Automobiles Review

Author: Zahari Mladenov

  • Life-size model of the Peugeot’s RD concept car at Shanghai Motor Show

    On the occasion of the Shanghai Motor Show, a life-size model of the RD concept car, the winning project in the 5th Peugeot design competition, will be presented to the Chinese public. (more…)

  • Citroen C5 China

    Citroen is broadening its product line-up in China and presenting two new cars at the Shanghai International Motor Show: the three-volume C-Quatre, making its world debut, and the new C5, to be manufactured at Wuhan. This product dynamic is backed by a powerful brand dynamic.

    1. Strengthening Citroen presence in China
    World debut of three-volume C-Quatre

    Developed and produced in China, the three-volume C-Quatre will be launched in June. With two C-Quatre body styles, Citroen now brings Chinese customers a complete offering in the core M1 segment, the largest in China.

    C5: Citroen’s trump card in the high-end saloon segment

    Citroen is unveiling the C5, to be produced from the end of the year at the new Wuhan plant and launched in China in early 2010. Strengthened by its success in Europe – with some 87,000 sales in 2008 – the new C5 is a major asset for Citroen success in the high-end segment in China.

    Citroen C5 China
    Citroen C5 China

    By rounding out its range with the three-volume C-Quatre and the C5, Citroen is boosting its presence in the country. The Marque now covers a full 70% of the Chinese market.
    This product offensive is also being accompanied by a major brand transformation.

    2. New brand image roll-out starts in China
    Citroen is revealing the new brand image to its 217 dealers, the media and the public at the Shanghai Motor Show. Roll-out starts this year, with 20 dealerships bearing the new image by the end of 2009.
    This dynamic is driven by Citroen’s increasing success in China. The network will cover 230 cities by 2010. The performance of the 3,100 network members has been bolstered by the creation of 12 technical training centres since the start of the year and two sales schools, in Chengdu and Wuhan. Lastly, the initiative on service quality, a core aspect of the network renewal in China, is already showing results, with a 4th place finish in JD Power 2008 rankings.

    Citroen is demonstrating its new “Creative Technologie” tagline on a 1,000-square metre stand with:

    • – The C4 WRC. Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena recently drove this car to their 51st World Rally Championship victory. The C4 WRC underlines the success of a vehicle family that combines good looks and outstanding on-road qualities.
    • – The GTbyCITROEN concept car is displayed alongside two driving simulators giving visitors the chance to play the Gran Turismo 5 game.
    • – The C3 Picasso, presented in its “Rainbow” version, once again embodies the Marque’s spirit of creativity and innovation. Citroen’s latest MPV is on show alongside the Grand C4 Picasso, imported to China since the beginning of the year, in double proof of the brand’s success in the people-mover market.
    • – The C-Elysee CNG (compressed natural gas), launched in September 2008, recently set an environmental record, driving 1,756 km on one 51-litre tank and one 12.4-m3 gas bottle.
    • The C-Elysee has become a market favourite since launch a year ago, with nearly 5,000 monthly sales and a record performance in March of 7,300 units, placing it 3rd in the segment.

  • Rolls-Royce RR4 Officially Named Ghost

    Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the name for its new model series which until now has been known as RR4. The name was announced by CEO, Tom Purves at a press conference held at the Shanghai motor show. (more…)

  • 2010 Kia Forte Koup Recognized as a “Best in Show” for 2009 New York Auto Show

    Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the all-new 2010 Kia Forte Koup, unveiled just last week during the 2009 New York International Auto Show, has been chosen by the editors at MSN Autos as a “Best in Show” pick. Vehicles that made the list offered impressive style, value and overall potential to help move the automotive industry forward.

    “As the New York Auto Show offers a number of concept and production introductions, we are pleased that MSN Autos recognized Forte Koup as a “Best in Show” for its bold styling and immense value,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. “The all-new Forte Koup, combined with the recently launched Soul urban passenger vehicle and soon-to-be launched Forte sedan, really drives home our current strategy to create a full lineup of value-laden vehicles with a distinct and attractive Kia design.”

    MSN Autos, the largest global network of online automotive sites providing consumers with comprehensive research, buying and ownership services, recognized the Forte Koup for its sleek styling and extensive offerings for a good value. The all-new two-door also was noted for its competitive power and fuel efficiency.

    Based on the design styling of the KOUP concept vehicle shown during last year’s show, the all-new Forte Koup’s fluid lines and balanced proportions closely mirror the powerful design cues of the concept vehicle and offer the same aggressive stance with swept-back wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air intakes and a low, sleek profile. Available in two trim levels (EX and SX), Forte Koup offers a muscular yet sophisticated design.

    Kia Forte Koup 2010
    Kia Forte Koup 2010
    Kia Forte Koup 2010
    Kia Forte Koup 2010
    Kia Forte Koup 2010
    Kia Forte Koup 2010
    Kia Forte Koup 2010
    Kia Forte Koup 2010
    Kia Forte Koup 2010
    Kia Forte Koup 2010
    Kia Forte Koup 2010
    Kia Forte Koup 2010
    Kia Forte Koup 2010
    Kia Forte Koup 2010
    Kia Forte Koup 2010
    Kia Forte Koup 2010
    Kia Forte Koup 2010
    Kia Forte Koup 2010
    Kia Forte Koup 2010

    More powerful than the Honda Civic Coupe, Ford Focus Coupe or Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe, Forte Koup EX is driven by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque, while the SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine delivering 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque, more than the Scion tC. Both engines deliver at least 31 miles per gallon (highway), with estimated fuel economy of 25/34 (city/highway) for the 2.0-liter when mated with either the five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. The more powerful 2.4-liter offers an economical 22/32 mpg with the six-speed manual and 23/31 when paired with the five-speed automatic.

    Kia Motors America Product Line
    Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line of 12 vehicles to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The vehicle line features the functional Rondo CUV and award-winning Sedona minivan along with a wide variety of popular passenger cars, including the refined Amanti full-size sedan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan, versatile and compact Spectra and Spectra5, and sporty yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The vehicle line also features the affordably luxurious Borrego, rugged Sorento and value-packed Sportage SUVs. The 2010 Soul further complements the lineup as it arrives in dealerships, as will the 2010 Forte and Forte Koup.

  • Ibiza FR and the Leon CUPRA Boost Seat’s Sporty Range

    SEAT will be one of the main attractions at the upcoming Barcelona International Motor Show, which is taking place from 9 to 17 May, where two of the Spanish brand’s sportiest models will be making their world debut – the new Ibiza FR, which combines design and sporty character with top-notch performance; and the new León CUPRA 2009, distinguished by increasingly imposing looks and significant changes on both the interior and exterior. (more…)

  • AC Schnitzer High Performance Brake System for BMW M3

    Enjoy unrestricted driving comfort and be prepared for every situation: you can achieve both with the AC Schnitzer high performance brake system for the BMW M3 (E90, E92, E93). The high quality brake system offers excellent performance and values which are usually only achieved by sports cars. (more…)

  • Jaguar XF Tops UK’s Biggest Driver Satisfaction Poll

    Readers of Auto Express magazine have voted the new Jaguar XF Britain’s best car in the 2009 Driver Power survey. The results revealed that the XF secured the overall number one spot with drivers praising the Jaguar’s combination of luxury, comfort and driving dynamics. (more…)

  • Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

    Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is to give the Lancer Sportback Ralliart (Galant Fortis Sportback Ralliart in Japan) its Chinese debut at the Auto Shanghai 2009, which will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center April 20th through 28th. (more…)

  • Nissan to Release New Skyline Crossover This Summer

    Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the release of its all-new Skyline Crossover this summer. The all-new Skyline Crossover makes its foray into the crossover segment with a unique and distinctive design, that arrives from a fusion of a coupe with an SUV. (more…)

  • 2010 Model Year Elise and Exige Now Cleaner than Ever

    For 2010 Model Year, the Elise and Exige have substantially reduced CO2 emissions and improved fuel consumption (more…)

  • Mustang Celebrates 45 Years as King of the American Road

    It was 45 years ago this week that marked the birth of the undisputed king of the American road: the Ford Mustang. And thousands of Mustang fans from all over the world are gathering in Birmingham, Ala. to mark the occasion. (more…)

  • Ford Fusion Hybrid and Flex Won Best Interior Awards from Ward’s Autoworld Magazine

    Two signature Ford products – the Ford Flex and the all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid – are winners in the 2009 Ward’s Interior of the Year competition, an annual contest that heralds vehicles for their interior styling, comfort, safety and value. (more…)