Kizashi vs Volvo S40 and a bubble wrap suit

Kizashi vs Audi A4 and a motorized sofa

Kizashi vs MB C300 and a stretch limo

Suzuki pits Kizashi against some surprising competitors in its new ads... Well, I don't know if that will work in the States, but in Europe it will definitely not...

Suzuki launches new Solio - available also by Mitsubishi

Suzuki has launched the new Solio in Japan today and there are no surprises, since a lot of brochure images have leaked in the past, which of course I have posted. I have to admit that I really like its design and it's a shame that we won't get it in Europe. Perhaps Suzuki should consider bring it over here, since the small MPV-ish segment becomes increasingly popular (e.g. Toyota Verso-S, upcoming Subaru Justy etc.) 

Suzuki claims that the new Solio is fun to drive, easy to use and with a better fuel economy. The 1.2 L engine, producing 91 hp, comes from the new Swift and it is coupled to a CVT gearbox achieving a fuel efficiency of 22.5 km/L.

Sales target is around 12,000 units per year and following an agreement between Suzuki and Mitsubishi, Suzuki will supply Mitsubishi with around 800 units per month. Mitsubishi will start selling its variant of Solio in spring 2011.

Prices start from 1,382,850 ¥ for G grade (2WD) and the next grade, called X, costs 1,509,900 ¥ (1,632,750 ¥ for the 4WD version). Top grade S costs 1,624,350 ¥ (1,747,200 ¥ for the 4WD version).

Portugal first European country to get LEAF - Prime Minister first head of state to use EV for official matters

The first 10 LEAFs have been delivered in Europe and to be more precise in Portugal, as a recognition of the country's pioneering work in the electric mobility field with the MOBI.E Program. Portugal has a a dedicated nation-wide smart grid for electric vehicles.

The Prime Minister of Portugal, Jose Socrates, has become the first head of state in the world to adopt an EV, which will be used for his official travels around Lisbon.

The MOBI.E network currently spreads over 25 municipalities throughout the country with over 50 charging points already installed. The plan is to install more than 1300 normal charging points and 50 quick charging stations by mid-2011.

[Source: Carscoop]

Honda NSX-R technology (Japanese language)

Toyota to reveal Prius V and concept previewing Prius C at Detroit

Toyota will reveal its family of Prius hybrid vehicles at Detroit next month. In total, four models will be shown: the standard Prius, the plug-in hybrid Prius, the new Prius V (earlier post), and a new Prius concept car. The concept car will preview the upcoming Prius C (earlier post) and it is expected to be smaller than the standard model.

Just some thoughts about the new Vitz, Toyota and Honda...

Honda is my favourite Japanese manufacturer, while Toyota has been so far a big let down in my eyes, but things seem to change fast. The financial meltdown has forced manufacturers to change their strategies and now Toyota looks much more promising, with Honda having lost its edge.

In my point of view, everything started with pulling out from F1 and canceling the NSX project. Those decisions left Honda with its "green machines", but in the case of the Insight (earlier post), it didn't work out that well. Then, Honda decided to bring out the Fit Hybrid (earlier post). Well, this could be a move in order to utilize the electrical and oily bits of the Insight, since it didn't prove to be successful and somehow, the development cost had to be covered. But, I am not sure if there is much point in that.

I don't know whether the new Civic will be any good or not, but by judging from the spy shots, I don't reckon that it will have the same impact as the current generation had when it was launched. Then again, it's the Type R... is there going to be a new one? And if there is, will it come with a 1.6 L turbocharged engine (earlier post)? If Honda goes ahead with an engine like that, I will be seriously disappointed. Honda is about high revving engines... let the Europeans play with their fancy turbos. And I won't mention the S2000... I have read so many rumours about its successor and I just hope that Honda will not mess with it and put electrical bits in it.

On the other hand, Toyota that has failed miserably over the last few years in bringing out anything exciting, somehow looks so promising (OK, there is Lexus' LFA which is amazing, a car to cry about, but it's a little bit above my bugdget...). There is the new FT-86 (related posts) which will bring an inexpensive sports car to the masses with all the right "ingredients". Low weight, rear wheel drive, 2.0 L naturally aspired engine producing around 200 hp, sharp styling and the important fun to drive factor!!!

In the meantime, we will get the new Vitz / Yaris. Ah, a car I never liked looks now spot on! It looks much sharper, without any drama in its design, but with a clean and aerodynamic design. What really caught my attention though was the interior design. It looks elegant, yet simple. No drama, no complicated stuff in order to impress the ladies. So far, the only interior I liked in this segment was the one of Mazda's 2, but now it's Toyota taking the lead IMO. Oh, and no hybrid version!!! A wise move from Toyota, since good fuel efficiency can be achieved in other ways as well. What's the point of making a small car heavy and complex in order to achieve great mileage? Low weight is the key factor and in the case of such a small car, a hybrid system is out of place. 

If Toyota comes up with a decent Corolla (... come on, make it "spicy"!) and perhaps a hot version of the new Vitz with Gazoo Racing being involved, then Toyota will definitely be back from the dead.

I have already a brand new Honda keyring from Japan, but I will keep it sealed since it may take a few years until I use it... as I guess my next car will be a Toyota!