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Mini Cooper sales are still strong as the model enters its 11th model year since its re-launch in 2002. The Mini brand, which is owned by BMW, has since expanded beyond the Cooper, the turbo-charged Cooper S, the John Cooper Works, and the Cooper convertible, to new models such as the larger Cooper Clubman and the new Mini SUV in 2011, the Countryman.

Mini is adding the two-seat 2012 Mini Coupe to its lineup for the new model year. The model is based off the Cooper, which is a four-seat hatchback model, with a similar front end and the same engines but sits an inch lower, has a rear spoiler, and a more sporty appearance.

photo credit: NRMAdriversseat

photo credit: NRMAdriversseat

Fuel efficiency is expected to be better a couple mpg better in the Coupe than the more traditional Cooper. The Coupe base gets EPA estimated fuel economy of 30-mpg city and 39-mpg highway with the six–speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is also offered. Expect a Mini Coupe 0-60 time of about 8 seconds in base form.

The 2012 Mini Coupe has a starting MSRP of $22,000, about $2,000 more than the Cooper. With its lighter weight and lower profile, expect the Coupe to have superior handling than even the Cooper’s famously go-kart like agility.

Mini recently celebrated the production of the 2,000,000th modern Cooper. British Prime Minister David Cameron drove the model off the assembly line floor and Mini plans to hold a contest to give away the car. The model is a convertible and has a special Two Million Mini paint job and a special interior only found in this car.

The 2012 Mini Cooper is largely a carryover from the 2011 model. It offers the same 1.6-liter 121 horsepower four-cylinder base engine, the 1.6-liter 181 horsepower Cooper S, and the 1.6-liter 208 horsepower John Cooper Works trims. A convertible model is available in all trim lines.

photo credit: NRMAdriversseat

photo credit: NRMAdriversseat

The 2012 Cooper does offer new option packages and customization options for the interior surface, upholstery, and exterior colors. It also has an optional rear view mirror with digital compass. Mini enthusiasts can even add an 8-gear collapsible bike that fits into the back of the hatchback.

The Mini is not one of the cheapest new cars but it has helped reshape the public’s perception of small hatchbacks making them fun, luxurious, and sporty. The brand’s sales success has helped lead to the explosive growth in the small car market, moving it beyond just basic, cheap transportation.

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Originally posted 2011-09-02 23:28:41. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

A production version of Volkswagen’s new subcompact model, the up! has made its debut in advance of its formal debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The three-door Up! is smaller than the Volkswagen Polo, which is sold in overseas markets. At just 11.6 feet long, the model is smaller in length than the Mini Cooper.

The up! Is another example of the growth in the subcompact class. It is expected to be one of several new small cars from the German automaker, as people around the world want affordable, fuel-efficient transportation, with a hint of fun and smart use of interior passenger space.

The Up! Is nearly as tall as it is wide, which affords for more passenger and cargo room than many other subcompact models. It has 33.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which is larger than the Mini Cooper Clubman.

The up! Should have tremendous fuel economy. It is being offered with both a 1.0-liter that produces 59 and 74 horsepower in different three-cylinder gas engines. Electric and natural gas engines are in development.

The up! boasts a host of new innovations that help make the car safer. For example, the up! is the first small car with optional City Emergency Braking that automatically activates the cars brakes at speeds under 18 mpg when its laser sensors detect an imminent collision.

The up! Is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in December 2011. It will be offered in three trim lines: the basic take up!, the mid-level move up!, and the top end high up!. The naming conventions are similar to the Kia Soul, which uses the “!”and “+” symbols in its trim lines.

The up! is being manufactured in Bratislava, Slovakia. Volkswagen hopes its small car expansion boosts sales as the company has aggressive growth targets. In a sense, the affordable up! returns the company to its roots, as Volkswagen in German literally means the “people’s car”.

A decision on whether or not to sell the up! in America has not been made. However, the up! was conceived primarily with markets in Europe and Asia in mind.

Originally posted 2011-08-21 22:07:58. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

The 2012 Toyota Yaris is a refreshed version of this subcompact model. While the model has many changes for 2012 perhaps the biggest change is that the sedan is no longer offered. With the growing sales of hatchbacks and their greater cargo capacity, Toyota has decided to refocus the Yaris as a hatchback only.

The Yaris comes in thee primary trim lines: L, LE, and SE. The SE trim is offered as a five-door only and has 16” alloy wheels. The L and LE offered three door trims. USB, Bluetooth, and auxiliary connections are standard.

2012 Changes

The 2012 Yaris has a sharper exterior with new front and rear fascias and new headlights and taillights. While the 2009-2011 Yaris had an awkward appearance, the 2012 Yaris looks a bit sportier, more along the lines of the new Hyundai Accent hatchback. The model’s height has been lowered by 0.6” inches to improve handling and balance.

The 2012 Yaris has a new instrument panel and redesigned thee-spoke steering wheel. The wheelbase grows by 1.9” allowing for greater interior room. Cargo room increases by an impressive 25% over the 2011 model. The Yaris also offers an impressive nine airbags standard.

Engine & Fuel Economy

Toyota seems to be going the way of Honda and making only modest engine changes. The model still has a 1.5-liter 106 horsepower four-cylinder engine.

The Yaris also retains its antiquated four-speed automatic transmission option (a five-speed manual is standard) while several of its competitors offer six-speed transmissions. Toyota has made the engine lighter and extracted more fuel economy in the Yaris.

The 2012 Yaris’ fuel economy improves to 30-mpg city and 38-mpg highway with the manual and 30/35 with the automatic, which is comparable to the Honda Fit and Mazda Mazda2. According to Motor Trend, the 2012 Yaris SE has a 0-60 time of 9.1 seconds with the manual.

Pricing

The 2012 Toyota Yaris has a starting MSRP of $14,115 with the 3-door L model. The top line Yaris 5-Door SE with the four-speed automatic starts at $17,200. The 2012 Yaris is on sale now.

Originally posted 2011-12-05 01:19:50. Republished by Blog Post Promoter