Ford Focus 2018

Spy images of a test mule for the next Focus hatchback have also emerged. The all-new rival is set to to arrive on the scene in 2018.

The knock-on effect of the Fiesta supermini's move upmarket is that the Focus, currently criticised for its relative space shortage compared to newer rivals, will grown in size. Although these images show a makeshift body of the current car, the chunkier arches and altered panels prove exterior dimensions will swell.

Image 6 of 7

Image 6 of 7

Expect a modest increase in the wheelbase to allow the Focus to catch up with the VW Golf for legroom, while the current car's small boot should grow significantly. We will also see Ford's latest 'SYNC 3' infotainment system, and a greater emphasis on quality materials.

PAUHauto: Audi A2

The original was axed in 2005 due to the cost of its aluminium spaceframe chassis. The fresh model will retain this construction, but will be priced higher. Audi is set to justify the premium – and set the car apart from the more conventional A1 and A3 – with impressive technical innovation. 

As our illustrations show, the A2 is also likely to be highly flexible, with an MPV-style body. 

An insider told us: “It will only be an electric car. Most battery models are compromised as they are built on rehashed architecture, but the A2 will be built from the ground up as a pure electric machine.

“The idea is so popular [at Audi] that it could even spawn a family of A2 electric models and become almost a standalone brand.” The company recently bought a number of offshore wind turbines to offset the energy used in building a pilot fleet of A3s powered by natural gas, and is likely to pursue the same strategy to keep the A2 production program carbon neutral.

The model will also remain relatively light due to the aluminium structure under the skin. “The spaceframe is, was and always will be the car’s core,” our source insisted. Audi launched the original lightweight A2 to great fanfare in 1999, only for it to prove a sales flop, even though there was a special 1.2-litre version which claimed 90mpg in fuel consumption through the use of pioneering features such as stop-start technology.

Honda Jazz Estate?

The Jazz estate gets the same tweaked styling as the imminent facelifted hatch, plus a raised roofline and extended body. Bosses have resurrected the Shuttle badge for the car. 

These enhancements 
mean there will be even more space for rear passengers, as well as a significantly larger boot than the 399 litres of 
the current Jazz hatchback. 

Engines are reportedly 
set to be carried over from 
the current line-up, so expect to see 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre powerplants with 89bhp and 99bhp respectively. The 
1.3-litre IMA hybrid system 
– which features in the new petrol-electric Jazz, as well as Honda’s Insight – is also likely to be offered. This should give 102bhp. There’s no word about an on-sale date, but the estate would fit nicely into the range.

2012 Kia Rio

The Rio is smartening up its act! These are the first pictures of Kia’s all new small hatchback and they reveal an fresh look for the newcomer including Kia’s trademark bow-tie grille.

The re-design brings the Rio in line with Kia’s current line-up and should also bring with it the same level of quality now associated with the Korean brand.
Insiders have suggested interior quality will be the best yet and we can expect to see organ stop switches for the heater controls and colourful soft-touch inserts on the dash.

There’s more space inside too, with a wheelbase which has been extended by 70mm. Not only does that leave more room for rear passengers but it also allows for 292-litres of boot space – up from 270 litres in the current model.

Two engines have been confirmed for the new Rio, including a 1.1-litre diesel unit which produces 69bhp and emits just 85g/km of CO2. A high performance 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine will also be offered in 2012.

Hyundai Veloster

3 DOORS. 2 SPEEDS.1 UNIQUE LOOK.

Meet the Hyundai Veloster: twice the car you’re used to. The style of a coupé, the functionality of a hatchback: pleasure redefined.

1+2 DOOR CONCEPT

The perfect blend of individuality and practicality, the Veloster's stylish asymetrical design, with its 1+2 door concept makes a statement about you.

TWO INFLUENCES.

ONE CAR.

Combine the style of a coupé with the functionality of a hatchback and you have a new concept in vehicle design. The Veloster is that concept made real. A crossover utility vehicle with a unique, innovative form. It’s where dynamism meets practicality.

Front bumper with integrated fog lamps

Veloster's robust bumper sports low set fog lamps that flow with the lines of the vehicle and give you maximum vision, even in adverse conditions. (optional)

Hexagonal front grill

Bold and dynamic, the distinctive hexagonal-shaped radiator grille lets the world know that you've arrived!

Projection headlamps

Bright, accurately focussed headlamps, with optional Auto Light Control, which automatically turn on the headlamps when the outside light level is low, for example at night or in tunnels. (optional)

Daytime running lights (LED)

A cluster of 8 LEDs in each headlamp ensure you are clearly visible come rain or shine, during the day as well as night!

Conventional headlamps

Futuristically styled and perfectly integrated into the Veloster's bodywork, the headlamp clusters combine raw energy with high-tech illumination for maximum safety as well as great looks.

Panoramic Sunroof

Let the sunshine in and feel your spirits rise! Veloster's 2-piece electric panorama sunroof opens up your world so you can be at one with nature. (optional)

Side design

Impressive wheel arches. The forceful, muscular lines of the flared wheel arches extend the Veloster's sporting appearance around the wheel area and enhance the overall style.

Hidden rear door handle

Cleverly integrated into the bodywork, the flush rear door handle simply blends in to the Veloster's smooth lines to maintain the sleek design.

Tinted glass with shade band & tinted rear glass

Keep cool when the going gets hot. Tinted glass doesn't just look cool, it helps keep the interior cool in sunny conditions, too.

Power window controls

Power windows feature a single touch auto-up function for convenient closing together with a lock-out switch for added safety.

Safety power window

For complete safety and to protect foreign objects or tiny fingers from getting trapped, the safety power window automatically senses obstructions when closing the window, automatically moving it down again to prevent damage. (optional)

Outside mirror with LED side repeater

See, be seen, be safe! Veloster's stylish exterior mirrors don't just help you see what's going on around you, the LED repeaters ensure other drivers know where you are going, too. Plus, they're electrically heated for rapid de-mistin so you can be sure of optimum visibility in all conditions.

Exterior mirror folding function

Exterior mirrors fold in at the press of a button for added convenicence in confined parking spaces, giving you the extra room you need. Optional feature.

Rear combination lamps

Rounding off the Veloster's curvaceous styling, the rear lamp cluster integrates design flair combined with LED technology perfectly into the bodywork.

Rear bumper with reflectors

Sculpted to enhance the Veloster's aesthetic lines, the rear bumper is a smooth continuation of the body shell, and features rear reflectors to help make sure you're seen.

Rear spoiler and wiper blade

Completing its refined aerodynamic profile, the rear spoiler improves fuel efficiency and driving stability at high speed while below it, the wiper ensures clear rear vision at all times.

Dashboard design

Leather steering wheel & leather gear shift knob. Finished in leather to give you maximum grip and comfort, the sports steering wheel puts the essential controls conveniently at your fingertips. Plus, the leather finish is carried through to the gear shift knob. (optional)

Supervision & conventional instrument cluster

Like the twin tailpipes of a motorbike, the instrument cluster's dual-cylinder layout brings the sporting theme to the interior, putting the information you need just where you need it.

Centre fascia

Continuing the dynamic design, the centre fascia perfectly combines functionality with the streamlined aesthetics of a motorbike fuel tank.

Seat design

Seat warmers. Drive in warmth from the off, even in wintry conditions, with driver and passenger side seat warmers for complete comfort. (optional)

4-way power seat

Find the perfect seating position with the power seat function. Adjust the cushion height as well backward and forward motion at the touch of a button. (optional)

Electric lumbar support

Say goodbye to backache on long journeys. The power lumbar support in the front seats ensures fit and comfort for your lower back. (optional)

STAY IN TOUCH, AT A TOUCH.

Finally, an in-car entertainment system worthy of the name. Whether its listening to your music or playing multimedia files, it's all there at your fingertips, controlled from the steering wheel. Plus, the Veloster's 7 inch LCD TFT display features intuitive drag and drop functionality with touch screen. Just plug in via USB, iPOD and AUX input and play.

THE SATISFACTION OF DRIVING PLEASURE.

Take the wheel of the Veloster and the sensations that reach you from under the bonnet tell you this is a car with outstanding performance. The handling is responsive and controlled, the drive is reassuringly quiet, while the suspension delivers a comfortable, smooth ride.

The expected price for Hyundai Veloster 2013

1.6L Std (Manual) RM119k

1.6L Std (Auto) RM123k

1.6L Premium (Auto) RM133k

Honda Civic SUV?

The Japanese based automaker is planning to release a Civic based SUV in the nearby future, and the model might be launched sometimes in 2013.

After the Germans will develop an Opel Corsa based SUV named the Mokka, the French will make the 2008 SUV based on the 208 hatchback, with the Americans already launching the Ford Ecosport and the success of the Nissan Juke urban crossover, SUVs based on hatchbacks are apparently the next “must” in the automotive industry. The latest car manufacturer to prepare itself for launching an SUV on a hatchback is Honda, and the model chosen as a “platform” for the upcoming crossover is none other than the popular Civic.

According to the guys over at autoexpress.co.uk, the Japanese based automaker Honda will launch a Civic based SUV sometimes in 2013. Even if the future model won’t have anything in common with the Opel Mokka, Peugeot 2008 or the Ford Ecosport, the principle is basically the same, take a hatchback, tweak its powertrain, lift its suspension, place an all-wheel drive system, modify its body and there you have it, a new model is born at a low production cost. Our source is also telling us that the Honda Civic SUV, which probably won’t have this name, will go against the Nissan Qashqai, but there’s no official word on this yet.