Frankfurt 2009: Facelifted 2010 Volvo C30

When you're an auto journalist blogger, you're constantly, incessantly bombarded with a series of questions. Usually it's, "What's the best car you've ever driven?" (Personal answer: Superformance Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, followed by blank stares.) The other question we get more frequently than, "How you doing?" is, "What car should I buy?" Sorta like the initial question, we have a a few boilerplate responses. One of them just happens to be the sadly invisible but highly desirable Volvo C30. Really, if you're in the market for a small, stylish car under $30K, you can't do much better. Usually, we're totally ignored. Though one friend did heed our advice -- she also happens to own a 1972 Datsun 240Z. In other words, a woman with taste.

For 2010 Volvo has updated the C30. The biggest change is that the small hatch's snout is now up to snuff with its rear. We especially dig the new grill (also seen on the 2010 C70). Kinda looks like an upside down Aston Martin front end, no? The long, arching headlights are major improvement, too. We even like the the mirrors. Inside, the song remains very much the same -- think icy, Scando fortress of solitude. And of course, the rear end is as killer looking as ever. Sure it harkens back to the P1800's stern, but the C30's isn't slavishly derivative. In fact, the 2010 model's reworked bumper makes it look even better. Long story short, as long as Volvo's around, we'll keep recommending the C30. Especially since it's as close to we can get to a shooting-brake.

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Frankfurt 2009: Hyundai ix-Metro concept

Hyundai returned to Frankfurt a far bigger player than it was two years prior. The Korean company has leapt up the sales standings to become the world's fourth largest automaker, eclipsing such major players as Ford and Honda. And its product line has long since expanded from diminutive hatchbacks to include crossovers and luxury sedans. What better way, then, to mark its newfound stature than to unveil... a diminutive hatchback/crossover thing?

Of course, Hyundai also unveiled the new ix35 Tucson, but presented along side was the automaker's vision for a compact hybrid. Called the ix Metro, it may be about the same size as the Geo that once bore the same name, but packs more curves and creases into the same plot of real estate than a linen mill. Curiously, Hyundai hasn't provided any details on the electric component of the hybrid drivetrain, but the conventional side of the equation boasts direct injection, variable valve timing and a turbocharger in a tiny 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine, driving through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

PRESS RELEASE:

Hyundai's Eco-Technologies and Products on Display at 2009 Frankfurt Show

Frankfurt, Germany, 09/15/2009
• ix-Metro, a daring new Hybrid Electric CUV
• i10 electric zero-emissions vehicle
• European debut of ix35

At the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show today, Hyundai Motor Co. unveiled two important eco-friendly cars in a display of its commitment to improve energy efficiency and to lower greenhouse gas emissions of its vehicles.

Making its world debut was the ix-Metro, a daring new Hybrid Electric CUV for the European sub-B segment. Emitting just 80g/km of CO2, the ix-Metro is powered by an inline three-cylinder petrol engine displacing just one-liter. Direct injection, dual CVVT, and turbocharging are combined with a six-speed dual clutch transmission to make for a highly potent compact package. It's the fifth in a series of concept cars to be created by the Global Design Team in Namyang, Korea.

The other global premiere was the i10 Electric, a production-ready zero emissions vehicle. Powered by a 49kW motor and a 16kWh battery, the i10 Electric promises a driving range of 160km and top speed of 130km/h. It features x-by-wire systems for steering, air conditioning, water pump and the brake vacuum pump. The i10 Electric will see limited series production start in Korea in 2010 for pilot fleet demonstration purposes with government ministries, utilities and related agencies.

In his address to the audience which gathered to catch the unveiling of the two concept cars, Hyundai Vice Chairman Euisun Chung said: "Blue Drive is all about bold new thinking, about listening more carefully to what consumers are saying and what they really want. Our declared goal is bold: It's to be the industry's eco-leader."

These and other new eco-friendly models were on display in the Blue Drive Zone at the Hyundai booth. The Zone also included the Elantra LPI Hybrid and the Blue Will Plug-In Hybrid Electric concept vehicle. The Elantra LPI is the world's first hybrid electric vehicle to be powered by liquid petroleum gas (or autogas). Emitting just 94g/km of CO2 (European combined mode), it's also the first production car in the world to be powered by advanced lithium ion polymer batteries. A new Blue edition of Hyundai's highly popular i30, designed in Germany and built in the Czech Republic, was another highlight of the Blue Drive Zone. Featuring fuel-saving stop-and-go emissions reduction technology, the ISG system contributes towards a reduction of 7% in fuel consumption and vehicle emissions on the official combined cycle, compared to the standard cars. Tests have revealed a drop in CO2 emissions of up to 15% in heavily congested traffic.

Visitors to the Hyundai stand at Hall Six in Frankfurt Messe were the first to get a closer look at the ix35, the European version of the all-new Tucson which made its debut in the Korean market last month. Designed in Europe and to be built in Europe, the ix35 is the first production vehicle expressing Hyundai's new "fluidic sculpture" design language. It's fitted with the all-new R 2.0 diesel and six-speed automatic transmission.

Also on display was the updated Santa Fe which will provide fresh momentum to the CUV sector. It is fitted with a 2.2 version of the all-new R diesel and comes with the option of the new six-speed automatic.

Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Co. has grown into the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group which was ranked as the world's fifth-largest automaker since 2007 and includes over two dozen auto-related subsidiaries and affiliates. Employing over 75,000 people worldwide, Hyundai Motor sold approximately 2.8 million vehicles globally in 2008, posting sales of US$25.6 billion on a non-consolidated basis (using the average currency exchange of 1257.5 won per US dollar). Hyundai vehicles are sold in 193 countries through some 6,000 dealerships and showrooms. Further information about Hyundai Motor and its products are available at http://www.hyundai.com

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Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volkswagen CC R

Oh Volkswagen. How is it that the automaker of the people makes what just might be the sleekest, sexiest sedan in the world? No offense to A-M's Rapide, but the Volkswagen CC is not a two-door coupe with a stretch and some rear-doors grafted on. The CC is clean sheet, or at least as clean sheet as the Passat's hard points allow for. And now with the CC R, it's even better looking. And no, we're still not buying the four-door coupe marketing nonsense, no matter how many times someone quotes Wikipedia at us. The CC R is dreamboat sedan.

Let's get the obvious out of the way: CC R – tee hee hee. We can't imagine the "there's a bad moon on the right" jokes ever ceasing. That's mindless naming conventions for you. Aside from that, the R badge (or R-line as they call it here in the land of yummy sausage, pickled everything and friendly, frisky fräuleins) is very identical to Audi's S-line. So all show and no go. But if you're going to do it...

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Frankfurt 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde

In the picture look at the little green clover logo adorning the front fender of the new Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde. You'll notice that the classic Alfa performance badge has received a slightly modern update, courtesy of some techy carbon fiber-style weave. Hardly the most important thing we've seen here in Frankfurt, but it tells a deeper story. Because while the MiTo QV draws its distinction from the company's deep racing history, it's the forward-thinking technology that sets it apart.

As we reported previously, Alfa is using the MiTo QV to introduce its latest development from Fiat Powertrain Technologies. The MultiAir engine uses advanced electronics and hydraulic actuators to regulate the amount of air being mixed with the gasoline inside the engine's four combustion chambers to the benefit of throttle response and efficiency. And while the 170 horsepower on offer in the Quadrifoglio Verde may fall short of the 240-horsepower GTA in the pipeline, it is here right now, and best of all, the technology is coming to America as part of Fiat's partnership with Chrysler... with or without Alfa's lucky four-leaf clover.

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Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Continental GTC Series 51

That well-known thought was: it's not so garish in person. Substitute "hideous," "bad," and "ugly" for "garish" and you've recreated our experiences with a number of vehicles lately, and not just in Frankfurt. From the outside it's just a good looking Continental with a new set of wheels and Bentley's always-upright center caps. Inside, the car simply feels blue with white trim, and tastefully so, which was not the impression given in the preview photos. We still look forward to the Series 51's future offerings, but this first one is a.o.k.

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Frankfurt 2009: Seat IBZ concept

Seat loves to present its concepts in a lapis-like blue with deep cream interior coloring. It's usually a very good start, and the IBZ concept adds an Alfa-worthy beauty to what might otherwise be an ordinary wagon. Number three in the Ibiza lineup, the concept takes the Ibiza hatch platform and adds more interior room while keeping the virtually the same exterior dimensions.

The IBZ will be put into production as soon as January of next year. Of course the more wily elements, like the headlights, will go the way of the moa. Yet based on the preview and Seat's impressive record of translating concepts to reality,

PRESS RELEASE

FAMILY-SIZED SEAT IBIZA CONCEPT IBZ WOWS FRANKFURT

• Family-friendly shape points to forthcoming third member of the Ibiza range
• Sharp, dynamic exterior is combined with functional, stylish interior
• Sporty Spanish brand continues ambitious design innovation

SEAT is showcasing the stunning IBZ Concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The star of the SEAT stand in Germany previews a new, family-sized version of the Ibiza that will make its debut in showrooms across Europe towards the middle of next year.

Boasting a modern, tensioned silhouette, the concept car making its world debut at the IAA includes numerous distinctive exterior and interior design features, and benefits from cutting-edge technology for a gripping driving experience.

Once again, SEAT Design Director Luc Donckerwolke has applied his pragmatic vision to create an attractive yet functional car where comfort and roominess complement the traditional sports philosophy common to all SEATs.

The world debut of the bold IBZ Concept is another significant step on the company's path to extending its range line-up. The challenge it meets is to combine a larger, family-sized chassis featuring greater load capacity with the distinct, feisty personality of the Ibiza.

Imposing front view

The nose of the concept car shows an elegant evolution of SEAT's now trademark Arrow Design. The bonnet features a new 'running edge', splitting the car through its longitudinal axis, adding precision and sharpness to the familiar Ibiza face. Taut 'eyebrows' accentuate the headlights, whose diamond-shaped interior combines LED technology with light guides.

The new centre grille, with honeycomb slats and aluminium surround, is underlined by the same purist, rectangular air vents found on the Ibiza Cupra. Another development at the front sees the usual arrow shape enhanced by a set of lines parallel to the headlights, finishing at the broad opening beneath the bumper. Two aluminium mouldings in this area round off the front end design.

Very clearly styled to stand out, the IBZ Concept boasts an attractive sweep created by the newly-designed headlights, complete with LED technology. Their pointed tips provide continuity to the Dynamic Line that brushes over the wings and the middle of the front doors, while their novel interior structure mimics the facets of a diamond. One set generates the main beam, while the smaller LEDs generate the dipped beam. At the same time, a portion of the smaller facets at the top of the cluster serve as daytime driving lights, with the indicator LEDs at the bottom.

The exterior design of SEAT's prototype is enhanced by its high gloss, eye-catching blue paint colour while a broad panoramic sunroof floods the interior with light.

The LED indicator lights literally stand out, as they are built into the new streamlined door mirrors – each one mounted onto its door with a pair of arms. The exterior arm which supports the mirror, and the mirror's outer casing are both aluminium to match the other trim elements found on the car.

A side view reveals low profile 235/35 tyres on attractive, five double-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels, each with an embossed 'S' at the hub. Another tell-tale SEAT feature of the IBZ Concept are the Leon-inspired rear passenger door handles, which are neatly integrated into the third side windows.

The attention-grabbing new hatch naturally bears the SEAT logo and when the rear hatch is open, its structure has a very low load floor that sits flush with the number plate. Meanwhile, the broad rear window provides great visibility. An elegant, high-mount roof spoiler houses the third brake light – underlining the car's sporting intent.

As usual, the SEAT logo doubles as the boot handle mechanism and the prototype is easily identified by the 'IBZ' initials beneath the logo in the centre of the hatch.

The crisp rear section of the IBZ Concept is further enhanced by the addition of defined 'shoulders' that house the light clusters. As with the striking headlights, they feature LED technology on a raised surface. From bottom to top, the LEDs create the sidelights, brake, reverse and indicator lights.

The final highlights rounding off the view of the rear are a new bumper, which has a built-in number plate, a number plate light at the bottom of the hatch and split twin tailpipes, which each boast a stylish aluminium bezel.

Where space and style combine

The passenger compartment of the SEAT Ibiza IBZ Concept offers space and style in equal measure, with fine detailing and functional innovations throughout.

The interior is structured by 'light guide' strips that run through the dashboard and the doors, integrating the radio/iPhone interface screen and providing atmospheric lighting at the same time.

The light, airy tones of the cream coloured 'Magnolia' interior heighten the feeling of space inside this SEAT. The dashboard features the same colour, and a different texture is provided via the suede-clad soft pads. The instrument binnacle hood, door panels, pillars and ceiling are also finished in suede.

The newly-designed seats and integrated headrests are upholstered with a combination of leather and suede in the same colour as the dashboard, with blue stitching to match the body colour.

In trademark sporty SEAT style, the steering wheel on the IBZ Concept is slightly flattened at the base. It is wrapped in leather and suede and has a four-spoke structure with dipped side grips, the SEAT 'S' in the centre and the letters 'IBZ' on the lower spoke, and a set of newly designed multi-functional controls on either side.

Naturally, the sporty design of the instrument panel is faithful to the brand's identity. The large dial on the left is the rev counter, with a screen taking up the rest of the space. On the right is an analogue and digital speed display, with the navigation information, trip computer and remaining vehicle controls shown in the middle.

There are four circular air vents on the dashboard encased in aluminium. A special interior design concept features a striking combination of aluminium layered with a glossy black material that make up a line with recessed lighting extending across the dashboard and continuing onto the door panels. The centre houses a screen displaying radio and iPhone functions, and the centre console has a purpose-built iPhone slot.

The centre console also features a stylish climate control system with all the usual functions; the gear stick with a leather gaiter and a panel with buttons to activate the hazard lights, door locks and seat heaters, as well as several storage compartments. Close by is an electronic hand-brake and the central armrest, which is cloth upholstered with a handy storage compartment that can also be removed from the vehicle.

The newly designed door panels on the IBZ Concept echo the style of the dashboard, with the soft pad in suede and an aluminium insert beneath the armrest. The aluminium door handles and speaker frames are also new – the latter with a unique arrangement of square slats.

Predictably perhaps, beneath the rear hatch of the new SEAT Ibiza IBZ Concept lies a spacious boot. Measuring an impressive 410 litres, it can be significantly extended when the rear seats are folded to leave a completely flat cargo space that stretches right to the back of the front seats.

The boot's low load height makes it easy to access, allowing heavy or bulky items to be loaded more simply. It also provides several solutions for keeping objects securely in place such as side hooks or storage nets on either side of the wheel arches.

There's also a supplementary storage compartment beneath the folding boot floor. A cover leads to the spare wheel and tool box.

The detailing in the boot once again shows SEAT's quality workmanship in practice. The edges of the floor covering are finished with leather, and the soft pads on the side are in cream-coloured suede.

Third member of the Ibiza family

With the unveiling of the stylish Ibiza Concept IBZ at Frankfurt Motor Show, SEAT is offering a preview of the future family-sized version of its most popular model. The production version is expected to arrive in showrooms across Europe next year as the company continues its new product offensive which is making the Spanish brand's range the youngest on the market.

In the year of the Ibiza's 25th anniversary, the newest addition to the range underlines the car's segment-leading quality, design and workmanship.

The chassis of the new IBZ Concept has the same compact dimensions as an Ibiza hatch, with a total length of 4.22 metres and the same height and width. However, access to the rear seats is improved still further via broader rear doors.

As with the rest of the SEAT range the sporty, design-driven youthful style of the new Ibiza IBZ Concept make it perfect for those who value space, practicality, comfort and driving enjoyment.

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Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volvo C70

There are some good points, like those aforementioned headlamps. And we really dig the new grill. The mirrors, wheels and rear end treatment (check those LED lights) all pass the smell test, too. But what's up with those cheapo fog light surrounds? And you simply have to check out the thick rubber antennae to understand how awkwardly it's placed. And again, speaking of awkward, with the top up the C70's proportions are bizarre. We're talking Volkswagen Eos bizzare. Make of it what you will, but we're left with the impression that Volvo took a styling step backwards this time out.

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