cars blog google

WHAT IT IS

The Grand Vitara is compact SUV (a real SUV) with four doors and room for 4-5 people. It's available in rear-wheel-drive or 4WD versions, with either a four-cylinder or V-6 engine. Prices begin at $19,099 for a base rear-drive, four-cylinder, manual-equipped model and run up to $27,199 for a top-of-the-line Limited with V-6 engine, 4WD and automatic transmission.

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2010

An interesting and unusual new feature is a removable/portable Garmin GPS navigation system, now standard on all trims - including base models. This could be the beginning of a new trend away from expensive and can't-take-them-with you factory in-dash GPS units.

WHAT'S GOOD

A real-deal 4WD SUV that can handle itself off-road. Price is a bargain compared to similar vehicles such as the Jeep Liberty. 4WD is available with four-cylinder engine (it's common in other models to make the buyer upgrade to the optional V-6 to get 4WD). Nicely fitted out and finished; does not look low-rent. Standard GPS.

WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD

Optional V-6 is automatic only. Four-cylinder's optional automatic only has four speeds. Some buyers may not like the side-hinged tailgate. Standard GPS has a fairly small screen (and controls).

UNDER THE HOOD

The Grand Vitara comes standard with a 2.4 liter, 166 hp four cylinder and your choice of five-speed manual or (optionally) four-speed automatic. A part-time 4WD system with Low range gearing is available with either transmission. Acceleration with the 2.4 liter engine is a little slow-pokey (about 10 seconds to 60 mph) but it's in the same ballpark as car-based, light-duty FWD/AWD compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V, which haven't got the off-road capability the rugged little Suzuki does.

Optional is a 3.2 liter, 230 hp V-6 that's teamed with a mandatory five-speed automatic. You can go rear-drive or 4WD with this combo, too. The GV's V-6 is significantly stronger than the Jeep Liberty's standard 3.7 liter, 210 hp V-6 and because the Suzuki also weighs considerably less (3,468 lbs. vs. 3,985 lbs.) acceleration/response is snappier in the Grand Vitara. A V-6 Grand Vitara can reach 60 mph in about 9.3 seconds vs. 9.5 seconds for the Liberty.

Gas mileage with the Suzuki's V-6 is better, too - 18 city, 24 highway (RWD) and 17 city, 23 highway (with 4WD) vs. the Jeep's 16 city, 22 highway (RWD) and 15 city, 21 highway (with 4WD). Four cylinder GV's are rated at 19 city, 26 highway. Maximum tow rating for the Grand Vitara is 3,000 lbs. - 500 pounds less than the Liberty's 3,500 lb. max rating.

ON THE ROAD

Though the Grand Vitara is a "real" SUV - with the chassis and the heavy-duty gear necessary to safely handle the rigors of off-road use - its on-road manners are noticeably better than competitors like the Jeep Liberty.

The GV's V-6 has more power, an extra gear in the transmission (the Liberty's top-of-the-line automatic is a four-speed vs. the Suzuki's much more up-to-date five speed) and the GV weighs an incredible 500-plus pounds less than the Jeep. It thus feels more athletic when you hit the gas - and less ponderous when you enter a turn.

It's also nice that you can get a four cylinder engine - and a manual transmission - and four-wheel-drive with that combo, too. There's decent fuel economy potential with the 2.4 liter engine (26 mpg on the highway is not at all bad for a vehicle that can go off-roading, which none of the four cylinder-equipped light-duty SUV competition like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are built to handle) and the option of being able to shift for yourself adds a degree of sportiness, too.

In the Jeep, you have to buy the gas-hog V-6 engine - and there's no manual transmission option. The Liberty is a competent vehicle; but it's less fun to drive and doesn't seem nearly as happy on-road as it is capable off-road. My opinion: The GV is a much better-balanced vehicle, overall.

AT THE CURB

Another area where the Suzuki stays faithful to the real-deal SUV ethic is its side-hinged tailgate - and the full-size spare mounted right there on the door. I like both. The side-opening tailgate has a meaty, manly pull-handle and the door opens wide to give you full access to the cargo area More importantly, it can be closed easily and much more naturally, just by swinging the thing shut.

Other SUVs and crossovers have minivan-like lift-up tailgates that can be awkward to close if you're not more than six feet tall and have long arms and strong muscles. I really liked the accessibility of the spare tire - and that it's a real tire, not one of those next-to-useless minis.

You almost never see this layout - or a full-size spare tire - anymore. Most light-duty SUVs and crossovers have a mini-spare that's barely serviceable for even short-term use at low-speeds on paved roads only buried in the cargo area floor someplace - where it's not only hard to get at but what do you do with your full-size flat after you mount the mini-spare? The hole in the cargo floor is usually just big enough to accommodate the mini-spare (to save space). But that forces you to haul your muddy/dirty old tire/rim in the cargo area, where it's likely to ruin the carpet and make a godawful mess.

In the GV, you just mount the flat tire/rim on the tailgate and motor on. And since it's a real spare tire and not a "temporary use only" mini-spare, you can motor on, too - on-road or off. If you're out in the woods, camping or far from paced roads, that could be a very important lifeline.

Space/cargo wise, the GV actually has more room than the physically larger Jeep Liberty: 71 cubic feet vs. 64 cubic feet. That's impressive use of space given the Suzuki is about an inch shorter overall (175.8 inches vs. 176.9 inches) and rides on a wheelbase that's nearly three inches less than the Liberty's (103.9 inches vs. 106.1 inches).

The Suzuki also has more front seat legroom (41.3 inches vs. 40.8 inches) and virtually identical front-seat headroom (40 inches 40.4 inches). The Jeep does have more second-row head and legroom (40.3 inches and 38.8 inches vs. 38.2 and 37.2), which explains why the Liberty has a bit less total cargo-carrying capacity.

Still, there's enough room for a pretty big person (me - six feet three and 210 pounds) to sit comfortably in the rear seats without either legs or head knocking up against anything.

The optional part-time 4WD system has both 4WD High range Lock (which keeps the power split, front-to-rear, at a constant 50-50) as well as 4WD Low range for slogging through deep mud/snow and so forth.

The standard portable/removable GPS system is a neat feature; not only can you take it with you (as when camping or hiking or just walking around) but you can also transfer it to another vehicle. The unit comes with its own leather carrying case and it's small enough to easily fit in the pocket of your cargo pants or in a purse. Probably the weakest functional aspect of the Suzuki, though, is its not-so-great 3,000 lb. max towing capacity. There are mid-sized cars that can pull 3,500 lbs.and the Jeep's 3,500 lb. rating easily outclasses the GV in this one very important area.

THE REST

Suzuki is a highly respected name in the world of motorcycles but its four-wheeled offerings are less well-known. That doesn't mean they're iffy - Suzuki's just not a brand many people think of reflexively, like Honda or Toyota (or even Jeep) when it comes to cars. But the upside to that is a very aggressive pricing structure. The GV's base MSRP of $19,099 is $4,100 and change less than the Jeep Liberty's base price of $23,255. That's a huge difference - enough to keep you in free gas for two or three years.

Keep in mind you get standard GPS for that $19k, too. The GV also comes with an exceptionally long-legged seven year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty - vs. five years/100,000 miles for the Jeep. Both have the same three year/36,000 mile basic warranty.

Overall, the Suzuki is much more nicely finished and just comes off as the higher quality vehicle - especially interior-wise. The GV's cabin has nicer-looking, softer-feeling materials than the plasticky and ticky-tacky Jeep. For example, the inside door jambs and other parts of the GV that aren't immediately visible are still clear-coated, just like the rest of the vehicle's exterior panels. In some competitor models, you'll find that such areas aren't clear-coated (to save money during manufacturing) and while it's not a functional issue, it still looks low-rent. The GV's optional perforated leather (including door panels) is exceptionally nice for the price.

Citroën has revised its C3 Picasso sub-compact MPV for 2011. Revisions are strictly limited to engines and pricing.

In addition to the new Euro5 engines, Citroen will also launch a special-edition called ‘Blackcherry’.

Based upon the VTR+ model, Blackcherry features cherry red and glossy black exterior and interior updates, 17” cherry red diamond-tipped alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control w/speed limiter, Connecting Box (USB socket & Bluetooth), electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors and front electric windows. Under the bonnet lives a 90bhp, 1.6HDi diesel engine that returns 61.4mpg.

On the diesel front, the range-topping 1.6HDi 110bhp now produces 125g/km and better fuel economy of 58.8mpg.

The 1.4 VTi 95bhp petrol has combined cycle fuel economy of 44.1mpg, up from 42.8mpg. Helping to reduce fuel consumption, all C3 Picasso models are now fitted with Michelin Energy Saver tyres. These tyres mean specifying larger 17” alloy wheels on Exclusive models will no longer have an impact on CO2 output.

Sales start 1st November.

The Lexus CT200h compact hybrid car will start from £23,485 when it goes on sale in Spring 2011.

The CT200h is available in three trim-levels; SE-I, SE-L and SE-L Premier.

Entry-level SE-I comes equipped with 16”/17” alloy wheels, 6 speaker audio system w/USB port and Bluetooth, active brake lights, dual-zone climate control, entry & start, LED daytime running lights, rear privacy glass and rain-sensing wipers. Options will include front and rear parking sensors and a satellite navigation system, 10 speaker audio system w/dash 6-CD changer and Remote Touch control.

Mid-spec SE-L cars comes with leather interior w/heated front seats and front & rear parking sensors. Two optional packages are offered with this grade; convenience pack which includes cruise control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror w/reversing camera and full map navigation package, packing in satellite navigation system,10 speaker sound system w/dash 6-CD changer and Remote Touch control. This has a sticker price of £25,200.

Flagship SE-L Premier is equipped with LED headlights, cruise control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror w/reversing camera, Smart Entry system, electrically adjustable front seats, electrically folding, auto-dimming external mirrors, 13 speaker Mark Levinson sound system, HDD satellite navigation system and remote touch control. All these amenities come at a price, £30,635. Pre-crash safety (PCS) system with adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lateral performance damper system will be optional.

The CT200h will be able to return 68.9mpg and emit 94g/km, Lexus claims, making it free from VED and the London Congestion Charge. Order books are open now.

Chinese car manufacture, Great Wall Motors is going to commence production of its passenger cars in early 2011 at its Lovech factory.

Great Wall is looking to build two sedans, an SUV and a truck for the European community. The plant has a production capacity of 50,000 cars per annum. The first 1,000 cars are expected to be produced in February 2011.

The company anticipates the production will give it wide access to the Euro market. The vehicles are likely to obtain a "Made in the EU" sticker and – without infuriating duties and taxes – will be exported throughout Europe.

The original investment is estimated at $119m and is likely to surpass $420m at a later date. The factory will give work to 1,800 people, of which 400 are highly specialised professionals from Germany, China, Italy, South Korea, and Japan.

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is the first-ever high-speed off-road performance truck offered by any manufacturer and highlights 33 years of Ford truck sales leadership by emphasizing F-150′s Built Ford Tough durability, innovation and engineering. Developed with the DNA of an off-road pre-runner, comprehensive modifications focused on chassis and suspension enhancements.The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is 7 inches wider than a base F-150 to make room for the additional suspension components that give Raptor its unparalleled off-road abilities. The wider stance also gives the truck an aggressive appearance. Internal triple-bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox – the first on a production truck – provide position-sensitive damping and extra suspension travel for extreme off-roading and a smooth ride on the road.

engine  turned with chip 350 hp re-painted direct from show room to black porsche with metal flacks. veilside spoiler jp side, stellen front bumper. frog light, luninated side mirrors, luninated z side turn signals

New Freed target families that have been established modern. Freed is a 7-seater MPV. Capacity to accommodate more passengers this certainly makes the Freed the new car as an option the family. Moreover, the engine also carried not much different with the Jazz, the 1500 cc i-VETC, the famous economical but vigorous. Freed is a 7-seater MPV from Honda engine that is supported i-VTEC 1.5 Liter energy that is capable of producing 118 ps torsi with a maximum 146 Nm at 4800 rpm. However, the HPM provides only version automatic 5-speed transmission.

Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) announced the development of the Suzuki SX4 sedan hybrid technology, on Tuesday (28/09/2010). They are also developing electric MPV Eeco. Both will be used as a support vehicle mat Commonwealth Games, October 3 to 14 showing 10 SX4 upcoming hybrid electric and 4 Eeco.
“I’m glad the engineers at Maruti Suzuki has developed a tech car of the future. The project has helped our engineering expertise to improve their knowledge and their R & D capability,” said Shinzo Nakanishi, Director of Marketing and CEO of MSI.
SX4 Full parallel hybrid technology with a transmission Hybrid Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), which combines the K-series engine with 1.2 L 50 kW electric motor is coupled with AMT 5-speed transmission. Energy supply derived from lithium-ion battery. With this technology mix, fuel consumption 25 percent more efficient.
While electric cars Eeco Charge using 50kW electric motor with energy supply from the battery 24 kWh lithium-ion battery. With a fully charged battery can menmpuh distance of 100 km with a maximum speed of 100 km / hour. Position the battery is placed under the floor for better control, while maintaining the capacity remained large luggage space.
The development of alternative energy cars is also supported by the Indian government program, the National Hybrid Propulsion Programme and the High Energy Density Battery Development Programme.

Claim record for the fastest between Porsche and Nissan in circuit Nurburgring, Germany is still ongoing. Moreover, last August stating Porsche managed to record the fastest 7 minutes 18 seconds to mass production cars, 911 GT2 RS.
Chief Engineer of the Nissan GT-R, Kazutoshi Mizuno responding, always use a Nissan GT-R standard model when the fastest time at the Nurburgring and not the special models like the GT-R Spec-V. “We developed the GT-R to the consumer, not for drivers. Therefore, the standard model that we developed will continue, “he said. 

Despite the White House’s attempt to sway consumers away from large SUV’s, customers seem to be rebelling.
Sales of big SUV’s have risen in recent months, namely the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe, and sales are reaching their 1000’s this year. GM’s sales of big utes are up 11%, with Ford reporting a 28% increase.

Chevrolet marketing manager, Mark Clawson said “Unless the country decides to limit people to only having two kids, only having one activity and not having things like snowmobiles, jet skis and boats, then there will be some people who will still want these vehicles”.

GM has established that a refurbish of its SUV line-up is due in 2013/’14.

Guest post by Ant Bradshaw:

Ford is releasing 100 special edition Transit SportVan models to mark their 45th year as Britain’s best-selling van.

Back in 2006, Ford ousted the ‘white van’ trend when they released the Transit SportVan for the first time.

The SportVan is based on the 260 model and has even stolen its short wheelbase, front wheel drive
system and 138bhp 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine with a 6 speed transmission. In addition to this, the limited edition hosts a Colorado red exterior with wide bonnet stripes.

Elsewhere on the exterior, there are a number of changes made to the look of the Ford. These changes include twin exhausts, graphite colour alloys, front and rear lower spoilers, side skirts and extended wheel arches.

The interior has also undergone some changes such as new fabrics and trims that fall alongside new equipment and technology. This model also includes the first DAB radio that comes as standard on a medium van.


Standard features include power deadlocks, rain-sensing wipers and safety features such as ABS and
ESP; there is also a good range of optional extras that can be included.

Prices for the standard Ford Transit SportVan range from around £15,000 up to £29,000 and prices for the Special Edition Ford are expected to mirror these figures.

About the Author:

Ant Bradshaw is currently working for SaveOnNewVans.co.uk which can provide you with great information on a range of van manufacturers and model as well all the latest news. SaveOnNewVans can also provide you with completely free, no obligation New Van Quotes.

Marque Hummer already have a torrid time recently with the slump in U.S. sales this year led to a strategic review which saw the closure of four assembly plants.