Photo Gallery: 2011 Suzuki Swift

This is the all-new 2011 Suzuki Swift which goes on sale in the UK during Autumn 2010. Now in its 3rd generation, the 2011 Swift is built at the production facility at Esztergom, in Hungary.

A smoother, more up-to-date dash for the 2011 Suzuki Swift incorporates in retractable screen, climate control, Bluetooth and a USB port. The new car will be available as a 3dr & 5dr model, will have more ventilation outlets than the preceding model, as well as keyless go and a collection of revised sports cloth for the interior.

The new Swift will come with an all-new 1.2 litre Dual VVT petrol engine and a modified 1.3 litre DDIS diesel. The 4 cylinder 16v petrol unit produces 93bhp (94PS @ 6,000rpm) and up to 118Nm (87ft-lb) of torque. Alternatively, the direct injection diesel, produces 74bhp (75PS) and up to 190Nm (140ft-lb @4,800 rpm) of torque. Petrol buyers get a choice between a 5 speed manual transmission and a 4 speed automatic, while the diesel only comes with a manual transmission, also 5 speed. Only the petrol engine comes with auto start/stop.

With its low kerb weight (945kg – 1,110kg) and economical engines, the 1.2 VVT with manual transmission can return a combined figure of 56.5mpg (5.0l/100km). The figure is improved by 7.8mpg over the older 1.3 VVT. Greenhouse gas emissions also drop from 140g/km to 116g/km, saving over 24g/km or a 17% improvement over the older petrol unit. The 4 speed automatic has combined fuel consumption of 51.3mpg (5.5l/100km) for the 3dr. The 5dr combines 50.4mpg (5.6l/100km).

The 1.3 DDiS diesel will be attainable in Spring 2011 in the UK. This boasts exciting combined fuel consumption of 67.3mpg (4.2l/100km) from 62.8mpg, with CO2 emissions falling from 119g/km down to 109g/km. This Euro 5 engine has more precise engine management than before with reduced levels of mechanical friction for smoother running and flexibility.

The 2011 Swift (3,850mm) is 90mm longer than the outgoing car and is 1,695mm wide and 1,510mm high (151.57" x 66.73" x 59.45"), with a wheelbase of 2,430mm (95.67"), which is 50mm longer. This means the car is 2.5% longer, providing both more legroom and more load space.

Look for the 2011 Suzuki Swift at your local dealership floor by the end of the year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Lexus recalls 270,000 models globally

In the latest kick in the teeth to Toyota's quality reputation, the Japanese car maker is set to recall 270,000 Lexus vehicles, (137,000 in U.S, 90,000 in Japan & 3,200 in the UK), after it was revealed that an engine problem could lead to stalling.

Lexus released a statement saying it has "discovered faulty valve springs in some V8 and V6 engines in certain Lexus models sold in the U.S. Due to slight variations during the manufacturing process, some foreign material may have contaminated the valve springs, resulting in potential breakage."

Lexus U.K issued a statement that said: "Improperly functioning valve springs have been found in some Lexus engines and there is a small possibility that abnormal engine noise or unstable idling may occur. In very rare instances, there is a chance that the engine may stop."

The affected models include the GS 350, GS 450h, GS 460, IS 350, LS 460 and LS 600h models. The JDM Toyota Crown is also part of the recall. The faulty springs were found in some V8 and V6 engines. Lexus says it has not received any reports of accidents or injuries related to this issue.

Lexus advise that any anxious customers to contact their local Lexus centre or call the Lexus Customer Relations team on 01737 367601.

Earlier this week, Lexus said it is recalling 17,000 2010 Lexus HS 250h sedans because of a possible fire hazard due to fuel leakage. Lexus also issued a stop-sale order on the HS 250h on 25th June.

Toyota has recalled approximately 9m vehicles since November 2009 to fix problems with accelerators, brakes and other systems. The Japanese manufacture is still under inspection by U.S congressional investigators over claimed reports of unplanned acceleration and is also in the middle of a major court battle in California over product liability.

Ford to cut prices by 16% (UK)

Ford will cut the price of its Ka city-car, Fiesta supermini, Focus compact family car, and Kuga SUV from 5% to 16% (11% average) from 2nd August. The company says the cuts are to bring greater 'transparency' to its showroom prices, which have usually been heavily discounted when buyers haggle and follow an earlier round of reductions this year.

Ford says it now wants the list prices to be closer to what the customer actually pays. This move should make it easier for consumers to compare Ford's vehicles with those of other manufacturers. In April, Ford reduced list prices for its new S-Max, Galaxy and Mondeo models. Since then, it has increased sales on all three models. In the company car market alone, Mondeo sales increased by 18%, S-Max increased by 10% and Galaxy by 5%.

Ford also hopes that the revised prices will make its products more striking to company car drivers, who pay tax based on the car's list price.

Managing director of Ford GB, Nigel Sharp said: 'The traditional way that the car industry has operated in the UK – with high recommended list prices matched to high discounts – is causing confusion for consumers. Together with our dealer partners we are determined to change that formula and make the whole purchase process more transparent and the value of Ford cars more obvious.'

While this is good news for private and company car buyers, prices will shoot up by 3% from January 2011, thanks to the Governments VAT increase, from 17.5% to 20%. From 2nd August, the entry-level Ford Ka Studio will cost from £7,996, as oppose to the current price of £9,360, saving £1,364.
 

No more Government funding for motor industry (UK)

Business secretary Vince Cable has said that car makers can no longer expect financial support to make cars in the UK.

Speaking at a conference in Central London, he said: “I don’t see the future as large scale funding for particular companies. We can’t fight a subsidy war.”

Cable persisted that he saw future Government money going towards assisting the car business as a whole, vowed support for investment in research, technical education, more apprenticeships in the motor industry and appeal to inward investment through lowering corporation tax and creating a more stable economy.

The business secretary also denied that the £5,000 funding for anyone buying an electric car was going to be scrapped, admitting that it was still “actively under consideration”. He also promised support for Britain’s luxury car business arguing, “We’re not trying to turn every car into a Nissan Leaf”. “There’s variety in the motor industry and it needs to be supported,’ he said.

While, a car-buying scheme, such as the scrappage scheme is not the way to invigorate the car market, business secretary Vince Cable has said.

'It got us out of a sensitive stage in the economic crisis, but it was too expensive to run. We are emerging from a period of Government intervention. We are now in a different world. The Government can't fight and win a subsidy war.'

Cable said: 'The best way to back the car industry is to create a good business environment. The Government will continue to back industry in a cost effective way.''

Sky-high fuel prices recommended (UK)

Prices of fuels should be kept permanently high as a way of forcing drivers into smaller and more economical cars, according to the Government’s climate change watchdog.

The Committee for Climate Change has warned that the Government should set a minimum price for petrol and diesel, to make sure Britain meets its targets for emissions reductions.

“We know that people buy more efficient cars if the petrol price remains consistently high,” said the committee’s chief executive David Kennedy.

In its report to parliament, the Committee said that fuel duty needed to be greater than before to balance out reductions in oil prices and there should be a greater gap between the cost of tax on the most and least polluting cars, with drivers of the most fuel efficient cars also qualifying for grants.

AA president Edmund King described the committee’s plans as “unrealistic”.

“People are already moving to more fuel efficient cars so there is no need to punish them by keeping the cost of fuel excessively high," he said.

Maserati CEO spills info on next-generation Quattroporte

The next-generation Quattroporte sedan will be available with four-wheel drive and stop-start technology, according to Maserati’s CEO.

Harald Wester said the new sports saloon, scheduled for 2012, would also weigh about 15% less than the existing model and fuel consumption and CO2 emissions would be improved by approximately 25%.

Wester claims that adding four-wheel drive will help Maserati's flagship model compete with Mercedes, Audi and BMW.

Other methods in the pipeline include economised V6 and V8 petrol engines, in addition to an 8 speed ZF automatic gearbox.

2011 Hyundai Elantra/Avante interior rendering & photo gallery

At this year's Busan Motor Show in April, Hyundai gave us our first viewing of the stylish new Elantra sedan (Avante in South Korea). However, Hyundai only showed the exterior as the display model's windows were heavily tinted.

Now, Hyundai is teasing us with a theoretical image of the Elantra's/Avante interior that, like the exterior, promises a striking overhaul compared to the current model. Judging from the drawing, the 2011 Elantra's/Avante cabin design will continue the same "sculpted" theme.

The Elantra/Avante is expected to go on sale in South Korea with a new 140bhp 1.6 litre direct-injection petrol engine during Autumn. While Hyundai has yet to confirm a launch date, recent reports from South Korea claim that the new Elantra will be built at Hyundai’s Montgomery, Alabama plant starting from April 2011.

U.S bound models are moving into final testing stages, which has been spied by our boys in Death Valley, CA. Notice that the U.S market Elantra has an extended front bumper, likely to help it in meeting U.S crash regulations.

Hyundai has yet to decide what engine should go under the hood of the 2011 Elantra. While the 1.6 GDI is a little underpowered for U.S tastes, a direct-injected version of Hyundai's Theta 2.0 litre petrol engine seems like a possible candidate. Whatever the engine, Hyundai is most likely to offer a 6 speed automatic, seen in this pre-production prototype.

A photo of the interior that shows the tidy combination of a factory-installed satellite navigation system, plus a smart set of gauge binnacles. The Elantra will go on sale late 2010/early 2011 as a 2012 MY. An official unveiling at the LA Motor Show in November is expected.

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 Hyundai Elantra spy pictures and 2011 Hyundai Avante/Elantra comparison:
 

Citroen DS3 convertible on the way

Citroen will manufacture a convertible version of its fashionable DS3 supermini, a source has revealed.

However, facts of the DS3 Convertible are vague. It isn't clear whether Citroen will use a metal folding roof or a fabric roof. In addition, it’s uncertain if the DS3 Convertible will have the same engine line-up as the hatch, which consists of three petrol's and two turbo-diesel engines.

Citroen has confirmed that there won't be a convertible variant of the DS3 Racing. The hot hatch is due to go on sale in the UK later on this Summer.

Prices for the DS3 Convertible have yet to be announced, but expect to pay around £2,000 over the hatchback, which would mean a starting price of roughly £14,000.

Suzuki recalls over 5,500 Kizashi sedans (U.S)

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Suzuki is recalling approximately 5,701 Kizashi sedans manufactured from 13th October 2009 to 31st May 2010, due to the centre-lower glove box on the dashboard opening during a crash and perhaps cause injury if it comes in contact with the front seat passenger.

Suzuki said that it will replace the part on the affected cars for free. The company plans to notify owners with the safety recall expected to begin in mid-July. For more information, Kizashi owners can contact Suzuki directly at 1-714-996-7040.

2011 Hyundai Genesis facelift spied

Hyundai is wasting no time revising the Genesis mid-sized executive sedan. Spied testing in Death Valley, CA and somewhere in South Korea, the 2011 Genesis will take on some minor changes . The Genesis has only been on sale for 2 years – it was launched as a 2009MY in mid 2008.

Numerous alterations will be apparent like reshaped front bumper with new lower air intakes, LED day-time running lights, front/side/rear skirts, rear chrome trim, and revised rear bumper incorporating faux Lexus LS like dual exhausts.

Internally, very little change is visible, with the exception of a BMW-like iDrive system. This is likely to operate a new 8 speed automatic transmission, recently announced by Hyundai. Under the hood, the 290bhp 3.8 litre V6 Lambda and 385bhp 4.6 litre V8 Tau engines will be improved for better fuel economy and power. For 2011, an all-new 5.0 litre V8 will debut, which is expected to generate 429bhp. The new V8 will also be used in the larger Equus sedan. It is probable that Hyundai will also use their new GDI (gasoline direct-injection) engines. Additionally, AWD will also be offered.

The facelifted Genesis will go on sale in the U.S and Australia mid-2011.