Spy Shots : Ford Fiesta ST 2011

Spotted close to Ford’s global headquarters in Dearborn, near Detroit, the prototype you can see in these nice Spy Shots is an Euro model. Take a good look or bookmark (tweet, subscribe, facebook it, whatever you like the buttons are right here on the right somewhere) cause this is probably all we’ll see of the Ford Fiesta 2011 ST until the 2011 Geneva Motor Show!

Ford Fiesta ST 2011 - first spy shots!

The 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine premiered in the new C-Max will fit in the Fiesta engine bay, which is going to be turbocharged to some 180-200 bhp, which is confirmed by the spy shots as you can see the intercooler in the pics. While no performance figures are available yet, the ST is likely to deliver the 0-62mph sprint in less than seven seconds and a top speed of more than 140mph.

Ford Fiesta ST 2011 - side view

Ford will most likely make the ST available with the excellent  six-speed Powershift dual-clutch transmission, that’s  controlled via wheel-mounted paddles. Twin exhaust pipes, a rear diffuser and a sports bodykit will improve the new Fiesta RS to the standards buyers expect from a performable model.

2011 Elantra : 40 MPG Without Hybrid Fuss

he Elantra's due at the end of this year in the U.S., though it's already been shown in Korea under its local nameplate, Avante. The new sedan looks much like the large Hyundai Sonata, and carries some upmarket features and options like xenon headlamps, though it carries a base price of less than $15,000 in its home market.

More important are its powertrains. Last week, Hyundai showed off its future powerplants to assembled media in its Namgyong research facility, including both a 1.6-liter direct-injection and a 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder. The former engine is rated at 140 PS, or potentially 137 horsepower in U.S. EPA-certified trim; the latter, at 170 PS or 167 hp.

With the smaller engine, the Elantra will achieve 40 mpg on the U.S. EPA highway fuel economy cycle, R&D chief Dr. H.S. Lee confirmed.

Not only would that number match the Ford Focus, it would also match the subcompact 2011 Ford Fiesta's highway numbers. It would lag Honda's $25,000Civic Hybrid by only a few miles per gallon; the Civic Hybrid's rated at 40/45 mpg for the 2010 model year.

The latest Garmin map for Malaysia & Singapore dated 28.06.2010

The latest Garmin map for Malaysia & Singapore dated 28.06.2010 is now available for downloading. Click HERE to download.

Ford reveals refreshed 2011 Mondeo

Ford have given the Mondeo a tweak or two to keep it fresh and have decided the ideal place to debut it is at the Moscow Motor Show in August. They’ve also sent us pictures so we can have a look at the cosmetic changes for the first time.

We’ve covered all the news on the 2011 Mondeo’s engine upgrades – the 2.0 litre EcoBoost boasts and the three flavours of 2.0 litre Duratorq TDCi – and the new PowerShift six-speed, double-wet-clutch ‘box, so what is the Blue Oval offering up in the way of cosmetic changes?

The Mondeo was already a good looking car, so major change was unlikely. But Ford are progressing their Kinetic design language and have nipped and tucked the Mondeo in the same way they have the S-MAX and Galaxy.

The main changes on the exterior include new bumpers, new grill, LED running lights up front, new rear lights using LED tech and a more bulbous bonnet.

Inside there’s a new centre console (although Ford haven’t seen fit to send us interior photos), tweaks to the door cards and, Ford say, new trim materials to enhance the premium feel. There’s other stuff too, such as a new SatNav, new Sound System and LED courtesy lights.

Nothing too dramatic, but enough to keep the very good Mondeo fresh and desirable for a while longer.

Hyundai to phase out Getz to pave way for i20

This could be the end for Hyundai Getz as the company’s Indian arm decided to phase out the said hatchback which was launched in 2004. Maruti Swift underpriced Getz by 0.5 lakh when it went out of the market in 2005. Since then, sales of Getz continued to drop; only around 6,500 units were sold in 2009.

Due to low sales, Hyundai did not upgrade Getz to the new emission norms, preferring to concentrate on newer models. Its rival Swift continues to soar, selling more than 10,000 units a month. It is now the 4^th largest selling car in India.

Hyundai Motor India managing director HS Lheem said early this year the company may phase out Getz and focus on i20 that was launched last year. The subcompact car made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008. Hyundai is planning to launch new variants of i20 soon.