Toyota launches Etios Liva

Toyota has unveiled the Etios Liva, its first ever hatchback for the Indian market.



Aimed at younger buyers, the new arrival will be offered in four trim levels with prices ranging from Rs 3,99,000 to Rs 5,99,000 (ex-showroom in Delhi).

Although based on the existing Etios Saloon, the hatchback’s 1,197 cc four-cylinder engine is smaller and marginally less powerful, producing 78 bhp (59 kW / 80 PS) and 104 Nm (76 lb/ft) of torque. Average fuel economy is better though, at 51.7 mpg (18.3 km/l / 5.5 l/100km).



Visually the two cars are very similar, apart from their unique rear ends. Its body style means that the Etios Liva is less practical for luggage carrying, and boot space is down from the saloon’s 595 litres to 251 litres for the hatchback. Ground clearance is 170 mm, and there’s chip resistant paint on vulnerable underside areas.

To appeal more to its target audience, the range-topping VX version gets a subtle aero kit made up of a roof spoiler, side skirts and bumper skirts. All models apart from the entry-level J specification feature keyless entry, central locking, electric windows and electric power steering with tilt adjustment for the steering column.



The Toyota Etios Liva is available now.



Related posts:

Corolla Altis gets a facelift

Toyota reveals 2011 Etios

Brammo builds in Europe

Electric motorcycle manufacturer Brammo has commenced production in Hungary.



The facility, located in Sàrvàr, is operated by Flextronics, a Singapore-based electronics manufacturing services company. Production capacity is 660 bikes per month, and will focus on the Enertia and Enertia Plus models for distribution in European, Asian and North American markets.

Brian Wismann, Director of Product Development at Brammo, said: “This partnership [with Flextronics] gives Brammo the ability to scale production and access global markets and the benefit of strengthening its reputation as the builder of the world’s finest electric motorcycles.”



With currently only a handful of dealers in the United States, the next big objective for the company will have to be the establishment of networks in other territories to sell its motorcycles. Otherwise it could be sitting on a lot of unsold stock after the Hungarian factory starts running at full volume...



The Brammo Enertia has a range of just 42 miles (67 kilometres), although the more practical Enertia Plus will manage double that. Both are powered by a 17 bhp (13 kW / 17 PS) electric motor that produces 40 Nm (29 lb/ft) of torque and should be good for a top speed of around 60 mph (96 km/h).



Related posts:

Brammo range grows

Brammo Enertia Plus

99 g/km Astra ecoFLEX

The Vauxhall Astra is already one of the neatest looking cars in its class, and now it’s among the most economical and environmentally friendly, too.



With a revised 1.7 CDTi diesel engine, the latest Astra ecoFLEX joins a growing list of C-segment models that produce under 100 g/km of CO2.

But while competitors from Volvo and the Volkswagen Group match the Astra on emissions, the Vauxhall boasts lower fuel consumption and a higher power output. On those last two measures, it even eclipses the Toyota Prius and Auris hybrids:

Manufacturer	Model	Fuel Type	CO2 Emissions	Fuel Consumption	Power
Vauxhall	Astra 1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX	Diesel	99 g/km	76.3 mpg (3.7 l/100km)	128 bhp (95 kW / 130 PS)
Audi	A3 1.6 TDIe	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS)
Seat	Leon 1.6 CR TDI Ecomotive	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS)
Skoda	Octavia 1.6 TDI Greenline	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS)
Toyota	Auris Hybrid	Petrol Hybrid	89 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	97 bhp (73 kW / 99 PS)
Toyota	Prius	Petrol Hybrid	89 g/km	72.4 mpg (3.9 l/100km)	97 bhp (73 kW / 99 PS)
Volkswagen	Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS)
Volvo	S40 DRIVe	Diesel	99 g/km	74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km)	113 bhp (84 kW / 115 PS)

Various measures have been employed to help the Astra attain its mix of power and economy.



The engine has been comprehensively reworked, and it now features a new fuel injection system, variable geometry turbocharger and engine management system that lets it operate at a lower compression ratio. A lot of the internals are now low friction, and there’s even an oil cooler bypass that lets the engine get up to its optimum operating temperature more quickly.



Drive is via a specially adapted six-speed manual transmission. Again, attention has been paid to reducing mechanical friction, and it comes equipped with a shift indicator to encourage more efficient driving.



Apart from the drivetrain enhancements, the Astra ecoFLEX comes with brake energy regeneration and stop-start systems, both of which are now virtually obligatory for any eco-car.



The aerodynamics have also been tweaked to further reduce fuel burn. Ride height has been lowered by 12 mm, while the grille has an active shutter which closes when less throttle load is required. Completing the package are low rolling resistance tyres.



Achieving 99 g/km brings several benefits to UK drivers. These include zero-rated Vehicle Excise Duty, a full discount on the London Congestion Charge, and qualification for the lowest Benefit In Kind tax band for company car users.



So, whatever your views on global warming, there are definite financial advantages to be gained from running a low CO2 car. The only potential downside is that more people are going to change their buying habits accordingly, meaning that the tax authorities will eventually realise that they’re missing out on a huge chunk of revenue.



Consequently, the chances of those ‘free’ thresholds falling from 100 g/km to something much lower in the future have to be high.



Prices for the Astra ecoFLEX have yet to be announced, but it will be available in Exclusiv, SE and SRi specifications. Deliveries are expected to begin later this year.



Related posts:

2011-12 company car tax

Zero Congestion Charge

Police spec Astra

2012 Transformers Camaro

Casting a Camaro as the Autobot ‘Bumblebee’ in the Transformers movies has undoubtedly helped to raise the car’s profile. And now it’s back in ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’, the third film from the franchise.



To mark the reappearance (or to cash in on it, maybe?), Chevrolet has announced the 2012 Transformers Special Edition Camaro Coupe.

Essentially a $3,000 package for the Camaro Coupe 2LT and 2SS, content comprises the RS appearance pack (includes 20” alloy wheels, HID headlights and unique taillights), Autobot Shield logos, black stripes and a high-wing rear spoiler.



Naturally, the only body colour available is Rally Yellow, while the wheels are painted black. On the inside, there’s black leather upholstery with contrast yellow stitching, as well as more Autobot logos.



If all of that isn’t enough, buyers can upgrade to 21” wheels and the dealer-fit Ground Effects Package with its front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser.



In the US and Canada, orders for the Transformers Special Edition Camaro Coupe can be placed from next month. The first deliveries are then expected to follow in September.



Related posts:

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2011 Camaro Convertible

Pontiac Trans Am reborn

Camaro coming to the UK

Bentley Mulliner Styling

Undoubtedly aware that some aftermarket firms are doing fairly hideous things to its products, Bentley has taken an ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’ approach by launching Mulliner Styling Specification upgrades for the current Continental GT.

Although the end result manages to be quite understated, it doesn’t come cheap…



For instance, buyers will have to part with £7,540 for the Classic Pack. This comprises a front bumper splitter, lower intake grille strakes, side skirts and a rear diffuser, all of which are made from carbon fibre.



But to get the full effect, Bentley is also offering a range of individual Mulliner options. There are yet more carbon fibre trinkets, in the shape of door mirror caps (at a shocking £2,241) and a rear spoiler that costs the same again.

The curved wing vents, which sit just behind the front wheels, are constructed from dark chrome mesh with carbon fibre bezels. Priced at £4,762, they’re claimed to help heat diffusion, presumably from the brakes.



Finally, the standard wheels can be swapped for 21” Elegant alloys which have a contrasting black and machined finish, and cost £5,940.



The Classic Pack can be ordered via Bentley dealers now, while the optional features will be available from this autumn. Customers who go for everything will face a hefty bill of £22,724.

2012 Husqvarna Enduro

BMW subsidiary Husqvarna has revealed its 2012 range of enduro bikes. All get black frames, silver Excel wheel rims and updated, more durable ‘in-mould’ graphics. Beyond that, the extent of any technical changes varies by model.



The revised bikes will be available from this July, although prices have yet to be confirmed.





WR125



Although the WR125 was comprehensively revamped for 2011, the 2012 version has received a few extra tweaks. These include a stronger, more rigid steering head and protection for the single-cylinder engine’s filter box.

WR250



Apart from the cosmetic changes common across the range, Husqvarna hasn’t done anything else to the WR250 for 2012.

WR300



It’s a similar story with the WR300, which still shares its chassis and suspension with the WR250. The carburettor-fed 293.1 cc engine - the largest capacity two-stroke in the Husqvarna line-up - also continues unchanged.

TE250



The four-stroke TE250 gets heavily revised suspension, including a Kayaba rear damper in place of the previous Sachs item. It features adjustment for low / high speed compression and rebound, while up front the 48 mm forks have been recalibrated and had new springs fitted to complement the rear set-up.



The frame has been reinforced at the steering head, and the handlebar is secured with new clamps. Although the engine is unchanged, the exhaust has been altered to help liberate more performance.

TE310



All of the TE250’s 2012 updates have also been applied to the larger capacity TE310.

TE449



Modifications to the TE449 include a new frame, which has additional strengthening around the engine mounts, seat rail and steering head. There’s also a single piece rear mudguard, which is claimed to be stronger than the old one.



Suspension revisions comprise a shorter Kayaba rear damper, which is fully adjustable and now better protected from dirt and debris. The 48 mm diameter front forks have also been improved with more progressive damping. Finally, the Keihin fuel injection has been remapped to fine tune power delivery from the 449 cc single-cylinder engine, and the radiator is upgraded.

TE511



The TE511 receives the same improvements as the TE449, with the aim of improving rideability, especially in terms of handling and throttle response.

Related post:

New Husqvarna SMR511

BMW M3 CRT Saloon

BMW has revealed the M3 CRT Saloon, which is essentially a four-door version of last year’s M3 GTS.

The ‘CRT’ part of its name stands for Carbon Racing Technology, reflecting that carbon fibre reinforced plastic has been used for the bonnet, roof, front seats and rear spoiler. As a result, weight is down by about 45 kg (99 lbs) compared to the standard version, and the M3 CRT tips the scales at 1,580 kg (3,483 lbs).



Power comes from the same 4.4 V8 that saw service in the GTS, coupled to the seven-speed M DCT double-clutch transmission. Thanks to 444 bhp (331 kW / 450 PS), 440 Nm (324 lb/ft) of torque and less mass to haul about, the M3 CRT will accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) from rest in 4.4 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than a normal M3 Saloon equipped with the same gearbox. Top speed is 180 mph (290 km/h).



Other distinguishing features include a titanium exhaust, two individual rear seats and 19” alloy wheels that come shod in 245/35 tyres up front and 265/30 section rubber for the rears.



Just 67 examples of the BMW M3 CRT are going to be produced, with prices in Germany starting at €130,000 including VAT (around £115,500 / US$184,500 at today’s exchange rates). The disappointing news for potential UK customers, however, is that it won’t be coming here.

Related posts:

Frozen Black Edition M3

Alpina B3 S Bi-Turbo

BMW M3 GTS

Aprilia SR Max scooters

Aprilia has launched a pair of new SR Max scooters, which it says have styling inspired by its RSV4 superbike.



The SR Max 125 comes with a fuel-injected, four-stroke 124 cc engine that produces 14 bhp (11 kW / 15 PS) and 12 Nm (8 lb/ft) of torque.



For those wanting slightly more performance, there’s the SR Max 300. It’s powered by a 278 cc single-cylinder engine with outputs of 21 bhp (16 kW / 22 PS) and 23 Nm (16 lb/ft).

Both have large diameter wheels - 15” at the front, 14” at the rear - and 35 mm hydraulic front forks. Braking is taken care of by a 260 mm disc brake with two-piston caliper up front, while at the back there’s a 240 mm disc brake.



Other features include a large under-seat storage compartment, and heater vents that direct air from the radiator onto the rider’s legs. Seat height is 815 mm.



Available in Nero Aprilia (which is actually a black and red colour scheme) or Bianco Glam, UK on the road prices have been set at £3,599 for the SR Max 125 and £3,899 for the SR Max 300.

Aston ‘Cygnet and Colette’

Well that didn’t take long. Aston Martin has just announced the first special edition model based on its Cygnet city car which, in turn, is of course based on the Toyota iQ.



Called the ‘Cygnet and Colette’, the name recognises that Aston Martin has teamed up with Parisian fashion emporium Colette to create this exclusive version. Just fourteen examples are going to be built, which may seem a rather random quantity, but that’s the number of years Colette has been in business.

The work has been entrusted to Aston Martin Works Tailored, which is usually responsible for personalising customer cars. Judging by the specification though, its talents have hardly been stretched.



Externally, the only things that differentiate the ‘Cygnet and Colette’ from the standard version are the Lightening Silver paintwork with contrasting blue elements and some special badges.

On the inside, there are Bitter Chocolate quilted leather door and seat inserts, plus quilted Alcantara sun visors. The back seats also get a couple of blue leather cushions, although arguably they’re a bit pointless given the cramped rear accommodation of the Cygnet.



The ‘Cygnet and Colette’ can be ordered now via the Colette store in Paris, and it costs €48,995 (around £43,600 at today’s exchange rates).

Anyone who misses out on this particular limited edition needn’t be too concerned, because Aston Martin has promised that it’s just the first in a series of ‘Cygnet and …’ collaborations.



Related posts:

£40k for iQ-based Cygnet

Aston Martin is coolest

Baby Aston Martin

99 g/km diesel Audi A1

Audi has reduced the CO2 emissions from its A1 1.6 TDI to 99 g/km, thanks to the fitment of stop-start and energy regeneration systems.



That’s an improvement of 6 g/km, which might not sound a lot but it’s significant for UK buyers. It means the A1 will now qualify for zero-rated Band A Vehicle Excise Duty, and makes it eligible for a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge.



Economy has been similarly improved too, with the combined cycle figure rising from 70.6 mpg (4.0 l/100km) to 74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km). So, probably quite deliberately, the Audi now exactly matches the Mini Cooper D for fuel consumption and emissions.



It remains slightly slower though, with a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 118 mph (189 km/h). By comparison, the Mini gets from rest to 62 mph in 9.7 seconds and can reach 122 mph (196 km/h).

UK on the road prices for the A1 1.6 TDI have been confirmed at £14,480 for the SE, £16,320 for the Sport and £17,865 for the S line.



And yes, they’re very much in the same ballpark as the Mini Cooper D, which costs £16,060.



However, one potential sales casualty of the revamped A1 could be the Polo BlueMotion 1.2 TDI from sister brand Volkswagen.



With only 73 bhp (55 kW / 75PS) compared to the Audi’s 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), the Polo achieves a marginally better 80.7 mpg (3.5 l/100km) and produces 91 g/km of CO2. It’s a slower car though and, in three-door form, a price tag of £14,860 makes it actually more expensive than the SE spec A1.



Related posts:

Audi A1 clubsport Quattro

2011 What Car? Awards

Zero Congestion Charge

2012 V-Strom 650 leaked

Images of the 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS have ‘accidentally’ been leaked ahead of its official unveiling. Or perhaps it was done deliberately, as part of Suzuki’s prolonged teaser campaign for its new bike?

Visually, the changes compared to the current model aren’t startling, although the fairing has been restyled and now gets prominent side grilles.



The engine is still a 645 cc v-twin unit, albeit with a slightly reduced compression ratio of 11.2:1, but no power or torque figures have been released. Drive is via a six-speed transmission.

Interestingly, fuel tank capacity is down from 22 litres (4.8 UK gallons / 5.8 US gallons) to 20 litres (4.4 UK gallons / 5.2 US gallons), which would suggest better economy if range is not to suffer.



Bad news for shorter riders is that the seat height has risen from 820 mm (32.3 inches) to 835 mm (32.9 inches). The V-Strom appears to have been on a diet though, as its kerb weight has been trimmed from 220 kg (485 lbs) to 214 kg (472 lbs).

Related posts:

Suzuki V-Strom 650A XP

Suzuki SV650S returns

Mini Coupé undisguised

Technical specs for the forthcoming Mini Coupé were released earlier this month, along with some images of a still-camouflaged car.



But now the disguise has been lifted, plus a launch date and prices have been set.

Mini John Cooper Works Coupé. Scroll down for more images.

Sales are due to start on 1st October 2011 and, as expected, the less practical Coupé models are going to be more expensive than their Hatch equivalents:

UK Prices - Mini Coupé vs. Hatch
Version	Hatch	Coupé	Difference
Cooper	£14,780	£16,640	£1,860
Cooper S	£18,105	£19,775	£1,670
Cooper SD	£18,750	£20,510	£1,760
John Cooper Works	£22,330	£23,795	£1,465

All variants will come as standard with park distance control, DAB digital radio and air conditioning, as well as a rear spoiler that rises automatically at 50 mph (80 km/h) and then retracts at 37 mph (60 km/h).

Related posts:

Mini Coupé revealed

Top hairdressers’ cars

Superchips Mini Cooper S

Mini Cooper SD arrives