Auto News & New car review

With its unique wartime heritage, Jeep has always had a hard-man image. Yet even the Wrangler – the US firm’s most rugged offering – has been growing increasingly soft of late. So it’s hardly surprising that Jeep is looking to toughen up its act. And in traditional US military style, it’s expecting the Sarge to lead the way. Read the rest of this entry »

Following the internet’s unofficial, unscheduled and probably unwanted (at least by Volkswagen) reveal of the sixth-generation Golf this week, VW has thrown its cards on the table and revealed its hand. Along with high-res images, VW has revealed that the new Golf will launch this October in Europe and then find its way to markets in Africa, Asia, Australia and North America. Read the rest of this entry »

Vehicle Overview
BMW’s flagship 7 Series sedan comes in two wheelbases: regular and extended, starting with the more affordable trim levels, the 750i and 750Li, respectively. A limited-production V-12-powered version, the 760Li comes only in the longer size, and a high-performance model adapted by German tuner Alpina, called simply the Alpina B7, is based on the shorter wheelbase. (It’s detailed in a separate report in the Cars.com Research section.) Read the rest of this entry »

Vehicle Overview
Offered in 328 and twin-turbo 335 forms with different engines, the 3 Series is BMW’s bread-and-butter model. This series has a history in the U.S. market that dates back to 1977. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe and retractable-hardtop convertible body styles, the 328 competes with the Infiniti G and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Changes are minimal for 2008. Read the rest of this entry »

Later this month Chrysler will finally launch the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango hybrids. These are the first non-GM products of the 2-Mode hybrid partnership that also includes GM, Daimler and BMW. Chrysler hopes that the hybrid models can revive its big SUV sales, but if GM’s experience with the Tahoe and Yukon Hybrids is any indication, there may be cause for concern. Read the rest of this entry »

After years of serving as frugal, park-it-anywhere transportation for a million Europeans (and Canadians), the Smart Fortwo has finally made it to the United States. Measuring more than 3 feet shorter than a Mini Cooper and rated at 36 mpg (combined city and highway), the Smart would seem ideal for urbanites looking for the perfect commuter car. But all things considered, is the Smart car the smartest choice? Read the rest of this entry »

After an absence of two years, the practical Vauxhall is back at the top. Why? Well, it’s all down to the huge selection on the used market and the tremendous value for money they offer. The judges considered only seven-seat models for the title, hence the absence of the Ford C-MAX. And you can blame the Zafira for that, because when it hit showrooms in 1999, it rewrote the rulebook on what makes a good compact people carrier. Read the rest of this entry »

Besides the introduction of the Dodge Challenger, there has been very little good news coming out of Chrysler lately. Sales are down 22% for the year due to a lineup that’s still heavy on trucks and SUVs, but there may be some help on the way as soon as 2009. Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli has hinted that a fuel efficient new vehicle(s) could debut next year, and platform sharing with other automakers would be behind the quick turn-around. Read the rest of this entry »

A glorious past, a victorious brand name and a rich heritage in motorsport all combine as Fiat Group Automobiles re-launches the Abarth brand in the UK this month (July).Synonymous with tough, spirited cars, enthusiastic challenges and a passion for thrills, Abarth is back as a stand-alone brand with a new range of models that will not only appeal to Britain’s legions of sports car enthusiasts, but will Read the rest of this entry »

My hearing is taking a pounding! Now, my work colleagues would place the blame directly on my love of all things rock, but the sound I’ve been exposed to isn’t music to my ears. Read the rest of this entry »