Citroen C-Crosser

Citroën has announced first details of its exciting new Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), that is set to add an extra dimension to the French manufacturer’s range when it goes on sale in Europe from summer 2007. The versatile Citroën C-Crosser boasts four-wheel drive capability, exceptional levels of space and comfort, as well as an advanced, fuel efficient HDi diesel engine equipped with environmentally-friendly Diesel Particulate Filter System.

Taking its name from the four-wheel drive concept car that Citroën first displayed at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show, the new C-Crosser’s elegant proportions (4.64m long, 1.81m wide and 1.73m high including roof bars) and powerfully sculpted design lines envelop sufficient interior space to seat up to seven passengers.

Immediately catching the eye, the C-Crosser’s robust good looks are fronted by the dominant chevrons that stretch across the bonnet into the streamlined front headlamps, ensuring that it is instantly recognisable as a Citroën. A multiple-ribbed bonnet, chunky wheel arches, the smart use of chrome detailing and the sleek window lines further enhance the C-Crosser’s dynamic styling.

The C-Crosser will be available with Citroën’s impressive, new generation 156bhp 2.2HDi engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Capable of producing 380Nm of torque this dieselpowerplant also boasts impressive green credentials, offering low fuel consumption, the ability to run on 30% bio-diesel and a Diesel Particulate Filter System that reduces particle emissions to virtually immeasurable levels.

With the C-Crosser’s integral transmission, drivers have a choice of three settings, dependent on road conditions and driving style: two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and a lock setting designed for low-grip conditions. Ensuring an optimum blend of comfort, road holding and off-road capability, Citroën’s new SUV is equipped with MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, combined with 18-inch Michelin tyres for added grip.

Occupants will also benefit from the easily reconfigured second and third row of seats, which can be folded away quickly and effortlessly to provide a flat floor and vast load space. The rear two seats can be completely hidden away under the floor, while the second row of seating, which slides to offer greater leg room or boot space, features a 60:40 split/fold function that is operated via electric controls in the boot.

Making it easier to load bulky objects, the tailgate opens in two sections. The lower part is able to support up to 200kg, allowing it to double up as an al fresco seat, perfect for owners with an SUV lifestyle based around a love of outdoor pursuits.

The new C-Crosser rounds off Citroën’s range of mid- and top-end cars, ensuring there is a vehicle to suit all needs, whether it be for an SUV, a versatile people carrier (C4 Picasso or C8), an executive saloon (C6) or a comfortable family car (C4 or C5). The Xsara Picasso and Berlingo Multispace MPVs dominate their respective sectors, while at the same time the Company is continuing to pursue its strategy of offering a range of individual yet complementary small cars, with the C1, C2, C3 and C3 Pluriel.

New Holden Captiva

Holden today announced it would offer four models across the range of its new Captiva sports utility vehicle, all powered by the Australian-built 3.2 litre Alloytec engine. Holden confirmed the flagship Captiva MaXX model, based on the Opel Antara in Europe, would be introduced to provide two distinctive offerings under the same nameplate. The Captiva lineup, to be introduced later this year, will include the SX, CX and LX models topped by Captiva MaXX.
All models will feature active all-wheel-drive, Descent Control System, cruise control and the acclaimed crash avoidance feature Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) as standard.
Side curtain airbags will be available across the range and standard on CX, LX and MaXX. Driver and front passenger airbags will be standard on all models, as will front and rear power windows. Captiva’s 3.2-litre Alloytec V6 engine will deliver peak power of 169 kilowatts at 6600rpm (Captiva MaXX 167kW @ 6600rpm) and peak torque of 297 Newton-metres at 3200 rpm. All Captiva models will have a five-speed automatic transmission, with Active Select at the gear shifter, as standard. GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, today said Captiva would give Holden a legitimate presence in the ultra-competitive SUV segment in Australia. ”Captiva has eye-catching appeal and extensive testing in Australia will ensure that it delivers Holden’s proven ride and handling requirements for local conditions,” Mr Mooney said.
“It has excellent interior flexibility, advanced safety technologies and offers a high level of specification across the range. Captiva represents an opportunity for Holden to make significant ground in the SUV segment.”

Toyota TRD Aurion

Toyota is drawing on its motorsport heritage to unveil a new performance brand at the Melbourne International Motor Show - TRD. TRD will offer vehicles that focus on refined performance and athletic driving dynamics. Its first two vehicles will be launched this year.

A division of Toyota Australia, the company's local engineers and designers draw on Toyota's global resources to develop the TRD vehicles in Australia. The first TRD performance vehicle, on display at the Melbourne show, will be based on the Aurion sedan and is due to be launched in the third quarter of this year. TRD's second model will be derived from the TRD HiLux Concept 4x4 double cab being shown in Melbourne and will be launched by the end of the year. Both new TRD vehicles will feature supercharged engines and a range of engineering and styling enhancements. TRD plans to expand and develop its model line-up, but has not released details. The TRD product range will be sold through a select network of TRD dealers drawn from the Toyota network.

"This is a world first for Toyota - and it is happening in Australia," said David Buttner, Toyota Australia senior executive director sales and marketing. It is the first time TRD has been established as a separate brand under Toyota. It is the first time anywhere in the world Toyota will engineer and market a range of complete vehicles under the TRD banner. We will increase the desirability of the Toyota brand by drawing on Toyota's motorsport heritage. TRD will add a new dimension to the Toyota brand in Australia."

The launch of the first TRD performance vehicles coincides with the 50th anniversary of Toyota's global involvement in motorsport. To mark the establishment of the performance-vehicle division, Toyota's rally team was last year renamed Team TRD.

"Motorsport is the ultimate test-bed for engineers," Mr Buttner said. "The lessons learnt by Team TRD in the forest will be applied to the development of the TRD range of performance vehicles. While Toyota will undertake all design and engineering development for TRD vehicles, final assembly will be carried out by our production supplier, Prodrive."
TRD Aurion at Melbourne Motor Show

Toyota's new performance sedan is one step closer to fruition with the TRD Aurion on display at the Melbourne International Motor Show. Toyota Style Australia finalised the look of the TRD Aurion under the direction of exterior designer Lee Moran and interior designer Anthony Cheung. The exterior aesthetic took inspiration from Toyota's Formula One car. Those influences are most evident in the graphic of the front splitter, the wheel design and the 'diffuser'-style rear. Mr Moran described the TRD Aurion as a vehicle that projects a "powerful and dynamic presence". To continue the F1 theme, Mr Cheung said the team worked on performance-oriented styling with a European flavour.

2008 Mazda2 – Mazda Demio

Well, to be honest, not much of a leak this time as only a couple of days remain before the all-new Mazda2 aka Mazda Demio in Japan, debuts at the 77th Geneva Motor Show. Unlike the current model whose conservative looks (unsuccessfully) balance between a semi-mini-mpv and a compact hatch, the new Mazda2 / Demio takes on a modern, you could even say a sporty approach to the mini-segment. That’s even more obvious in the versions fitted with the “Sports Appearance Package”. As you can see by the grey colored car in the pics, this pack adds a new front bumper with a wider and opposite angled air intake, a different grille, side skirts, a roof spoiler and larger alloys. Personally I like it however, I can’t help seeing some Toyota Yaris in it, but maybe that’s just me.

Despite the dark-colored interior trim of the car shown here, it’s obvious that Mazda designers wanted to create a “playful” environment for the Mazda2 – Demio. Maybe a bit too playful as the center console with the side air-vents looks like “Mickey-Mouse”, but ok, I definitely prefer this interior than the boring-to-death cabin of the current model.

There’s no official (full-length) press release out yet, but as noted in a previous post, we found a more analytical German press release on the car revealing that the 3.880 mm long and 1.690 mm wide Mazda2 –Demio will be offered in the beginning with three newly developed petrol engines: 1.3-liter producing 55 kW/75 HP and 62 kW/84 HP as well as a 1.5-liter with an output of 76 kW/103 HP. The new Mazda2 – Demio will go on sale in Europe in the summer with other markets following later on the year (the US will probably get it in 2008).

Honda Crossroad Mugen

Mugen wastes no time when it comes to offering accessories for new Honda models, and the debut of the Crossroad means that a full suite of tasty upgrades is available already. Those of you who find the Crossroad's Ford-esque grille off-putting take note: Mugen addresses the matter with a solid single-bar unit of its own. We like it.

Naturally, there's an aero kit to give the blocky CUV a lowered, more tunerrific look. No suite of upgrades would be complete without the obligatory aftermarket wheels, which in this case are available in a trio of finishes. A pair of sport mufflers are available, as well. One uses traditional round outlets, while another uses custom-shaped tips that blend perfectly with the
new Mugen rear skirt.

A bevy of trim pieces can be had as well, ranging from Mugen-branded license plate bolts to metallic covers for the rearview mirror. There's plenty more, so browse through their site to see everything there is to be had. Of course, it's all for fun, since we can't buy a Crossroad here anyway, but there's never anything wrong with a little window-shopping, right?

EDAG LUV

Fulda/Geneva “Cast off!” The new concept car from EDAG Engineering + Design AG will be making its first appearance on March 6, 2007, in Geneva – the “EDAG LUV”. The design concept of the “LUV” is based on an luxury-class SUV and incorporates a maritime look from bow to stern: oiled teakwood on the hood, as the flooring on the interior, and on the elegant cargo area conveys a maritime flair. But the “EDAG LUV” is a real eye-catcher in other respects as well: the cargo area, behind the two rows of seats with plenty of room for 5 passengers, has been outfitted with teakwood and distinctly resembles a quarterdeck – in keeping with the maritime look of the concept car.

The Module Concept of the “EDAG LUV” – An Economical Approach to Vehicle Derivatives
But the maritime design of the “EDAG LUV” is just the covering for a modular concept which makes it possible to turn vehicles into derivatives or niche vehicles at reasonable expenditures of time and money. In coming up with their shell concept, the EDAG team of engineers, headed by project manager Andreas Funk, set themselves the goal of using the greatest possible number of carry-over parts. The group can certainly be proud of the results of the intelligent module concept: 90% of the parts required to perform the metamorphosis of a luxury-class SUV into the “EDAG LUV” come off the parts shelf of the basic vehicle. For example, the extension of the floor pan by 512 mm was realized using original parts. The wheelhouses were also used without any modifications, as were the parts for the rear-end finish, which includes integration of the standard power-lift system from the sedan. “In addition to our efforts to use a maximum number of identical parts, we were especially careful to keep the existing production concept of the basic vehicle in mind during the development of the ‘EDAG LUV’,” explains Andreas Funk. “The self-supporting body can be completely welded using standard tongs. It goes without saying that we used simulation models during the development of the entire body concept to test crash behavior and rigidity so that we could guarantee the highest level of quality and safety.” The advantages of the EDAG module concept are obvious. Thanks to the use of identical parts and taking into account the production concept, a vehicle concept which is visually completely new can be realized under economically interesting conditions. “More and more end customers are asking for niche vehicles, and this type of design turns the production of such cars into a ‘business case’ for the manufacturers,” points out Johannes Barckmann, Head of Design at EDAG, in describing the concept.

The “EDAG LUV” – A New Vehicle Segment
“LUV”, the name of the concept car, is not only a term used by sailors (it is German for “luff”, the windward side of a vessel), but also defines a new vehicle segment – the luxury utility vehicle. “In taking the maritime world as a leitmotif for the design of the ‘EDAG LUV’, we deliberately selected a niche theme. We wanted to demonstrate in exemplary fashion that it is possible to create a distinctive vehicle class and not only to give a vehicle a new look. And to do that with as little technical effort as possible,” is how Johannes Barckmann explains the intentions behind the design concept. So the cargo area of the “EDAG LUV” is elegantly tied in with the passenger cell by the harmonious lines of the body design. The utility vehicle character so often evident in pick-up models is no longer discernible in the “EDAG LUV”. On the contrary, the “EDAG LUV” radiates elegance and autonomy and cannot be classified by any of the vehicle segments existing today. Yet the luxury image which has been created is only one example for the idea of a versatile vehicle concept. Speaking of versatile: the pick-up module can be exchanged for a convertible or coupe module simply by releasing a catch mechanism integrated into the body of the “EDAG LUV”. A clever move by the EDAG developers so that additional derivative variants can be realized flexibly and at low cost.