2011 Ford Fiesta Review and Prices

The stylish Verve concept previews Ford’s promised subcompact challenger to Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and other “B-Class” cars. The styling will change--as well as the name--but a Mazda foundation ups the chances for success.


What We Know About the 2011 Ford Fiesta

Fuel-stingy minicars are back in vogue, thanks to escalating gas prices. Ford has long promised such a car for its U.S. lineup. In fact, it had one ready several years back, but canceled it on learning the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris would show up.

Since then, the Blue Oval has been working on what it thinks will be a more competitive minicar. Though Ford isn’t talking timetable or specifications yet, the three Verve concepts, unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, 2007 Guangzhou Motor Show, and 2008 Detroit Auto Show suggest the showroom version is well on the road to completion. So does the debut of a new Mazda 2, which will parent the U.S. baby as well as a redesign of Ford’s popular European Fiesta. Right now, sources predict the American version--which will be badged Fiesta--will arrive in 2010 as a 2011 model.


The 2011 Ford Fiesta is another “world car” project a la Ford’s 1981 Escort and 2000 Focus. Like the original VW Beetle, the idea is a basic design that can be built and sold profitably the world over, because one car serving many markets drastically cuts development costs and raises profit potential. That’s why General Motors still dabbles with world cars, too.

In the past, though, Detroit “world cars” ended up with so many regional design and engineering changes that economies of scale were diminished, if not erased. The Focus is one example. At first, the U.S. and European models were quite similar. Then Ford Europe did a 2005 redesign that U.S. marketers deemed too costly. In other words, a Euro-based Focus would have been priced out of its U.S. market slot. Which is why our Focus still uses the original design, already paid for, albeit heavily updated for 2008.

Ford says Focus will be a “world car” again in its next incarnation, expected around 2011. There’s not much choice. Ford is running very low on cash and must leverage its global resources--that timeworn Detroit cliché--to get the most new model bang for the bucks it has. That’s why Ford CEO Alan Mullaly is busy spearheading a global product plan that aims for big savings by greatly trimming the number of platforms and parts in Ford Motor’s worldwide inventory. The increased sharing won’t be confined to small cars, either. Ford also plans to merge two different midsize sedans, the American Fusion and European Mondeo, into a single basic design, with only modest tailoring for various markets.

All this explains why the 2011 Ford Fiesta will be closely related to the next-generation Fiesta, but possibly sourced from low-wage Brazil or Mexico to achieve a competitive El Norte price. And because Ford now assigns small-car development to Japanese affiliate Mazda, which is plenty experienced that way, the Fiesta will be derived from the recently-released second-generation Mazda 2. That model isn’t coming here, but its good U.K. and Continental notices bode well for the North American Ford.

The 2011 Ford Fiesta will share a new B2E corporate platform with the Mazda 2, but have different styling (penned by Ford designers in Europe) and perhaps different powertrains too. It will look more conservative than the Verve concept, which Ford says suggests the general “design language” of the production car. But the concept is certainly expressive, as is the wedgy Mazda 2, so the showroom Fiesta won’t be another plain two-box appliance like the Fiesta sold here way back in 1977-1980.

Size wise, the 2011 Ford Fiesta should be close to the Fit, Yaris, Chevrolet Aveo and other so-called “B-Class” minicars, but a generous wheelbase versus overall length should make for a surprisingly roomy four-seater, judging by the Mazda 2. It’s front-wheel drive, of course, and a 4-door sedan body style is assured for the U.S. Two- and 4-door hatchbacks are likely for Europe and possibly for our side of the pond as well.

Powertrains should come from the Mazda 2, which in various markets offers twincam 4-cylinder engines of 1.3 and 1.5 liters. We’d guess the U.S. 2011 Ford Fiesta will get the 1.5 at least, or perhaps a 1.8-liter enlargement providing the extra low-end torque that’s always so helpful for U.S. driving conditions. Transmissions should comprise a 5-speed manual and an optional 5-speed automatic, also per the 2. Standard equipment should include antilock brakes, front torso side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Traction control will certainly be available, maybe even standard. Stability control is a likely option, as it is on the Mazda.


Depending on marketers’ courage, the 2011 Ford Fiesta may offer upscale extras like sport suspension, 16- or 17-inch tires to replace standard 15s, power windows, keyless power door locks, perhaps even a navigation system. The options list will almost certainly show the new Ford Sync system for voice-activated control of cell phones and portable music players, if only to court the youth market. An available 5-speed automatic would be a competitive advantage among B-Class cars, where 4-speed transmissions are the rule so far. Let’s also note that the latest Mazda 2 weighs some 220 pounds less than the previous version, which bodes well for both performance and fuel economy in the 2011 Ford Fiesta.

Buying Advice for the 2011 Ford Fiesta


B-Class competition is heating up fast. Suzuki now offers sedan and hatchback versions of its little SX4; Toyota’s Scion brand has replaced its small xA hatchback with the more-refined xD; and 2009 brings a new, slightly larger Honda Fit with fresh styling, better performance and more interior space. The Toyota Yaris will also be tweaked before its expected redesign for model-year 2012. And Korean brands Hyundai and Kia won’t be idle. There’s also the prospect of a low-cost Chinese-sourced mini from newly independent Chrysler, though its timing is still a bit murky. With all this, the 2011 Ford Fiesta will have a lot to contend with, but it should be up to it, assuming the well-received Mazda 2 is any guide.

2011 Ford Fiesta Release Date: Ford isn’t talking, as we said, but most sources except an on-sale date in the first half of calendar 2010.

2011 Ford Fiesta First Test Drive: Assuming the above timetable holds, media previews should be scheduled for fall 2009.

2011 Ford Fiesta Prices: They’re obviously a long way from being decided, but the 2011 Ford Fiesta could well displace the bottom-end versions of the compact Focus. We’d look prices to start at around $12,000 and range up to $16,000 loaded. Currency exchange rates between now and intro time will loom large for Ford in determining the final numbers.

2011 BMW X4 Review and Prices

magine a junior edition of the new X6 crossover based on the redesigned X3 SUV and you have the newest all-wheel-drive Bimmer. The X4 looks good to go, even though the jury is still ou

What We Know About the 2011 BMW X4

BMW is the automotive world’s top-selling premium brand, so they’re obviously doing something right. But we’re still puzzled by reports that BMW is prepping a junior edition of its new X6 “sport activity coupe,” even though the market has yet to render a verdict on that all-wheel-drive model. The rumored X4 is not quite a done deal, as BMW is said to be awaiting initial X6 sales returns before giving final approval. But the X4 is apparently penciled-in for a late-2010 launch, soon after the introduction of a redesigned 2011 X3 premium-compact SUV.

The X6 is essentially BMW’s X5 premium-midsize SUV with a sleek, sloped-roof hatchback body instead of squarish wagon-type styling. The 2011 BMW X4 relates to the redesigned X3 in the same way, except for having two doors instead of four like its SUV parent and the X5/X6. Some sources believe the X4 will look like a scaled-down X6, but others believe it may resemble the swoopy 2000 X coupe concept, which served to introduce the major elements of current BMW styling.

As a spin-off of the next X3, the 2011 BMW X4 will share the SUV’s general footprint and underskin components, though the coupe-like styling reportedly shaves several inches from the wagon’s overall length and height, not to mention some rear-seat room and cargo space. Like X6, this smaller “sport activity coupe” is aimed at mostly urban types who prefer style over utility with their AWD, plus perhaps a little extra handling agility. And make no mistake: The X4, like other X-models, tilts heavily to on-road ability, not off-road adventuring. What else from “The Ultimate Driving Machine” company?

The U.S.-market 2011 BMW X4 will likely offer two 6-cylinder engines with efficiency-enhancing direct fuel injection and other gas-saving features. The base engine is reportedly a 2.5-liter unit, possibly a 3.0, with around 230 horsepower. An optional twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter should deliver at least 300 horsepower. Both powerplants will probably team with a 6-speed automatic transmission, but a new 7-speed automated-manual gearbox or an 8-speed conventional automatic could be available. BMW’s “Efficient Dynamics” technology will be standard to enhance mpg. See “Notable Feature” below for more details on that.

Typical of this brand, the 2011 BMW X4 will come with four-wheel ABS disc brakes, now with electro-hydraulic actuation as another fuel-saver versus a power-sapping, engine-driven hydraulic booster. An antiskid system and traction control should be standard, too. Ditto front, rear, and curtain side airbags, the usual premium-brand conveniences and power assists, and likely 17-inch wheels.

Expected options begin with 18- and/or 19-inch rims; BMW’s Active Steering, designed to quicken low-speed helm response; and the X6’s Dynamic Performance Control, which works with the AWD to apportion power between the rear wheels as well as fore and aft. BMW’s Active Roll Stabilization, designed to counter cornering lean, may be available. So, too, an “active” suspension with shock absorbers that automatically adjust firmness to suit the road surface. Also unconfirmed, but a strong prospect, is “smart” cruise control with automatic low-speed braking; it would be similar to setups already offered on certain Audi and Volvo models. Last and maybe least, the X4 is sure to list an optional navigation system tied to BMW’s still-controversial iDrive infotainment systems controller.

The 2011 BMW X4 would be built at BMW’s Spartanburg, S.C., facility alongside the parent X3 and the larger X5 and X6. BMW is consolidating global X-model production in the U.S. because this market accounts for most sales of these vehicles and because the weak dollar has the advantage of lower manufacturing costs compared to the Euro zone.

So, the 2011 BMW X4 looks good to go, provided the X6 proves popular enough to make a solid business case for the junior edition. We still suspect BMW may be rushing things. But given this brand’s recent sales success, it probably knows what it's doing.t on its big brother.A Notable Feature of the 2011 BMW X4

BMW has been talking up “Efficient Dynamics” since 2005, and has already applied some of these technologies to showroom models for reducing emissions and fuel consumption. Prime examples include direct fuel injection and the company’s Valvetronic variable valve-timing system that uses “by-wire” electronic controls to eliminate the conventional mechanical throttle. The 2011 BMW X4 is expected to get one or more additional elements of the "Efficient Dynamics" suite, appropriate now that gas prices are heading out of sight in the world’s richest car market. The most probable features are an engine start/stop system, like that on many gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles, and a so-called Intelligent Alternator Control that de-couples the alternator drive except when coasting and braking to eliminate that drain on engine power. There’s also talk of the X4 and redesigned X3 offering an “active” suspension that lowers the vehicle slightly at higher speeds to reduce fuel-wasting air drag. The idea has been around for at least 10 years, but it would be a new talking point for a compact vehicle.

Again with an eye to soaring gas prices, the 2011 BMW X4 might well offer a diesel engine. BMW thinks the U.S. market is ready for diesel power, and it’s already announced an “oil burner” option in its 3-Series passenger-car line. Though U.S. marketers may decide otherwise, this same 6-cylinder engine could be listed for both the X4 and X3, which are based on the 3-Series platform. The most likely candidates from the European lineup are a 3.0-liter unit with some 245 horsepower or a turbocharged version with around 300 horsepower. Both engines also offer a lot more low-end torque than their gasoline equivalents. Stay tuned.

Buying Advice for the 2011 BMW X4
The 2011 BMW X4 will be as unusual for the premium-compact class as the X6 is among premium-midsize cars. Though the market may not be clamoring now for coupe-styled crossover vehicles with all-wheel drive, BMW obviously thinks buyers will take to the idea, especially those who just have to be different from everyone else. As noted, X6 sales will tell the tale. The X4 will certainly have the advantage of no direct competition when it goes on sale, though the Audi A4 comes close with its svelte looks and Quattro AWD. And we’ve heard that Mercedes-Benz is working on a swoopy AWD version of its compact C-Class sedan as a possible 2011 or 2012 addition. One thing’s for sure: If the “sport activity coupe” concept does prove popular, other automakers won’t be long in copying it.

2011 BMW X4 Release Date: All the sources we’ve checked say the 2011 BMW X4 will bow late in calendar 2010, soon after the rollout of its redesigned X3 parent. As with the X6, the X4 will likely preview as a little-disguised “concept” at a major 2009 auto show, perhaps as early as next January in Detroit.

2011 BMW X4 First Test Drive: The above launch timing suggests the 2011 BMW X4 will first meet the press in late spring or early summer of 2010.

2011 BMW X4 Prices: Fashion usually has a price, and the X4 is almost sure to mimic the X6 in costing a good deal more than its parent SUV. With X6s running $6,600-$8,500 above equivalent X5s, and with the 2008 X3 starting at $38,000, we expect the X4 to open at $44,600--more or less. A lot will depend on how lavish BMW is with standard content and on price pressure from the continuing steep rise in global commodity costs, especially for steel.

2010 Ford Fusion

2010 Ford Fusion

2010 Ford Fusio

Soon after catching its Mercury sibling out in the wild, the first photo of the 2010 Ford Fusion made its way to the internet, along with details on the revised powertrain offerings.

A Bold Front

Though much of the sheetmetal between the A- and C-pillars carries over unchanged, the fore and aft ends of the 2010 Fusion do receive considerable cosmetic changes. The three-bar grille grows larger and plays into a large power bulge on the hood, similar to the Interceptor concept shown at the 2008 Detroit auto show.

Ford only showed a camouflaged example during our preview, but from what we could tell, change in back is rather limited. We're expecting slightly larger taillights (with an interesting honeycomb pattern) and large, chrome exhaust tips - even on the hybrid model.

Yeah, that thing's got a hybrid.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Fusion Hybrid. For 2010, Ford's fitted the hybrid powertrain from the Escape Hybrid cute-ute to both the Fusion and the Mercury Milan - though it's also added a few new features for the sedan.

For starters, there's the issue of the battery pack. Yes, it's still a nickel metal hydride pack supplied by Sanyo, but chemistry changes allow it to carry 20 percent more power than the Escape's pack. That's a significant feat, considering it's 23 percent lighter and considerably smaller, allowing it to tuck in behind the Fusion's rear seats.

But the biggest change lies with the transmission itself. Yes, it's mated to the same 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle I-4 found in the Escape/Mariner hybrids, but the hybrid electric CVT (e-CVT) has been substantially recalibrated. With a gentle right foot, drivers will be capable of accelerating up to 47 mph in pure electric mode. An impressive figure, but Ford promises equally exciting numbers when it comes to fuel economy. The Fusion Hybrid should best the Toyota Camry Hybrid - which already attains 33 mpg in the city - by at least 5 mpg.

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor


Lightning may have struck twice, but when the folks at Ford's Special Vehicle Team decided to trick out another F-150, the result - the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor - was a completely different kind of truck.

Though the F-150 Lighning may have appealed to those hankering for muscle-car fun and a pickup bed out back, the F-150 Raptor allows drivers to take blistering performance off the beaten path.

"Most of the major manufacturers have focused on on-road performance," said Mark Grueber, Ford's marketing manager for large trucks. "So when we looked at what was available in off-road truck performance, it was somewhat limited."

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

We'd imagine so, as we've seen no factory offering quite as extreme as this. Though it's certified for street use and carries some svelte creature comforts, the Raptor is essentially a purpose-built off-road race truck, not unlike those campaigned in the Baja 1000.

SVT looked first at the F-150's underpinnings, and scrapped most stock suspension parts. The most change came up front, where SVT added unique upper- and lower A-arms, a new tie-rod, and new half-shaft joints. All four corners also benefit from the addition of internal-bypass Fox Racing Shox, which increase stiffness as the suspension compresses to keep the truck from bottoming out.
2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor



Unless you're really flying over some desert terrain, we doubt that'd happen. The front suspension has a whopping 11.2 inches of travel, while the rear suspension has 13.4 inches. Coupled with the standard 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, the package should be more than adept at tackling boulders or landing a stratospheric jump.

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor


If that sounds like a Trophy Truck, the Raptor also manages to look like a Trophy Truck. Yes, there's quite a bit of stock F-150 thrown into its exterior appearance, but enormous fender flares (there to wrap around the seven-inch wider track), a large power bulge on the hood and front fender vents give the Raptor a muscular look of its own. We're not sold, however, on the new grille - devoid of the typical blue oval logo, it's also home to clearance lamps mandated by the truck's new girth. Interesting, yes; attractive? We'll have to see the truck in person before we can judge that.

But for the off-road faithful who'll buy this truck, appearance isn't everything. They'll be more interested in the 310-hp three-valve 5.4-liter V-8 offered as standard equipment on the Raptor, as well as the forthcoming optional 6.2-liter V-8, rumored to produce approximately 400 hp. They may also care more about the auxiliary switches for their off-road lighting or the off-road driving mode, which eliminates all stability controls and allows for some wheel lock under low speed braking.


2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor


Which is just as well. Ford offers no less than nine flavors of the F-150 for casual pickup users like ourselves. Perhaps it's fair - if not prudent - to offer one for buyers who consider the Sonoma Desert an expressway...

2010 Mazda 2 - The Cars We Need Now

2010 Mazda 2 - The Cars We Need Now



2010 Mazda 2 - The Cars We Need Now

The recipe for success in a time of rising fuel prices is obvious: reduce a vehicle's weight and it will be more economical and faster. Obvious, but not simple to achieve while respecting crashworthiness norms, so Mazda designers and engineers deserve our unstinting admiration. At a time when almost every other car builder in the world has allowed each successive model to become bigger, heavier, and thirstier than the preceding one-the current Honda Accord is 1000 pounds heavier and 22.2 inches longer than the first one in 1981, and the current Volkswagen Rabbit weighs 1200 pounds more than the original 1975 Rabbit-Mazda has chopped about 220 pounds-9 percent-out of the basic Mazda 2 while increasing interior room. That the company improved the style and the aerodynamics in the process provides an excellent lesson. Careful and clever use of high-tensile steel in the body structure and thorough optimization of structural members account for most of the gains, but there's evidence of aircraftlike weight paring all through the car, without it seeming flimsy or excessively cheap.

The interior looks sumptuous, but in fact, the inner door panels, the instrument panel, and the center console elements are made of cheap, hard plastic with no slush moldings in sight. The textures do an excellent job of disguising this cost saving, but how the parts will stand up in service is a fair question. There are two body styles, two- and four-door hatchbacks,managed with different body-side stampings that allow distinct rear-quarter-window profiles, but seating is identical in both.

2010 Mazda 2 - The Cars We Need Now

The Mazda 2 platform serves as the base for the European Ford Fiesta, and the sister cars are noted for their agility. The suspension is a classic strut-type front and a twist-axle rear. While the Fiesta offers a 1.6-liter engine option, the Mazda is more restrained. The base powerplant is a 75-hp, sixteen-valve, twin-cam 1.3-liter four, available in a higher state of tune at 84 hp, with DOHC 103-hp, 1.5-liter gasoline and single-cam 68-hp, 1.4-liter eight-valve diesel engines as options. Dimensionally very close to the two-door Toyota Yaris, the Mazda 2 is suitable for urban and suburban roadways, if not necessarily for cross-country family travel. Ride quality is good but not outstanding. Wheels can be fourteen, fifteen, or sixteen inches in diameter. Acceleration is better than before, but at about ten seconds from rest to 60 mph for the biggest engine, it is hardly exhilarating. Altogether, though, the positive attributes of the Mazda 2 make it a car that ought to be available in our market. There's a good reason it was chosen the 2008 World Car of the Year.

Why We Want It:
It's a fun runabout in the vein of the original Mini, and-joy of joys-it's light.
Why We Need It:
Because the Honda Fit isn't that sporty.

Suzuki A-star Interiors

Suzuki officially unwrapped the covers of new Alto the A-star at the ongoing paris auto show. Styled with european customers in mind, A-star is the true global to be produced solely in India. Suzuki will market this car under various names and various badges in almost 150 countries. Result the Indian customers gets a product on par with European customers after the Hyundai’s i10.

Suzuki A-star: The funkily styled new Alto is 3500mm long, 1600mm wide and 1470mm high and is meant to urban runabout. With a wheelbase of 2360mm the front passengers are given prominence over the rear. The boot space of 129L is abysmally low but can be expanded to 774L.

Suzuki A-star: An Euro 5 compliant three cylinder 1.0L petrol engine which produces 68PS at 6000rpm and 90Nm of torque at 4800rpm powers the A-star. A five speed manual/automatic will complete the powertrain of the A-star. According to Suzuki,A-star (new alto) has a combined fuel consumption of 22kmpl and the top speed is claimed as 155kmph.

Interior pictures of Suzuki A-star

Suzuki A-star: The two tone dashboard and aptly placed items gives the A-star an upmarket look. Space is efficiently used, the vertical glove box is the nice design thought, it occupies less space and should be found highly useful by Indian customer. Ergonomics should be ideal as Suzuki engineers claim.A/C louvres and integrated music player is placed on the upper part of the dashboard and the A/C control knobs on the lower part of it. Instrument binnacle houses the speedo and other tell tales as the rev counter is shelved into a different unit. However the Swift sourced steering wheel and gear knob inhibits the A-star interiors from giving an all new look. Cost cutting is a bit overtoned. Suzuki should try something different, hereafter, A-star,swift,swift Dzire, SX4,Grand Vitara and upcoming splash all features the same steering wheel and gear knob.

Suzuki A-star: Suzuki says an emphasis has been put on ensuring the ride and handling progressive and the steering light, while a turning circle of 4.5 metres adds to its appeal for city car users. Front suspension is by Macpherson struts and at the rear is the three-link rigid axle.

Suzuki A-star: Expect the Maruti Suzuki A-star before the end of this October and will be priced between Rs3-4 lakhs. The good news is Maruti Suzuki has said it would be carefully monitoring the condition and if the demand spurts it will offer more number of cars to the domestic market from the planned 50000 units a year.

Hyundai to launch i10 diesel,i20 and facelifted santro in 2009

Despite the slowdown, Korean auto giant - Hyundai shown its commitment to its Indian market by unveiling its mega plans for next year. Hyundai which started shipping out i20 -the punto competetior will launch atleast three models in the small car segment in India over 2009. Here are details on Hyundai’s new small cars for 2009.

Hyundai i20:

i20 is the getz replacement in european markets but in India Hyundai is yet to make headway in the premium small car segment. reason, Getz is totally eclipsed by swift. But soon this might be the thing of past, following the success of i10, i20 is solely made in India and will be exported to countries across the world. i20 is designed at the company’s European design centre at Russelsheim, Germany, and is designed and engineered to meet the European tastes and needs.Hyundai makes i20 in three variants — 1.2 litre, 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre — in both petrol and diesel versions. European styling, powerful engine, impressive cabin space and quality interiors of the new i20 makes us to believe Hyundai has already a winner in its hands. Hyundai will launch the i20 in January 2009.

Hyundai i10 diesel:

While i10 has been a success story for Hyundai, a diesel would make the car to reach heights. The i10 diesel would come with a 1.1L CRDi engine developing 75PS of peak power at 6000rpm and 155Nm of max torque at 2000rpm. When i10 diesel comes to India, it would take the credit of carrying smallest diesel engine under its hood. i10 diesel is expected to be a fun to drive machine at the same time offering greater mileage. Going by the success of swift diesel, we expect cutomers to make a beeline in Hyundai’s showrooms. i10 diesel would hit the showrooms in 2009.

Hyundai’s new facelifted santro:

Though the santro is put to graveyard in the international market after the launch of i10, it continues to enjoy good response from Indian customers. To make it contemporary and to further boost its volumes Hyundai will launch a facelifted santro sometime in 2009. Expect the changes to be cosmetic as Hyundai is aggressively pushing the i10.

Hyundai’s ultra low cost car:

Ever since the Nano came out, Hyundai has set an eye on this segment. Though Hyundai earlier denied the fact that its low cost car won’t compete with Tata’s Nano. Now it accepts the low cost car would appeal the two-wheeler users aspiring for a car. “We are developing a small car in the entry level range and it should hit the market by 2011,” HMIL Managing Director H S Lheem said. “We have adequate capacity to manufacture (the new car) in the plant. It’s capacity is about 6.5 lakh cars per annum and we are sure that it will accommodate,” Lheem added.