Live photos of all-new Suzuki Swift 3-door and 5-door (part 1)!!!

Yesterday the first batch of Suzuki Swifts arrived, including the 3-door version. All of them came from Hungary and I noticed that very few top-spec cars had also rear parking sensors fitted. I have to admit that although I still don't like the headlights much, overall it looks much better in reality and the interior is way better that its predecessor. The seat upholstery feels a bit cheap, but the seats should provide good support.

Some of them were also equipped with the auto gearbox and I feel that it is a shame that the CVT gearbox, which also has the option for changing gears via the paddle shifters, is available in Japan only. I really look forward for the Sport version.

Rendering of next-gen Honda Civic (2HC)

On the front cover of Japanese Mag-X magazine, there is a rendering of the next-gen 4-door Civic, codenamed 2HC. Unfortunately, I don't have any further info or access to read what Mag-X claims, but I will do my best in order to find out...

Honda Jazz Hybrid to debut in Paris

The Jazz Hybrid will make its world motor show debut at the Paris Motor Show in September and it will mark the first time a parallel hybrid vehicle has been available to B-segment consumers.

The new model will feature the same engine as the Insight hybrid, the 1.3 liter i-VTEC engine is combined with a CVT gearbox with an electric motor sandwiched between the two to create a parallel hybrid system. Like the Insight and Civic Hybrid models the Jazz Hybrid will be capable of running on the electric motor alone under some medium and low speed conditions.  

Visually the Jazz hybrid is distinguished from the current Jazz range with revised headlights, with a blue surround, clear rear lights, new front grille, restyled bumpers and a chrome tailgate garnish. The new hybrid will also be available in a range of existing colors plus a bespoke Lime Green metallic.

Inside the cabin is also given a fresh look with darker single color dashboard, which contrasts strongly with the blue lighting of the dials and stereo. The new hybrid is also available with leather trim, the first time this has been available on a Jazz model in Europe. The Jazz hybrid will go on sale in some European markets in the early part of 2011, prices and full specifications will be announced in due course.

Source: Honda

A glimpse of the new Suzuki Swift 3-door

Those photos appeared on the net showing the 3-door version of the new Swift with a bodykit as well.

To be honest, I am curious to see how the Sport version will look like and I hope that Suzuki will equip it with a decent engine (direct injection, stop/start system and a DSG style gearbox... please).

Daihatsu slightly upgrades Copen in Japan

Killed in Europe, the Copen will now be only available in Japan. Dressed with a new grill and front bumper, the Copen is also featuring a slightly modified interior with a new selection of steering wheels as well as leather seats.

The new Copen is now available across Daihatsu dealerships in Japan and is sold between 1.7 to 2.9 million Yen.

New special edition of Mitsuoka Himiko

Mitsuoka has released a special edition of Himiko, which is based on Mazda's MX-5. The soft-top model gest a two-tone scolour scheme, similar to the Himiko Classic HT equipped with a hardtop.

The Himiko is available with MX-5's 2.0 liter engine producing 170 hp when coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox and 162 hp when combined to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Production will be limited to 20 examples with prices starting from ¥4,880,000 in Japan.

Source: Mitsuoka

What we know about next-gen Honda Civic

My next car is going to be the new Civic, 4-door and made in Japan, which is expected to be introduced in 2011-2012.

So, what we already know, based on information from 2010 Mid-Year CEO's speech, is that the hybrid version of the Civic will be equipped with a high-output and compact lithium-ion battery, which will be supplied by Blue Energy, a joint venture company between GS Yuasa and Honda.

A new plug-in hybrid system for mid-size to larger vehicles is currently under development. Vehicles equipped with this new system are scheduled to go on sale in 2012 in Japan and the U.S. and therefore, it is very likely to see also a plug-in Civic.

In terms of petrol engines, Honda will continue advancing technologies to improve the performance and fuel economy of internal combustion engines. Honda will begin renewing its engine and transmission lineup starting in 2012 to further improve its fuel economy.

New Mazda MX-5 due in 2012

The next-gen MX-5 is expected to be launched in 2012 and in terms of design, Mazda plans to make much greater use of its Nagare design language.

Th new MX-5 is expected to be equipped with direct-injection Sky-G petrol engines and a weight target of 1000 kg has been set.

Source: Autocar