The Fiesta is great to look at, great to drive and it has quality you can see, feel and touch. It's going to be an important growth product for North America."

A key Ford Fiesta strength throughout its life has been its acclaimed driving quality, and the new model intends to uphold this reputation. Ford's dynamics engineers also worked hard to enhance Fiesta's ride comfort and isolate road, wind and powertrain noise from the cabin, and to give the new model an impressively quiet driving quality for a small car.

Fiesta for a New Generation

The all-new Fiesta opens another chapter in the story of the popular Ford small car that has sold more than 12 million units since its introduction in 1976 and represented real change when it came on the automotive scene. While it has moved with the times and fashions over the years, it has remained steadfast in its dedication to providing economical, practical and dependable transportation for people of all ages.

Starting in the early 1970s, the Fiesta project became a personal mission of Ford's Chairman, Henry Ford II. A passionate believer in small cars, Ford rallied his company to the mission of creating a new model. He personally was involved in every step of the long process that led to the grand opening of the new automotive assembly plant in Almusafes, Valencia, with the attendance of the newly crowned King of Spain, Juan Carlos.

With the global fuel crisis as extra incentive, at the end of 1973, the Ford Board of Directors gave Project Bobcat, as it was originally known, the go-ahead for development and production. Fiesta didn't get its name until 1974, when Ford whittled down a list of 50 potential names to just five. The final choice went to Henry Ford II, and his preference for Fiesta was entirely appropriate given the creation of the new manufacturing plant in Spain.

In Europe, the new Fiesta will be built at Ford's Valencia manufacturing facility in Spain beginning in early 2009 alongside the Cologne manufacturing plant, which starts production in fall 2008.

A production announcement for the Ford Fiesta in Asia will be announced in April at the Beijing Motor Show. A North America announcement will come at a later date.

Ford Fiesta Three Door Pictures And Details, To Be Called Fiesta For US Market

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:01:00 EST

The release of information regarding the new Ford Fiesta, the latest global small car platform from Ford, brings lots of good news. First, the new Fiesta maintains all of the kinetic design language from the Ford Verve concepts. Second, it'll be available just about everywhere Ford makes cars, with production in North America for the North American market. Third, the car is still going to be called the Fiesta. Even in the US of A. All of those years of pleading for Ford of Europe products are finally paying off. The Fiesta will officially bow at the Geneva Motor Show, though no word yet on when it'll officially make a North American Debut. More pictures and press releases below the jump.

FIESTA FOREVER: FORD'S NEW-GENERATION GLOBAL SMALL CAR PREVIEWED AT 2008 Geneva Motor Show
COLOGNE, 14 February, 2008 - Ford of Europe is reinventing its small car range for a new generation of customers in 2008, starting with a stylish and exciting all-new Fiesta. First Details of the three-door model are released today, and the car will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Designed and developed in Europe for sale in Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia and the Americas between 2008 and 2010, the new Fiesta is the first major product of Ford's new global product development process. Its stylish and dynamic flair combines with all the traditional Ford small car strengths to create a confident, contemporary introduction to the next chapter of the Fiesta success story.

The new Fiesta opens another chapter in the story of the popular Ford small car that has sold more than 12 million units since its introduction in 1976. Charismatic and individual, the new model makes major strides in craftsmanship, quality of materials and product choice while continuing to represent Fiesta's traditional strengths of practicality, value for money, agility and safety. It also brings a host of big-car features to the small-car segment for the first time.

New Fiesta clearly embodies the hallmarks of 'kinetic design', which has so convincingly infused emotion into the core of the Ford range in Europe. The Geneva debut confirms that new Fiesta will bring the most appealing elements of Verve, a trio of concept cars shown recently around the world, to production reality.

It also ends speculation surrounding the name of Ford's new-generation small car for global markets.

"This new car embodies the very essence of Fiesta - fun, vitality and emotion," said John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe. "We know there isn't a better name for the new model, and we have over thirty years of investment in the Fiesta brand to consider.

"We're confident that the combination of dynamic new 'kinetic design' exterior, great interior design and craftsmanship, and a host of new technologies and features will provide compelling reasons for a new generation of customers around the world to take a fresh look at the Ford Fiesta. I know they will be both surprised and delighted with what they see and feel," Fleming added.

Small Car with Global Plans

The new Ford Fiesta is closely related to the exciting Verve Concept vehicle that was revealed to great acclaim at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Frankfurt car was one of three Verve Concepts, with the others, both four-door sedans tailored for regional market tastes, shown recently at Guangzhou in China and the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Together, these concepts paved the way for the company's new global small car programme for the 2008 to 2010 period, with the European Fiesta first to debut in production guise.

Ford designers and product development engineers in Europe have led the vehicle's global development process.

"For Ford, this is truly a world premiere," said Joe Bakaj, Vice President of Product Development, Ford of Europe. "The new Fiesta is the first car born from our new global product development process. More than ever, we're leveraging our global product development expertise, and this car sets the scene for future great products for customers around the world that are already being developed behind it in the Ford Global Product Development System pipeline."

European production of the new Fiesta commences in the autumn of 2008 at the company's Cologne plant in Germany. Later, as production ramps up, the Valencia Assembly Plant will bring additional Fiesta capacity on line in 2009.

"Fiesta has its heart in Europe but its eyes on the world," said Marin Burela, Ford's Global Executive Director for small-car development. "We're building on Ford's hertitage of excellence in small car development to give the new Fiesta truly global reach and identity. By 2010, this new small-car family will be manufactured in Europe, Asia and North America and be marketed as Fiesta in all of the world's key automotive markets."

The new vehicle range will introduce several Ford firsts for a small car, including - from later in 2008 - another model in the new Ford ECOnetic range promising CO2 emissions of fewer than 100 grams per kilometre.

Fit and Trim

* New model retains predecessor's compact size, but is lighter and stronger
* Intelligent Protection System includes new driver's knee airbag
* Detailed enhancements to acclaimed driving character include Electric Power Assisted Steering (E-PAS) and reduced road, wind and powertrain noise

Unlike key competitors in the European small-car segment which have grown in size and weight, the new Fiesta stands on virtually the same footprint as before. The new-generation Fiesta is actually lighter than its predecessor.

"Staying small and resisting weight gains were key objectives of the new Fiesta development process," said Joerg Beyer, Fiesta Chief Carline Engineer. "We've been absolutely committed to keeping Fiesta a compact car and having a razor-sharp focus on cutting weight. That really pays off when it comes to fuel economy and CO2 emissions."

Component by component, the Ford development team scrutinised for weight but refused to compromise on key areas that are important to customers. One of the biggest is safety, where new Fiesta makes a bold step forward with an extremely robust safety structure and the Intelligent Protection System of safety technologies that brings a driver's knee airbag to Fiesta for the first time.

The new Fiesta makes extensive use of ultra high-strength steels in its body structure. A remarkable amount of these specialist steels, including boron steel and dual-phase steel, is the secret to Fiesta's quantum leap in structural stiffness for its light weight. These steels are used particularly in safety critical areas, such as the A-pillar and B-pillar, part of the ultra-rigid 'door ring' structure of the Fiesta bodyside.

Extending Fiesta's traditional excellence in driving dynamics was also a priority. The new Fiesta will have a dynamic character to match its poised, 'kinetic design' style hinting at energy in motion. Ford's acclaimed dynamics engineers also worked hard to enhance Fiesta's ride comfort and isolate road, wind and powertrain noise from the cabin, and to give the new model an impressively quiet driving quality for a small car.

New Fiesta retains the MacPherson strut front suspension and twist-beam rear suspension layout that has been one of its traditional strengths, but the new suspension and steering system has undergone an array of enhancements.

Electric-Power Assist Steering (E-PAS) is introduced in the Fiesta for the first time. E-PAS provides the right balance of low-speed assistance and excellent feel and responsiveness.

E-PAS has another key benefit. It is another key facet of new Fiesta's initiatives to reduce fuel consumption.

The electric power steering pump only operates when steering-effort assistance is required, unlike traditional hydraulic PAS pumps that operate constantly when the engine is running. This brings a fuel consumption reduction.

Efficient Powertrain Choices

* Total of five powertrain choices at launch from efficient 68 PS Duratorq TDCi diesel to new Duratec 1.6-litre Ti-VCT petrol engine which delivers 115 PS
* Fiesta ECOnetic ultra-low CO2 model will deliver less than 100g/km emissions

With a broad array of powertrain choices, the new Fiesta is a responsive, yet efficient, performer.

New to the Fiesta range for European markets is the popular Ford Duratec 1.6-litre Ti-VCT engine. The 115 PS engine with variable intake cam timing, provides a well-balanced blend of performance and economy. It brings a 15 PS performance improvement over the outgoing Fiesta without a fuel consumption penalty.

The Fiesta range also retains:

* 1.25-litre (60 and 80 PS) and 1.4-litre (91 PS) Duratec petrol engines
* Both Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engines, the 1.4-litre (68 PS) and the 1.6-litre (90 PS - available with Diesel Particulate Filter) which have been enhanced with revised injection technology and electronic control sophistication.

Fiesta will be offered with Ford Durashift 5-speed manual transmission or the Durashift
4-speed automatic transmission (available with 1.4-litre (91 PS) Duratec engine).

Concept becomes Reality

* Production Fiesta is clearly related to Verve Concept
* Futuristic interior from Concept makes production with integrated HMI centre stack
* New technology highlights include keyless vehicle technology, 'Ford Power' engine start button, Ford Easyfuel capless refuelling, USB connectivity and ambient interior lighting

The new Ford Fiesta brings the radical Verve Concept exterior and interior styling to production reality and incorporates features and technologies normally found in larger, more expensive vehicles. It rejects the notion that an affordable small car has to be basic or boring.

The highlight of the Verve Concept interior - the futuristic, mobile phone-inspired, human-machine interface technology of the instrument panel centre stack - will be a core feature of the new Ford Fiesta when it hits the road.

Gone is the flat, upright centre stack of the instrument panel, a feature typical of many small cars driven by the need to package a large radio head unit behind the fascia panel. New technology allows Fiesta to separate the key elements of audio system - the control buttons, display and underlying electronics - in a distributed architecture that gives designers more freedom to create aesthetically pleasing, functional shapes.

Many customers of the new-generation Ford Fiesta were raised with mobile phones and they will be instantly comfortable with the design of the car's Ford Convers+ system, which follows the centre stack contours to frame a large-screen display and control panel with key buttons for audio, in-car phone and vehicle settings.

Convenient toggle switches incorporated into the steering wheel allow the driver to control the system's key functions easily and intuitively.

The Ford Convers+ feature - already available on the Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models - represents a major step forward for the small car buyer. It is just one of several new features and technologies in the new Fiesta, including keyless vehicle technology symbolised by the distinctive 'Ford Power' button on the instrument panel.

The advanced technology of Convers+ will not be offered solely on high-spec vehicles. Ford expects more than 85 per cent of Fiesta orders to feature one of two available multi-function displays.

Another Verve Concept feature - the lozenge shaped array of large twist dials for the heating and ventilation systems at the midpoint of the centre stack - is retained in the production Fiesta design. This feature was inspired by the design of contemporary power showers.

Connectivity is another new Fiesta strength. The new centre console features a convenient tray for MP3 players complete with built-in jack sockets for an auxiliary (AUX) audio cable and a USB, along with the traditional 12 Volt outlet. This allows the car's audio system to control and charge the MP3 player.

Bluetooth® connectivity with Voice Control is also offered in the new Fiesta, along with more big-car technologies, including:

* Ford Easyfuel, the convenient capless refuelling system recently introduced with the Ford Mondeo designed to prevent accidental misfuelling
* Reach and rake steering wheel adjustment
* New ambient lighting features that provide a softly elegant red glow to discreetly highlight the interior of the vehicle
* 'One shot' up and down driver window with anti-trap technology

Bold, Dynamic, Sculpted

The bold colours, dynamic shapes and sculpted surfaces of the new Ford Fiesta indicate how deeply the spirit of the Verve Concept has been carried into production as the latest model of Ford's 'kinetic design' family.

Exciting and vibrant new production colours include 'Squeeze' and 'Hot Magenta', which is a production version of the unique colour developed for the three-door Verve Concept car.

"We were so pleased with the positive reaction to the body colour of the first Verve Concept, that we decided to adopt this colour for inclusion in the range soon after launch," said Burela.

The dynamic, coupé-like profile and sporty stance of the new Fiesta demonstrates that none of the emotional appeal of the concept cars has been lost.

"All the vital elements of 'kinetic design' combine to create a visually rich, dynamic exterior shape that is very close indeed to the original concept car," said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe's Executive Director for Design. "Full surfaces, bold graphics and dynamic lines combine coherently and harmoniously to create a dynamic spirit of fun and energy in motion."

With a feeling of toned muscularity, the new Fiesta asserts an air of confidence, stylishness and individuality. Its aggressively contoured bonnet and front wings convey a broad-shouldered stance, and its face features a distinctive signature element - a bold lower trapezoidal grille that draws attention and reinforces the key Ford attribute of sporty driving dynamics.

Chrome and brightwork are used selectively, like jewellery accents, to convey elegance and sophistication.

Large and full of character directly from the Verve concepts, Fiesta's bold headlamps become part of the shoulder shape and extend aggressively rearward almost as far as the stylishly raked A-pillars. The headlamp units incorporate all primary front lighting and signal functions - complemented on the lower bumper flanks by round, chrome-ringed fog lamps.

New Fiesta's profile emphasises its new, cab-forward shape and an attitude of poised, sporty style. The sweeping roofline extends appealingly from the forward-stretching A-pillar rearward, framing the bold graphic of the Fiesta side window profile to create the sporty feeling of a coupé for both three-door and yet-to-be-revealed five-door bodystyles.

"The Design team put as much importance on the shape of the five-door as the three-door," said Stefan Lamm, Chief Designer Exterior, Ford of Europe. "Both cars are based on the same body, which makes them sporty and dynamic, almost coupé-like."

The Fiesta side windows combine to create a unified profile window graphic - a key 'kinetic design' element that communicates dynamism. An elegant accent of chrome frames the lower edge of the side glass and accentuates the signature Ford "kick-up" at its rear.

The new Fiesta also features the signature bold wheel arches that communicate the vehicle's stance and dynamic capabilities, giving visual emphasis to new 17-inch alloy wheels.

Dynamic, 'kinetic design' lines arc from side to side, uniting the upper corners of the tail lamps with the distinctive spoiler, which incorporates a slim LED stop lamp array. The sculpture of the body shapes is accented by elements like the new tail lamp - another Verve element that feels like it is an integral part of the body - and the V-shaped tailgate's chamfered rear glass.

"I've been saying just wait for the new Fiesta to see how kinetic design can be translated into a small car," said Martin Smith, Executive Director of Design for Ford of Europe. "But now the wait is over. New Fiesta evokes an instant emotional response that says 'I want one' which extends the traditionally practical values of the Fiesta brand to appeal to a new, style-conscious generation of small car buyers."

Full technical details of the new Fiesta range will be released closer to the launch of the production model in autumn 2008.

Ford CONFIRMS FIESTA AS GLOBAL NAME FOR SMALL CAR

COLOGNE, Germany, Feb. 14, 2008 - Ford's new small car family will use the Fiesta name around the world, the company confirmed today.

Designed and developed in Europe for customers in Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia and the Americas between 2008 and 2010, the new Fiesta is the first major product of Ford's new global product development process. This new small car keeps alive a name synonymous with more than 30 years of success and strong driving dynamics in Europe and is already well known in markets across Asia, Australia and South America. The Fiesta also was offered in the U.S. from 1978 to 1980.

"The new Ford Fiesta captures every aspect of what's defined Ford as a small-car leader in Europe and builds on it in terms of driving dynamics and design," said Mark Fields, president of the Americas, Ford Motor Company. "When it arrives in North America in 2010, the Ford Fiesta will set a new standard in the small car segment. Even before it arrives in this market, though, the new Fiesta demonstrates how leveraging our global strengths can yield attractive benefits for customers around the world."

The dynamic new look for this global family of small cars was previewed in three Ford Verve Concept vehicles which made their debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007, the Guangzhou Motor Show in November 2007 and the North American International Auto Show in January 2008.

In Europe, the new Fiesta will debut first in production guise at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show in March and will go on sale in fall 2008 in three- and five-door hatchback body styles. By 2010, the new Fiesta will be on sale in markets across Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia and North America in a variety of regionally tailored models derived from a common platform.

"With the all-new Fiesta, we want to create a world standard for small car quality, design and comfort in a vehicle that is as exciting to drive as it is to look at. We believe this all-new model will attract a whole new generation of small car buyers, whether they are in Britain, Spain, China or California," said Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Company President and CEO. "The new Ford Fiesta will set the standard for delivering to our customers products they really want and value while taking advantage of our wonderful global resources."

The new Ford Fiesta brings the dynamic Verve Concept exterior and interior styling to production reality, demonstrating that small cars can be stylish, sophisticated and emotional. It rejects the notion that an affordable small car has to be a commodity.

The new Ford Fiesta also makes major strides in small car craftsmanship, quality of materials and product choice while continuing to represent traditional strengths of practicality, value for money, agility and safety. It also brings a host of big-car features to the small-car segment for the first time.

"The new Ford Fiesta is an example of how good a small car can be," said Jim Farley, Ford's group vice president, Marketing and Communications. "The Fiesta is great to look at, great to drive and it has quality you can see, feel and touch. It's going to be an important growth product for North America."

A key Ford Fiesta strength throughout its life has been its acclaimed driving quality, and the new model intends to uphold this reputation. Ford's dynamics engineers also worked hard to enhance Fiesta's ride comfort and isolate road, wind and powertrain noise from the cabin, and to give the new model an impressively quiet driving quality for a small car.

Fiesta for a New Generation

The all-new Fiesta opens another chapter in the story of the popular Ford small car that has sold more than 12 million units since its introduction in 1976 and represented real change when it came on the automotive scene. While it has moved with the times and fashions over the years, it has remained steadfast in its dedication to providing economical, practical and dependable transportation for people of all ages.

Starting in the early 1970s, the Fiesta project became a personal mission of Ford's Chairman, Henry Ford II. A passionate believer in small cars, Ford rallied his company to the mission of creating a new model. He personally was involved in every step of the long process that led to the grand opening of the new automotive assembly plant in Almusafes, Valencia, with the attendance of the newly crowned King of Spain, Juan Carlos.

With the global fuel crisis as extra incentive, at the end of 1973, the Ford Board of Directors gave Project Bobcat, as it was originally known, the go-ahead for development and production. Fiesta didn't get its name until 1974, when Ford whittled down a list of 50 potential names to just five. The final choice went to Henry Ford II, and his preference for Fiesta was entirely appropriate given the creation of the new manufacturing plant in Spain.

In Europe, the new Fiesta will be built at Ford's Valencia manufacturing facility in Spain beginning in early 2009 alongside the Cologne manufacturing plant, which starts production in fall 2008.

A production announcement for the Ford Fiesta in Asia will be announced in April at the Beijing Motor Show. A North America announcement will come at a later date.

Verve Sedan Concept Specifications

Overall length 145.35 in.

Wheelbase 97.99 in.

Overall width 65.12 in.

Overall height at curb 54.33 in.

Track width
Front 58.03 in.
Rear 57.32 in.

Front Overhang 32.05 in.

Rear Overhang 57.32

Headroom
Front 37.8 in.
Second Row 35.83 in.

Legroom
Front 42.09 in.
Second Row 32.76 in.

Powertrain
Fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine

[Source: Ford]

New Mazda2 3-Door To Debut At Geneva On The Fourth Of March, We Want Five

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:30:00 EST

We're already big fans of Mazda's mini hatch, the Mazda2. It's sharp looking, safe, relatively quick and unpretentious. Up until now, there's only been the five-door and sedan version, which recently debuted in China. Not wanting to let a segment go unfilled, Mazda will be debuting the Mazda2 three-dour hatchback at the Geneva Motor. They've only released this image of the rear three-quarter view, but it seems to retain all the hotness of the other versions and will come equipped with the same engines. Photos of the other variants and the press release below.

New Mazda2 To Debut At Geneva
The new Mazda2 three-door hatchback will make its world premiere on Tuesday 4 March at the 78th Salon International de l'Auto de Genève. This is the first time that Mazda has offered a three-door variant in its popular Mazda2 model range. The newcomer will feature all the attributes of the five-door hatchback, but delivering an even sportier feel at a more affordable price.

The new Mazda2 three-door hatchback is designed to attract new customers and boost Mazda's continued growth in the European market. It comes with the same powertrain line-up - the lively and responsive MZR 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines and the MZ-CD 1.4-litre turbo diesel - as the five-door hatchback. These engines achieve high fuel efficiency together with particularly low CO2 emissions.

The three-door Mazda2 shares the same overall dimensions as the five-door and achieves a similarly modest kerb weight, model for model. The five-door Mazda2 has already demonstrated that by completely redesigning the body and chassis and implementing Mazda's unique 'gram strategy', the brand's small car weight could be reduced to under the 1,000 kilogram threshold. This outstanding result reverses the industry trend towards bigger and heavier cars.

Launched in September 2007 as Mazda's first new-generation Zoom-Zoom vehicle to evolve to the next level, the new Mazda2 was an immediate hit with European customers. In December 2007, it was awarded a 5-Star safety rating by Euro-NCAP and it has won more than 20 automotive awards. These include Car of the Year awards in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Greece and New Zealand, along with the Japan RJC Car of the Year.

The Geneva Show will also witness three Mazda European debuts: the Mazda Taiki concept car, equipped with a next-generation rotary engine, the Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid and the upgraded Mazda's RX-8 four-seater, four-door sports car.

[Source: Mazda]

Tokyo Motor Show: Subaru G4e EV Concept

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 04:00:15 EDT

We hear electricity is going to be huge someday, though we're not sure Subaru got the same memo. The company rolled out its all-electric G4e concept concept car in Tokyo, thought it was outshined handily by the new Impreza STI. The small hatch combines underfloor Li-on batteries with seating for five and a relatively meager 124-mile charge range. Sure, the designers got the spacial engineering right, but we get the feeling Soob's rally-spirit heart just isn't in this one.

Ford Focus RS

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 09:15:51 EDT

If you're following our drive time in the latest US-model Ford Focus, you'll be pleased to know Europeans will soon have another reason to gloat. It's the Ford Focus RS, soon to succeed the quick-and-agile (and none too ugly) Focus ST. It's the Ford Focus RS, a hot hatch powered by a 3.0-liter in-line six producing 300 horsepower. Note the large air intakes at the front, alloy wheels and rear wing. To make matters more trackworthy, Motorsports engineering firm Prodrive is working up the Focus's all-wheel-drive system, which along with the engine is likely from the Volvo parts bin. Look for the Fordian rival to the Subaru Impreza STI and Mitsubishi Evo X at the Geneva show next March. [World Car Fans]

Hatchback Hello: GM to Plug Astra With Test Drives to Win Friends

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 13:15:09 EDT

Some skeptics say the hatchback will never return en mass to the states. Others say high gas prices will release demand for such odd-door models, just like during the great hatch invasion of the late-1970s. Of course, the new (for the US) Saturn Astra is no bargain-basement hatch; GM announced it'll start at nearly $16,000 and likely break 20 grand with not many swipes at the options list. To stack the odds in its favor, GM's taking the Astra on a coast-to-coast driveathon to win friends and influence same to take one home. It's the latest tactic supporting the General's strategy of raiding Opel's drawing room to fatten the Saturn catalog. We're standing by. If this works, the odds may be better that we'll get a version of the hotter, Opelfied OPC version. Then, the insertion of hot hatchness will be complete. Viva!

Press Release:

Saturn Astra Test Drive Event Coming to a City Near You

Saturn Astra - the all-new sport compact car with European-bred driving dynamics - arrives in dealerships early next year. But enthusiasts who want to be among the first to see, feel and drive the Astra can participate in one of 14 test drive programs held this fall across the United States, between Oct. 12 and Dec. 13.

By visiting Saturn.com/AllNewAstra and clicking on the "Rethink the Test Drive" tab in the lower left corner, you can sign up - including one guest - for the nearest city's event. There, participants are allowed to get in, crawl through, push buttons and gaze under the hood of the all-new Astra, while product experts answer any and all questions.

After being familiarized with the Astra, participants are encouraged to put it through its paces on a closed course designed to highlight the car's comfort, performance and overall feel. It's a fun, safe and personal way to experience an exciting new car before anyone else in your area.

The Astra is available starting Jan. 2. It is offered in three- and five-door models, with a starting price of $15,995 (including destination). Astra is packed with a wide range of standard equipment and safety features, including six air bags. Power comes from a 138-hp 1.8L Ecotec four-cylinder that is both energetic and economical.

Cities and metropolitan areas included on the test drive tour include:

* San Francisco - Oct. 12
* Los Angeles - Oct. 17
* Phoenix - Oct. 22
* Chicago - Oct. 24
* Orange County, Calif. - Oct. 25
* Seattle - Nov. 1
* Detroit - Nov. 8
* Houston - Nov. 15
* Dallas - Nov. 20
* New York - Dec. 3
* Philadelphia - Dec. 6
* Orlando - Dec. 10
* Atlanta - Dec. 13
* Miami - Dec. 13

Test drive locations and directions are available when you sign up at Saturn.com/AllNewAstra - you supply the enthusiasm and Saturn will supply the orange cones.

Out of the Park: The 'World Series by Renault' Clio Renault Sport Edition

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 10:45:56 EDT

If ever there was a French specialty in the car market, it's this particular construct of hot hatchback: a taut, track-ready sort with a squat comportment and naturally aspirated four that pulls like a mid-80s Mustang GT. Renault's unveiled yet another version of its rapidly expanding Clio RS line; this one based on its damped-and-tamped Cup chassis. The 'World Series by Renault' Clio Renault Sport Edition small hatchback was officially presented to the public last weekend at France's Magny-Cours track. It's got a 200-horsepower 16-valve four displacing two liters, linked to a TL4 six-speed box — both products of the Renault-Nissan alliance. Top speed is a sprightly 138 miles per hour. Look for it now in a UK forecourt near you.

Press Release:

"WORLD SERIES BY RENAULT" CLIO RENAULT SPORT
POWERFUL, TECHNICAL AND AFFORDABLE

To coincide with the World Series by Renault meeting at France's Magny-Cours racetrack which took place the last weekend, Renault Sport Technologies presented the "World Series by Renault" Clio Renault Sport, a unique celebration of this increasingly popular top-class motor sports event. This exceptional car emphasizes pure performance and motoring passion, combining highly distinctive looks with true sports performance, largely thanks to Cup chassis and thanks to a new gearbox staging, which will be appearing across the Clio Renault Sport range from October. In France, the "World Series by Renault" Clio Renault Sport is priced at €21,900. Order books open across the Renault dealer network in week 39 for the UK and in week 43 for France, Spain and Italy.

World Series by Renault
Under a motor sports concept unique in Europe, World Series by Renault events have drawn a total audience of 1,500,000 since the first meeting was held in 2005. The events combine a quality sports programme with other features appealing to a broader public than motor sports fans alone. To coincide with the World Series by Renault event at the Magny-Cours racetrack which took place the last weekend, Renault Sport Technologies presented the "World Series by Renault" Clio Renault Sport. This signature edition features a highly distinctive appearance, with black satin-finish wheels, dark anthracite hubcaps, and special "World Series By Renault" décor.

High performance with new gearbox staging
The "World Series by Renault" Clio Renault Sport makes the very most of the expressive personality of the 16-valve 2-litre normally aspirated engine, which is both supple (peak torque of 215 Nm at 5500 rpm) and powerful (200 hp [145kW] at 7250 rpm). The engine is coupled through a TL4 six-speed manual gearbox developed under the Renault-Nissan Alliance. On the fifth and sixth gears, the staging has been extended to improve vehicle acoustics, under motorway driving conditions in particular. The car reaches a top speed of 223 km/h. This gearbox adaptation will be carried across to all Clio Renault Sport versions
from October.

Chassis and setup effective in the extreme
In France and United Kingdom, the "World Series by Renault" Clio Renault Sport benefits from the Cup chassis and Dark Anthracite black satin-finish wheels combine to improve handling feel and precision. With a stance slung 7mm lower than Clio Renault Sport, it boasts a lower centre of gravity which reduces load transfer, so offering more effective cornering (with circuit time gains of 0.2s per kilometre). Its cornering power on the flat is further enhanced by damper setups and increased spring stiffness (+27% at the front, +30% at rear) for higher performance and extreme pleasure. With a 10% increase in bending stiffness and more flexible bump stops, the double-axis strut system derived directly from Clio Renault Sport expresses its full potential.

Frankfurt Auto Show: New European Chevrolet Aveo Has Huge Boot And Overbite To Match

Ray Wert — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 05:13:30 EDT

There's a new Chevrolet Aveo hatchback for Europe and as we've already shown you, it's got a new front face with a gaping wide mouth. Still has the same great storage space and fuel economy it's always had and hey, now you can get an auto tranny on this as of now European only model. (Yes, we know a Aveo hatch exists in the US, but it doesn't have anywhere near as great of an overbite — yet) We'll actually read the press release when we've had a moment to breathe, but for the moment check it out yourself after the jump.

New Chevrolet Aveo: striking exterior, new entry-level petrol model
Hatchback and notchback models to bear same name in future
Striking exterior and high-class interior
Two petrol engines with 84 and 98 hp; manual or automatic transmission

Zurich. Chevrolet Europe's success story began with the Kalos in 2002. In 2006, the compact-class model range was extended with the introduction of the Aveo hatchback wagon. Since 2002, GM's value brand has sold more than 381,000 vehicles in this compact series to customers throughout Europe. These key models have, in turn, made a significant contribution to Chevrolet's success in the first half of 2007, when the brand chalked up a total of 215,315 unit sales across Europe, achieving a market share of some 1.8 per cent - its best performance to date.

Chevrolet Europe will present the Kalos' successor at the Frankfurt Motor Show (13 to 23 September 2007). The most significant features of this completely reworked model are its striking exterior, its high-class interior and a new, even more efficient petrol engine. Like its notchback stable mate, the new hatchback model will now bear the Aveo name throughout Europe. The five-door hatchback model will be first to hit European showrooms (in March 2008), followed by the three-door model a few weeks later. Like all Chevrolets, the new Aveo will stand out for its excellent value for money.

The Aveo hatchback sports Chevrolet's new design features, as characterised by the big horizontally split radiator grille with a body-coloured crossbeam and the brand logo sitting prominently in the center. The dynamic detailing includes large, curved clear-glass headlamps and fog lamps that project like spotlights from the lower part of the bumper. The bonnet follows the lines of the radiator grille. Eye-catching contours, which flow from the bonnet to the A-pillar, highlight the sporty look.

Additional indicators in the side sections in front of the exterior mirrors enhance safety. In profile, the body's prominent shoulder lines catch the eye, as does their dynamic beading that sweeps from the front to the rear door. The back of the car is dominated by the solid bumper and the round tail lamps in a clear-glass housing.

The modern and high-quality instrument panel is divided into four chrome-trimmed controls and a centre console with striking air vents, a fully integrated audio unit, and large, user-friendly air-conditioning dials. The smooth plastic surfaces and the soft-touch finish of both the instrument panel and the upper half of the door panel are pleasant to the touch.

The new Aveo has grown slightly and is four centimetres longer than its predecessor. Its vital statistics are:

Aveo hatchback
Length (metres)
3.92
Width (metres)
1.68
Height (metres)
1.51
Wheelbase (metres)
2.48
Boot volume (litres)
220 - 980

The Aveo offers a choice of two petrol engines: a new 1.2-litre unit with two overhead camshafts and an output of 84 hp, and the existing 1.4-litre engine, which now develops 98 hp and is available with automatic transmission.

Both engines are even more frugal than their predecessors when it comes to fuel consumption. Despite the fact that its performance has improved by 12 hp, for example, the basic engine will now consume roughly 6 per cent less fuel in the MVEG fuel efficiency comparison.

Euro Honda Civic Spotted in Detroit Is Diesel Prototype

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 18:09:40 EDT

Thanks to Kamran for the tip that the 2007 Honda Civic five-door hatch — the Euro model — spotted in Detroit is a prototype turbodiesel Civic — the 2.2-liter iCDTi. Most credible sources say we'll have to wait a couple of years to see the first Honda diesels in the states, but some journos got an advance drive earlier this year. Click through for specs. [UPDATE: New photos. Looks like it was bought from a dealer in Switzerland.] [via Clean MPG]

2007 Honda Civic 5-door hatch - 2.2L iCDTi - S basic specifications:

Audi A1 Hybrid Coming to Tokyo

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:27:30 EDT

What's small, has four rings and sports a hybrid-drive system? Time's up, bitchez! It's the Audi A1 minicar, which Germany's Auto Motor und Sport says will appear at the Tokyo Motor Show this October powered by the company's new hybrid drive system. The new premium-entry hatch will reportedly go on sale in 2010, and could spawn a new Q1 small SUV. No steak sauce jokes, please, we're over it. [Auto Motor und Sport via Motor Authority]

High-Mileage Volvo C30 to Debut in Frankfurt

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 09:56:33 EDT

Volvo says it's showing a special-edition Volvo C30 in Frankfurt that offers a few energy-efficiency tweaks, giving it an estimated 52 miles per gallon. It's powered by a 1.6-liter turbodiesel and fitted with a new autobox that reduces torque loss during upshifts, which Volvo says boosts efficiency by eight percent. It's called Powershift, and it's the equivalent of two manual gearboxes controlled by separate clutches. Along with VW's BlueMotion and Mercedes's Bluetec, the model furthers the idea that this year's Frankfurt show will be all about the cleaner diesels. Hybrid who?

Press Release:

Special version Volvo C30 below 4.5 l/100km

In parallel with Volvo Cars' focus on biofuels and hybrid technology, energy-effiency improvements are continuously being made to the company's conventional drivelines.

The special version of the Volvo C30 called Efficiency has a fuel consumption below 4.5l/100 km, and CO2 emission below 120 g/km.

Additionaly, Volvo Cars will introduce a Powershift gearbox that reduces fuel consumption by about 8 percent.

"We are firmly committed to lowering the fuel consumption of our conventional petrol and diesel engines. By doing this we will continuously reduce the overall CO2 emission level for our whole model range," says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President Research and Development at Volvo Cars.

In 2008 Volvo Cars will introduce a Volvo C30 with a 1.6-litre turbodiesel (105 hp) that has a fuel consumption of less than 4.5 l/100 km.

Volvo Cars' experts have succeeded in reducing fuel consumption by more than 0.4 l/100 km from 4.9 l/100 km which is the official figure for the C30 1.6D that is available on the market today. Translated into CO2 emissions, this is a reduction from 129 g/km to below 120 g.

"This is a science of small adjustments and gains. Many systems and details in a car model have been dimensioned to suit all engine variants, from the smallest diesel to the most powerful petrol unit. This gives possibilities for fine adjustments to individual engine variants, particularly the smallest alternatives," says Magnus Jonsson.

A range of measures within four main areas

The fuel consumption reduction has been achieved through measures within four main areas:

* Aerodynamics. The Efficiency has reduced chassis height, a new rear roof spoiler, a new rear bumper, underbody panels, optimised engine cooling and aerodynamically optimised 16-inch wheel rims.
* Rolling resistance is reduced with a new generation of low friction tyres
* Higher gearing. The unique gearbox variant has revised gearing on 3rd, 4th and 5th gears
* Powertrain efficiency increase. This includes new low-friction transmission oil, optimisation of steering servo assistance and engine management optimisation.

The special C30 will also get visual elements that enhance its unique character.

Cash-back in Sweden

In Sweden, a conventional car with carbon dioxide emissions of 120 g/km or less is classified as an environmental car. This entitles private new-car buyers to a state-provided cash-back of 10,000 kronor (SEK).

"These measures are positive both for the customer and for the environment. The car owner gets a Volvo C30 with the very same sporty feel and appearance, with the added benefit of even better fuel economy and, in some countries, tax incentives. At the same time, emissions of carbon dioxide are cut by about 8 percent," explains Magnus Jonsson.

Powershift reduces consumption by 8 percent

In early 2008 Volvo Cars will introduce a new gearbox with a so-called Powershift feature.

Powershift cuts fuel consumption by about 8 percent compared with today's automatic transmissions. It will be available in the Volvo C30, S40 and V50 with the 2-litre turbodiesel (2.0D) engine.

Put simply, one could say that Powershift consists of two manual gearboxes that work in parallel and are controlled by separate clutches. Since there is no disruption in torque delivery during the gearchanging process, gearshifts are instantaneous and the efficiency rating is higher.

Developments in petrol and diesel engines

The environment is in constant focus as Volvo Cars initiates continuous improvements in its other petrol and diesel engines.

For petrol engines, the company's experts are examining how direct-injection technology can be further refined and they are also looking at even more advanced control of both the air/fuel mixture and valve control.

"When it comes to diesel engines, it isn't fuel consumption that is the greatest challenge. Here the main challenge is to meet the increasingly tough demands on regulated emissions such as nitrogen oxides and particulates without jeopardising the diesel engine's already low fuel consumption," says Magnus Jonsson.

Over the Back Fence: A Hatchback From Porsche?

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 07:45:22 EDT

A Golf-sized hatchback from Porsche? It could be in the works if Germany's car rumor-swirler AutoZeitung is on the mark. Most loose talk about Porsche has focused on a new mini SUV, sometimes dubbed the "Roxster." But the specter of stiffening C02 emissions regulations in Europe could mean the arrival of an even smaller Porsche. That is, an entry-level hatchback. AutoZeitung says it's already in the works, and set to be produced after the Panamera four-door hits in 2009. The smallest of Porsches will reportedly be developed using VW parts, and get a 295-hp boxer engine, lifted from the Boxster, though front mounted. A new compact all-wheel-drive system would send power to the four corners. Although purists may balk, we'd hitch our laptop to something like this in a heartbeat. And of course, the BMW 135i totally needs another playmate. [via Motor Authority]

Another Side to the C'eed: Kia Reveals Back of Hatch

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 16:25:00 EDT

It may just look like the rear section of a run-of-the-mill European hatchback to you, but to Kia it's yet another facet of its new C'eed three-door, the company's most important model in the grab-a-piece-of Europe sweepstakes. Earlier this month we saw the front, of ex-Audi designer Peter Schreyer's continental design. The rear reminds us of Opels and Volkswagens and other such asymmetrically portal'd runabouts. That's exactly what Kia doesn't want, though we're not sure a few carve-outs placed strategically are enough to make the C'eed a standout in a hatch-crowded market. We'll see in Frankfurt.

Kia Reveals Three-Door Cee'd

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 07:09:24 EDT

It may not look like a big deal, but the Kia C'eed three-door hatch is the most significant vehicle to hit European shores since that 1911 Gräf & Stift Rois De Blougne tourer blew a rod, killing Archduke Franz Ferdinand and subsequently starting World War I. Maybe not quite that, but the C'eed three door is significant for its leading-edge design by former Audi scribbler and head of Kia's European design office, Peter Schreyer. The Slovakian-built hatch will show up at the Frankfurt show before going on sale, continentally, in December, competing with such C-segment mainstays as the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall "Prince Henry."

Press Release:

KIA cee'd THREE-DOOR REVEALED

Kia Motors Corporation has released the first preview image of its exciting new Kia three-door hatchback model which will make its World Premiere at this year's Frankfurt International Motor Show on 11 September. The new model will be named Pro-cee'd.

Based closely on the earlier 'pro_cee'd' concept shown at the Paris Motor Show in 2006, the new production model has been developed by Kia's design team in Europe under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.

"Longer, lower and lighter than its five-door sister car, the new Kia Pro-cee'd is going to be a great drive," enthused Mr Jean-Charles Lievens, Senior Vice President Kia Motors Europe. "Combining real style and genuine practicality, our new three-door cee'd is sure to delight existing Kia customers and attract a new group of European consumers who have not yet considered our brand."

Manufactured in Slovakia, Pro-cee'd will be the third member of the Kia cee'd family, joining the popular cee'd five-door and the soon to be released cee'd SW models to make Kia an especially strong challenger for C-segment sales in Europe.

Production of the Pro-cee'd model range is scheduled to begin in November with first customer sales during the early months of 2008.

BMW 1-Series Spotted in Long Beach, Cal-i-forn-i-a

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:44:49 EDT

Long time Jalop lurker and new buddy John spotted a BMW 1-Series on the streets of Long Beach, sans badging, and nabbed it by cameraphone.

I saw this on my way home yesterday (along Ocean Blvd. heading away from the Ports of LA & Long Beach) and didn't recognize it. No badges, but it had dealer plates and was following another beamer (also with dealer plates).

Although a new, 1-Series coupe is reportedly headed this way, it won't likely be a hatch like this one. (It'll be the one with the trunk). Some company man's probably just having a bit of a laugh. Still, it cruises the LB as if it belonged there. We could almost picture Dub Allstars and the Carpenters sharing a sandwich and gossiping about inline sixes. – Mike Spinelli

Peugeot Reveals New 308

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 25 May 2007 10:30:44 EDT

So long 307, we hardly knew ye. Actually, we didn't know ye at all. But no matter, countless Journos from around the world praised the 307's deftness, voting it the European Car of the Year for 2002. Oh, who are we kidding. It was chastised roundly as being an also-ran to the Ford Focus, a lemon-in-waiting and as dynamic as Brittany butter. In light of these flaws, there are high hopes for its replacement, the new 308, revealed this week. No word on performance figures yet, but it will share a base, 120 hp, 1.6-liter engine with the new 207. That's the same engine PSA developed with BMW for the Mini cooper. Does that mean the 308 will shed its doggy image? We'll see after its arrival at the Frankfurt motor show in September. – Mike Spinelli

[via Autovisie.nl]

Related:
Spy Photos: A Peugeot Parks in Brooklyn [internal]