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Nov
23rd

BMW sees 3-year sales in China topping 1 million

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BMW Group expects to sell a combined 1 million cars in China over the three years through 2014, a company spokeswoman said, confirming comments from a senior executive at the automaker's joint venture in the country.
Nov
23rd

BMW aims to sell another 1 million cars in China by the end of 2014

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BMW Group expects to sell a combined 1 million cars in China within three years, a company spokeswoman told Automotive News Europe, confirming comments from a senior executive at the automaker's joint venture in the country.
Nov
23rd

Open question for roof system suppliers

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After a round of bankruptcies and buyouts, the world of roof system suppliers has narrowed to three major players: Webasto Roof Systems, Magna Car Top Systems and Valmet Automotive.
Nov
23rd

Leaner suppliers win pricing power in N. America

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With North American vehicle production headed toward 15 million-plus units next year, automakers are encountering a new breed of supplier: the one that says "no."
Nov
23rd

Wiedeking goes from Porsche to pizza and pasta

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Wendelin Wiedeking, whose celebrated 16-year run as Porsche's CEO came to a bad end in 2009, has gone into the pizza and pasta business.
Nov
23rd

Factory frenzy: Japanese add N. American capacity

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Japan's automakers are gearing up for the biggest wave of North American production expansion in a decade.
Nov
23rd

Mass-market brands race to add high-tech gadgetry

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Infotainment and safety features once reserved for luxury cars are now showing up in compact and subcompact models as mass-market automakers increasingly use high-tech features as key selling tools.
Nov
23rd

2013 Audi S6 Preview

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While BMW may herald “M” as the most powerful letter in the alphabet, if I could rewrite the age-old list I'd put “S” right next to it. Why? Well, Audi's S-driven family of sedans and coupes definitely have something to do with it, as does the brand new 2013 Audi S6 powerhouse.

2013 Audi S6

It might have four doors, but that doesn't mean it will be a run-of-the-mill sedan. The 2013 Audi S6 will hit the 100km/h mark from zero in less than 5 seconds. How? With i's 4.0L V8 TFSI engine that produces 420 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque.

Really, I could stop there. That's all you need to know. But there is more:

Althought the 2013 Audi S6 sports a rear sport differential, their renowned quattro all-wheel drive is present to monitor the wheel's performance on the road at all times to adjust grip as you need it. This will help eliminate understeer to keep you firmly planted around the corners you'll inevitably encounter in your S6.

And it's not just Audi's quattro technology that works to keep you on track: Rack and pinion steering with Servotronic Speed Sensitive Power Assist as well as 5-link front suspension, wishbone and sport air suspension are set to make driving the 2013 Audi S6 as dynamic as possible. Ventilated disc brakes all around will help bring the S6 to a halt, even if you want to try and hit the 250km/h top speed.

Making your way up to that top speed can be achieved via Audi's S tronic 7-speed autobox.

2013 Audi S6 engine
The 2013 Audi S6 will hit the 100km/h mark from zero in less than 5 seconds. (Photo: Audi)

While Audi is not the only manufacturer to offer a cylinder-management system, it's something they are quite proud of in the 2013 Audi S6. In basic, layman's terms their cylinder management system monitors throttle response and uses the right amount of cylinders based on this. For example, cruising on the highway means a 4-cylinder drive; mash the throttle and all eight will fire up.

This nifty bit of technology will help you save a bit at the pumps and allows the 2013 Audi S6 to reach fuel consumption numbers in the 12.7/8.3 city/highway range. Not bad for a car that pushes out over 400 horses.

The interior of the 2013 Audi S6 is set to be a very pleasant place, indeed. Along with the Valcona leather seats embossed with the “S6” logo, the vehicle will be outfitted with 4-zone automatic climate control; power-adjustable driver and passenger seat; heated front and rear seats; an electrically controlled blind for the rear window and manual shades for the rear passenger windows; rain and light sensors; electric tilt and telescopic steering wheel; and leather throughout, the 2013 Audi S6's list of standard features is long and plentiful -- just as it should be.

Options are few, but include Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, adaptive cruise control, ventilated front seats, rear- and top-view cameras, Audi head-up display, night vision, adaptive cruise control, and their signature LED headlights.

2013 Audi S6 interior
The interior of the 2013 Audi S6 is set to be a very pleasant place, indeed.(Photo: Audi)

From the outside, the 2013 Audi S6 has received the same front fascia treatment seen across the Audi lineup: beefier grille, aggressive headlights and exaggerated bottom lip. With the optional LED headlights, the Audi S6 has a menacing look that is instantly recognizable on the road. Despite the four-door set-up of the 2013 Audi S6, it still manages to achieve a sporty stance sitting atop optional 20” 5-twin-spoke design alloy wheels.

The entire sporty, rather attractive 2013 Audi S6 package can be had now, starting at $82,300.
Nov
23rd

2013 Toyota Prius starts at $26,100

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Starting at $26,100, the 2013 Toyota Prius comes standard with seven airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system and Toyota's Star Safety system.

Three options packages are available:

Panoramic Roof Package ($29,350): solar panels, navigation, XM satellite radio and more;

Touring Package ($29,655): auto-levelling LED headlights, 17'' alloy wheels, navigation, XM satellite radio and more;

Technology Package ($34,185): dynamic cruise control, pre-collision warning, navigation, JBL premium audio and more.

The 2013 Toyota Prius is now on sale across the country.

2013 Toyota Prius
Photo: Toyota

Nov
23rd

F1 Brazil: McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton dominates practice sessions in Sao Paulo

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On Friday, Lewis Hamilton of the McLaren-Mercedes team set the best time on both free practice sessions of the Grand Prix of Brazil in Sao Paulo.

Hamilton, who will contest his final Grand Prix for McLaren on Sunday, set the fastest time in the morning practice session. The Briton set the best time in 1m14.131 with the MP4-27 fitted with a set of 2013 Pirelli prototype tires.

F1 Brazil 2012 Lewis Hamilton, McLaren
Lewis Hamilton, McLaren (Photo: WRI2)

Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull Racing was second-fastest on a set of the current hard tires, just 0.009 second down to Hamilton.

Vettel's teammate, Mark Webber, was third quickest, also on a set of hard tires. Jenson Button was fourth, followed by Vettel's championship rival, Fernando Alonso of Ferrari, Felipe Massa (Ferrari) and Romain Grosjean (Lotus).

It got hotter during the afternoon session as the air temperature reached 33 degrees.

F1 Brazil 2012 Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull
Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull (Photo: WRI2)

Hamilton was quick out of the box, but Massa and then Vettel went even faster.

Grosjean was the first driver to run on medium tires, and he set the best time.

Hamilton retook first place before he began a series of long runs, as did most other drivers. We saw several drivers locking up the wheel under braking.

F1 Brazil 2012 Fernando Alonso, Ferrari
Fernando Alonso, Ferrari (Photo: WRI2)

Hamilton was slightly quicker than Vettel and Alonso during the long runs.

The McLaren driver classified first again in front of Vettel, Webber, Massa, Alonso, and Michael Schumacher (Mercedes AMG), contesting the very last Grand Prix in his career.

Grand Prix of Brazil, Sao Paulo, Friday's first practice session*:
1 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'14"131 - 33 laps
2 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'14"140 - 35
3 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'14"198 - 34
4 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'14"217 - 31
5 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 1'14"392 - 28
6 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 1'14"716 - 29
7 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'14"719 - 33
8 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'14"738 - 34
9 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'15"015 - 37
10 - Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'15"050 - 32
11 - Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'15"114 - 36
12 - Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'15"255 - 31
13 - Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'15"396 - 32
14 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'15"413 - 23
15 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'15"587 - 35
16 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'15"701 - 16
17 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'16"048 - 35
18 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'16"315 - 36
19 - Giedo Van der Garde (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'16"460 - 32
20 - Timo Glock (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'16"506 - 31
21 - Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'16"617 - 30
22 - Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'17"234 - 26
23 - Pedro De La Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'17"678 - 15
24 - Narain Karthikeyan (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'17"895 - 13

Grand Prix of Brazil, Sao Paulo, Friday's second practice session*:
1 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'14"026 - 35 laps
2 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'14"300 - 40
3 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'14"523 - 37
4 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 1'14"553 - 37
5 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 1'14"592 - 37
6 - Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'14"654 - 36
7 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'14"669 - 40
8 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'14"883 - 40
9 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'14"994 - 37
10 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'15"129 - 39
11 - Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'15"131 - 40
12 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'15"371 - 39
13 - Bruno Senna (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'15"432 - 45
14 - Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'15"542 - 35
15 - Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'15"839 - 43
16 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'15"902 - 39
17 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'15"953 - 47
18 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'16"048 - 40
19 - Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'16"126 - 39
20 - Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'16"665 - 42
21 - Pedro De La Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'17"244 - 15
22 - Timo Glock (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'17"675 - 42
23 - Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'18"127 - 31
24 - Narain Karthikeyan (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'18"139 - 15

*Unofficial timing
Nov
23rd

NASCAR: Jeb Burton signs two-year deal with Turner Motorsports

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Jeb Burton, son of Daytona 500 winner, Ward Burton, has been signed to a two-year contract with Turner Motorsports to race full-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) schedule and a limited NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) schedule in 2013 and 2014.  

Burton made his first Truck Series start at Martinsville Speedway this past March, and notched one top-ten finish in five starts. Jeb is also the nephew of Jeff Burton, who drives in the Sprint Cup series for Richard Childress Racing.

"I'm really proud that I can race for Turner Motorsports over the next two years," said the 20-year-old Burton. "This team has had so much success, and I'm happy to have the opportunity to work with such a quality team." 

NASCAR Jeb Burton
Photo: NASCAR

Steve Turner, owner of the team said "I'm really excited that we will have Jeb under the Turner Motorsports umbrella. Everyone at Turner Motorsports feels he has the skills to be successful in NASCAR and we are eager to welcome him to our team." Turner, also noted, that he is proud to have Jeb's father, Ward Burton onboard to assist with driver development at Turner Motorsports.

Ward Burton, 50, drove to an eighth-place finish in the series opening round in Daytona in February.

In its' third year of racing Turner Motorsports expanded in 2011 from a two-truck operation in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) to become the largest stand-alone multi-series team in NASCAR's top-tier touring series.


Nov
23rd

F1: Esteban Gutiérrez confirmed as race driver at Sauber

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The Swiss Sauber F1 Team has finalised its line-up for the 2013 season: Esteban Gutiérrez is confirmed as the team's second race driver.

The 21-year old Mexican will be driving alongside Germany's Nico Hülkenberg.

Robin Frijns, from the Netherlands, who is only two days younger than Esteban, has been taken on board as the team's test and reserve driver.

Kamui Kobayashi, who spent the last three years with Sauber, is now looking for a new job.

Esteban Gutiérrez began his career in karting. He raced in the Formula BMW USA series in 2007 and then went on to win the Formula BMW Europe crown a year later. After a spell in the Formula 3 Euro Series, he switched to the GP3 Series in 2010 and stormed to the championship title with five race wins.

F1 Sauber Esteban Gutierrez
Esteban Gutierrez. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

Two seasons in GP2 followed, the second of which in 2012 saw him collect three victories and finish third in the standings. Gutiérrez was given his first chance to test for the BMW Sauber F1 Team in 2009 and further opportunities have followed since then. His most recent outing in the Sauber C31-Ferrari was at the Young Driver Days test in Abu Dhabi on 7th and 8th November.

Robin Frijns is going to be the Sauber F1 Team's new test and reserve driver. The 21-year old Dutchman also started his career in karting. In 2008 he entered single seater racing, improved constantly and went on to win the Formula BMW Europe title in 2010 by taking six race wins.

One year later he took the title in the Formula Renault Eurocup before going on to win the title in the highly competitive Formula Renault 3.5 Series in 2012.

F1 Sauber Robin Frijns
Robin Frijns. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)


Nov
23rd

Toyota Canada recalls 9,000 Tacoma trucks

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Toyota Canada announced a safety recall on approximately 9,000 Tacoma pickup trucks from the 2001 to 2004 model years.

During manufacture, the spare tire carrier lift plate underneath the rear bed may not have received adequate rust protection. The lack of phosphate coating combined with prolonged exposure to high road salt use and other environmental factors may contribute to the development of more than normal corrosion of the lift plate on some vehicles.

Over time, and in limited cases, a rusty lift plate could break and result in detachment of the spare tire from the vehicle.

Affected owners will receive a notification letter by mail starting next month. Any authorized Toyota dealer will inspect the spare tire carrier lift plate and provide a remedy if necessary, all at no charge.

Nov
23rd

F1: Angry Dennis absent for Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren farewell

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From GMM

Ron Dennis did not attend a farewell party for Lewis Hamilton last week in Austin, and he will not be in Brazil for his former protege's last race for McLaren.

The news adds to the perception that Briton Hamilton - who was nurtured through his formative years by the McLaren supremo and brought into F1 in 2007 - has fallen out badly with Dennis over the 27-year-old's Mercedes switch.

Referring to a farewell party in Austin last weekend, Daily Mail journalist Jonathan McEvoy wrote: "Dennis instead chose to attend what a team spokesman described as 'an important cocktail reception hosted by Exxon Mobil executives at which he was guest of honour'."

But after Hamilton won the US grand prix, Dennis refused to wear McLaren's customary 'rocket-red' victory t-shirt.

And the 65-year-old "has decided not to travel to Sao Paulo for Hamilton's farewell race", McEvoy revealed.

F1 McLaren
Team McLaren, except Ron Dennis, celebrating Hamilton's victory at Austin. (Photo: WRi2)

Ron Dennis said in Austin last week: "Obviously the media thinks there's some issue between Lewis and I -- there's absolutely no issue between us.

"Sometimes the circumstances in a relationship don't balance, don't match," he told the British broadcaster Sky.

But there are rumours Hamilton and Dennis fell out very badly over the negotiations for a new driving contract for 2013 and beyond.

"I do know what has happened," an unnamed 'senior figure' told the Daily Mail. "Everyone makes mistakes and Ron made a mistake. Everything went pear-shaped and I don't think it would be fair to say any more than that."

A McLaren spokesman responded: "Ron and Lewis plan to get together socially in the near future, as they've both said a number of times recently."


Nov
23rd

F. Renault 3.5: Vandoorne set the pace on Friday

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Rookie driver Stoffel Vandoorne was quickest in the third day of Formula Renault 3.5 collective test at Alcaniz, Spain.

After Kevin Magnussen emerged fastest Wednesday and Thursday, Stoffel Vandoorne, from Belgium set the best performance on Friday. He set the best time in both session.

This season, Vandoorne contested the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup.

Formula Renault 3.5 DAMS Stoffel Vandoorne
Stoffel Vandoorne, DAMS. (Photo: Renault)

Carlos Sainz Jr, Norman Nato and Marco Sorensen were the other top drivers of the day.

Friday morning:

1 - Stoffel Vandoorne - Fortec - 1'39"362
2 - Carlos Sainz - Dams - 1'39"432
3 - Norman Nato - Dams - 1'39"588
4 - Daniil Kvyat - Fortec - 1'39"637
5 - Marco Sorensen - Lotus - 1'39"780
etc.

Friday afternoon:
1 - Stoffel Vandoorne - Fortec - 1'39"085
2 - Carlos Sainz - Dams - 1'39"446
3 - Nico Muller - Draco - 1'39"547
4 - Marco Sorensen - Lotus - 1'39"592
5 - Norman Nato - Dams - 1'39"773
etc.


Nov
23rd

F1: Brazil could be last lap for dying HRT team

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From GMM

According to strong paddock rumours, Sunday's Brazilian grand prix will be the last lap for ailing backmarkers HRT.

Publicly looking for a buyer, it is reported that staff have actually already been served with pending redundancy notices that will come into effect after the chequered flag waves on Sunday.

"None of us know what will happen," team driver Pedro de la Rosa, who was expected to stay at the Spanish team in 2013, admitted to reporters in Brazil.

F1 HRT
Photo: HRT F1 Team

When asked about the redundancy notices, he answered: "All I know is that we are here and that everyone here has not received anything."

"What happens after is unknown," added Pedro de la Rosa. "I hope the team continues but at this moment in time I cannot say any more."


Nov
23rd

GP2: Marcus Ericsson quickest in Jerez

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Marcus Ericsson set the best performance in the first day of GP2 collective testing in Jerez, Spain.

Ericsson, who ranked 8th in the GP2 championship this season, set the best lap time Thursday, with a lap in 1m26''717 during the afternoon session. Felipe Nasr was fastest of the morning session.

GP2 DAMS Marcus Ericsson
Marcus Ericsson, DAMS. (Photo: GP2 Series)

GP3 series' champion Mitch Evans drove a Team Arden car and took 7th position on Thursday morning. Formula 3 Euroseries champion Daniel Juncadella made his GP2 debuts with team Rapax.

The collective tests will resume Friday.

Jerez - Thursday morning:
1 - Felipe Nasr - Carlin - 1'26"810
2 - Stephane Richelmi - Trident - 1'26"898
3 - Stefano Coletti - Rapax - 1'26"926
4 - Marcus Ericsson - Dams - 1'26"934
5 - Johnny Cecotto - Carlin - 1'27"110
etc.

Jerez - Thursday afternoon:
1 - Marcus Ericsson - Dams - 1'26"717
2 - Alexander Sims - Addax - 1'26"883
3 - Kevin Giovesi - Lazarus - 1'27"043
4 - Adrian Quaife Hobbs - Arden - 1'27"059
5 - Stephane Richelmi - Trident - 1'27"111
etc.


Nov
23rd

F1: Caterham signs Charles Pic on a multi-year contract

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From press release

Charles Pic has today been announced as one of Caterham F1 Team's race drivers for the 2013 season and beyond.

Cyril Abiteboul, Team Principal of Caterham F1 Team: "We are thrilled that Charles has decided to join us for his second season in F1 and beyond. Throughout the 2012 season we have been monitoring the progress that Charles has made, challenging us on several occasions in qualifying, and it is clear that he is a special talent. As the year has progressed he has performed extremely well against a very experienced teammate and we are looking forward to seeing him develop further within the environment we will provide in 2013 and beyond."

"We will continue growing together, and the energy and image he will bring to our team and his partners will be a very positive influence on the seasons that lie ahead. Being able to make this announcement before the end of the current season gives us the chance now to allow Charles and the team to prepare fully for the 2013 season and quickly learn how to maximise the performance benefits of the Renault Sport F1 and Red Bull Technology powertrain that will be new to him."

F1 Caterham Charles Pic
Charles Pic. (Photo: Caterham F1 Team)

Charles Pic: "I am very proud to be able to confirm that I am joining Caterham F1 Team next year and I'm looking forward to many seasons of successful racing co-operation. I'm enthusiastic to have the opportunity to continue to grow in a team that has a technical relationship with a number of French global companies, including Renault and Total, plus an official partnership with EADS. It is clear that the team has great ambitions for the future: the investments already made and the decisions taken in the last few months show how committed the shareholders are to succeed and demonstrates their willingness to keep going forward."

"The prospect of the automotive industry project nurtured by Caterham Group to produce sports road cars in conjunction with Renault is another reason for my decision to join the team. I am very excited about starting my second year in F1 with a team that has so much potential. Caterham F1 Team has everything in place to help it move into a position to fight with a number of teams ahead. I know how determined the team is to keep progressing and I am looking forward to playing my part in helping them move up the grid."

Jean-François Caubet, Managing Director of Renault Sport F1, added: "We are always motivated to see promising drivers in our partner teams and Charles is no exception. Additionally, France remains the largest Renault market and having another young, dynamic French driver join the Renault stable will give us further branding, marketing and PR opportunities, both for our F1 involvement and road car range in France and the rest of Europe. We look forward to working with him closely over the coming years."



Nov
23rd

Driver vs. autonomous car: and the winner is?

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During a special demo at the Big Science Summit in California, a team from the Center for Automotive Research at Stanford (CARS) pitted its autonomous Audi TTS against a professional driver.

The latter won the race, but only a few seconds ahead of the driver-less car, proving the extraordinary advancements of the technology.

Fear not, autonomous cars won't replace race car drivers anytime soon. They're just further demonstrating how capable and safe they can be in real-world settings.

Nov
23rd

2012 Honda Fit LX Review

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In the realm of the sub-compact, the Honda Fit will always be a queen for me. Its decent resale value, unbeatable Honda engine and its "go-anywhere" good looks are all qualities I associate with the brand. With stingy gas consumption and well-sorted mechanicals that make it a pleasure to drive, the Fit LX does, indeed, boast many assets. That being said, it will still leave some fans of the latest hi-tech gadgetry feeling somewhat dissatisfied.

2012 Honda Fit

Small pleasures
The lively little 1.5L engine produces 117 HP and 106 lb-ft of torque. That may sound modest, but makes perfect sense as the driving force of this sub-compact, mainly meant for city driving. Although the VTEC system's work is discreet and is only felt when the engine exceeds 6,000 rpm, aficionados will certainly appreciate the extra kick, again, something appropriate to the brand.

The 5-speed manual transmission is fantastic with great response and excellent engagement. It makes driving a joy. As for the stickshift, I've experienced smoother shifting on earlier Honda models. Still, although you can't change gears with your little finger, it's in line with the current market, and remains flexible and easy to use.

I got an awesome fuel economy of 5.8 L/100km. But I have to say that this was in summer and with not much use of the A/C. Nevertheless, vehicles in this same category list consumption rates that generally fall somewhere between 6.5 to 7.5 L/100km.

This little beast's suspension stays true to the manufacturer's mantra, namely, very clinical. Mind you, we're not talking Honda Accord level luxury and sweetness, but the ride is pleasant nonetheless. The suspension is giving, without being too soft, and hunkers down, as well as it is able to, when cornering; the Fit doesn't pretend to be a sports car. The electric rack and pinion raises no problem and steering is honest and straight.

2012 Honda Fit engine
The lively little 1.5L engine produces 117 HP and 106 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Marie-Andrée Ayotte)

A beauty, both inside and out
This is a small car - nothing surprising in the world of sub-compacts. Unlike the Toyota Yaris, interior sound damping is good. At least you don't imagine yourself inside a rattling cookie tin as you barrel along.

Better yet, there's plenty of room! With a high roofline and lots of headroom, seating is generous and comfortable. Excellent legroom came as a pleasant surprise to both front and backseat passengers. I remember a much tighter squeeze in a Chevrolet Sonic and I'm only 5'3".

There's nothing complicated about the Fit's cabin. Seats are neither heated, nor electric. And the steering wheel is not heated either (unlike that of the Kia Rio SX). Steering wheel buttons have been reduced and no 25 wiper functions, as in the Ford Fiesta. Controls in the Fit are simple and uncluttered...all part of an attractive cabin that includes a 3-spoke steering wheel with matte metallic finish reminiscent of the one found in the Honda Civic SiR.

As for storage place, you'll love it: the rear seats fold away for a flat floor configuration. For me, that means no more tearing my hair out finding space for boxes, grocery bags or stashing equipment from the local hardware store.

I liked the excellent visibility, thanks to the enormous windscreen. Plus, the "A" pillar windows let in a lot of light and give great all-round sightlines. Where you get a little lost is getting a good view out the rear window - a common problem in many hatchback models.

At Honda, user-friendliness is on top of the list: the back seat headrests can be lowered all the way down, becoming perfectly integrated, flat with the seat tops, providing a much better view out the back. That's a step ahead of Ford whose headrests sprout like mushrooms in the Fiesta!

2012 Honda Fit interior
Better yet, there's plenty of room! With a high roofline and lots of headroom, seating is generous and comfortable. (Photo: Marie-Andrée Ayotte)

It's time for long-term thinking
You'll find the 2012 Honda Fit LX manual offered at $16,980. That may seem less expensive than competitors who also offer heaps of options, including a sunroof, keyless entry, heated seats or sound systems to rock your socks off. But it's simply not the case.

Here's what the 2012 Honda Fit LX's competition goes for: the Ford Fiesta SE at $15,999, the Hyundai Accent GL for $15,599 $ and finally, the Toyota Yaris at $15,990.

But keep in mind that the Honda Fit's resale value is superior to that of the Hyundai Accent and the Toyota Yaris.

This 2012 Honda Fit LX review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

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