Volkswagen is planning a rear-engined car to challenge BMW’s successful MINI, at least according to reports/speculation/wild-ass rumors by German auto magazine Autobild. While there aren’t many details of the VW’s MINI challenger, as would be expected from rumors, but it would go along with VW CEO’s Martin Winterkorn’s statement to expand into lucrative niche segments.
Could […]

Mazda has revealed its newest Japanese kei car, the AZ-Wagon. The new AZ follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, and is a rebadged Suzuki Wagon R. Based on the Wagon R Stingray, the AZ-Wagon features a unique hood and bumper, which gives it a Scion xB-like look.
The AZ-Wagon comes in two versions with a […]

Mitsubishi Motors UK has confirmed that it will import the ‘i’ minicar — already available in Japan — for the U.K. market starting on July 1st.
Mitsubishi Motors UK only decided to import the after an extensive feasibility study. “We displayed the “i” at Badminton Horse Trials, the British Motor Show and at a number of […]

Volkswagen’s new CEO, Martin Winterkorn, continues to place his mark on the German automaker. Following reports that Winterkorn has ordered a redesign of the Passat Coupe, and other models, he said that VW is planning to design and develop a new ultra compact car that will slot in “below the Fox.”
Winterkorn is planning for “an […]

Mazda has given the Carol — one of its micro-mini vehicles for the Japanese market — a fresh new look. The Carol is a popular model in Japan, especially with women, due to its charming design and practicality. The freshened version goes on sale nationwide at all Mazda Autozam, Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealers.
The upgraded […]

Spy photographers caught the another prototype of the next-generation smart fortwo. This example is the high-performance BRABUS model. Featuring a 110-hp engine, the smart fortwo will accelerate to 100 km/h in just over 10 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 160 km/h. Expect an exclusive Brabus interior, and suspension tuning to […]

Driven by high fuel prices, the market for kei cars is booming, and few automakers are benefiting from the upturn like Suzuki. Suzuki, the leader in Kei cars, has passed Honda, and taken third place behind Toyota and Nissan in Japanese domestic car and light commercial vehicle sales. Between January and October 2006, Suzuki outsold […]

As part of DaimlerChrysler’s unveiling of the new smart fortwo, the automaker released a collection of interior and exterior design sketches of the new fortwo.
The new smart fortwo will go on sale in Europe beginning in April 2007, with sales in the U.S. starting in early 2008.
Check out the gallery after the jump.
## Source: DaimlerChrysler […]

Now that DaimlerChrysler has unveiled the all-new, second-generation smart fortwo, concerns about the safety of the diminutive city car are being raised again. Despite the car’s small size, the built-in tridion safety cell has performed surprising well in crash tests.
Check out this Fifth Gear video that includes official Mercedes videos with a smart colliding with […]

Following DaimlerChrysler’s unveiling of the new smart fortwo, the automaker has continued releasing information about the new minicar. The latest press release includes more details and additional technical information.
The smart fortwo with be available with a starter generator from the end of 2007, which will improve fuel economy by up to 13 percent in city […]