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Myvi on the highway

It's easy to get over-accustomed to sexy press shots of new cars. Ambient lighting, gleaming metalwork, sometimes even an elegant model draped over the bonnet... seen them all before, thanks.

myvimyvi 2myvi 3 Which is why it's always nice when a genuine shocker turns up - like this one from Perodua.

The Malaysian manufacturer spends millions developing and building a new car - in this case the Myvi supermini - another chunk of cash flagging up its presence in the motoring world... and then decides to advertise it with photos like these.

We're intrigued as to whether Perodua just sent the work-experience kid out with a 50-quid digital camera to get these press shots, or, even more worryingly, whether they just waited on the street for a Myvi to roll past and then stalked the poor driver.

We reckon the granny with a road sign lodged in her head in the first shot might know the answer.

Anyhow - on the technical side, the Myvi is powered by a 1.3-litre engine, which Perodua describes as 'lively'. We'll find that out when we try its 86bhp might for ourselves. Still, fuel economy of 58.8mpg is commendable.

All Myvis will come with air-conditioning, all-round electric windows and a CD player, so the spec sheet looks good. So it should, however, because Perodua has priced the Myvi to take on some of the best in class.

Prices start at £7,799 for the SXi model, rising to £8499 for the EZi with automatic gearbox.

But those with an aversion to paying this much for a Perodua will be glad to hear there's an instant £1,000 cashback deal on both models.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

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Opel Corsavan Concept Could Be a Saturn

RUSSELSHEIM, Germany — Europeans refer to compact-car-based grocery getters as "city vans" — and Opel has the newest one on the block.

opel corsavanopel corsavan 2 The Corsavan concept hardly looks the part. The Dodge Caliber lookalike, which makes its debut next week at the Paris auto show, purports to show how GM's German subsidiary would modify its basic Corsa three-door hatchback to give it a more "commercial" flavor.

The most notable change is the addition of black side panels to the rear windows, while the basic sheet metal remains unchanged. Side sills and a rear spoiler have been added, along with unique 17-inch alloy wheels and red front brake calipers.

Inside, the concept features black leather sport seats and piano-lacquer trim. The cargo bay is fully lined, with a bulkhead to keep cargo from shifting into the passenger compartment.

The powertrain includes Opel's 90-horsepower 1.3-liter common-rail turbodiesel mated to a six-speed gearbox.

© Source: original article on insideline

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Lotus Reveals Future Model Strategy, Delays Esprit

HETHEL, England — Introduction of the redesigned Esprit has been delayed until late 2009, but Lotus plans to launch two new models in the interim.

lotus espirit Group Lotus announced the new strategic plan on Thursday, with the first of the new cars being a high-performance Lotus/Proton model due in May 2008 and jointly developed with the British sports-car maker's Malaysian parent. The second is a new midrange Lotus slated for December 2008.

The major news, however, is the delay of the redesigned Esprit flagship until December 2009, to "incorporate more Lotus DNA and other enhancements to meet the changing needs of the global marketplace," according to a company statement.

Group Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley said the new five-year strategic plan envisions growth in the company's engineering business as it expands into new markets and pursues joint ventures and strategic alliances with other auto firms.

Few details have leaked out about the next Esprit, which had been slated to break cover in late 2007. The car is expected to employ a midengine layout and could use BMW's DOHC 4.8-liter V8, massaged to deliver more than 400 horsepower. Priced above $125,000, it will likely be aimed at such supercars as Audi's upcoming R8.

In the meantime, development work continues, with at least one prototype spotted on the Lotus test track here. An artist's rendering provides some clues as to potential design direction.
© Source: original article on insideline

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