New Toyota Prius C Hybrid Hatch Priced from $18,950*

Toyota has released pricing on its new Prius C, which is the third hybrid model to join the Prius range in the States after the original liftback and the new minivan. The subcompact hatchback will arrive at Toyota dealerships in March 2012 with prices starting from $18,950, not including a $760* destination, processing and handling fee that puts the total to $19,710.
The Prius C will be available in four grades, all of which are equipped with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine linked to an electric motor and a 144-volt nickel-metal hydride battery for a total hybrid system output of 99 horsepower and EPA estimated 53 mpg city, 46 mpg highway and 50 mpg combined.
The base "One" model comes standard with nine airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction control (TRAC), automatic climate control, steering wheel with audio, climate, multi-information display and Bluetooth hands free phone controls, and remote keyless entry.
The Prius C Two grade adds a 6-speaker audio system, variable intermittent windshield wipers, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with adjustable headrests, cruise control, engine immobilizer, center console with armrest and storage compartment, and a cargo area tonneau cover.
Grade Three improves the spec sheet with Toyota's Display Audio system with Navigation, Entune and a 6.1-inch touchscreen, color-keyed outside door handles with touch- sensor lock/unlock feature, a Multi-information Display, plus Bluetooth hands free phone and voice command controls.
Finally, grade Four enhances the Prius C with 15-inch alloys, color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, and integrated fog lamps.

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Hyundai's New Elantra GT and Elantra Coupe Make their Video Debuts

So you want to see the newest additions to Hyundai's Elantra range on film, do you? If the answer is yes, follow the break to watch the first videos of both the Elantra GT, which is the North American version of the European market i30 hatchback, and the Elantra Coupe that is based on the sedan model sold in select markets around the world. For more information regarding the two newly introduced Hyundai models that premiere at this week's 2012 Chicago Auto Show, visit our previous posts on the Elantra GT here and the Elantra Coupe here.

Ford Says New B-MAX is Best In-Class when it Comes to Fuel Economy and CO2 Emissions

Since we are getting closer to next month's Geneva Motor Show, Ford wanted to share more details on its all-new B-MAX, and more specifically to brag about its fuel consumption and CO2 emission ratings, which the Blue Oval says bring it to the top of its class. When equipped with the 1.6-liter TDI diesel that produces 95PS (94hp), the new B-MAX delivers 4.0 lt/100km (70.6mpg UK or 58.8mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 104g/km. This compares to between 109 and 119 g/km CO2 and between 4.1 and 4.6 lt/100km for the Ford model's chief (diesel-powered) rivals, which include the Opel Meriva, Citroen C3 Picasso and Renault Modus.
The same goes for the petrol model – always according to Ford. With the new 120PS (118hp) 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine, the B-MAX will offer 114g/km CO2 emissions and fuel economy of 4.9lt/100km (57.6mpg UK or 48.0mpg US). It's competitors return 134-149g/km CO2 emissions and 5.7lt-6.4lt/100km fuel consumption.
"Our goal with B-MAX was to redefine the segment through technology and ingenuity – and that includes delivering the very best fuel economy,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president of Product Development for Ford of Europe.
Among other fuel-saving technologies employed by the B-MAX is the Auto-Start-Stop and the Smart Regenerative Charging, which is said to charge the battery at the most economical points during driving.
The B-MAX, which combines sliding rear doors with a pillarless design, will reach European showrooms later this year.

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All-New Mitsubishi Outlander Breaks Cover, Lineup will Include a Plug-in Hybrid Variant

Just a little over two months after Mitsubishi teased the new Outlander with the second iteration of its Concept PX-MiEV at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, the Japanese company lifted the wraps off the production model that will make its world premiere at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show in early March. Even though we only get a single picture from Mitsubishi, it's easy to see that the all-new Outlander is almost a carbon copy of the PX-MiEV II right down to the design of the alloy wheels.
This doesn't mean that there aren't differences over the study but that they are limited to details such as the conventional headlamp units, exterior mirrors and door handles while Mitsubishi also added a pair of fog lamps up front.
Mitsubishi says that the new Outlander's will feature the "same uncluttered quality look" inside the cabin with higher grade materials that include padded surfaces, soft-touch finish, silver accents and gloss black appliqués along with a new multifunctional steering wheel and "easy-to-read instrument displays".
The Outlander will also gain a power tailgate and sport full third row seating and a flat floor cargo area.
Under the hood, the new Outlander will launch in Europe towards the end of summer with a choice of two four-cylinder engines, including a revised 2.0-liter MIVEC petrol or 2.2-liter MIVEC Clean Diesel, in both FWD and four-wheel drive variants. Depending on the market and the engine, an Auto Stop & Go system as well as an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission will also be available.
In early 2013, Mitsubishi will add a new plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with a pair of electric motors, one on each axle. According to the company, the Outlander plug-in hybrid will allow for a driving range and very low CO2 emissions similar to that of the PX-MiEV II concept at over 800 km (~500 miles) and a target of below 50 g/km, respectively.
The new Outlander will first go on sale in Russia early this summer followed by Europe in late summer, Japan, Oceania, China and North America.

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MITSUBISHI PX-MiEV CONCEPT