Smart has already revealed details on the new generation Fortwo mini car. However until it goes on sale this fall, German customers will get another special edition based on the current generation to satisfy their Smart thirst. It is called the "Limited Silver" and will be priced at 12,990 euro.
The "Limited Silver" Fortwo will be offered in either a stylish silver or a gray metallic exterior paint. It will get a smart radio 9 with MP3-compatible CD player, a lockable glove box, and the smart drive kit for the iPhone as standard.
This Smart special edition will be distinguished by new 15" Brabus light metal wheels "Monoblock VII", Brabus LED daytime running lights, a Brabus LED brake light, and the "limited silver" logo in the mirror triangles. It will be available with the environmentally friendly micro hybrid drive (MHD) unit that develop 71 HP and gets the new start-stop system that helps reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions significantly.
For those of us who don’t want to drive around town in a vehicle the size of a train, there have always been small cars to keep us happy. They have gone through many changes since they first became popular during the gas crisis. No longer is it acceptable to just be small and fuel efficient, as the automotive buying public demands much more out of these tiny vehicles.
Today’s modern small car has to be quick and fun to drive, while also having plenty of room inside the cabin. If the car doesn’t manage over 30 miles per gallon then it’s a big disappointment. Not to mention looks. A small car needs to look good as well as not be completely boring to look at everyday.
We have compiled a list of the top ten best small cars on the market in the United States and, like always, we have one rule; the price needs to be under $20,000. That should give us plenty to choose from.
Hit the jump to see the list.
Full story
.
Fuel-sipping sedans are the in things in today’s economy. No longer are we buying massive military vehicles or run-around-the-town-and-get-5-miles-per-gallon SUVs. With high gas prices, come small vehicles.
While they can be fashionable, they can also be downright nasty. Take for instance the Toyota Corolla. Now, this isn’t a bad sedan, it’s just not great. Nothing stands out or makes you get excited when you drive it. So with that in mind, we took out our three favorite fuel-efficient sedans, starting with the king, the Honda Civic.
The once little Civic has grown up. From a tiny hatchback of the 1970’s to a nearly midsize sedan that simply put, dominates the sales charts. With a gas motor and the option of a hybrid, the Civic is a midsize sedan for everyone.
Don’t want a Honda? Well, the second car in this test is the Mazda 3. The 3 is a fantastic little car that smiles at you when it’s going past. It handles well and has always been a good seller in the midsize segment.
While the Civic and Mazda have been around the block a few times, the 2010 Kia Forte is just a newborn. With brilliant looks, a fantastic interior, and more power than the Civic, the Kia is a great alternative to the mass market Civic and 3.
Sounds like a round of testing is coming up.
Full story
Today, Subaru announced prices for the 2011 Impreza models, including the 2.5i, the 2.5i Premium, and the Outback Sport. The Impreza 2.5i sedan starts at $17,495 with the 5-door version starting at $17,995. The Impreza 2.5i Premium sedan starts at $18,495 with the 5-door version at $18,995. The Outback version is priced at $19,995. The 2011 Subaru Impreza is scheduled to arrive in dealerships in July.
The Special Edition Package is replaced by the power moonroof value package that includes the all-weather package, fog lights, and a power moonroof for just $500. All models will be offered with Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive, vehicle dynamics control and brake assist, 17" alloy wheels, raised suspension, and fog lights as standard equipment.
New for the 2011MY, Camellia Red Pearl and Sage Green Metallic will be offered as monotone exterior colors on the Outback Sport. Obsidian Black two-tone, Marine Blue two-tone, and Steel Silver two-tone complete the Outback Sport color line up.
Press release after the jump.
Full story
The 2010 Honda Civic sedan is one of the most iconic cars in the world. Sometimes, iconic cars can get a bit soft, like the Toyota Camry, but the Civic has continued to push the boundaries in terms of style and performance. The new 2010 Civic is a really good, economical car and still sells very well. In times of high gas prices, the Civic proved to be a best seller. It’s offered in a wide variety of styles, trims, and prices and it can be tailored to meet everybody’s expectations.
Once Honda’s smallest car, the Civic is more of smaller mid-size sedan than a compact one. The 2010 Civic is actually the same size as the Accord was 15 years ago. Yet, despite the size increase, the Civic retains its agility, efficiency, comfort, and reliability. That being said the Honda Civic is a good car, but it’s not great. A few years ago the Civic was a fantastic little car and the best buy in the segment, but years have passed and the competition is becoming a real threat. The Civic is due for a refresh.
Some of the Civic’s design elements are too weird for us, like the dual-tiered instrument panel. This means that the rev-counter is on the bottom tear, while one tier up and far back in the digital speedometer. Most shoppers will forget about this odd fashion, but it never really grew on us in the time we had the car.
The 2010 Honda Civic is available in sedan form or as a coupe. For both, there are five trim levels: DX, LX, EX, EX-L, and Si. On the Civic sedan, Honda offers the DX Value Package, the LX-S, a GX, and a Hybrid.
Hit the jump for the full review.
Full story
