2013 Audi A3

Versions with hybrid and alternative drive systems such as natural gas and Audi e-gas are currently in development. Audi ultra lightweight technology has helped to trim weight in the body of the appealing three-door car - compared to the previous model, the new A3 is now 80 kg (176.37 lb) lighter.

The engines are powerful yet highly efficient, the interior offers an ambience of dynamic style. The front fender and engine hood are made of aluminum; the car body also integrates a high share of ultra high-strength and hot-formed steels.

The color display of the driver information system (standard on the Ambition and Ambiente equipment lines) presents graphics in highly detailed 3D images.

It includes the sound system from Bang & Olufsen and MMI navigation plus. In each case, engine power is always transferred to the front wheels; quattro permanent all-wheel drive - and other engines, including a 1.4 TFSI engine with innovative cylinder on demand technology from Audi - will follow over the course of the next few months.

The optional Audi drive select system (standard on the Ambition line) lets the driver vary the operating modes of key components - such as steering, the accelerator pedal and transmission characteristics (with S tronic) - for a customizable driving experience. It also incorporates the optional adaptive shock absorbers; they utilize magnetic ride technology from Audi.

Wheels range from 16 to 18 inches in diameter.

The new Audi A3 was designed with succinct lines, and its dimensions are compact. Large air intakes at the front reflect the power of the engines.

The single-frame radiator grille dominates the front-end, and higher specification models get xenon headlamps with LED running lamps.

Interior
The redesigned interior is built around a ‘floating’ dashboard with round air vents, climate control panel and redesigned instrument cluster, plus an optional 3D color display for the Driver’s Information System – the ultra-thin retractable MMI monitor and new electromechanical parking brake liberate space in the centre console for the optional MMI operating terminal.

Engines
The new Audi A3 will launch in Europe with three four-cylinder engines. The 1.4-liter and 1.8-liter TFSI engines and the 2.0-litre TDI have outputs of 122, 180 and 143hp respectively. Compared with the previous model, they offer fuel economy improvements averaging 12 per cent.

The optional Audi drive select system lets the driver vary the operating characteristics of the steering weighting, throttle response and transmission shift points (when S tronic is fitted).

The first generation debuted in 1996 as a three-door model, and created the new premium compact class.

Audi sold about 880,000 units of this first model series.

2013 Renault ZOE

Following yesterday's spy photos of the Renault Zoe electric vehicle, a photo of the production version completely uncovered has been published on Danish site FDM.dk.

Citing the Zoe product manager in Sweden, FDM says the Zoe is built on a newly developed chassis dedicated for electric powertrain.

ZOE is Renault's solution to Zero Emission mobility for all. Unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Renault ZOE will go on sale autumn 2012. Renault ZOE's final design is being world-premiered at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Like Twingo and Twizy, ZOE features the Renault brand's new design identity.

In France, tax-paid prices for Renault ZOE start from €15,700 (with tax incentive of €5,000 deducted).

The car offers a perfectly smooth drive with no jarring electric motor braking. The MICHELIN EnergyTM E-V tyre is a Michelin innovation co-developed with Renault as a world premiere for Renault ZOE. The tyre features enhanced energy efficiency to maximise vehicle range.

Renault ZOE is the only electric vehicle to feature the Caméléon charger. For example, ZOE can be charged in an hour at 22kW.

Fast-charging stations are currently equipped with high-power chargers.

Renault ZOE is the first Renault vehicle to be presented with Renault R-Link, Renault's brand-new integrated, connected multimedia system.

2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

With luxury compact offerings like the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series gaining traction, Mercedes-Benz is hoping to claim a bigger piece of the action with its all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Mercedes-Benz has teased us ever since, stating that the A-Class would be completely new, stylish, and packed with safety and high-tech features normally found on more expensive models like the S-Class.

Opting for the AMG Sport trim nets 18-inch wheels, aggressively styled bumpers, red-painted accent pieces, and what the automaker calls a diamond-look front grille mesh.

Three gas-powered four-cylinder engines with displacements ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 liters will feature direct injection and turbocharging and will output 115 hp (A180), 156 hp (A200), and 211 hp (A250). On paper, it appears Mercedes-Benz has a strong contender in America's burgeoning premium compact segment.

"Applying the new dynamic style of Mercedes-Benz to the compact class was a challenge that we thoroughly enjoyed", explains Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz. "The almost sculptural lines of the A-Class are very typical for Mercedes. The feature lines, particularly along the sides of the car, then give the A-Class structure and tautness."

All trim surfaces feature an electroplated finish in "silver chrome", giving them a genuine metallic surface with "cool touch" effect. "This is just one example of the way in which the quality of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class's interior is not defined by classic trim elements but by consistent design and by the specific materials used", explains Hartmut Sinkwitz, Head of Interior Design.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sport features exclusive 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-spoke design with 235/40 R18 tyres all round and painted high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish, together with red-painted brake callipers.

The dynamism promised by the design and drive system is realised by the suspension. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the only vehicle in its class to feature as standard a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist, which lowers the risk of rear-end collisions.

ATTENTION ASSIST (standard)
Brake HOLD function (standard)
Hill-Start Assist (standard)
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Active Parking Assist

The appearance of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class reflects the new Mercedes-Benz design strategy. Defined edges and tautly drawn surfaces mark out the exterior design of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The design of the headlamps, together with the configuration of the light functions within them, is a key element of the design concept.

The silhouette reveals smooth, flowing lines finishing in a flat edge. The side view is distinguished by sensuously moulded sculptural side panels and distinctive lines. The interior: excellent high-quality feel and consistent application of design.

Sports seats with integrated head restraints are available, for example, as an optional extra with all design and equipment lines.

2013 Volvo V40

Volvo’s highly-anticipated Volvo V40 five-door hatchback has finally made its official debut, online at least, and the latest images confirm that which we already knew, that Volvo’s latest entry in the compact class is ready to overtake the competition with a premium look, unique Scandinavian style, and sharpened features.

The engine range spans everything from compact diesels to a high-performance turbocharged T5 five-cylinder engine rated at 254 horsepower and promising 0-60 mph times of 6.7 seconds. In Volvo’s eyes, customers on these shores don’t buy hatchbacks or station wagons, instead favoring sedans, crossovers and SUVs.

As you’d expect, the Volvo V40 features a class-leading safety package, including Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake and several other new features such as the world-first pedestrian airbag, Lane Keeping Aid with haptic auto steering, and a Park Assist Pilot that makes parallel parking easy.

Volvo Car Corporation will reveal the all-new Volvo V40 at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

"Thanks to input from customers all over the world our most compact V-range model features an outstanding blend of design, safety and versatility. The car is loaded with features that buyers of modern luxury cars want," explains Stefan Jacoby.

Outstanding safety and support package

The all-new Volvo V40 features a class-leading safety and driver support package, including Volvo Car Corporation's groundbreaking Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake and several other new features.

Volvo Car Corporation expects to sell 90,000 units per year of the all-new Volvo V40. The car will be built in Volvo Car Corporation's plant in Ghent, Belgium.

The car boasts sharpened features and characteristics from larger Volvos - wrapped in a sleek, compact package.

2013 Kia K9

The new Kia K9 flagship from South Koran automaker Kia has been spotted testing completely undisguised in South Korea.

“Our all-new flagship sedan integrates all of our key capabilities such as design, performance, high-tech features and infotainment into one striking model,“ says Soon-Nam Lee, Kia’s Director of the Overseas Marketing Group.

This model's Korean market name, K9, will complete Kia's domestic market "K" series range of passenger cars, whose members also include the front-wheel drive K5 (Optima in overseas markets) and K7 (Cadenza in overseas markets) sedans.

The Kia K9's exterior gives solid form to the recently released sketches of the new model, and presents its design concept, "high-tech luxury sedan" image, with futuristic, sophisticated and distinctive charisma.

Kia K9 is the latest continuation of Kia's evolving design DNA, carrying its family-look radiator grille, bold "high-tech luxury car" style LED headlamps, with classic design echoes in its voluminous hood.

Kia K9 is the latest continuation of Kia’s evolving design DNA, carrying its family-look radiator grille, bold “high-tech luxury car” style LED headlamps, with classic design echoes in its voluminous hood.

With only one rear-wheel architecture known to exist in the Hyundai-Kia catalogue, it is likely to be the same platform underpinning Hyundai’s Genesis sedan.

2013 Fiat 500L

Fiat presented the first official images of the Fiat 500L, the new model which will have its world preview at the 2012 International Geneva Motor Show.

Now there's a new handful of photos of the maxi-mini 500L to sate your curiousity until the 2012 Geneva Motor Show rolls around in early March.

The Fiat 500L will be introduced to Europe in the last quarter of 2012, with an engine range which will initially comprise two petrol engines (TwinAir and 1.4-litre) and a turbodiesel engine (1.3 MultiJet II) and the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology from Fiat Group Automobiles.

t's now confirmed: Fiat is following in the footsteps of MINI and delving into its past to bring back a famous nameplate for its upcoming Fiat 500 wagon.

Due to be launched at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March, the new, larger 500 model will be called the 500L - the "L" standing for "Large".

MINI'sAt 13.6 feet long, 5.8 feet wide and 5.4 feet tall it's larger than the regular 500. Fiat's twin-cylinder TwinAir will feature, joined by a 1.4 gasoline model and a 1.3 MultiJet turbodiesel.

2013 Acura ILX

The 2013 Acura ILX compact sedan is an all-new model that is positioned as the gateway into the Acura brand. Sleek and sporty, the Acura ILX combines luxury, performance and efficiency.

The Acura ILX will feature three advanced, sporty and efficient powertrain choices, including Acura's first-ever gas-electric hybrid.

At January's 2012 Detroit Auto Show, Acura showed off a thinly-veiled sedan concept dubbed the ILX Concept. Acura will offer the ILX with three powertrain options all cribbed from the Civic parts bin.

Also available is a hybrid powertrain, which makes the ILX the first hybrid Acura. Using the 1.5-liter four-cylinder and a 20-horsepower IMA system from the Honda Civic Hybrid, the ILX Hybrid will have a total output of 111 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque. With a CVT, the ILX Hybrid is estimated to have an EPA rating of 35 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

Both a Premium Package and Technology Package will be available. The Premium Package includes leather seats, heated front seats, a 360-watt stereo system, a rearview camera, and Active Sound Cancellation.

The entry-level ILX will be powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 140 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm. Marking the debut of Acura's first ever hybrid model, the ILX Hybrid makes use of a 1.5-liter inline engine and an Integrated Motor Assist® electric motor. Paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the Acura ILX 1.5L Hybrid will deliver an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy rating of 35/38 mpg.

The Acura ILX chassis utilizes advanced MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems, along with new Amplitude Reactive Dampers. The Acura ILX will feature a high-quality, well-appointed interior that is smart, spacious and sporty.

Building on the Premium Package, the available Technology Package adds Acura's award winning ELS Surround® audio system and a full complement of relevant technologies, including AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps.

The standard engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, making 150 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque (as distinct from the Civic’s 140-hp, 1.8-liter SOHC four). The go-fast choice is a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four—shared with the Acura TSX and Civic Si—which puts out 201 hp at 7000 rpm and 170 lb-ft at 4300 rpm. Like the gas-electric Civic, the Acura version features a stop/start function that shuts down the engine at stoplights. Don’t be surprised if this also means the ILX hybrid is less fleet than the already slow Civic hybrid.

While the Acura ILX began with the latest Civic platform, it’s not a carbon copy. At 105.1 inches, the wheelbase is the same as the Civic sedan’s. But the Acura is longer (179.1 inches versus 177.3), lower (55.6 inches versus 56.5), and wider (70.6 inches versus 69.0), yielding a slightly sportier appearance.

2013 GMC Acadia

For 2013, GMC has given a needed refresh to the popular and consistent selling Acadia full size crossover SUV.

Continuing the basic Acadia and the Acadia Denali luxury trim line, GMC refreshed several exterior elements giving Acadia some distinctively improved looks and added some enhancements in technology, improved trim features and a new industry first front center air bag.

The 2013 GMC Acadia abandons the pulled-back front grille that characterizes the 2012 Acadia shown here. The redone sheetmetal isn’t as drastically changed in the rear of the 2013 GMC Acadia, where retouched taillights and bold exhaust outlet trim are the big changes.

Speaking of big changes, where the outgoing GMC Acadia needed the most help was inside. The new 2013 GMC Acadia and its in-your-face grille definitely fit in better with the boxy GMC Terrain’s styling. What do you think: has GMC improved the crossover’s design?

GMC unveiled the new 2013 GMC Acadia and Acadia Denali at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, highlighting a new exterior and safety features including the industry's first front center air bag.

"With an award-winning combination of space, capability and fuel-efficiency, Acadia epitomizes GMC's 'never say never' attitude," said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of GMC Marketing.

Confident design
The new GMC Acadia gets other subtle exterior design updates, including wrap-around rear glass and a new rear spoiler. The redesigned Acadia will be the first vehicle on the market with GMC's new front center air bag system, created to protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes where the affected occupant is on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle. Standard on the GMC Acadia Denali and available on other models are Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems. GMC's Color Touch Radio - first introduced on the 2012 Terrain - is standard in the GMC Acadia. GMC Acadia's most-popular options, including rear-seat entertainment, a Dual SkyScape sunroof and a trailering package, continue to be available.

Exclusive Denali returns
GMC Acadia's popular top-of-the-line Denali trim represents 30 percent of sales, so a high priority was placed on adding premium amenities and refining Denali's signature design cues.

Redesigned lower front and rear fascias
Unique body-side moldings with chrome accents and Denali badges
20-inch machined wheels
Inside, Denali adds standard comfort and safety features, including:
Heated and cooled front seats
Color Touch navigation
Dual SkyScape sunroof system, with sliding front sunroof and fixed rear section
All-wheel drive