It’s been just a year since Ford unveiled their all-new Fiesta and eager drivers got a chance to pick up their keys and take this new super-mini out on the road. Since then over 500,000 units have been sold and the car still hasn’t been rolled out to all markets yet.
500,000 Units Sold
A recent reliabilty survey has revealed that, while Toyota and Honda continue to top the list of reliable cars, Ford are closing the gap in a close third place which keeps them well ahead of the ‘Big Three.’
Consumer Reports released its annual reliability survey for the December issue of their magazine, stating that “Ford’s performance in the survey dispels the notion that only Japanese manufacturers make reliable cars.”
It was Ford’s Fusion that lead the way in results for the Blue Oval, considered more reliable than the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The survey found that 90% of Ford’s vehicles were found to perform “average or better-than-average” in comparison to predicted reliability.
The survey was based on 1.4 million vehicles leased or owned by Conumer Reports subscribers. The Honda Insight scored the hightest of any vehicle in predicted reliability.
Ford’s performance in the survey is considerably stronger than both GM and Chrysler cars. Of GM’s vehicles, only 44% scored average or better-than-average quality with Chrysler ranking only 4%
It’s odd to consider it, as Ford’s used to have something of a reputation for reliability and ease of repair. Still, all the more reason to get hold of a new one with something like Ford Direct.
Since Fiat stepped behind the reigns of the sinking Chrysler wagon and had to submit business plans, secrecy over future vehicles has been as secure as an open prison.
The latest bit of news to leak out is that Alfa Romeo’s launch into the US market may come courtesy of an SUV. With the Alfa badge sitting proudly on a sharp looking new car on the platform of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Something a little like this, perhaps:
Always looking to break into new territory and lead the way, Mazda have released a number that is in full gear to take over the Ford Focus RS.
The 3 MPS is built on the same platform as the Focus RS, but in terms of design philosophy it’s a very different proposition. With a sporty and determined looking face, it’s powered by a 256bhp four cylinder turbocharged engine, and with all its might, the five-door Mazda is aiming to steal the RS’s limelight with its rapid performance and sizeable £4,895 price advantage with the MPS coming in at £21,500.
It’s been whispered about, it’s been talked over in tones normally reserved for women posing in swimsuits that would make Baywatch stars blush, it’s been hinted at and denied and now the Lexus supercar has finally been unveiled.
The Lexus LFA is staggering in more than just looks. It’ll be limited t0 500 units, pack a 4.8-litre V10 and give out 552bhp with and rev into the high Andes with it’s 9000rpm red line. It’s exceedingly rare that a Lexus can be referred to as jaw-dropping but this one should mean stubble grazing on pavement with every glimpse.
Lexus LFA
Japanese auto manufacturer Toyota Motor Corp has riased its global sales forecast by 3%, adding weight to the suggestion that the auto industry is pulling clear of one of the toughest challenges it’s ever faced.
According to The Tokyo Shimbun, Toyota is now expecting to sale 6.7 million cars and has also increased its production for 2009 to 6.45 million vehicles. Last year Toyota posted its first full-year losses since it began trading in 1937.
Frankfurt Motor Show – you can’t turn round without seeing a new car, a new model range or a new paint scheme and motoring journos scrambing over for pictures. This year one of the vehicles getting attention on the Fiat stand is the new Punto Evo, the replacement for the current Grande Punto.
Fiat may have removed the Grande from the Punto, but there’s nothing shabby about the Evo. The styling changes are very flattering on this little Fiat and the Evo gets a new facia and seats along with its name change. It’s slightly longer than the Grande Punto yet not overtly obvious thanks to the styling.
Inside there’s a bevvy of features including – for the safety conscious - seven airbags including a driver’s knee airbag, a hill-hold option and stability control with the Blue&Me Tom Tom sat nav unit, an eco-drive function completing the list of goodies available and adding to the cars already high levels of economy.
Keen drivers won’t have to wait long for this one either. Keen to make the most of the demand for the smaller cars, Fiat will be taking sales for the new Punto Evo late in October – full stats and prices will be announced closer to that date.
While the motoring press is clamouring for looks at new production cars and new concepts at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, I started wondering about how many of these lovely concepts will make production and what of them will change.
It’s something that often happens – a great looking concept that becomes watered down and loses that edge that caused all the attention. Take the Alfa Romeo Brera, for example. When it was first shown at 2002 Geneva motor show it was clearly the best looking concept-set-for-production at the stand, but when launched in 2005 something had changed, see:
alfa romeo brera
Despite being longer and taller, the production car manages to look shorter and squatter. It’s not to say the Brera isn’t a good looking car – it was once named the most beautiful car of the world, I just think too much of the concept was lost. Makes you wonder how much of the flair of their Giulia concept will remain.
The Frankfurt motor show has seen many new vehicle launches and exciting new vehicles from big-names manufacturers. However, judging by their recent success and motor shows past, attention really should be paid to the vehicles unveiled by Kia.
Kia have had nothing short of an amazing success lately. Their small cars have proven immensley popular in the UK – I for one can’t hit a road without seeing a new Kia in Kent – and are seeing popularity gain in the U.S. Here the company’s success lies in their small, economical cars that are perfectly suited to these times of expensive petrol and scrappage incentive schemes.
Slightly odd, then, that their latest vehicle unveiling is for the Kia Venga – an MPV. Though certainly one with some funky looks and a great looking roof:
…coupe? Two, I guess. We’ll find out soon as BMW have announced two new models to be built at the firm’s plant in Oxfordshire, one of which is to be a coupe.
Due to be unveiled on the 15th of this month, the new Mini coupe is certainly not a concept that’ll be binned as soon as the motor show doors in Frankfurt close. This car is as ready-to-go as they come. Though it’s a shame abuot the styling.
