The Fiat portfolio will expand next year when the larger, five-door 500L joins the Cinquecento range in the United States. This new model will make its world debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show.
Fiat has been building out the 500 line here, adding the clever 500 Cabrio convertible, special Gucci and Pink editions, and soon a sportier 500 Abarth. The 500L will be the first truly different model.
It measures about two feet longer than the familiar 500, promising a more family friendly package than the current car. We found that access to the rear seat in the two-door model was difficult and accommodations rather tight once there.
Fiat has said three engines will be offered in Europe, but no details have been announced yet for the States. Hopefully it will offer more grunt than the 101-hp, 1.4-liter engine now used in the 500.
Given the success of the Toyota Prius, it’s a wonder it has taken Toyota this long to build on the brand equity of the Prius name and offer an expanded line of Prius vehicles. The company has finally taken the initiative, first with the larger Prius v (which The Garage will soon be reviewing), a plug-in hybrid Prius, and, announced at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, the Prius c. The ‘c’ here stands for city, and Toyota is seeking young urban dwellers as its most desired demographic.
The Prius c certainly has a more youthful look than its big brother. Compared to the standard Prius, the Prius c is 19″ shorter and weighs 542lbs less. Power comes from a 1.5L Atkinson cycle four cylinder with a total output of 99hp, paired to a continuously variable transmission. Toyota promises fuel economy of 53/46 MPG city/highway, with a combined rating of 50MPG. Toyota claims the Prius c is the most fuel efficient car you can buy without a plug.
The Prius c will be offered in four trim levels. Standard on all models will be auto climate control, Bluetooth and a USB port. Toyota has not provided solid pricing, but did say the Prius c would start under $19,000USD. I think the idea of a smaller, more youthful Prius can only serve to help Toyota, who still struggles to shake its reputation as being a conservative car company for Baby Boomers. With its smaller size and low price, the Prius c practically puts a nail into the coffin of the Honda Insight, a car largely panned by critics, and ignored by buyers. The Prius c is expected to hit the showroom floor in March 2012.
Evolve Motorcycles are rolling out their line of electric scooters this month, with four distinct offerings with starting prices that run from $2,900 to $5,400. A young startup, Evolve has its plate full with expanding its dealer network and production facilities, but the company is already looking to branch out in several, innovative ways.
We met up with company officials today at the New York International Motorcycle Show, where they explained several efforts now underway. A defining element for Evolve is that they are targeting, youthful—daresay hip—urban dwellers. These consumers live in a crowded, congested, pollution ridden, and noisy environment where silent, green transportation that can split lanes and park most anywhere would be a distinct advantage. Because many such customers often live in an apartment building where parking access to an electrical outlet for recharging can be rare, Evolve is working on packaging a removable battery in its Neon scooter. By truncating the battery into about a 22-lb. pack, Evolve will enable customers to bring the battery upstairs for charging, eliminating the need for curbside or garage plug access. In order to make the battery pack portable, size will be limited and with it range. The revised range estimated to be about 30 miles, down from an estimated 50 miles. For contrast, Manhattan land measures 23 square miles.
The company says it is also looking at other solutions. Engineers at its New Jersey facility are fitting a 50cc four-cycle scooter engine to serve as an onboard generator. Think of this as an extended-range scooter, much like the Chevrolet Volt in concept. This new variation is scheduled for introduction in the first quarter of 2012. Another possibility is that the same powertrain could be modified to create a true hybrid scooter, teaming the electric and gasoline systems. Evolve says it is still exploring this option.
Another product on the Evolve horizon may be derived from the Lithium sport bike concept, a high-performance electric motorcycle (not scooter!) with a distinct open frame (aka “negative space”) design that emphasizes the unique packaging potential for EVs. The concept uses a 40,000-watt motor and 110 ah battery pack, with an estimated 100-mile range.
From these insights, it is clear that Evolve is coming on quickly. It will be interesting to see how this American company adapts to the growing market for green transportation.
Honda showed their newest street bike at the New York International Motorcycle Show, one they say is targeted at new riders or former motorcyclists thinking about getting back to riding.
Already on sale in other markets, the NC700X has the rugged look of a dual-purpose motorcycle, and six inches of suspension travel front and rear to cushion bumps on back roads or city streets.
With a competitive price combined with an optional DSG automated manual transmission and antilock brakes. By not having to deal with a clutch or self regulate the front or rear brakes, Honda hopes the NC700X will rekindle riders’ love of riding with reduced work load. A company spokesman said even the “NC” in its name was a nod to its intended buyer, the New Customer. But he may have been pulling our leg. Come to think of it, it could also mean “Not Complicated.”
Powered by a liquid-cooled, 670cc two-cylinder engine paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission (for those not willing to give up the clutch), Honda says the NC700X will return more than 60 mpg in normal riding, giving it a theoretical 240-mile cruising range. What looks like a fuel tank is actually a storage compartment large enough to swallow up a full-face helmet; the real gas tank is mounted under the seat for a lower center of gravity and easier handling. Aerodynamic styling is intended to route air around the rider for increased comfort and less fatigue.
Honda plans a full line of matching accessories to customize the NC700X, from saddlebags to heated grips. Prices are set to start at $6,999 for the NC700X with a six-speed manual, but Honda has not announced the price for models equipped with DSG and ABS.
When it comes to building compact cars, the past several years have not been kind to Dodge. The cute Neon won hearts in the mid-1990′s, but a lack of refinement and development caused the car the lag behind the competition. The Caliber that replaced it in 2006 was trashed by the press from the start, and buyers seemed indifferent to a compact car shaped like a small crossover, let down by a cheap interior and unimpressive drivetrain. To compete in the car business in North America, it is mandatory that you offer not just an OK, but great compact car. Chevy has the Cruze, Ford has the Focus-it’s now time to see what Dodge has to answer with.
The Garage was present and accounted for at the global premier of the 2013 Dodge Dart at the North American Auto Show in Detroit, and it was clear Dodge understood they have not been offering class-leading products, and that this is a make or break chance to be a player. And that’s only half the pressure on Dodge with the Dart. This is the first car we are seeing as a product of Fiat’s ownership of Chrysler. To say there is a heck of a lot riding on the Dart is the understatement of the year.
While the Dart will be built in the US, Dodge is proud of the car’s Italian DNA. Based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, the Dart was made longer and wider to better suit North American needs. And no one will mistake the Dart as anything but a Dodge, with its signature crosshair grille and Charger inspired taillamp treatment. It’s our first look at a contemporary compact Dodge. In person, the Dart is well-proportioned, attractive and sporty in appearance. The Dart should be well received in Middle Americal, but there is a distinct Euro flair never before seen in a Dodge.
The Dart will be available in five trim levels, and Dodge was quick to point out the Dart will be easy to personalize with multiple color combinations, and a plethora of Mopar accessories. Three engines will be available, starting with a 2.0L four rated at 160hp, a 1.4L turbocharged four also at 160hp, and a 2.4L four with 184hp. The normally aspirated cars will offer a choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, while the turbo is available with a six-speed manual or dual dry clutch manual automatic. The Dart will start at $15,995USD, and production is expected to start in the second quarter of 2012.
With the Dart, we finally have a Dodge compact we can get excited about, and a clear signal that Dodge gets the message that their past performance has been unacceptable. In looking at the Dart, I was impressed to the point where if it drives as well as it looks, I would consider owning one myself once the lease is up on our 2010 VW Jetta. The Dart was the media darling of the North American Auto Show this year, and during my day walking Cobo Hall in Detroit the most foot traffic I saw all day, non-stop was where the Dodge Dart was on display. The Garage will keep readers up to date as more details are released, so stay tuned!
A tiny car to slot beneath the Chevrolet Sonic, the upcoming Spark aims at city dwellers and young buyers on a budget.
It is powered by a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing and an estimated 85-hp. It will come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, with a four-speed automatic being optional.
The wheelbase is a little over 93 inches and the car measures 143 inches in length, making it notably smaller than the Honda Fit (with its 98-inch wheelbase and 162-inch length). Although narrow, think of it as a roomy alternative to a Fiat 500 or Scion iQ. The cabin is best described as cheap and cheerful, aided by body-color accents. The 1LT and 2LT models include Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system with a large seven-inch touchscreen. The system features Bluetooth and is compatible with Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio.
Cargo space is enhanced by the 60/40-split rear seats and a variety of interior storage compartments. Roof rails will be optional.
With such a small car, safety is a natural concern. The Spark features include 10 air bags, antilock brakes, and electronic stability control, plus OnStar.
Fuel economy has not yet been announced.
We’ll buy one mid year, after it goes on sale, to see how this diminutive hatchback measures up.
Another product on the Evolve horizon may be derived from the Lithium sport bike concept, a high-performance electric motorcycle (not scooter!) with a distinct open frame (aka “negative space”) design that emphasizes the unique packaging potential for EVs. The concept uses a 40,000-watt motor and 110 ah battery pack, with an estimated 100-mile range. 
Powered by a liquid-cooled, 670cc two-cylinder engine paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission (for those not willing to give up the clutch), Honda says the NC700X will return more than 60 mpg in normal riding, giving it a theoretical 240-mile cruising range. What looks like a fuel tank is actually a storage compartment large enough to swallow up a full-face helmet; the real gas tank is mounted under the seat for a lower center of gravity and easier handling. Aerodynamic styling is intended to route air around the rider for increased comfort and less fatigue. 
