2011 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
In parallel, Mitsubishi i-MiEV went through a process of acquiring data through extensive fleet testing under a variety of climatic and real driving conditions. As an example, in Japan, a year-long joint proving program with 7 Japanese power companies using 37 development cars was carried out, covering a total of 300,000 km of testing and everyday commercial use.
The same process was engaged outside of Japan as well. In the case of Europe, 11 cars were used for a further 200,000 km of testing in a joint effort among Mitsubishi Corporation, its MC Automobile (Europe) N.V. subsidiary, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors Europe towards European customers, be they corporate or private.
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2011 Hyundai ix20
First of these exciting new models is Hyundai’s new B-segment MPV, named ix20. The Hyundai ix20 is the second European model to adopt Hyundai’s new ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language which helps differentiate it from the boxy ‘minivan’ image typically associated with the segment.
On sale from mid November 2010 in the UK, the Hyundai ix20 will be joined at the show by the facelifted version of Hyundai’s best selling i10 city car. The new Hyundai i10 features comprehensive visual and mechanical improvements, including a new 1.0-litre engine with CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km. The new version of the i10 will go on sale early in 2011.
2011 HSV Grange WM3
The HSV Grange WM3 has received a host of upgrades and improvements including more power, a new more dynamic styling package, and a variety of impressive new technologies.
As a result, the HSV Grange now features the company’s unique ‘hi-flow’ intermediate exhaust with bi-modal rear mufflers. Maximum torque remains 550Nm at 4600rpm.
The HSV Grange WM3 goes on sale at the end of September 2010, and becomes the second HSV model (following GTS) to be powered by the company’s 325kW 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engine.
HSV’s focus on technology and innovation sees the introduction of three new and unique technologies to the HSV Grange WM3.
As standard, the Grange will receive HSV’s Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI) which is an intuitive touch screen performance data interface. EDI delivers real-time vehicle dynamics and performance data to the fingertips of drivers.
HSV Grange will also be available with HSV’s new optional LPI technology, whereby the engine can operate on both LPG and regular unleaded petrol.
This unique technology has seen significant improvements in running costs and emissions outputs – by up to 15 per cent – but retains all the power and torque that customers have come to expect from HSV.
HSV’s Engineering Manager Joel Stoddart highlighted the uniqueness of this technology.
Also as standard, HSV Grange receives Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) which provides the driver information and warning when objects are passing through their vehicle’s blind spot.
HSV’s introduction of SBZA is the first time such technology has been fitted to an Australian-made car.
2012 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback
The latest chapter heralding the launch of a new Chevrolet Cruze hatchback model, further evidence of Chevrolet’s intention to bring value for money to all mainstream segments in Europe. A show car version of Chevrolet’s compact contender will be seen for the first time at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, on September 30. It will be one of four world Chevrolet premieres at the show.
With the introduction of the new Chevrolet Cruze hatchback, customers have an alternative body style to the traditional sedan and Chevrolet has raised the bar again with a vehicle that brings new levels of value against some of the more established competition.
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2011 Ford Grand C-MAX
The all-new Ford C-MAX range introduces a number of advanced new technologies to the compact MAV class focused on enhanced comfort, safety and sustainability, including the availability of new and powerful yet highly fuel-efficient low-CO2 Ford EcoBoost petrol engines.
The Ford C-MAX and Ford Grand C-MAX have been deliberately designed with two distinct characters, reflecting the differing priorities of the typical customers for each model.
The 5-seat Ford C-MAX departs from usual MAV thinking by adopting a sportier feel with a stylish passenger-car look. It features a coupé-like, sweeping roofline which falls off to the rear, yet still retains the traditional Ford C-MAX virtues of roominess and practicality.
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