Photo Gallery: 2011 Suzuki Swift

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

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

Lexus recalls 270,000 models globally

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

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

Ford to cut prices by 16% (UK)

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

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

No more Government funding for motor industry (UK)

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

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

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

Sky-high fuel prices recommended (UK)

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

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

Maserati CEO spills info on next-generation Quattroporte

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

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

2011 Hyundai Elantra/Avante interior rendering & photo gallery

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

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

Citroën DS3 convertible on the way

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

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

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

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

2011 Hyundai Genesis facelift spied

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

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