SCOOP: New Suzuki Swift Spied at the Nurburgring

Our spy photographers have scooped the next generation of the Suzuki Swift supermini during testing at the Nurburgring race circuit in Germany.

Even though the Japanese automaker's people did a pretty good job of bagging the prototype, it's not hard to see that the new Swift will keep its MINI-like design feel. However, the pictures suggest that it will boast larger and more prominent head- and tail lamps.

We don't have any details about the powertrain options, but buyers should expect a range of mainstream four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines, as well as a more potent unit for the flagship Sport model.

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Video: 2009 Toyota Avensis Sedan and Estate

A couple of weeks ago Toyota took the wraps off its European flagship model, the third generation Avensis at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Now we bring you the first video of the Japanese automaker's new Ford Mondeo and Opel Insignia rival that will be available in two body shapes, a sedan and a wagon. The new Avensis goes on sale in January, with an annual European sales target including Russia, of about 115,000 units. Click through for the video. -Continued

Related Story: 2009 Toyota Avensis High-Resolution Gallery and Details

Citroen C3 Picasso to Get New Micro-Hybrid System in 2010

Citroen is to launch a new micro-hybrid system on the just revealed C3 Picasso. The system was previewed on the pearlescent white and orange C3 Picasso study at the Paris motorshow and will be offered in European in 2010, nearly a year after the launch of the vehicle. When the French say micro-hybrid system, what they actually mean is a new-generation Stop & Start system with a combined alternator-starter unit that allows the recovery of energy during braking and deceleration to recharge the vehicle’s battery without consuming fuel. -Continued

Citroen claims that with this fairly simple system that will be available on both petrol and diesel models, the C3 Picasso can achieve a fuel economy of 4.0 lt/100km (58.3 mpg US or 70mpg UK) on the combined cycle as well as low CO2 emissions of just 110g/km.

2009 Ford KA: 42 High-Res Photos

Ford is the latest brand to release a mega image gallery of one of its products that premiered at the Paris Motor Show. At launch, the second-generation KA will be offered in Europe with a choice of two engines, a 1.3-liter turbo diesel and a 1.2-liter gasoline unit. Once you’ve finished looking at the new photos you may also want to click here to watch the first official video of Ford's Fiat 500 based city car. -Continued

New Kia Soul: 90 High-Res Photos

Right after the Soul’s world debut in Paris, Kia released a mega image gallery of its funky proposal in the subcompact segment that will be arriving on international markets early next year. In Europe the Soul will be offered with a 1.6L gasoline and a 1.6L turbo diesel, while in the U.S. the Soul will only be available with a 2.0L gasoline engine. Hit the jump for the photo gallery that includes pictures of the Soul customized with various accessories and decals that Kia has readied for its new model with which it hopes to attract a younger audience to the brand. -Continued