Kia Cadenza luxury sedan revealed

Kia Motors Corporation has unveiled the first official picture and export market name of the production version of its KND-5 concept car the Kia Cadenza, an all-new sedan designed to satisfy drivers desire for refinement, safety and emotional satisfaction by creating ideal driving conditions. The stylish luxury sedan, which is to be called Cadenza in markets outside of Korea, will make its overseas premiere at the Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Dubai international motor shows, towards the end of the year.

Kia Cadenza offers style and refinement

Sporty and sleek in appearance, the Kia Cadenza features a bold headlamp design with attention-grabbing LED surrounds and a purposeful, athletic character line. The prominent front grille and stylish taillights emphasize the cars high-tech feel and are a continuing expression of Kias dramatic design DNA.

On the inside, there is a futuristic floating dashboard that highlights Kias uniquely innovative design approach. The welcome system turns on the exterior puddle and interior lights to greet the car owner, while the interior mood lighting strip, which runs along the dashboard to the door trim, creates a warm atmosphere within the vehicle.

The Kia Cadenza with its dynamic design and driving performance, allied with a raft of competitive passenger-friendly high-tech features, will make it a leader in the large, luxury sedan market segment.

Opel Vivaro Van Wins Fuel-Saving Marathon

The Opel Vivaro has won the title of economy champ 2009 in the van category of the British Fleetworld magazines fuel-saving marathon. The successful Vauxhall Vivaro from the UK is technically identical to the Opel Vivaro in Europe. With an equivalent of 5.1 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km, the Vivaro also beat the models economical regular average consumption of 7.8 liters by a good third on a 580-kilometer test drive through central England. In doing so, it left all the other competitors in its category behind.

Opel Vivaro put to the test

The fuel-saving characteristics of the Opel Vivaro van with short wheelbase and 2.0 CDTI (84 kW/114 hp) turbo-diesel engine were put to the test during the challenge. The British fleet magazine Fleetworld holds the fuel-saving marathon annually and a total of ten vans from different manufacturers took part in this years contest.

Nissan Fairlady Z Roadster released

YOKOHAMA (Oct. 15, 2009) Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the new Nissan Fairlady Z Roadster, which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide. In addition, the Fairlady Z Coupe receives minor new model enhancements and a new Fairlady Z 40th Anniversary model, which marks the first four decades of the popular Nissan sports car, joins the lineup.

Nissan Fairlady Z Roadster for exciting top-down motoring

Based on the latest generation Fairlady Z Coupe, the all-new Fairlady Z Roadster is a two-seat convertible with a fully , automatic power-operated, soft top. Along with providing the exhilaration of open-air driving, the Nissan Fairlady Z Roadster offers high performance, dynamic design and excellent value. Like the Fairlady Z Coupe, the new Roadster model features significant improvements in performance, style and technology versus the previous Nissan Fairlady Z Roadster design. With its shorter wheelbase, reduced weight and advanced VQ37VHR 3.7-liter engine, it gives remarkably high levels of acceleration and handling, while also providing a comfortable interior with minimum wind buffeting even with the top open.

Highlights

Key highlights of the new Nissan Fairlady Z Roadster include: Optimal balance of sports car performance and open-top convertible exhilaration, signature Fairlady Z styling with an advanced, fully automatic canvas top Air conditioned seats for added occupant comfort, even on hot days. Available advanced technology, including HDD CARWINGS navigation system with enhanced entertainment features and premium Bose® audio system.

Fairlady Z 40th Anniversary Edition

In addition to the new Roadster, a special Fairlady Z 40th Anniversary version joins the Fairlady Z lineup. Created in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the birth of the original Fairlady Z in October 1969, the limited edition vehicle will be available at Nissan dealers nationwide for one year following the release date.

Based on the Version ST (6MT/7AT), a highest grade of the Fairlady Z coupe, the 40th Anniversary Edition includes specifically-designed real leather seats, memorial engraving on the seat backs, dedicated aluminum wheels, and a 40th anniversary emblem on the rear body.

Source: Nissan

Chrysler PT Cruiser adds versatility

With its iconic styling and versatile interior, we have sold more than 1.3 million Chrysler PT Cruisers worldwide, said Pietro Gorlier, President & Chief Executive Officer, Mopar Service, Parts & Customer Care. At Mopar, we can further enhance Chrysler PT Cruiser with more than 50 factory-designed and quality-tested accessories. With the arrival of the new 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic, Mopar is offering customers a catalog of accessories that will make their PT Cruiser one-in-a-million.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Accessories

Chromed Wheels: With Chrysler PT Cruiser Classics chrome-accented grille, door handles and body-side accents, these 16-inch wheels complete the vehicles chromed-out appearance. Designed to the PT Cruisers exact specifications, Mopars chromed wheels feature a five-spoke design and are crafted to provide a long-lasting shine.

Roof-mounted Bike Carriers: Mopars bike carrier accommodates virtually all types of modern bike designs and is available in two designs: the fork-mounted design carries one bike securely by the front fork and rear wheel, while the upright-mounted design holds one bike locked by the frame with both wheels secured. Both roof-mounted carriers feature extra-large rubber inserts to protect bike surfaces and mount to Mopar Sport-utility Bars.

Uconnect Web: Mopars Uconnect Web system keeps passengers connected between destinations with high-speed WiFi and 3G cellular connectivity for a new level of wireless technology. The system transforms the Chrysler PT Cruiser into a mobile hot spot and provides instant access to websites, e-mail, personalized music, online gaming, photo albums and more.

About 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic

The new 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic combines the iconic heritage-styled design, efficient passenger cabin space, fuel-efficient four-cylinder powertrain and industry-leading quality in a new model loaded with legendary value. In commemorating nearly a decade of the PT Personal Transportation Cruisers timeless design, the new Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic embodies the romance of American automotive heritage, styling, versatility and convenience features that made Chrysler PT Cruiser an instant hit.

Source: Chrysler

Hyundai Sales for September 2009

– Global sales up 61.3% Y-o-Y to 307,181 units
– Korean sales up 118.0%, overseas sales rise 50.0% Y-o-Y

(Seoul, Korea) Hyundai Motor Company, South Koreas largest automaker, posted a 61.3 percent rise in September global sales compared to a year earlier helped by the launch of two new models, Tucson ix and Sonata, as well as strong sales from overseas plants.

Sonata tops Hyundai Sales in Korea

The best-selling model in Korea last month was the Sonata, selling 16,299 units. Of this figure, 9,517 units were the all-new Sonata model, which was launched in the domestic market on September 17.

Total overseas Hyundai sales, including both exports from Korea and sales from overseas plants, rose by 50.0 percent to 238,611 units in September, up from 159,031 units a year earlier, aided by strong sales from Hyundais overseas plants in China, India and the Czech Republic.

Exports from Korea increased by 43.9% to 88,331 units for the month compared to a year earlier. In September last year, supplies from domestic plants were insufficient due to national holidays which fell in that month. Hyundai sales from overseas plants rose 53.9 percent to 150,280 units.

Hyundai Motor will keep focusing on expanding its market share in the global market by increasing supplies of popular models and continuing marketing activities to suit local markets.
Source: Hyundai

New Volvo S60 tests unique safety technology in Copenhagen

Recently, sharp-eyed citizens in Copenhagen have had the opportunity to get a sneak preview of the upcoming, sporty new Volvo S60 which wont be introduced to the world until next year.

New Volvo S60 tests pedestrian detection tech

A disguised prototype of the new Volvo S60 sedan model has been rolling through the streets of the Danish capital in order to test a groundbreaking new safety technology that can detect a pedestrian in front of the car and brake automatically if the driver doesnt react in time, to avoid an accident.

The new technology Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection will be introduced together with the new Volvo S60 in 2010. Volvo Cars safety experts have been working with Pedestrian Detection technology for ten years and test cars have been rolling all over the world most recently in the busy streets of Copenhagen.

Factors like traffic behaviour, road conditions and climate must be taken into account in the design of the final system. All told we have collected more than 500,000 kilometres of real-life data. We can also use the information from these traffic tests to conduct advanced computer simulations, says Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor at Volvo Cars.

First a warning, then automatic braking

Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Safety consists of a new dual-mode radar unit integrated into the cars grille, a camera behind the inside rear-view mirror and a central control unit. The radar and camera continuously monitor the road in front of the car. The radars task is to detect objects and measure the distance to them. The camera determines what type of objects they are.

In an emergency situation, the driver is first alerted by an audible warning together with a flashing light in the windscreens head-up display. In order to prompt an immediate, intuitive reaction, the visual warning is designed to look like a brake light coming on. If the driver does not respond to the warning and the system assesses that a collision is imminent, the cars brakes are applied with full braking power.

Active brake deployment requires that the object is confirmed by both the radar and the camera. Thanks to state-of-the-art sensor technology, it is now possible to engage full braking power, explains Thomas Broberg.
Source: Volvo

Lexus RX 350 XE (2009) Driving Impression

When it comes to the Lexus RX, the Japanese premium brand is faced with a double whammy. For a company as resolutely scientific as Lexus, understanding (and cracking) the premium market must at times be a frustrating exercise. Perfection, it would appear, is simply not good enough to persuade would-be BMW/Mercedes/Audi buyers into a Lexus showroom. There are also immeasurable things such as snob appeal, history and emotion that need to factored into consideration, too. And then, in the case of the SUV segment, it gets even more complicated. Buyers dont typically drive off-road, but they seem to want their vehicles to look like they can. And it would appear, they also need to know that their vehicles can indeed do the rough stuff, when required even if that turns out to be never. What does all of this have to do with the Lexus RX? Well, the previous version was a mildly successful premium crossover, but research has convinced Lexus that what the market actually wants is something a bit more butch. Enter new Lexus RX.

Not a softie anymore?

While the new Lexus RX very much continues with the same slightly futuristic design theme of its predecessor, youll be quite surprised by the difference when the two are parked next to one another. The new version has significantly more presence compared with the somewhat dainty, pointy noised predecessor. Its tracks are wider, the wheels bigger and the front-end more aggressive. In general the looks still verge on the inoffensive side, but theres been a definite step towards offering a more masculine-looking vehicle. This alone should ensure it more buyers. Another upshot is that the new Lexus RX looks expensive the chrome finishes are beautifully executed and the build quality flawless, as weve come to expect from Lexus.

Flawless is not a word that one tends to find often in the motoring media, but in this Lexuss case it also applies to the cabin, at least in terms of fit and finish. Its a vehicle that feels and looks very expensive from behind the steering wheel. The trim materials all make a strong quality impression, and the manner in which all the different trim bits and colours elegantly flow together is something that is worth sitting back for, just to take it all in. What Lexus has been particularly successful with, is in combining traditional materials such as leather and wood, with high-tech features. Nothing jars or stands out for the wrong reasons. The beautiful mood lighting only accentuates the soft curves of the facia, and even the controversial mouse-like control system on the centre console (called a haptic device) seems camouflaged.

High levels of comfort

Another usual strength that the new Lexus RX retains is seating comfort. The front chairs are very generously padded, yet also provide good support when the speeds rise and the road gets twisty. Both front seats are electrically adjustable, and the steering wheel offers generous rake/reach movement. Initially the driving position feels somewhat strange, though, because the gearlever sits not on the transmission tunnel, but on the facia itself it had to move there to make space for the haptic device. It only takes a few drives to get used to, however, and an advantage of the layout is that Lexus has added a generously sized storage space underneath the transmission tunnel very clever.

Those seated in the rear are also well catered for. There are ventilation outlets for rear passengers, as well as good legroom and even reclining backrests. If there is a packaging concern, it is to be found in the boot. Because of the fitment of a full-size spare wheel, the floor of the boot is elevated, which not only hampers loading and unloading, but also the physical space available for packing. At least the rear seat is split 40/20/20 and can fold to accommodate larger objects when required. But, yes, the Lexus RX 350 cant match the competition in terms of packing space.

It immediately hits back, however, with a full-house specification list; Climate control, auto lights/wipers, xenon lamps, audio system with a 30 GB hard drive, cruise control, keyless entry, front/rear park assist, satellite navigation and no fewer than eight airbags are all part of the deal.

An athletic SUV

The Lexus RX 350 is powered by one of those creamy smooth V6 engines the brand has become famous for. The 3,5-litre unit develops 204 kW and 346 Nm of torque, at a relatively high 4 700 rpm. But dont be alarmed, 90 % of that torque figure is already available at 2 300 rpm, and remains so all the way to 6 100! So, its certainly flexible, and coupled with a refined six-speed automatic transmission, ensures effortlessly swift performance. The 0-100 km/h dash is completed in a very fast 8 seconds, for example not bad for a SUV that weighs more than two tonnes!

The significantly different approach to suspension damping fits the responsiveness of the engine, too. Compared with its predecessor, which put the emphasis firmly on ride comfort, the newcomer is firmer all-round, which results in greater cornering stability with less body roll. Thankfully, the old cars exemplary ride comfort has not been affected too much, because the damping of the new Lexus RX is excellent, and remains so on most surfaces.

And off-road? Well, lets be honest the Lexus RX wasnt developed to do much overlanding. It may feature a full-time all-wheel drive system, but it generally runs in front-wheel drive to save fuel, and will only send power elsewhere when slip is detected. And while there is a way to lock it into four-wheel drive, when required, there is no low-range transfer case. That said, the ground clearance is not bad, and it generally performs well on gravel if you must.

Lexus RX 350 – Verdict

At first glance the new Lexus RX doesnt seem to represent a significant step forward from its predecessor, but looks can be deceiving. Improved in every way, from its on-road dynamics to its cabin design and layout and even its performance, the RX shows that Lexus is learning important lessons very quickly. It retains the previous models high-tech character and unique design appeal, but genuinely comes across as a more Germanic product in the way it feels from behind the steering wheel. And that, as we all know, can only go down well

We like:

Great quality
Standard specification
Ride/handling
Comfort

We dont like:

Small boot

Fast Facts:

Engine: 3,5-litre, V6, petrol
Power: 204 kW @ 6 200 rpm
Torque: 346 Nm @ 4 700 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Wheels: 19-inch alloy
Top speed: 200 km/h 0-100 km/h: 8,0 seconds
Fuel economy: 10,6 litres/100 km

Source: www.um.co.za

Also consider:

BMW X5 xDrive30i Steptronic: Really hard to beat the X5 it offers a very desirable mix of status, performance, practicality and great on-road dynamics. Lacks the Lexuss full-house specification and in some respects, its refinement.

Porsche Cayenne V6 Tiptronic: Arguably one of the best buys on the market, but keep in mind that the base price excludes quite a few toys that are standard on other contenders. Still it is a Porsche. Unbeatable comfort/dynamics balance.

Mercedes-Benz ML350 7G-tronic: Very popular and with good reason. The ML looks the part inside and out, and boasts one of the best cabins in its segment. The powertrain is the slight disappointment. It is certainly powerful enough, but is not as refined as it should be and that counts for the transmission, too.

Mazda3 2,0 Individual (2009) Driving Impression

In many ways (and rather ironically) we can thank the quirky and borderline radical RX-8 for the re-emergence of Mazda as a serious player in the mainstream car market. Prior to RX-8, Mazda was not only churning out bland products by the thousands, but also entangled in a badge-engineering web with Ford. It took the dramatic RX-8, complete with its rotary engine and bizarre suicide-door layout, to shake Mazda from its slumber. Since then, every new Mazda product has been a significant improvement on what had gone before, and each model has brought verve and energy to their respective market segments. The original Mazda3 was an example of this, but now the second-generation version has arrived. Can Mazda stay the course, or will it once more be doomed to play in the shadows?

Sharp-suited looks for Mazda3

In sedan form the new Mazda3 is a striking machine, reminding strongly of its bigger sibling, the Mazda6. The Mazda3 boasts quite an aggressive front-end, and the curves above the front wheelarches are pure RX-8. At the rear, the bumper juts out quite far, which looks a bit odd, and the rear lamps are clear. Riding on large 17-inch alloy wheels and boasting a sunroof as standard, the 3 looks both sporty and upmarket. A similar approach is evident inside, but it takes a while to appreciate the design effort and the depth of the quality, because at first glance it looks a bit shiny and overdone. The instrumentation is excellent, though two deep-set dials that remind of the set-up usually found in powerful sportscars and the leather-wrapped steering wheel is very nice to hold.

The poor first impression is really the result of a lack of coherency in the selection of trim. The largest part of the facia is made from a high-quality soft plastic, and there are neat leather inserts on the doors etc., but in between all of this are also some shiny, hard plastics that feel out of place in this cabin. Furthermore, the design lacks flow, and this has placed trim materials of varying quality next to one another. Spend some time in the cabin, however, and these concerns start to fade, because in reality the quality is excellent, and the Mazda3 boasts some very neat touches, including very cool mood lighting in the footwell. Another example, however, of the lack of finer detail is the jarring positioning of two digital displays of different colours next to each other on top of the facia. But, overall, the pros outweigh the cons and the driver in particular will really enjoy the Mazda3s driver-centric design the steering wheel boasts generous rake/reach adjustment and the seat features height-adjustment, too.

Things are not quite as rosy in the rear, though. The wheelbase of 2 640 mm is about average for this class, but the slope of the rear window and large boot (430 L) have forced Mazdas designers to push the rear seats forward, and this has impinged on legroom. Still, smaller adults and kids wont find much reason to complain the seats are certainly comfortable. In terms of standard features, though, the Mazda scores very high marks, with leather upholstery, climate control, auto wipers, cruise control, keyless entry and a premium audio system with a Bose subwoofer all being part of the deal. The safety package consists of 8 airbags and ABS with EBD. Unfortunately there is no electronic stability system.

Good performance/economy balance

Powering this version of the Mazda3 is a 2,0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that develops 110 kW and 187 Nm of torque. The maximum torque figure is only available at a high-ish 4 000 rpm, but dont be fooled, it pulls strongly from much lower down. What helps is the relatively low weight of 1 281 kg and the well-chosen ratios of the slick six-speed manual transmission. The Mazda3 feels eager from pull-away, and never loses this responsiveness. So, it very much stays true to the Mazda zoom-zoom spirit, even though the 0-100 km/h time of 9,5 seconds is nothing to really write home about. The fuel economy, however, comes as a surprise. Youre unlikely to achieve 7,9 L/100 km on your daily drive, but should not do worse than 9 L/100 km for normal driving, which is very good for a car of this size and performance potential.

Where the Mazda3 somewhat loses the plot is in its dynamic refinement. Given the fact that it boasts an advanced multi-link rear suspension set-up, Mazda has possibly underachieved in this models ride/handling capability. Certainly, it feels stable and boasts safe, predictable handling, but its neither as entertaining as the best cars in this class nor as soft-riding. In fact, it suffers a similar fate to the Mazda2 by displaying skittishness on rippled surfaces and high levels of tyre and road noise that detract from its otherwise upmarket persona. Pity And thats before we even get to the woeful electrically assisted steering!

Mazda3 – Verdict

In many ways the new Mazda3 is right up there with the best in this class. It looks the part, is better built than it appears at first glance and is packed with features. The engine, too, is a winner, offering excellent responsiveness and good fuel economy. But Mazda can (and should) do better in the suspension department. We could forgive the Mazda3 a degree of skittishness and road noise if it was an electrifying handler, but its not. And lets not forget were talking sedans here, so the focus should be on refinement and ride comfort, but here the Mazda3 also trails the best in class. It would appear, then, as if Mazda tried to offer the best of both worlds, but in doing so has missed the target on both counts.

We like:

Individualistic design
Equipment level
Performance
Quality

We dont like:

Suspension can feel/sound harsh
Cabin design lacks coherency

Fast Facts:

Engine: 2,0-litre, four-cylinder, petrol
Power: 110 kW @ 6 500 rpm
Torque: 187 Nm @ 4 000 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Wheels: 17-inch alloy
Top speed: n/a km/h (200 km/h est.) 0-100 km/h: n/a seconds (9,5 sec est.)
Fuel economy: 7,9 L/100 km

Source: www.um.co.za

Also consider:

Honda Civic 1,8i-VTEC VXi: A pricey but serious rival to the Mazda3 by virtue of its impeccable build quality, refinement and spacious cabin. Honda has a bullet-proof reputation for reliability and this VXi derivative is also decently equipped.

Toyota Corolla 1,8 Exclusive: Not as powerful as the Mazda3 and also lacking any measure of zing, but the Corolla is popular because of its wide servicing network as much as its comfort, and good performance/economy balance.

Ford Focus 2,0 Si: The Focus offers a full maintenance plan as opposed to the Mazda3 service plan and is also more spacious. But the engine is slightly down on power and the bigger Focus therefore doesnt feel as lively, even though ride/handling is very good.

Audi efficiency set to improve

Audi is synonymous with being the leader in progressive technology and pioneering new innovations. The 21st century brings in a new era of challenges to improve Audi efficiency, including the challenge to become more environmentally conscious and reduce CO2 emissions. One of our most important tasks in the future is to increase efficiency even further.

New technology to enhance Audi efficiency

Energy management also offers huge potential for efficiency for the air conditioning system, for example, energy recovery and termo management. The intelligent assistance systems such as the on-board computer with efficiency program also offer valuable support to the driver. Last but not least, the new Start/Stop system which switches off the engine when the vehicle is stationery is now being introduced locally by Audi in a number of its models a first for the South African premium segment.

2009 also saw Audi South Africa making significant strides by further enhancing the efficiency of the Audi models. This is clearly highlighted by the transition to Euro 4 & 5 emission levels of all cars in May.

Start/Stop System

The Start/stop system helps to save fuel and and reduce CO2 emissions, and realises its efficiency potential in urban traffic especially.

Energy management also offers huge potential for efficiency for the air conditioning system, for example, energy recovery and thermo management. The intelligent assistance systems such as the on-board computer with efficiency program also offer valuable support to the driver.

The Start/Stop system

Simply put, the engine switches off automatically when you stop the car at, for example, a traffic light and starts up again automatically when you are ready to drive off.

When the vehicle stops, the engine is switched off. The vehicles electrical system is supplied with electricity from rapid power storage devices called supercaps. As soon as the driver presses down the clutch, the engine is started. By the time the clutch pedal is released, the engine has reached idling speed.

An intelligent engine management system ensures short engine starting times and eliminates all negative effects of switching off and starting the engine with regards to exhaust emissions.

Source: Audi

2011 Ford Fiesta on the cards

The car consumers cant stop talking about, the 2011 Ford Fiesta, will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December. Since its kickoff in May, the Fiesta Movement has resulted in more than 50,000 hand-raisers, 97 percent of whom currently do not drive a Ford. Fiesta Movement agents embark on entertainment-themed adventures in October for their final month of missions.

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 6, 2009 Fords rollout of its next generation of small cars will hit an important milestone when the new 2011 Ford Fiesta is revealed in December at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The reveal of the North American-based Ford Fiesta will also mark the culmination of the first phase of the Fiesta Movement.

2011 Ford Fiesta will continue sales success

Fiesta is continuing its sales momentum as Europes No. 2-selling car and Ford of Europes top-selling vehicle, helping Fords share in Europes main 19 markets increase for the eighth consecutive month.

Nearly 340,000 Fiestas have been sold since the car was launched last autumn, with 21,800 delivered to customers in August. Fiesta was the best-selling foreign vehicle in August in both Italy and France.

In Europe, the Fiesta name has long been synonymous with outstanding drive quality, design and value. The all-new Ford Fiesta will bring its three-decade heritage to U.S. consumers in 2010.

Source: Ford