The Corsa Is Going Offroad

These spy images shows Vauxhall's new supermini SUV, slated for release in 2011. Acoording to Autoexpress ,hiding under this Meriva body is a widened Corsa chassis that will be the basis for the upcoming off-roader. A slightly higher ride and widened track are all dead give-aways as to the car's true identity. Beefed-up looks and rugged off-road capability will introduce the new model into a small SUV market that already includes the Skoda Yeti and looks set to receive many more, including the upcoming MINI Crossman.

Among the new styling changes will be new muscular wheel arches, to accommodate the wider track, a set of roof rails and plastic protective bumpers. To be frank this off-roader looks like an MPV at first glance.

Vauxhall aims to lose the 'gas-guzzler' image normally associated with 4x4s, so expect to see power coming from a range of low-capacity turbo-charged petrol engines. Additionally, the firm's efficient 1.3 and 1.7-litre diesels will be tuned to give more low-down torque to the baby off-roader.

An entry level two-wheel drive version, as well as a flagship hybrid model are also thought to be in the offing for this latest supermini SUV.

My Verdict : This dated looking SUV wannabe should stay where it belongs...OFFROAD.








Source : Autoexpress







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2011 Buick Regal

GM America has officially released details & photos of the upcoming Buick Regal. It is basically a restyled Opel Insignia sedan with design cues pulled from the new Buick Regal that was launched last December in China. Buick calls it a "Sport Sedan" though it is very hard for me to see any sporty element on the Regal. Powering the Regal will be a 182-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability. There will be a smaller, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 220 hp added to the line-up late next summer. Fuel efficiency is rated at 30 mpg in EPA highway driving for the normally aspirated four while the turbo four is estimated at 29 highway.

The Buick Regal will come with a standard list of equipment like 18-inch wheels and tires, heated leather front seats, satellite radio, four-wheel disc brakes, all-independent suspension, stability and traction control, and Bluetooth capability. Optional upgrade list to your Regal includes rear-seat thorax bags, navigation, premium audio and an interactive drive control system offered only with the turbo engine, with driver-selectable suspension settings and 19-inch wheels and tires.

There are no indication of price yet with the official launching of the model taking place during the Los Angeles Motor Show. p.s. I will take the european Opel Insignia anytime over this.












Source : Insideline

AutoAlert : Vauxhall Calibra

Set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show the stunning Vauxhall Calibra. The interior has a 2+2 cabin arrangement with the possibility of having GTC’s Flex4 arrangement, which allows the two seats in the back to slide fully forward, maximising boot space. Under the bonnet, power will come from a range of Astra-sourced engines, including a 157bhp 2.0-litre diesel and a 177bhp 1.6 turbo. A range-topping 2.0 turbo from the upcoming Astra VXR will kick out in excess of 250bhp. Potential rivals includes VW’s Golf-based Scirocco and Ford Capri. I have to disagree with Autoexpress's decision to include the Peugeot 308 RC Z in the list of potential rivals as I feel the 308 RC Z was engineered to take on the Audi TT which falls in the league of serious sports machine.

source : Autoexpress