Hyundai Elantra Raises the Compact Car Segment Bar
The compact car segment has long lived in the shadow of midsize sedans, but that may soon change as gas prices continue to creep up and as consumers take a look at a segment which has improved tremendously in recent years.
New or updated for 2011 are several models including the Chevrolet Cruze, Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra. The next generation Ford Focus, a strong seller worldwide, is also being updated for the 2012 model year.
Equipped, Not Stripped
These cars are not bare-bones models that were available a generation or two back. These days, customers want many of the same amenities found in larger, upmarket models, something automakers are obliging them with.
Things like MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity. Premium audio systems. Side curtain airbags and specially tuned suspensions. Leather seating surfaces and even wood trim. Yes, why should upscale perks be available exclusively on top of the segment models? Read the rest of this entry »
The Honda CRZ – A New Car With a Very Unique Design
Posted by admin in Car Design, Honda on October 23, 2011
The Honda CRZ is an impressive car in the line-up of Honda, and the abbreviation CRZ, refers to Compact Renaissance Zero. It is a hybrid gasoline electric automobile, which was planned and developed for production by the Japanese automaker Honda. The body style of the car is hatchback. Initially CRZ was released as a concept car by CEO of Honda Takeo Fukui on 23rd of October, 2007 at the Tokyo Auto Show held in 2007. Later on, Fukui announced that a production model is under progress and the car is meant to be incredibly efficient, cheap and sporty. Honda CRZ was first produced in America at the Detroit North American International Auto Show held in 2008. It uses the Integrated Motor Assist System of Honda.
Two hybrid concept cars were introduced after the production of CRZ. One is Honda Remix, which was released at the Los Angeles Motor Show held in 2006. The other one was the Honda Small Hybrid Sports, which was released at the Geneva Motor Show held in 2007. The CRZ with four seats is considered as the spiritual heir to the second generation of Honda CRX in both design and name.
According to the reports of Automotive News Europe, Honda plans to flatten the production of CRZ in the year 2009 or 2010, initially in Europe, before elaborating the distribution and production to other nations of the world. Read the rest of this entry »