Hyundai ix20, nice car

As with many cars in the Hyundai/Kia family, the new ix20 shares much with the supermini MPV equivalent in the Kia line-up.

But the Hyundai, arriving in the UK 18 months after its Kia Venga sibling, has several major differences, and all of them are for the better. While the Kia struggled with the demands of the bumps and potholes of inner-city driving, Hyundai has worked hard on the ix20's ride and suspension setup, even going so far as to build a section of UK road at its Korean factory that mimics our shoddy tarmac conditions.
The benefits are clear. The ix20 that will be coming to the UK is firm, but has shed the crashing ride and vague feel of the Venga. Instead it copes well with the worst that our poorly-maintained roads can throw at it. There is no need for the suspension experts to make the ix20 too engaging though as its principle job is to be a compact but practical little car, and it does an admirable job in many senses.
The leg and head room is admirable in all four seats, especially in the rear when the seats are slid back as far as they will go. The rear seats are split in a 60/40 ratio and are on a set of runners which allow you to independently move them back and forward to increase the space in the boot or the rear foot well as required.
While it is beneficial to have the option of where you maximise your space, the gap that appears between the seats and the parcel shelf when the passengers are fully forward means that you can't keep luggage out of sight when the boot is at its largest. That said, the boot space is very impressive - certainly bigger than the larger i30 at a huge 1,486 litres with the seats folded flat.
Sadly the amount of storage around the cabin is not quite as voluminous, with not many covered compartments on offer, despite a generous glovebox.
Of the engines available at launch, the 1.4-litre petrol is the best bet for all round ability. All options come with Hyundai's Intelligent Stop Go technology and a gearshift indicator that keep the emissions rating low and the efficiency high. However, if tax bills are important, it is best to avoid the automatic 1.6-litre model, which heads above 150g/km of CO2.
Source: fwd.channel5.com

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Tested: 2011 Toyota Venza AWD

Toyota has endured some tough knocks lately, with a series of recalls over the past year, as well as constantly being lambasted by critics for having "boring" cars. The Venza crossover breaks out of Toyota's safe and conventional mold, at least from a styling standpoint.

Granted, there's not much edgy or daring about crossovers anymore, contrary to what the marketing departments want you to think. The unibody, car-based tall wagon is about as ubiquitous now as the mid-sized, truck-based SUV was in the early to mid-90s. The Venza is a relative latecomer to the scene, with the trail blazed by the pre-Facebook era Nissan Murano way back in 2002 as a 2003 model. Ford followed with the Edge for the 2007 model year, and Honda with its oddly proportioned Accord Crosstour in 2009, around the same time the Venza debuted.

Much like the more upscale Acura ZDX and BMW X6, it's best to think of the Venza as a highly stylized version of a more pedestrian model. In this case, that model is the Highlander SUV. Sharing near the same wheelbase and basic dimensions as its more reserved sibling, as is usually the case, the more comely Venza makes some sacrifices for its beauty. Simply put, the Highlander is more practical and capable.

In total passenger volume, the Highlander trounces the Venza by more than 37 cubic feet. In cargo capacity, the Venza's Celtic-themed kin bests it by more than 10 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and by a substantial 25 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Max towing capacity on the Highlander is also 1500 pounds greater than on the Venza, with a nearly identical powertrain. The key difference? The V-6 Highlander still soldiers on with a five-speed automatic, while the V-6 Venza gets a six-speed.

The one, and increasingly important, area in which the Venza bests its larger sibling is fuel economy. The all-wheel-drive V-6 Highlander rates 17/22 on the EPA cycle, with the sleeker, 400-pound lighter Venza AWD returning 18/25. For those seeking even greater fuel economy, the Venza is also available with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder shared with the base Highlander that returns 21 city and 27 highway mpg on the front driver, and 20/25 on the all-wheel-drive model. Considering the minimal fuel economy penalty with the V-6, and the fact it offers 86 more horsepower, go with the six.

Speaking of the engine, it's Toyota's familiar 3.5-liter mill, found in everything from the RAV4 to the Highlander, Sienna Minivan, Camry, and Avalon, as well as the Lexus RX 350. As expected from a Toyota six-cylinder, noise, vibration, and harshness are well-subdued, and power output is sufficient for the vehicle's weight. However, with a curb weight of slightly more than two tons on the AWD model, the sensation of 268 horsepower isn't quite as stirring as it would be in a 500-pound lighter Camry or RAV4.

As with many current Toyotas, the driving experience isn't especially engaging. However, considering the vehicle's intended mission, canyon-carving probably wasn't a high priority on the suspension engineers' checklist. Getting back to the theme of sacrificing function for beauty, however, the 20-inch wheels deliver a ride firmness that hints at handling prowess that the suspension simply can't deliver. Taking a corner at anything more than a moderate pace elicits screeches and and howls from the tires. Appreciate the dubs for their style, but don't expect dramatic performance.

Although the Venza cuts an unmistakably dashing profile on the outside, the interior is a mixed bag. There's nothing exceptionally objectionable about the styling or materials, but the interior does not have the same cohesiveness and elegance as the exterior. There's an odd, indeterminate texture applied across much of the interior plastic that is an attempt at a woodgrain or faux leather, but succeeds at neither. A similar and more subdued texture is applied on the leather seats, and it works a little better, but still comes across as a bit contrived.

Ergonomically, the Venza is somewhat of an adjustment. When I first sat down and oriented myself with the controls, I looked around for a display readout for the air conditioning controls. Somewhat counterintuitively, the temperature and fan settings are displayed on a 3-inch-square LCD display in the middle of the dashboard, up high in a central unibrow area. It's not that jarring once you get used to it, but the placement seems like an afterthought.

Compared to its most logical peers, the Honda Crosstour, Nissan Murano, and Ford Edge, the Venza offers similar capabilities. Comparably equipped, the prices are pretty close, too. So what is there to recommend the Venza over its rivals? Well, if you're predisposed to think favorably of Toyota products, it has that going in its favor. It's the best-looking of the bunch, especially from a rear three-quarter angle. However, the interior has the oddest layout and materials.

Toyota often has mixed results when it tries to be too edgy, and the Venza is a rolling example. While the exterior is stylish and eye-catching, the interior is an odd mishmash of unique and parts-bin, premium and low-rent. If I were in the focus group for a mid-cycle refresh, I would suggest a revamp of the interior, using soft-touch, conventionally textured plastics, quality leathers, and contrast stitching. And perhaps some memory functions for the steering wheel adjustment and driver's seat.

The danger in moving too upscale with the Venza is that it would quickly start stepping on the toes of its more patrician cousin, the Lexus RX, in both price and market positioning. Such is the peril when you also have a luxury brand in your portfolio.

As it stands, the Venza is a stylish alternative to the conventional midsize SUV, and would likely fit the needs of small (two or fewer children) families looking for day-to-day family transport. With some fine-tuning to the interior trim, it could be a great crossover instead of a good one.

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11 Strangest Cars at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show

China is home to an estimated 180 automobile manufacturers. In a market that caters to 1.5 billion people, there's plenty of room for weird.

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Diem My and BMW X6 car

Not only entice viewers with ingenious ways of acting, Ms My face was young actors 'blockbuster' by owning a hybrid beauty and body image is extremely impressive. Sit beside a luxury car, The BMW X6, make she more beatifull. And The 2011 BMW X6 is a 4-door, 4-passenger luxury sport-utility, available in two trims, the xDrive35i and the xDrive50i.

Upon introduction, the xDrive35i is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 300-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. The xDrive50i is equipped with a standard 4.4-liter, V8, 400-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. A 8-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

The 2011 X6 is a carryover from 2010.  

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Celebrity Cars

Celebrity Cars are just like any other car except a Celebrity is driving!  You night think this sounds crazy but attaching a celebrity's name to a car can do wonders.  At auctions such as Barrett Jackson, Celebrity Cars can fetch premiums of $10,000 - $50,000 above and beyond the market price of the car just because of celebrity ownership.
So what cars are most celebrities driving? Well, Mercedes and Range Rovers are often piloted by celebrities but we also see Lexus and Bentley becoming popular Celebrity Cars in the recent years.  On the high end of things Aston Martin, Ferrari and Rolls Royce have also carved their area out in the Celebrity Cars market and have been attracting the likes of Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, Ashton Kutcher, 50 Cent, and Jay-Z just to name a few.
So sit back and enjoy some images that we've selected to show off the distinct nature of these famous celebrity cars.
Britney Spears choice for her Celebrity Cars is the Maserati Gran Turismo.

Lindsay Lohan getting out of her Porsche 911 Cabriolet.  A nice choice for her Celebrity Cars!

Ashton Kutcher in his Ferrari California.  How about that for a Celebrity Car.

Zac Efron picked this Audi S5 for his new ride. Pretty popular celebrity car these days.


This is easily one of my favorite celebrity cars of all time. Here Paul Walker is seen leaning on his Nissan Skyline GTR that he actually owns and used in the movie Fast and Furious.


Check out Kim Kardashian and her sick black Bentley! Bentleys seem to be well liked as celebrity cars.

50 Cent with his custom Lamborghini Murcielago by Unique Whips who do lots of celebrity cars.

Alessandra Ambrosio looks great getting out of her Range Rover! Is the one of the most popular celebrity cars?

Even though Amy Winehouse prefers the grungy look, she still likes to ride in style. Sometimes even we get surprised by celebrity cars.

The ex Governor of California and Action movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger just got a sick new Bentley Supersports convertable. This is one of the celebrity cars we are most jealous of.

Say what you want about Birdman but this will probably be the most driven Veyron in history. This is one of the sickest celebrity cars out there.

I don't know if I have ever seen a photo of Brad Pitt driving a car. He seems to only be interested in motorcycles. I guess motorcycles are the new celebrity cars.

Celebrity Cars aren't always super expensive. Bradley Cooper rocks this fuel efficient Toyota Prius.


Whats up with crazy celebrity cars these days? Look at Chris Brown's jet fighter looking Lamborghini Gallardo.


A Mercedes Benz seems to one of the most popular celebrity cars. Even James Bond himself, Daniel Craig, drives one!


Out of all the celebrity cars, the Cadillac Escalade has to be the most common. Denise Richards has no problem getting around in hers.


Celebrity cars come in all makes and models but in this case Gerard Butler is driving a sleek BMW Z8


Not all celebrity cars are run of the mill Mercedes, Audis or even Ferraris. Apparently Greta Butler rolls in the Bat Mobile!


One of the surprisingly more uncommon celebrity cars is the Ferrari California. "Actress" Heidi Montag of The Hills though drives one around town.


This Ford Galaxy is one of the most fitting celebrity cars I have seen. Doesn't Hugh Laurie of house look so natural in it?


Jason Statham always has the coolest of the celebrity cars. Check out this super sick Aston Martin Volante that he drives around on a daily basis.


Jay-Z knows how to pick some of the best celebrity cars. Check out this Maybach he was seen leaving.


I think the Bentley is one of the most common choices for celebrity cars because of how comfortable the ride is and the status the brand represents. Jennifer Love Hewitt obvious loves hers!

Kanye West has been seen in many cars including this Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Don't sometimes wish celebrity cars were more creative?


This has to be one interesting celebrity cars ever. Seeing Kim Kardashian driving the super limited Lamborghini Reventon would be quite the sight.


This is a surprising choice in celebrity cars. As out there as Lady Gaga is, I am surprised she drives around in something as simple as a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.


Lets get more creative with the celebrity cars people. Lindsay Lohan has plenty of money, she can afford something cooler than a Mercedes Benz SL550.


Now here is a responsible choice in celebrity cars. Matt Damon is seen here driving his 100% electric Tesla roadster.


Check out Michael C Hall adding some air to his Audi S4. This is one of my favorite celebrity cars so far and it's cool to see a celebrity doing the work themselves!


Most of the photos of celebrity cars so far have the star trying to get out of the shot but here Mily Cyrus is happy to pose with her Mercedes Benz SL550


Nick Mason may have one of the best celebrity cars collections of all time. Along with this Ferrari 458, he has some priceless vintage Ferrari race cars worth millions that he still races!


What is it about the Mercedes-Benz S-Class that makes it the most popular of celebrity cars? Nicole Richie, like many other celebs, chose this black Mercedes-Benz as her ride of choice.


Whats up with P-Diddy driving an older model Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder? Aren't celebrity cars usually the latest and greatest model?


OUCH! I wish stars were nicer to celebrity cars. Look at Pierce Brosnan aka James Bond scratching the front lip on his beautiful Aston Martin Vanquish.


What is the most common of celebrity cars? It has to be the Mercedes Benz S-Class. Check out the all black wearing Reese Witherspoon getting into hers.


Apparently the new must have whip for successful rappers like Rick Ross these days is the million dollar Bugatti Veyron. Since when did celebrity cars get so expensive?


Man why are stars to careless with their celebrity cars? Here you can see Simon Cowell of American Idol leaving his million dollar Bugatti Veyron for a valet to drive! Would you ever do that?


There goes the neighborhood. Can you believe The Situation of The Jersey Shore can afford a Ferrari F430 Spyder, one of the most expensive celebrity cars?


This may be one of the more classy celebrity cars I have seen. Check out Tyrese Gibson of Fast and the Furious with his Maserati Gran Turismo.


Check out Verne Troyer's custom Mercedes Benz CLK that has been customized to accommodate him. This isn't modified like most celebrity cars but is still very cool.

 source: celebritycarz.com

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