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Category: Car News

The latest car news and most exciting car debut from around the world.

Google self-driving car hit Nevada’s Street

We have heard of Google robotic car that will drive itself years back and now it is no longer just a dream. Yesterday, Google self-driving car officially licensed in Nevada and it takes a blind man for spin. This blind man is legally pleased in the front passenger seat and he just let the Google car handles everything.

The Google car is a Prius with 100,000 miles on it. It is equipped with GPS, radar, radio sensors, Artificial Intelligence software, and video cameras to actually “see” the traffic as well as pedestrians. The rest of the vehicle parts are nothing special but just an ordinary Prius. It is driving all by itself at Nevada’s curviest road without hitting anything. The first blind man who sat in the Google self-driving car is 95% blind and he is far beyond legally blind. The Google car knows where to stop and where to turn base on Google maps and Google on-the-road images. There are no hands, no feet, and it is totally nothing. We are pretty sure this blind man had a great time in Google Car.

The license to this driverless car requires at least two humans to be in the car at all times, with one typically in the front seat ready to take over the control in case of emergencies. Earlier in spring, Google mentioned “safely completed over 200,000 miles of computer-led driving.” However, safety issues are still consumers’ biggest concern.

Car manufacturers spent millions of dollars to develop a new car and have them to crash into walls to test the safety just to produce a reliable and safety car. Although the Google car does not have to crash into walls, it has costs billions of efforts to develop a robotic car or self-driving car like that. At least up till this stage Google has marked a new milestone for the automatic car project and this has allowed us to imagine the future roads with unlimited automatic cars. Well, there will be no more drivers flirting then.

The license for autonomous vehicle features new red plate and an infinity symbol and AU letters. These “test vehicles” could be on demonstrations again anytime on the road in Nevada. So Nevadians, stay tuned!

May 8, 2012
2012 All-new Honda Civic finally sees the sunlight

The all-new 2012 Honda Civic finally sees the sunlight after the factory in Thailand was forced to close several months due to severe flooding last year. At the 2012 Bangkok Motor Show, Honda gives a preview of the all-new 2012 Honda Civic. It appears to be more attractive but still has the characteristics of fuel-efficient, good handling, and sporty.

There will be some significant improvements every time a new generation of the Civic is introduced. The ninth generation Civic (FB) embraces a few things that we have never seen before in the eighth generation Civic. While the E85 fuel is increasingly common in the country, the 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine feature the latest technology from Honda that can use E85 fuel. This feature will make the Civic highly attractive because E85 fuel is cheaper than ordinary gasoline and it often acclaimed as a way to reduce air pollution.

The ninth generation Civic in the US market has six completely redesigned models, these being the Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe, Civic Si Coupe, and the highly fuel-efficient Civic HF, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Natural Gas. According to Honda’s blog in Thailand, there will be five Civic models officially launched in early May but the models are remaining unknown. A rumor flying around mentioning that the Type R version of the ninth generation Honda Civic will employ a turbocharged engine. However, the only model that is being displayed at the Motor Show is the 1.8 i-VTEC Sedan model.

2012 Honda Civic Front

Compared to the previous generation, the headlamps for ninth generation Civic appeared to be slimmer. The iconic “devil eye” found in the previous generation is no longer available. The front grille is completely redesigned and the logo has been shrunk.

2012 Honda Civic Rear

The rear of the car received a significant change. Everyone was “vowed” when they first saw this car at the Motor Show. The rear lights appeared to be smaller and more “polite” compared to the previous model. Having received the reputation for being reliable (100,000 miles on the engine does no harm), cheap-to-maintain, sporty, powerful, and highly fuel efficient. We believe the Civic will once again hit the market as one of the most popular compact cars.

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April 5, 2012
2012 Toyota Camry – Cheaper and Better
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The most exciting part of the newly launched 2012 Toyota Camry wasn’t the advanced features. Instead, it was the cheaper price tag and better performance that has been reinvented. At the 33rd Bangkok Motor Show, Toyota unveiled the seventh generation Camry that will go on sales in the Kingdom.

There are two models available for the non-hybrid engine – the 2.0G and the 2.5G. The 2.0G is powered by a 2.0-liter 1AZ-FE VVT-i engine and a sequential four-speed automatic transmission generating a maximum output of 148PS at 6,000rpm. The 2.5G is fitted with a 2.5-liter 2AR-FE dual VVT-i engine. Partnered with a six-speed automatic transmission, the car pumps a maximum output of 181PS at 6,000rpm.

On the other hand, three hybrid models were made available to serve the market that demand for eco cars, these being the 2.5 HV CD, 2.5 HV DVD, and 2.5 HV Navigator. All of them are uses the same engine and same Hybrid ECVT transmission which is the 2.5-liter 2AR-FXE VVT-i engine partnered with a 650V permanent magnet synchronous motor. The petrol-powered engine itself produces 160PS at 5,700rpm and 213Nm of torque at 4,500rpm while the electric motor creates a maximum of 105Nm of torque. When both of them combined, the total maximum out put is 205kW.

There is no difference for all the trim levels when it comes to suspensions and brakes. All of them assembled with an independent MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar and dual-link strut rear suspension. There are also a list of active and passive safety features found on the car including ABS, rear window defogger, crash body safetyGOA, and front SRS Airbag. For hybrid models, the car received extra side airbags, vehicle assist control, and hill-start assist control. Special features that only found in the top-ranging 2.5 HV Navigator model are switch-controlled rear armrest, memory seat, rear view camera function, and a multimedia touch screen audio system with ten JBL speakers fitted inside the car. Due to safety purpose, the DVD function will not available when the hand brake is off.

The 2012 all-new Camry Hybrid models come with both Eco and EV Mode. Driver can choose either one according to their preference. In Eco Mode, the car will optimize throttle response to prioritize the maximum fuel economy. In EV Mode, the car runs quietly and gently because it is solely powered by the electric motor as long as it stays at low speeds. However, the maximum battery-only range is depends on the battery power and it is said to be less than 3 km (2 miles).

Compared to the sixth generation Camry, the front and the rear lights are redesigned but the class of the car is still remained. The interior feels roomier and the legroom for rear passengers is slightly wider too.

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Fuel Economy
- 2012 Toyota Camry Sedan: 25 city/35 highway mpg; 10.63 city/14.88 highway km/l.
- 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan: 43 city/39 highway mpg; 18.28 city/16.58 km/l.
2012 Toyota Camry’s competitors or similar cars: Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, and Ford Fusion.

Hybrids are now in an even more dominant position in the automobile market. Majority people are expecting a car with stylish design, low selling price, and super high fuel economy. The Toyota Camry may not be the best but it definitely delivers these expectations to its buyer.
April 3, 2012
A review on the 2012 all-new Ford Focus

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The 2012 all-new Ford Focus came out like a superstar at the 33rd Bangkok Motor Show. It is sweet and it is as sexy as those models stand beside. The third generation Focus is one of the highlights on the Ford stand during the shows other than the Ford Territory. It will be assembled at a new plant at Rayong province that is scheduled to open later this year in May. Many visitors at the Motor Show feel very eager to get the car after viewing it inside out. Most of them queue up at the registration booth to show their interest on the car.

The Focus will be available in both four-door sedan and five-door sport hatchback. It is made available in four variants inThailand – four-Door Titanium (THB 959,000), five-door Sport (THB 969,000), four-Door Titanium+ (THB 1,069,000), and five-door Sport+ (THB 1,079,000). Both Titanium+ and Sport+ are being displayed on the Ford stand at the Motor Show.

2012 Ford Focus Hatchback

Performance and Safety

The Focus is powered by a new Duratec 2.0-liter Ti-VCT GDi engine that delivers an optimistic output of 170 PS and 200 Nm of torque. This 2.0L engine is partnered with a six-speed automatic transmission and high-efficiency dual dry-clutch. The gear can be controlled by the paddle shifters located at the steering wheel. The second powertrain is a Duratec 1.6-liter Ti-VCT engine that pumps up 125 PS and 159 Nm of torque. This 1.6L engine can be partnered with either the six-speed automatic transmission or five-speed manual transmission.

Plenty of active and passive safety features available in the car include a new advanced airbag restraint systems, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), Emergency Brake Assist, Hill Launch Assists, Anti-Lock Brake (ABS), EBD, EBA (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), and a few more to name here.

2012 All-new Ford Focus Sedan – Bangkok Motor Show

Exterior

Compare to the second generation Focus, the headlights has been redesigned to new shape and the previous trapezoidal grille is no longer there. It has been replaced with triangular features that look like Confucius’s white beard, which we believe it indicates the meaning of intelligent, cultivating energy, and amazing ideas. The rear lights of the sedan are longer compared to second generation. As for the hatchback, it is characterized by lustrous and sporty design. The rear lights are positioned lower and bigger compared to first and second generation hatchback models, which are higher and slimmer. 16-inch alloy wheel with 205/60 R16 tires are fitted to the four-door Sport model and 17-inch alloy wheel with 215/50 R17 are found on the Five-door Titanium model.

There are eight exterior colors available for the Ford Focus, these being the hero Candy Red, Frozen White, Panther Black, Ingot Silver, Midnight Sky, Lunar Sky, Mustard Olive, and Winning Blue.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the central console is built with high quality materials and many new features that will excite Ford customers. Ford SYNC® technology is the first to be mentioned. This feature provides a function where driver or passengers can connect their smartphone or any mobile phone to the car via Bluetooth technology or USB port. Active Park Assist (A system that assists the driver to identify any feasible spots with several sensors that hide at the front and back bumper. Driver can perform a parallel park easily with this special feature.), Active City Stop, and Blind Spot Information System (only available for four-door Titanium+) are some special features to be mentioned for the top-ranging model. Other than that, SYNC, Ford Power Start, Smart Keyless Entry, Torque Vectoring Control, and Active Grille Shutter System are some other fun yet useful technologies found in this car.

See the video: Interior of the 2012 all-new Ford Focus

Fuel Economy

Automatic: 28 city/38 highway mpg; 11.90 city/16.15 higway km/l;
Super Fuel Economy (SFE Package): 28 city/40 highway mpg; 11.90 city/17.00 higway km/l;

Ford Focus competitors and similar cars: Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze, Mazda 3, Peugeot 308, and Volkswagen Jetta.

2012 Ford Focus – Let Your Inner Child Out.

March 30, 2012
Mitsubishi Mirage launched – from 380000 baht with 22km/liter

The Mitsubishi Mirage is now officially launched in Thailand and the sales will begin end of March. Starting from 380,000 baht, consumers now stand a chance to own an affordable eco car with high fuel consumption at 22 km/l (51.75 mpg), which is among the best in its class. The new Mirage is a brand new idea from Mitsubishi to target the growing small car market in Thailand as well as global markets. It is a small car with more saving, more utilities, more entertainment, more safety, and more colors.

The Mirage is about the size of a Nissan March or a MINI Cooper hatchback. It is powered by a 1.2-liter three-cylinder MIVEC engine which is powerful enough to bring five passengers from one place to another. The power is sent directly to the front wheel through the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The five-door subcompact may look small but it is complete with everything that is needed – a small trunk at the back, a transmission, an engine with good fuel economy, air-conditioning, four wheels, some electronic equipments, and of course a steering wheel.

MORE Utilities

There are five special utilities come together with this car that really attracts the buyer. Start from the KOS (Keyless Operation System), owner can open the car door and also start the engine with one push-engine switch button as long as he has the remote key within 70cm from the sensor inside the car. Other than these two high-tech utilities, the Mirage also features a 60/40 spilt-folding rear seat to create more cargo room. Inside the car, there is a 7-inch touch screen multimedia player for DVD, CD, MP3, and navigation system.

MORE Safety

Safety is what consumers always concerned about for subcompact car. The reinforced impact safety evolution body (RISE) enhances passenger protection performance and improves collision safety performance. The body also uses high tensile steel plates to create a high rigidity and light weight body for better performance. That is one reason how the Mirage achieves more than 50mpg.

MORE Colors

The Mirage will be available in eight exterior colors, these include Lemonade Yellow Metallic, Red Metallic, Pop Green Metallic, Cerulean Blue Mica, Pearl White, Cool Silver Metallic, Eisen Gray Mica, and Black Mica.

Mitsubishi Mirage line up in different colors

Trim Levels

In Thailand, the Mirage is available in five different trim levels including:

Mitsubishi Mirage GL (M/T) 380,000 baht – Piano black interior, No KOS, no 60/40 spilt-folding rear seat, only one driver’s airbag, manual air-conditioning, normal wheels with no wheel cover, and 165/65 R14 tires.

Mitsubishi Mirage GLX (M/T) 426,000 baht and Mitsubishi Mirage GLX CVT (A/T) 460,000 baht – Similar with GL model but added with ABS/EBD,KOS, CD/MP3/AUX-in, electric folding mirror, and disposable wheel covers.

Mitsubishi Mirage GLS CVT 506,000 baht – Similar with GLX but added with dual front airbags, fog lamps, 14” alloy wheels, rear spoiler with third LED brake light, push-start switch button.

Mitsubishi Mirage GLS Ltd. CVT 546,000 baht – Similar with GLS CVT but added with automatic air-conditioning and a complete multimedia/navigation system with Bluetooth.

Updated: Click here for more details and specifications.

Competitors

Mitsubishi Mirage’s competitors or similar cars: Nissan March, Honda Brio, Ford Fiesta, Suzuki Swift, Mazda2, Toyota Yaris, Chery QQ, and Nissan Almera.

Fuel economy’s main challenger: Toyota Prius and Toyota Prius C.

Mitsubishi will start taking orders for the Mirage starting from March 28 in conjunction with the 33^rd Bangkok Motor Show. For those who are interested to be the first few owners of the Mirage, you can walk into any Mitsubishi showroom in Thailand to book the car now or just bring your cheque book to the Motor Show.

What Carsut Says

The Mitsubishi Mirage is a respectable small car with good fuel consumption. The price of the basic model could be attractive but lacks of many things that consumers expect. It is without doubt a good first car for anyone who needs a simple and basic transport. Click here to see Mitsubishi Mirage Video.

March 26, 2012