Hatchbacks
Report: Mazda Bringing Mazda2 Sub-Compact to North America
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Mazda has just announced that it will bring the Mazda2 model to market in North America late next year, to compete in the growing sub-compact market alongside models like the Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Accent, Honda Fit and Ford’s upcoming Fiesta. “You’ve asked us for it for a while now, and we’ve been studying the market…
Frankfurt 2009: Lexus LF-Ch Hybrid Hatchback Debut
Despite a strong presence on this side of the Atlantic, Lexus has yet to penetrate the European market. But they folks at Toyota’s luxury arm are hoping that a premium level hatchback in the compact segment – that also just so happens to be a hybrid – will help them win over a new (younger)…
Frankfurt 2009: Volkswagen Golf R World Premiere
Sure Volkswagen’s main stage was reserved for environmentally friendly BlueMotion diesels, but is there was no car on the German automakers stand that deserves the spotlight like the 265hp Golf R. We have to admit being a little disappointed that the car won’t get the same turbo five-cylinder as found in the TT-RS, but sharing…
Frankfurt Preview: Golf R Revealed With 265hp and All-Wheel Drive
Forget the GTI or R32, Volkswagen has just released the Golf R, a high-performance, turbocharged, all-wheel drive hot hatch. We have to admit being a little disappointed that the car won’t get the same turbo five-cylinder as found in the TT-RS, but sharing the powerplant with the TT-S is nothing to scoff at. Instead of…
Frankfurt Preview: Toyota Auris HSD Concept Revealed
Notoriously good at keeping secrets, Toyota has decided to blow its own cover and has released a smattering of details on the Auris HSD Concept that will debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show tomorrow (September 15th). Designed specifically for the U.K.,the Auris HSD Concept uses the same Hybrid Synergy Drive powerplant as found in the…
Breaking: Lexus LF-Ch Concept Revealed Ahead of Frankfurt Debut
After several teaser images, Lexus has finally released a full selection of exterior and interior images of the LF-Ch Concept, which will officially debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 15th and head into production next year. Set to compete in the premium compact segment against cars like the Volvo C30, BMW 1 Series…
Report: Facelifted 2010 Volvo C30 to Debut at Frankfurt Auto Show
The Volvo C30 will get a much needed facelift for 2010, debuting at the Frankfurt Auto Show next week alongside the modernized C70. “Since its introduction in 2006, the Volvo C30 has become highly appreciated for its unique appearance. This applies in particular to the rear. With the new front, it feels as though everything…
Report: Lexus Reveals LF-Ch Hybrid Hatchback Concept
Last week Lexus teased us with a back shot of its upcoming hybrid hatchback and now we finally get a glimpse of what this new model will look like from the front. Called the LF-Ch Concept for now it is expected to be called the CT200h when it finally makes its way to production in…
Report: 2010 Audi A3 TDI Clean Diesel Priced from $29,950
After the launch of the Q7 TDI earlier this year, Audi has just announced pricing for the A3 TDI, which will be sold in the U.S. as a 2010 model starting this November. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the A3 TDI makes 140h and 236 ft-lbs of torque, while getting 30 mpg in the…
Official: Lexus LF-Ch Concept Revealed in First Official Photo
The first official photo of the upcoming Lexus hybrid hatchback concept car has been released. The new car, expected to be called the CT200h when it finally makes its way to production in 2010, is being called the LF-Ch by Lexus for now. Originally designed specifically for the European market, which will not get the…
Report: Suzuki Swift Could Return to America for 2011
Suzuki is planning to bring the Swift back to the U.S., according to a report by Automotive News. The first three generations of the car were sold in North American and we often rebadged as Pontiacs, Chevy or Geos, but Suzuki decided to cease offering the sub-compact in 2001. With tiny engines and very little…
Report: Audi RS3 to Debut at Frankfurt Auto Show With 340hp Turbocharged 5-Cylinder Engine
Audi is planning to launch its scalding hot RS3 hatch in the premium compact market at the Frankfurt Auto Show in mid-September. As Audi doesn’t even sell the S3 model in North America its highly unlikely the RS version will be offered here either, which is a serious shame. The RS3 is reported to use…
Report: Lexus to Offer Entry-Level CT200h Hybrid Hatchback in U.S.
Lexus is set to debut a new hatchback model for the European market at the Frankfurt Auto Show next month and now word comes that the U.S. may also get this luxurious hot-hatch. Initially it was believed that the baby Lexus would not be offered in North America as it would be too close to…
Report: MINI to Release ‘Rally Edition’ Clubman S in U.S.
MINI is set to offer a limited number of Rally Edition versions of the Clubman S model in the U.S. This new car will feature plenty of upgrades and will include a John Cooper Works aero kit – with the JCW tuning kit sold separately. Only 70 Rally Edition models will be made with most…
Report: 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI Returns to U.S.
Volkswagen showcased the 2010 Golf TDI at this year’s New York Auto Show but since then the German automaker has been quiet about actually bringing the fuel-efficient diesel back to the U.S. Now it appears that decision has been made as Volkswagen U.S.A. has now put up live pages on its website giving full details…
Report: Scion iQ Mini Car to Arrive in U.S. in Late 2010
First shown as a concept (above) at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, Scion will reportedly bring the iQ to market by the Fall of 2010. After receiving an excellent reception at the show, Scion’s VP, Jack Hollis has said he is fighting to get the car to market. One large Toyota dealer,…
Report: Lexus Teases European Market CT Hatchback
Lexus has just released a quick teaser image of a new model the luxury automaker will unveil at the Frankfurt auto Show this September. The car is a hatchback and is designed specifically for the European market. It is also expected to be a hybrid as Europe will not get the HS250h hybrid model. Small…
Report: Volvo to Debut Electric C30 in Frankfurt
Volvo will show an all electric version of its entry-level C30 hatchback at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September. News of the expected unveiling comes from the U.S.’s AutoCar, saying that the model will be displayed and driven at the Innovation for Life event, which will take place shortly after the auto show. Interestingly, Volvo…
Report: European Entry-Level Lexus Hybird to Get CT200h Badge
A post on one of TopGear’s blogs last week had everyone chatting about a new Lexus hybrid designed to take on the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 in Europe. Now word comes from Lexus enthusiast site My.IS that the rumored Lexus C-Premium concept, which will debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show this fall, will arrive…
New MINI Celebrates 1.5 Millionth Vehicle
The MINI brand continues to be a huge success for BMW and just yesterday the sporty small car maker celebrated its 1.5 millionth vehicle. The car is a Chili red Clubman built for the U.K. market. The milestone comes at an important time for MINI as this year it is celebrating 50 years as an…
Chrysler to Bring Four Fiat 500 Models to North America
The car that has generated the most publicity out of the Fiat/Chrysler deal is the Italian automaker’s 500 model and now word comes from Fiat’s CEO that four different versions of the subcompact will be offered in the U.S. Sergio Marchionne told Bloomberg that the four trim levels will include the standard 500, a convertible…
MINI to Offer Entry-Level One D Model for 2010
For 2010 MINI will increase its product lineup by offering a more entry-level diesel model in Europe – the One D. Currently MINI already offers a diesel option in Europe, as well as the MINI One – a fuel-economy-minded gasoline version. The One D will combine these two traits to deliver a reasonably priced model…
Suzuki to Release Sporty SX4 Sportback
Suzuki will bring a more driver-oriented SX4 Sportback model to market this year based on the SX4 Crossover. This five-door hatchback will get a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 150hp and 140 ft-lbs of torque and get a combined 26 mpg. Buyers can opt for a CVT automatic transmission with paddle shifters or stick with the…
Mugen Civic Type-R Pics & Video Emerge
We recently reported that Honda tuner Mugen was planning a version of the Euro-spec Civic Type-R and now that story has essentially been confirmed as Mugen has released photos and a short video of its front-drive hot-hatch. Mugen still hasn’t release any details on the model, but it is expected to follow the format set…
