2011 Kia Rio FULL ROAD TEST

 Words and Photos by Rob McSorley

Saving money is a hot topic during these turbulent times with everyone trying to find ways to save money to make ends meet. A decade ago when petrol prices we are low as 70p per litre your cars fuel economy was a distant thought, as long as it didn’t seem that you were visiting the petrol pumps more than once a week drivers were happy with their costs, also worth considering back then, prices of new cars were relatively low and sales were booming.  Now however times have changed drastically, new car sales are struggling after the end of the recent scrappage scheme and fuel prices has reached an all-time high, more than ever anyone crazy enough to own and maintain a car, or even two are forced to consider the costs associated with this comfortable way to travel. How have car manufacturers responded? By finding new and interesting ways of increasing fuel consumption and reducing the costs of road tax and even developing zero emissions hybrid or full electric cars that dodge expensive congestion charges. When you talk about a car that is capable of returning 74 mpg on a combined cycle most people will insist that it must have ultra-thin, low resistance tyres devoid of any grip, ugly aerodynamic flourishes, or have to be inconveniently charged every 40 miles. But no, a car company that as little as 5 years ago was quietly producing low budget, uninspiring cars for those on a shoestring has managed the impossible. Enter the all-new Kia Rio CRDi Ecodynamics a very ordinary car capable of mind-blowing economy without anything more than a small capacity 1.1, 3 cylinder diesel engine and a simple stop-start system. I find out if the Kia Rio is as good as the figures suggest and whether it can now be considered a viable alternative to the current class leaders the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo.

2013 Kia Pro Cee'd TEASER

Above is allegedly a leaked sketch of the upcoming Kia Pro Cee'd due to be launched in early 2013. Styling is expected to differ from the recently launched 5 door Ceed in the same was as the previous model. Up front the new car has lights and a grill similar to the 5 door car but has a more sporty, rakish lower bumper section, towards the rear a lower, sleeker roof line features and at the rear styling changes are likely to be more significant. Engines are also likely to mirror those of the 5 door model but the ride and handling is said to be very different offering a sportier, more agile drive. More details should be released in the coming months.

2013 MG5 REVEALED

Today first official images of the upcoming Focus-rivalling MG5 have been released. Following on from the critically acclaimed MG6 the smaller MG5 sports a heavily chiseled looking front end dominated by the famous hexagonal MG badge and angular wrap-around xenon headlights. The side profile is less distinctive with a passing resemblance to Toyota's Auris and is finished off with attractive alloy wheels. The rear of the MG5 is much softer with a short overhang, narrow, high mounted rear light units and a discreet spoiler. No interior images have been officially revealed yet but a modern cabin is sure to feature similar in design to the larger MG6. MG have said that the 5's conventional suspension setup of McPherson struts up front and twist/torsion beam rear has been specifically developed for UK road and is significantly different from the Chinese model. Engine options have yet to be confirmed but its likely to feature MG's new 1.5 litre petrol and it's hoped that a diesel model will also arrive later on. More pictures and details are expected in the coming months

2013 Mercedes A-Class LEAKED

Today first images of the upcoming Mercedes A-Class have been leaked ahead of its reveal and this year's Geneva Motorshow on 8th March 2012. Technical details have yet to be revealed but it's widely known that the A-Class is based on the same basic architecture as the recently launched B-Class and loses the original cars cutting edge "sandwich" platform in favour of a more conventional setup. Dimensions have now been brought more in line with rivals from Audi and BMW. Engines are likely to mirror the B-Class also. The styling of the A-Class builds on the B-Class' with a low, angular front end, large grill with prominent badge, towards the side a sleek profile with small window area adds to the sporty look. Towards the rear large light clusters dominate with a neatly integrated spoiler. The cabin features high quality materials with lots of chrome and Mercedes signature round airvents. More details are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.

2013 Hyundai i20 Facelift REVEALED

Current i20

Restyled rear lights, bumper and wheels

Hyundai have today officially released first images of the refreshed i20 supermini, the first update since its original launch in 2009. Up front the i20 features Hyundai's fluidic sculpture form design language with the signature hexagonal grill design and reshaped headlamps. More minor exterior changes include restyles rear light clusters, a reshaped rear bumper and all new wheel designs. No interior pictures have yet been released but minor changed are expected. Unsurprisingly dimensions remain largely the same with only a minor increase in length of 55mm. Bigger news is the introduction of a new 1.1-litre, 3-cylinder 'U-II' diesel engine that generates 75 ps. When mated to Hyundai's Blue Drive technologies, this derivative emits just 84 g/km of CO2 - a figure lower than any other car with a conventional powertrain. The engine was developed at Hyundai's Diesel Centre of Excellence - part of the European R&D set-up in Rüsselsheim, Germany - and showcases Hyundai's expertise in clean diesel technology. This engine also features in the i20's cousin the Kia Rio. Its not yet know whether the suspension has also been retuned, this will become clear in the coming months.

2013 Volvo V40 REVEALED

Ahead of the 2012 Geneva motor show Volvo have shown images of its new V40. A direct rival to the recently launched BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 along with the upcoming Audi A-Class the V40 is the first 5 door hatchback that the company has produced in recent years. Building on the styling of the larger V60 and XC60 models with its smooth, low front end and sweeping high level rear light units. The side of the V4 features an up swept waistline with small glass area and an interesting shoulder crease harking back to the iconic P1800. Inside Volvo has created a stylish, well built cabin that can seat 4 in comfort and a large load area is promised. The V40 sits in the range between the smaller 3 door C30 and the  XC60. Priced are expected to rival those of its competitors and its yet unknown whether a 3 door version will follow to replace the smaller C30.

2012 Seat Toledo Concept

Today first images of Seat's latest concept car, the Toledo have been released. Although clearly a near-production model the Toledo is a far cry from the previous model which was a bizarre saloon version of the Altea compact MPV. This time round the Toledo goes back to its roots by offering a well proportioned saloon-type body style although the car is actually a hatchback. Styling could be described as sedate compared to Seats of old but its an elegant design with an angular front end echoing the recently face lifted Ibiza with a rear end similar to the Exeo big brother. The side profile gives away the Toledo's roots being heavily based on the recently launched VW Jetta. The interior of the concept is further from production read in its materials and colour scheme rather than basic architecture but a mature, well designed dashboard is expected. The Toledo fits into the range between the small Leon and larger Exeo and will compete with cars such as the Chevrolet Cruze and VAG's own Skoda Octavia.