News
Subaru recalls nearly 634,000 Forester, Legacy, Outback, Tribeca models due to fire risk
Subaru is recalling 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outbacks, 2009-2012 Foresters and 2006-2012 Tribecas due to an electrical issue in a lighting system that could cause a fire.
Honda Accord gets size, fuel economy right for 2013
Honda right-sized the Accord for 2013, shrinking the car back into the heart of the midsize segment. A new engine and transmission also restore its accustomed status as a fuel-economy leader
Opel Corsa Gets Adam Look
New details are known for the upcoming Opel Corsa.According to “AutoBuild” magazine,the model’s fifth generation will get a new range of engines and borrow some components from a more compact Opel Adam.
Toyota, Ford and Honda are on the top list in Consumer Reporters survey
Toyota, Ford and Honda became the leaders in Consumer Reports’ latest survey of brand perceptions. According to it Toyota occupied the podium. Ford and Honda took second and third places.
Wrangler Opens 2013 as Autobytel’s SUV of the Year
After finishing 2012 by setting an all-time annual sales record—with 141,669 deliveries that marked a 16 percent increase over 2011—the Jeep Wrangler kicked off 2013 on a high note as well: Autobytel.com, one of the country’s leading online sources of vehicle info, has named the 2013 Wrangler its “SUV of the Year.” “The 2013 Jeep Wrangler continues to remain the classic off-road choice and continues to be a choice on-road because of the array of comforts and technology, all packaged in timeless design and category-leading value,” said Michelle Naranjo, editor-in-chief of Autobytel. And that package continues to get better for the new year. A wide range of comfort and convenience upgrades have launched on the 2013 Wrangler, including new, more supportive seating, sophisticated LED interior lighting, dual windshield-washer nozzles, premium audio from Alpine, an available rear locker, and a new, three-layer soft top. Of course, Jeep hasn’t forgotten to deploy additional capabilities in the Wrangler, too. The 2013 Jeep Wrangler Moab edition, for example, is fitted with rock rails, winch-compatible steel bumpers, a rear limited-slip differential, Goodyear Silent Amor off-road tires reinforced by Kevlar, and more. In fact, in its Wrangler Unlimited configuration, the 2013 Moab model already has been named Four Wheeler of the Year by Four Wheeler magazine. “We’re honored that Autobytel is recognizing the capability and class-leading features in the Jeep Wrangler,” said Doug Betts, senior vice president of Quality for the Chrysler Group LLC. “We’ve invested a lot of time and resources to revamp our product line and improve customer satisfaction.”
New Forester Scores Top Marks for Safety
Subaru’s all-new Forester, which is due to arrive in March this year, has been awarded a five-star safety rating by renowned crash test institute Euro NCAP. Thanks to advanced safety systems, cutting-edge chassis design and high-tech safety assistance systems, the all-new Forester is the safest Forester ever built. The Euro NCAP rating follows a five-star Australian ANCAP safety rating which the new Forester also scored earlier in 2012. Euro NCAP’s safest SUV Following the European New Car Assessment Programme’s latest and most-stringent crash test regulations and criteria, the new Forester won the highest five-star overall rating for SUVs in 2012 Euro NCAP crash tests. The Forester’s achievement is the third five-star Euro NCAP performance for Subaru after the Legacy and XV were both awarded five-star ratings in 2009 and 2011 respectively. Since 2009, a more comprehensive and rigorous assessment system has been implemented at Euro NCAP, which evaluates Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist. Scoring well in all areas, the new Forester was awarded the maximum-possible score for the protection of all body areas in a side barrier test, while its front bumper scored top marks for pedestrian leg protection. The side impact results are as a direct outcome of Subaru’s Ring-Shaped Reinforcement™, which optimises the chassis’ impact energy relay structure thanks to the use of high-tensile steel, which goes further in reducing weight, increasing safety performance in collisions from all directions and enhancing passenger safety. The fact that the new Forester features better visibility – thanks to the A-pillar sitting some 200 mm further forward than before – and all-round raised seating positions, also enhances its crash safety performance while providing better all-round visibility for a safer drive. New Forester is packed with safety tech With a host of active and passive safety systems on board, the new Forester is loaded with safety technology which not only serves to keep its occupants safe but also reduce the risk to other road users. Standard safety systems include ABS with EBD and VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control), which monitors all four wheels and ensures the Forester remains stable at all times. Complimenting these systems are seven airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag) and a collapsible brake pedal and steering column which go further to minimise injury upon impact. The new Subaru Forester also provides five three-point inertia reel seat belts for all occupants (pre-tensioned at the front) along with ISOFIX child seat mounting points with tether anchors. Adding extra safety is the new reversing camera, which links to the multi-function display screen to provide a clear view behind the new Forester. As with other Subaru models, the new Forester isn’t only made safer thanks to this array of safety systems – the trademark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive™ system along with the use of Boxer® engines also contribute to safer driving thanks to the resultant low centre of gravity created by the drivetrain. With the power being split evenly between all four wheels – for better control and stability – linked to the Boxer® engine’s own low centre of gravity and smooth nature, inherited driving dynamics which not only inspire confidence but benefit also from exceptional balance, go further to making the Forester a safer car all-round. The new Forester is the personification of Subaru’s brand and product DNA, where safety is of paramount importance.
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA Edition 1 Bows
STUTTGART, Germany — The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA Edition 1, complete with a Neon Art interior, will be available in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz USA told on Thursday. The CLA Edition 1 can be ordered in Europe now; the launch strategy for the U.S. has not been announced. Pricing has been announced in Europe, but not the U.S. The Edition 1 starts at the U.S. equivalent of $47,437 in Europe. The CLA Edition 1 will only be available for a year, said Daimler in a statement. Mercedes-Benz has been enjoying the afterglow of a major success for the CLA commercial during the 2013 Super Bowl. Mercedes-Benz is reaching out to a new generation of buyers with the CLA. The Edition 1 stands out with its Neon Art interior featuring upholstery in leather and black microfiber fabric accented with yellow topstitching. Exterior details include AMG front and rear aprons and side sill panels, along with black painted multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels. Bi-xenon headlights and a lowered sports suspension rounds out the package.
Honda 'Urban SUV Concept' Makes World Debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show
All-new Honda concept model previews addition to growing small-SÚV §egmènt and demonstrates Honda's small-car expertise
An all-new Honda 'Úrban SÚV Concept' vehicle made its world debut today at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The dynamic and youthful concept hints at the styling direction of an all-new small SÚV slated to launch in Japan by the end of 2013, followed by the Ú.S. market in 2014.
'No one has had greater success wîth small cars than Honda, and this Úrban SÚV Concept will create new value in the growing small-SÚV §egmènt,' said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales at American Honda. 'With the continued expansion of our North American manufacturing operations, we expect fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive 'small' cars to play a key role in meeting the needs of our customers in the Ú.S.'
The Úrban SÚV Concept is intended to provide the basis for a fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient small SÚV wîth aspirational design, flexible packaging and next-generation connectivity targeting active lifestyle customers. The concept showcases clean and sophisticated styling, dynamic character lines and a strong stance, wîth hidden rear door handles giving the SÚV a coupe-like presence. Measuring 169.3 inches long, the Úrban SÚV Concept is nine inches shorter than the Honda CR-V, making it the ideal size for navigating both crowded city streets and open mountain roads.
The Úrban SÚV Concept represents the expansion of vehicles based on Honda's Global Compact Series, which includes the Honda Fit subcompact and the Honda City subcompact sedan, a model sold in markets outside the Únited States.
All-New Small SÚV Launching 2014
Coming to the Ú.S. in 2014, an all-new small SÚV based on the Úrban SÚV Concept will feature fuel-efficient Earth Dreams™ Technology and be priced and positioned below the CR-V within the Honda light-truck lineup. Part of Honda's Global Compact Series, and utilizing the Honda-original center-tank layout featured on the Fit, the model will include Honda's configurable Magic Seat® setup that can provide a host of passenger and cargo options, including a fold-flat mode for maximum cargo capacity. The all-new model will also feature next-generation telematics and a modern interior.
The small SÚV will be manufactured along wîth the Fit at Honda's newest North American plant near Celaya, Mexico, expected to open in the spring of 2014. The growth and expansion of its small-vehicle lineup will help Honda double worldwide production of vehicles in its Global Compact Series to more than 1.5 million units by the end of 2016, and remain a global small-car leader.
Fiat, Mazda Agree to Build 2-Seater
Fiat and Mazda finalize their deal to build a 2-seater Alfa Romeo-branded roadster arriving in 2015. The heretofore unnamed Alfa vehicle will be produced at Mazda’s Hiroshima, Japan plant, the auto makers announce today. It will be based on the next-generation Mazda MX-5. Both auto makers agree to develop two uniquely styled rear-wheel drive vehicles, with proprietary engines specific to each brand. Mazda says it hopes to revitalize interest in the MX-5, while Alfa Romeo looks to re-establish itself as a worldwide presence. During the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne tells reporters Alfa Romeo’s return to the U.S. has been delayed as the auto maker wants to make sure the launch is “just right.” The first Alfa Romeo vehicle to return to the U.S. will be the 4c coupe. Marchionne says he hopes Alfa Romeo’s return will be bolstered by Maserati’s increasing worldwide presence as Fiat re-energizes its premium brands.
Nissan, IKEA Partner for EV Program in Milan, Italy
The Hertz Corp. along with IKEA launched an “ElectriCity” initiative in Milan, Italy to provide Nissan LEAF electric vehicles (EV) for rent by the hour or day, according to an announcement. As part of the partnership, joint IKEA and Hertz customers will receive a 20% discount to rent the EVs. Additionally, renters will be able to re-charge their vehicles for free at IKEA's EV charging stations, said Massimiliano Archiapatti, Hertz Italy general manager. The ElectriCity initiative operates in other major cities including Rome, Paris, London, New York City and Washington, D.C. Hertz launched the initiative in efforts to introduce multiple groups of consumers from urban drivers, university students, travelers and corporations to all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The Nissan LEAFs are available to rent from Hertz Milano Centrale railway station.
