Citroen C4 Picasso enters to rival the Scenic

French automaker Citroen has launched pictures of the new C4 Picasso to replace the old famly MPV of the same name. The new Picasso variant of the C4 will be able to seat a total of 7 passengers, rivalling the size of another French MPV, the Renault Grand Scenic. A striking feature of this new car is the wide expanse of the use of glass, especially to create a huge frontal windscreen area. Due to the continuous wedge shape of the bonnet to the sloping windscreen, the large A-pillar also incorporates a triangular glass facade. This creates a very well-lit interior and is expected to increase visibility for the driver. Larger alloy wheels and a more agressive front bumper styling that signifies modern Citroens also make the car look sporty at the same time. A stylised signature near the wing mirrors completes the exterior and signifies the branding of this vehicle as the Picasso.


Inside, the generous use of glass makes for a very comfy interior. Digital-type speedometers share a main console with the satellite navigation and takes centre stage within the dashboard. Another prominent feature is the quirky Citroen steering wheel that harks back to steering wheel designs of the 1970s. The incorporation of the transmission gear on the sides of the steering wheel frees up space for the centre and makes the car all the more spacious. Overall, the clean, crisp exterior coupled with an aerodynamic body shape should make this car a success in the mini-MPV class.

Second generation X5 launched by BMW

BMW shows its real push into the SUV category by unveiling the new X5. Termed by BMW as a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), the initial X5 being the 2nd BMW model to be built at the US plant was a tremendous success worldwide. The new model is likely to follow in its predecessor's footsteps to lead the market for premium SUVs, and this time round, BMW has generously added an extra row of seats to make it a 7 seater SUV. This will pitch it against the similarly well received Volvo XC90.


Featuring a more stylish headlights, and a more aggresive front grille, the new X5 has increased in size compared to the old model. It also carries the various technological innovations of new BMW models such as Active Steering, AdaptiveDrive and BMW's four wheel drivetrain - xDrive.


Initially, the X5 will be available with a V8 powerplant capable of up to 350 horsepower or fitted with BMW's famous in-line six engine which has 260 horsepower. However, a future more powerful variant is expected to make its debut to counter Porsche's Cayenne Turbo S.


The X5 receives much more visual changes inside as a new dashboard, steering wheel and the ubiquitous i-Drive console and monitor that now graces all new BMW models. On top of that, a unique feature shown in first official photographs show an innovative transmission stick that resembles the Sidewinder joystick. Just goes to show how much 'fun' BMW wants to put in its cars.

Refreshing new Stream from Honda

The replacement to the old mini MPV has arrived for Honda. Based on the Civic platform, the all new Stream carries over its 7-seater configuration in a small package that has been a hit amongst Asian car purchasers. Overall height of the new Stream was kept to a new low of 1,545mm to present a low-slung look as well as to ensure the car fits into most mechanical parking lots that dots space-constrained Japan. As with the new Civic, the new Stream features a low-floor paltform that accomodates a flat floor area for passengers. According to Honda, this design has enabled a larger more spacious feel in its car as well as improved handling due to a lower centre of gravity.


The car will be powered with the option of a 1.8 litre i-VTEC engine or a 2.0 litre i-VTEC engine with CVT. A 5-speed automatic transmission will be standard equipments and Honda has also launched a sporty RSZ version to complement the range that includes 17-inch sports rims, a sports-tuned suspension, aerodynamic bodykits and black interior to accentuate a sporty image.


In the interior, metallic-finish rings around the cup holders and instrument clusters makes the car more contemporary and modern while blue ambient lighting will brighten up the interior at night. A walk-in slide mechanism in the second row seats help to ease entry for third row passengers. In addition, the second and third row seatbacks can be folded down to maximize luggage space. Overall the new car is set to focus on Honda's utilitarian concept.

Porsche's latest 911 variant - the Targa models

The base model of the 911 S version, then comes the 4 wheel drive versions, followed by the cabriolets and the Turbo, the GT3, and now the lifestyle version of Porsche's latest 911 (997) makes a debut. The new Targa will now be available exclusively for the first time in a permanent four wheel drive version named as the Targa 4 and Targa 4S. Similar to its predecessor, the Targa version features a sliding-glass roof and glass rear hatch, that integrates itself sleekly into the classic 911 lines at the same time granting the 911 with a unique personality amongst its large family. Using a polished, anodized aluminum trim strip that runs the length of the roof, it further emphasizes the 911's classic side profile. Porsche have also made the new glass roof to be 1.9 kg lighter than previous models and enhanced the noise insulation when the top is open to give way to an airy opening. The 911 body has also been widened by 44 mm to create a distinction between the Targa and normal models.


The Targa 4 is powered with the 3.6 litre engine that graces the base 911 and powers the new model from 0-100km/h in 5.3 secs and the more powerful Targa 4S with a 3. litre engine launches from 0-100km/h in 4.9 secs. This figure is slightly slower compared to the base Carrera and Carrera S models which have a 0-100km/h time of 5.0 secs and 4.8 secs respectively. As with all open top variants, the extra weight due to the opening roof compromises on the power of the flat six boxer engine.

Audi launches its own intepretation of the hot hatch, the S3

With the recently launched Audi A3, the four-ringed brand has made it clear it means business in the premium compact class. Now that performance oriented BMW has entered the fray with a 1 Series, it is only right that Audi fights back with a 265bhp 2 litre inline 4 powered hot hatch equipped with the famous quattro permanent four-wheel drive. The new variant of the A3 will bear the hallmark of the 'S' name which is to Audi what the letter 'M' is for BMW. The powerful engine will vault the S3 from 0-100 km/h within 5.7 seconds and lets the car accelerate to a top speed of 250 km/h. A 6-speed gearbox coupled with S Sports suspension and 18 inch rims adds to the sporty stance of the S3. Needless to say, the car also features exterior enhancements like chrome tailpipes, aluminium look wing mirrors, roof spoiler and a larger air intake


Inside the car, owners can option the dashboard trims to be covered with aluminium inlays, grey fine grain birch wood or black piano finish. The seats will be available in 2 tone leather arrangements and the steering wheel is unique to the 'S' lineage with special 'S3' logos. Overall the car looks exciting enough and starts at EUR 35,150 in Germany.