A prototype of the four-door sedan variant of the new Ford Fiesta has been spotted wearing some rear camoflage while in public in China. Production of the three and five door hatchback variants of the Fiesta started this fall in Europe. Chinese production is expected to start sometime in the first of 2009 with the addition of the sedan. Production for the North American market should start around the end of 2009 or early 2010 at a plant in Mexico. Originally the U.S. was only supposed to get the sedan, but increasing interest in hatchbacks prompted Ford to offer those body styles as well. Like the hatchbacks, the sedan looks like it will be pretty much unchanged from the Verve sedan concept.


[Source: China Car Times]

Ever since Ford's U.S. operations decided to forego the second-generation Focus in favor of a freshened version of the first generation model, Americans have been complaining that we can't get the best Focus. In fact, the essential underpinnings of that C1 Focus have been available here under two other brands. The pricier Volvo C30/S40/V50 and the current Mazda3. The Mazda has actually been quite popular here and it looks like it will be getting a mid-cycle refresh soon. Judging from the batch of spy photos that has popped up on a Czech website it won't be an all-new car. That's probably a couple more years away when the next-gen Focus comes to the U.S. market. Instead, the 3 is getting some new bodywork from the belt-line down. The greenhouse looks carry-over from the current car, while the front fender area in particular looks all new. The 3 looks set to inherit the arching wheelhouses used by other current Mazdas like the 6, CX-7 and CX-9 as well as the tiny Mazda2 that's not available here. Since they have taken off most of the heavy camouflage, it seems likely the 3 will be introduced fairly soon, probably at either the Los Angeles or Detroit Auto Show. Thanks to Kris for the tip!

[Source: news.auto.cz]

The next-generation Opel Meriva has been caught testing on somewhere on public roads. The Meriva is a tall wagon based on GM's European B-car platform which also underpins the Corsa. The new Meriva was displayed in concept form at this year's Geneva Motor Show and the production version doesn't appear to differ too much from the concept. As with other new Opels (and presumably Saturns), the signature scalloped side panels are visible below the camouflage. The side glass shape of the concept is also retained, although it's not clear if the stepped window opening on the rear does survives. Judging by the extra camo panels just below the rear door glass, it appears that it might be there. The camo panel also features false door handles which indicate that the suicide doors of the concept also might make it to production. Since the concept had a B-pillar even with the suicide doors (unusual for a concept) there is a possibility the rear hinged doors will survive. Whether we'll ever see the Meriva on U.S. shores is another question entirely.

[Source: EVO]

Click the S400 hybrid prototype for a high-res gallery

An attentive Autoblog reader spotted what appears to be a prototype Mercedes S400 Hybrid in a Houston Texas parking lot the other day. The test car's badges were all taped over, but the S400 and hybrid badging on the trunk lid seems to match the show concept. The S400 was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show last fall and will launch into production in mid-2009 at about the same time as the ML450 Hybrid. While the SUV will use the Two-Mode hybrid system developed with GM, Chrysler, and BMW, the S400 will use the mild hybrid system created with BMW. The mild hybrid uses a 15kW motor sandwiched between the transmission and 3.5L V6. The Mercedes mild hybrid system is likely to be the first mass production hybrid with a lithium ion battery. At the auto show introduction, Mercedes claimed that the full-size hybrid luxury sedan will achieve nearly 30 mpg.



[Source: Chris N]

On the way into the office in Livonia, MI this morning I spotted a Peugeot 107 with a manufacturer plate. I managed to snap a few photos before the driver went off in a different direction. The 107 is the new B-Class model that Peugeot is selling in Europe. The car is just over eleven feet long and comes with a 1.0L three cylinder gas engine or a 1.4L four cylinder diesel. It's available as a two door or four door hatchback and would be great car for getting around crowded cities. Unlike most strange looking recent Renaults, this one has a classy attractive look wrapped around a very efficient package. Unfortunately, it's more likely that this particular unit is just a test unit for some supplier, which is pretty common around this area. There are are few more pics after the jump.

Update: The mystery builds as today I saw two more of the diminutive Peugeots along the blue one shown in the photos. Since they were all in close proximity to each other and on the same road as yesterday, that would be indicative of a durability fleet. The question is who is conducting the test and why?