2012 Fiat Freemont AWD

Fiat unveiled a new All-Wheel-Drive version of its Freemont people carrier, and unlike the car on which it’s based, it’s actually rather interesting.

The normal Freemont is a rebadged Dodge Journey. Engine-wise it can be equipped with the 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet 2 with variable geometry and the powerful Chrysler Group Pentastar 3.6 litre engines.

The Fiat Freemont AWD is the four-wheel drive version matched with the 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet 2 and 280 HP 3.6 V6 petrol engines, both offered with the new six-speed automatic transmission. The new all-wheel version aims at consolidating the already remarkable results so far achieved. In just six months of sales, the first Fiat vehicle produced from the partnership with the Chrysler Group won more than 25,000 orders to become the best-selling 7-seat car today in Italy.

All-wheel drive for the greatest safety under all driving conditions
The Fiat Freemont AWD active four-wheel drive system is on-demand, and it is equipped with an electronic control unit which uses sensors to detect the grip of the four wheels and decides when to transmit traction to the rear. Specifically, the electronic system modulates torque transfer through the use of electronically controlled coupling (ECC).

Fiat is taking part in the 2012 Geneva Motor Show with an appealing exhibition area that emphasises the brand’s unique position on the international motoring stage.

Fiat 500 America and Fiat 500 Color Therapy: the latest innovations of a Made in Italy icon
The “500 America” numbered edition will make its debut in Geneva, with the saloon version on display. With only 500 numbered saloon units and 500 numbered convertible units produced, the new Fiat 500 America is celebrating the country where the model was sold in 2011 and where its collaboration with the American pop singer Jennifer Lopez started.

Fiat Punto 2012: the evolution of a best seller
It is an important product innovation of Fiat’s best-selling model, with 8.5 million units sold in Europe. Together with its updated look, the two-cylinder 85 HP TwinAir turbo engine – named “International Engine of the Year 2011″ – is making its debut before the public in Geneva. Fiat Punto 2012 is already available from the Fiat sales network in Italy and in the major European countries.

The new four-wheel drive version is matched with the 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet 2 and 280 HP 3.6 V6 petrol engines, both offered with the new six-speed automatic transmission. Freemont AWD (All-Wheel Drive) is already available from the Fiat sales network in Italy and in the major European countries.

Fiat Panda, the first and second family car
The new Panda 85 HP TwinAir Turbo with Dualogic gearbox will be sold starting from April.

Bravo Street: new high value features
The Fiat Bravo Street makes its debut in Geneva. 120 HP Doblò 1.4 T-Jet: the only turbocharged petrol engine of the class
Freedom and flexible use are also ensured by another model shown: the Fiat Doblò equipped with the new 120 HP 1.4 T-Jet engine. It is the only turbocharged petrol engine of the class, which completes the range and guarantees its offer in the highest demand petrol market segment, above 105 HP. It is precisely a 7-seater version that is on display in Geneva, strengthening the family space positioning of the model.

The Fiat Doblò 120 HP 1.4 T-Jet will be available starting from April.

2012 Fiat Punto

The 2012 Punto for the first time, in a Fiat vehicle, offers the award-winning MultiAir engine, class-leading emissions mitigation technology, innovative technology and telematics and an unparalleled commitment to its robustness and reliability with a five-year 150 000km warranty.

Although it is an evolution of one of Fiat’s most popular cars in South Africa, the Fiat Punto, the 2012 Punto intensifies the distinguished personality of the vehicle with an important aesthetic update that includes new exterior colours and the seat upholsteries and class-leading features and technologies. The 2012 Punto is more stunning than ever thanks to the work of Fiat’s Centro Stile. The 2012 Punto is available with three engine derivatives: a 1.4l 8V Fully Integrated Robotic Engine (FIRE) producing 57kW at 6000rpm and 115Nm of torque at 3250rpm; a 1.4l MultiAir producing 77kW at 6500rpm and 130Nm of torque at 4000rpm; and finally the award-winning 1.4l MultiAir Turbo engine producing 99kW at 5000rpm and 206Nm of torque at 1750rpm.

For the first time on a Fiat product, the 2012 Punto features Stop&Start technology with a Gear Shift Indicator across the model range, which assists in reducing the vehicle’s emissions and offers better fuel consumption figures. The 2012 Punto range comprises of four models in three trim lines – Pop, Easy and Lounge – each featuring a different content offer with the aim of satisfying different needs and budgets. The Pop, Easy and Lounge trim levels address the traditional customer in a crescendo of comfort and style features.

The Pop trim level is available on the 2012 Punto entry model and offers a high level of comfort without compromising on convenience. The Lounge trim level is available exclusively on the 1.4 MultiAir Turbo model has a very high level of specification. The 2012 Punto is designed and built to achieve the highest levels of safety.

Fiat Punto 1.4 Pop: R129 900*
Fiat Punto 1.4 Easy: R149 900*
Fiat Punto 1.4 MultiAir Easy R169 900*
Fiat Punto 1.4 MultiAir Turbo Lounge R209 900*
Fiat also offers a four-year or 60 000km service plan on MultiAir models – 1.4 MultiAir Easy and 1.4 MultiAir Turbo Lounge.

Eco Drive: 0.9 TwinAir 85 HP for new driving pleasure
Together with the updated look the two-cylinder 85 HP 875 cc TwinAir turbo engine - named "International Engine of the Year 2011" - is making its debut. Normal provides full engine performance to enhance driving liveliness and spirit, while Eco, which limits the torque, reduces fuel consumption to ensure a driving style that is truly eco-friendly and more economical.
Another innovation in the field of engines is the evolution of the 85 HP 1.3 MultiJet 2.

10 engines that meet all needs
The Fiat Punto 2012 continues to be a constant point of reference when it comes to engine innovation. This long tradition of records is reinforced today with the Fiat Punto MY 2012 following introduction of the new 85 HP TwinAir turbo engine and the evolution of the 85 HP 1.3 MultiJet engine.

In particular, the Fun to Drive line offers the exclusive TwinAir trim level dedicated to the revolutionary two-cylinder engine. It is characterised aesthetically and internally with glossy black pillars and mirror covers, special alloy wheels, 13 exterior colours, one of which is dedicated, Energetico Green, the exclusive glossy black roof option and special "Sportex" seat fabrics.

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.