We got our first look at the MINI's new crossover in concept form at the Paris Motor Show recently and now it has turned up in production prototype form. The car spotted on the street is wearing a black and yellow pattern that looks like it came right out of a sixties acid trip. Nonetheless, it's apparent that the odd-ball door arrangement of the concept has been discarded in favor of a conventional forward-hinged four door arrangement. This least miniature of MINIs will use some kind of all wheel drive powertrain and should seat four adults in comparative comfort. Whether the world really needs a higher riding 4x4 MINI at all is another question entirely and hopefully the brand will stick to its previous commitment not to go any larger than this car. Perhaps with the electric drive system (including a motor at each axle) that's coming to the MINI EV, this could be a green CUV.

[Source: NextAutos]

What you are looking at here may well be the first unofficial, official image of the third (fourth according to Toyota) generation Toyota Prius. The original hybrid isn't supposed to debut until we get to Detroit in January, but three images that look like they may well be authentic have turned up on Prius forum. The shape we see here certainly fits with the camouflaged spy photos we've seen so far. The basic shape looks much like the current Prius, but the front has been re-shaped. The nose of the car fits in with the look of other current Toyotas but doesn't seem to carry over much from the Hybrid X concept that appeared at Geneva 2007. If these photos are to be believed the interior unfortunately also carries over the interior concept of the current car with the center mounted gauges. We've contacted Toyota for a comment, but we don't seriously expect anything other than a no comment. If we do learn anything more we'll be sure to let you know. Thanks to Rafih for the tip!


[Source: PriusChat]

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]

Next spring will be a big one for hybrid fans as a new generation of the Toyota Prius will get its most direct competitor yet in the shape of a new hybrid only model from Honda. We've already seen an assortment of spy shots of the camo-covered exterior of the Prius. Now we have our first peak at the interior of the new best-seller. The third (or fourth depending on how you count) generation Prius will officially debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January along with a Lexus badged hybrid-only model.

Although Toyota is loathe to relinquish details, it's believed the new model will have a larger, more powerful engine growing from 1.5 to 1.8L along with an electric motor with more oomph. The beefed up motor is likely in preparation for the plug-in variant that should go into low volume fleet service in 2010. To make the most out of a plug-in system, the hybrid needs enough electric power to propel the car at least around town without having to start the engine frequently.

[Source: World Car Fans]

The upcoming Saab 9-4X BioPower crossover has been caught out testing again. The 9-4X is expected to debut in production form later in 2009 as the current Trailblazer based 9-7X fades into history. From what we've seen so far the 9-4X will go into production virtually unchanged from the concept version that we saw in Detroit in January. The 9-4X and the new Provoq based Cadillac SRX will ride on a common architecture. The Saab will likely be powered by a choice of turbocharged engines. The concept used a direct injected and turbocharged 2.0L four cylinder optimized for operation on ethanol and generating 245 hp. The turbocharged 2.8L V6 from the Turbo-X sedan may also make an appearance. From these spy photos the interior looks to be carried over virtually intact from the concept.


[Source: AutoExpress]

Back in January at the Detroit Auto Show, BMW spilled the beans that they would launch clean diesel versions of the X5 and 3-series later this year for sale in all fifty states. The X5 xDrive 35d and 335d will use the dual turbocharged version of BMW's 3.0L in-line 6 six cylinder diesel engine and be equipped with a diesel particulate filter and urea injection system to meet US Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions requirements. My friend Jonny over at AutoFiends has now come up with some photos of what appears to be the 335d testing out in the Nevada sunshine. Of note in these photos is that circle just behind the rear wheel. Apparently that is the cap for re-filling the urea tank. The tank will likely hold about 7-8 gallons of urea solution and will only need to be refilled about every 15,000 miles or so. Given the infrequent refill intervals, it would seem likely that BMW will integrate that filler better on the production model, perhaps even putting inside the trunk. Hopefully they don't leave it like this prototype.

[Source: AutoFiends.com]

Toyota's entry in the growing micro-car segment, the iQ, has been caught testing on the road for the first time. The diminutive iQ was first shown as a concept at last fall's Frankfurt Motor Show and then in production form at Geneva this year.
The iQ utilizes a 3+1 seating arrangement where the passenger side of the dash board does not extend back as far as the driver side. This allows the passenger seat to sit further forward than the drive leaving room for an "adult to sit behind. The +1 seat behind the driver is strictly for the smaller of stature.

The prototype doesn't appear to have changed from the production model shown at Geneva and even with the extra seating capacity it doesn't look much larger than the Smart ForTwo. Toyota has not given any indication yet about whether they will offer the iQ to U.S. consumers although if gas prices keep rising, this could be a good alternative to the Smart.


[Source: Winding Road]

At last year's New York Auto Show, the Chevrolet mini car triplets were the stars of the show, particularly the lime green Chevy Beat. Later in the year at the LA Auto Show, GM announced that the Beat would indeed go into production around 2010. The first spy shots of what appears to be a Chevy Beat wearing the usual camo suit of vinyl and tape have now surfaced. Interestingly although the Beat was designed and engineering by GM's Korean team at Daewoo, this particular car was snapped in China. This of course raises the obvious question of whether in fact this is a genuine GM prototype or a premature knock-off from Chery or some other Chinese builder. Given that the Beat has been around for a year now and has made the rounds of all the auto shows, it would be pretty easy for someone to gather enough information to create a pretty realistic-looking replica. Only time will tell if this one is the real thing. We'll be watching for an introduction at the upcoming Beijing Motor Show.


[Source: China Car Times]