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Honda Jazz gets Hybrid Tech
by Aman ChaudhryNo CommentsA hybrid version of Honda’s much-loved Jazz will make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, bringing lower emissions and improved fuel economy to the practical supermini.
- Improved emissions and fuel economy for popular supermini
- World’s first B-class hybrid car
The introduction of Honda’s petrol-electric IMA system to the Jazz, makes the car the world’s first B-segment hybrid.
Featuring the practicality and flexibility of the current Jazz, but with reduced CO2 emissions and improvements to fuel economy, the hybrid version will go on sale in the UK in early 2011.
The car will feature the same engine as the Insight hybrid; a 1.3-litre i-VTEC engine combined with a CVT gearbox, with an electric motor sandwiched between the two to create a parallel hybrid system. The hybrid Jazz – like the Insight and Civic Hybrid models – will be capable of running on the electric motor alone under some medium and low speed conditions.
Much of the Jazz’s practicality is derived from its height, but despite being taller than the current Honda Insight, the hybrid version of Jazz manages to maintain fuel consumption and CO2 emissions on comparable levels.
Visually, this new, cleaner Jazz is distinguished from the current range by revised headlights with a blue surround, clear rear lights, new front grille, restyled bumpers and a chrome tailgate garnish. The new hybrid will also be available in a range of existing colours plus a bespoke Lime Green metallic.
Inside, the cabin is also given a fresh look, with darker single colour dashboard, which contrasts strongly with the blue lighting of the dials and dashboard instruments. The new hybrid is also available with leather trim, the first time this has been available on a Jazz model in Europe.
MPG and emissions data will be released at the Paris Motor Show in September.
Along with the new hybrid Jazz, Honda will display the 2011 model year Insight, CR-Z, Jazz, CR-V, Accord and Accord Tourer, as well as the sports touring motorcycle VFR1200F equipped with the V4 engine, and a stylish PCX scooter with low emission idle-stop 125cc engine.
Press data & images: Honda -
Upgraded Mazda 2 to Premier at Paris Motor Show
by Aman ChaudhryNo CommentsAt this year’s Paris Motor Show, Mazda will be focusing on low fuel consumption and reduced emissions, with three new model introductions.
Mazda’s lightweight, Mazda2 – voted World Car of the Year 2008 – has received an upgrade and will be given its European premiere in Paris, revealing the following key changes:
- New front styling features Mazda’s unique family face
- Upgraded interior
- Upgraded Euro V compliant powertrain line-up
- Upgraded chassis for even better ride comfort
- Automatic transmission version introduced
Joining the upgraded Mazda2 will be the all-new Mazda5 premiering with a new, more economical MZ-CD 1.6 diesel engine. The Mazda5 C-MAV people carrier is especially economic and family-friendly and offers:
- A frugal and powerful 1.6-litre diesel engine (5.2 l/100km, 115ps)
- A 15 percent CO2 emissions reductionin comparison to previous 2.0-litre diesel
- New lightweight 6-speed manual transmission
- An eye-catching design that sets it apart in the C-MAV segment
- Enhanced Karakuri interior flexibility for up to seven people plus sliding rear doors
The new Mazda3 with an upgraded MZ-CD 1.6 diesel engine will also be introduced. Offering more power and torque, while lowering fuel consumption and emissions, the new version features:
- 6ps more maximum power
- 12 percent higher maximum torque
- 4.4 l/100km and 117g/km CO2
- New lightweight 6-speed manual transmission
Press data & images: Mazda -
Renault DeZir Concept
by Aman ChaudhryNo CommentsRenault’s design team seems to be very busy these days. Renault is working hard on a new style for a concept car – The DeZir. The DeZir will be the first major project to be undertaken by the new design vice president Laurens van den Acker at Renault.
According to Renault, The DeZir will be a vision of simplicity, sensuousness and warmth. This brand new concept isn’t exactly based on a very modern concept technology because the power does not come from electrons. A 24 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery back will power the DeZir, which is similar to the Nissan Leaf. The driving range will also be similar i.e. under 100 miles per hour although the battery pack for the DeZir is configured for Quick Drop exchanges not found the Leaf.
The driving force is provided by a 110-kilowatt electric motor to this new concept, which spins the rear wheels, and helps the DeZir cover the 60 mph distance in 5 seconds.
On the outside there are Kevlar body panels along with reverse-hinged butterfly doors, which are wrapped around a steel tube frame chassis with double wishbone. Though Renault has not revealed any further details on the production plans of The DeZir, we have a hunch it would be ready for public at the Paris Motor Show in Fall this year.
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THE NEW CITROËN C4: FIRST DETAILS REVEALED
by Aman Chaudhry2 CommentsCitroën has released first details of the brand new C4. Designed to exceed the highest expectations, the New Citroën C4 boasts a real positive energy – with exceptional levels of quality, style, interior space and occupant comfort, as well as responsive handling and impressive environmental credentials.
As with the New C5 in 2008 and New C3 earlier this year, the New Citroën C4 once again demonstrates the expertise of the brand in creating stylish and innovative vehicles with relevant technological advances.
With its sculpted lines and high quality finish, New C4 cuts a distinctive profile, striking an impression of strength, stability and balanced proportions. Defined and flowing surfaces, such as the purposeful front end and rear spoiler, hint at the model’s optimised aerodynamics. The tasteful addition of chrome detailing combines with the dynamic headlight styling and sculpted alloy wheels to give the new model a premium presence.
Promising precise control and accomplished handling, New C4’s driver focused cabin environment combines with impressive acoustic comfort and soundproofing to deliver a true impression of on-road confidence.
New C4 features compact exterior dimensions and generous internal volumes that make it spacious and thoroughly versatile. At just 4.33m long, 1.79m wide and 1.49m high, New C4 is just 5cm longer, 2cm wider and 3cm taller than the current model. The 408-litre boot is the biggest in its class, with practical square dimensions and a lower sill that makes loading even easier.
In addition to optimised accessibility and practicality, the New C4 offers a genuine feeling of well-being on-board – with spacious, comfortable seating and impressive occupant headroom.
Personal comfort in the New C4 can be tailored to suit individual requirements with users able to adjust the colour of the driver’s instrument display, select their own ‘polyphonic’ sound alerts, finely adjust the intensity of the air-conditioning and even immerse themselves in the rich surround-sound of the new audio system. Some models even come with a new massage function on the front seats.
Alongside existing range technologies, such as EGS (Electronic Gearbox System), hill start assist, automatic electric parking brake, Lane Departure Warning System and Xenon dual-function directional headlamps, New C4 will be available with convenient and useful new technologies – some of which are unique to the segment. These include a new blind-spot monitoring system, a cornering light function, cruise control and speed-limiter with road speed memory settings, and an innovative new service called eTouch.
As well as offering on-board emergency assistance, Citroën’s eTouch system enables drivers to monitor their driving patterns and fuel consumption, and receive advice on how to improve their fuel economy. The system also allows drivers to consult their vehicle’s technical status and monitor any necessary maintenance or servicing requirements.
Designed to be an environmentally respectful family car, New C4 uses the latest Citroën technology to reduce its environmental impact. New C4 will be available with Citroën’s new micro-hybrid e-HDi powertrains, which feature the latest generation Stop & Start system that helps deliver CO2 emissions as low as 109g/km at launch – and 99g/km on future models. Michelin Energy™ Saver tyres are also specified to help achieve these low emissions and to boost fuel economy. The control of the car’s overall weight – in spite of the increased dimensions and added equipment – has been achieved using new technologies, such as laser welding, in the model’s construction. The use of 15% ‘green’ materials – for example, re-cycled polyamide components – also enhances New C4’s environmental credentials.
The New C4 will be produced at the Mulhouse PSA Peugeot Citroën plant in France and will premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September. New C4 will be launched in the UK early in 2011.
Press data and images: Citroën

















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