Citroen's quirky-looking Picasso mini-MPV goes on sale in New Zealand this month. The Picasso, which is slightly larger than Renault's Scenic, is available with 1.8-litre petrol and 2-litre 2.0 HDi engines for $36,990 and $39,990 respectively. It features five individually mounted seats and a flat floor. Not to mention the Modubox, a folding shopping trolley which has a special mounting in the boot.
Evo of the species
The latest version of Mitsubishi's rally-derived road rocket, the Evo VII, makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The engine, transmission and suspension are all developed from the Evo VI, but the new car is based on a larger Japanese domestic market Lancer variant, with all-new styling and increased dimensions.
Interest in diesel ignited
Hyundai has become the first Korean carmaker to produce its own common rail turbo-diesel passenger car engine. The new 2-litre unit produces 110kW and will be used in the Trajet people mover and new Santa Fe four-wheel-drive. Hyundai hopes the new powerplant will help it claim increased market share in Europe, where diesel cars account for 30 per cent of the passenger vehicle market.
Ford on economy drive
Ford is understood to be working on a hybrid-engine version of the Explorer, as part of its promise to improve the fuel economy of its sport utility range by 25 per cent. The new model, which is set to go on sale in America in 2004, will use a V6 engine and a small electric motor. The petrol engine will shut down at idle, while the battery will be recharged during downhill driving and braking. A hybrid version of the smaller Escape is also planned.
Spiders for beginners
Alfa Romeo has introduced an entry-level version of its Spider convertible. The new $64,995 roadster retains the 114kW Twin Spark 2-litre engine, air conditioning and CD sound system of other Spider models, but does without the power-operated hood of the $69,995 variant or the Momo leather interior of the $72,995 model.
Cruiser shows its stuff
The Detroit Motor Show was a double whammy for DaimlerChrysler. Not only did it unveil the new Jeep Liberty, it also collected the North American Car of the Year gong for the Chrysler PT Cruiser. The award is judged by 50 journalists and chosen from a shortlist of 20 vehicles. "The Chrysler PT Cruiser shows that inexpensive doesn't have to be boring," said Alex Law, president of the North American Car of the Year organising committee. "The awards recognise cars that change the dynamic. It's no surprise PT Cruiser won."
Artistic touch in new Citroen
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