Do you think you’re seeing double? With the twin sets of horizontal headlamps flanked on either side of the Li Nian Everus’ chrome-built grill, consumers might just blink their eyes to make sure. Li Nian is the newly formed line of Honda Cars designed especially for the Chinese auto market . Honda’s China Guangzhou branch served as the model’s opening stage. Two concept cars were released by the branch in the past: a sporty roadster and a more compact crossover. According to Honda, the production version of the Li Nian concept will be available to the Chinese market during the Guangzhou Motor Show. This is set to happen by the end of 2010, but the company did not release any other details about the car. Reviewers suspect that the model will be based on the Honda City, a small sedan which was also based on the Jazz’s platform, but nothing official has been announced. The Honda City is powered by a 1.8 liter engine which is perfect for a smooth, city cruise. The concept car’s name “Li Nian” means “idea” in English, and with the spare information released about the concept car, it remains just like that right now: an idea. Consumers may have to wait for a few more months before this idea can be realized by Honda. The Li Nian concept car was first introduced to the public in 2008, and after two years of waiting, the Chinese market is just hoping that it will be well worth the wait. Based on the photos alone, the concept “idea” car Li Nian seems to hold a lot of promise. See the original post here: Honda Gives Beijing the Li Nian Everus Concept Sedan for 2010

  On one hand it was our goal to be one of the first to post our official driving impression of the 2011 Ford Fiesta, but we decided to hold off to see what the other media folks out there were saying about the car. As expected, it really wasn’t a mixed bag. Most of the media expressed similar opinions, from how fun the car is to drive, to how technologically advanced it is. And we agree…all of which are great attributes. On the other hand, we really held off to wait and see what Ford’s sales looked like for the first quarter of 2010…because the numbers won’t lie. Today, Ford announced its first quarter profit is at 2.1 billion. That’s correct, billion with a b! Once again, Ford is proving to the world they can build great cars that consumers want to buy.  So, before we get to the Fiesta, let’s focus on the Fiesta’s parents – Ford Motor Company. The launch of Fiesta symbolizes the re-launch of Ford from both a design and performance standpoint. The bold new “compact flagship” firmly supplants Ford again as a uniquely different automaker. Ford is continuing to launch vehicles for today’s multi-dimensional buyer. From the Flex and the F-Series, to the Fusion Hybrid and the Fiesta, Ford’s simply bringing more appealing vehicles to market than their competition. Many of these accolades can be attributed to Alan Mulally and his youth-inspired staff that includes Mark Fields and Jim Farley. Whatever recipe Mulally’s cooking up over there it’s working. Fun to drive? Now, on to the Fiesta. Based on the initial data and more than 6,000 pre-orders, it is a safe bet that the all-new Fiesta will begin selling in comparison to the iPad when it first launched and may likely result in a slight delay for eager consumers. That is how strongly we feel about this vehicle and the impression it will have on consumers, but now let’s get down to the experience. As we quickly ascended from sea level in San Francisco to the top of Skyline Blvd., we were puzzled at why Ford would have us test the car in such an intimidating locale. These weren’t foothills, they were aggressive mountain roads and pushing the 1.6-liter motor up these hills proved to be a challenge...

  When a company advertises their car as a luxury auto while aiming for a wider audience, it's is a tall order to be filled. It comes as a welcome surprise that the Suzuki Kizashi actually delivers on what it promises. Suzuki has been flying relatively low on the radar due to less than stellar sales; they need a car that will keep them in the competition. The Suzuki Kizashi SLS, a five-passenger mid-size luxury sedan, just might be that vehicle. The look of the Kizashi is somewhat unique. From head-on the Kizashi looks like a VW with a bubbly front end and three-segmented grill. From the side and rear view Kizashi is luxurious and stylish with dual exhaust, 18-inch wheels, and an overall sleek appearance. This car isn’t going to turn any heads, but it still fits in nicely with the rest of the pack. The interior of the Kizashi comes standard with keyless entry and ignition, 7-Speaker Audio System with USB port, power windows/locks, and optional navigation display. Some of the features are impressive for such a small price on the standard model, like the keyless ignition and remote audio controls. The SLS model comes standard with leather interior, heated power front seats, 10-speaker Rockford-Fosgate premium speaker system, integrated Bluetooth, and HomeLink®. The most impressive aspect of the Kizashi though is how much room there is inside, although you can technically seat five, there's sufficient room to fit two large adults in the driver and driver-rear passenger seat. It comes as a surprise that passengers are comfortable inside because it is a little shy of the average for a mid-size. Performance and safety from Suzuki is top notch with standard front wheel drive, optional all wheel drive and dual front advanced and front and rear side and curtain airbags. The Kizashi also comes with a 2.4L 185 hp engine, standard ABS brakes, and a six speed manual transmission, or an optional continuous variable transmission (CVS). The Kizashi’s four-cylinder engine is in all models. The real differences in driving are coming from the transmission. The CVS transmission makes the car a little more sluggish but not to a fault, and with the CVS transmission the driver also gets F1 style paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Meanwhile the standard...

  The words "Hyundai" and "track" have never traditionally been a pair, but the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T Track has all but changed that, delivering a sporty 2-door cousin of the popular sedan that proves itself in both design and performance. Over the past few years, Hyundai has been making considerable noise by launching all-new products that are stylish, affordable and downright fun to drive. And to make matters worse for the imposing competition, Hyundai recently launched its 2011 Sonata and followed that up with an encore performance with the turbocharged version at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.  Hyundai got it right with the exterior design of the coupe; its front end is slightly sloped and angular, producing a look that's sharp and reminiscent of luxury coupes way above its price range. Inside, the Coupe is an assortment of refined parts and consistent Hyundai design, mixing plastic side and center control panels with leather seating. Upgraded technology like an Infinity Premium audio system, automatic climate control, Bluetooth and power sunroof are highlights, but foot room is sacrificed for flash in this area when it comes to back row seating, like most coupes. Although center cup holders were a nice touch, the limited back seat and 10 cubic feet of trunk space makes the Genesis Coupe better off as a two-person vehicle. But that’s the point! When it came to overall power and driving ability, we weren't disappointed. Using the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine to really test the 210-horsepower, the Genesis Coupe produces 223-lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm—the kind of power that a coupe driver wants. We were also pleasantly surprised by the Coupe's adept steering and ability to handle turns smoothly and concisely. The track model comes with a six-speed manual transmission, which suits the engine just fine and allows for sharp handling. Want even more power? There's also an option for a 3.8-liter V-6 engine with 306 horsepower.  No doubt that the Torsen limited slip differential, front and rear Brembo brakes, and stiff suspension of the Track model will appeal to the tuner crowd. But even with the bells and whistles, the Genesis Coupe proved surprisingly enjoyable to drive on city streets....

  In the sea of four-door family sedans on the market, there have been many attempts but few successes crossing over into the coupe world. Honda and Mitsubishi have had minor triumphs with their respective Accord Coupe and Eclipse, and Hyundai has also set a new benchmark with their Genesis Coupe. But Nissan may have set a new standard with its 2010 Altima Coupe. Taking the functionality and reliability of its four-door counterpart, Nissan has injected style and performance to convert it into a two-door coupe that's modern on the inside, sleek on the outside, and even more affordable than the competition. At first glance, the 2010 Altima Coupe has a more sharply angled rear than the sedan, with dual exhaust pipes adding a sporty touch between the 18-inch allow wheels. While the rear and side views reveal a sporty and sexy design, the front is a different story. As you move around to the front of the car, you expect to see a sleeker, streamlined front end, but are a greeted with a more traditional extended sedan look. All-around the 2010 Altima Coupe is an attractive car but the head-on view of the car could almost pass for a Maxima. What does manage to impress us about the Altima Coupe is the surprising power under the hood. The 3.5-liter V6 engine puts out 270-horsepower, accelerating 0-60 in just 5.5 seconds. For those less apt to having an iron foot, the 2.5 S model, with its 175-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is more than enough for the road. The 6-speed manual transmission comes standard on all models, and Nissan's Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) proves impressive with its ability to max out fuel efficiency to a decent 27 mpg highway. The interior is satisfying upon first glance; the layout is efficient, plus the soft-touch detailing on the dash and door panels are a pleasing addition while the leather-wrapped steering wheel gives off a luxurious vibe. iPod and Bluetooth hookups are centrally located, and the layout of the control panel was designed for function, not flash, with its digital climate control and steering wheel controls providing a convenient touch. The optional 4.3-inch screen display with rear camera ensures that the lower seating height doesn't compromise safety while backing out, and protects against significant...

    It’s day #1 of the Ford Fiesta media preview and we have spent the entire day behind the wheel of the all-new Ford. I am wiped out. Yeah, we know, can’t post the driving impressions until Monday at 12:01 EST. However, we can share with you a ton of information about the American Fiesta. The car’s appearance is simply inspiring. Ford is going against the grain in every capacity with its new little flagship. From lime green to sky blue, the car comes in a wide array of great colors.   The starting price of the entry level Fiesta is $13,995 and the mid-level trim is $15,795. The base model has more horsepower (120 @ 6,350 rpm) than others in the competitive segment. The MPG also ranks at the front of the class. Ford has reported that 12 million Fiestas have been sold worldwide. Much of the U.S. draw to this car has come through its aggressive social media campaign called the Fiesta Movement. Ford also announced some additional news about its motorsports program and showcased an all-new rally car to be driven by Ken Block. So, the Fiesta isn’t being built to be an eco-box, it’s being developed as a global platform that will transcend from the street to the track. Ford’s marketing team also gave the media some other pieces of interesting news. The traditional buyer of this market segment has also changed (Honda Fit, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla). Once considered to be a kid’s segment, the segment has grown and nearly 24% of the current buyers make over $100,000 per year. So, they can afford bigger and better cars, but why Fiesta? Ford says: - Fuel efficient - Great value - Fun-to-drive We’ll leave the last bullet for Monday’s story when we can discuss the driving characteristics of this Fiesta. Meanwhile, feast your eyes on a few shots from today’s program! Posted by Mike Caudill, auto expert, NADAguides.com   See the original post: IT’S FIESTA TIME! The 2011 Ford Fiesta

  The 2010 Mazda CX-7 crossover was first introduced to the U.S. market in 2006 at the Los Angeles International Auto Show and first hit the road in February 2007. Although the name crossover is still loosely defined and the physical appearance can sometimes be confusing, Mazda is one of the only manufacturers that has been able to really pull of the term crossover. Small SUV’s like the Honda Pilot and Lexus RX-350 are not crossovers, they are small 2wd SUVs. What makes the Mazda CX-7 a crossover vehicle is its utility and versatility while staying true to Mazda’s sporty heritage. Its ride height is perfectly matched for the family that wants the space of a minivan, but without the “minivan.” The CX-7 is easy to get in an out of and, more importantly, easy for parents to get their kids in and out of. The ride height isn’t too high, nor too low. The exterior looks of the CX-7 are what seal the deal for me on it being a crossover. It looks like it could be a cross between a car, minivan and SUV. The performance under the hood is something Mazda did right with the CX-7. They give the customer great options. If you aren’t a “Zoom-Zoom” Mazda customer, the CX-7 I Sport FWD comes with a 2.5L DOHC 16-valve I4 engine that pushes 161 horsepower. If you have a slight need for speed, then opt for the direct injection turbocharged 2.3L engine that has an output of 244-hp. The Sport automatic transmission is also a great feature that gives the driver the option of enjoying some of Mazda’s “Zoom-Zoom.” When it comes to handling, the CX-7 lives up to Mazda's sporty legacy. The steering is nicely weighted, and the effort increases in comparison when cornering while remaining stable in turns. The CX-7 rides a bit firmer than most competitors, but that's a decent trade-off in crossover performance. The interior was open and spacious, a sporty steering wheel reminiscent of the one found in the Mazda Miata, while the gauge cluster is similar to the Mazda RX-8. Overall, the CX-7’s build quality and ergonomics are both very good but the feature that attracted our attention the most was the navigation system. The screen was perfectly integrated in to the dashboard, but its location was not typical....

Just about every recent article written on the Buick nameplate starts with that same old, “It’s not your Grandpa’s Buick.” Although overused and quite true, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse seems less like a Buick and more like a Lexus. Sure, it’s debatable, but the exterior design, combined with a refined interior make the 2010 Buick LaCrosse a standout. Although entangled in the dilemma facing General Motors, Buick has stayed true to its brand and continues to develop classy American cars that its owners can be proud of. When you ask a 30-something old if they’d consider a Buick, the answer is always no. So, the question is, how will Buick change this? Enter the 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS. The NADAguides.com team test drove this LaCrosse for one week and by the end of the week, we managed to sell one car. Our office neighbor saw it, sat in it, test drove it and bought it. Just that simple! Now if they could just recreate this among all model lines, Buick would be back among the elite. The newest Lacrosse to hit the roads takes on many European design cues that give the LaCrosse a more taught, modern and masculine appearance. The front fascia and Buick’s classic “waterfall” grille design seamlessly fit together, along with the smooth flowing lines of the exterior shape and body of the car to give it an elegant and sophisticated stance. The CXS wheel alignment also sets it apart. Many of the popular German cars on the road work to push the front axle as far forward under the car as they can and the rear wheels towards the bumper, which gives the car a more performance based stance. Again, debatable, but Buick’s taken the right engineering direction and if younger consumers can get past the “Buick” name to see what this car really offers, we are sure they will change their tune. The top-of-the-line CXS version has a 3.6L V6 with Variable Valve Timing and Direct Injection. Although slightly under horsepower at 280, the acceleration on to the freeway is consistent with a mid-tier luxury vehicle. It doesn’t throw you back in your seat, but it’s also not spinning the tires and the LaCrosse’s capable suspension paired with light-but-responsive steering allow you to hustle along nicely. The...

  The Ford Mustang is t he only muscle car to have been in continual production since inception and it shows with the all-new 2011 Ford Mustang . Setting the muscle car benchmark is no easy task and Ford shares the spotlight with both the Chevy Camaro and the Dodge Challenger. What differentiates these carsis truly in the eyes of the beholder as the horsepower and performance numbers stack up closely. However, the 2011 Mustang seems less like a pony and more like a th orough bred. With a class-leading 305 horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and theall-new 412 horsepower 5.0-liter V8, the battle for horsepower supremacy continues between these automakers. Chevy won’t announce its complete specifications for the 2011 Camaro until later in the year, but they are hinting at upping their horsepower. The 2011 Ford Mustang truly succeeds in taking every step possible to add to its muscle-car heritage, including an aggressive body style that looks even more similar to the 60’s pony car enthusiasts have come to know and love. Both models are equipped with superior driving dynamics and are perfectly mated to asix-speed manual transmission and rear wheel drive that leaves the rest of theh erd in the dust. With multiple models and optional features such as aglass-top coupe or a convertible, the 2011 Mustang is even more versatile and customized for each owner’s style following suit with the Mustang heritage of “the car to be designed by you”. Since its introduction to the public in 1964, the Ford Mustang has been an American staple that both consumers and auto critics alike have fallen in love with. The 2011 Ford Mustang keeps that spark alive today with the creativity to satisfy both groups with its ongoing evolution. You know what to expect when getting behind the wheel of theV8, but it was the V6 that was the true show stopper. The 305 horsepower with tuned exhaust and a 6-speed manual gearbox reminded us more of the previous Mustang V8. With the horsepower increase, which is the same horsepower of the original Ford Mustang SVT, was quick off the line and hugged every turn. Even with the increase in horsepower, the V6 gets class-leading 19 mpg on city streets and 31 mpg on the highway. The most impressive feature of the new powerplant was the low-end...