Geneva Show: 2010 Mazda3 MPS - MazdaSpeed3 with 260HP, High-Res Photo Gallery

Inheriting the 260-horsepower strong 2.3-litre DISI turbocharged petrol engine of the current model, the new Mazda3 MPS / MazdaSpeed3 made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show. On the outside, Mazda's proposal in the hot hatch segment is distinguished by details such as the WRX-style hood scoop, the larger roof wing, new 18-inch alloy wheels and the restyled bumpers.

Inside, Mazda attempted to give the car a sportier feeling with semi-bucket seats and a tachometer that features a red MPS logo and a needle that travels through 260 degrees as opposed to the 190-degree rotation on other new Mazda3 models. The instrument cluster for the all-new MPS also includes an LED turbo boost gauge positioned between the meters. The MPS also gets red stitching on the steering wheel, seats, door trim, shift lever boot, and centre armrest.

Under the skin, the MPS is powered by a refined version of the current model's 2.3-liter turbocharged engine producing the same 260HP at 5,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm. The engine is matted to a six-speed manual gearbox that delivers power to the front wheels. The new MPS features a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) and acceleration of 0-100 km/h (62mph) in 6.1 seconds.

Mazda supports that optimized aerodynamics help reduce fuel consumption from 9.7l/100 km (24.2mpg US) on the previous model to 9.2l/100 km (25.6mpg US) - a 5 percent improvement. Also newly introduced on this engine is the world's first single-nanotechnology, fast-reacting catalytic converter, which delivers cleaner emissions and Euro5 compliance.

The new Mazda3 MPS also comes with a revised suspension set up, improved steering and larger diameter 320 mm ventilated disc brakes in the front and 280 mm solid discs in the rear. Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) replaces the previous mechanical system, while four-wheel ABS and DSC belong to the car's standard equipment.

New Mazda3 MPS dimensions and specifications for EU

Model name		Mazda3 MPS
Dimensions
Overall length	mm	4,505
Overall height	mm	1,460
Overall width	mm	1,770
Wheelbase	mm	2,640
Track (front/rear)	mm	1,535 /1,520
Luggage capacity	l	340 (300 with Bose® System)
Drive train		FWD

Engine		MZR 2.3-litre DISI Turbo
Displacement	cc	2,261
Bore x stroke	mm	87.5 x 94.0
Fuel tank capacity	l	60
Max. output	kW/PS	191/260 at 5,500 rpm
Max. torque	Nm	380 at 3,000 rpm

Fuel consumption *
Combined	l/100km	9.2
Urban	l/100km	13.5
Extra urban	l/100km	7.5
CO2 emission (combined)	g\km	217
Emission		Euro Stage V
Exhaust system		single-nanotechnology
Transmission		6-speed manual transmission
Differential		Torque-sensing Limited Slip Differential

Performance
Max. speed	km/h	250
0-100 km/h (EU)	sec	6.1
Steering		Electro-hydraulic power assist system
Turn lock-to-lock		2.7
Min. turning circle	m	11
Suspension, front		MacPherson strut
Suspension, rear		Multi-link
Coil spring rate, front	N/mm	26.8
Coil spring rate, rear	N/mm	29.9
Dampers, front		Twin tube
Dampers, rear		Mono tube
Stabiliser diameter, front	mm	26
Stabiliser diameter, rear	mm	25
Front brake type, diameter	mm	Ventilated discs, 320
Rear brake type, diameter	mm	Solid discs, 280
Brake booster		8" + 9" tandem booster & large 1" diameter master cylinder
Tyres, wheels		Dunlop 225/40 R18, 18 x 7.5J

Tata Reveals European version of Nano minicar at Geneva Show

Indian automaker Tata is preparing to launch the world's cheapest car, the rear-engined, four-seater Nano in Europe. In Geneva, Tata took the wraps off the European-spec version of the minicar which will go on sale in India this April, priced from around $2,000 or €1,600. Due to arrive in 2010, the Euro model is called "Nano Europa" and has been modified to comply with the European crash regulations and emission norms as well as the needs of Western consumers. This means that its basic price will be significantly higher than that of the India-market model.

The restyled Nano Europa features a new front-end and has a slightly longer wheelbase of 2,280mm. Whereas the Indian Nano model is powered by a two-cylinder engine, the Nano Europa gets a 3-cylinder all-aluminum MPFI engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission and electric power steering. According to the company's chairman Ratan Tata, the gasoline engine will provide CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km.

Other than that, the Nano Europa's fit and finish has been enhanced over the India-market Nano and now features ABS, ESP and air bags.

New VW Polo: Mini-Me Golf makes its debut in Geneva

The fifth generation of Volkswagen's supermini, the Polo, was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. To the surprise of no one, the new Polo looks like a Golf that has long overstayed its welcome in the dryer. Definitely sharper looking than the model it succeeds, the Polo's styling also features a hint of the Scirocco up front. As for the interior, let us put it this way; Golf VI drivers will once again feel right at home.

The 2009 Polo uses the same platform as the latest generation Seat Ibiza and Skoda Fabia models. At 3,952 mm in length the new Polo is 36 mm longer than the car it replaces. Its width, at 1,682 mm, has also grown by 32 mm, but the overall height has dropped by 13 mm to 1,454 mm.

The slightly larger dimensions and a longer wheelbase promise greater space inside the new Polo while the car's load volume now totals a minimum of 280 liters and a maximum of 952 liters with the rear seats folded down.

Despite the fact that it is bigger than its predecessor, Volkswagen claims to have reduced the weight of the Polo's pure body structure by 7.5 percent.

Power for the fornt-wheel drive Polo will be initially provided by a total of seven different engines, five of which are entirely new or are being used for the first time in the Polo. There are four gasoline units spanning from the entry-level 1.2-liter engine with 60HP to a 102HP turbo-charged four-cylinder direct injection 1.2-liter TSI . The latter consumes an average of 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (42.8 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 129 g/km.

The diesel range will comprise of a 1.6-liter TDI engine available with 75HP and 90HP, the latter being available with a "BlueMotion" package that delivers an average fuel consumption of 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers (61.9 mpg US) and 96 g/km CO2 making it the most fuel efficient and lowest emitting five-seater diesel in the world, according to VW.

All variants are equipped with either five- or six-speed manual gearboxes as standard and, for the first time on the Polo, selected versions can be specified with Volkswagen's seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

The new Polo's roster of standard safety equipment include for the first time on all models four airbags, anti-lock brakes, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) and ISOFIX anchor points all fitted as standard.

Production of the new Polo is scheduled for the end of March with sales starting in most markets across Europe by the beginning of July.

Petrol engines:

Engine	PS	Transmission
1.2-litre	60	5-spd
1.2-litre	70	5-spd
1.4-litre	85	5-spd / 7-spd DSG
1.2-litre TSI	105	6-spd

Diesel engines:

Engine	PS	Transmission
1.6-litre TDI	75	5-spd
1.6-litre TDI	90	5-spd

Aston Martin Revives Lagonda with a controversial Concept in Geneva

Marking the Lagonda brand's 100th anniversary, Aston Martin announced the return of the marque in Geneva with the unveiling of a new concept study that is bound to cause controversy and spur conversations over its styling. In what could be seen as some as futuristic, high-end of the London cab (...), the four-door, four-wheel drive crossover is based on the underpinnings of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV and is powered by a V12 engine.

"The Lagonda is the luxury car of the future," said Aston Martin Lagonda Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, "a combination of total usability, a new form and innovative new technology and materials."

Aston Martin did not reveal any specific details on the Lagonda Concept but it did note that the revival of the brand with this vehicle will help the company expand its presence from 30 countries into more than 100 worldwide including Russia and emerging markets in the Middle East, South America, India and China.

Furthermore, Aston Martin said that the revival of the Lagonda brand will allow the exploration of alternative powertrain solutions including flexfuel, low emission diesel and hybrid systems. Lagonda/

"An Aston Martin is an authentic, pure sports car," said Dr Ulrich Bez, "but Lagonda is something else, a new brand that will reach into new markets. Lagonda will create a new kind of customer relationship, instilling the spirit of travel, adventure and style into a single, formidable package. An Aston Martin demands to be driven. A Lagonda demands a destination."

Aston Martin One-77 with 7.3-liter V12 Breaks Cover in Geneva

Showcasing its engineering and design expertise, Aston Martin lifted the covers off the One 77 at the Geneva Show today. The full size model previews the production model that will be built in a limited number of 77 units. Believe it or not, Aston Martin says that when it began developing its most exclusive supercar, it took a good look at the cars of the DTM racing series.

"We wanted to create something that wows you as much when you see what's under the skin as the exterior styling itself," said Chris Porritt, One-77 Programme Manager. "We started by identifying the most technologically exciting front-engined, rear-wheel drive cars in the world: those from the DTM race series. We then applied the principles and technology that feature heavily in their design and translated it to a road car application."

The One 77 structural core is a lightweight yet extremely rigid carbon fibre monocoque which was conceived and designed at Aston Martin's Gaydon HQ, and built in partnership with Multimatic (MTC).

Aston Martin's enginners fitted the One 77 with a double wishbone suspension and fully adjustable dampers featuring Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) technology, a world-first for a road car application according to the British firm. These special valves are state-of-the-art even at the highest levels of motorsport,

Underneath its elongated bonnet, the One 77 gets a naturally aspirated 7.3-liter V12 engine derived from the 6.0-litre V12s fitted to the DBS, DB9 and new V12 Vantage models. Aston Martin projects that it will deliver over 700HP offering the car a projected top speed in excess of 200mph (321 km/h), with a 0-60mph (96km/h) time in approximately 3.5 sec.