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2012 Honda Jazz Si Limited Edition Isn’t Very Sports Injected
The Si trim moniker for various Honda models throughout its history has always symbolized increased performance. Short for “sport injected”, fans of the Civic body will remember generations of Si models as being the funnest to own and drive. Which is why it’s such a shame that the Honda Jazz Si that the Japanese automaker…
Analysts Say That Rising Gas Prices Are Changing Driver Habits
Gas prices affect a lot of decisions in the automotive industry. Earlier reports had car buyers paying more attention to fuel economy, and the car industry looking for more fuel efficient solutions for vehicles. However, new reports are surfacing that show how higher gas prices could affect the driving habits of different age groups. BIGinsights’…
2013 Ford B-Max is a Fiesta-Based Minivan: 2012 Geneva Motor Show
At Geneva, the focus (pun intended) was on its new B-MAX. Replacing the European Fusion (which like the B-MAX, was also Fiesta based and not to be confused with our mid-size sedan), this new MPV, which will go on sale in Europe late this year, reminds us very much of a downsized Mazda5.
2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2.5L, Turbocharged 2.0L Specs Announced
Until now, all we have seen from the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is the Eco model with its eAssist 2.4L four-cylinder. But now we finally have details on the non-hybrid variants of the Malibu, which will come with either a 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder, or a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder. The naturally aspirated 2.5L will have 197-hp…
Alfa Romeo 159 Successor Delayed Again
Last year, poor sales caused the Alfa Romeo 159 to be discontinued and it appears that its successor won’t be making any sort of debut until 2014. Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat–Chrysler, spoke at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show saying that the 159’s replacement has been delayed once again. Currently the Alfa Romeo brand only…
Toyota Prius, Honda Fit Top Japan’s Best Selling Car List
For the ninth month in a row, the top-selling car in Japan is the Toyota Prius, helping hybrids make up more than 20-percent of all auto sales in Japan. In February, Toyota sold 35,875 Prius hybrids, while the Honda Fit came in second place with 24,973 units sold. That’s quite the gap, especially considering third…
Fiat-Volvo Partnership a New Possibility
A few years ago, Italian auto giant Fiat was very close to partnering up with General Motors. However, that deal went sour at the last minute and a few years after that, Fiat bought a big chunk of Chrysler in its quest to have a large slice of the American market. More recently, the company…
Honda Looks To Its Dealers For Expansion Of CNG Station Infrastructure
Honda is currently the only automaker offering CNG vehicles in the United States. Although it is nice to own an exclusive niche in the vast automotive market, it does have its limitations. Compressed natural gas stations are uncommon in North America and Honda hopes to change this by installing pumps at its dealers as it…
Tata Megapixel Hints at a Better Small Car From India: 2012 Geneva Motor Show
The electric motors not only help deliver 369 lb-ft of torque, they also help the Megapixel achieve a very tight turning radius (nine feet), a valuable asset for a city car aimed at buyers in large urban centers.
Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon Makes World Debut: 2012 Geneva Motor Show
The third variant of the world’s favorite Chevrolet has made its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The Chevrolet Cruze station wagon will join the existing sedan and hatchback which together have sold more than 1-million globally since its launch in 2009. Unfortunately America won’t be watching creative commercials featuring the Cruze station…
Nissan Invitation Points to Next Versa Hatchback: 2012 Geneva Motor Show
Nissan’s Invitation Concept ,unveiled in Geneva could lead to that car, though as Andy Palmer, Nissan Executive Vice President stated, the Invitation was conceived very much with Europe in mind and will be built at the automaker’s facility in Sunderland, UK.
2013 Toyota Yaris Hybrid Specs and Pricing Revealed: 2012 Geneva Motor Show
The 2013 Toyota Yaris Hybrid will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in just a few hours, but the Japanese automaker has announced specifications and pricing ahead of time. The base Yaris Hybrid will be the cheapest hybrid model on the market in Germany, with a price tag of about $22,410 (€16950). Powered by…
Brabus Ultimate 120 Revealed: 2012 Geneva Motor Show Preview
Earlier today, we reported that Brabus introduced an all new Bullitt C-Class coupe. Packing 800-hp from a heavily retuned V12, the Brabus Bullitt eclipses the output of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series by nearly 300-hp. Having made its name with “big-power” creations, Brabus is known to go “tiny-tunes” with the Smart Fortwo as well….
First Fiat 500L Video Released: Geneva Motor Show Preview
The Fiat 500L was revealed ahead of its Geneva Motor Show debut last month, but now on the eve of its debut the Italian automaker has released its first video showcasing the vehicle bumper to bumper. The wagon variant of the Fiat 500 has the “L” in its name for “Large” and is the replacement…
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Fully Revealed: 2012 Geneva Motor Show
While the smallest Mercedes-Benz badged vehicle on sale in America might be the C-class, elsewhere in the world, you can buy even smaller models. Our Canadian friends get to buy the B-class, while in Europe and Asia, you can buy an A-class. The A-class has been on sale for over a decade now, and at…
Euro-Spec Hyundai Veloster Turbo Makes Less Power
Next week, Hyundai will unveil its European spec Veloster Turbo at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Contending in a competitive hot-hatch market, Hyundai UK President and CEO Tony Whitehorn said, “Veloster has quickly established itself as fun car and a unique proposition. The enhanced performance will increase the Veloster’s appeal for drivers who want the…
Datsun to be Revived for New and Emerging Markets
Japanese automaker Nissan is readying a revival of its Datsun nameplate, but it won’t be making its presence known in America. Instead, the Datsun brand will be used for Nissan’s entry-level models in emerging markets like India, Indonesia, and Russia. According to reports, the revival could come as soon as 2014 and the Datsun-branded models will…
Chevrolet Volt Sales Almost Double in February
Last month, to help regain Volt sales momentum, the company announced the availability of a California LEV emissions package that enables the car to finally qualify for single occupant status in the state’s HOV lanes.
Volkswagen Up! Concepts Shows Off its Versatility: Geneva Motor Show Preview
Volkswagen will be bringing their hip, new Up! model to the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in four concept flavors to show off its versatility. The four concepts include a Swiss Up!, Winter Up!, Orange x Up!, and Cargo Up! The Swiss Up! concept will sport the Swiss flag’s colors and a Tornado Red paint and…
Toyota Prius Family Will Continue Growing, Exec Says
Toyota worked hard to bring the Prius nameplate from obscurity to common parlance, whether its loved by save-the-planet tree huggers or hated by gas-wasting macho men, few can feign ignorance to the world’s most iconic hybrid. “With the four cars, you’re seeing the entire Prius family short-term. For the long term, we continue to evaluate…
Volvo V40 Not Shipping to the United States
The new Volvo V40 might be one of the most attractive hatchbacks that you can’t have. Sorry, but that’s just how it goes. Europeans get the freedom of choice to take a fifth door in elegance, Americans don’t. We have been covering the new Volvo V40’s slow release ahead of the Geneva Motor Show for over two months…
VW Polo GT Blue Confirmed for Geneva Auto Show
Could the Volkswagen GTI hot hatch also make for a good cabriolet? The German automaker seems to think so as we learned earlier this month of a production GTI cabriolet to bow at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. In production form, we expect the visual elements to be toned down from the Worthersee concept but…
Gas Prices to Hit Record Highs This Summer, Analysts Say
Gas prices traditionally jump in the summer, but this year, global politics could send the price at the pumps to record highs. According to several industry analysts, a possible conflict between Israel and Iran could send crude oil prices to above $200 per barrel, which will be reflected in a significant hike at the pumps. Gas…
Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Approved for California Clean Vehicle Rebate
Toyota confirmed today that the 2012 Prius Plug-In has been approved for the State of California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP). The CVRP is a consumer incentive made available in addition to the $2,500 Federal Tax credit for qualified vehicles. The 2012 Prius Plug-In has started to arrive at dealerships, and will also be eligible…
