The rumors seem to be confirmed: Citroën could be preparing a small minivan based on the new platform that will be used for the upcoming C3. This minivan has a lot of company; witness the Renault Modus (based on the Renault Clio), the Opel Meriva (based on the Corsa), the Fiat Idea (based on the Punto) and the Nissan Note. Citroën has already four other minivan models: the Xsara Picasso based on the old Xsara, the C4 Picasso, the Grand C4 Picasso and the C8. While minivans might not be the first vehicles you think of when it comes to greener driving, one good thing about these people movers (especially the European-sized versions) is that they offer lots of room to carry children without burning too much fuel. It's not impossible to find models that produce fewer than 120 g/km CO₂.

[Source: Autoexpress]

It looks like the second-generation Ford Ka will finally make its official appearance at the Paris Motor Show in October, and Ford might want to seriously consider bringing this little puppy stateside along with the Fiesta. The Ka shares a platform with the Fiat 500 and Germany's Autobild has photos of the micro car devoid of all camouflage. Powerplants should include both gas and diesel engines ranging from a mild hybrid variant that can achieve 60.3mpg (U.S.) to a 100hp ST sport model. So far, there is no indication from Ford that they have any plans to bring the Ka to North America. Hopefully the Fiesta will prove successful here and Ford will see fit to send us this little beauty.

[Source: Autobild via CarScoop]

At October's Paris Motor Show, Mazda will be the latest manufacturer to unveil a new city car with the new 1. Based on this initial sketch, the micro sized 1 will apply the swoopy lines seen the company's recent concepts and apply them to a competitor for the VW up! and Toyota iQ. The concept version that will be shown in Paris may have sliding doors to ease entry and exit. In concept form, power may come from fuel cells and batteries although the production version will probably have either a small internal combustion engine or battery power.

[Source: AutoExpress]

The next iteration of General Motors Global Compact Car or Delta platform will provide the basis of a variety of models sold everywhere. Among those are the Chevy Cobalt and Saturn/Opel Astra as well as the Opel Zafira MPV and, of course, the upcoming Chevrolet Volt. The first next-gen Delta cars are expected to come to market next year as 2010 models, but we may get our first official look at some of them as soon as this October at the Paris Motor Show. Two Chevrolet-badged Deltas are expected in France, the conventional one that will likely supplant the current Daewoo-built Lacetti and the production shape of the Volt. We've seen hints of where the Volt is going with the wind tunnel models but everyone has been waiting patiently to see it in final form with all the detailing. GM is also expected to make an announcement in Paris about an Opel/Vauxhall-badged E-Flex vehicle going into production with a diesel range extender. Expect that one to look much like the Flextreme concept but without the pair of on-board Segways.

[Source: Channel4.com]

French motor magazine l'Auto Journal has published pictures of the prototype of the new C4 that is coming in 2010. Besides the new styling themes, which eliminate parallel lines, the new model is built on the same platform as the current C4 and with similar proportions. Interviewed by French newspaper Le Figaro, Christian Streiff, PSA's CEO spoke about the new technical evolutions in the new C4. There is a mild hybrid system (called a micro-hybrid) with the Stop&Start system and Streiff mentioned a full-time hybrid diesel for the mid-range models.

PSA, which is one of the world leaders in diesel powertrains, is also investing in gasoline powertrains. A downsized 3-cylinder turbo engine will be unveiled during the upcoming Paris Auto Show, along with the French marque's version of double-clutch transmission, which should be much less expensive than VW's. Check out the current model C4 in our gallery.


[Source: L'Auto Journal and Le Figaro (thanks to Dominique for the tip)]

Lumeneo's titling electric car, the Smera, will be released early 2009 according to CNET TV. The official announcement will be made at the Paris Motor Show in October but CNET says Lumeneo will be "taking deliveries early 09." The CNET video also has a close up look at the Smera's electric motors and CNET TV's host, who is six feet two inches tall, gets in the car even though the fit is a little snug. The Smera has a top speed of 130 Km per hour, range of 150 Km on a single charge (which takes 3-5 hours) and will cost between 20-30,000 Euros ($31,000-$47,000US, at today's rate). Ouch.


[Source: CNET TV]

A year ago at the Geneva Motor Show, Honda talked about producing a new hybrid-only model beginning in 2009. A concept version of that new car is expected to make its debut this September at the Paris Motor Show ahead of its production debut next year. The new hybrid-only model will be the first such car from Honda since the Insight went out of production in 2006. Honda has set themselves a goal of selling ten percent of their cars with hybrid power-trains by the end of the decade and, with the Civic currently being the only hybrid on offer, this new one will have to be a success if they hope to meet that goal. Conquering Europe, where hybrids have been slow to gain a foothold, will be important to Honda. The company plans on pricing the new car aggressively, somewhere in the range of €16,000 and €20,000. The Prius currently runs about €24,000 in Europe. The new dedicated hybrid will use a new version of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system. The IMA system can't accelerate from a stop on electric power only. However at moderate constant speeds the engine can be shut down and, with the throttle open, the system can motor along on electric power alone.

[Source: Left Lane News]