Hyundai i30 Elantra Hatchback 2013

We knew Hyundai was preparing a successor to its North American Elantra Touring based on the freshly revealed in Europe i30 series 2013, but we weren't entirely sure if the Korean company would go down the same path offering an estate version or if it would opt for the hatchback model.

To explain, in Europe, the current generation of the Elantra Touring is sold as the i30 CW (or Estate in the UK), which is the station wagon version of the outgoing i30 series.

We don’t know if Hyundai will retain the Touring moniker or introduce a new name for the hatchback model, but with the only possible exception of the tail lamp graphics, it's the same car as the i30 hatchback that left VW CEO Martin Winterkorn extremely impressed with its quality (skeptics can read our previous post here or check out the video below).

When the VW Golf-sized model reaches European showrooms next spring, it will be offered with a choice of four engines, including 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter units in both gasoline and turbo diesel flavors, as well as a greener and more fuel-efficient variant bearing Hyundai's 'Blue' nameplate.

All powerplants will be matched to a six-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.6-liter gasoline and diesel engines will be optionally available with a six-speed automatic transmission.

In North America, the i30's Elantra twin will likely be fitted with the Veloster's 1.6-liter GDI Gamma engine that delivers 138HP and 123 lb-ft of peak torque.

After months of speculation, Hyudai has finally confirmed the introduction of a Hyundai Elantra Hatchback to the U.S. market. The model will be similar, if not aesthetically identical, to the new Hyundai i30 have-door hatchback offered in Europe. The Elantra hatchback will not retain the i30 name, however. According to Hyundai, its name will be an add-on to the Elatran name. The “Elantra touring” is the first thing we think of.

Whatever it ends up being called, the Hyundai Elantra Hatchback will without a doubt be a looker. i30, which is Hyundai’s European C-segment competitor to the Ford Focus, the Renault Megane and the Volkswagen Golf.

The current Hyundai i30 is available in both 5-door hatchback and 5-door station wagon formats. The station wagon version of the i30 should be familiar to American shoppers as the Hyundai Elantra Touring. The hatchback version of the i30 is currently not sold here, although with this new generation and Hyundai/Kia’s hatchback onslaught in the US market, you can certainly expect this to change.

The exterior design of the new Hyundai i30 goes along with the rest of Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design lineup, and cuts an attractive, sporty look that looks, in my opinion, cleaner than the current Elantra which has, nevertheless, been a hot seller in the USA. The station wagon version will come over to the USA as the brand new Elantra Touring, but the real question is, will the 5-door hatchback come to America, For my money, expect the answer to that question to be a definitive “yes”, as Americans are buying more and more hatchbacks, as automakers put out better and better hatchbacks that aren’t associated with “cheap car”.

The interior will be familiar to anyone who knows anything about current Hyundai interior designs. Engine choices will also be no surprise, with 4-cylinder engines aplenty for both US and European buyers. Fuel economy will definitely increase compared to the previous generation of Hyundai i30/Elantra Touring.

If the current Elantra is anything to go by, expect the suspension to be tuned more for comfy cruising than corner carving, although this should definitely be no lazy slouch when it comes to taking a hard turn.

New Leaf priced from under $52k as Nissan Oz prepares EV rollout

NISSAN Australia has announced a $51,500 starting price for its first all-electric model, the Leaf, which opens for public orders in February before first deliveries take place in June.

The sub-$52,000 pricetag (plus on-road costs) is $2700 more than that of Mitsubishi Australia’s pioneering electric vehicle, the much smaller i-MiEV city-hatch ($48,800 plus ORCs).

Like the i-MiEV, the five-door Leaf hatchback will be available as a single, highly specified model, with the one purchase price including its lithium-ion battery pack.

That is also likely to be the case for Holden’s upcoming Volt plug-in hybrid, pricing for which will be announced closer to its late-2012 release date.

Unlike the Fluence ZE, the Leaf’s battery is not compatible with the automated battery swap stations due to be rolled out by EV charging infrastructure company Better Place, which bills the zero-emissions Renault as the world’s first ‘unlimited-range’ EV.

Instead, Nissan said it will concentrate on fast-charge technology for the Leaf, which provides an industry-standard maximum driving range of at least 160km on a full battery charge.

The Leaf can be fully charged via a standard (240-volt, 10-amp) Australian household power outlet in about eight hours, or less with a 15-amp (‘Level 2’) charging outlet installed by an electrician.

Nissan Australia says it will make available Level 3 and 4 fast-charging systems for the Leaf, which will initially be available from 13 specialist Nissan dealers in major metropolitan centres, including Hobart and the Gold Coast.

The number of Leaf outlets will be expanded in stages until 2014, by which time Nissan expects to have sales and service centres in all major provincial centres.

Announcing the Leaf price today, Nissan Australia CEO Dan Thompson (left) said Nissan expected fleet buyers to comprise the lion’s share of Leaf customers in the first six months, as part of the EV ‘education process’.

However, the Leaf will be available for any customer to order from February and Mr Thompson said Nissan expects to sell “hundreds” of examples of the world’s first mass-market EV in the remaining half of next year, before annual sales volumes eventually grow to the thousands.

Nissan has sold more than 20,000 examples of the Leaf globally in its first year, making it “the highest-selling electric car in the history of the car industry”, according to the company.

“We’ve stated before that we expect to see meaningful sales volumes from Leaf as a contribution to Nissan Australia’s market growth expectations and zero-emission leadership aspirations,” he said.

“With a range of up to 170km on a single battery charge, the Leaf is expected to find favour early on in Australia’s fleets, as they seek sustainable transport solutions, and later with private customers who are interested in a zero tailpipe emission car ownership experience coupled with freedom from petrol service stations.

“Nissan dealers will be at the forefront of automotive generational change when Leaf arrives in their showrooms mid next year,” said Mr Thompson.

Production of Australia’s Leaf begins at Nissan’s Oppama plant in Japan next March.

Toyota Tundra 2012 Spec - review - release date

Toyota Tundra begins behind truck in the class when it involves top-level changes, and Toyota might be pleased to play second fiddle to Ford and Chevrolet. a brief history from the tundra performance and robustness is unquestionably above average, but the organization might be thinking about a method money compared to competition.

 

2012 Toyota Tundra Design Features

Very couple of changes are required with this vehicle, 11 Tundra CrewMax has chrome rear bumper, heated energy mirrors, deck rail, not to mention the effective 4.6L V-8. The Tundra Mattress time is really a 4×4 truck with 5.7L enormous, which two kinds of automobiles ought to be readily available for 2012 too. The double cab side doorways once again, however these mixtures of the cabin and also the engine might be all that's offered.

The more compact V-6 engine will probably be available, a minimum of within the optional 2-wheel drive. Toyota continues to be striving to pay attention to elevated gas mileage in the automobiles, and could add a new, powered, 6-cylinder as standard about the tundra. If that's the case, energy is reduced which may still be described as a large truck.

 

2012 Toyota Tundra Security Features

Like several new Toyota vehicles, the Tundra 2012 continues the company’s innovative thinking and can include all modern security features present in current models. The Star Safety System, Trailer Sway Control, Driver Side emergency securing retractor, front and mounted airbags, airbag sensor, and also the LATCH product is standard equipment. thief security alarm and engine immobilizer is optional in many if not completely the trimmings.

Competition from the 2012 Toyota Tundra

The Ford F150 and Chevrolet Silverado full-size trucks have been in exactly the same class because the tundra, by 2012 these automobiles will most likely possess a size beds available, and selection of engine and cabin packages. The engines in the present Tundra 11 again, meaning Toyota won't be surpassed by any competitor when it involves horsepower generally. But Tundra won't have the ability to contend with Ford and Chevrolet in the quantity of cuts, because all of the listed packages readily available for both of these vehicle producers already sell a lot more than Toyota.

The 5-seat C-MAX and 7-seat Grand C-MAX are the perfect combination

The 5-seat C-MAX and 7-seat Grand C-MAX are the perfect combination of innovation, style and flexibility.

Advanced technology, responsive performance and improved sustainability add up to more driving enjoyment. With upgraded levels of comfort and convenience, the stunning C-MAX and Grand C-MAX are set to take the market by storm. In every sense, and from every angle, the C-MAX and Grand C-MAX are next-generation vehicles.

Because this is an overview of the Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, some features mentioned below may be standard across both the C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, whilst others may be optional extras or available only on selected models. You can also use our configurator tool to build your perfect Ford C-MAX or Grand C-MAX.

 

Active Park Assist

Helps you park in spaces just 1.2 times the length of the car. Audio and visual guides help you manoeuvre. (Option as part of Convenience Pack).

Grand C-MAX ultimate flexibility

The ingenious 7-seat interior of the Grand C-MAX offers you the flexibility of accessing third row seating via a walk-through. It's created by easily folding away the middle seat in the second row and is extremely handy when child seats are fitted.

5-star Euro NCAP rating

Both C-MAX and Grand C-MAX have achieved maximum official independent ratings for safety. 

Rear sliding doors

Sliding doors on the Grand C-MAX are a Ford first. Neatly integrated, they complement the bold looks of the Grand C-MAX and are ideal for easy rear seat access and avoiding bumps in narrow parking bays.

Power operated tailgate

For protection, two anti-pinch sensors will detect any obstruction when closing and then safely release. EcoBoost efficient performance

The 1.6-litre EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine delivers 18% improved fuel economy with 18% lower CO2 emissions* compared to the 2.0-litre Duratec petrol engine. It's a driving technology win-win, delivering large engine performance with the fuel economy of a much smaller unit.

Seat belt reminder system

To help promote peace of mind for the driver, visual and audible alerts indicate when any seat belt is fastened or unfastened. (Grand C-MAX only)

Rear-view camera

Select reverse gear and a rearward view automatically displays on the instrument panel. (Option, as part of Sony DAB navigation system at extra cost, on C-MAX and Grand C-MAX Titanium).

Hill Start Assist

After releasing the brake when stationary, the technology keeps the wheels braked and assists the driver to move away safely.

*Note: all CO2 emission figures in g/km and fuel consumption figures are from officially approved tests in accordance with EC Directive 93/116/EC. Fuel economy figures quoted are based on the European Fuel Economy Directive EU 80/1268/EEC and will differ from fuel economy drive cycle results in other regions of the world.

NEW C-MAX Zetec from £17,445

NEW C-MAX Titanium from £19,445

BMW 5 Series - Lexus GS450h

LEXUS has welcomed BMW to the premium hybrid vehicle club in Australia, following confirmation the German brand will introduce its first petrol-electric model Down Under within six months.

However, the applause from the luxury hybrid leader for BMW’s new 5 Series ActiveHybrid - the global launch of which will take place by February before first local deliveries take place in June, the same month the new Lexus GS450h hybrid is due – comes with a sting in its tail.

“We'd like to extend a welcome to our competitors and congratulate them on their decision to finally join the hybrid club and we look forward to their endorsement of hybrid technology,” Lexus Australia’s corporate manager for marketing and aftersales Peter Evans told.

“(But) Our competitor’s decision to launch their first hybrid model in line with the launch of our sixth, further vindicates our decision to pioneer and launch hybrid technology almost 10 years ago.

“The next-generation Lexus GS hybrid has benefited from almost a decade of real-world hybrid engineering, experience and continuous development - and that's something that has to be earned.”

Lexus pioneered the hybrid luxury vehicle and remains the global sales leader, including in Australia. However, it has no plans to follow Europe’s lead by becoming an all-hybrid brand here, where its entry-level CT200h is a dedicated hybrid hatch but the mid-size IS is a petrol-only model and the gas-guzzling LandCruiser-based LX570 large SUV is V8-only.

Ironically, Lexus’ parent company Toyota - which fathered the iconic Prius hybrid and has long highlighted the benefits of petrol-electric vehicles over ‘dirty’ diesels in terms of CO2 and NOx emissions - sells more diesel SUVs and utes than any other brand in Australia, and plans to enter the diesel passenger car market, potentially with BMW engines as part of a global industrial partnership announced last week by the two car-makers.

Meantime, more than half of all new BMWs sold in Australia – including passenger cars - are powered by efficient diesels, but the 5 Series ActiveHybrid will be the Bavarian brand’s first Australian hybrid, as well as it first right-hand drive hybrid and first six-cylinder hybrid.

The left-hand drive-only X6 and 7 Series hybrids have been available in the US and Europe for years, but BMW will still beat its German arch-rivals Mercedes-Benz and Audi to the Australian market with a hybrid model.

While the left-hand drive Q5 hybrid remains off-limits Down Under, Audi Australia will launch its first hybrid model - based on the new A6, making it a direct rival for the GS450h and 5 series hybrid – in 2013, followed soon after by the A8 hybrid limousine.

Mercedes-Benz, whose left-hand drive-only S400h limo has been available overseas for a year, is expected to reveal its new E-class hybrid at next month’s Detroit motor show, but is yet to commit to any hybrid model in Australia.

BMW Australia spokesman Piers Scott said the 5 Series ActiveHybrid was likely to be the first in a series of hybrid models from the company, potentially including right-hand drive petrol-electric versions of BMW’s upcoming 3 Series sedan (due here in February) and next year’s facelifted 7 Series, before the plug-in hybrid i3 city-car arrives here in 2014.

“We haven’t announced it yet because pricing, positioning and battery warranty are not yet finalised but I can confirm the 5 Series ActiveHybrid will be here in the second quarter of next year,” said Mr Scott at this week’s 6 Series Coupe launch, adding that BMW hoped to land the 5 Series hybrid here before the new Lexus GS450h.

“It’s going to be neck and neck, but there will certainly be more competition in that (large luxury hybrid) segment. If we can get access to a right-hand drive 3 Series ActiveHybrid then that (mid-size luxury sedan) segment will really hot up in Australia too.”

Driving through the same eight-speed ZF automatic, the hybrid member of BMW’slatest 5 Series sedan range – which will be joined here by the bahnstorming 412kW 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8-powered M5 in February – adds a 40kW/210Nm electric motor to deliver a combined output of 250kW/450Nm.

Meantime, the petrol-electric GS450h, which runs a 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6 to provide a combined output of 252kW/345Nm, matches the BMW’s 0-100km/h sprint time (and should also match its eight-year battery warranty), but betters its efficiency by 1.0L/100km (6.3L/100km) and 3g/km (146g/km).

Ferrari 458 Italia release date and price 2012

Ferrari 458 Italia price is quite a great deal to Ferrari lovers. Dreaming of getting hold of Ferrari's upcoming 458 France? Of course, that's no official figure Ferrari. The Ferrari North America has yet to confirm the Ferrari 458 Italia price for the U. S. market and the long number of options amply demonstrates the fact that $240k starting price is precisely that: a starting fee. The Ferrari 458 Italia is mostly a completely new car from every mindset: engine, design, aerodynamics, treatment, instrumentation and ergonomics, just to name a few.
Ferrari's accepted configuration tool is are living, allowing interested shoppers to check out what their own, individualized Ferrari can look like, and tweak information to the finest measure.

Once you're done developing your dream Italia, it is possible to guesstimate its price because of a leaked document discovered today. Starting at 162,900 Euros or 149,246 British pounds --not counting VAT--the Italia sits within the upper end of the price range of the present F430.

The Truth Rumors of Leaked Documents about the Ferrari 458 Italia Price

The Ferrari 458 Italia price continues to be unveiled over night using a leaked document that specifies even the money necessary for the various options offered by the new Italian car or truck. The Ferrari 458 Italia price starts at 162,900 Euros excluding VAT; this takes the figure up to 175,364 Euros. The racing livery takes the Ferrari 458 Italia price up to 5,610 Euros.

As seen on the leaked document, at typically the launch, the Ferrari 458 Italia offer no performance upgrades. Cars like the Nissan GT-R (MSRP $89,950), the Chevrolet Corvette (MSRP $49,525), the Lamborghini Gallardo (MSRP $237,600), and the Audi R8 (MSRP $114,200) make this line an exceptionally competitive and compelling a particular. Select a trim type of the Ferrari 458 Italia from table above to browse detailed specifications on this vehicle. The actual price may vary due to availability of a unique 458 Italia, consumer requirement, rebates, incentives and alternative factors.

Invoice price will never necessarily represent the particular price a dealer paid for any given vehicle; rather it is actually considered a common starting point for price negotiations. MSRP, or even Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Charge, is the amount Ferrari signifies their dealers charge to your vehicle. Often, you can pay much less than the MSRP (sticker price). That’s quite a great deal for the lowest Ferrari 458 Italia price.

Volvo’s flagship XC90 SUV due in 2014

VOLVO’S Californian design studio has given American journalists a look at possible design directions for the next-generation XC90, due in about 2014.

Car and Driver has published four sketches – all different – that it says were revealed to its journalist on a tour of the Camarillo studio coinciding with last week’s Los Angeles motor show opening.

Car and Driver reported that Volvo did not say if any of the four sketches would get the green light for the production car, but rival Automotive News – which was also along on the studio tour – says the final XC90 design “freeze” is due in six months.

Left: Possible Volvo SUV sketches. Below: Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid.

The XC90 will be the first Volvo model to emerge on the SPA platform that is expected to be about 145kg lighter than current architectures and engineered to take electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains, as well as the conventional petrol and diesel offerings.

Volvo is phasing out its V6 and inline five-cylinder engines, opting for an all-four-cylinder range.

Automotive News says an all-new four-cylinder engine will debut in 2013.

It is unclear if this engine will replace Ford’s EcoBoost four-cylinder engine range that Volvo only recently introduced in the S60, S80, V60 and V70 – a hangover from the period when Volvo was a Blue Oval brand, before it sold the Swedish enterprise to China’s Geely.

Volvo’s new plug-in hybrid diesel-electric powertrain is expected to make its first appearance at the 2012 Detroit motor show in January ahead of a production roll-out in the V60 hybrid next year

The hybrid wagon, which was shown at July’s Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne, is expected to go on sale in Australia in 2013.

Figures quoted by Volvo suggest dramatic 1.9 litres per 100km fuel economy – better than the General Motors Volt range extender’s 2.5L/100km rating – and ultra-low CO2 emissions of 49 grams per kilometre.

The powertrain combines a 158kW 2.4-litre D5 turbo-diesel and 50kW electric motor for a total 208kW of power and 640Nm of torque, with an ell-electric driving range of about 50km.

The diesel engine drives the front wheels while the electric motor propels the rear, and when combined under ‘Power’ mode, the V60 can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h acceleration in 6.9 seconds.

Battery charge time is claimed to be 4.5 hours with a 10-amp electric system – increasing to 7.5 hours with a 6A outlet and decreasing to three hours with a 16A system.

The first pure-electric Volvo to arrive in Australia is expected to be a variant of an all-new five-door hatchback, codenamed Y555, that will be unveiled at the Geneva motor show in March next year and offered Down Under in abut 2014.

Toyota's seventh-gen Camry to global production

TOYOTA says its seventh-generation Camry is more ‘Australian’ than any previous model, with local engineers playing a key role in development of the ‘core’ global vehicle for the first time.

Elements of the body, chassis and electrical systems were developed in secret by members of the 160-strong Toyota Technical Centre Australia (TTC-AU) team based at the Melbourne suburb of Notting Hill, where work on the just-released NG Camry started five years ago, right at the start of the international program controlled from Japan – a first for the local Toyota team.

TTC-AU president Max Gillard revealed at this week’s Camry launch in Victoria that 37 Australian engineers spent up to two years in Japan, working alongside their Japanese counterparts and suppliers on core engineering elements such as the car’s wiring harness, circuit design, manual heater control, doors – including the locks, handles and hinges – and cowl sheet-metal.

In Australia, the TTC-AU engineers collaborated with Hella on the front and rear lamps, and with Adelaide’s SMR on the new-look exterior mirrors with integrated turn lamps.

When the Camry Hybrid arrives in the first quarter of 2012, hybrid motor generator control software will come courtesy of the Australian team.

Vehicles made and sold in Japan, China, Russia, South Africa, Thailand, South America and Australia have also benefitted from Australian engineering or design touches, with the latter being done by Toyota Style Australia – the company’s small design studio in Port Melbourne.

Critically for Australia, the local engineers were responsible for the ride and handling development of the Australian-made Camry destined not only for local showrooms but 20 export markets.

Left, from top: Toyota’s 2012 Camry range; Camry Altise interior; Camry Altise; Camry SX interior; Camry Atara SL; Camry engine; Camry SL paddle shift.

The latest Camry, which enters showrooms in late December, has effectively been split into two models – the fleet-friendly, entry-level Altise and sportier-looking, better equipped Atara (meaning crown in Hebrew) aimed at private buyers, especially families and lease customers.

The upstream Atara itself comes in three spec levels, with S replacing the previous Ateva, SX replacing the Sportivo and SL taking over from Grande.

Price of entry to the range has been held at the previous level, with the Altise starting at the same $30,490 (plus on-roads) as the previous model.

The mid-range variants get a small price lift to reflect new equipment levels, with the Atara S priced at $33,490 (up $1000 over the Ateva) and the Atara SX now priced at $35,990 (up $2000 over Sportivo).

The new Camry gets fresh sheetmetal and an all-new powertrain that includes the latest, more powerful but more efficient 2AR-FE-series 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that ultimately will be produced for the locally made Camry at a new $300 million engine plant next to the car factory at Altona.

The engine comes in two states of tune: 133kW of power at 6000rpm and 231Nm of torque at 4100rpm in the entry-level Altise, and 135kW and 235Nm in the more upmarket Atara, thanks to a free-breathing twin exhaust system on Atara – a first for Camry.

Among the main enhancements to the engine are variable valve control on the exhaust valves (as well as inlet valves), and a variable inlet system that generates more mid-range torque.

The old five-speed automatic transmission makes way for a new six-speed with sequential shift, including steering-wheel paddles on the Atara variants.

No manual gearbox is offered, due to low sales of the self-shifter in the previous model.

This eclipses petrol automatic rivals such as the Mazda6 (8.5), Ford Mondeo (8.0) and Holden Commodore 3.0-litre SIDI (8.9).

The Hybrid Camry will turn the screws even further, although no figures for the new model have been released.

Part of the fuel economy improvement can be sheeted home to the adoption of electric power-assisted steering in place of the old hydraulic system on the petrol Camry (the system is already in use on the hybrid), eliminating pump drag on the engine, while low-resistance parts such as roller rockers have been included.

Panel gaps are tighter, as is dust sealing, while noise suppression measures have been ramped up to make the Camry up to 3dB quieter across the racket range.

Narrower pillars contribute to safer vision, while rear-seat room has been enhanced 45mm by moving the seats further apart and sculpting the back of the front seats,

Overall body dimensions are basically the same as the previous model, with an identical 4815mm length and 1470mm height, although width has grown 5mm to 1825mm.

Boot space remains generous at 515 litres, even though Camry retains a full-sized spare wheel. Hi-tech safety systems on range-topping models include a reversing camera, a blind-spot radar warning system and an automatic headlight dipping system that had to be calibrated to allow for Australia’s roadside reflectors.

The system uses a detector mounted high on the windscreen to dip the lights when a car approaches at about 800 metres, or when the Camry closes to within 600 metres of another vehicle from behind. The lights switch back to high beam as the other vehicle passes.

A new seat design with a taller seatback contributes to greater driver comfort, as does a realigned steering wheel that Toyota says is now in a “more natural position”.

The entry-level Altise rides on 16-inch alloy wheels with 215/60 tyres, while the Atara steps up to 17-alloys with lower-profile 215/55 tyres.

While the Altise comes with cloth seats, an old-style ignition key, plastic steering wheel and manual air controls, it does get the new upmarket-looking stitched upper dash treatment.

Apart from the Atara’s sportier front bumper and grille, foglights and the twin tailpipes, the S gets a reversing camera, electric-adjust seats, paddle-shifter transmission, keyless entry and starting, dual-zone climate-control, 6.1-inch touch-screen audio and metallic paint at no extra cost.

The Atara SX has all that, and gains a leather interior, sports rear body treatment including a lip spoiler, sports suspension and sports pedals.

The flagship SL gains a JBL 10-speaker audio system, seven-inch touch-screen, sat-nav, DAB+ digital radio, RDS live traffic updates, reversing camera with guide monitor, blind-spot monitor, automatic high-beam dipper, driver’s seat memory, rain-sensing wipers, electric rear sunshade and exterior mirrors that dip when reverse is selected.