Euro Auto Trends

Mazda UK is about to hit new highs in this year with record sales. This success comes on the back of the new Mazda MX-5, the new Mazda5, Mazda6 and continued buyers’ enthusiasm for the Mazda RX-8.

Mazda has built a reputation for manufacturing cars that stand out from the crowd with outstanding driving dynamics, and it is these attributes that are attracting ever more customers to the Mazda brand. Three models stand out for Mazda, all sports and performance cars and with Mazda taking 40% of the non-premium S-segment (sports cars) the Japanese marque really is Britain’s best loved sports car manufacturer.

The Mazda6 was the car that started the Mazda revolution, and last year it received a number of enhancements to the standard model. In January this year the high performance Mazda6 MPS was introduced, a subtle mixture of turbocharged 260ps MZR engine, four-wheel drive and Mazda design language that makes a welcome change to the overt styling of other Japanese performance cars.

The Ceed is a crucial new model for the fast-growing Korean automaker. Designed specifically for Europe, it is built in a brand-new factory in Slovakia and will only be sold across Europe, at least initially. The lengthy seven-year/150,000-kilometre guarantee will give the car a a^?~unique selling pointa^?? when it takes on the dominant VW Golf, Opel Astra and Ford Focus in the hard-fought European C-segment where five-door hatchback body styles dominate.

The Kia warranty covers the entire car (a^?~bumper to bumpera^?? is the US term) and there is an additional two yearsa^?? cover for the powertrain. The warranty will be free and transferable to subsequent owners, provided the vehicle is regularly maintained in accordance with the servicing schedule, though not necessarily at Kia dealers.

By just-auto.com

Mitsubishia^??s independent UK importer, the Colt Car Company, has decided to go ahead with imports of the tiny I A-class car currently on sale only in Japan. The latest Smart fortwo is based on the “i”.

With its stylish image and strong specification Mitsubishi Motors plan to position the “i” at the higher end of the A-segment with a provisional competitive price of A^?8,999. Created mainly for city based customers looking for a small, economical, yet hip car the “i” comes with a high level of standard equipment including 15″ alloy wheels, climate control, leather steering wheel and gear lever, radio/CD stereo and ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution).

The “i” features Mitsubishi’s new 660cc 3-cylinder 12-valve DOHC MIVEC intercooled turbocharged engine tuned to develop 64bhp @ 6,000 rpm and 93 Nm@3,000rpm. Exclusively mated to an INVECS-II 4-speed automatic gearbox, the “i” will achieve a 0-50mph time of 11.2 seconds with an estimated top speed of 90 mph.

Using a newly developed platform with rear-midship layout, mounting the engine under the floor just in front of the rear axle, the new “i” has exceptional interior space with a wheelbase of 2,550mm. With no engine at the front and the wheels at each corner of the bodyshell the cabin has moved forward giving an airy and roomy feel. The spacious interior is accentuated by the low-line dashboard and bowed windshield which gives panoramic views.

By Colt Car Company

Italian carmaker Fiat Auto and China’s Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. announced Tuesday that they have signed a memorandum of understanding to supply gasoline engines for Fiat cars produced both in and out of China.The two companies said they expect an annual supply exceeding 100,000 1.6 and 1.8 liter gasoline engines. Fiat SpA CEO Sergio Marchionne said the cooperation could be extended to powertrains and other automotive sectors.

“The agreement with Chery will give us the opportunity to further increase the competitiveness of our product range on the international markets,” Marchionne said in a statement. “Chery is a young and modern company with a solid technical background and I am glad to welcome this further step in our strategy of targeted alliances.”

By Associated Press