New Car Guide

Wheego Whip LiFe

2011-02-09T21:15:00.000-08:00

Back in November, Wheego rolled out its Whip LiFe at the LA Auto Show. A month later, the electric automaker announced that its highway-capable LiFe received certification from the EPA and was approaching launch-ready status. In mid-January, Wheego president Jeff Boyd declared that shipments of the LiFe would commence before the end of the month, pending approval from the Department of Transportation.

Well, it's now February and not even one LiFe has been delivered to a retail customer. Automotive News reports that production of the first 500 Whip LiFes is finally underway and Wheego expects to have the pint-sized electric ready for retail sales on March 30th. Boyd claims the LiFe's status is "ready to go" and added that production numbers will slowly ramp as retail orders come in.

Boyd claims that 24 dealers have shown interest in selling the LiFe and the automaker's two additional models – a battery-powered pickup truck and a four-door electric crossover – which Wheego's president insists will debut by the end of the year. We shall see.

Electric Smart Production Starts

2010-05-24T01:53:00.000-07:00

smart_fortwo_electric_driveProduction of the Smart Fortwo all electric drive began this week at the Hambach, France plant. Production of 1,000 units will be completed within the next few months. These are the first European electric vehicles that are fully operational for everyday use. Daimler AG tells us that these cars will be available to the general public for the model year 2012. The Smart Fortwo is now available in 41 markets around the world. Most recently with launches in China and Brazil, the Germany, Italy, and the U.S. are key markets.

The hunt for the perfect plug in electric car is getting closer. The 2010 Smart ED Fortwo electric drive car, a zero emission town and city car, rolled off the Hambach, France assembly line. Read what Daimler AG says:

Hambach, France / Stuttgart, Germany - This week, Daimler AG started production of the smart fortwo electric drive at the smart plant in Hambach, France. In a first step, 1,000 vehicles will be provided to customers participating in various mobility projects in major cities in Europe and the U.S., in order to generate broad feedback on electric driving under everyday conditions.

Marc Langenbrinck, Managing Director of the smart brand: “With the start of the series production of the smart fortwo electric drive, the Hambach plant enters a new era – at the same time, the smart fortwo emphasizes its pioneering role on the way to individual mobility with local zero-emissions in cities and urban areas. Its innovative battery-electric drive makes the smart fortwo electric drive the ideal vehicle for the city: it combines responsibility to the environment with driving fun and joie de vivre in a virtually perfect manner.”
Production_electric_drive_begins
The second-generation smart fortwo electric drive started now is equipped with the most modern lithium-ion-battery. As of 2012, the smart fortwo electric drive will be produced as a regular part of the smart product portfolio and will regularly be sold through the smart sales network.

First Milestones in 2007 and 2008
The smart brand has taken a pioneering role in electric mobility since 2007. Back then, 100 smart fortwo electric drives of the first generation went into practical customer operation under everyday conditions of city traffic in London. Feedback from this project has been very positive right from the start and confirmed the high degree of maturity of this vehicle concept.

Just one year later, the company introduced the second generation - which is now being produced - with an even more advanced electric drive and an innovative, highly efficient lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion technology has decisive advantages over other types of batteries including higher performance, shorter charging times, a long life and high reliability. In addition, a smart fortwo electric drive can be charged at a regular household power outlet.

A story of success: The smart Plant in Hambach
The smart plant in Hambach was inaugurated in 1997. Since 1998, it has produced the smart fortwo, since 2007 in its current generation. In 2008, more than 800 employees of the plant and some further 800 people employed by seven system partners produced about 140,000 units of the smart fortwo. In September 2008, the brand celebrated its tenth anniversary along with the 1-millionth smart fortwo produced at the Hambach plant.

The Hambach plant has represented an innovative production concept since its beginning: The assembly line in the shape of a plus sign has been designed to optimally meet the demands of assembly and logistics and ensures highly efficient production processes. This principle enables the system partners to supply modules directly to the assembly line, which reduces transport and logistics efforts to a minimum and hereby also provides an advantage regarding ecological aspects. In addition, the environmentally friendly and cost effective paint shop, an energy concept with numerous savings opportunities and the construction principle of the vehicles ensure that the ecological product responsibility of the smart brand is translated into the production.

About smart
Environmental friendliness and contemporary functionality have been defining features of the smart fortwo ever since it was launched more than ten years ago. Since then its innovative concept has combined sustainable, forward-looking technologies with individual urban mobility. With a length of just over two and a half meters, the extremely compact and fuel-efficient vehicle brings its occupants to their destination comfortably and safely. Its distintive design made smart an automotive lifestyle icon which shows that mobility, responsibility to the environment and joie de vivre are compatible with one another. The smart fortwo has established a class of its own.
Today, smart is present in 41 markets around the globe, with most recent market launches in China and Brazil. Germany, Italy, and the U.S. are key markets.
Source: media.daimler.com

Ed Whitacre tells America GM has repaid U.S. loans in new ad

2010-04-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

General Motors pays its loans early – Click above to view the video after the jump

It didn't take long for General Motors to turn out an ad boasting the fact that the company was able to pay back its federal loans five years ahead of schedule. The company has rolled out a new spot featuring none other than Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre strolling through an assembly plant and addressing the American public. Whitacre even opens with the fact that he "can respect" the fact that many individuals didn't want the federal government to bailout the auto industry in the first place.

If you look close, you can spot a number of upcoming models in the background as GM's head honcho recaps some of the company's recent successes. Both the Cadillac CTS Coupe and the Chevrolet Cruze make an appearance. Whether or not this will help GM shed its unfortunate "Government Motors" nickname remains to be seen, but it certainly can't hurt. The company has an uphill battle with most buyers after infamously receiving billions of dollars from the government in an emergency effort to keep the company afloat. Hop the jump to see the spot for yourself.

Low interest auto financing calculator

2010-03-24T22:22:00.001-07:00

Low interest auto financing calculator

Calculate your potential savings
Promotional interest rates can save a lot of money on the purchase of a new car or truck. Not only are the monthly payments lower, but the total interest payments can be significantly less. This calculator is designed to compare three different auto financing options. Use this calculator to help find the best monthly payment and to figure out how much interest you could save.
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This Financial Calculator requires SUN's Java� Plug-in. If you see this message you will need to download SUN's Java� Plug-in. This can be done automatically by clicking the yellow bar at the top of your browser and choosing �Install ActiveX Control�.

You can also get SUN's Java� Plug-in here: Get the Java� Plug-in!

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For more information these financial calculators please visit: Financial Calculators from KJE Computer Solutions, LLC

Definitions
Balance to finance: Total amount you wish to finance with a loan. This is the total balance after taking into account taxes or fees. This doesn't include your down payment or trade-in amounts. These amounts should be entered in the down payment field.
Net leased amount: Total amount you wish to have leased. This is the balance after taking into account any fees or taxes. This doesn't include your down payment or trade-in amounts. These amounts should be entered in the down payment field.
Interest rate (APR): The Annual Percentage Rate charged for this loan or lease.
Down payment (cash + trade-in): This is the total cash down payment for this purchase or lease. If you are applying a trade-in amount to your financing, include it here.
Term in months: The total number of months you wish to finance your automobile. The minimum term is 12 months, the maximum term is 120 months.
Residual percentage: For leases, this is remaining value of your vehicle after the lease term expires. The higher this amount, the lower your lease payment will be.

Information and interactive calculators are made available to you as self-help tools for your independent use and are not intended to provide investment advice. We can not and do not guarantee their applicability or accuracy in regard to your individual circumstances. All examples are hypothetical and are for illustrative purposes. We encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding all personal finance issues.

Current New Car Prices

2010-03-08T19:11:00.000-08:00

Current New Car Prices

These are the new prices for every new car on sale in the UK. The prices include all on-road charges and tax. We also list our target price - what you should be able to get the car for with minimum negotiation.

Find a new car price by selecting a manufacturer

Abarth

Aixam

Alfa Romeo

Aston Martin

Audi

Bentley

BMW

Bristol

Bugatti

Cadillac

Caterham

Chevrolet

Chrysler

Citroën

Coleman Milne

Corvette

Daihatsu

Daimler

De Tomaso

Dodge

Eagle

Farbio

Ferrari

Fiat

Ford

Honda

Hummer

Hyundai

Infiniti

Invicta

Isuzu

Jaguar

Jeep

Kia

Lamborghini

Land Rover

Lexus

Ligier

Lotus

LTI

Marcos

Marlin

Maserati

Maybach

Mazda

Mercedes-Benz

Microcar

MINI

Mitsubishi

Morgan

Nissan

Noble

Perodua

Peugeot

PGO

Porsche

Proton

Renault

Rolls-Royce

Saab

San

SEAT

Skoda

Smart

SsangYong

Subaru

Suzuki

TD Cars

Toyota

Vauxhall

Volkswagen

Volvo

Westfield

2010 Suzuki SX4 Vehicle Overview

2010-03-08T18:41:00.000-08:00

2010 Suzuki SX4 Vehicle Overview

Introduction

Suzuki introduced its tall SX4 compact three years ago, and this hatchback (and later sedan) managed to catch our attention thanks to its roomy cabin, generous features list, available all-wheel drive, easy-driving demeanor and low cost. Our few complaints involved its rather tepid performance and below-class-average fuel economy.

This year, Suzuki addresses both gripes with a new, more powerful engine and two new transmissions that help boost fuel mileage by a couple of miles per gallon. A new trim level, the SX4 Sportback, has also been added to the mix. The Sportback is the hatchback model fitted with the performance upgrades of the Sport sedan. These upgrades include a lowered ride height, 17-inch alloy wheels shod with performance tires, a sport-tuned suspension and body styling tweaks.

All SX4s this year gain a new 2.0-liter engine that puts out 150 horsepower (7 more hp than last year). The power gain by itself is not huge, but there's some added spring in the SX4's step thanks to those two new transmissions -- a six-speed manual and a CVT -- which replace last year's five-speed manual and four-speed auto. Other changes this year include a revised front fascia, a new instrument cluster, rear-seat floor vents and enhancements to the navigation system that include weather maps and even airline departure/arrival information.

The 2010 Suzuki SX4 takes the age-old approach of offering more for the money than the segment's established stars. For around the same price as a Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris, the SX4 hatchback gives you a roomy cabin, a more powerful engine, sporty handling, power everything, a quieter highway ride and even available automatic climate control. And we'd definitely take the SX4 sedan over Nissan's Versa or Sentra, though it has tough rivals in the well-equipped Kia Forte, the sporty Mazda 3 and the tried-and-true Honda Civic. All said, the improved 2010 SX4 is a strong contender for the small sedan or hatchback shopper.

For Pricing information, see our Pricing page.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2010 Suzuki SX4 is a compact car available in sedan or hatchback form. The sedan comes in standard and Sport versions, while the hatchback is offered as the base "Crossover" and the uplevel "Sportback." The sedans are front-wheel drive only, as is the Sportback. The Crossover can be had in either front- or all-wheel drive. In lieu of a lengthy options list, the SX4 comes in a multitude of trim levels.

The standard SX4 sedan comes in base, LE and LE Popular trims. Standard features on the base SX4 sedan include 15-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt steering wheel and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, but little else. Should you also want air-conditioning and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack (delayed availability), step up to the LE. The LE with Popular package adds the CVT (in place of the six-speed manual transmission), cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

The SX4 Sport sedan comes in S, SE and GTS trims. The S comes with the LE sedan's equipment and adds a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, a lower body kit and a navigation system. The SE adds the LE Popular package sedan's features, and Bluetooth is optional. The GTS adds foglights, a rear spoiler, an upgraded audio system (with a six-disc CD changer), upgraded navigation features (MSN traffic, weather and airline flights), keyless entry/ignition and automatic climate control.

The SX4 Crossover comes in base, Technology and Touring AWD trims. The base Crossover comes with the LE sedan's features and adds 16-inch wheels, a roof rack and a rear wiper. The Technology trim adds the LE Popular package sedan's features along with the navigation system. The Touring AWD adds the GTS's features, except it has 16-inch wheels rather than 17s.

The Sportback comes only in loaded GTS trim, which includes the features of the Sport GTS sedan minus the CVT and MSN subscription, both of which are optional.

For more Style information, see our Compare Styles page.

Powertrains and Performance

Power for all Suzuki SX4s comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 150 hp and 140 pound-feet of torque. It's connected to a standard six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. When paired to the CVT, the engine's output drops slightly to 148 hp. All SX4s are front-wheel drive except for the Crossover hatchback, which offers an AWD option.

Fuel economy estimates for the SX4 range from 25 mpg city/32 highway and 28 mpg combined for the base sedan with the CVT (23/33/26 with the manual) down to 23/29/25 for the AWD Crossover with the CVT (22/30/25 with the manual).

For more Performance Data, see our Specifications page.

Safety

Every 2010 Suzuki SX4 comes with antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags and head-protecting side curtain airbags for all outboard passengers. Traction and stability control are standard on the Sport GTS sedan, the Sportback and all Crossover trims.

In government crash testing, both SX4 body styles received four stars (out of five) for driver and passenger protection. In side impact tests, the SX4 earned five stars for the driver and four stars for the rear passenger. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the SX4 earned the top rating of "Good" in both frontal-offset and side-impact tests.

For more Safety information, see our Safety page.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Suzuki SX4's cabin has a clean design with large, three-dial climate control knobs that sit just below a compact, well-labeled stereo. The optional navigation system has a small display screen and an aftermarket look, but it's surprisingly useful. The quality of some interior plastics isn't as high as in some rivals, however.

The SX4 earns high marks for its voluminous headroom, though we've found actual driver comfort a bit hit-or-miss. Some of our editors have found the elevated seating position very comfortable, while others complain about the lack of a telescoping steering wheel. Legroom can be tight for adults seated in back, but the high rear seat cushion provides good thigh support.

In the hatchback, the 60/40-split rear seatbacks flip forward to open up an impressive 54 cubic feet of cargo space, just 3 cubes shy of the marvelous Honda Fit (though the seats don't fold flat like they do in the Fit). The sedan sports a 60/40-split-folding rear seat and offers a generous 15 cubic feet of trunk capacity -- equal to that of many midsize sedans.

For more Interior Features information, see our Specifications page.

Driving Impressions

Though it has a powerful engine compared to its subcompact competition, the 2010 Suzuki SX4 is still no hot rod. Its typically heavier curb weight negates any advantage, and the 2.0-liter four is predictably light on low-end torque. Nonetheless, acceleration is satisfactory for a small car. The Crossover AWD, due to its smaller fuel tank, also suffers from poor range, with gas station stops a too-frequent annoyance.

The SX4 boasts a smooth, refined ride quality on most surfaces. Big bumps don't upset the suspension much, and its character over broken pavement is firm but composed. With their lower-profile 17-inch tires and firmer suspensions, the Sport versions are the handlers of the lot, with a minimum of body roll through the corners. For vehicles with "Sport" in their names, however, their lack of steering feedback is disappointing.

For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from our Editors, see our Road Tests page.

Top Ten Of The Best Hot Hatches

2010-02-25T23:38:00.000-08:00

TOP TEN OF THE BEST HOT HATCHES

Considering their price, petrol consumption and insurance costs, it must be surprising to some just how packed the hot hatch sector is - but for us punters who like our cars pacey, reasonably priced and boasting powerhouse looks, it's a no-brainer. So if you're in the market for a fast and furious hatchback, here's our rundown of the very best...

TOP TEN OF THE BEST HOT HATCHES

Renault Twingo/Clio/Megane

When it comes to front-wheel drive hot hatches, Renault's performance division, Renaultsport, seems incapable of putting a tyre wrong. Not only did it round off the Megane's fat-bottomed previous gen with one of the greatest hot hatches ever made, the R26.R, they've gone on to unleash three astonishing hatches within months of each other - and there's one for every budget; the Renaultsport Twingo 133 Cup (from £12,046.95 - 0-60 in 8.7secs), the Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup (from £16,459.45 - 0-60 in 6.9secs) and the daddy, the Megane Renaultsport 250 Cup (from £22,467.29 - 0-60 in 6.1 secs). All offer huge grip, brilliant chassises and confidence-inspiring rides. No, none of these cars have the fit or finish of a German motor but at these prices, who cares?

Get a quote on a Renault today! >>

Skoda Fabia vRS

From £16,000 est.

The previous vRS was an unassuming little hatchback with a diesel engine - not the most conspicuous of hot hatches then but that was part of its appeal for many owners. For the 2010 version though, Skoda has decided to up the drama of the car's exterior with looks that are distinctly warm if not scorching hot. Under the bonnet, the diesel is being given the heave-ho and in its place is a 178bhp turbo- and supercharged 1.4-litre engine. You'll also be able to option for a seven-speed DSG gearbox with shift paddles mounted behind the wheel - looks like Skoda means business this time round...

Get a quote on a Skoda Fabia today! >>

Mini Cooper S

From £17,015

We may have said it before at BuyaCar but for pure go-kart-like handling, the Cooper S with its supercharged engine and sublime chassis can even make city driving fun. Couple this with the Mini's idiosyncratic and fun interior, and you have the perfect pocket-sized ally for tackling British roads. For those who prefer their Minis hardcore, you can snap up a Mini John Cooper Works from £21,655 - while it's a little steep price-wise, the JCW's twin-scroll turbocharged engine helps shift the car from 0-62 in 6.5 secs which makes it a true pocket rocket.

Get a quote on a Mini Cooper S today! >>

Honda Civic Type-R GT

From £20,768

When the all-new Civic was unveiled to the world back in 2007, you had to pinch yourself - Honda? Doing daring looks? It still looks futuristic from the inside and out, and look under the bonnet and you'll find the latest Honda V-TEC engine which loves being revved to within an inch of its life. The ride is firm and the steering could do with more feel but for a hot hatch that stands out for all the right reasons, the Type-R is still a crowd-pleaser.

Get a quote on a Honda Civic R GT today! >>

Subaru Impreza Sti

From £27,245

The new-ish shape Impreza has divided opinion with its hatchback looks and numb steering. But you're getting a serious piece of kit for your money - a practical four-door family car with more useable space than its predecessor thanks to its hatchback and folding-flat back seats, and a sorted chassis with Subaru's legendary AWD system plus a 2.5 turbo boxer engine kicking out nearly 300bhp that will see you to 60mph in under five seconds. That's Lambo-worrying performance...

Get a quote on a Subaru Impreza Sti today! >>

Focus RS

From £27,575

Its boy racer looks featuring a large twin-blade spoiler and pumped-up wheel arches filled with massive 19' alloys may not to be to everyone's taste but from behind the wheel, it's clear that the new RS is built for maximum attack. Thanks to Ford's new fangled suspension system - the RevoKnuckle - which aids the front wheels gain traction, this RS is far more manageable than the previous generation RS. Factor in its fantastic turbo-charged engine, burbling exhaust note, stonking performance (0-60 in 5.9 secs) and obscene grip, and you're looking at a future classic. And it's got a massive boot. What more do you want?

Get a quote on a Focus RS today! >>

Golf R

From £30,235 (with DSG gearbox)

The Golf's range-topping R32 was the superhot hatch that never managed to outshine the lesser-powered but more rewarding-to-drive GTi. This latest incarnation though sees VW dumping the lardy 3.2 V6 engine and going with a lighter and faster turbo-blown 2.0-litre unit. Couple that with AWD and first impressions are of a R-Golf that finally shows its younger sibling a thing or two about astonishing crosscountry pace ? but with the excitement and involvement that was lacking from the R32.

Get a quote on a Golf R today! >>

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Price TBC

Alfas may boast looks that make grown men go weak at the knees but the driving experience can sometimes be a letdown ? even its halo supercar, the 8C, came under criticism for not being the sharpest handling tool in the box. With the 147 replacement, the Giulietta, arriving here soon, Alfa is hoping to take the fight to the VW Golf and recapture some of the old Alfa driving magic in the process. The Giulietta is certainly a looker and will feature a host of petrol and diesel engines on its launch - but the one we're most interested in is the Quadrifoglio Verde (Cloverleaf); with 232bhp under the bonnet, it should be something special. Fingers crossed.