Fiat 500 Is Coming 2013 IIMS

The 2013 Fiat 500 ranks 20 out of 39 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 66 published reviews and test drives of the Fiat 500, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

2013 Fiat 500 is one of the most attractive cars on the road, but its tight interior and underpowered base engine make competitors more appealing choices.

There are several things reviewers dislike about the Fiat 500’s powertrain. The base 500’s four-cylinder engine produces 101 horsepower. Though this isn’t much horsepower for the class, several test drivers say it’s just enough to get the 500 around town, although taking the 500 on the highway is a different story.

Regardless of the model they drove, test drivers are impressed with the 500's standard manual transmission and optional six-speed automatic, calling them smooth and responsive. Reviewers report the 2013 Fiat 500 is easily overwhelmed by crosswinds on the highway. Critics also mention that the 500’s ride is a little bumpy, but like that it has engaging steering and say the 500 is very easy to park.

The Fiat 500 seats four people, but reviewers find that the second-row seats have limited knee- and legroom for adults. They report that the front seats, however, have plenty of room for adults, though cabrio (convertible) models may not have enough headroom for tall drivers and front passengers.

Test drivers also say that rear visibility is poor. Critics aren’t surprised that the 500 has little cargo space with the seats up, but think the available room is adequate for a trip to the grocery store.

The base model comes standard with an auxiliary input, USB port and Bluetooth. Optional features include two stereo upgrades, satellite radio and a navigation system. Overall, many reviewers think the 500’s features are rather hard to use.

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Hennessey Venom GT

Hennessey Venom GT, officially the new fastest car in the world! The Koenigsegg Agera R had broken nearly all of the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport's speed records to become the fastest car in the world. The only record the Koenigsegg did not beat was Bugatti's overall top speed, which still stands at 268 miles per hour. But now the Hennessey Venom GT officially holds the Guinness world record for accelerating from 0-186 MPH, making it the fastest car in the world today.

Earlier this week, a team from Hennessey took their Venom GT out onto a Houston track to test the super car's limits. The team was well aware that the standing record for accelerating from 0-186 MPH was 14.53 seconds, set by the Koenigsegg Agera R. Koenigsegg took the record from Bugatti which had a previous high mark of 16.7 seconds. After several practice runs and much anticipation, the Guinness team officially clocked the Hennessey Venom GT's 0-186 MPH at 13.63 seconds. Fast enough to make it the fastest car in the world today! The Venom GT also went from 0-100 in just 5.88 seconds, and hit 205 MPH after one mile flat out.

Now before you feel too bad for Bugatti, keep in mind that the Veyron Super Sport still holds two very important world records: 1) The Super Sport's top speed of 268 MPH is still the fastest in the world and 2) at a base sticker price of $2.4 million, the Super Sport is till, by far, the most expensive car on the planet. On the other hand, the Hennessey team is quick to claim that if they also had access to Volkswagen's famous Ehra-Lessien test track, the Venom GT could would easily smash Bugatti's top speed record. The Hennessey team is now on the hunt for a track or private toll rode that would allow them to really go after the Super Sport's 268 MPH top speed mark. Hennessey's world record test driver believes that hitting 270 MPH would be no problem with the right course.

Another thing you may want to consider when purchasing a super car like the Venom GT or the Bugatti Veyron is fuel economy. These super cars obviously require the highest quality and most expensive gasoline. They also clearly have very low MPG. When performing at top speed, the Bugatti Veyron gets just three miles per gallon! In other words, when driving at top speed the Bugatti will burn through 1.5 gallons of fuel every minute. That means if you are driving at top speed, you will burn through an entire tank of gas in just over 10 minutes! Assuming you pay around $4 for premium fuel, that's $70 every time you burn through a tank.

If you're interested in purchasing a Hennessey Venom GT, you should know that the base sticker price is $1.43 million. And if that wasn't bad enough, the company is only planning to make 29 of them! Actually they only have 28 left after Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler took ownership of his special addition convertible Hennessey Venom GT.

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Koenigsegg Agera R

The ultra-exclusive Swedish car manufacturer Koenigsegg is releasing a new model called the Agera R, which will be the new fastest production car in the world setting five Guinness world records. The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport still holds the overall top speed record at 268mph and is still the (world's most expensive car), but the Koenigsegg Agera R has triumphed in all other aspects of speed. Most importantly, it beat the Veyron Super Sport in the 0-186mph (0-300km/h) with a time of only 14.53 seconds compared to the Super Sport at 16.7 second.

The new Agera R is also among the world's most expensive cars, with a price tag of $1.7 million. The R model costs $200,000 more than the standard Agera. And when you're dropping that much cash, you might as well spring for the R. The big difference between the standard and the R isn't the jump from 940hp to 1110hp, it's that the standard Agera is a supercar and the Agera R is a "hypercar". A hypercar is a car that is made of ultra-light alloys and an environmentally friendly drive train to achieve it's high performance. This could mean a carbon fiber design with a hybrid engine super car.

In the Agera R's case, this hypercar runs on E85 biofuel instead of regular gasoline in the standard model. The car gets 16 mpg, which is pretty decent for 1110hp car that just broke a world speed record. The Agera R can run on normal 95 octane gas, but you loose 100hp and green bragging rights. The engine itself is a 5.0 liter V8 engine that is twin-turbocharged and weighs just 434 pounds and miraculously manages to meet required global emission standards. This gives the Agera R the unofficial world record of high power to low CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

This green powerhouse of an engine is attached to new 7-speed gearbox to only the rear wheels and features the world's first dual clutch system for a single input shaft gearbox. The unique triple-damper suspension has the front wheels wider than the rear, with the most cutting-edge ABS system, electronic differential and traction control. It also has special Michelin tires, custom designed only for the Agera. Note the turbine-shaped wheels, which actually work as turbines to create more down-force and cool the massive breaks. The monocoque chassis is made completely of carbon fiber, keeping the car ultra-stiff, even with the detachable roof removed. It also has a sweet rear wing on the back that goes up when you drive real fast.

Inside, only the best of the best is used, following a Swedish minimalist aesthetic. Materials used include aircraft-grade aluminum, carbon fiber, precious metals and two types of leather. Even the steering wheel and seats are made of carbon fiber. The dashboard interface is customization, with central high-def touchscreen for audio, navigation, bluetooth and fancy performance meters and data displays.

The Agera has another claim-to-fame with the largest trunk space in the world (for a hypercar). It's big enough to store the removable roof or even a set of golf clubs. The model shown on ice above features the optional winter package with roof box. It includes specially designed Michelin snow tires and a separate roof with the fixed box for your skis. The roof box, made by Swedish company Thule, has been tested up to 186mph (300km/h). So yes, this makes it the fastest roof box in the world!! Perfect for the uber-rich owner to zip from their private Swiss bank to their chalet in the Swiss Alps in record time!

0-186 mph = 14.53 sec
0-200 mph = 17.68 sec
186-0 mph = 6.66 sec
200-0 mph = 7.28 sec
0-186-0 mph = 21.19 sec
0-200-0 mph = 24.96 sec

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Jaguar C-X17 Concept Car

SUV from Jaguar

Jaguar plans to produce SUVs and C-X17 concept is on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2013, some time ago. Maybe there is a thought, a British car manufacturer Tata Motors shares already purchased, it makes SUVs be counter-productive.

Because, brother of Jaguar, Land Rover is a specialist in the SUV category. However, the off-road enthusiasts will not turn away from Land Rover. And C-X17 will be bought by those who need to conquer the steep crossover, better visibility and comfortable interior space.

There are two interesting things when the tiger jumped bearing the crossover concept that was introduced. First, the C-X17 will enter production line late next year or early 2015. Second, three-fourths, starting from the front, not visible from the CX-17 concept model and replace it with "Advanced Modular Aluminum Archietecture".

Futuristic interior has a clean dashboard, and on board monitor in back seat.

This design, according to the Jaguar, as a platform that can later be used to build a variety of models. Including also made ​​sedan to rival the BMW 3-Series.

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Preview Repsol Honda AragonGP

Repsol Media Press Release:

Balapan Spanyol ketiga musim ini untuk Repsol Honda, dengan Marquez klasemen MotoGP terkemuka dengan 34 poin atas Lorenzo dan Pedrosa.

Kejuaraan Dunia Sepeda Motor mengunjungi wilayah Spanyol untuk ketiga kalinya musim ini, menuju ke Motorland Aragon sirkuit untuk putaran keempat belas tahun. The Aragon Grand Prix adalah tuan rumah (kandang) untuk pembalap MotoGP Marc Marquez dan Dani Pedrosa.

Dibangun pada tahun 2009 dan sejumlah ras Kejuaraan Dunia sejak 2010, jalur Aragon telah melihat Marc Marquez dan Dani Pedrosa mengambil kemenangan masing-masing pada kunjungan mereka sebelumnya.

Mempesona rookie dari kelas utama, Marquez juga akan memiliki pengalaman tes diadakan kembali pada bulan Juni untuk jatuh kembali, dan akan memulai Grand Prix dengan data yang berguna yang dapat digunakan untuk mencoba mempertahankan keunggulannya dari 34 poin di Kejuaraan Dunia .

Mencoba untuk memotong kesenjangan akan menjadi tujuan dari rekan setimnya, Dani Pedrosa, pemenang MotoGP terbaru di Motorland.

Dani Pedrosa # 26:
"Saya selalu melakukan yang terbaik di Aragon dan saya menantikan balapan di depan penonton tuan rumah kami lagi, dukungan selalu besar dan memberikan motivasi! Kami menjalani tes pada hari Senin setelah Misano dan menemukan beberapa hal positif yang saya harap akan membantu kami di sini di Motorland, terutama di sudut keluar. Kita harus menunggu dan melihat. "

Marc Marquez # 93:
"Ini akan bagus untuk kembali ke rumah untuk balapan di depan fans tuan rumah kami di Aragon akhir pekan ini! Jalur-yang merupakan salah satu favorit saya, memiliki teknis bagian pertama dan terakhir, dan Anda harus kuat dalam menikung. Kami telah memiliki hasil yang baik di sana dalam dua tahun terakhir jadi saya berharap untuk terus seperti ini dan kami juga telah menguji sana sudah tahun ini pada mesin MotoGP, jadi kami memiliki beberapa data. Setelah balapan di Misano, kami memiliki tes yang baik pada hari Senin dan pasti menemukan beberapa pengaturan yang positif, jadi saya tak sabar untuk mencoba mereka keluar akhir pekan ini di Aragon! "

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Daihatsu NC-Y and NC-Z Concept Car

Daihatsu Ayla is now arguably the most valuable car cheap in Indonesia with the official start of Rp 76 million. Still overpriced? just look at his sister Ayla.

Currently it is merely a concept car, on display at IIMS 2013 Daihatsu in two types of NC and NC-Y-Z. Both cars will be positioned under the Daihatsu Ayla, which means also aka sold at even cheaper prices. Could be worth USD 50 million?

"It must be the price can be cheaper than Ayla, but it will not be able to Rp 50 million. Dikisaran Rp 70 million and can not be less than that, because if it's too low also people do not want to buy," said Satriyo Bydiutomo, Head of Project Development Team Astra Daihatsu Motor, while promoting Daihatsu NC and NC-Y-Z at IIMS 2013.

Daihatsu plans to embed the engines smaller than Ayla. "Estimates are taking 850cc engine, but need further study to determine the needs and interests of the community against the car with a small engine," added Satriyo.

Daihatsu NC and NC-Y-Z is a car manifold citycar, which uses the same platform as the Daihatsu Ayla. Created to meet the mobility needs of people who want to switch from cars to motorcycles.

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Daihatsu UFC 2 Concept Car

Daihatsu is displaying the second version of UFC 2 concept car will be positioned as a sister Daihatsu Xenia. Interestingly, this MPV will have a lower selling price in Xenia. Just for information, UFC 1 has been displayed on IIMS 2012.

Equipped with 7 passenger capacity, UFC Daihatsu concept will be equipped with a capacity 1.200cc engine. Mean, he was going under the low MPV.

"UFC will be above Daihatsu Ayla, but under Xenia. We try to fill the gap between the two segments. Starting price range of Rp 110-140 million," said Satriyo Budiutomo, Head of Project Development Team Astra Daihatsu Motor, time UFC Concept presentation at IIMS 2013.

Previously, Marketing Director of Astra Daihatsu Motor, Amelia Tjandra was revealed, that it took at least two years to begin to produce and market the UFC. Now in its second development and Daihatsu will continue to conduct surveys to enhance his form when marketed later.

Marketing Director of Astra Daihatsu Motor, Amelia Tjandra, says that until recently it was still conducting a survey to determine the public interest in the concept of the UFC.

"And Motor Show (IIMS) to be our place to show off and conduct a survey. We can learn the extent of public interest in the car," explained Amelia.

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Unhappy Mark Webber describes his Singapore GP

Mark Webber has branded his post-Singapore GP reprimand for hitching a lift on Fernando Alonso's F138 as 'comical'.

In a series of tweets from his official Twitter account, the Red Bull driver made his clear his disgruntlement at the punishment, which has triggered a ten-place grid penalty at next week's Korean GP.

'For @alo_oficial and me to receive reprimands for our actions after the race it is comical to say the least. Great moment, and fans loved it,' declared the Aussie.

'And while I'm at it, contrary to reports, there was no interaction at all with any track officials after we put the fire out.'

Webber then posted a picture montage of previous occasions when drivers have hitched a lift back to the pits, before highlighting a photo apparently showing Derek Warwick, one of the Singapore race stewards who meted out the controversial penalty, riding on the side of a Ferrari.

'Looks like even one of the Singapore stewards has done it,' commented Webber. In their statement announcing Webber's reprimand, it was explained by the stewards that the Australian had been punished for entering 'the track without the permission of Marshals'.

Post-race footage also showed both Mercedes cars veering off line on their slow-down lap as Webber clambered onto Alonso's car, with Lewis Hamilton swerving on to the escape road while Nico Rosberg narrowly avoided hitting the Ferrari as it slowed down for Webber in the middle of the road.

"I was doing my in-lap and came round the corner and Fernando was there - I was really shocked," said Hamilton.

"If Mark was walking across where I went, I would have run him over. Fortunately, that wasn't the case.

"I think it's good for fans to see but as long as it's done in a safe manner, where we don't stop on the racing line, maybe it should be allowed for the future."

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League Cup Arsenal against West Bromwich Albion

Arsene Wenger said he would do the rotational player at Arsenal in the third round of the League Cup against West Bromwich Albion in midweek.

With the rotation policy, players who had never previously had the opportunity to play will have the chance to perform.

"We will be competing in the League Cup hosts face West Brom on Wednesday and I will rotate the team. Bendtner has the opportunity to be involved in the team," said Wenger.

But other players like Jack Wilshere will not play because they have to undergo a recovery period.

Wenger also explained the importance of rotating the squad to face Arsenal in the competition this season.

"Rotating the squad is very important because we will play again on Wednesday and after that we will face a crucial match in the Champions League against Napoli. We would all play their respective roles," he said.

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Arsenal Future Transfer

Arsenal reportedly interested in signing FC Basel defender Fabian Schar mainstay in the January transfer window.

Schar has made the monitoring team Arsenal impress in the last 12 months, after he became a regular player Basel and then successfully penetrate the main squad Swiss national team.

Arsenal coach himself, Arsene Wenger, wants to increase the stock of central defenders in the team for the long term and he believes Schar was the right player for that position, as reported by The Metro.

Currently, the Gunners have three center backs, with Bacary Sagna is used as an alternative short-term when Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielnya be absent so far.

Schar has helped Basel became a regular team in European competition in recent years, with the last season they reached the semi-final of the Europa League and then a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the Champions League last week.

21-year-old player was also able relied upon as a scorer, so far he has scored five goals in ten matches for club and country.

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Wenger Praise Arsenal Wins Habit

Arsene Wenger praised Arsenal's habit of winning the Premier League match. Sunday, September 22, 2013, a successful Arsenal's 3-1 win over Stoke City and for a while at the top of league standings.

"Confidence to continue to exist in the team's win. Thing was very strong. We can score goals from few chances were created and it was very nice," said Wenger, Monday, September 23, 2013.

Wenger admits his squad is now showing a different side in the play. Maintained positive momentum cannon London squad in recent games. Not to forget, Wenger also praised new signing Arsenal, Mesut Ozil who brings the impact of changes to Arsenal.

In addition to Ozil, Wenger was also very impressed with the game Mathieu Flamini. Flamini in the game against Stoke was asked to be the man of the match. "He (Flamini) gives a lot of inspiration in the play on the field.'s Very positive."

However, Wenger admitted in the first few minutes, Arsenal had nervously approach the game. Wenger is very concerned with the number of opportunities that were achieved by Stoke City. In the mid-first round according to Wenger, his squad is capable of displaying the game as a championship team.

"We had trouble in the beginning. But overall got the three points is a very positive result for us," said Wenger.

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Jaguar F-Type 2014

Coinciding with the opening of the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) PT Grandauto Dynamics (GAD) launched the Jaguar F-Type, a concept sports car convertible 2-door for the Indonesian market. The design is very beautiful and elegant with soft-top roof that can be opened and closed. Harmony of design combined with powerful and dynamic driving performance.

Jaguar produces architectural engineering engineer Jaguar F-Type aluminum material lightweight, yet sturdy. This allows the development of an ideal weight distribution. So that the driving dynamics could be explored to the cusp. Jaguar design language that is simple, harmonious, sporty, athletic as well as also stated in the body of the F-Type from the front to the rear.

Inspired by the C-X16 concept car which comes in 2011, Jaguar F-Type looks beautiful from every point of view. New interpretations seen in the angular grille shape and seemed to blend with that comes power bulge bonnet. The main lights are applying Bi-Xenon and LED Daytime Running Lights equipped (DRL). The Rims exclusively with size 20-inch sporty.

The standard 380W Meridian™ sound system features 10 speakers with exceptional clarity and dynamics. The optional 770W Meridian Surround Sound system features Meridian’s industry-leading digital sound processing. Its 12 speakers produce an incredible surround sound performance. The system includes Meridian’s Trifield system and Dolby® Pro Logic® IIx.

In both the 380W and 770W systems Dynamic Volume Control constantly compensates for changes in ambient sound giving consistently high quality audio. Meanwhile Meridian™ Cabin Correction (MCC) delivers a smoother, more natural sound, adding clarity and definition to every instrument. MCC incorporates a precise acoustic analysis of the F-TYPE cabin and special digital filters to balance reverberation and enhance listening pleasure.

The intuitive 8-inch Touch-screen controls important vehicle functions including audio, telephone and navigation.2. Standard Bluetooth technology can wirelessly connect compatible cell phones to the vehicle’s built-in hands-free telephone system.2 Calls can be made and accepted using either the central Touch-screen or steering wheel-mounted controls. Bluetooth audio streaming is also possible from advanced smart phones and MP3 players.

Side of the body F-Type has the sensual curves and clean. While there is a rear brake light is sleek, modern classic impression. The brake lights all use LED. Design rear spoiler also looks beautiful and futuristic appearance to support stability at high speeds.

Jaguar F-Type S that carries the 3.0-liter V6 engine which has a power of 380 PS. Also equipped with a supercharger and features stop / start technology to maximize fuel efficiency. The engine is paired with a Sequential Shift transmission 8-speed and comes with Paddle-shifters, shift the transmission to be done behind the steering wheel.

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2014 BMW M6 Convertible

The 2014 BMW M6 Convertible is not quite a sports car, and that’s a good thing.

This large and luxurious two-door is based on the 6-Series, and comes as either a coupe or drop-top. With its 560-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8, coupled to 7-speed automated manual fitted with paddle-shifters, you might expect the M6 to have the dynamics of something like the rear-engine Porsche 911, or even the mid-engine Audi R8.

After all, this M machine has more than enough power to match both of those cars – at least in a straight-line. In practice, the M6 proves to be more of a mile-munching cruiser.

A week spent with the M6 Convertible also showed the BMW had much more to offer than tremendous acceleration. Let’s face it, there are plenty of fast cars on the market. What separates the best is the ability to handle a variety of driving situations – or driving styles – without falling to pieces.

On the highway, the M6 is quiet and completely composed, the handling is direct but always business-like. You know what the suspension is doing, but you don’t get every hyper-active detail about the type of ground you’re covering – if you want that level of feedback, buy a Lotus.

Official figures peg the M6 Convertibles zero to 60 mph run at a little more than 4.0 seconds. You’ll want to toggle through the various driving settings to hit the high-performance sweet spot.

That’s not always as easy as it sounds, since the driver can adjust throttle response, steering feel, shift speed and the firmness of the suspension. All that, and you’ve still got tons of controls leftover to get the seat extra comfy!

This is a car with a very complex personality, not to mention a very thick owner’s manual. A week with the M6 is simply not enough to learn every available function.

As a long-term proposition, however, the myriad of choices would fall into a comfortable routine. Some features are immediately apparent, however. The backseat is usable by adults, and trunk space is fairly roomy at 12.4 cubic feet (with the top up). Fold it down, with the simple push of a button, and you’ll lose only a couple feet of cargo room.

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Toyota Corolla 2014

News that quickens the pulses of actuaries everywhere: A new Corolla is shipping to dealerships from Toyota factories in Mississippi and Canada. We've finally driven the 11th-generation 2014 model, and, well, it's a Corolla. A quieter, bigger one with better seats, a smoother ride, crisper steering, a “seven-speed” CVT function that's actually preferable to a traditional automatic, and a special fuel-sipper model rated at 42 mpg. It’s all wrapped in styling that merits the use of the word, and it’s packed with the infotainment features modern marketing demands.

Parked alongside last year's model under San Diego's high August sun, the new Corolla glistens handsomely, looking less like that Nokia candy-bar phone your mother still uses. For all the standard LED headlamps and crisp folds, though, the creative metal bending stops well short of the inspiring Furia concept on which the production model is based. The 2014 Corolla comes only as a sedan—memories of Corolla hatchbacks, wagons, and coupes remain in history's dustbin alongside the hot-hatch FX16 and rear-drive AE86.

Quieter, Smoother

A 3.9-inch wheelbase extension smoothes out sharp ride motions and expands rear-seat legroom—by Toyota's measure, there are 5.1 additional inches of space for stems in the back. The front seats are a significant improvement; the S model's bigger bolsters feel awfully soft for a “sport seat,” but the entire range has added thigh, lumbar, and lateral support. That will make journeys longer than a typical commute less punishing, as will sound-insulating measures (seals, insulation, glass) and the longer overdrive ratios that quell highway hubbub.

The Corolla's traditional L, LE, and S models use a carry-over 1.8-liter twin-cam VVTi four-cylinder, rated at the same 132 hp as it was last year. Efforts were made to minimize mass, but curb weight rises with the added length. You might anticipate a commensurate loss of performance, but the car feels a tad livelier. Credit the pair of new transmissions: a CVT for the shiftless, which offers a “stepped seven-speed” function in S models, and a fresh six-speed manual. Clutch-pedal availability is limited strictly to frugal-minded buyers of the base L model or the indulgent experience seekers who opt for a nearly loaded S.

On the road, the electronically managed CVT—branded CVTi-S—banishes the usual drone of such a transmission, instead emulating the feel of a traditional automatic while being more efficient, quieter, and offering a better range of ratios. It’s certainly among the best CVTs ever but can't mask the 1.8-liter's lack of low-rpm punch. Engaged drivers will prefer the new six-speed manual. The shift throws are long but crisp, and the clutch feel is good. Predictably but sadly, the pedals are so far apart as to negate heel-and-toe downshifts; if you expected Toyota to let you find the brake and gas pedals with the same foot, you haven’t paid attention in a long time.

More Efficient

The new LE Eco (leak-o?) model has more power (140) but less torque (126 lb-ft versus 128), thanks to Valvematic, a tweak to the variable-valve system that minimizes intake-valve lift at small throttle openings to reduce parasitic pumping losses. Hypermilers can upgrade to Plus (alloys supplant the 16-inch steel wheels, plus fog lamps) or Premium (adds faux leather upholstery) trims. With the “Eco” button/electronic hair shirt enabled—it lives next to the shifter—the computer dials back the climate control and remaps the first half of the throttle travel to be less responsive. The base price for the LE Eco is $19,510, for which you get as high as 42 mpg on the highway. (Other Corollas can manage up to 38 mpg on the highway.)

The base L model keeps the starting price low, although it's hardly a stripper. At $17,610, it's $570 pricier than it was a year ago. You'll settle for 15-inch steel wheels, a groaning four-speed automatic or the fresh manual but will still get the LED lights, Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, power locks and windows, and eight airbags. A practical reason to get the stick: The four-speed slushbox returns the worst fuel economy of the bunch, at 27 city and 36 highway, and really has no business being offered in a new car. It’s not that it’s a terrible four-speed, it’s the fact that it is a four-speed in a world where most competitors offer six forward ratios—some from dual-clutch automatics—and some are ramping up to 9- and 10-speed boxes.

caranddriver.com

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New Nissan X-Trail 7 Seater 2014

Nissan has revealed its much anticipated all-new X-Trail SUV at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show.

Despite boasting more contemporary, swoopy styling, Nissan claims the X-Trail is just as rugged as ever, and maintains its very useful flexible cargo area - and it retains that clever double floor as has proved popular in the current X-Trail.



Nissan boasts about the new X-Trail’s wide opening rear doors, which allow easier loading for kids and child seats, and the new model will be the first X-Trail to be offered with a pair of extra seats in the boot, making for a total of seven (expected to be an option, similar to the Mitsubishi Outlander).

The rear seats feature more leg room due to the car’s longer wheelbase, and the second row can slide for extra cargo room or for better leg room for third row occupants.

The new X-Trail is the first product to be spun off Nissan's new shared underpinnings with Renault, which takes advantage of lower costs in the production process.

It takes a big step forward in terms of technology, too. LED headlights will be fitted to high-end models, while a 7.0-inch colour touch screen media system with NissanConnect allows occupants to listen to internet radio via their smartphone’s connection, and the sat-nav system will feature Google connectivity.

Nissan is yet to reveal details of the engine lineup for the new X-Trail, stating those crucial specifications will be revealed closer to the car’s launch. We’d expect, however, that both petrol and diesel engines will be available, with six-speed manual and CVT automatic gearboxes, as well as the choice of two- or four-wheel-drive. The new X-Trail is expected to arrive in Australia from July 2014.



drive.com.au

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