Mini has been toying around with the idea of a CUV based on their classic Cooper model. The concept crossover was first seen at the 2008 Paris Auto Show and a production version will make an appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. However the real news is that the long time project has been going around nameless ever since its creation, well the German automaker has just registered the name “Countryman,” and we can only assume that the title will be applied to the future crossover.
The production version of the Countryman will get the same 1.6 Liter four cylinder engine as the rest of Mini’s lineup, and like most models the horsepower figures will vary depending on whether or not you choose the regular Cooper or turbocharged Copper S. Mini has said that at the moment there are no plans for a John Cooper Works edition, but if more power is needed, a very JCW-like twin-turbocharged version of the Mini’s power plant could be made available.
The Mini Countryman CUV will start out as front wheel drive model, but soon after will offer a version featuring their corporate parent company’s X-Drive four wheel drive system from BMW. This all wheel drive unit will make the Countryman as capable an off-roader as the automaker is hoping for.
You know you’re doing well with your marketing when demand for a crossover of a car that hasn’t been produced yet is gaining steam.
That’s the scenario BMW finds itself in when the BMW X1, which will be released in introduced in Europe at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, is now scheduled to have a US version to be released in 2011.
It’s a good place to be in for the guys at BMW, considering the way the ongoing economic crisis has slowed own auto sales all over the world. Before it was officially released by BMW, photos of the X1 were already being circulated in the Internet where it has received a string of positive reviews from auto aficionados everywhere.
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Ford owners aren’t the only ones who need to go pay a visit to their local dealerships. General Motors has a fix for one of their smaller cars. There are many reasons why cars are recalled by their manufacturers. Whether it’s a faulty engine or gearbox problems, auto makers are being extra careful these days with the fear of losing its customer base over the most minor of infractions.
Having said that, it comes as no surprise to us anymore that about 44,451 Saturn Vue models are being sent back to production plants because of…wait for it…sticky door handles.
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Honda announced that the all-new crossover Accord Crosstour will go on sale this fall. This new addition to the Honda lineup will be sold as a 2010 model.
The new model will compete with models like BMW 5-Series GT.
Stay tuned will get back with more details.
Top Speed recently received Toyota’s latest response to a multi-people mover, the Venza. This MPV is perfect for any consumer who needs the space and practicality of a minivan, but wants the attitude and style traditionally associated with a fun to drive vehicle. Overall it looks like a chopped and stretched Lexus RX SUV. Starting off, our Barcelona Red Venza came with options like leather, wood grain, high intensity discharge headlamps, AM/FM/MP3 radio as well as a DVD entertainment system.
One of the first things that you will notice when you get behind the wheel of most modern Toyota’s is the dual LCD displays on the dash. There is the traditional large screen incorporated into the center stack as well as a smaller 3.5 inch display that shows the settings for the dual zone climate control, fuel economy and a few other helpful facts for the driver. Meanwhile the larger LCD displays everything from audio settings to navigation.
The Venza offers seating for 5 and has more than enough cup holders to allow a few passengers to enjoy multiple beverages. There are also plenty of rather large storage compartments that conveniently let you stow away your goods. The Venza shines when it comes to cargo capacity, offering over 30 cubic feet of available space behind the rear seats and over 70 cubic feet when they are laid flat; there is even a 110 Volt outlet and audio/video inputs so you can play some video games while camped out in back of the Toyota.
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Kia has unveiled a new special edition SOUL. Called Denim Soul, the new special edition is priced at $17,301 with a five-speed manual transmission, and $18,250 with an automatic.
The new Denim Soul features a unique denim exterior color, striking white side-view mirrors with matching white 18-inch alloy wheels, front fender turn signal indicator lights, a wing-type rear spoiler and a bold off-set white racing stripe completing the rally-inspired look. The Denim Soul is based on the Soul+ model and is fully loaded with the Audio Upgrade Package (center speaker, subwoofer, external amplifier and speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music), an iPod connection cable for full functionality via the radio head unit and steering wheel controls, carpeted floor mats, moonroof and fog lights all included for this special edition.
Press release after the jump.
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The new 2010 GMC Terrain will go on sale in September with a price starting from $24,995 for the front-wheel drive model and from $26,745 for the all-wheel drive model.
The new crossover will be offered with a choice of two engines: SLE1 powered by a 2.4L direct-injection engine that delivers 182 hp and has a fuel economy of 32 mpg and the SLT2 powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine with 264 hp. THE SLT2 features leather seating, a premium Pioneer sound system, a power liftgate, sunroof and a special chrome appearance package, starts at $29,995.
Press release after the jump.
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When we first saw the new Mercedes Benz GLK make its big screen debut in a film about four women looking for love in Manhattan, it was hard to think of Mercedes Benz’s entry into the compact crossover market as anything but a chick car. After a few days of driving around our Arctic White GLK riding on upgraded 20 inch rims outside the vehicle, and enjoying the combination of black leather and aluminum trim inside the new CUV, we were pleased with what we had. Our 2010 GLK was optioned to the brim with features like DVD entertainment, navigation and other premium amenities; our car’s asking price had soared from the $35,900 M.S.R.P to almost $50,000.
The 268 HP V6 was more than enough to power our GLK 350 and when combined with the 4Matic all wheel drive system and seven speed automatic transmission made the crossover a blast to drive. Despite its compact nature, the GLK has styling to spare and is a welcome addition of attitude to the Mercedes Benz lineup. The size made the car easy to park and maneuver in traffic and combined with the safety of 6 airbags, makes the GLK a secure choice for new car buyers.
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The German luxury carmaker, Mercedes Benz, is preparing an even smaller version of the GLK. This new uber-mini G-Wagen will be called the BLK, the new crossover will be a competitor for BMW’s future X1 and Audi’s Q3. Based on the next Euro only B-Class, the future BLK will debut in 2012 and will cost 5000 Euros cheaper than the slightly larger, GLK.
From the outside, the BLK is smaller than the GLK, but on the inside it is almost as roomy as its big brother. Taking a cue from the original Mini Cooper, the Mercedes Benz engineers turned the engine sideways and mounted it transversely under the hood; this makes a flatter floor pan, and fewer intrusions into passenger compartment.
Engine options for the new BLK will consist of a 2.0 Liter turbo diesel making 175 HP, 204 HP and 225 HP; there will also be a gas burning turbocharged engine with the same displacement making 204 HP and 238 HP. If you are averse to shifting the gears of a manual transmission, Mercedes will also be offering their eight-speed double clutch automatic gearbox.
Volvo revealed today the first official images and informations about the all-new 2009 XC60 that will make its world debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show. Sales of the car will start in Europe during the second half of 2008, while sales in North America will get under way in early 2009.
The new XC60 is being launched with a choice of three engines: the turbocharged T6 which produces 285 hp, and two variants of the D5 turbodiesel, producing 185 and 163 hp respectively. All Wheel Drive (AWD) is fitted as standard. In 2009 Volvo will add a new 2.4-litre version powered by a Euro 5 diesel engine producing 163 hp and with a CO2 rating of around 170 g/km.
A variety of intelligent safety systems are another important part of the XC60 model’s special character. The big news is City Safety - a unique feature that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of the type of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic and traffic tailbacks. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car brakes itself.
Press release after the jump.
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