First Drive: New Peugeot 508 GT 2.2-liter HDi Sedan

It’s been a long time since Peugeot had a serious contender in the hotly contested sub-premium segment. The 407 was unloved and lacking in style; a “307 with a boot” purchased exclusively by the brand faithful. It was a bit bland and outdated compared to its major European competitor: the Mk 4 Ford Mondeo.

With the 508, Peugeot hopes to change all that. A carbon copy of the Peugeot 5 Concept that premiered at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the 2011 Peugeot 508 puts the verve – that oh-so-important French flair – back into Peugeot’s line-up.

We take the wheel of Peugeot’s flagship, AU$52,990 508 GT with a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel and a 6-speed automatic for a week-long road test and review.

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Categories: Australia, Diesel, First Drive, New Cars, Peugeot, Peugeot 508

First Drive: New Peugeot 508 GT 2.2-liter HDi Sedan

It’s been a long time since Peugeot had a serious contender in the hotly contested sub-premium segment. The 407 was unloved and lacking in style; a “307 with a boot” purchased exclusively by the brand faithful. It was a bit bland and outdated compared to its major European competitor: the Mk 4 Ford Mondeo.

With the 508, Peugeot hopes to change all that. A carbon copy of the Peugeot 5 Concept that premiered at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the 2011 Peugeot 508 puts the verve – that oh-so-important French flair – back into Peugeot’s line-up.

We take the wheel of Peugeot’s flagship, AU$52,990 508 GT with a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel and a 6-speed automatic for a week-long road test and review.

Read more »

Categories: Australia, Diesel, First Drive, New Cars, Peugeot, Peugeot 508

SCOOP: New Ford Mondeo Prototype Spotted Out in the Open, will Replace the U.S. Fusion as Well

Our spy photographers captured a development prototype of Ford's new global mid-size sedan sporting a modified platform but with most body parts sourced from the current Mondeo saloon, during testing in Europe.

In the likes of the latest Fiesta and more recently, the new Focus that are available in more or less the same form worldwide, the next generation of the Mondeo will serve as truly global model for Ford in the popular mid-size segment.

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Categories: Diesel, ford, Ford Fusion, Ford Mondeo, Ford Scoops, Hybrids, Scoops

IAA 2011: New Mercedes-Benz B-Class Keeps Old Model's Pricing

Good news for European consumers interested in the second-generation of the B-Class, as Mercedes-Benz is launching the new small MPV at the same price as the outgoing model, despite the numerous improvements and additions to the standard equipment.

Available for order now with first deliveries to arrive in November, pricing for the 2012 B-Class starts at €26,001.50 (about US$35,900) including 19% VAT in Germany for the B 180 BlueEFFICIENCY (BE) that is motivated by a 1.6-liter petrol engine delivering 122HP, 7HP more than the preceding model.

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Categories: Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, Mercedes, Mercedes B-Class, New Cars

IAA 2011: New Mercedes-Benz B-Class Keeps Old Model's Pricing

Good news for European consumers interested in the second-generation of the B-Class, as Mercedes-Benz is launching the new small MPV at the same price as the outgoing model, despite the numerous improvements and additions to the standard equipment.

Available for order now with first deliveries to arrive in November, pricing for the 2012 B-Class starts at €26,001.50 (about US$35,900) including 19% VAT in Germany for the B 180 BlueEFFICIENCY (BE) that is motivated by a 1.6-liter petrol engine delivering 122HP, 7HP more than the preceding model.

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Categories: Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, Mercedes, Mercedes B-Class, New Cars

IAA 2011: Peugeot 508 RXH is an Environmentally-Conscious Crossover

The crossover recipe introduced by Audi’s Allroad for those who fancy a bit of off-roading but find SUVs too flashy is quite simple: take a station-wagon model, and then add plastic body cladding and underside protection, rise the suspension height to increase road clearance and voilà: your new crossover model is ready.

The same recipe has been followed by many manufacturers, the most recent being Peugeot with its brand-new 508 RXH that was launched at the 64th International Auto Show in Frankfurt.

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Categories: Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrids, New Cars, Peugeot, Peugeot 508

IAA 2011: Peugeot 508 RXH is an Environmentally-Conscious Crossover

The crossover recipe introduced by Audi’s Allroad for those who fancy a bit of off-roading but find SUVs too flashy is quite simple: take a station-wagon model, and then add plastic body cladding and underside protection, rise the suspension height to increase road clearance and voilà: your new crossover model is ready.

The same recipe has been followed by many manufacturers, the most recent being Peugeot with its brand-new 508 RXH that was launched at the 64th International Auto Show in Frankfurt.

Read more »

Categories: Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrids, New Cars, Peugeot, Peugeot 508

IAA 2011: Lancia Displays its Stars and Stripes in Frankfurt

If anything else, and with a few exceptions such as the Ypsilon supermini, the aging Musa and the Delta compact hatchback, Lancia's range is beginning to look eerily similar to that of the Chrysler brand.

At this week's 64th International Auto Show in Frankfurt, the Italian company displayed its entire lineup including the Thema sedan, Flavia Cabrio and the Voyager MPV, which are rebadged versions of the Chrysler 300, 200 Convertible and Town & Country respectively.

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Categories: Chrysler, Chrysler Town Country, Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, Lancia, Lancia Flavia, Lancia Thema, New Cars

IAA 2011: Lancia Displays its Stars and Stripes in Frankfurt

If anything else, and with a few exceptions such as the Ypsilon supermini, the aging Musa and the Delta compact hatchback, Lancia's range is beginning to look eerily similar to that of the Chrysler brand.

At this week's 64th International Auto Show in Frankfurt, the Italian company displayed its entire lineup including the Thema sedan, Flavia Cabrio and the Voyager MPV, which are rebadged versions of the Chrysler 300, 200 Convertible and Town & Country respectively.

Read more »

Categories: Chrysler, Chrysler Town Country, Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, Lancia, Lancia Flavia, Lancia Thema, New Cars

2012 Toyota Avensis Facelift Uncovered at the Frankfurt Motor Show [Updated Gallery]

Following a sneak preview of the updated Avensis, today Toyota went ahead and officially revealed its Opel Insignia-rival at the Frankfurt Motor Show . The facelift brings cosmetic changes both on the outside and the cabin.

While overall dimensions remain the same as the previous model, the mid-size sedan and the estate (Tourer) version benefit from a fresh face with a redesigned grille that has a chrome upper “lip” and new, narrower headlights that incorporate daytime running lights. At the rear, both body styles gain redesigned tail lamps.

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Categories: Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, Galleries, New Cars, toyota, Toyota Avensis

2012 Toyota Avensis Facelift Uncovered at the Frankfurt Motor Show [Updated Gallery]

Following a sneak preview of the updated Avensis, today Toyota went ahead and officially revealed its Opel Insignia-rival at the Frankfurt Motor Show . The facelift brings cosmetic changes both on the outside and the cabin.

While overall dimensions remain the same as the previous model, the mid-size sedan and the estate (Tourer) version benefit from a fresh face with a redesigned grille that has a chrome upper “lip” and new, narrower headlights that incorporate daytime running lights. At the rear, both body styles gain redesigned tail lamps.

Read more »

Categories: Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, Galleries, New Cars, toyota, Toyota Avensis

IAA 2011: New Opel Astra GTC Takes the Stage in Frankfurt

We've already given you the full scoop on the all-new Astra GTC, but in Frankfurt, Opel held the world premiere of its latest C-segment model that blurs the line between three-door hatchbacks and coupes.

Based on the five-door Astra, the low-slung GTC sports a unique body shell as well as different platform dimensions as it has a 10mm longer wheelbase and wider tracks (+40mm up front and +30mm at the rear).

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Categories: Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, GM, New Cars, Opel, Opel Astra, Vauxhall

IAA 2011: New Opel Astra GTC Takes the Stage in Frankfurt

We've already given you the full scoop on the all-new Astra GTC, but in Frankfurt, Opel held the world premiere of its latest C-segment model that blurs the line between three-door hatchbacks and coupes.

Based on the five-door Astra, the low-slung GTC sports a unique body shell as well as different platform dimensions as it has a 10mm longer wheelbase and wider tracks (+40mm up front and +30mm at the rear).

Read more »

Categories: Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, GM, New Cars, Opel, Opel Astra, Vauxhall

IAA 2011: New 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Receives its European Premiere

Taking center stage at Chevrolet's Frankfurt Motor Show stand is the new Malibu sedan that celebrates its European debut after its world premiere at concurrent shows in the U.S. and China earlier this year.

This is the first time that the Malibu will be offered in Europe as GM tries to take Chevrolet global.

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Categories: Chevrolet, Chevrolet Malibu, Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, New Cars

IAA 2011: New 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Receives its European Premiere

Taking center stage at Chevrolet's Frankfurt Motor Show stand is the new Malibu sedan that celebrates its European debut after its world premiere at concurrent shows in the U.S. and China earlier this year.

This is the first time that the Malibu will be offered in Europe as GM tries to take Chevrolet global.

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Categories: Chevrolet, Chevrolet Malibu, Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, New Cars

IAA 2011: Fiat Ready to Conquer the City Car Segment with All-New Panda

The most important debut from a sales point of view for the Fiat Group at the Frankfurt Motor Show is the brand-new, third generation Fiat Panda city car. With more than 6.5 million sales spread over two generations and 31 years, the Panda is one of Fiat's most successful models.

The 2012 Panda has been completely renewed and comes with a larger body, fresh looks, improved versatility and a new range of engines.

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Categories: Diesel, Fiat, Fiat Panda, Frankfurt Motor Show, New Cars

IAA 2011: Honda Unveils New Civic Hatch, Says It is “Two Generations Ahead”

Honda Motor President and CEO, Takanobu Ito, was the one to lift the curtains on the all-new 2012 Civic hatchback at the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show . Designed, engineered and built in Europe at Honda's Swindon plant in the UK, the five-door model promises to offer improved driving dynamics and a higher-quality cabin

The new Civic hatchback is roughly the same size as its predecessor measuring 4,300mm long, 1,700mm wide and 1,440 mm tall while riding on a 2.595 mm long wheelbase. When it goes on sale in Europe in October, it will be offered with two gasoline engines and a single turbo diesel.

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Categories: Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, Galleries, honda, Honda Civic, New Cars

All-New Mazda CX-5 Crossover Makes its World Premiere in Frankfurt

The main attraction at Mazda's stand at the in Frankfurt is the brand-new CX-5 compact crossover that will spearhead the automakers efforts against the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Mazda says that the CX-5 is the first of a new generation of models that will adopt the new KODO design philosophy and the full suite of its SKYACTIV technologies.

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Categories: Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, Galleries, Mazda, Mazda CX-5, New Cars

IAA 2011: Subaru Launches Impreza-Based XV Crossover

Subaru lifted the wraps off its new competitor in the small crossover segment at this week's Frankfurt Motor Show. The Japanese firm's Nissan Qashqai rival is based on the Impreza, but comes with a different body style and a jacked up suspension that provides close to 220mm or more than 8.5 inches of ground clearance.

The compact sized model measures 4,450mm in length, 1,780mm in width and 1,570mm in height and will launch in Europe with a choice of three boxer engines, including 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter gasoline units, and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel.

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Categories: Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, New Cars, Subaru, Subaru Impreza, Subaru XV

Ford Fiesta and Focus with Fuel-Saving ECOnetic Tech Coming to Europe

Hybrid cars are the readily available solution to drastically reduce fuel consumption and, thus, CO2 emissions. But they are also much more expensive than regular vehicles powered only by internal combustion engines. And the truth is they are not the only solution as some carmakers would have you believe.

Ford will introduce its ECOnetic range in Europe with the Focus and Fiesta, proving that an internal combustion-engine powered car can be as “green” as a hybrid. The company says half of all Ford cars sold in Europe by late next year will carry the ECOnetic Technology badge, increasing to two-thirds by 2013.

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Categories: Diesel, ford, Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, New Cars, Reports