Nissan Still in Minivan Game in 2007

As Chrysler prepares to try to shake up the minivan segment with a new generation of its people-mover coming in September, and with Ford and General Motors exiting the market, Nissan is prepared to ante up for a few more hands.

Nissan will stay a player for now, in what the Japanese automaker sees as a shrinking—but still viable—market, Larry Dominique, Nissan North America vice president in charge of product planning, told Car and Driver in an interview.

The Quest—with a controversial design customers either love or hate—has never sold as well as hoped, even with a fairly comprehensive redesign for 2007. Less than 32,000 units were sold in 2006, down 21 percent from the previous year, and sales are less than 16,000 through June, a one percent dip, according to Ward’s Automotive Reports.

Dominique is a Quest fan. He thinks the minivan just lacked awareness. And while assembly of the next-generation Quest will move to Kyushi, Japan, from Canton, Mississippi, that is at least a couple years out and does not necessarily mean the end of Quest sales in the U.S.

Source : www.caranddriver.com

The New Cadillac BLS Wagon 2008

Cadillac, seeking to boost slow sales of its Europe-only BLS sedan, is adding its first ever wagon to the lineup. The BLS wagon will be officially introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September, and the car itself will reach showrooms in Europe in November.

In addition to the new body style, Cadillac is adding two new engines to the BLS lineup. The first will be capable of running bio-ethanol fuel, and the second will be a powerful turbo-diesel engine making 180 horsepower. Those engines join a handful of turbo-diesel and gasoline engines offered in the BLS that are shared with other members of the European GM family.

The handsome wagon is equipped with all of the luxury features familiar from the sedan. Those features include power everything, a high-end Bose sound system, DVD navigation system, and Bluetooth connectivity. That last item is one that will only be available on the new CTS for the American market as a dealer installed option.

Source : www.automobilemag.com

Toyota Sequoia 2009

When it comes to future-vehicle prototypes that we catch in public, the camouflage used to conceal them is sometimes almost as much fun to look at as the vehicles themselves. And man, we’d like to meet the artists who slapped together the garb on the prototypes of the 2009 Toyota Sequoia we just nabbed during towing tests.

Indeed, one could probably tie the earth to Jupiter with all that duct tape, and we can only imagine what inspired the tabbed trim piece behind the front wheels—the uniform from the Mad Max High School cheerleaders? Or maybe they are a new take on trendy fender vents. Alas, they are probably just there so the engineers can open the doors without revealing the cutline.

We don’t know why Toyota is taking such pains, since even so fetchingly wrapped in tarps and tape, it’s pretty evident that from the B-pillar forward, the Sequoia is more or less identical to the full-size Tundra pickup on which it’s clearly based, confirming the automaker’s biggest SUV will indeed be big. Looks like we’ll have to wait a bit longer, however, to see what the Sequoia looks like aft of the B-pillar, but we expect few surprises from ever-conservative Toyota.

Source : www.caranddriver.com/carnews

Volkswagen Tiguan 2009

Today Volkswagen announced that its upcoming Tiguan soft-roader will debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show in September and released the first official photos of the compact crossover.

While the Tiguan will arrive packing an impressive list of off-road options, it enters into a small-SUV segment in which the average buyer shudders at the thought of a rutted dirt road. Thus, many customers will certainly appreciate interior space similar to Volkswagen’s own Rabbit and GTI, to which the Tiguan is closely related.

Buyers will also appreciate the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which will be the only engine available in the U.S. at launch—Europeans will have a choice of three gas and two diesel fours—with a 2.0-liter TDI turbo-diesel to follow shortly after.

Source : www.caranddriver.com/carnews

Spied: 2009 Chevrolet HHR SS

When the HHR was first introduced, Chevrolet swore up and down and all the hell around that its retro-styled HHR was not a copy of Chrysler’s PT Cruiser. Never mind that they were designed by the same guy, hearken to the same bygone era, and have interior dimensions within a fraction of an inch of each other, even though the HHR is eight inches longer and two inches wider and taller. We doubt anyone bought the argument that the HHR is an ode to the 1949 Suburban, not the PT Cruiser, but people have bought the utility vehicle in surprising quantities, nevertheless.

No one should be surprised, then, that Chevrolet is following Chrysler’s lead in offering a turbocharged version of its throwback wagon, now that a couple of years have passed since its introduction. What’s next? Let us guess—a convertible?

The hopped-up HHR will don Chevrolet’s ubiquitous SS moniker, but unlike certain cars bearing those once-hallowed letters—namely, the nonsupercharged Cobalt SS and the outgoing Malibu SS—the HHR SS will mean it, powered as it will be by the 260-hp, 260-lb-ft, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found in the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Red Line mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Source : www.caranddriver.com/carnews

Can gloating be considered a sport ?

Most of the pack of SUVs prowling the roads today are all heft with no hustle. Only the 2007 Honda Pilot is both strong enough to go the distance, and cunning enough to lead the way.

The distinctive exterior of the Pilot cuts the air with clean, straightforward lines, and this vehicle practically snarls with an advanced 3.5-liter, 24-valve, 244-hp, V-6 engine. 2WD models offer Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) for a more efficient ride. And a spacious interior bursting with luxurious extras like available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with voice recognition will find you looking for any excuse to invite others inside.

Source : automobiles.honda.com

Will they deliver mail to a license plate number ?

You may want to change your address once you experience the surprisingly opulent cabin of the 2007 Odyssey. After all, you spend enough time there—and how many homes do you know with heated leather-trimmed front seats (EX-L, Touring) and 244 horsepower? A 5-speed automatic transmission and inspired handling add to your pride of ownership. Comfortable seating positions, and the Touring model's 360-watt audio system, Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System and XM® Satellite Radio rival many home theater setups. The available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with voice recognition (Touring, EX-L with DVD) makes any address easy to find. And sophisticated safety features—like Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure—lend a welcome sense of security. The savvy and scintillating 2007 Honda Odyssey—it's more you than your ZIP Code.

Source : automobiles.honda.com

Do you yearn for the thrill of discovery ? Then meet the all-new 2007 CR-V

The all-new 2007 CR-V has been dramatically transformed, with a sleek new exterior and amenity-rich interior that are unlike anything else you'll find in a crossover SUV. As always, the CR-V is big on safety with new features including Advanced Compatibility EngineeringTM (ACETM) body structure to help you feel secure. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given it 5-star frontal and 5-star side impact ratings*. Pamper yourself in the EX-L and you will get leather-trimmed seats and the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ to help guide the way. Get in to the all-new CR-V—it's the SUV you've been craving.

Source : automobile.honda.com

Mazda MPV zooms in

Described as a "communicative and dynamic-space" Multi Purpose Vehicle, the Mazda5 offers a '6+One' seating arrangement, but you’d hardly know it by the MPV's styling and compact size.

"Mazda5 is Mazda’s latest generation MPV, developed and engineered to capture a segment we have never catered for in South Africa, whilst still embodying the company’s spirited DNA and continuing the excitement of the joy of motion — zoom-zoom," reckons Doreen Mashinini, Marketing Manager Mazda South Africa.

Mazda5 is available in two specification levels, Active and Individual, with both offering the same multi-adjustable seating configuration, lightweight sliding rear doors, and 2.0-litre petrol engine

Almost identical to the high performance MZR-series engines found in the Mazda3 range, the mill has been tuned to suit the different characteristics of the larger Mazda5. As a result the 1999cc, 16 valve unit produces a peak power of 107kW at 6000rpm and offers a maximum torque figure of 185Nm at 4500rpm. The five-speed manual transmission is fundamentally the same as that found in the Mazda3 but features smoother and easier operation.

The equipment

The Mazda5 range comes equipped with the likes of power remote door mirrors, power door locks and windows, and remote keyless entry. Manual air-conditioning with pollen filters can be found in the Active model whilst the 2.0 Individual includes automatic air-conditioning with an ambient temperature display.

Interior storage space includes 45 compartments, including an illuminated glovebox, half-litre bottle holders in each front door pocket, and second row under-seat storage.

Standard audio equipment includes AM/FM radio with front loading CD player. The 2.0 Individual offers an audio system that features six speakers rather than four found in the 2.0 Active. Audio controls can be found on the leather-covered steering wheel, which has rack and reach adjustment capabilities.

Dual front airbags are complemented by curtain and side airbags. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) are also included in the package. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control is offered as standard on the Individual model.

The suspension is fully independent. Anti-roll bars are fitted front and rear for flat handling, minimal body roll and improved driver feedback. The rack-and-pinion steering features variable ratio electro-hydraulic power assistance.

The look

From the exterior the Mazda5 is distinguished by 17" alloy wheels, body colour bumpers, body colour side mouldings, mirrors and door handles. The Individual is set apart thanks to the addition of a "Sports Appearance Package". This includes a body colour front sports bumper, sports grille, side and rear under-skirts and roof spoiler.

As for the seating practicalities, "the Mazda research team found that most Multi Purpose Vehicles utilised a 2:3:2 seating layout based on a ‘5+2’ concept. Given our focus on creating a ‘communicative’ MPV we designed a ‘6+One’ packaging concept," said Mashinini.

The ‘6+One' packaging concept provides for occasional use of a ‘+One’ seat, creating more space and easier cabin access. This Karakuri seventh seat allows for the accommodation of a seventh person, but can be folded out to create a three-person bench seat.

Manually operated sliding rear side doors can be operated with one finger, should you so wish. They hug the sides of the vehicle when open, and create a wide opening for entry and exit to the rear seats.

Further back, the tailgate features a two-stage opening mechanism which has its first stop at a height most can easily reach. The low sill height facilitates loading.

"The Mazda5 is first and foremost a family vehicle, but over and above that, it embodies the spirit of the Zoom-Zoom philosophy. The result is a vehicle that is versatile and offers an enjoyable driving experience," concluded Mashinini.

The Mazda5 offers 15 000km service intervals, three-year/100 000km warranty, as well as the Mazda Motion five-year, 60 000km maintenance plan and roadside assistance.

Pricing:
Mazda5 2.0-litre Active: R199 990
Mazda5 2.0-litre Individual: R 216 990

Source : motoring.iafrica.com

2009 Ford Flex: an all-new full-size crossover redefines the journey for the American family

Ford Motor Company redefines the modern American family journey with the introduction of the 2009 Ford Flex, a full-size crossover that sets a new standard for style, features, functionality and comfort in the U.S. industry’s hottest segment.

On sale in the summer of 2008, the Flex is arriving as crossovers continue to outpace even the remarkable growth of SUVs during the 1990s and minivans of the 1980s.

Last year, crossovers surpassed traditional SUV sales for the first time, and they are trending toward annual crossover sales of 3 million units by the end of the decade. Such growth likely will make crossovers the first or second largest vehicle segment in the U.S.

The Flex joins the Edge and Taurus X in Ford’s expanding crossover lineup. Ford’s success with crossover utility vehicles is substantial. In March alone, the company’s U.S. crossover sales were up more than 40 percent over last year – led by the success of the new Edge.

Flex’s signature exterior design includes:
* Ford’s signature chrome horizontal three-bar grille, which builds on the family “face” that defines the Ford Edge and Taurus X crossovers, as well as the Ford Fusion sedan.
* A unique, all black “greenhouse” – defined as the windshield, rear and side windows,
and the pillars separating and connecting them to the roof. The design brings together seamlessly the body with the available multi-panel roof. Customers can pair a White Suede or Silver roof option with one of Flex’s 10 available exterior colors or choose a body-color roof.
* Standard 18-inch or available 19-inch bright aluminum wheels, which plant the new crossover firmly on the road.
* Flex’s integrated rocker panel design, which eliminates the need for customers to step over the rocker panel when getting in and out of the vehicle.
* Edge-inspired taillamps, which are outlined in chrome. Flex Limited models have LED taillamps and a brushed satin finish metal appliqué spanning the center of the liftgate.

Interior Quality
Inside, Ford Flex delivers textures, features and functionality – including segment exclusives – that create an ideal atmosphere for discerning customers and their families.

Details include tweed-like fabric for the base-level Flex SE’s seats, with inserts in a miniature houndstooth. Meanwhile, the Flex SEL features a soft insert with a more pronounced grain on the seat bolsters, while the Flex Limited features unique diamond-pattern perforations on the leather seat inserts.

Cool Features Built Right In
Flex is set apart from other vehicles thanks to a long list of surprising features. They include:

* Class-exclusive refrigerator, mounted between the second-row captain’s chairs. Unlike competitors’ systems that merely keep cold beverages cool, the Flex’s available compressor-driven refrigerator can cool up to seven 12-ounce cans, four half-liter bottles or two 20-ounce bottles from room temperature to 41 degrees in just more than two-and-one-half hours. That’s 40 percent faster than a standard home refrigerator.
* Multi-Panel Vista Roof™. It not only brightens the interior, it gives Flex occupants seated in each row their own special skylight.
* Second-row, best-in-class legroom, including class-exclusive adjustable and removable footrests. The Flex’s second-row seats fold and tumble to provide access to the third-row and fold flat into the floor for added cargo space.
* Seven-color programmable ambient lighting. Flex owners can choose interior lighting to fit their mood. With this feature – which also is being introduced on the 2008 Ford Focus – customers use a dashboard switch to change the lighting on two LEDs mounted on the front console, two on the footwells and two around the cupholders.
* Capless fuel filler system.

the emissions of smog-forming vapors.
* Ford Sync™, Ford’s industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free in-car communications and entertainment system. This available system fully integrates mobile phones and digital media players into the vehicle. The Sync in-car communications system was developed in collaboration with Microsoft and will be offered exclusively on Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles later this year.
* Ford’s next-generation navigation system, featuring voice recognition technology and more than 150 hours of music storage. Users can browse the music jukebox via touch-screen or by using voice recognition. They can also create custom play lists and burn CDs for storage on the system’s hard drive. The system also integrates the climate control and SIRIUS Satellite Radio into one easy-to-use, smudge-resistant, 8-inch touch-screen display. Premium AM/FM/MP3 audio systems also are available with a six-CD changer, auxiliary jack to accommodate MP3 players and the latest generation DVD entertainment system with a large 8-inch, drop-down screen.
* Ford’s exclusive second-generation door-entry keypad.

Quiet, Confident Ride

The Ford Flex’s chassis was designed to be capable, including more than 4,000 pounds of towing capacity, while still delivering the quiet, confident ride that crossover customers demand.

Engineering advancements include a new independent rear suspension system (IRS) with
unique geometry that allows for better tuning to deliver a broad range of capabilities without compromising the interior package. Interior noise was minimized by using sound-deadening materials in the dash panel, headliner and under the carpeting.

In addition, a 6-millimeter thick windshield helps reduce wind and powertrain noise, while specially selected tires make road noise nearly unnoticeable.

Powerful V-6 with AWD

Flex is powered by Ford’s award-winning 3.5-liter V-6 engine and is mated to a fuel-efficient
6-speed transmission. The powertrain is expected to deliver more than 260 horsepower,
245 lb.-ft. of torque and good fuel economy.

Flex’s available intelligent all-wheel-drive system is tuned to provide confident driving in all weather conditions. Intelligent AWD uses an active, on-demand electronic center coupler to allocate a precise amount of torque from front to rear – up to 100 percent to either axle. The system also can anticipate wheel slip before it happens.

Safety advancements include:
* Rear back-up camera. Mounted in the bottom of Flex’s liftgate badge, the available camera is activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a view of what’s behind the vehicle. The system works in conjunction with the vehicle’s reverse sensing system and uses the navigation screen as a display.
* AdvanceTrac ® with RSC ® (Roll Stability Control). This system can predict a vehicle’s path, using a sensor to measure oversteer and yaw by monitoring the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When the system senses wheel slip or the loss of traction, it applies braking where needed to keep the vehicle safely on its intended path.
* Ford’s Personal Safety System. This suite of safety features includes dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, thorax side air bags for front seat occupants, safety belt pretensioners, seat weight sensing system for the passenger seat and crash severity sensing.
* Ford’s exclusive Safety Canopy ® side curtain air bag. Designed for all three rows, this feature utilizes roll-fold technology to efficiently deploy the air bag when an occupant’s head is resting against the side glass. In the event of a crash, the roll-fold bag will deploy between the occupant's head and the side of the vehicle.
* Ford’s BeltMinder™ safety belt reminder for driver and front passenger. Flex also comes equipped with such standard features as child safety locks on the rear doors, the trunk LATCH system and Ford’s tire pressure monitoring system.

Source : www.globalautoindex.com

Changan CV11 - an independent-developing MPV with international-class quality

Changan's first self-developed MPV rolled off the production line on 26th March in China. Following is the company's earlier press release on this new model:

It is known, the first Changan independent-developing MPV will be officially off production line in earlier 2007, and will entirely march into the transforming MPV market. This MPV as coded by CV11, was the first model of MPV concept car occupying independent-developing property right, debuted in Shanghai Auto Show in April, 2003 and brought about the prevalent attention from automotive industry.

In historic view, in 2006 the sales volume of MPV increased by 33.7% than last year, arriving at 150,000units and occupying 3.66% market share of the whole vehicle market. It is foreseen that the scale of MPV market in 2010 will reach 400,000units, and the blooming market demand will become a new strategic strongpoint for many automotive enterprises.

CV11— an independent-developing MPV with international-class quality
CV11 development strictly follows Changan’s CA-PDS process to organize and development, every stage averagely executes rigid evaluation and examination& approval flow to ensure developed product quality. The independent-developing CV11 occupied high-level technology, gaining 112 accredited patents, among which there are one invention patent, 28 practical new-fashioned patents and 83 patent of appearance.

Generally speaking, CV11 qualifies the requirements of the current national mandatory standards and relevant provisions. This new product has novel、artistic styling and fine comprehensive performance, and especially its safety and driving comfort have reached advanced level compared with other domestic types of the same kind. On the aspect of motive power, it has adopted a new generation engine developed by Changan and FEV altogether. Besides, it is powerful and the engine is highly efficient in environmental protection. It can fully provide the customers with the sensation of driving pleasure and comfort. Guided by the idea of “united space”, the usage of inner space is much more flexible. “CV11 is a MPV in the real sense of self-dependent-development make at international level”, introduced by the responsible person of Changan, “with its outstanding quality, it’s destined to become the most active power in MPV market of China”.

Source : www.globalautoindex.com

Mazda's new family car in SA

Mazda delivers a whole new level of zoom-zoom in the MPV segment with the launch of the Mazda5 in South Africa. And as their slogan for the new product announces, it is 'surprisingly stimulating'.

One would almost find it difficult to believe that the car can actually seat seven individuals, but this is possible thanks to its sleek and dynamic styling. The Mazda DNA is incorporated substantially throughout its stylish design, its fun-to-drive-handling and its high functionality.

The MPV has been rated the top Japanese car of the year in 2006 and was placed fifth in the European Car of the Year listing.

The Mazda5 has a unique '6+1' seating arrangement and the designers have done a splendid job transferring the central open space of a family living room into the MPV. While the car is practical and innovative on the one end, its handling and performance still delivers on the other.

The vehicle is available in two model specifications, that being the Active and Individual. Both models offer the same multi-adjustable seating configuration, sliding rear doors, value and that zoom-zoom driving experience.

Under the bonnet

So it's a '6+1' MPV and you're probably not expecting much power from a people's carrier, right? Well, surprise surprise... under the hood in both models, lies a 2.0-litre 16 valve petrol engine that kicks out a pleasant 107kW of power at 6 000r/min and offers a maximum torque figure of 185Nm at 4 500r/min.

The engine and the five-speed manual transmission is basically the same as the high performance MZR-series engines found in the Mazda3 range as well, but incorporates enhancements for a smoother and easier operation.

Comforting features

The Mazda5 range is equipped with a feast of convenience and comfort features which includes power remote door mirrors, power door locks, power windows, remote keyless entry and manual air-conditioning.

It also has an unbelievable 45 compartments of storage space, including an illuminated glovebox, bottle holders in each front door pocket, second row under-seat storage and audio steering controls.

Exterior styling

The sleek, sweeping and wedge-shaped lines and curves distinguish the Mazda5 with 17-inch alloy wheels, colour-coded bumpers, side mouldings, mirrors and door handles.

The 'Individual' model has a much more aggressive look, thanks to the Sports Appearance Package (SAP). This includes a colour-coded front sports bumper, sports grille, side and rear under-skirts and roof spoiler.

The '6+1' packaging concept provides for occasional use of a 'plus 1' seat, creating more space and easier cabin access. This versatile Karakuri seventh seat is the perfect solution when accommodation for a seventh person is required.

The Karakuri basically is a functional, jump seat that can be unfolded in a matter of seconds to create a three-person bench seat.

Another enjoyable feature on the car is the manual operating sliding rear side doors on both sides of the car that can be operated with the touch of a finger. It enables a wide opening for easy movement to the second and even the third row of seats.

The Mazda5 offers 15 000 km service intervals, a three-year/100 000 km warranty, as well as the Mazda Motion five-year, 60 000 km maintenance plan and roadside assistance.

The new Mazda5 is for the family man or woman who has acquired new sets of responsibilities, but hasn't lost his or her zest for life. It's a product for those who still want to go 'zoom-zoom'.

Prices

# Mazda5 2L Active R199 990
# Mazda5 2L Individual R216 990

Source : www.wheels24.co.za