Toyota Yaris Hybrid Car

The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is the first car to foray into the supermini segment with parallel hybrid technology. The Yaris has the potential to be even than its bigger hybrid brother. It is smaller, cleaner, and cheaper than the hybrid norm. It also has the potential to unlock the untapped market of the petrol-electric supermini.

Toyota counts this car as the world’s first full hybrid supermini. This is doubtless one of the very first ‘sub-compact’ hatchbacks that can run on petrol power, battery power, or a combination of both.

A lot of the mechanical and technological assets of this car have been copied from the second-generation ‘XW20’ Prius making it a pragmatic car, At £14,995, this is the cheapest full hybrid on the market and by building the car at the firm’s factory in Valenciennes, France, means that its price should be immune from the yen-related currency fluctuations.

The 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine has been engineered to produce less friction. In addition 70 per cent of its components have been redesigned. It now produces slightly less power and torque, but Toyota says its thermal efficiency has improved by six per cent.

The Hybrid Synergy Drive is compromised of a downsized E-CVT and a smaller electric motor than you’ll find in a current Prius or Auris Hybrid. The Yaris’s battery is 20 per cent smaller in volume, and 11kg lighter than that in the Auris. It is located beneath the rear seats and doesn’t really intrude into either passenger space or boot space.

Elsewhere, ice-grey soft-touch pads on the dashboard break up the otherwise monotonous colour scheme. The Yaris also swaps its rev-counter for a back-lit battery dial that shuffles between Charge, Eco and Power. Similarly, there are two buttons adjacent to the handbrake, for selecting Eco and EV modes.

Another advantage the Yaris has is refinement. Toyota has taken a lot of the high-rev mechanical thrash out of its petrol-electric power plant.

Toyota may be able to harp about the Yaris Hybrid’s class-best CO2 emissions (79g/km) and claimed fuel economy, but plenty of its rivals dip under the 100g/km VED-free barrier and those same diesel-powered rivals would deliver better economy over an extended driving range.

To extract value for money from the Yaris at the pump, it must be confined to the urban sprawl or driven with the patience of a saint. However, if nothing can talk you into a diesel-engined compact, the Toyota merits consideration.

For urban motorists who feel that that’s exactly where a supermini should be economical, then this could be a perfect car. However those of us who regularly drive out of town will find better economy elsewhere.

New Car - Suzuki SX4 Crossover

The new car, the SX4, is powered by a choice of two 1.6-liter engines – one diesel, one petrol – the former mated to a six-speed manual transmission while the latter uses a CVT with a "seven-speed manual mode" operated by steering wheel-mounted paddles. All-wheel drive remains intact on the SX4, now with four driver-selectable modes and the ALLGRIP name. You can read the car review after watching the promotional video by Suzuki.

Key features

Distinctive crossover styling:

The SUV combines a bold, sporty shape, with strong lines, and a refined distinctive character as well as sporting superb aerodynamics.

More space for people and luggage:

The SX4 Crossover is made a class leader in terms of passenger and luggage space because of its C segment dimensions. This will definitely benefit families.

Next generation 4WD with ALLGRIP technology:

A new four-wheel-drive system has four driver-selectable modes for better performance and safety in diverse conditions.

Some of the lowest CO2 emissions in its category:

Engine refinements, superior aerodynamics, and the high tensile steel used in the bodywork mean that the new SX4 Crossover has remarkably low CO2 emissions considering it’s a C segment crossover.

World's first double sliding glass sunroof:

The panoramic sunroof is the first of its kind. Nice!

Design Summary:

Urban sophistication and SUV ruggedness.

New colours to give emphasis to the styling.

Aerodynamics which improve fuel economy.

Bold, characteristic crossover shape, dynamic lines create a highly distinctive look.

A sharp bodyline, wheel arch mouldings, skid plates and integrated roof rails emphasise the crossover styling.

Exterior Design
Quality:

Quality features include chrome items at the front; LED daytime running lamps in the headlamps; boldly contoured shoulders along the side lines; and two part rear combination lamps.

Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics are achieved in every area of the design. There are smooth contours across the side of the body, modulated lines running from front to rear, and low drag wheels and door mirrors.

Interior design
Quality:

The contours of the instrument panel overlap the doors and the soft padding is nice to touch. The seats are shaped and stitched to convey a sense of sophistication.

Exterior colours:

A range of 10 exterior colours includes two new options which highlight the new SX4 Crossover's urban credentials.

Performance Summary:

 A blend of all-terrain crossover capability and on road performance.

A powertrain delivering environmental compatibility and great performance

Transmission systems which heighten driving pleasure

Remarkably low CO2 emissions for a C segment crossover

Engines and transmission systems:

The new SX4 Crossover's powertrain technologies ensure environmental compatibility while delivering all the performance needed in a C segment crossover.

Engine:

The engine options are 1.6-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel.

Transmission systems:

Transmission systems designed for the new SX4 Crossover help to improve performance and fuel economy.

Environmental performance:

Suzuki developed the new SX4 Crossover to have remarkably low CO2 emissions for a C segment crossover.

An Engine Auto Start Stop (EASS) system further increases fuel economy, limits exhaust emissions.

CO2 emissions:
125g/km with two wheel drive (2WD) manual transmission
125g/km with 2WD CVT
136g/km with 4WD manual transmission
136g/km with 4WD CVT.
The CO2 emissions for the diesel models are

110g/km with 2WD manual transmission
115g/km with 4WD manual transmission.

Safety:

Light but impact absorbing body and various safety features designed for five star Euro NCAP rating

Superior stability and comprehensive active and passive safety facilities.

Cabin and luggage area

4,300mm overall length and a 2,600mm wheelbase allow plenty of cabin space; the distance between front and rear occupants is 814mm.

The rear seat and a luggage board can be repositioned to accommodate different kinds of luggage, making the new SX4 Crossover ideal for families.

Upcoming Car - Tesla Model X

Back in January at the Detroit Auto Show, Tesla showed off its new model electric car, the Model X. The one they showed off was simply called “white” – as you can guess it was in the colour of white. It has an updated interior and new wheels, though whether does wheels make it to production or not is unlikely because they have carbon fibre spokes that are pure flair, not structural.

Considering that this car is not expected to be buyable until 2014, the evolution from its previous design to this updated prototype design (not even beta version which isn’t expect until 2014) we can assume that it is getting closer and closer to its final design.

Inside, the surfaces materials and colours are updated from the silver/grey model unveiled a year ago, with black and white featured in alternating fashion. The big touch screen in the dashboard is the same as in the Model S, but it appears to be floating instead of having a flush design. Below this article you can view a selection of photos of last years prototype.

With the way the pre-orders and production rates are going, Tesla is on track to sell 20,000 Model S vehicles 2013, as in calendar 2013, which by the way Tesla matches the Model to the Year. Simple.

Convertible Car - Bentley Continental GT Speed

Earlier this year Bentley revealed full details and a bunch of images of their new car, the Continental GT Speed.

Just like its GT Speed coupe younger brother, the new GT Speed represents the pinnacle of Continental cars. As a matter of fact, the GT Speed is a all-wheel-drive and has become the fastest four-seater convertible in the world. It has max-out top speed of 202mph and can crack 60mph in just 4.1 seconds.

The super high top speed is thanks to Bentley’s much- respected twin-turbocharged 48-valve 6.0 litre W12 engine, which throws out 616bhp and 800Nm of torque. Now that’s fast. Just to contrast what make this just that little bit more special; the ‘standard’ Continental GT has a power output of 567bhp.

Too make sure that everyone knows that you’ve opted for the GT Speed, Bentley supply the Speed models with unique 21-inch alloy wheels, menacing dark-tint grilles and ‘rifled exhaust pipes. Inside the interior is grandly called the ‘Mulliner Driving Specification,’ which comes as a standard.

GT Speed models get a close-ratio eight-speed 'box, and uprated and lowered suspension. Meanwhile the steering has been re-tuned to give quicker reactions and a much more responsive feel.

It comes in colours other than pink, just to let you know.

New Car - Peugeot 208 GTI

Peugeot are gleefully comparing their new hatchback with the joy of driving a ratty old 205 GTI down a twisty road. Are they finally able to recapture the magic of the 1980s auto legend? If the latest reports are anything to go by then the answer for their new car is yes.

The 206, and 207 were unable to ever get close to replicating the joy of punting a ratty old 205 GTI down a twisting road. It was all the more galling given the fact that Peugeot still had the technique nailed when they sold the 106 and 306 GTIs during the late 1990s.

To some extent though, Peugeot has finally got its groove back. The 208 has moved in all the right directions and is lighter and more fun to drive than the 207 ever was.

The first GTIs that go on sale will be Limited Edition models, and with only 29 of these available, they’ll each cost £20,495. They will each have Satin Pearlescent white paint and 17-inch Carbon Onyx Black alloy wheels.

All the other GTIs thereafter will cost £18,895 and will go on sale from April 2013.

The expectations of this vehicle will be high considering the toughest rival to Peugeot, the Ford Fiesta ST, will begin at £16,995.
The Peugeot 208 GTI will have a 200-horsepower mark from its 1.6-litre turbocharged lump, a few subtle styling additions and some more than suitable interior upgrades. It will also have a six-speed manual gearbox, which is becoming a rare thing in the hatchback market. On paper the GTI certainly looks good.
In conclusion, whether the 208 GTI gets anywhere near it’s ancestor the 205 in terms of thrills will be irrelevant for most people. Since the 1980s the market has changed a lot, however Peugeot’s eagerness to compare the two GTIs has raised the expectations of the 208. We know that the Ford Fiesta ST is likely to be brilliant, so the 208 GTI will have to be even better if it’s to leave its mark.

For a deeper look into the Peugeot 208 you can click here.