Honda Accord Crosstour

Honda Accord Crosstour 2010

The Honda Accord Crosstour evolves the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) concept by integrating a sleek and aerodynamic shape that blends sporty, low-profile contours with versatile CUV functionality.

The concept is to broaden the appeal of the Honda Accord line-up by leveraging traditional Accord strengths of fun-to-drive performance and handling while also adapting to dramatic shifts in the light truck. The Honda Accord Crosstour accomplishes that by offering a modern interpretation of a CUV while integrating the refinement and efficiency of a premium sedan."

The Honda Accord Crosstour maximizes car-like ride and refinement, yet maintains capabilities consistent with a CUV's increased ride height and all-weather potential. The Honda Accord Crosstour's styling builds on the Accord's familiar character lines and adds a bolder front grille complemented by a durable lower-body appearance, wedge-shaped C-pillars and an aggressive rear stance. The flowing roofline narrows smoothly into the rear of the vehicle to create an aggressive-looking design, which conceals a unique cargo area that can adapt to large objects that exceed the capacity of a sedan.

Kia Venga

Kia Venga 2010

A Kia's stylish and uniquely spacious new premium.

Designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe, the 4,068 mm long Kia Venga features an unusually long wheelbase for its class of 2,615 mm - and a 1600 mm high roofline to maximise cabin space.
Skilful packaging will ensure that the Kia Venga redefines the category by offering levels of interior space typical of a larger C-segment vehicle, but within a B-segment footprint.
Every engine in the Kia Venga line-up will be available with Kia's fuel-stretching Intelligent Stop and Go technology and will comply with Euro 5 emission standards.

The Kia Venga will be equipped with a sliding 60/40 split rear seat that also folds flat into the floor to create a spacious cargo bay and, a twin-level boot floor and depending on model a tilt-and-slide all-glass panoramic roof.

"This is exactly the kind of vehicle UK motorists are looking for as we emerge from the recent economic turmoil - a fantastically flexible package providing big-car comfort and space within a compact package. It will offer our customers style, sophistication and refinement coupled with environmental economy," he added.

Mazda 3 MPS

Mazda 3 MPS 2010

The next-generation Mazda 3 MPS is one of the world's most powerful front-wheel drive compact cars. It takes the all-new Mazda 3 hatchback as its base and raises it to new levels of driving excitement with an updated MZR 2.3-litre DISI turbo petrol engine, increased body shell rigidity and an evolved suspension. To this it adds exclusive design cues and materials to deliver a next-generation compact flagship that is even more fun to own and drive than the current model.

Exterior Design
A new air intake for the intercooler is introduced to the centre of the all-new Mazda 3 MPS bonnet, hinting at the power underneath. The front fender and front bumper designs are exclusive to the MPS, while subtle intonation added to the surface and character lines give the exterior an expressive and dynamic flair. The front grille and lower bumper sections share the same black metallic paint finish. These are framed by cylindrical bi-xenon headlamps and round fog lamps, to underscore the car's premium character.

Mazda 3 MPS
Silhouette and rear end
At the sides, subtle wedge-shaped and curving side character lines, along with a side under spoiler, accentuate the car's sporty, low centre of gravity. The view from the rear features a large floating rear spoiler (depending on market) that balances out the tight look begun by the new front end and adds to the compact's aggressive image. LED tail lamps have an inner lens that adds a sense of greater transparency when the lamps are not lit.

The Wheels and tyres
Mazda introduces all-new 18-inch (18 x 7.5J) aluminium alloy wheels designed exclusively for the Mazda 3 MPS using the same design theme as the Mazda RX-8 wheels. These have a strong, three-dimensional form that helps the car look nimble and aggressive when seen from the side.

The Interior design
Front seat area
The dashboard of the new Mazda 3 MPS is designed to give a roomy feel at the front. This is combined with a large centre console and a driver-orientated, wrap-around cockpit with just the right feeling of snugness. Exacting calculation was applied to designing the slant of the centre console and in positioning the gearshift lever closer to the driver.

New turbo boost gauge
The hoodless independent blackout speedometer and tachometer express sportiness through their design. The tachometer features a red MPS logo and a needle that travels 260 degrees as opposed to the 190-degree rotation on other Mazda 3 models. The instrument cluster for the all-new MPS also includes an LED turbo boost gauge positioned between the meters, which heightens the car's high-performance feel.

Semi-bucket front seats
The all-new MPS provides semi-bucket front seats for a great fit and exceptional torso and thigh support, a real must in a car this sporty. The front edge of the seat cushions is enlarged to improve the fit under the thighs, and the seatback length is extended to provide greater support. The MPS upholstery features an exclusive black base colour with a red graphic design and red stitching.

Powertrain - Exhilarating Driving and Euro Stage V Compliance
The power and easy-to-control torque characteristics of the new Mazda 3 MPS turbo petrol engine are combined with an optimised gear ratio that ensures smooth shift operation for sporty driving. This is matched to a stiffer body, a suspension system with greater damping strength, Mazda's electro-hydraulic power assisted steering (EHPAS), as well as specially tuned brakes. Together, they deliver a high-performance package with precise, controllable handling, and powerful braking that is fun to drive on a daily basis.

The Engine - high-performance DISI technology
The all-new Mazda 3 MPS is powered by Mazda's MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo, a high-power inline 4-cylinder petrol engine. This acclaimed engine has been further refined and now delivers a maximum output of 191 kW/260 PS at 5,500 rpm and the same generous maximum torque of 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm than the current model. This represents one the world's highest level of performance in a front-engine front-wheel drive sports compact.

High-performance compact
Pairing direct-injection with a turbocharger allows the engine to achieve performance that is on par with a larger displacement engine. Realising the right balance between lightweight and high rigidity through the effective use of high-tensile steel sheeting - including 1,480 MPa ultra-high tensile steel - means the new MPS body shell easily supports the top speed of 250 km/h and acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds.

Reduced fuel consumption and Euro Stage V
Yet, the new Mazda 3 MPS also delivers surprisingly good environmental performance and fuel efficiency for a car with this kind of power. Optimised aerodynamics helps reduce fuel consumption from 9.7L/100 km on the previous model to 9.2L/100 km on the all-new Mazda 3 MPS. Also newly introduced is the world's first single-nanotechnology, fast-reacting catalytic converter under the floor, which delivers cleaner emissions and Euro Stage V compliance.

6-speed manual transmission
The transmission of the new Mazda 3 MPS uses a compact, three-shaft design that keeps the overall length the same as a 5-speed manual transmission. It uses a wide gear ratio setting that can fully exploit the wide torque band of the DISI Turbo engine, with a sixth gear that contributes to a quieter ride and improved fuel economy when driving at high speed. Each gear is set to a higher speed total gear ratio than on the previous model. Of particular note is the natural feel of shifting between first and second gear as the car picks up speed, as well as the smooth feel of successive shifts while accelerating.

Newly-developed tyres
The Dunlop 225/40R18 tyres for the MPS are wider than on the previous model. By improving the grip of the tyres, the rigidity of their sidewalls and damping strength - along with the systems that bear the input from the tires, including body rigidity, suspension rigidity, and steering support rigidity - the new Mazda 3 MPS delivers response with a more direct feel, and a stronger sense of oneness between the driver and car.

The Steering updates and EHPAS
The new Mazda 3 MPS now employs three highly rigid steering gear mount bushings instead of the two used on the previous model. The system also features electro-hydraulic power assisted steering (EHPAS), which adjusts control in accordance with vehicle speed and steering angle to realize precise, solid response for an outstanding feel to steering wheel operation.

Robust brakes and new electronic brake assist
Large diameter 320 mm ventilated disc brakes in the front and 280 mm solid discs in the rear combine with an 8+9 inch tandem brake booster and 1-inch large diameter master cylinder to realize powerful and stable braking. Electronic brake assist replaces the previous mechanical system, and four-wheel ABS and DSC are also standard equipment.

Nissan LEAF

Nissan LEAF 2011

Nissan LEAF ushers in a new era of mobility - the zero-emission era. The car is the embodiment of Nissan's radical, transformative vision for the future and the culmination of decades of investment and research.

Key characteristics of the Nissan LEAF include:
* Zero-emission power train and platform
* Affordable pricing
* Distinctive design
* Real-world range autonomy - 160km (100 miles)
* Connected Mobility: Advanced intelligent transportation (IT) system

The "LEAF" name is a significant statement about the car itself. Just as leaves purify the air in nature, so Nissan LEAF purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience. Pricing details will be announced closer to start of sales in late 2010; however, the company expects the car to be competitively priced in the range of a well-equipped C-segment vehicle. Additionally, Nissan LEAF is expected to qualify for an array of significant local, regional and national tax breaks and incentives in markets around the world. As an added benefit, because the vehicle has less mechanical complexity than a traditional gasoline-powered car, Nissan LEAF is designed to be friendly to the wallet as well as to the environment.

The ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY
The Nissan LEAF is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90kW, while its electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm. This ensures a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered automobiles.

Unlike internal-combustion engine (ICE) equipped vehicles, Nissan LEAF's power train has no tail pipe, and thus no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases. A combination of Nissan LEAF's regenerative braking system and innovative lithium-ion battery packs enables the car to deliver a driving range of more than 160km (100 miles) on one full charge.

A REAL-WORLD CAR
The engineers and designers behind Nissan LEAF worked to create a competitively priced real-world car that would enable Nissan to lead mobility into the zero-emission era. To ensure comfort, spaciousness and cargo capacity, Nissan LEAF employs a completely new chassis and body layout.

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN
Even the smallest details can yield tremendous effect.
The Nissan LEAF's frontal styling is characterized by a sharp, upright V-shaped design featuring long, up-slanting light-emitting diode (LED) headlights that employ a blue internal reflective design that announces, "This car is special." But the headlights do more than make a statement.

CONNECTED MOBILITY IT SYSTEM
Nissan LEAF employs an exclusive advanced IT system. Connected to a global data center, the system can provide support, information, and entertainment for drivers 24 hours a day.
Other state-of-the-art feature is the ability to use mobile phones to turn on air-conditioning and set charging functions - even when Nissan LEAF is powered down. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries.

HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY AND ECO-FRIENDLY INNOVATION
Nissan LEAF is a critical first step in establishing the era of zero-emission mobility; however, Nissan recognizes that internal-combustion engine (ICE) technologies will play a vital role in global transportation for decades to come. Because of this, Nissan is implementing its zero-emission vision through a holistic approach, which provides consumers a comprehensive range of eco-friendly technologies from which to choose.

While zero-emission is the ultimate goal, the company is committed to ongoing innovation in eco-friendly technologies that increase efficiency and reduce emissions. As a result, Nissan offers a comprehensive suite of automotive technologies, including CVT, Idle Stop, HEV, Clean Diesel, and ongoing research and investment in FCV technology.


WORLDWIDE PARTNERS
Zero-emission mobility programs under the banner of the Renault-Nissan Alliance include partnerships with countries such as the UK and Portugal, local governments in the Japan and the USA, and other sectors, for a total of nearly 30 partnerships worldwide.

THE ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE PRODUCTION
The Nissan LEAF is the first in the company's forthcoming line of EVs and is a major milestone in the realization of the Renault-Nissan Alliance's vision for zero-emission mobility. The first of Nissan's EV's will be manufactured at Oppama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for Smyrna, Tennessee, USA. Meanwhile, lithium-ion batteries are being produced in Zama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for the USA, the UK and Portugal, and other sites for investment are under study around the world.

Suzuki Kizashi Concept

Suzuki Kizashi Concept 2007

The Suzuki Kizashi Concept gives a glimpse of the direction Suzuki will be taking in the third phase of their world strategy.

Though Suzuki is known for excellence in compact cars and full-fledged four-wheel-drive sport utility vehicles, we're now getting ready to expand into full-size passenger cars, and the Suzuki Kizashi Concept highlights this exciting new initiative. In the Suzuki Kizashi Concept, strength and flexibility are combined in a way that makes the car an impressive status symbol for its owner; a car that never fails to stir the spirit.