Jalopnik: mpv

Buick Planning Orlando-Based MPV For Shanghai

The Auto Insider — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EDT

There's no hiding that the Chinese love them some Buicks, so what's better than shoving seven Chinese into a new Orlando-based Buick MPV Concept that's debuting at the Shanghai Auto Show next week.

Exact details are very scarce, but according to GM's official 2009 Shanghai Auto Show press release and an insider tip, we've learned that a new Buick 7-seater MPV concept will strut its people-carrying stuff onto the stage during one of the media days, either Monday or Tuesday of next week. We've been told that it'll be Chevy Orlando-based, but we'll believe it when we see it in the flesh. There's also talk that it may be based on the upcoming Opel Zafira MPV now that the Opel/Buick wündershowzen has begun. We'll know for sure next week, but considering that the recently on-sale-in-China Buick Enclave sells for around RMB 475,000 ($70,000 USD), they might need a less expensive people hauler to compete with market-rival Audi's new Q5 SUV.

Aside from the Buick MPV concept, GM will show 37 other models, including the Chinese-market Cadillac SRX, Buick Regal 2.0 Turbo, Chevy Volt and the Chevy Camaro of all things. The 2009 Shanghai Auto Show runs April 20 - 28.

GM Press Release:
GM China Family to Showcase 37 Vehicles at Auto Shanghai 2009

Shanghai – The General Motors China family will be displaying 37 production and concept vehicles at Auto Shanghai 2009, this year's leading auto show in China, which begins on April 20.

"Our display will highlight the design, technology and fuel economy leadership of GM and our joint ventures in China," said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. "It will show local vehicle buyers the great selection of products available today and some of the exciting products they can expect tomorrow from the GM China family."

Shanghai GM will have on display its full range of Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac and Saab models as well as several new vehicles. Making its global debut will be a unique show car developed by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), GM's automotive engineering and design joint venture.

Another vehicle making its public debut in China will be a production version of the Chevrolet Volt, the world's first extended-range electric vehicle, which will be coming to China in two years.

Among the other new products on display will be GM's first vehicle with a turbocharged engine built in China, the Buick New Regal 2.0 Turbo intermediate sedan; GM's second hybrid that will be sold in China, the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid SUV; and the latest global product from General Motors, the Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan.

Making their regional debut are the next generations of the Buick LaCROSSE premium sedan and the Cadillac SRX mid-size luxury Crossover. Both products will go on sale later this year.

Two vehicles that will be sure to draw auto show visitors' attention are the Chevrolet Camaro sports coupe (and star of the new "Transformers" movie) and the Chevrolet Cruze World Touring Car Championship model.

SAIC-GM-Wuling will be displaying its popular lineup of Wuling brand minivans, including China's most popular vehicle in 2008, the Wuling Sunshine. It also will be showcasing the Chevrolet Spark, one of the world's most popular mini-cars and a mainstay of the SAIC-GM-Wuling lineup, and a pair of B-DOHC engines.

Making its first appearance at an auto show will be Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co. Ltd., GM's new telematics joint venture, which will begin rolling out its services in China later this year.

"General Motors has made a long-term commitment to China," said Wale. "Despite the challenges that GM and our industry now face, we believe our best years are ahead of us. One look at the GM China family's lineup on display at Auto Shanghai 2009 will convince even the most hardened skeptics."

Auto Shanghai 2009 runs from April 20-28 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

Nice Price Or Crack Pipe: 500-Horsepower 2007 Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG For $48,991?

Murilee Martin — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 08:30:00 EST

A landslide 92% of voters thought that $15,000 was a truly Nice Price for the 1967 Fiat Dino, and we can't argue with that. Today we're going to look at the wondrous effects of depreciation.

Back in '06, when Mercedes-Benz unveiled the 2007 R63 AMG über-minivan, we were all impressed. After all, 503 horsepower in a minivan? The original sticker price on one of these mall-parking-lot-dominatin' babies was a stunning 95 grand… but then gas prices went crazy, the economy went sour, and you know the rest. Now, just a couple years down the line, it's possible to get yourself an R63 AMG with 21,000 miles on the clock for a bit more than half the original price: $48,991. Goatrope, our tipster on this one, describes the situation quite eloquently:

Over 500 HP awd 7-seat station wagon with options out the wazoo. Original sticker was $94,820; but it now for the low-low price of $48,991.
It only has 21,019 miles on it with remaining factory warranty - plus possibly a Certified Pre-Owned warranty on top of that. The original owner took a depreciation hit of $2.18 per mile - which makes the fuel cost relatively cheap.
So for the price of a new, stripped down R-Class which nobody wants to buy, you can have a low-mileage, 500+ HP beast (which absolutely nobody bought) with a warranty. Exclusive, unloved, and insanely powered.

So, whaddya think? Is that a pretty good price, or is this the time to put Autobahn Motors' nodules in the vise and turn the crank a few times- check out the beads of sweat breaking out on the salesman's brow!- see if you can get that price down into the 30s? You get too cheap, though, you might miss out!
eBay Motors

Joule MPV Brings South African Engineering To Paris Show Floor

Andrew Stoy — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:45:00 EDT

We brought you word of the Joule all-electric MPV yesterday, a South African entrant in the new electric car wars, and now we have live shots of the Joule on the Paris show floor. The little Afrikaaner is produced by a new tech company called Optimal Energy and was designed by a former Jag stylist — though we're going to have to take their word for it. According to Optimal, the Joule is all-electric with motor-driven front wheels and in-wheel magnetic propulsion at the rear, delivering a range of 125 miles on a single battery pack or 250 miles with two — impressive. We also like how Joule is a play on South Africa's notorious blood-diamond trade as well as a reference to energy — if you can't make fun of yourself, who can you make fun of? Presser after the jump.

Joule is Africa’s first battery electric engineering masterpiece from Optimal Energy. The silent passenger MPV is manufactured as a standard six-seater which complies with UN-ECE safety standards offering an optimal, no-compromise, and zero emission urban driving experience.

Joule is as beautiful and elegant as it is stylish with a classically timeless appeal set to transform the face of the urban transportation landscape. Developed from the outset as an electric vehicle, Joule delivers optimal design, maximum interior space and a minimal exterior and environmental footprint.

* Maximum 400km Range
* Regenerative ABS Braking system
* Steel space frame and side impact protection
* Two dynamic drive train options
* Excellent vehicle handling and dynamics
* Sports-like acceleration from standstill
* Optimal interior space with minimal exterior footprint

[Optimal Energy]

Indonesian Toyota Innova Apparently Getting Facelift

Mark Arnold — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:40:00 EDT

Not that we really knew what the outgoing model looked like, but apparently the Indonesian-built Toyota Innova is getting some minor cosmetic tweaks. Currently available only in exotic markets like India, Malaysia, and of course Indonesia, the Innova is a popular vehicle for those wanting a spacious 5-passenger MPV with a frugal gas or diesel engine. Though we still don't expect you to have heard of it, as even a half-Filipino automotive journalist such as myself wasn't aware that it's the best selling new vehicle in the Philippines until doing some research, keep in mind that spacious MPVs with frugal engines might suddenly be in demand in places other than southeast Asia.

Of course, we're just speculating while bringing you news of Toyota's worldwide models, but as more automakers go global with platforms, it's logical to think that we could see offshoots of vehicles like the Innova over here. In the meantime, if your Southeast Asian hotel is in the market for a new airport shuttle, you may want to wait for this new Innova to come out — at least so you can rub it in the face of all the commoners driving last year's model. [autoincar via paultan.org]

Fiat Fiorino Passenger MPV Revealed

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:45:00 EST

We've already seen the new Fiat Fiorino delivery van and now we have pics of the passenger version. The new version carries over the same general look from the front as the Citroen Nemo and Peugeot Bipper, which are essentially the same vehicle. From the side the blackened C-Pillar and raked window design clearly differentiate it from its platform partners. Speaking of platform partners, how tall is that booth model?

The Fiat should also carry over the 75 horsepower 1.3-Liter Multijet Turbodiesel from the delivery version, as well as the 73 horsepower 1.4-Liter gas engine. [Source: Fiat]

Toyota Alphard Scans Show Minivan Pre-Dekotora'd For The Masses

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:45:00 EST

Possibly reaching out to the dekotora crowd, Toyota seems to be taking the next generation of its most awkwardly named MPV in a distinct direction with a gigantic and protruding front fascia. The Toyota Alphard, which is named for a star but sounds like the first mentally challenged person or a movie about Alf in prison, is what our vans would look like if we hadn't abandoned the Previa. In Japan, the current gen includes a hybrid version and the Royal Lounge Alphard, which has only four seats. If you look closely at the scans from this random Japanese magazine, you'll see airline-like captain's chairs with a possible full recline feature.

It's strange and it's exceptionally Japanese, but we think it deserves some points for character. [Picasa]

Mazda MPV Crashes Into Chicago TV Studio During Live Broadcast

Ray Wert — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST

I don't know what's more jolting to me — the fact a Mazda MPV took a flying header into the Chicago ABC7 studio at the top of yesterday's 10:00 PM broadcast or that the e-mail accompanying this tip was

"...pretty good reaction shot from the anchor....who bears a slight resemblance to Wert, if he were Indian."

Now that I look at it, maybe if Ravi Baichwal were a Jewish kid from Metro Detroit, he'd totally be my spitting image. (Hat tip to John P!) [ABC 7 Chicago]

Cop Ends High-Speed Pursuit by Delivering Baby

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 17:15:00 EST

When we hear "100 mph" and "Sheriff's Deputy" in the same story we tend to expect it to finish with some sort of horrific wreck or jail, so we were a bit shocked when we found this story of a car chase that resulted in a little girl named Claire Jeon. It all started when Davis County Deputy Cory Cox clocked a Mazda MPV doing 95 mph on Utah Highway 89. By the time he caught up with the van it had gotten as high as 105 mph and Yeojn Hong, the soon-to-be-mother, was about to get new baby smell all over the interior.

So he did what any well-trained first-responder would do in the situation: he slapped on some rubber gloves and delivered the baby. Said the proud mother, "He was just boom, boom boom... honestly, I think that's a blessing form the Lord." No word on whether or not he gave the couple a ticket. [SLC Trib]

Drive The Self-Parking VW Touran, Pretend You're "Knight Rider"

Ray Wert — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:00:00 EDT

David Hasselhoff ain't got nothing on this driver of the new VW Touran in this new "Knight Rider" themed commercial from the folks from V-Dub. Watch as the F1 dad, or whatever the European equivalent to a Nascar dad would be, uses the Touran's self-parking feature to mimic ~~K.I.T.T.~~ a Lexus. We even hear it parks itself better than a Lexus — of course it does — the software's made by Knight Industries. This commercial? it's made by DDB in Milan, Italy. [Autoblog via Ads of the World]

Ford S-Max in the US

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:35:15 EDT

Overseas models continually pop up on US streets, often as the chosen rides for homesick diplomats, sometimes as cross-border jobbies from Canada or Mexico and frequently as test vehicles fielded by automaking engineers. Since there's been talk of Ford CEO Allan Mulally being quite hot to bring some of Ford Europe's finest kinetic designs to the US, spotting an S-Max MPV on the streets of LA may be enough to get tongues wagging. Of course the unfavorable exchange rate makes such a prospect of a Euro-built Ford import unlikely. Now, if FoMoCo sets up an S-Max werks in Mexico, LA will be maxed out inside a year. (Thanks to Rick Rubin for the def tip.)

The Renault Scnic Conquest: An MPV With Off-Roading Style?

Ray Wert — Thu, 03 May 2007 10:41:48 EDT

Although the "Conquest" version of Renault's little Sc nic MPV was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show, we're just getting our first chance to take a gawk at this little people mover. It's what Renault's calling a "car designed with leisure pursuits and the great outdoors in mind. Its bold styling resembles that of an off-roader." The key word there is "resembles" because although it's got a greater ground clearance and suspension than the standard Sc nic, those aluminum alloy wheels give away the reality of this made-for-street people seater. Full press release on availability and pricing after the jump. – Ray Wert

Renault Sc nic Conquest: they call it the wanderer...
On display for the first time at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, Renault Sc nic Conquest is a car designed with leisure pursuits and the great outdoors in mind. Its bold styling resembles that of an off-roader. Its chassis has been adapted to suit a wide range of conditions - it has greater ground clearance than a standard Sc nic and the suspension has been strengthened. Sc nic Conquest is available with two powerplants, the 2.0 16V 135hp petrol engine and 1.9 dCi 130hp diesel (available with and without particulate filter). It features a high level of standard equipment, including rear parking proximity sensors, alloy wheels, ESP and longitudinal roof bars. Built in Renault's Douai factory, Renault Sc nic Conquest goes on sale in June 2007, priced from 24,550 to 27,200. The orderbook will be open throughout the Renault dealer network in May
11th.

Adventurous looks

You couldn't mistake Renault Sc nic Conquest for any other member of the Sc nic range. At first glance, the extra ground clearance - raised by 20mm - is a clue to the car's purpose. At the front, the lower part of the bumper has a protective black graphite coating while the radiator grille and air intake have been revised and a satin chrome-finish skidplate shields the engine. The headlights are distinguished by their dark lens covers. Renault Sc nic Conquest's profile also reveals its fondness for off-road adventure: chunky rubbing strips protect the side bodywork, the wheel arch inners are coated in black graphite and it has robust door sill guards. Finished in chrome and black, the longitudinal roof bars are ideally suited to transporting outdoor leisure equipment. The aluminium alloy wheels add a touch of class and, at the rear, the black graphite bumper incorporates a satin chrome-coloured skidplate. There are ten different body colour options for Sc nic Conquest and one of them - Cayenne Orange - is exclusive.

Subtle but distinctive interior decor

Inside Renault Sc nic Conquest, splashes of orange abound to differentiate the cabin from other Sc nics. The anodised dark grey centre console is decorated with orange graphics. The seatbelts are blood-orange and the upholstery, gearlever gaiter and steering wheel incorporate stitching in the same rich hue. The carpets are protected by rubber mats featuring a Conquestlogo.

A chassis tailored for exploration

Renault Sc nic Conquest's bold appearance is completed by a chassis that has been modified to cope with life away from the beaten track. In addition to the increased ground clearance and twin skidplates, the suspension has been modified to improve comfort on rough terrain. The front and rear dampers have an increased range of travel and smaller anti-roll bars have been fitted.Finally, the special settings of the ESP electronic stability programme and ASR traction control enhance Sc nic Conquest's all-terrain character.

Two complementary engines

Renault Sc nic Conquest is available with both petrol and diesel power. The 2.0 16V petrol engine develops 98.5kW (135ch) at 5,500rpm and 191Nm of torque at 3,750rpm. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the engine has a particularly broad spread of usable power. In the combined cycle, the Sc nic Conquest 2.0 16V returns fuel economy figures of 8.0 litres/100km. The 1.9 dCi diesel delivers 96kW (130ch) at 4,000rpm and 300Nm of torque at 2,000rpm.
Available with or without a particulate filter, this engine is also coupled with a six-speed transmission that makes it eager and responsive all the way from low revs. With this powertrain fitted, Sc nic Conquest sips fuel at a rate of only 6.0 litres/100km in the combined cycle and emits 159g/km of CO2.

Two additional engines are available in certain markets. One is a 1.6 16v petrol, which develops 82kW (110hp) at 6,000rpm and 152Nm of torque at 4,250rpm. Sc nic Conquest 1.6 16v has a six-speed manual transmission and combined cycle fuel consumption of 7.6 litres/100km. The second is the 78kW (105hp) version of the 1.5 dCi diesel, which generates peak power at 4,000rpm and 240Nm of torque at just 2,000rpm. This Sc nic Conquest also has a six-speed
manual transmission. It's an economical combination that returns 5.2 litres/100km in the combined cycle and emits CO2 at a rate of just 138g/km.

A comprehensive equipment list

Renault Sc nic Conquest has all the interior adaptability and stowage facilities that have forged the success of the Sc nic range. In terms of safety features and comfort, Sc nic Conquest is based on the Dynamique trim level, but adds rear parking proximity sensors, ESP, aluminium alloy wheels and longitudinal roof bars. And the passive safety features are such that Sc nic obtained a maximum 5-star EuroNCAP crash test rating. To add a further personal touch to Sc nic Conquest, Renault has developed bespoke accessories that can be purchased as a range of kits. They include an interior bike rack, additional storage units, guards for the door and boot sills, a compartmentalised boot box and so on.

Renault Sc nic Conquest is built in France at Renault's Douai plant. It goes on sale in June 2007, priced from 24,550 to 27,200. The orderbook will be open throughout the Renault dealer network in May 11th.

Spy Photos: More on the Ford Focus C-Max 4x4

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 12:32:25 EDT

Somewhere in Europe, there's a buyer waiting for a high-roof Ford Focus that can trudge through snow like a mini Unimog, while hauling the kids, pets and groceries home from Sainsbury's. Soon, they'll be able to take delivery. Ford's been working on this Focus C-Max allroad for a while, as spy shots have testified. Now, according to Autocar, the four-by MPV is just about a year away. And the soft-roader will reportedly have better on-road manners than goat-trail skills. And that's about as expected. – Mike Spinelli

Ford's baby 4x4 in focus [Autocar]

Related:
Spy Photos: Ford C-Max 4x4 [internal]

Question of the Day: Japanese MPV or CX-9?

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 10:04:41 EST

AutoWeek gives a what-might-have-been report on Mazda's decision to bring the large CX-9 crossover to market over the redesigned MPV minivan. Mazda's senior veep for product development laid out the reason for the shift from minivan to crossover in very certain terms. Thanks to fewer incentives and higher transaction values, companies just make more damn money on crossovers. But what about the consumer? Thus, Jalopnik's question of the day. All factors being equal, would you rather drive a CX-9 or the new MPV, a Japanese domestic market model? Maybe even assume you care either way. – Mike Spinelli

MPV Gone Missing [AutoWeek]

Related:
Mazda Shows New Mazdaspeed MPV at Tokyo Salon [internal]

Kia Rondo SX Concept Coming to Chicago

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:29:01 EST

The jaded 'ol Jalops were impressed with the 2007 Kia Rondo MPV we saw and poked at in LA and Detroit: the cargo room, the eerily not-injurious legroom in the third row, the low sticker price for a V6. So we'll be paying extra special attention to the company's fashion concept — the SX — which will be unveiled at the Chicago show next week. It'll have a body kit, sport-tuned suspension and some manner of interior mods. Will it see the cover of Sport Compact anytime soon? We let you know after we sweep for turbos. – Mike Spinelli

Sneak Peek: Kia Rondo SX Concept Car [Edmunds]

Chariot Afire! SPACE WAGON AMUSEMENT! A Carstar!

Davey G. Johnson — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 17:45:00 EST

Commenter pres just recently asked, "When did the Eagle Summit suddenly become en vogue again?" We understand if pres missed the boat, although the correct answer to his query is, "When did anything that was sold other another name as the Mitsubishi Space Wagon ever go out of vogue?" What's more, its antecedents, contemporaries and successors were also sold variously as the Colt Vista, the Mitsubishi Chariot (A Chariot, people — if that's not Super Great, we don't know what is), the Expo LRV and even the Hyundai Santamo and Kia Carstar, and you just know when it's time for Apollo to play family man, he rolls correct across Hellenic skies in one of these babies. Meanwhile, we're amped to drive the spiritual descendent of the Carstar, the space-wagon-thirst-quenching Kia Rondo. Anything else, pres? – Davey G. Johnson

Mitsubishi Chariot [Wikipedia]

Related:
Pack a Lunch, Kids! It's the Toyota Picnic! [Internal]

Pack a Lunch, Kids! It's the Toyota Picnic!

Davey G. Johnson — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 15:45:31 EST

Maybe, just maybe, if Toyota had introduced the Picnic on these shores... Maybe just maybe, if they had introduced the Picnic on these shores twelve years earlier... And maybe, just maybe, if D. Boon had been riding in one instead of sleeping in the back of a van on a fateful December night in Arizona back in '85... Well then, maybe, just maybe, D. Boon would still be alive today. Realizing this, after the Picnic's discontinuation in 2001, Toyota unit Daihatsu produced the Boon X4 in tribute, our badly-photochopped version of which was pronounced "a trip" by none other than Boon's old bandmate Mike Watt. Sure, a Boon ain't no Picnic, but really, what is? – Davey G. Johnson

Toyota Picnic (97-01) Review [Parker's, UK]

Related:
America's First Freeway: The 110 [Internal]

When Dave Met Bruce: Ford Europe's C-Max Debuts in Bologna

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 14:43:32 EST

The most alluring feature of Ford Europe's new C-Max MPV, debuting at the Bologna show this week, may be the Z-shaped handbrake lever (barring that, the boomerang-shaped door handles). But it's still a more precise and stylish entry than its sister ship, the Mazda5, which is the closest we'll get to the C-Max stateside. It's one of Euro Ford's new "kinetic" designs, which is like Ford America's "Dave" visual language with 2/3 less safety razor and 1/3 more nail clipper . – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

FORD PREVIEWS NEW C-MAX AT BOLOGNA MOTOR SHOW

The new Ford C-MAX

The photos you choose to download will come from our North American server. If your response time is slow and you wish to try our European server, CLICK HERE.

* Bologna preview model gives first glimpse of new Ford C-MAX
* C-MAX joins S-MAX to create new Ford MAX family
* Dynamic new front-end design creates MAX family face
* Significant upgrades to interior design and features
* New technology front and rear lighting
* New features available including panorama roof
* On sale Summer 2007

BRENTWOOD, Essex, December 5, 2006 : Ford is previewing a new look for the Ford C-MAX at this year's Bologna Motor Show. The new Ford C-MAX benefits from a refined new front-end design including elements of the company's "kinetic design" form language, plus a significantly improved interior and a host of new features.

The new Ford C-MAX will sit alongside the Ford S-MAX, voted Car of the Year 2007, to offer two stylish and sporty multi-activity vehicles.

"Although we originally launched this vehicle as the Ford Focus C-MAX, we have chosen to give the freshened model its own identity, similar to the S-MAX", explains Stephen Odell, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service for Ford of Europe.

"The cornerstone of our 'MAX' strategy is to give customers all the features, space and flexibility they need from a family vehicle, but with a style that allows them to stand out in the crowd, and above all to maximise driving pleasure," said Odell. "Both the new C-MAX and the bigger S-MAX are true to this concept - versatile, comfortable and spacious, yet also great fun to drive."

Fresh and Contemporary

The front of the car introduces distinctive air intakes while the lower grille features the large inverted trapezoid, a key element of kinetic design.

The new one-piece bumper integrates vertical fog lights, and these combine with new headlamps to create a distinctive and sporty look. Together with a new three-plane bonnet, these elements give the C-MAX a distinctly sporty feel, highlighting the "energy in motion" theme that kinetic design creates.

New and innovative lighting technology includes high intensity discharge (HID) front lamps, which use 'light strips' instead of conventional parking light bulbs. Fluorescent tubes illuminated in light blue follow the form of the front lights and accentuate the sloping front profile.

At the rear, the C-MAX gets a redesigned bumper and new LED rear lights. Both front and rear bumpers are lower and fuller than before, giving the car a strong and agile look from every angle. Also, new 'blue glass' adds extra classiness to the vehicle's style.

New interior design

The instrument panel, centre console and door trims have all been redesigned with more premium quality materials. New instruments feature clear graphics and are now illuminated in a warm red.

The new centre console offers plenty of stowage and is equipped with and an auxiliary input socket for the audio system. The new C-MAX also includes a Z-shaped handbrake lever, which saves room and enhances appearance.

New interior colours, new graphic elements like the door inserts with boomerang-shaped handles that also serve as armrests, more stowage space as well as new seat design and seat materials add style, comfort and practicality to the passenger cabin. A panorama glass roof will be available on the new model, offering a light and airy environment while keeping out the sun's heat with its "Solar Reflect" coating.

Detailed information and technical data for Ford C-MAX will be available closer to launch in 2007.

Related:
Spy Photos: Ford C-Max 4x4

Ford's S-Max Takes Car of the Year, Somewhere Else

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 16:20:18 EST

Sadly, Ford's Bold Moves(TM) don't involve bringing the S-Max MPV to the states. And that's a gol darn shame, considering the newest of Ford Europe's "kinetic design" structures was just awarded "Car of the Year 2007" by a panel of 58 of the continent's ~~sexiest~~ automotive journalists. In addition to being an attractive take on the one-box, seven-seat, utility wagon segment, the S-Max was also called out for its safety performance (i.e., NCAP gave it five stars for adult occupant protection) and features (e.g., adaptive cruise control, active suspension and automatic collision avoidance). No doubt Euro Ford's becoming the company's standout division, but can its design and technology influence trickle Westward to Detroit? Full stop. – Mike Spinelli

Der Luftblasewagen: Volkswagen Reveals High-Roof Cross Golf

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 08:52:55 EDT

Nope, it's not VW's long-awaited Tiguan small SUV; the photo above is the first we've seen of VW's upcoming GolfPlus Cross. Just like the Polo Cross before it, the Golf version will get higher ground clearance and most likely the company's Haldex AWD system, giving it light off-road capability (read: Subaru, circa 1979). Sorry kids, it's Europe only. Maybe when they remake the Subaru Brat ... (More pics on the jump page.)

[via Autoviste

Related:
Spy Photos: More on the Volkswagen CrossGolf [internal]

Jiangaling Baby: Chinese MPV Coming to Europe

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 08:34:54 EDT

German auto media is reporting the Fengshang MPV, a high-roof econobox built by China's Jiangaling motors, is headed to Europe this November. It'll reportedly be released under the Landwind brand, which is most famously home to an SUV that looks awfully (the operative word) like a mid-1990s Honda Passport and turns into a John Chamberlain sculpture on impact. No word on whether the ~$12,000 model will be introduced at the Paris show, or if it'll get crash test ratings befitting a car built after 1988.

Related:
More on Jiangaling [internal]