Automobile News

With the new lifestyle car named Soul, Kia wants to primarily attract younger buyers. The box-shaped five door is celebrating its premiere at the Motor Show in Paris (from October 4th-19th ) and is visually based on a the Trio concept car presented earlier this year. With its steep front grill, and the powerful modelled wheel guards, the hatchback limousine manages to strongly distinguish itself from the Korean manufacturer’s other car models. An extensive programme of accessories should offer buyers plenty of opportunities to personalize their car. A 1.6 litre petrol engine with 120 HP is envisioned as the Soul’s driving force. Prices have yet to be released.

The French manufacturer is pushing the generational car model change way forward with the new coupe cabriolet Peugeot 308 CC: the Cabrio, with a metal convertible roof, will first be showcased at the Parisian Auto Show in October, and roll onto dealer lots in early 2009.

The convertible variant of the 308 series maintains much of the looks and appearance typical of the series. The shark mouth front appearance, with the headlights as the eyes and the grill as the teeth, as well as a higher back than front, both highlight two of the car’s distinctive features. The new LED taillights are also quite noticeable. The transformation from coupe to cabrio takes around 20 seconds, and the driver can follow this metamorphosis on the colour screen in the middle console.

The four seater’s interior is focused on providing comfort: the seats are equipped with devices that warm the driver’s and passenger’s necks. Seat heaters and air conditioning are also on board. With the top down the boot room is 226 litres, but with the roof closed the space expands to 403 litres.

A 2.0 litre diesel engine with a performance of 103 kW/ 140 HP will power the car when it is released early next year. A model will follow later with a 1.6 litre petrol engine, featuring a turbo charger and direct petrol input, and an engine performance of 110 kW/ 150 HP. Both engines come with a manual six gear transmission, although an automatic is optionally available. An electronic stability programme helps provide added security. Prices have yet to be released for the 308 CC, but we can expect the upcoming diesel model to be going for around £23,000.

The automatic hatchback version of the Mistubishi Lancer is celebrating its premiere in at the Paris Car Show taking place from October 4th to the 19th this year. The five door car, nicknamed “Sportback”, has been specially developed for Europe and should provide a sporty alternative to notchback models when it comes on the market in autumn.

To compliment its already aggressive front, Mitsubishi has added a roof spoiler to the fast sloping back. A new petrol motor with 80 kW/ 109 HP propels the car. In terms of transmission, the driver has the option between a manual five or gears, or an automatic. Prices have still yet to be released.

Moreover, a Ralliart variant is entering the market to function as a bridge between the normal Lancer, and the Lancer Evolution sport version coming in 2009. The all-wheel-drive car is available as a notchback and is propelled by a 176 kW/ 240 HP strong turbo petrol motor.