New Opel Astra 2.0 CDTI with EcoFLEX Package Delivers 4.5lt/100km or 52.26 MPG

A new, more fuel efficient model has been added to the Opel Astra’s European lineup. The Astra 2.0 CDTI 160HP comes equipped the ecoFLEX package, which includes Start/Stop functionality. Already available for the Astra 1.3 CDTI, the package is offered as an optional extra for the 2.0-liter diesel hatchback and Sports Tourer models in combination with the six-speed manual transmission.

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Alfa Romeo Launches 2011MY MiTo in Europe

This week marks the commercial debut of the 2011 model year Alfa Romeo MiTo in Italy and on other major European markets. First shown at the 2011 Geneva Salon, the modestly updated MiTo comes with a fresh batch of exterior colors, different seat upholsteries, new optional equipment and Euro 5 compliant engines all fitted as standard with a Start&Stop system. Read more »

Land Rover Celebrates Production Milestone of 250,000th Freelander 2

Today, Land Rover celebrates a new milestone in the life of its Freelander 2 as the 250,000th vehicle rolled off the production line at the Company's Halewood manufacturing plant in Merseyside. The 250,000th Freelander 2 is a 2.2 litre TD4 Diesel GS in Fuji White and is destined for a customer who lives in Scotland.

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Loder1899 Gives the New Ford C-Max More Attitude and Power

It’s been a while since we last heard of Loder1899, but the German tuning house is back with a new proposal, this time for Ford’s new C-Max compact minivan. The tuner’s offerings include both performance tweaks and aerodynamic bits.

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Geneva 2011: Subaru Brings its Trezia Toyota Clone to Europe

Daihatsu isn't the only Japanese brand to add a rebadged Toyota model to its European lineup as Subaru did the same with the Trezia which is nothing more than a Toyota Verso-S with different logos. With a length of just under four meters, the small MPV is Subaru's newest proposal in the European minivan B-segment.

Subaru's designers only made a few changes to the front of the car, adding the brand's signature grille, a revised bumper and rounding up the headlights. As for the rest, it is virtually identical to Toyota's Verso-S. On the inside, changes are hard to spot too, with only the logos differentiating the two models.

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Mercedes-Benz Launches Viano Avantgarde Edition 125 for Business People on the Go

The 125th anniversary of the world's oldest car maker brought a new version to the Mercedes-Benz Viano range called the Avantgarde Edition 125. Taking its place as the flagship version of the series, this Viano comes with a host of styling features including bespoke 19-inch wheels, chromed mirror housings, chrome trim on the front bumper, chromed side skirts and, finally, chrome trim on the tailgate. Exterior colors are restricted to obsidian black or brilliant silver. Read more »

Hyundai Drops New i40 Mid-Size Estate at the Geneva Motor Show [Gallery and Video]

Making its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, is the estate version of Hyundai’s all-new, Europe-specific D-segment model, the i40. Designed and engineered at Hyundai’s R&D headquarters in Russelsheim, Germany, with European buyers in mind, the i40 will fill the gap left by the outgoing Sonata model in the South Korean automaker's range and will compete against the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. A four-door sedan version will be introduced this year, with most bets going towards the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show in September.

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Geneva 2011: Next Kia Rio Keeps the Tiger Style Alive, the Circle is Complete

Kia insists on not holding back any punches with its new lineup, and its fourth-gen Rio is no different. The new Rio is lower, longer, and wider, and looks all the better for it. With the added dimensions come more passenger space, more comfort, and more storage capacity. Don't worry, as Kia will offer a variety of engines and transmissions to suit your needs. Scroll on down for the all-informative spreadsheet.

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VIDEO: AC Schnitzer's Diesel-Powered BMW Z4 and 540HP 5-Series

The new BMW Z4-based 99d roadster and the BMW 550i-based ACS5 sports saloon will hog the limelight on AC Schnitzer's stand at this week's 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Both models were developed to offer performance without compromising on fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. The Z4 99d comes with a 190HP 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine, while the ACS5 features a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 gasoline unit pumping out 540-ponies. Scope out the first promotional videos of AC Schnitzer's newest tunes right after the break.

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Holden Unveils Aussie-Built Cruze Series II with New 2.0L Diesel and 1.4L Turbo Petrol

Holden, General Motors' Australian division, introduced an updated version of its Cruze sedan bearing the Series II moniker today. The facelift brings powertrain, chassis and some styling changes, but most importantly, it marks the switch to local production starting from March, 2011. Up until now, the Holden Cruze sedan was imported to Australia from Korea. The first locally built compact model in the country in more than a decade will be manufactured at Holden's plant in Elizabeth, South Australia.

The styling updates on the Cruze Series II are kept to a minimum and concern the new trapezoidal grille, subtly redesigned front bumper, new headlamp bezels and a different rear fascia treatment.

The facelift brings two new engines, a 2.0-liter turbo diesel and a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline unit, while the naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine carries over with some minor revisions from the Series 1 model.

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Infiniti Dealer in Germany Presents Tuning Package for M30d

Given that Infiniti is making its first steps in Europe, very few tuners in the market have touched the Japanese brand's products. Having said that, it shouldn't come as a surprise that an Infiniti dealer has stepped in to fill the void. In particular, Infiniti Centre Hamburg in Germany has released two tuning packages for the recently launched diesel-powered M30d.

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AC Schnitzer 99d is a $205,500 BMW Z4 Fitted with a Diesel Engine that Returns 3.8lt/100km or 61.9 mpg

BMW's decision to create the new 'i' sub-brand for the growing number of eco-conscious buyers has apparently rubbed off its partners like AC Schnitzer, as the German tuning firm will be launching a production ready concept based on the Z4 hardtop-roadster at next week's Geneva motor show.

Developed as an eco-friendly sports car that adapts to AC Schnitzer's new motto "Efficient Performance", the 99d gets its name from its CO2 emission levels and the diesel powerplant housed under its hood.

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2012 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback: First Official Photos of Production Model Released Ahead of Geneva Show

What you see in these pictures is the production version of the thinly disguised Chevrolet Cruze 5-door hatchback study, which was presented at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The more compact sized, hatchback version of the Cruze has lost some of the cool features of the concept car like the LED strips on the front bumper, the blue-tinted headlamps and the clear crystal tail lights, but other than that, nothing else has changed.

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