So what's in my driveway this week? The 2010 Kia Forte SX sedan. My impression thus far? Lots of power, very comfortable, sporty, and well appointed. I'm really impressed by the car's powerful 2.4-liter engine and firm suspension. It's one of the more fun cars I've driven lately. And although equipped with the five-speed automatic transmission, it's still fun. Kia still has the easiest Bluetooth integration I've found, too.
Chrysler Communications Manager, Scott Brown, confirmed yesterday that a 170 horsepower Fiat 500 will show up on the U.S. market. I spoke with Brown while attending a media preview of the 2010 Portland Auto Show. He specifically stated the turbocharged 170 hp engine would not be part of the initial Fiat 500 launch, but would indeed follow. The initial launch engine will make 100 hp.
The Fiat 500 should arrive in late 2010 or early 2011.
No real action in this vid, but it give you a good idea of what Ken Block's new Monster Engergy Ford Fiesta rally car looks like. Plus, you get to see Ken Block almost eat a fluorescent light bulb.
Subcompact Culture is two years old today, and I'm giving away SubcompactCulture.com decals. The decals are 1"x9" and available in silver, although I do have one pink decalif someone wants it. Supplies are limited, so get 'em while they're hot.
It seem like just yesterday a friend suggested I start a blog (to which I was admittedly skeptical), although I knew there were other small car enthusiasts out there. So, I made my first post and the rest was history. Subcompact Culture has been a great way to connect with small car fans from around the world, and goes to show that some people actually prefer to drive small cars. Small cars really are a big deal—just look at the crop of new b-segment, subcompact cars hitting the market!
A quick thanks to all the Web sites and businesses I've worked and partnered with thus far. But most of all, thank both of you all of you for reading!
Well, let's assume it's U.S. bound, anyway. Autobloghas posted spy photos of the new sixth-generation Swift. Be sure to check out Autoblog's article for more photos.
I'm big of the latest crop of Suzuki cars, and an owner of a 2009 SX4 AWD. I truly think that when (hopefully not "if") the Swift comes to the States, it will only add to the company's up-and-coming reputation. And for American Suzuki's sake, hopefully it will be a big seller. It certainly seems popular everywhere else.
The blog, Fiat 500 USA, is saying that the U.S. Market Fiat 500 will have 170 hp and 170 ft.lbs. of torque from its turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir engine. The blog also says there will be a normally aspirated engine making 100 hp and 95 ft./lbs. or twist, too.
I was not able to verify this on Chrysler's media site, but hopefully the blog is right. A 170 hp Fiat 500 would be a rip-roarin' hoot to drive, especially with the car's low curb weight (under 2,300 lbs.). This would give the car power-to-weight ratio of 13.5 lb/hp.; better than a MINI Cooper S (15.6 lb/hp), but not quite as good as the John Cooper Works MINI (12.9 lb/hp).
There's a good discussion regarding the 500 on FocalJet.com, too. Check it out!
There has been a possible leak of photos of the fourthcoming MINI Countryman (also possibly known as the Crossman). You can see, it has four doors, a raised ride height, and some other styling cues that set it apart from a Cooper. Allegedly, it will have an AWD system, too. Perhaps the Suzuki SX4 will have some competition in the subcompact AWD market.
To me, this vehicle looks like an afterthought. I think the styling missed its mark. Then again, perhaps that's because I'm accustom to seeing a MINI Cooper and thinking that's what a MINI should look like. The miniature rear side windows remind me of the old Toyota Corolla All Trac wagons. Their rear side glass was smaller than the other side glass, too. I am, however, glad to see another subcompact AWD vehicle possibly going on sale in the U.S. ... maybe?
I've always had a thing for the two-door Toyota RAV4s, which were sold in the U.S. from 1996-1999 (including convertible form). This RAV4 from Hungary has a turbocharger and a lot of suspension modifications. I want one.
Then there's this turbo RAV4 from Mauritius, I believe. It sure looks (and sounds fast). The driver is obviously pretty darn good, too!
The first Daewoo car in the U.S. was the 1988 Pontiac LeMans, which was sold until 1993. Six years later, Daewoo decided to enter the U.S. market under its own name. There were three vehicles sold: The Nubira (sedan and wagon), the Leganza sedan, and the subcompact Lanos hatchback and sedan.
The little Lanos was powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC engine making 106 hp through either a five-speed manual or a four-speed auto. Most automotive journalists said the Lanos was slow and unrefined, and drove like a car that was already several years old. However, handling was better than average. Fuel economy was 22 city, 32 highway. Daewoos also got roadside assistance. There were a few different models throughout the years including S, SE, SX, then later, Sport trims. Options included ABS, A/C, power windows, tachometer, alloy wheels, and more. Overall, the vehicle was not well liked by the automotive press.
When gussied up with Sport trim, the Lanos didn't look too bad, in my opinion; I actually kind of liked it. You could get attractive five-spoke alloys, a sporty front end, rear spoiler, and even red leather seats and trim. Super Street magazine did a feature on a supercharged Lanos from Australia, and titled it the "Howler from Down Under." It had 17" wheels, lowering springs, and a host of other upgrades. However, the Lanos never got much of the tuner treatment in the U.S.
Compton, CA-based Daewoo Motors America initially went with a nontraditional method of roping in buyers. Instead of an extensive dealership network, the company recruited college students to promote the vehicles. However, eventually, dealerships started to pop up, and Daewoo dropped the student promoters. In 2000, Daewoo declared itself "the fastest growing car company in America," with a sales increase of 123% over 1999 sales (source). In 2001, Daewoo sold 15,619 Lanos models (source).
But even as Daewoo—the second largest Korean conglomerate behind Hyundai—entered the U.S. market, the company was in a messy financial situation, and declared bankruptcy in 2000. (Daewoo's collapse remains the largest corporate failure in Korean history.) In 2002, General Motors bought a large part of Daewoo Motors, but not Daewoo Motors America, and thus DMA declared bankruptcy. This left the dealerships in limbo, and owners wondering what will happen with parts and service.
The Lanos was essentially succeeded by the introduction of the 2003 Chevrolet Aveo, which was (and still is) built by GM Daewoo in South Korea. American Suzuki was also saddled with GM Daewoo-built vehicles (Forenza, Reno, Verona) until 2008. And although the Aveo has gotten better over time, once again, there is only one Daewoo on the U.S. market, and it is again sold under a GM brand—just like the Pontiac LeMans.
Daewoo owners can still find parts by visiting www.daewoous.com.
I really like the Nissan Cube. We're now starting to see some custom gen-three Cubes come out of both Japan and the U.S. One of the best looking kitted out examples I've found I ran across on Nissan Cube Life. This Cube wears a host of Exclusive Zeusaero parts from Japan, including (I believe) the company's wheels. So simple, so clean. I like.
I recently met Tae-young Yoon, the Team Leader of a new Web site called KarFarm. This site has a whole bunch of different tools to help people find cars and more. From reviews to dealer inventory, a magazine section to a dealership finder, KarFarm has a lot to offer car shoppers and car enthusiasts alike.
I'll be contributing some content to KarFarm, and think it's a really neat site. Be sure to check it out! You can also find them on Facebook and on Twitter.
As you may have heard, Honda has shown us the production version of its highly anticipated CR-Z hybrid. Dubbed a "Sport Hybrid Coupe" by Honda, many people were hoping for a worthy successor to the iconic CRX. There's been a lot of buzz, so here are my two cents.
THE CRX ... The CRX was always light weight, maneuverable, frugal, and fairly inexpensive. It was a Spartan front-wheel driver with two seats, and although it didn't have tons of power (never more than 108 hp in the U.S.), it never weighed much, either (no more than 2,174 lbs.). That equated to one of the most fun cars you could buy that drove the wrong wheels front wheels—and you could get up to 50 mpg with the HF model. Even the sporty Si got an EPA estimated 32/35 MPG.
2011 CR-Z SPECS When Honda put out its press release at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show last week, the car's specifications looked a bit underwhelming to those hoping for an updated CRX.
According to the press release, the CR-Z will make 122 hp and twist 128 ft./lbs. of torque and and get 36 city, 38 highway with the CVT, and 31/37 with the six-speed manual. Wait—isn't his a hybrid? Not exactly impressive, eh? Allegedly, the car will weigh 2,800 lbs., no doubt due to its heavy batteries. So 2,800 lbs with only 122 hp/128 tq doesn't sound like we should expect too much performance.
However, this is the missing link: performance numbers. If this thing is mega quick and handles like a Ferrari—or at least an AcruaRSX—then perhaps the haters will be somewhat silenced. And maybe it has fantastic driving dynamics. Then again, with the power-to-weight ratio, perhaps there won't be much to see.
CR-Z STYLING The other bane of those hoping for a new CRX is the CR-Z's styling, most notably the overly large frontal overhang. Indeed, there is a lot of material in front of the front wheels. This is classically something that does not contribute to a sporty look. Although I'm not a fan of the front end, I do like the car's rear, and I like the interior, too. And, with the optional 17" wheels, I don't think it looks too bad, even with the overbite.
BOTTOM LINE I'm withholding a final verdict until I can 1) see the car in person, 2) read some performance numbers, and 3) drive one. However, thus far, these specs, fuel economy—and the frontal overhang—aren't too hot.
What really gets me is the fuel economy, though. A non-hybrid, manual-transmission-equipped 2010 Honda Fit gets 33 highway MPG. The much larger Honda Insight hybrid gets 40/43 MPG. The old Insight hybrid got 49/59 with a manual transmission, and it was a two-door coupe, too. So, why does a new tiny hybrid two-door coupe only get 37 highway MPG? The answer, I'm hoping, is because of outstanding performance ... but I'm not holding my breath.
Anyway, check out the video from the introduction at the Detroit Auto Show:
A number of outlets are reporting that the turbocharged Aveo RS is indeed going into production. Undoubtedly, many of the features will not transition from the concept to the production model (huge wheels, massive brakes, etc.). However, allegedly, Chevy is saying the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine (making apparently 138 hp and 148 ft./lbs. of torque) will make it into production as is.
Chevy is also saying the Aveo RS will slot between the lower-level Chevy Spark and the compact Chevy Cruze (which will also have the 1.4-turbo engine).
What I haven't seen or read is whether or not the Aveo RS will be a Korean-built Daewoo, of if this will be on a different platform built somewhere else. Regardless, this car could make things interesting, especially if priced right.
The people at Ford must be pretty happy. Not only did the Ford Fusion Hybrid get picked as North American Car of the Year at the Detroit Auto Show, but the Ford Transit Connect won North American Truck of the Year. It's the first time a front-wheel-drive only vehicle has won the Truck of the Year; it's also most certainly the smallest vehicle to win the award.
I've ridden in a Transit Connect and thought it was a really neat vehicle; something super practical and economical. It also makes you wonder what the true definition of "truck" is. Regardless, congratulations to Ford for the double win.
There appears to be some understandable confusion regarding the Chevrolet Aveo RS shown at Detroit yesterday, the allegedly forthcoming Chevrolet Spark, Chevrolet Beat, and so on. Let's try to make some sense of this ...
This is the upcoming Chevrolet Spark for the North American Market (click the name to go to the official Web site).
This is the currently available Chevrolet Beat, which is sold in India. It looks like a production version of the above-posted USDM Spark.
This is the currently available Chevrolet Spark, which is also sold in India. The Spark is a rebadged Daewoo Matiz.
This is the Aveo RS concept which debuted at the Detroit Auto Show yesterday.
Since its debut in 2004, the Chevrolet Aveo has been best known for one thing: Being inexpensive. Although there are Aveo fans out there, most people think of the smallest Chevy as the lowest common denominator in the subcompact segment. That is likely about to change.
The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo RS concept debuted at the 2010 Detroit International Auto Show today, and if I do say so myself, it looks great. Riding on 19" wheels, the Aveo RS's stance looks mean, it's front and rear end treatments look sophisticated and aggressive, and it's interior looks great. The goodness isn't just skin deep, either. Under the the hood lies the upcoming Chevrolet Cruze's turbocharged 1.4-liter engine making 138 hp and 148 ft./lbs. or torque mated to a manual (six speed?) gearbox. This would undoubtedly make the Aveo RS a hoot to drive. The car's underpinnings are apparently related to the Opel Corsa's—a car that I always hoped GM would bring to the States.
Keep in mind the Aveo RS is just a concept at this point, and there hasn't been any confirmation on this turbocharged hatch going into production. I would love it if, of all companies, GM brought back the affordable hot hatch to the market. I know what you're thinking: the MINI Cooper S is available. However, it starts at $22,300, which is still a good chunk of dough.
What gets me all giddy inside is the idea of more turbo hot hatches in the U.S. Again. Along with the MINI Cooper S and forthcoming Fiat 500 Abarth, you might have the Chevy Aveo RS, the Ford Fiest EcoBoost, the Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart, and potentially the VW Polo GTI. All that's a nice dream, I suppose. I guess I should just wait and see if the Aveo RS even makes it out of the gate.
However, the concept is a real head turner, and gets my gears turning.
UPDATE: Join the lively discussion about the Aveo RS on the Micro Image forums.
Rally driver and Internet superstar, Ken Block, is trading in his Subaru WRX rally car for a Ford Fiesta rally car. Block signed with Ford and also has Monster Energy Drink, DC Shoes (of which he co-founded), Dirt2, and Castrol.
Perhaps even bigger news is that Block will be competing in the famed World Rally Championship aka the WRC in a Ford Fiesta. This will make him the first American to compete in the series. Now that's pretty sweet.
Well isn't this interesting. Inside Line is reporting that the forthcoming Scion iQ, known as the Toyota iQ everywhere else in the world, will be sold in the U.S. as a hybrid. And to top it off, the States will be getting five-door and sedan bodystyles.
Inside Line is also saying the hybrids will come with a 1.5-liter engine/electric motor combination driving the front wheels and producing 100-120 hp. The price? Expected to be around $15,000. The mileage? About 60 MPG.
So does this mean the U.S. won't get the tiny three-door Smart ForTwo fighter pictured above? Inside Line says three door and convertible non-hybrid versions of the iQ will be sold through Scion dealers, as well. These will be powered by 1.3-liter, 93 hp engines.
With Scion sales slumping and the product line rapidly aging, the brand needs to hit a home run with the iQ. Sales of the similarly sized Smart ForTwo have been in the toilet, and the ForTwo has been panned for its no-so-impressive fuel economy, lackluster transmission, and rather high price since the get go. Perhaps the iQ will do all of the things well that the Smart does poorly (including be less expensive). And, with a more diverse model range and seating for more than two people, maybe it will even be a sales success.
December 2009 proved to be a strong month compared to December of '08, with several models showing gains. In fact, next to August's astounding "Cash for Clunkers" sales, December had the most models posting improvements over the previous year.
The Korean makes again dominated the top two spots with the Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio posting sales of more than 120% compared to December of last year. Even the Korean-made Chevrolet Aveo posted an impressive 48.8% gain compared to this time last year. Six makes posted positive gains in 12/09. The largest—and only—gain of the year in this segment was the Hyundai Accent, which did 35% better in '09 vs. '08.
The low spots weren't quite as low as some other months, with the exception of the Smart ForTwo, which posted a -63.1% loss for 12/09—the largest decrease of the month. The largest yearly loss was the Scion xD, down 47.6%.
Make/Model
Dec. '09 vs Dec. '08
2008 vs. 2009
Total sold in '09
Hyundai Accent
+126.4%
+35.0%
68,086
Kia Rio
+120.3%
-5.1%
34,666
Chevrolet Aveo
+48.8%
-30.4%
38,516
Nissan Versa
+32.5%
-2.7%
82,906
Toyota Yaris
+5.5
-37.7%
63,743
Suzuki SX4
0%
-30.0
20,704
MINI Cooper
-2.2%
-16.4%
45,225
Scion xD
-8.7%
-47.6%
14,499
Honda Fit
-15.8%
-15.6%
67,315
Smart ForTwo
-63.1%
-40.7%
14,595
Kia Soul
--
--
31,621
Nissan Cube
--
--
21,471
Pontiac G3
--
--
6,223
Here are the overall 2009 totals for the year from highest to lowest:
We'll here's a New Small Concept by Honda. No really, it's called the "New Small Concept." Slated for sale in 2011 and debuting at the Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi, the car will be intended for the Indian and Thai markets, perhaps taking aim at the Tata Nano, although it will likely be a bit more expensive. Honda is saying the car will be very efficient and will seat five people.
I think it's great looking car; the rear pillar/glass area even looks a tad Mercedes-like to me. It will be interesting to see the full production version. However, Honda typically doesn't deviate too much from its concepts.
The Nissan LEAF recently visited Portland, OR on the Nissan LEAF tour, and I was invited to check it out. Be sure to check my article on ThePortlander.com regarding Nissan's all-electric car. The LEAF will play a prominent role in Portland's electric vehicle movement (the city is installing 2,500 charging stations), as well as several other major cities throughout the U.S. and Canada.
There has been a possible leak of photos of the fourthcoming MINI Countryman (also possibly known as the Crossman). You can see, it has four doors, a raised ride height, and some other styling cues that set it apart from a Cooper. Allegedly, it will have an AWD system, too. Perhaps the Suzuki SX4 will have some competition in the subcompact AWD market.
The little Lanos was powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC engine making 106 hp through either a five-speed manual or a four-speed auto. Most automotive journalists said the Lanos was slow and unrefined, and drove like a car that was already several years old. However, handling was better than average. Fuel economy was 22 city, 32 highway. Daewoos also got roadside assistance. There were a few different models throughout the years including S, SE, SX, then later, Sport trims. Options included ABS, A/C, power windows, tachometer, alloy wheels, and more. Overall, the vehicle was not well liked by the automotive press.
When gussied up with Sport trim, the Lanos didn't look too bad, in my opinion; I actually kind of liked it. You could get attractive five-spoke alloys, a sporty front end, rear spoiler, and even red leather seats and trim. Super Street magazine did a feature on a supercharged Lanos from Australia, and titled it the "Howler from Down Under." It had 17" wheels, lowering springs, and a host of other upgrades. However, the Lanos never got much of the tuner treatment in the U.S.
The Lanos was essentially succeeded by the introduction of the 2003 Chevrolet Aveo, which was (and still is) built by GM Daewoo in South Korea. American Suzuki was also saddled with GM Daewoo-built vehicles (Forenza, Reno, Verona) until 2008. And although the Aveo has gotten better over time, once again, there is only one Daewoo on the U.S. market, and it is again sold under a GM brand—just like the Pontiac LeMans.
I really like the Nissan Cube. We're now starting to see some custom gen-three Cubes come out of both Japan and the U.S. One of the best looking kitted out examples I've found I ran across on Nissan Cube Life. This Cube wears a host of Exclusive Zeus aero parts from Japan, including (I believe) the company's wheels. So simple, so clean. I like.
Since its debut in 2004, the Chevrolet Aveo has been best known for one thing: Being inexpensive. Although there are Aveo fans out there, most people think of the smallest Chevy as the lowest common denominator in the subcompact segment. That is likely about to change.
We'll here's a New Small Concept by Honda. No really, it's called the "New Small Concept." Slated for sale in 2011 and debuting at the Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi, the car will be intended for the Indian and Thai markets, perhaps taking aim at the Tata Nano, although it will likely be a bit more expensive. Honda is saying the car will be very efficient and will seat five people.
The Nissan LEAF recently visited Portland, OR on the Nissan LEAF tour, and I was invited to check it out. Be sure to check my article on ThePortlander.com regarding Nissan's all-electric car. The LEAF will play a prominent role in Portland's electric vehicle movement (the city is installing 2,500 charging stations), as well as several other major cities throughout the U.S. and Canada.
