The popular Hyundai Tucson is getting old fast, but the Korean company already has the replacement ready. The 2010 Hyundai Tucson, to be renamed ix35 in many markets, was spotted in Australia during the filming of a TV commercial, which would hint at a release date by the end of this year.
Here is one controversial story that has been largely buried by the automotive press. According to an article at ThisIsMoney.co.uk, the UK’s most reliable new car is the European-spec Honda Accord, while the stylish Audi A5 is most likely to break down, according to the 2009 Which? car survey.
Infiniti dealers in the UAE and a few other GCC countries are now offering a dealer-fitted body kit for the Infiniti FX35 and FX50 crossover 4×4 models. There will also be selling pre-fitted 2009 Infiniti FX units as a “Limited Edition” model.
The all-new Kia Soul was launched in the UAE today, at an event held in Dubai. The Soul, a compact hatchback that is bordering on becoming a small crossover SUV, will initially be available only in 1.6-litre form, with the 2.0-litre version being held back to gauge demand.
Nissan has unveiled their first affordable, zero-emission car. Titled the Nissan LEAF, it is a “medium-size hatchback” that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160 km to satisfy real-world consumer requirements. And the most interesting part is it is almost ready for production, and slated for consumer release in late 2010.
Before anyone gets too excited, this is not a full-blown comparison test. Getting the Nissan GT-R for a test drive was a good excuse as any to assemble a few other sports cars and a photographer. We’ve had our 2000 BMW M Roadster for more than a year, the 2009 Nissan GT-R tester was with us for only a few days, and our friend’s 2009 Ferrari F430 Spider was still being broken in so we couldn’t push it. But we did get a feel for three different approaches to speed.
Toyota’s American arm has announced that the 2010 FJ Cruiser will feature several upgrades, including a much-needed power upgrade for the Japanese-built 4×4.
To commemorate 20 years of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, known in Japan simply as the Mazda Roadster, its parent company has released a special edition version of its lightweight open-top sports car for the Japanese market. The Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary goes on sale at all Japanese Mazda dealerships.
Suzuki, best known for small cars and motorcycles, have introduced the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi, the company’s first midsize sedan, with available all-wheel-drive and sporting intentions. Claimed to be benchmarked against “some of the leading cars in the world,” the all-new 2010 Kizashi is set to compete in the tough midsize segment as the company’s flagship vehicle.
Acura, Honda’s North American luxury division, has released details of the redesigned 2010 RDX compact SUV. Built in America, the futuristic crossover will only be sold in that region unfortunately.