Minivans are affordable people carriers. They appeared in the late 70’s with the Chrysler Voyager and the Renault Espace. Crossover slowly but surely taking over the minivan segment.
It is not very often that we get excited about a minivan, however Honda’s new Odyssey Concept from the Chicago Auto Show has a few neat features that not only caught our eye, but made us come back for a second glimpse and look forward to the production version that is scheduled to follow this Fall. That is because the new concept features a sleeker, stronger and more dynamic presence with a low slung roof line and a slightly wider stance powered by a fuel efficient i-VTEC V6 with three mode Variable Cylinder Management that is expected to deliver an estimated 19 MPG in the city and as much as 28 MPG on the highway.
"The Odyssey established its reputation by providing families with what they most want in a minivan - great functionality, an emphasis on safety and good fuel economy," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of American Honda product planning. "Odyssey then further delighted customers with its surprisingly engaging, fun-to-drive and dynamic nature. The next-generation Odyssey promises to take these strengths to a higher level while adding more style and personality."
We don’t know if this commercial is going to be part of the Superbowl but it sure is witty enough to have a place on America’s biggest football game.
The commercial, which is promoting Mercedes’ new certified used-van program, features a dinged-up old Mercedes Sprinter jugging along a country road before its engine inexplicably conks out. As the driver opens the hood, an evil clown jumps out Jack-in-the-Box style.
Then the tag line comes: “Avoid surprises. Choose a Mercedes-Benz Used 1”.
Nice tag line, if you ask us. And we’ll be honest; the driver wasn’t the only one that was caught by surprise by that clown.
The Japanese automaker Mazda will unveil at the next generation Mazda5 at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Like all previous models, the new Mazda5 speaks the same Nagare design language and is powered by a fuel efficient direct injection gasoline engine and other technologies with sales slated to begin this fall. The new model will be offered with a choice of two engines: a 1.8 Liter gasoline engine mated to a six speed manual transmission and a 2.0 Liter engine with direct injection and i-stop.
The German car builder Opel will unveil their second generation Meriva compact hatch in March at the Geneva Motor Show. The all new Meriva features the same design language as the larger and very successful Opel Insignia. However unlike any production Opel that came before, the new Merivia retains the trick suicide style FlexDoors that were showcased on the Meriva Concept back in 2008. Like the Lincoln Continental, the unique opening arrangement provided by the FlexDoors makes the Merivia a much more functional vehicle by making it much easier to get in and out of the rear seat with the back door opening up a full 84 degrees.
As opposed to conventional doors that only open 68 to 70 degrees, the FlexDoors are more ergonomic in the event that a front seat passenger can easily place items in the rear compartment like a jacket, briefcase or even an umbrella behind them. The 2011 Meriva will be offered with a wide range of power train options with outputs ranging from a very economical 75 HP up to 140 HP, with an ecoFLEX version to be offered as well. The Meriva’s engine will be mated to a choice of five and six speed manual transmissions as well as a smooth shifting six speed automatic. Offering a dash of fun into the compact people mover category.
UPDATE 06/29/2010: Check out the new 3D commercial for the Opel Meriva after the jump.
Toyota revealed today at the Los Angeles Auto Show the third-generation Sienna minivan. Sales will begin in February 2010 with the Sienna being offered in five grades: Sienna grade, LE, SE, XLE and Limited.
The 2011 Sienna features a more modernly advanced and bold design, with sophisticated headlamps angled, sculptural rear corner, LED taillights and distinctive window shapes.
The car will be offered with a choice of two engines: a 3.5-liter V6 rated 266 hp at 6,200 rpm and a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 187 hp at 5,800 rpm. Both engines are matched with state-of-the-art, electronically controlled six-speed transmissions with sequential shift.
The third generation Sienna minivan that will go on sale in February 2010. Prices will range from $24,260 for the Sienna grade with a four-cylinder engine to $39,770 for the Sienna Limited all-wheel-drive (AWD) V6. The 2011 Sienna will be offered in V6-powered Sienna grade, LE, XLE and Limited models. Four-cylinder Sienna grade and LE models, and the SE grade will arrive at dealerships in April.
