autoMedia Auto News Blog : Hatchbacks

Pricing: 2010 Acura ZDX

admin — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:42:00 GMT

Since the 2010 Acura ZDX was unveiled , there has been debate over what it is. Based on a platform shared with the MDX SUV , the ZDX looks like a cross between a coupe and sedan, with an elevated ride and premium execution. Regardless of how you perceive this genre-defining vehicle, it definitely has class. And the price of entry we now know will be $45,495, plus $810 destination charges, when it goes on sale December 15. The ZDX will be available in three trim packages: the well-equipped ZDX; ZDX with Technology Package; and the ZDX with Advance Package. All versions are powered by a 3.7-liter, 300-horsepower V-6 with a six-speed automatic transmission. And each benefits from the “super handling” SH-AWD system that aids enthusiastic driving and all-weather traction. Standard features include the world's longest panoramic glass roof, hand-stitched leather interior, Bluetooth connectivity, power tailgate, and a premium AM/FM/XM/CD audio system with iPod. The ZDX with Technology Package adds navigation with voice recognition and real-time traffic information, real-time weather with radar image maps, and a multi-view rear camera. In addition, the Technology Package upgrades the stereo...(read more)

LA Preview: 2011 Mazda2

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:25:00 GMT

Mazda will introduce its award-winning Mazda2 subcompact to North America at the LA Auto Show. It is offered in sedan, three-door hatchback, and five-door hatchback body styles in other markets, though it looks like it will be the five-door that makes its American debut. The Mazda2 shares its platform with the much promoted Ford Fiesta, another international import being unveiled for the first time in American trim in LA. (Read: " Ford Fiesta to Arrive in 2010 .") Overseas, the Mazda2 is offered with diesel and gasoline powertrains, though it is anticipated that it will have a traditional 1.6-liter gas engine for the U.S. market. Details will be revealed in a few days, but it will likely have a 120-hp four-cylinder with a choice of six-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission. The Ford is relatively refined for a small car, agile, and generally rather entertaining. We would expect the Mazda2 would be, as well. And we look forward to verifying that assertion. See our highlights from the 2008 LA Auto Show ....(read more)

Hyundai Boosts Accent MPG for 2010

admin — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 02:03:00 GMT

Hyundai continues to sing the Blues as it applies fuel-saving tweaks to the Accent line, as it has done with the Elantra . For the 2010 model year, all Accents benefit from aerodynamic enhancements, reduced engine friction, a “smart” alternator management system, optimized thermostat, and low-rolling resistance tires. As a result, fuel economy is improved across the board by 1 mpg in the city and highway. The base model is now the Accent Blue. As with the Elantra Blue , this car receives further enhancements to make it the thriftiest of the line. Here, the Accent has a lowered ride height and revised gear ratios. These tweaks help to achieve 27 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. Turns out, the better-equipped GS three-door hatchback matches those numbers with an automatic transmission, but it trails 1 mpg in the combined figures due to rounding. Pricing for the Blue starts at just $10,000. It is a fairly bare-bones car, with even air conditioning being optional. The GS would have broader appeal without true mileage compromises. It is more comfortably equipped with an auto tranny, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, rear wiper, and additional convenience features. It is made even more appealing...(read more)

Nissan To Take Reservations For Leaf EV

admin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:23:00 GMT

Reacting to strong interest in its five-door electric car, Nissan will accept reservations for the Leaf in spring 2010. To date, about 22,000 people have contacted Nissan about this significant EV. (See our Nissan Leaf preview.)

The Leaf uses laminated compact lithium-ion batteries that generates 90kW, routing 80kW to the electric motor. The batteries can be recharged up to 80-percent full in under 30 minutes with a quick charger. At home, it would take about eight hours to fully recharge via a 200-volt outlet. Nissan claims the Leaf 100-mile range – ample for the daily needs of most drivers. Pricing hasn't been announced, though Nissan says it will significantly undercut the Chevrolet Volt, and it may be well under $30,000 with federal incentives.

About 70 percent of the people in North America who have inquired about the reside in markets where the all-electric zero-emission car first will be brought to market. This strong consumer reaction has Nissan hoping to secure 20,000 reservations before the car goes on sale late 2010. The Leaf will be sold globally, with plans for it to be sold in Europe, Japan, and the United States 2010. Beginning in late 2012, Nissan will manufacture the Leaf and its advanced lithium-ion battery pack for the U.S. market at the company’s plant in Smyrna, Tenn. Initially, the Leaf will be sourced from Japan.

Learn more about the Leaf reservation process. And before you commit, be sure to read our Chevrolet Volt first drive.

Read: "Electric Vehicles: Pros and Cons"

Frankfurt: Mini Cooper Coupe Concept

admin — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:19:00 GMT

Designed to be the most dynamic and agile Mini ever built, the Mini Cooper Coupe makes its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week. Production intent has not been announced for this concept, though the automaker says it aims to offer a varied and exciting range of small premium cars to customers in the coming years and has reaffirmed that a crossover model is in the final stages of development.

Looking like a chopped Cooper hatchback with a toupee, the coupe retains all the essential Mini styling cues below the beltline. Despite the dramatic look, it measures just two inches lower than a production hatchback. The roof is constructed of weight-saving aluminum, and it visually lowers the profile while retaining head room.

Inside, there is sculpted, two-tone bucket seating for just the driver and a front passenger. The interior appears common with the production cars, with the exception of two Chronoswiss clocks to the right and left of the tachometer remniscient of earlier Mini concept cars. Rear luggage space is access via a liftgate hinged above the rear spoiler.

Mini says the car was engineered to accept the most powerful engine in the current line-up, the 1.6-liter turbocharged four found in the John Cooper Works models. Presumably, it could therefore also be fitted with a thriftier, naturally aspirated powerplant.

Public reaction will no doubt be a key influence in this concept car’s chances to see production.

Read our Mini Cooper Clubman and John Cooper Works reviews.

Sneak Peek: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:41:00 GMT

After much teasing, Honda has released official images previewing its upcoming 2010 Crosstour – a hatchback Accord variant with crossover pretensions. It promises to combine the pleasing Accord driving experience with an elevated ride height and hatchback versatility. Its most direct competition will be the Toyota Venza.

The coupe-inspired design theme will also be employed on the upcoming Acura ZDX, a crossover model shown at 2009 New York International Auto Show. Based on the MDX platform, the ZDX will be positioned between the MDX and RL when it goes on sale this fall.

Despite the Crosstour going on sale in early October, no real information has been released beyond design speak and genre-bending hyperbole. We do know that Crosstour will be positioned atop the Accord range when it goes on sale, suggesting pricing may start in the high $20s and extend into the $30s.

For those anxious to connect with the Crosstour, Honda has set up a Crosstour Facebook page. If following a car on a social network seems a bit much, rest assured we’ll report more details here when they become available.

Unveiled: 2010 Acura ZDX

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 01:43:00 GMT

Acura has provided an official look at its new ZDX four-door sports crossover thingy, and it looks much like the concept vehicle last seen at the 2009 New York auto show. The ZDX is based on the MDX SUV platform, and it will be positioned between the MDX and flagship RL luxury sedan. While it shares basic bodystyle with the upcoming Honda Crosstour, the two vehicle are not related.

The ZDX touts a 3.7-liter V-6 engine with 300 horsepower and 270 lbs.-ft. of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. All ZDX models will use Acura’s “Super Handling” all-wheel-drive system, and standard wheels measure 19 inches.

Befitting a premium car, the ZDX will be outfitted with a panoramic glass roof, hand-stitched leather interior, Bluetooth connectivity, power tailgate, and AM/FM/XM stereo with CD player and USB input.

The Technology Package adds a navigation system, premium surround-sound audio system, and rearview camera. The Advance Package adds a blind-spot detection system, active anti-collision system, and adaptive cruise control.

Pricing has not been announced yet, but it is expected to start in the low to mid $40k range when it goes on sale this coming winter.

For a more affordable alternative, read about the 2010 Honda Crosstour.

Coming Soon: 2010 Honda Crosstour

admin — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:08:00 GMT

In what has to be among the shortest press releases ever issued, Honda announced today that the Accord Crosstour would go on sale this fall. Honda promises real information will be provided closer to when the vehicle arrives at dealers.

However, Honda may having given us a glimpse at this genre-bending car type with the Acura ZDX concept shown at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. Recent spy photos posted at AutoBlog and elsewhere reveal a similar coupe-profile with Accord bodywork on a Crosstour test mule. These cars have a sloped rear like the Volkswagen Passat CC, though it features hatchback.

The body style seems distinctly European, where automotive versatility is highly prized. However, the Crosstourer will be based on the American-market Accord platform, which is larger than the Euro Accord seen Stateside as the Acura TSX. The Accord Crosstour will be a distinctive vehicle that offers a more sedan-like alternative to the heavy Toyota Venza.

We’ll share more information on the Accord Crosstour as it becomes available. The MDX-based ZDX also goes on sale in the fall.

See our complete 2009 New York auto show coverage.

Research Honda models in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide.

Special Edition: 2010 Kia Soul Denim

admin — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:30:00 GMT

Kia injected some much-needed personality into its lineup with the funky, Scion-fighting Soul. (Read the full Kia Soul preview.) Without skipping a beat, the Korean automaker is bringing out its first special edition model, dubbed Denim Soul. The name reminds of a certain Levi jeans partnership that resulted in a memorable AMC Gremlin with denim upholstery. Not to worry, Kia has just played off the name for a blue with white cosmetic treatment.

A blue-jean body color is offset by white side-view mirrors with matching white 18-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, and a single white racing stripe. The Denim Soul is based on the Soul+ model, which includes cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, and dual 12-volt power outlets. In addition, the Denim features a hamster-pleasing Audio Upgrade Package (center speaker, subwoofer, external amplifier, and speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music), an iPod connection cable and steering wheel controls, moonroof, and fog lights.

Denim Soul pricing starts at $17,300 with a five-speed manual transmission and $18,250 with an automatic.

See how the Kia Soul compares against the Nissan Cube and Scion xB.

Mini to Add 17 New Dealers – Any Near You?

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:08:00 GMT

Mini has weathered the economic storm well, being laser-focused on fun, fuel-efficient vehicles. The larger Clubman broadened the brand’s appeal, and there is reported a new crossover type model now in the works. Where other company’s are cutting their dealer body by the hundreds, Mini is about to increase its by 20 percent over the next 18 months. (Read our Mini Cooper Clubman and Mini John Cooper Works reviews.)

Of course, that is a modest 17 new stores, added to the current 83. This speaks well to Mini USA’s health and future prospects. Further, it means Mini dealers will be more accessible to shoppers and owners. A critical weakness for consumers has been how few and far between dealers are, compounded by the fact that BMW dealers won’t service the Mini Coopers. This made it hard for owners, making routine maintenance a logistical challenge that may involve time off from work and considerable drives.

Well, that will soon change in Birmingham, Alabama. In addition, Mini will later open dealerships in the following cities: Pensacola, Florida; Alexandria, Virginia; Austin, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Fort Myers, Florida; El Paso, Texas; Ontario, California; Louisville, Kentucky; Raleigh, North Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee; Loveland, Colorado; Madison, Wisconsin; Mount Laurel, New Jersey; Allentown, Pennsylvania; San Diego, California and Tempe, Arizona.

Research the Mini Cooper coupe, convertible, and Clubman in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide.

GM to End Pontiac Vibe

admin — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:31:00 GMT

When General Motors submitted its last viability plan to the Autos Task Force, it called for Pontiac to be phased out. It was expected that the Vibe hatchback would continue on for one more year, providing another fuel-efficient model in the shrinking corporate production portfolio. (In fact, the image here is of the 2010 Vibe.) But, GM announced this week that Vibe production would wind down in August.

GM sales figures for May show the Vibe down 46.6 percent, compared to the same month in 2008.

The Vibe is produced at the New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated (NUMMI) facility jointly operated by GM and Toyota in Fremont, California. The facility also builds the Toyota Corolla and Tacoma.

GM and Toyota are in active talks about a potential future product to be built at that facility.

A nice, little car with good fuel efficiency, it is a shame to see the Vibe go. It joins the entire Pontiac range as models expected to be heavily discounted this summer, though their future resale value may offset purchase discounts.

Read our 2009 Pontiac Vibe review.

Top 10 2009 Fuel-Efficient Favorites

Editor — Sat, 16 May 2009 05:57:00 GMT

While we’re more than six months away from ringing in the 2010 calendar year, and several manufacturers are already—or soon will be—selling 2010 models, we decided to piece together this list of the top 10 best-selling green cars for the 2009 model year, with city/highway mileage figures. Click on any of the make/model names to get pricing, specs and a brief overview about each in autoMedia.com’s 2009 New Car Buyer’s Guide.

1. 2009 Toyota Prius: 48/45

2. 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid: 40/45

3. 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid: 35/33

4. 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD: 29/27

5. 2009 Smart fortwo: 33/41

6. 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid: 33/34

7. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: 30/41

8. 2009 Toyota Yaris: 29/35

9. 2009 MINI Cooper: 26/34

10. 2009 Honda Fit: 28/35

And, even though sales results obviously aren’t in yet, here are some of the most significant new high-mileage competitors, one of which may just knock its own predecessor from the number one spot. Click on any of these to read the full road test review on autoMedia.com.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2010 Honda Insight

2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

2010 Toyota Prius

-Deborah Neal, Editorial Director

Pricing: 2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 01:41:00 GMT

When the 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid arrives at dealers in May, it will carry a base price of $22,000, plus $750 in destination charges. A less-equipped model will join the range in the summer, priced at $21,000 – within spitting distance of the Honda Insight base price.

All Prius models feature a new 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine that produces 98 horsepower. Together with its electric motor the hybrid system in the new Prius will generate a combined net horsepower of 134, an increase of 24 horsepower over the previous generation. Just as significant, or perhaps more so, Toyota promises improved fuel efficiency for 50 mpg combined EPA rating.

Standard convenience features on most models that include automatic air conditioning equipped with an electric air compressor; AM/FM/MP3 CD player with six-speakers and satellite radio capability; Smart Key system; LCD screen with an energy monitor and fuel consumption history; six-way adjustable driver seat; power door locks; auto up/down on all windows with window jam protection; cruise control; tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel with audio and HVAC controls; color-keyed foldable power heated side mirrors; dual sun visors with vanity mirrors; and tonneau cover. In addition, most models include antilock brakes, electronic stability control, and seven airbags, including driver knee protection. It is not yet clear how the low-cost base “Prius I” will be configured.

Five trim levels step their way up to $27,270, and they can be further equipped with high-tech options packages, extending to $32,000. Major options include a navigation system ($1,800), solar roof that can power the climate system ($3,600), and an advanced technology package with navigation, active cruise control, pre-collision system, and park assist.

Read our 2010 Toyota Prius review.

Ford Fiestas Arrive in U.S., Movement Underway

admin — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:40:00 GMT

The Ford Fiesta Movement is underway, with more than 3,300 car-loving, wired consumers submitting applications and videos in a competition to be among the lucky 100 chosen to live with a Fiesta. Those picked to drive the European-spec Fiesta will share their experiences online through social media sites such as Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube to build buzz and anticipation for the vehicle’s North American launch early next year. Yes, Ford is tapping millenials as the first marketing wave for this important product introduction. A clever plan, already competitors have shown the creative potential for this campaign.

As YouTube clogs with entries, the 100 cars have arrived at ports in Baltimore and Oxnard, California, shipped over from Ford’s Cologne Assembly Plant in Europe. If Ford has their way, these 100 cars will be busy and highly visible, including appearing at next month’s New York International Auto Show.

Beginning in late spring, the chosen participants, or “Fiesta Movement” agents, will be asked to complete monthly missions in their vehicles, capture their experiences digitally and share them with Ford and others through social networks.

Of the many Fiesta Movement videos, a few have stood out, including those by FiestaGrrl, Hugh, and Jane.

Have you seen any Fiesta Movement videos worth noting? If so, post the URL in the comments.

Learn more from “2011 Ford Fiesta – Marketing Millenials.” Research current Ford vehicles in the 2009 new car buyer's guide.

Preview: 2012 Tesla Model S Electric Sedan

admin — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 15:23:00 GMT

Electric-car maker Telsa has introduced the second product for its growing range, the 2012 Model S sedan. The sleek, all-electric sedan seats seven people and promises up to a 300-mile range per charge. Base prices will start at $49,900, after a federal tax credit of $7,500. (Notably, this is half the price of the Telsa Roadster, and therefore a relative bargain.) Three battery pack choices will offer a range of 160, 230, or 300 miles per charge. The company has not released further pricing details.

The standard Model S quietly zips 0-60 mph in under six seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph, with sport versions expected to achieve 0-60 mph acceleration well below five seconds.

With its onboard charger, the Model S can be recharged from any 120V, 240V, or 480V outlet, with the latter taking only 45 minutes. The floor-mounted battery pack is designed to be changed out in less time than it takes to fill a gas tank, allowing for the possibility of battery-pack swap stations.

The floor-mounted powertrain enables considerable cargo room and versatility, as the volume under the front hood becomes a second trunk. Combining that with a hatchback and flat folding rear seats, the Model S can accommodate a 50-inch television, mountain bike and surfboard simultaneously. This packaging efficiency gives the Model S more trunk space than any other sedan on the market.

A 17-inch touchscreen with in-car 3G connectivity allows passengers to listen to Pandora Radio or consult Google Maps, for example, or check their state of charge remotely from their iPhone or laptop.

The company believes it is close to receiving $350 million in federal loans to build the Model S assembly plant in California from the Dept of Energy’s Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program. If all goes according to plan, Model S production will start in late 2011.

Read: "Obama Grants $2.4 Billion for EV Development" and "Obama Pushes Review of State Emissions"

Browse the fuel economy articles in our Green Corner, including tips on improving your mpg.