Citroën DS comes back from the dead

Citroen is bringing back the DS, but not as you know it! The DS name is returning as an upmarket line of new vehicles that will help Citroën take a step up towards the premium world.

The Citroen DS Inside is a low and richly detailed small 2 door estate. It’s understood to be very close in appearance to a production car, badged Citroen DS3, that is tipped for launch next year and is based on the mechanical components of PSA’s supermini twins, the Citroen C3 and Peugeot 207. It will be slightly larger than the current C4 and sit between a hatch and a sedan. Potential competitors include the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Lancia Delta, Volvo C30 and the upcoming Alfa Romeo 149.

Next will be a DS4 which will closely resemble the C-SportLounge Concept of 2005. The DS4 is expected to launch in 2010 as a 2011 MY. This will underpin the next C4 which is due in 2010. Lastly, the DS5 (based upon the current Citroen C5/Peugeot 407 platform) will be a car of the same size class as the Audi A6/A7, Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series. The Hypnos concept which debuted in last year's Paris motorshow is said to foreshadow the DS5, but where will this put the current C6 sedan?

“Some people will see this as a risky concept,” said a Citroen marketing source, “but we believe a DS model could achieve 25 to 40% of the sales of its corresponding mainstream model, without harming it, because it will target different people. The DS models stand for the best of the Citroen brand.”

More information will come to light at the 2009 Geneva motorshow, where the DS Inside Concept will premier. Meanwhile a quick recap on the C-Cactus may be in order. The car shown in Frankfurt motorshow in 2007 and featured a 70bhp 1.4 HDi diesel-electric drivetrain.

Press Release:

Development strategy:

Renewing models and making them significantly better than their predecessors is already an ambitious programme. But some customers want deeper-seated changes as mentalities shift from "wanting more" to "wanting better". This strategy is based on two approaches:

* Practical but stylish:

The first approach, consisting in satisfying fundamental mobility needs, addresses customers who, having down-sized, are on the look-out for more economical - and more intelligent - products.

Some would describe this as low-cost, but it isn't. The real challenge for CITROËN is designing products that are less expensive but with no loss in appeal. This approach is perfectly illustrated by the CITROËN C3 Picasso, a real recession proof car. And, going forward, our CITROËN C-Cactus project will be an even more accomplished solution.

* Motoring pleasure and pride of ownership:

In contrast, the second approach favours motoring pleasure, with no loss in practicality. Customers here are looking for outstanding products that confer status and bring them an all-new automotive experience. They want prestige, thrills and refinement, without the rigid codes of traditional upper-range models.

To address this need, CITROËN is today launching a new line of products to broaden its current range. The new line will consist of three new cars, positioned in the small, medium and large car segments, launched successively from 2010.

The first illustration of this new product line is the CITROËN DS INSIDE concept car. The concept car and vehicle line are characterised by forthright choices on styling, onroad performance and use. These are accessible objects of desire, cars that stand apart by their creativity, intelligent design and build quality, embodying the very best of CITROËN. The new product line will perfectly illustrate CITROËN's new spirit of "Créative Technologie".

The new line will also have a new naming system. Like the main range vehicles, which carry the letter C and a number, and, like the MPVs, which sport the Picasso signature, the new models will feature a special name: the DS line.

DS stood and continues to stand for a new approach to automobiles and the future. CITROËN is taking inspiration from its design DNA to strengthen the positioning of its new product line. The range instills the different spirit, that the name DS inspires. Hence the distinctive model line up will be called DS3, DS4 and DS5. DS: Different Spirit.

Grandma fails driving test 771 times (SK)

A South Korean grandmother has failed the written exam on her driving test, for the 771st time, but is hoping to attempt her 772nd testing will be the charm.

An official in the southwestern city Jeonju, 150 miles south of Seoul, says the 68 year old woman took her first test in April 2005.

Choi Young-Cheol, a police sergeant who supervised the test, said the aspiring driver had taken the test almost every working day since 2005. She recorded her 771st failure on 2nd February.

The test-taker was only identified by her family name, Cha. Local media said that she sells food and household items door to door at apartment complexes, carrying the items in a handcart, but wants to get a car for her business.

Choi said that Cha can not pass the preliminary written section of the test, averaging scores of 30-50 whereas the pass mark is 60 out of 100. He said that she's spent around 4 million KRW/£1,977 on test fees and has told officials she'll keep on trying.

A similar situation has occurred in 2005 with a man, Mr Seo who was unable to pass his theoretical part of his driving test for the 271st time. The 69 year old man passed his test on the 272nd attempt.

New Car: 2009 Renault Clio III facelift

Following the recent posting of the facelifted Clio, Renault has officially unveiled the revised Clio and you can see from the gaping mouth of the front end is clearly borrowed from the Megane.

In fact, it's a whole new front end, with new headlights, grille, and front bumper, which along with the mouth give this Clio a far more aggressive look than its previous incarnation.

Also, new with the facelifted Clio is the Carminat TomTom navigation system, which Renault claims will be one of the cheapest navigation systems on the market, with UK prices set at below £500/€550 at current exchange rates.

The GT comes with all the sporty add-ons that make a GT look like what it's supposed to. It includes twin exhaust pipes, a lip spoiler, and an exclusive color - Malta Blue. On the inside are drilled aluminum pedal covers and GT markings on the seats, along with an overall upgrade of cabin materials, which is a feature of the entire new Clio range. UK sales start in May with prices kicking off at around £9,600, a £200 increase. The Clio GT is expected to start at £14,000.

Press Release:

RENAULT UNVEILS NEW CLIO:

New Clio opens a fresh chapter in the Clio epic which began in 1990 and which has seen the model go from strength to strength

New Clio carries over the same qualities that saw Clio III take the 'Car of the Year ' award in 2006, namely benchmark cabin space, safety, comfort and roadholding, as well as the same rigorous build quality that has made it one of its segment's most reliable models

New Clio features:

The same dynamic cues as those which have become the hallmarks of New Mégane's frontal design

A new GT version, enabling more Clio customers to sample extra Va Va Voom

Carminat TomTom, the first fully integrated and affordable GPS navigation solution. Co-developed with TomTom, the system will be easily updateable via the internet and has a large colour screen. It also includes traffic and speed limit information, as well as safety camera locations, all for a price of less than £500.

The motoring public can take a closer look at New Renault Clio at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show

New design reinforcing Clio's family ties with New Mégane:

New Clio sits squarely on the road and boasts revised styling, with the lines of the new headlamps now extending down to the lateral upturns of the front air intake. The broad grille in the lower part of the new front bumper sets off the dynamic styling with the presence of gloss black protective mouldings. The revised design of the rear lights extends the waist line across the hatch, while the uncluttered approach to the design of the central part of the rear bumper further emphasises New Clio's dynamic stance. The reversing lights and foglamps are positioned low down and to the extreme corners of the rear bumper.

The choice of the new interior trims and equipment aims to produce a sense of well-being and quality with the screen of the new Carminat TomTom GPS navigation system integrated into the upper part of the centre console.

New Clio GT: a new sport version:

As with other Renault models, a GT version forms part of the New Clio range. Its frontal styling is more aggressive and includes a gloss black grille, while the extended side sills hint at the performance of the GT's specific suspension settings. New Clio GT is easily recognizable from the rear thanks to its twin exhaust tailpipes and lip spoiler and features an exclusive body colour, Malta Blue.

There are eye-catching sports details inside the car, too, including drilled aluminium pedal covers and extra side support for the seats, plus GT-badging for the front seats.

Carminat TomTom: the first fully integrated, updatable and affordable navigation:

Renault's latest GPS navigation, Carminat TomTom, is the fruit of the carmaker's partnership with TomTom to bring affordable, integrated navigation to Renault customers. Ready to start working from the moment the car is started and particularly easy to use, the system ensures Clio 2009 drivers benefit from safe and stress-free motoring.

Some Carminat TomTom's features are:

an easy-to-read 5.8 inch (14.7cm) colour screen (larger than that of removable systems) for the display of detailed birds-eye view maps, reliable, updateable navigation complete with traffic, safety camera locations and speed limit information at a price of less than £500.

All the fundamentals of Clio III: New Clio boasts the same qualities that saw Clio III earn the 'Car of the Year ' award in 2006, namely:

* benchmark interior space and comfort
*acclaimed ride comfort
*a wide choice of responsive, environmentally-friendly engines,
*a range of equipment from the next segment up, including a hands-free card, cruise control and speed limiter
*outstanding safety credentials the same rigorous build quality that has made it one of the most reliable cars of its segment

Further details will be announced at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show. New Clio goes on sale in the UK in May.

New Car: 2009 Mazda3 MPS/Mazdaspeed3/Axela

October 2008 saw the 2009 Mazda3 MPS spied undergoing numerous high-speed testing at the Nurburgring. Mazda has released details of two Mazda3 variants which will be taking their first public bows at the Geneva motor show next month.

First up is the Mazda3 MPS, the performance variant of the Mazda3 which comes with the MZR 2.3 litre DISI turbocharged engine with 260bhp and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm). The DISI stands for Direct Injection Spark Ignition. Direct injection technology allows for both improved performance and economy.

Secondly, is the Mazda3 i-stop. The i-stop features Mazda's new stop-start technology and is coupled with the MZR 2.0 DISI, a direct injection engine producing 150bhp and 138 lb-ft (187Nm) of torque. Together, the two technologies create a 12% improvement in fuel economy for the Mazda3 over the previous 2.0 litre engine.

Both variants are scheduled to go on sale in some countries in Europe shortly after their Geneva debut. Prices for the Mazda3 MPS should start from £19k - £20k when the hot-hatch goes on sale in the UK in June.

Press Release:

Mazda3 MPS:

The Mazda3 MPS sport compact pushes Mazda design further and its exciting driving performance perfectly represents Mazda's Zoom-Zoom spirit. Carrying forward the MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine, Mazda3 MPS builds on the popularity and recognition of the previous model. It evolves the driving experience to an entirely new level of quality and pleasure with its emotional design and exhilarating performance.

The all-new Mazda3 Program Manager, Yoshiyuki Maeda, says, "These two models add extra value to an all-new Mazda3 lineup that has already shown strong appeal. The new Mazda3 series takes a significant step ahead in both the realms of driving performance and environmental technology to lead the way toward a new generation of motoring."

Mazda3 i-stop:

The Mazda3 is one of Mazda's core products, with more than two million units of the first generation produced. The design of the new model has a bolder and more dynamic stance; it is agile and confidence-inspiring, enhancing the sense of oneness between the driver and car. It also has high environmental and safety performance levels, exemplifying Mazda's Sustainable Zoom-Zoom long-term vision to provide cars that are eco-friendly and safe while still being fun to drive.

The Mazda3 with i-stop embodies Sustainable Zoom-Zoom and adds a new eco-friendly option to the lineup. It features the i-stop system in combination with the MZR 2.0 DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) engine. Together, these two Mazda proprietary technologies help the new model achieve approximately 12 percent lower fuel consumption (urban cycle) than the current European Mazda3. By providing great driving performance as well as top-class fuel economy, the Mazda3 with i-stop is a different type of eco-car that will exceed customer expectations.

Hyundai Santa Fe clone - JAC Rein goes on sale (EU)

One of the latest Chinese firms to land on European shores is JAC, that has begun selling its cars in Greece. The vehicle you see in the pictures is the Rein, a clone of the first-generation Hyundai Santa Fe SUV with a set of Lexus RX-style tail-lamps that is built by JAC in China under a license agreement with the Korean automaker.

The Chinese clone of the Santa Fe is powered by a 2.0 litre petrol engine producing an output of 142bhp and it is offered in two trims, Basic and Full that are priced at €17,900 and €19,900 respectively.

Big facelift for big Range Rover Sport

Range Rover is putting the finishing touches on its 2010 Range Rover Sport. The SUV may look as if it was spied in the UK (heavy snow made the UK grind to a halt), but it was spied on a minor road in Northern Sweden, early in the morning.

As you can see from the photos, the revised vehicle will get refreshed headlamps, grille and tail-lights. The latter will be LED's. What is most interesting about the facelifted Range Rover Sport is that it will get new engines. The newly produced 3.0D litre replaces the old PSA 2.7d diesel engine. This should develop 240bhp and 275bhp. The new 3.0d is found in the 2010 Jaguar XF and is likely to make its way under the hood of the 2010 Jaguar XK Facelift, 2010 Jaguar XJ and possibly the 2011 Jaguar XE. A 5.0 litre V8 petrol engine will replace the old 4.2 litre V8, used in the current XK and XJ. This is likely to produce 385bhp and 510bhp. The 5.0 litre V8 is be used in the 2010 Jaguar XJ and 2010 Jaguar XF-R. This will have lower emissions and bettr fuel economy over the current 4.2 litre V8.

In addition, a micro-hybrid using stop-start technology and based around the 3.0 litre V6 diesel will be the first to be launched in the Land Rover Discovery 3, Range Rover Sport, Jaguar XF and Jaguar XJ in 2010. This system will improve economy and lower emissions by 10%.

The revised RR Sport will reach showrooms in Spring, with a replacement penned for 2012/2013.

Via GlobalMotors.net > 2010 Range Rover Sport facelift

$2.2m 2009 Mercedes Maybach Landaulet finds its way on eBay

A Maybach 62S Landaulet has showed up on eBay Motors with a price tag of $2.2 million U.S.

The 62S Landaulet features a rollback canvas roof that only uncovers rear passengers while the front remains enclosed. This black 612hp twin turbo V12 model with only 95 miles is fully fitted with all the options. Some of these are white leather, a DVD player, 21 speaker 600 watt BOSE surround sound and electrically adjustable rear seats.

Apparently the buyer can be from any country but they will be responsible for their own shipping from where the car, which is currently stationed in Texas, USA. However, according to the auction, the car must be titled and remain in the U.S for 2 years.

Which brings me to this question, what's the point of selling the uber limo internationally if it has to remain where it was bought for 2 years?

Via eBayMotors.com > 2009 Maybach Landaulet

Small revisions for big Viano

The facelifted Mercedes Viano has been spied, doing it's rounds somewhere in Germany. The subtle facelift will include revised front radiator grille, new bumper with reshaped lower grille and a new set of head-lamps. New tail-lamps will complete the look at the back.

There is no word on whether the engines will be tampered with to bring lower emissions and better fuel economy. The new Viano will go on sale later on this year.

Audi UK hikes prices (UK)

The weaker pound has prompted Audi to increase prices across its UK range by an average of 2% for any orders placed on or after 23rd February 2009. The German carmaker said that the decision was a "direct result of increased financial pressure exerted by the current, unprecedented Euro-to-Sterling exchange rate." The only models in Audi's UK range that are not affected from pricing adjustments are the S4, A5 Cabriolet, Q5, RS6 and Q7.

Those customers that have already ordered their vehicle will not be affected by this change. In tandem with the increase and just to make certain buyers feel that they are getting their money's worth, Audi said that it will be offering standard equipment upgrades on the A3 TDIe, A4 Executive SE, A5 Coupe 2.0 TDi and A6 SE until the end of April.

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback confirmed for USA (U.S)

Mitsubishi confirmed that its U.S dealers will begin selling the new Lancer Sportback this Summer as a 2010 model. The five door hatchback will be offered in GTS and Ralliart versions. Prices will be announced closer to launch date.

The Sportback is similar to the Lancer sedan, with which it shares most major underpinnings and features. A roof spoiler is integrated into the sloping rear hatch, which extends down to the rear bumper for easier loading and unloading. The Sportback's 60/40 split rear seats also have a one-touch auto-fold feature, which further increases rear luggage space.

The performance oriented Lancer Sportback Ralliart gets a turbocharged 2.0 litre 4 cylinder engine that makes 237bhp and 253 lb.ft. Additional tech features shared with the Lancer Evo include all-wheel control with active center differential and a twin-clutch six-speed Sportronic transmission with magnesium-alloy shift paddles.

The entry-level Lancer Sportback GTS comes with a 2.4 litre 4 cylinder engine rated at 168bhp and 167 lb-ft of torque, coupled with either a 5 speed manual gearbox or a 6 speed continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Available equipment includes Recaro sport seats, a 710 watt Rockford Fosgate premium sound system, a hard-disk-drive navigation system and a lane guidance system.