The new generation Fiat Panda made its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and, just like the previous generation, a 4x4 version is scheduled to follow. The first spy shots have captured the car testing in winter conditions and considering it will be similar to the standard version, expect to see it launched by the end of the year.
The upcoming Panda 4x4 is the perfect alternative for those who want to combine the affordability of a city car with the pleasure of driving a 4x4 model. Compared to the standard Panda, the 4x4 version will sit higher off the ground and will be offered with a different suspension and bigger wheels. For the exterior, the model will get plastic elements at all the corners, but that is where the differences will end for the standard and 4X4 Pandas models.
Just like with the standard version, the future Panda 4x4 will be offered with two TwinAir twin cylinder engines: the 2011 International Engine of the Year 85bhp TwinAir Turbo, or the brand new 65bhp naturally aspirated TwinAir. Both engines are equipped with Start and Stop as standard and a 4x4 system.
The three door version of the new Volkswagen Up! was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, and now Volkswagen has released the first details on the five-door model. In Germany, the new version will go on sale March 6th with first deliveries arriving in May. Prices will start from 10,800 euro, or about $14,000 at the current exchange rates.
The five-door Volkswagen Up! features the same dimensions as the three-door version, but the difference is the rear doors which open wide and allow easy boarding. The interior also offers more space, with 94.7cm (37.2 inches) of headroom and 79cm (31.1 inches) of legroom. The rear passengers will be even more comfortable thanks to raised seating positions.
As for power, the new Up! will be offered with a 1.0-liter petrol engine with BlueMotion technology offered in either 60 or 75 HP versions. Both of these options are combined with start-stop function and an impressive fuel economy of 4.2 liters/100 km.
Just like with three-door Up!, the new five-door model will be offered with City Emergency Braking - a new safety technology system that automatically actives at speeds of under 18.6 mph and uses a laser sensor to detect the risk of any imminent collisions. Next to this feature, the new five-door Up! will also get touchscreen navigation, Bluetooth, and other entertainment systems.
Hyundai’s i20 ] will be going through some drastic design changes this year, as proven by these recent spy images of the facelift model. The company hopes to completely change the look of its supermini for the 2013 model year and will be unveiling the result of the changes at the end of 2012.
The design of facelift Hyundai i20 will get influenced by the recently launched i40, with a new hexagonal grille, two jewel-like headlamps, and characterful lines that connect the front and rear of the vehicle. The rear lights and rear bumper will undoubtedly be updated as well, considering they are covered in heavy camouflage on this test model. Inside, the i20 will also be refreshed with changes coming to the dash and the front and rear seats.
Hyundai seems to be only focusing on the aesthetics of the vehicle, because up until now, the i20 looks to be powered by the same ranges of engines as the current model. Expect to see the usual 1.2- and 1.4-liter petrol engines, as well as two diesel engines with either 75HP or 90 HP.
While we were all expecting to see the convertible version of the new generation Beetle at the 2012 Chicago Motor Show in February, Volkswagen has decided to keep us waiting a little bit longer and are bringing a TDI version for the coupe instead.
The new Beetle TDI will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four cylinder engine that will deliver about 140 HP and 236 lb-ft of torque. The engine will be mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optional DSG transmission. This setup will deliver up to 50 mpg, making the new TDI version the most economical Beetle ever. Volkswagen has yet to announce whether or not the new engine will be offered in the upcoming Beetle Cabrio, but we’ll be on the lookout for any new details.
The 2012 Chicago Auto Show will open its doors on February 8th, 2012 so stay tuned!
MINI has never been the shy type when it comes to rolling out special edition models, especially when certain situations call for it.
As an official sponsor of the 2012 London Olympic Games, you can’t come up with a more ideal situation for a special edition Cooper. Heck, they even made two of them.
Joining the Cooper Bayswater Special Edition is the Baker Street Special Edition, a unique trim of the popular Cooper line that pays homage to London hosting the 2012 Olympic Games. Similar to the Bayswater model, the Baker Street comes with plenty of unique trims, highlighted by a Rooftop Grey metallic finish with special racing stripes on the hood, black mirror caps, and a new set of 16" alloy wheels. Optional paint finishes - Pepper White and Midnight Black - are also part of the package.
Inside, the Baker Street model comes dressed with unique seating surfaces with a Cross Check Rooftop Grey color for the dashboard and door trim and diamond pattern, light grey contrast stitching for the floor mats, gearshift/selector lever, handbrake gaiters, and seat tags.
The Cooper Baker Street Edition is set to be available on the MINI One, Cooper, One D, and Cooper D models with sales expected to begin in Spring 2012.
