Toyota Verso

Toyota FT-86 II

2011-05-12T00:25:00.000-07:00

In a global survey of automotive brands, Toyota has regained the top spot after losing out to BMW last year.
Toyota was back in the number one slot of the Millward Brown BrandZ Top 100 - a survey of the top global brands. The Japanese automaker's brand was valued at $24.2 billion, an increase of 11 percent over last year.
The survey measures consumer sentiment towards a brand and then assigns a monetary valuation to it.
BMW came in second to Toyota in the automotive category, while Mercedes-Benz was third.

Overall, the top brand for 2011 was Apple with a value of $153 billion. It upset last year's winner, Google, which came in second this year with a valuation of $111 billion.

All New Toyota Verso S

2011-05-02T01:32:00.003-07:00

Toyota Verso-S Harrison added that the Verso-S will appeal to younger families and down-sizers but most likely mature customers or 'empty

Toyota Verso S review

2011-05-02T01:32:00.002-07:00

Toyota is selling the Verso-S under the tag “Small, Spacious and Smart” - and it is all of those things. First the small bit

Toyota Verso-S Multidrive S

2011-05-02T01:32:00.001-07:00

The Verso-S is Toyota's bid to attract older buyers who value comfort, economy and reliability.

New Verso-S marks

2011-05-02T01:32:00.000-07:00

2011 returns Toyota to the mini MPV with the new small, spacious

Toyota Sequoia Limited

2011-03-29T21:26:00.000-07:00

The Toyota Sequoia Limited comes in three main trims including the base SR5, the Limited and the fully loaded Platinum – with a price to match the SUV’s size. The exterior dimensions and interior storage space are the same for all three models and the various designations come down to a multitude of optional equipment. The SR5 offers a choice in powerplants between the base 4.6-liter 32 valve i-Force V8 that churns out a respectable 310-hp and 327 ft-lbs of torque and the larger 5.7 i-Force that produces a ground pounding 380-hp and a stump pulling 401 ft-lbs of torque.

Toyota Sequoia Limited Our attractive Pyrite Mica (read metallic brown) Limited test model came with the available 4-wheel drive and locking center differential, plus 20-inch aluminum wheels with meaty 275-55 Bridgestone tires. The standard 5.7-liter engine also came equipped with the optional Flex Fuel Vehicle capability.

At 205-inches long, 77-inches tall and 79.9-inches wide, the Sequoia is an imposing presence. Like its smaller siblings in the Toyota SUV line, the Sequoia sports a tall waistline with short side windows and a wide front fascia. Toyota Sequoia Limited Its large grill, wide front skid plate and block headlights give it a bit of a toothy grin and a downright Tonka Truck look, which is actually quite appealing.
SPACIOUS, WEL

2011-01-05T22:30:00.000-08:00

Toyota Verso-S 2011 To Battle with Honda Jazz Launched at Paris Motor Show 2010 To Sell in Europe on February 2011

New Toyota hatchback, Toyota Verso-S 2011, reported just launched at Paris Motor Show 2010.
The competitor of Honda Jazz scheduled to sell in Europe about February 2011.
The mini MPV comes with engine 1.3 liter Dual VVT-I and diesel 1.4 liter D-4D Direct Injection Common Rail.
The both models of Toyota Verso-S would be equipped with manual 6 speed, or optional 6 speed MultiMode, and automatic 7 speed CVT transmission with Sequential Paddle Shift.
However, the price of Verso-S still unknown.

Toyota Verso-S 2011

2011-01-05T22:28:00.000-08:00

Toyota hatchback, Toyota Verso-S 2011, reported announced at Paris Motor Show 2010.
The mini MPV that pointed to break the speed of Honda Jazz comes in two different engines petrol and diesel.
The petrol engine is 1.3 liter Dual VVT-I and diesel is 1.4 liter D-4D Direct Injection Common Rail.
The both models of Toyota Verso-S would be equipped with manual 6 speed, or optional 6 speed MultiMode, and automatic 7 speed CVT transmission with Sequential Paddle Shift.

Ferrari 458 Challenge at the Track

2010-10-19T23:30:00.000-07:00

If you love seeing the sight of Ferraris and hearing that ringing exhaust note, that video is for you. Despite being set by fire problems, we can forgive Ferrari – everyone has got to make a mistake sometime right?

The 458 Challenge is a special race model introduced in July at the Ferrari’s Annual Dealer Meeting in Maranello. The Annual Dealer Meeting brings together Ferrari’s dealers from the world over.

Changes focus on weight reduction and modifications to the V-8′s gear ratios that results in more torque available lower in the power band. Enough with technical stuff though…..

Honda CR-Z new

2010-09-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

2011 Honda CR-Z – Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Road & Track, Honda may have its heart set on cranking out a new droptop sports car to keep the brand alive in the hearts and minds of enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the new racer isn't likely to be anything like the much-loved S2000. No, instead, R&T's sources point to a convertible version of the CR-Z. The recipe calls for the platform to retain its front-wheel-drive layout, though a more powerful drivetrain would likely be fitted to lug around the additional weight of bracing and a folding top.

We've heard worse ideas, but we can't remember when.

If the car made it to production, it would theoretically go toe to toe with the long-reigning Mazda MX-5 in a battle that we can only assume would be over before either car got to the track. Should the CR-Z-based car prove successful, Honda would then look into building a more potent, rear-wheel drive hybrid sports car. You know, what the CR-Z should have been all along.

Road & Track has worked up a rendering, and the curious/stout of stomach can check it out over at their

Rugged Ridge Wheel Trim Ring For Rugged Ridge 17 X 9 in

2010-07-30T16:01:00.001-07:00

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RUGGED RIDGE RIM PROTECTOR, POLISHED, SOLD INDIVIDUALLY -- For Rugged Ridge 17 X 9 in. JK wheels except those with chrome finish; Includes mounting hardware; Made of stainless steel; Designed to protect your JK wheel from rocks and curbs while giving it that bead lock look; With Rugged Ridge's limited 90-day warranty.

Bavaria City Racing Moscow Forms Basis to Moscow Grand Prix 2012

2010-07-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

The Moscow government is preparing a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the streets of Moscow for 2012. That was announced today by Mr. Vladimir Makarov, representative of the Moscow Government, during a press conference held at the 3rd edition of the Bavaria Moscow City Racing. The engineering company Tilke, specialist in race tracks, is working on the design. The Moscow circuit will be the fastest street track in Formula 1, with speeds up to 320 km/hour.

Bavaria City Racing Moscow has evolved into a big public event over the last three years. Despite the high temperatures in Moscow this year, a record number of spectators was counted. The first edition in 2008 had some 10,000s of spectators. Last year, the Moscow police counted a little over 100,000 people and this year over 200,000 spectators visited the race track. On the back of that, some 600 international journalists and camera teams were present in the Russian capital.

Bavaria board member Peer Swinkels thanked all partners during the press conference, the city of Moscow, Independent Media and the Formula 1 teams, for their support in organizing Bavaria City Racing Moscow. "We have started three years ago with organizing this event in Moscow. Today's popularity demonstrates that the city is ready for the next step. We are proud of having been able to contribute in preparing Moscow for the first Grand Prix ever held here. That is our biggest reward. We are already looking forward to next year's edition."

Also, Derk Sauer, director of Bavaria City Racing Moscow, was pleased with Mr Makarov's plans. "A city like Moscow deserves its own Grand Prix. The contracts have not been signed yet, but a major step has been taken."

Today, Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button drove his McLaren Mercedes with speeds over 200 km/hr through the Moscow city center. He told the media: "I consider it a privilege to drive my Formula 1 car through the city center of Moscow. This is not work, but pure fun." Also, Vitaly Petrov burned some of the rubber tires of his Renault in the streets of Moscow. Petrov is the first Russian Formula 1 driver ever.

Photo and video material is available on the special website: http://www.bavariacityracingmoscow.com.

The WORLD FEED by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will be at 15:30h GMT and is available on the following satellite links: Europe (W3A), the Americas (NSS806) and Asia (Asiasat2).

RTR-X Mustang

2010-06-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

Team Need for Speed RTR-X Mustang - Click above for high-res image gallery

Vaughn Gittin Jr. is mostly known for his ability to pilot Ford Mustangs in a sideways – he currently leads the points race in the 2010 Formula Drift season – but over the last year the Maryland native has also been busy launching his own car brand, RTR, beginning with last year's show at SEMA with the debut of the RTR-C Mustang.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Gittin will be following up the RTR-C with perhaps something even more impressive. In a collaboration with Team Need for Speed, the drifter/car builder will unveil another Mustang at the 2010 SEMA show dubbed the RTR-X. Based on a 1969 Mustang using a Dynacorn replacement body shell, the RTR-X will feature the 5.0-liter V8 from the 2011 Mustang GT and a one-off sub-frame from Art Morrison. You can follow the progress of the build until its debut at SEMA in November and even vote on the car's livery over at SpeedHunters. Hit up the gallery below to see Gittin's upcoming creation in more detail.

Gallery: SEMA Preview: RTR-X Mustang

Blitz Toyota sector incentives at launch in March

2010-03-17T20:28:00.001-07:00

When the American car market fell in the autumn of 2008, driven automakers incentives in a good way to erase a lot of bloated dealer inventories. But when cash deng Inventory - leaked to industry-wide incentives reached $ 3165 per vehicle - while almost 700,000 used cars taken off the market, car manufacturers are now familiar from incentives.

Steering clear of heavy incentives probably not too difficult for Toyota, the Japanese automaker, which is traditionally close to the EIA, the prices even in times thinner instead. That changed when Toyota was published interchangeably with the term "unintended acceleration." Toyota publicity nightmare scenario that the quality of traditionally wealthy manufacturer was forced to recover more than eight million vehicles. The sale fell like a stone in the first two months of 2010, while all other producers outside of Auburn Hills, MI substantial benefits, since 2009, more than a crude.

Toyota had to do something for the traffic to the showroom floor walk up, the Japanese car manufacturer has a terrible hand with zero-percent financing for most popular models. Analysts Edmunds and elsewhere tell us that the returns are positive by the first great discounts for Toyota said that sales of around 47 percent since March 2009.

But Toyota is rolling back, other car manufacturers looking for more revenue and incentives, in turn, seems the best way to do it. Detroit automakers have returned to zero, and Honda also spending large stimuli. Barclays Capital, said a new automotive of 60 months at no cost to percent on a loan of less than $ 30,600 Vehicles $ 4857 a car manufacturer. That is a lot of money, but the anticipated return of the money in the hood are positive. Edmunds said it was the beginning of March, the annual turnover of about 12.5 million, its highest level since the program thud.

It seems that Toyota has begun a potentially expensive and less stimulating long war. In the short term, customers will receive all the car manufacturers who make the best of these new incentives. Over long distances, but producers must make profits, so that more products would do likewise.

Toyota sued for full repayment of vehicles recalled

2010-03-17T20:26:00.001-07:00

"When we talked, the owners of Toyota, which brought them all to convey the same desire - to take the car back the party, but their key and you get to go check it." Said Steve Berman, Seattle, a lawyer who has filed a class action lawsuit against the Toyota name, "tens" says the owner, Arizona and Washington. Fat chance, right?

Not so fast, replies Berman. "Fortunately, we think the law is precisely this solution, and we ask the court to make it." Although not accelerate closed the first class action lawsuit against Toyota after the revelations of the possible tendency of the car to ensure it is the first event that sold a full refund for every user car.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, most of these complaints are just looking back to $ 500 for the owner, or on the amount of Kelley Blue Book finds that the average Toyota has lost resale value because of the allegations go, vehicles are at risk. That was over 3 billion dollars would be needed. Suit Berman, but could add up to many times to be successful, whether that amount.

Although Berman cd class action suit fails, Toyota in more rough times courtesy of Toyota will be lawyers Action Consortium (ATAC), the extortion of some of their demands, adding. Northeastern University law professor Tim Howard, and coordination of ATAC, said: 'It's always clear that Toyota, the gains are not built on quality, but a pattern of willful misconduct, fraud and extortion. "

In any case, a panel of federal judges in San Diego is doing in a week to determine whether or not to be combined 110 or so class action against Toyota in a case and if the case go to trial. We'll see.

According to BMW

2010-01-17T22:29:00.000-08:00

A little after a leaked brochure gave us our first taste of the lightly refreshed 2011 3-Series Coupe and Convertible models, BMW rushed out an official release and a whole bunch of pictures. For the 2011 model year, the Bavarian automaker's bread-and-butter coupe and cabriolet models receive some minor cosmetic touches and updated powerplants.

The most notable - that is, if you're a hardcore bimmer fan- changes on the outside concern the widened kidney grille, reshaped LED headlamps, front and rear bumpers with restyled lower fascias, new exterior mirrors and finally, reworked tail light cluster with a new color scheme.

According to BMW, these modifications slightly extend the front and rear overhangs by 1.14 and 0.12 inches respectively.

The only change in the cabin concerns the convertible models and the use of sun-reflective technology to mitigate temperatures on leather seating, armrest surfaces, headrests, and gear shifter. BMW says that this new treatment is able to reduce surface temperatures on dark interior colors by up to 20 Celsius degrees (36 Fahrenheit degrees) and by as much as Celsius degrees (27 Fahrenheit degrees)on light-colored upholstery.

In North America (we'll bring you details on the Euro spec models shortly), the 2011 3-Series Coupe and Convertible models will be offered once again in two flavors, the 328i and 335i.

As noted in our previous post, the 2011 335i is fitted with BMW's new twin scroll single turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six, designated N55, that replaces the previous model's N54 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six.

BMW says that even though output has remained the same as before at 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, the new single turbo engine is more responsive, more fuel efficient, and cleaner-running than its predecessor.

The rear-wheel drive 335i Coupe and Convertible accelerate from 0 - 60 mph (96km/h) in just 5.3 (5.5 coupe automatic) seconds and 5.5 (5.7 cabrio automatic) seconds, respectively, when equipped with a six speed manual gearbox.

The all-wheel drive 335i xDrive coupe is slightly faster at 5.2 seconds (5.3 sec for the automatic model).

The 328i's 230 horsepower, 200 lb-ft, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine has been carried over unchanged from the 2010 model.

No word yet on the sporty 335is variants with a tweaked 3.0-liter twin-turbo churning out 322HP that were mentioned in the leaked sales leaflet (click here for details).

In the U.S. and Canada, the 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible models will go on sale in Spring 2010, with pricing set to be announced closer to the on-sale date.

BMW, like they did with the pre-LCI E92

2010-01-17T21:19:00.000-08:00

With every new model launched or redesigned, comes another photos comparison. the week revolves around the 2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible LCI that was unveiled yesterday and which will go on sales this Spring.

Judging by the photos and information released, the general consensus is that BMW is looking to align some of its models to the current design language, and features like “angel eyes” are starting to become standard across the line-up. LED taillights are also becoming the norm at BMW and the new 3 Series LCI comes to emphasize that.

Exterior:

Regarding the exterior of the car – BMW, like they did with the pre-LCI E92, have managed to make the E92 continue to look much more expensive than it actually is. The facelifted E92 continues to give a strong balance between prestige and performance purely in appearance alone.

Additionally, at front and rear, while the revisions appear minimal, the proof is in the details. At the business end of the 3 Series Coupe, the head lamps have grown slightly with added contours to the bottom line of the head lamp assembly. A thin “eyebrow” can now be found running along the top of each assembly which is lit by LEDs – a design cue taken straight from the E90 LCI, F01 7 Series and F10 5 Series.

Dropping just below the head lamps, the lower bumper is the most heavily modified part of the E92 LCI, losing the struts that flowed with the cut lines of the nose of the car. In its place, BMW have added a slim cut straight across the center of the lower grill, only being broken up by the area just below the larger, wider double kidney grill. Overall, the appearance of the E92 LCI now looks more succinct with the rest of the now more modern BMW line-up.

Moving to the rear of the car, the lower portion of the bumper receives a larger, purposeful crease along the valence just above the exhaust. The L-shaped tail lamps also receive a mild facelift with a more opaque cover to the LEDs when compared to the pre-LCI E92.

Additionally, the pattern of the rear lamp LEDs has two stacked sets of LEDs to provide better visibility at night while also providing a distinctly BMW look. By comparison, the LCI E92 now looks much brighter and contoured over its predecessor.

The side design goes through some changes as well, the E92 LCI features longer overhangs and subtle changes to the side skirts, giving the facelift an overall more aggressive, masculine look.

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Unlike a number of recent Peugeot cars and concepts

2010-01-11T00:51:00.000-08:00

Peugeot SR1 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

French automaker Peugeot will pull the wraps off a brand-new concept vehicle called the SR1 at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Unlike a number of recent Peugeot cars and concepts, the SR1 isn't hallmarked by quirky, love-it-or-hate-it styling. Instead, we see a somewhat traditional long-hood, short-deck profile with some interesting details, such as the creased indentation in the doors that's echoed in both the front and rear fascias. Also note the redesigned Lion logo, which we surmise will show up on all future Peugeots from here on out.

Power for the SR1 (which, of course, has nothing at all to do with the Corvette ZR1) comes courtesy of Peugeot's HYbrid4 technology, which pairs a small 1.6-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine powering the front wheels with a 95-horsepower electric motor at the rear. Peugeot says that its all-wheel drive, through-the-road hybrid system will make its production debut in 2011 inside the 3008 crossover, with other models to closely follow.

Other concept-appropriate bits and pieces include a new removable plastic roof panel using technology that's borrowed from the world of sailing, a three-seat layout with the third passenger behind the twin front seats and instrumentation that pairs futuristic crystal tubes displaying current fuel consumption and remaining range with a classic timepiece designed by Bell & Ross. Continuing the old versus new theme are black nickel and satin chrome trim with traditional wood and leather inlays.

With 313 combined horsepower, fuel mileage estimated at 57.7 mpg (European, 48 miles per gallon U.S.) and carbon emissions of just 119 grams per kilometer, the Peugeot SR1 ought to be a mean, green performer. Plus, its speed-sensitive four-wheel steering and lightweight structure should equal formidable handling prowess. Of course, we may never know for sure, as this car, though it apparently signals Peugeot's new styling direction, is nothing more than a concept at this point.

Peugeot SR1 Concept

Exhibit Z: the Grand Sport Blanc Noir edition

2010-01-11T00:28:00.000-08:00

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Blanc Noir Edition – Click above for image gallery

You didn't really think it was over, did you? The Sang Bleu was supposed to be the last special edition Bugatti Veyron, but word (and pictures) on the street suggest otherwise. Exhibit Z: the Grand Sport Blanc Noir edition, which follows the trio of Dubai specials into the Veyron special sunset.

Apparently created for a high-end clothier, the Veyron Blanc Noir appears to be a one-off (like the Pegaso) rather than a limited-production run (like the Fbg par Hermes). Based on the targa-roofed Grand Sport, the Black Noir edition – spotted in California – is all done up, as the name suggests, in black and white: a matte white body with glossy black hood, wheels, spoiler, fuel filler cap and more. And of course, there's the requisite nameplate on the lower front corner of the door. Check it out in the gallery below for all the angles.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Blanc Noir Edition

HD Radio Technology will be standard on 2011 A6, A8 and Q7 models

2010-01-11T00:03:00.000-08:00

Audi has announced that HD Radio Technology will be standard on its 2011 model year A6, A8 and Q7 vehicles.The 2011 Audi A4, A5 and Q5 models, sold at lower price points, will also offer the technology, but with the optional navigation radio.

"We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best entertainment options to enhance their Audi driving experience," said Filip Brabec, General Manager, Product Planning at Audi of America. "These upcoming 2011 models will be fully equipped with the best in digital broadcast engineering, making it a clear choice to offer HD Radio Technology to our customers."

Compared to static-laden traditional AM/FM radio, HD Radio offers CD-quality sound on FM channels, and FM-stereo quality sound on AM channels. According to iBiquity Digital Corporation, the company holding the trademark for HD Radio, there are more than 2,000 HD Radio stations and more than 1,100 HD2/HD3 channels (FM multicast) currently on the air. As of today, HD radio is available to 85 percent of Americans. It's interesting to note that when HD Radio debuted, "HD" was the abbreviation for "Hybrid Digital," but that was later dropped. Today, "HD" is simply part of the brand name - contrary to popular belief, it doesn't stand for "high-definition." Audi's press release is pasted after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

PRESS RELEASE

Audi Standardizes HD Radio™ Technology in Three Models
HD Radio Technology will be standard on 2011 A6, A8 and Q7 models
Available on the optional navigation radio for 2011 A4, A5, and Q5 models
All cars will be available at U.S. Audi dealers by Fall 2010
HERNDON, Va., Jan 7, 2010 - Delivering the latest in digitally enhanced audio, extra programming and advanced data services, Audi of America today announced that it will offer HD Radio Technology as a standard feature on some of its 2011 models, including the A6, A8 and Q7. HD Radio Technology will also be available via the optional navigation radio in the 2011 A4, A5 and Q5 models. All models will be available at U.S. Audi dealerships by Fall 2010.

"We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best entertainment options to enhance their Audi driving experience," said Filip Brabec, General Manager, Product Planning at Audi of America. "These upcoming 2011 models will be fully equipped with the best in digital broadcast engineering, making it a clear choice to offer HD Radio Technology to our customers."

"As a leader in engineering, Audi provides its drivers with high-quality innovation that truly defines the luxury markets, and they continue to raise the bar with the inclusion of HD Radio Technology," said Jeff Jury, Chief Operating Officer of iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio Technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting. "We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Audi and enabling their enthusiasts to enjoy the extra programming, crystal-clear sound, and advanced data services to enhance the driving experience."

HD Radio Technology is available to 85 percent of Americans with more than 2,000 HD Radio stations on the air, and 1,100+ new HD2/HD3 Channels (FM multicast). The digital platform offers fresh, creative programming on HD2/HD3 Channels, with CD-quality sound on FM and FM-stereo quality sound on AM.

More information on HD Radio broadcast stations currently on air nationwide can be found at http://www.hdradio.com.

Filed under: Technology, Audi

Tags: Audi, Audi HD Radio, Audi HD2, Audi HD3, AudiHd2, AudiHd3, AudiHdRadio, Free HD Radio, FreeHdRadio, HD Radio, HD Radio A4, HD Radio A5, HD Radio A6, HD Radio A8, HD Radio Q5, HD Radio Q7, HdRadio, HdRadioA4, HdRadioA5, HdRadioA6, HdRadioA8, HdRadioQ5, HdRadioQ7, iBiquity, No charge HD Radio, NoChargeHdRadio

The BMW 8 Series was a grand tourer

2010-01-07T22:26:00.000-08:00

2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

Marketing does funny things. Recently the word "coupe" has been rendered null and void of meaning by crafty marketing types behind cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLS, BMW X6 and Volkswagen CC, while the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo has sucked every last ounce of truth, honesty and passion from the term "Gran Turismo." It's now just advertising flim-flam. The BMW 8 Series was a grand tourer. The 535i Gran Turismo? We hear it's very practical...

We mention co-opting of the terms "coupe" and "Gran Turismo" because marketers pulled a similar stunt back in the early '70s with the phrase "Personal Luxury Car." Some cars did fit the definition well (roughly, a luxury coupe exists where practicality and efficiency are traded in favor of style, plush and image), others did not. For example, in the U.S. where we like our luxury by the yard, a 1971 Buick Riviera is a perfect example of a personal luxury car. An AMC Matador Brougham complete with Oleg Cassini interior isn't. Regardless of reality, by 1973 every car with two doors and faux-vinyl seats got tagged with the PLC label. As such, the phrase "personal luxury car" became meaningless.

Apropos of all that, Mercedes-Benz was kind enough to let us test its two-door version of its new W212 E-Class, the 2010 E350 Coupe. The new model marks the first time in three generations that Mercedes has offered a coupe version of what's generally considered to be its sauerbraten und spätzle. You'd have to go back to Bill Clinton's first term (that's pre-Lewinsky) to find the two-door W124 E-Class. Obviously, the B-pillarless two-door qualifies as a coupe, but a personal luxury car? Or, dare we say it, a GT?

2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe

the 2011 Chevrolet Volt

2010-01-07T19:29:00.000-08:00

2011 Chevrolet Volt – Click above for high-res image gallery

We seem to know nearly everything there is to know about the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. Well, everything but one of the most important pieces of its environmentally friendly puzzle, that is: How much will it cost? Predictions vary widely, with the $40,000 mark widely bandied about as a likely target – though whether or not that figure arrives before or after a federal $7,500 tax credit is complete speculation. For its part, General Motors has said it won't set final pricing until late 2010.

Throwing a wrench into the Volt-price-guessing works is none other than GM's own head of global program management, Jon Lauckner, who has reportedly told The Wall Street Journal that the extended-range electric vehicle could hit the market for well under that preconceived $40K level. Fortunately, "We have until this summer to figure that out," he said. Perhaps we can create ourselves a Price is Right-style contest?

The notion that GM may launch the Volt earlier than initially planned – possibly as early as this upcoming summer or fall, well before the expected launch in November – is also reportedly being discussed by GM's top brass. Regardless of when the first few units hit the market, don't expect to see a national launch outside of a few carefully selected regions until well into 2011. Thanks for the tip, Berto!

2011 Chevy Volt

The Detroit News reports that GM told employees before they left for Christmas

2010-01-03T21:02:00.000-08:00

When General Motors was on the verge of bankruptcy, cuts were made to salaried workers' pay and benefits. The move was important to help preserve as much cash as possible while also showing the federal government and the United Auto Workers that everybody in the company was making a sacrifice. Some might even say that salaried employees sacrificed more than others, as thousands were given pink slips and all lost health care benefits after age 65.

After bankruptcy, The General restored the seven percent pay cuts, and now the company is reportedly restoring merit pay increases for 2010. The Detroit News reports that GM told employees before they left for Christmas break that merit pay was being restored; likely a nice bit of news at the end of a very depressing year.

Joe Phillippi of AutoTrends Consulting Inc. in Short Hills, NJ tells the DetNews that the move was necessary to help GM retain its best workers, adding "Given the number of departures they've had, particularly senior people taking retirements or buyouts, you run the risk of a lot of brain drain and losing institutional knowledge."

Renault SA is developing electric-vehicle lithium-ion batteries

2009-12-08T15:58:00.000-08:00

French auto maker Renault SA is developing electric-vehicle lithium-ion batteries with two new suppliers, despite its heavy reliance on the Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.-NEC Tokin Corp. joint venture, Automotive Energy Supply Corp.

Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn earlier this year declared owning battery technology is a core requirement for any auto maker.

"We are ready to sell the battery to whoever is interested," he said in October, referring to the batteries from the AESC. "We are making it a core business, because we think the battery is going to be an essential piece of technology for our century.”

Last month, AESC announced it was raising production capacity from 65,000 to 100,000 units annually in Japan.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance is building a 100,000-unit battery factory in France with support from the French atomic energy commission and the French Strategic Investment Fund.

In South Korea, Renault Samsung Motors Inc. is working with SK Energy Co. Ltd. and SB LiMotive Co. Ltd to develop Li-ion batteries.

At a press event to introduce the new SM5 sedan, Renault Samsung CEO Jean-Marie Hurtiger tells journalists Renault plans to build EVs in South Korea and is working on projects with the two local battery makers.

SK Energy is a petrochemical and energy company that began making Li-ion batteries for mobile devices in 2005. SB LiMotive is a 2008 JV between Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH and Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. that recently announced its first contract with BMW AG.

Zoe 3-door hatchback concept one of four EVs Renault plans to build.

"We plan to produce Renault Group's electric vehicles in Korea,” Hurtiger says. “And once the government's plans are finalized, we will take our position as to when electric vehicles will be mass-produced in Korea."

The SM5 was unveiled at the Renault Samsung technical center in Giheung, where SB LiMotive also has its headquarters. Hurtiger says he expects South Korea to be a major supplier of EV batteries, thanks to a strong industry and strong support of the government.

The executive notes Renault will build the four EVs exhibited at this year’s Frankfurt auto show at four different plants, three of which have been announced.

Production is to begin in first-half 2011 for the Kangoo light-commercial EV in Maubeuge, France; Twizy 2-seater in Valladolid, Spain; Fluence sedan in Bursa, Turkey; and the Zoe, a 4-seat city car, in Flins, France.

SK Energy has developed six different Li-ion cells for hybrid, plug-in and battery EVs and was chosen in October to supply Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp. HEVs – one of the projects of Daimler AG’s global hybrid center, which owns Mitsubishi Fuso.

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SB LiMotive has development operations in Giheung, Stuttgart and Orion Township, MI. In Springboro, OH, it makes nickel-metal-hydride batteries in an operation acquired from Energy Conversion Devices and is building a factory in Ulsan, Korea, for Li-ion battery production.

At the Frankfurt show, SB LiMotive President Young said he expects to begin series production of Li-ion batteries for hybrids in 2011 and EVs in 2012.

Renault invested $344 million to develop the third-generation SM5 midsize sedan, which uses many elements of the current Renault Laguna. Production began at the Busan, South Korea, plant in October, with domestic sales to begin in January.

The SM5’s 2.0L engines were developed by Nissan (gasoline) and Renault (diesel). Alain Diboine, who heads research and development at Renault Samsung, says the body of the new SM5 was developed at the local technical center for the first time.

Renault will sell the SM5 in Europe as a Renault, probably called the Safrane, which was the name of the car that preceded the first Laguna in the upper-medium segment. The auto maker currently sells the second-generation SM5 as a Renault Safrane in Middle Eastern markets.

The SM5 has 3-zone air conditioning, an air filter and perfume diffuser, bi-xenon adaptive front lights and a massage function for the driver that the auto maker says improves blood circulation and combats fatigue. In Korea, it will compete with the segment leading Hyundai Sonata.

GME Heads Cap-in-Hand to Germany’s

2009-12-08T14:54:00.000-08:00

Expect GM Europe to renew pursuit of government aid for its Germany-based Opel/Vauxhall operations as it restructures under new management.

Nick Reilly, recently named president-GM Europe following Fritz Henderson’s sudden resignation as General Motors Co. CEO, says in a weekend conference call there is no truth to the belief GM has sufficient cash on hand to shore up Opel.
“Much of that money will be needed for Delphi and completing restructuring in the US.,” he says, referring to the auto maker’s commitment to support its former captive parts supplier that emerged from bankruptcy in October as Delphi Holdings LLP.

“We also have some of that money in an escrow account for disasters in the U.S., and we can’t touch that,” Reilly says. “Third, the U.S. market remains depressed, and we have to have some money to get us through 2011. We also need to pay back loans to the U.S. government.”

He expresses hope Germany’s government will be as receptive to supporting Opel under GM leadership as it was to the prospect of seeing Opel owned and operated by Canadian mega-supplier Magna International Inc. GM’s board scuttled Magna’s planned acquisition of Opel last month.

“We’ve prepared an application for the German government,” Reilly says. “They were willing to support the Magna deal, so we expect some support for our plan. Financial aid is no different from other car companies in the U.S. or Japan or other European countries.”

Opel needs €1 billion ($1.2 billion) to execute its restructuring and some €3.3 billion ($5 billion) to develop new products, he says, adding the auto maker will not see a profit next year.

Meanwhile, the search for a GM Europe CEO is called off, with Reilly assuming responsibility for both Opel/Vauxhall and Chevrolet Europe. Day-to-day operations at Chevrolet Europe will be managed by Wayne Brannon.
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The management shakeup seems to signal the resolve of Ed Whitacre, GM chairman and interim CEO in the wake of Henderson’s departure, to instigate change quickly.

Additional appointments are expected this week, Reilly says, adding development of a minicar is a “top priority” at Opel.

“I want to clarify that we will also need to continue with light-commercial vehicles; that is a reasonable share of our business,” he adds.

Mugen-fettled Accord, Fit aren't the big Honda story from SEMA

2009-11-06T21:10:00.000-08:00

Mugen Honda Fit and Accord - Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to announcing its plans to reinvigorate its participation in grassroots racing, Honda revealed two Mugen-accessorized models -- a 2010 Accord Sedan and Fit -- each outfitted with a range of parts available at dealers, but not a standalone model, ala Mugen Civic. While the 18-inch chrome wheels, front grille, spoilers, floor mats and machined aluminum oil filler cap are attractive additions to Honda's growing HFP line, needless to say, they leave us a bit cold when it comes the automaker's commitment to the aftermarket and, more to the point, performance.

Uninspiring SEMA efforts aside, the real news came last night during a meeting with Honda execs, where we were able to glean a few more details about Honda's future performance plans, how the CR-Z -- and more to the point, hybrids -- fit in and something to look out for next year.

Honda PR man Chuck Schifsky, told us that the Big H plans to use hybrids as a performance booster in the future, saying, "The CR-Z isn't the last step. It's the beginning." Although the real start of Honda's performance-marketed hybrids began with the last generation Accord Hybrid, Schifsky admits that its introduction was "ahead of its time," one of many reasons the electric-assisted sedan never quite caught on with consumers.

More interestingly, several Honda heads told us to expect something big in the world of motorsports next year -- likely in Japan. What that means is open to interpretation, but with Honda pulling its NSX out of SuperGT for 2010 (due to the front-engine, rear-drive chassis requirements), something interesting could be on the way. NSX revival? Lexus LFA fighter? Consider our interest extremely piqued...

Mugen Accessorized Honda Accord and Fit

Custom springs, sway bars and chassis stiffeners round the package out

2009-11-06T16:50:00.000-08:00

Delta Tech Engineering Suzuki Kizashi - Click above image for high-res gallery

We totally dig the new 2010 Suzuki Kizashi. It's a bold step forward for Suzuki and (hopefully) a harbinger of great things to come, which also happens to be what "Kizashi" means. However, the looks are a little, well... not outstanding. Not that it's particularly bad-looking (it ain't), but what if it were a little more... special? SEMA to the rescue!

We've got a trio of modded Kizashis for you to peruse down in the gallery, but how about some background info up front? First up is Delta Tech Engineering's car which might be our favorite. Delta Tech specializes in lighting and every light on the car is either LED or HID. Even though big mouth-look grilles are on the way out fashion-wise, we like the snout on this guy. We also like the fact that it has a cold air intake, custom exhaust and Koni coilovers.

While we just said that the Delta Tech Engineering might be our favorite Kizashi, the Road Race Motorsports Platinum Edition Kizashi pushes all the right buttons with an even more aggressive body kit. It also features a custom air intake, engine management system and data logger. You also get 13-inch slotted rotors up front (though "only" 10-inches out back). Custom springs, sway bars and chassis stiffeners round the package out.

[UPDATE: We wrongly identified Westside's Kizashi as Import Tuner's car. A total mistake on our (my) part. Sorry 'bout that.]

Lastly, we've got Westside's custom Kizashi – a car we just can't wrap our heads around. From the Frankenstein's Monster neck-bolts as exhaust tips to the bizarre two-tone paint job to the Jianghuai GIGANTIC grill, we're totally, 100% not in love. And that's that.

Suzuki Kizashi Customs

Meet the world's most desirable Lexus RX450h by Branew

2009-11-06T16:42:00.000-08:00

Branew Lexus RX450h - click above image to view hi-res gallery

Let me be blunt: I don't like luxury crossovers. At all. It's a niche with no appeal to me whatsoever. Not a car, not a truck – just a fat sedan jacked up on stilts to woo trophy wives with fancy badges and reassure soccer mammas that their children are "safe." And the Lexus RX gets the sharp point of my spear of anger because it's basically responsible for the high-end CUV craze. Not a fan of hybrids, either. That said, I'm absolutely smitten with Branew's Lexus RX450h.

I think it's the stance, has to be. But there is just something very desirable – from an aesthetic standpoint. The big 24-inch wheels help tremendously, perching Branew's at just the right height. And the lower fascia helps the quite handsome – if not distinctive – OEM grill pop. And I know it's going to be a controversial opinion, but the koi fish on the hood totally work. In fact, I know a certain Subaru WRX that could use a koi or two. Anyhow, while I'd rather gargle nails than rock a luxo-CUV, if forced at gunpoint, Branew's RX450h would be my first (and only) choice.

Hummer quartet is a pretty sweet swansong

2009-11-06T16:19:00.000-08:00

2010 Hummer Robby Gordon Off-Road - Click above for high-res image gallery

We almost skipped the Hummer section of the General Motors booth this year at SEMA, concentrating instead on the plethora of Chevrolet Camaro concepts all around them. When we went back for a second look at the day's new design for the Graphics Camaro, we saw the truck above and figured we should probably reconsider avoiding HUMMER after all. We took some pics and scrounged up the press release which you'll find after the jump.

There were four different Hummers on display. The one shown above is a Robby Gordon Off-Road race truck that is absolutely ridiculous -- in a good way. This H3 was built to campaign in the 2010 Dakar Rally and is a full-blown, tube-chassis race truck, just like the Trophy Trucks you'll see running in the Baja 1000.

Next up was the Rod Hall Racing H3 Alpha. This is a stock-class desert runner that ran the 2009 SCORE International Baja 1000., meaning that it features a stock frame, stock suspension design and production-based engine.

The other two trucks were Hummer concepts. First up was the H3 Moab. Said to be inspired by trails like Steel Bender, Moab Rim, and Poison Spyder, it's a 300-horsepower, V8-powered H3 Alpha with dual locking differentials, a Rancho four-inch front suspension lift, custom rear spring-over conversion, and 35-inch BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires mounted on custom 17-inch two-piece Monster Black Competition Beadlock Raceline Wheels by Allied.

Last but not least is the H3T Sportsman. It's been customized with a combination of powertrain modifications, suspension enhancements and an assortment of genuine factory accessories and aftermarket components. The standard Alpha 5.3-liter V8 has been boosted by a healthy 70 horsepower. Suspension upgrades include Light Racing JounceShocks and two-inch-diameter Rod Hall Racing piggyback reservoir-type performance shocks.

Altogether a pretty nifty quartet of Hummers that we'll probably never own. Check out the gallery and all the details after the jump.

Massa hasn't been in an F1 car since July's Hungarian Grand Prix

2009-10-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

Ferrari just announced that injured driver Felipe Massa could be back in the saddle as early as Monday. Massa hasn't been in an F1 car since July's Hungarian Grand Prix, when a spring from another car flew up and hit him above his eye, fracturing his skull.

The first time he has even been back on track was last week when he took the wheel of a kart. Because of testing bans in place this season in F1, Massa can't drive the current car he was running until Hungary. As he gets back up to speed, the FIA has granted him permission to drive a 2007-spec car fitted with GP2 tires.

Massa has also spent time on Ferrari's racing simulator. Word has it he's already mastered Barcelona and is working hard at beating the Interlagos circuit now. Before taking the wheel of the 2007 car, he still needs to pass an examination, but once he's cleared, he could be on track in Italy by Monday. This will be testing only as the driver isn't expected to compete for Ferrari any more this season.

Cars and Coffee roadshow headed for New England

2009-10-10T07:41:00.000-07:00

Cars and Coffee, the informal and inclusive wheeled hootenanny originated in Irvine, California has been spreading across the country faster than swine flu. There's no stage with bad cover bands, not a trophy in sight, but you're always likely to see some astounding vehicles.

Herb Chambers, New England dealership juggernaut, has thrown his support behind a New England gathering. "Herb himself is a super car enthusiast," says John Covell, Director of Marketing for the Herb Chambers Companies, "He thought that others would enjoy it." A new BMW dealership in Sudbury, MA, where the event is being held this Saturday, October 10th, is a supporting cast member.

Cynics may dismiss this as another ploy akin to inflatable dinosaurs, but when was the last time you were invited out by a car dealership to drink free coffee and ogle a McLaren F1 on a Saturday morning? Running from 7-10 AM, the inaugural event will be over before many people's days get under way. "Herb is passionate about cars and he's passionate about this business. If our customers understand that we share their passion, that's a good thing," sums up Covell. Hey, if he doesn't mind us drooling all over his McLaren, we'll agree.

New GM marketing boss Mark LaNeve apparently unaware that diesel is now cheaper than gas

2009-06-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

Over the last several years, we've heard a lot of excuses from many auto executives as to why their companies aren't offering diesel engines in their American market cars. Yesterday, General Motors' Mark LaNeve, the company's vice president of sales and marketing, made an appearance on C-SPAN's Washington Journal. The final question of the segment came from a viewer wondering why GM has failed to offer U.S. consumers the chance to buy some of the high-mileage diesel cars it offers in Europe.

It would appear that LaNeve might have done better to take a pass on the question. Instead of talking about the cost of making those diesels meet U.S. emissions regulations or the difficulty in helping Americans overcome the misconceptions about the fuel, he claimed that no one has successfully cracked the diesel passenger nut in the U.S. (which based on VW's May sales appears to be wrong). More startlingly, LaNeve went on to claim that diesel is $1.25 a gallon more expensive than gasoline. According to the Energy Information Agency, the national average for diesel this week is $2.35 / gallon while regular gas is $2.52 or $0.17 more than diesel. Admittedly, the fact that diesel is now cheaper than 87 octane gas is a recent development (a trend that nobody is sure how long it will last), but – going on national television and quoting outdated fuel prices as a reason for your bankrupt company's business decisions... well, that doesn't strike us as a terribly hot idea.

You can hear the question and response at 20:30 into the video replay over at C-SPAN.

Download video New Toyota Verso

2009-04-02T04:17:00.000-07:00

Toyota Verso – Click above for high-res gallery

Toyota officially unveiled the latest version of its slick looking, Euro-centric people mover at the Geneva Motor Show this week. Called the Verso (not to be confused with the Nissan Versa), the three-row, five-door hatchback wears handsome sheetmetal with lines that are definitely "in family" for Toyota. For as much as we like the outside, the instrument panel has Scion disease. Center gauges. Please stop it. That third row also has severely limited legroom, but it's still a neat trick to fit so many perches within a Corrola-sized footprint, even if some are occasional-use grade. The Verso will likely delight for bopping across the moorland, but you might need to have your legs removed so you'll fit in back.

MPV - Toyota Verso MPV

2009-04-02T04:16:00.000-07:00

Watch out Vauxhall! Toyota is hoping to topple the top selling Zafira with an all-new version of the Verso – launched as a standalone model for the first time…

We tried the 2.0 D-4D seven-seater, the model that the Japanese firm has tipped to be the most popular.
With a six-speed manual gearbox, its engine delivers 124bhp smoothly and efficiently, with 310Nm of torque available from 1800rpm.

Refinement is very impressive, and while the car never feels particularly fast, it is at least efficient, returning 51.4mpg.

What’s more, the model does corner well, with minimal bodyroll. Stability control is standard across the range and will help control understeer if the driver does push beyond the chassis’ limits. The ride is smooth, if not class leading but overall we felt the drive is let down by overly light steering. Wind-noise from the large wing mirrors was also a disappointment.

Inside things get a little better with a good driving position and the option of a glass panoramic roof. Only bland design details, such as the speedometer and rev counter dials, let the interior down..

The key to this car is flexibility, and while the rearmost seats are not really suitable for adults they are fine for most children. Handily they can be raised and lowered with a single hand and there is an acceptable amount of boot-space either way.

Rival: Vauxhall Zafira
It’s one of the most established seven-seat MPVs on the market, but despite its age, this model remains the car to beat in the mini-MPV market. It’s easy to use, versatile seating arrangement remains class leading, as do its friendly road manners.

3rd Generation Toyota Verso in Detail

2009-04-02T04:15:00.000-07:00

Jeremy Clarkson

A new type of disfigurement has come to Britain’s towns and villages. It’s worse than illegal fly tipping, and worse than those Styrofoam takeaway containers that carpet every provincial city centre at three in the morning. It’s even worse than stone cladding. And it’s all the fault of your local authority.

Many years ago I remember taking a mock advanced driving test, during which the examiner asked, out of the blue, if I could describe the last road sign I’d passed. It was easy then . . . but not any more, because now you go past a road sign every 1.3 seconds.

I first noticed it last week, coming into London on the A3, and now it’s driving me to distraction. Every lamppost, every telegraph pole and every branch in every tree is festooned with instructions about what the motorist may or may not do at that particular moment.

You’re on a red route so you have a sign, then another, and then another explaining exactly what that means. But you know what it means, and you know you’re on a red route because there, at the side of the road, painted clearly on the orange of the bus lane, or the green of the cycle path, are two red lines.

If there’s a bus lane, then there will be signs telling you what that means too. And then things really start to get stupid. You’re told that the central London congestion charging zone is five miles away. Why? Lots of things are five miles away. You’re also told that there’s a speed camera ahead, that there are bus-lane cameras, that you’re near a library, that there’s no left turn into Acacia Grove . . . and what’s this? Oh, that you ’re entering a “drinking controlled zone”.

It’s got to the point now where there are so many signs that they blur into a background hiss of white noise. It’s a bit like the warnings you get before a film on television. In the olden days, when the announcer said in a solemn BBCish tone that the film about to start contained violence, you knew you were in for a 90-minute bloodbath with many severed heads. And so you sat a little more upright in your Parker Knoll Recliner.

But now, when they say the film contains mild violence and strong nipples, you just go into a trance. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And then you’re surprised and horrified when the movie starts with a shot of Al Pacino having his arms sawn off.

This is what’s happening on the roads. They can put up a sign saying there are speed bumps ahead, and even if it isn’t blocked by another sign saying the road to the left has children running around on it, it really doesn’t register. So you hit the sleeping policeman doing about 80mph. And your back snaps.

The reason, of course, for all the signs is . . . lawyers. After your back has been broken the council can send its legal team round to the quadriplegic department of the local hospital to explain to your relatives that, unfortunately, no claim for damages can be made because there was a sign warning motorists that there were humps ahead.

That’s why you get those idiotic messages on the motorway matrix boards these days; if they tell you it’s windy, you can’t sue anyone for being blown into a bridge parapet. And you won’t be able to argue, of course, partly because they’re right and partly because you’ll have lots of tubes coming out of your nose.

The upshot is that every single street is now a Technicolor blaze of legal disclaimers and nonsense. Not only is this ugly, but it’s dangerous too, because not that long ago, when you ran off the road, the chances of hitting a sign were slim. Now, though, you're almost certain to hit something thanking you for driving carefully through the village.

Sadly, I can only imagine that things will get worse, because soon the sign advising you that you’re entering a nuclear-free zone will have to be translated into 14 languages, and there will have to be some sort of mushroom-cloud pictogram as well, for the educationally challenged.

Then, of course, there will be signs telling you not to smoke within 250 yards of any inhabitable structure, and more signs explaining that the town centre you’re entering is off limits to off-road vehicles.

I can smell this one coming. There is such a palpable sense of hate and bile among ordinary road users that if big 4x4s were to be banned from built-up areas the roads would doubtless immediately unjam themselves. I agree with you all. I too think these school-run mums in automotive leviathans should be horsewhipped to within an inch of their lives. And I’m speaking as someone who actually owns one.

But the trouble is that 4x4s are like nuclear weapons. Because you’ve got one, I can’t put my kids in a normal hatchback, because if we were to crash into one another yours would survive and mine wouldn’t. So I have to have one too.

The only solution is for the bosses of GM and Ford and Toyota to meet in Reykjavik and come up with a Salt treaty of their own.

But then what will we do? We’ve become accustomed to the rough and tumble interiors and the vast acreage of space. So how could we go back to a simple Golf after that? Happily, there’s no need, because while you weren’t looking the car makers introduced a new breed of car that is no bigger than a normal saloon, so it won’t clog up the roads like the fat in David Bowie’s artery, and yet inside there are seven proper seats with seven proper seatbelts.

Vauxhall was first out of the trap with its Zafira — which I’ve written about many times before. It’s rather good, and now it has been joined by the Renault Grand Scénic — which is ugly and made from tracing paper — by the Volkswagen Touran — which is like the Black Hole of Calcutta — and by the Toyota Corolla Verso, which is excellent.

I know, I know. You can’t conceive of the insanity that would have to blow through your head before you’d consider changing your Range Rover for a Toyota Corolla, but bear with me here.

According to the boffins at Euro NCAP, the independent body that tests cars for safety, the Corolla has a top-notch five-star rating, whereas the Range Rover has to make do with just four. Yes, in a head-on accident between the two, you’d be better off in the off-roader, but if you run into an enormous warning sign, amazingly, you’d be better off in the little Toyota. What’s more, if you go for the Corolla, it means your sex life can be more carefree.

You see, with those seats that pop up out of the boot floor, you don’t need to worry about condoms, or interuterine devices, or going into reverse at the last moment. Thrash away. If the resultant baby paste hits the bull’s eye and you end up with another child, at least you won’t have to buy a new car.

The best thing about the Corolla Verso, though, is the quality. There’s a robustness which you simply don’t find in any of its rivals. This car looks like it was designed by someone who actually knows how destructive children can be.

Kids never understand that their feet are going to be further away than they were the week before. So they break stuff. Mine smashed a Renault Scénic to pieces the other day in about 15 minutes.

I have to say at this point that the Corolla is not that pleasant to drive, with roly-poly handling and a cement mixer of an engine, but come on; with the possible exception of the Porsche Cayenne, your average off-roader isn’t exactly a Ferrari, is it? Finally there’s the question of money. A top-of-the-range 1.8 litre Verso is £18,795, a little more than its main rivals, but three times less than you’re asked to pay for a less practical, less safe and more antisocial Range Rover.

I’d like to think, then, that this review is a signpost to a better and less congested future. But unlike the council signposts it doesn’t mess with the view, and if you don’t agree with what it says you can at least use it to light the barbecue.

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Toyota Corolla Verso T2
Engine type Four-cylinder, 1794cc
Power 127bhp @ 6000rpm
Torque 126 lb ft @ 4200rpm
Transmission Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Acceleration 0-62mph: 10.8sec
Top speed 121mph
Fuel 36.7mpg (combined)
CO2 184g/km
Suspension (front) MacPherson strut with anti-roll bar
(rear) torsion beam with anti-roll bar
Price £14,995
Verdict Not much fun to drive, but safe for and from your children
Rating

Toyota Verso

2009-03-23T08:12:00.000-07:00