Ssangyong Introduces New Korando Sports in South Korea

The South Korean maker known for building some of the ugliest production cars in recent times, Ssangyong, has launched the production version of the SUT 1 Concept model that premiered in Geneva last year in its home market.

The new Korando Sports, which replaces the Actyon Sports – one of Ssangyong's "lookers" we told you about, is a four-door SUV with a pickup truck bed described by the Korean company as a leisure utility vehicle (LUV).

While more conventional looking than both the 2002 Musso Sports and the 2006 Actyon Sports, the Korando Sports won't be winning any beauty contests anytime soon.

Power for the Korando Sports comes courtesy of a 2.0-liter e-XDi200 diesel engine that churns out 155-horses and 36.7kgm of peak torque returning a combined fuel economy of 15.6km/lt (36.7mpg US or 6.4lt/100km). It is available with both rear- and all-wheel drive.

Ssangyong, which was recently acquired by Indian industrial giant Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said that the diesel engine meets the Euro5 norms.

Hat tip to Leopaul for the find!

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New Nissan X-Trail Platinum Edition Brings Some Luxury Touches to UK Market Model

With the new UK market X-Trail Platinum Edition, Nissan is looking to up the luxury ante for its 4x4 model by adding extra equipment and certain styling touches that are not available on the rest of the range.

On the outside, the front and rear of the Platinum edition get extra protection with the fitment of protection plates located below the bumpers, while the profile is treated to chrome-plated side steps and door protection mouldings.

Inside, the new edition of the X-Trail features leather upholstery and electrically-adjustable, heated front seats along with a new touch screen communication unit with satellite navigation, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth. Also standard is a reversing camera, with the image transmitted onto a small screen incorporated into the rear view mirror.

The X-Trail Platinum Edition is offered exclusively with 2.0-liter dCi diesel engine with a choice of either manual or automatic transmissions. In the manual gearbox model, the four-cylinder diesel produces 173PS [170HP] and returns an average fuel economy of 44.1mpg UK (36.7 mpg US or 6.4 lt/100km).

Production of the Platinum Edition will be limited to 200 units with prices starting at £29,180 for the manual and £30,560 for the automatic.

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New 38MPG 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Priced at $25,995

Although the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, will not hit showrooms until the first quarter of next year, General Motors is already trying to get buyers interested in advertising prices for the new model will begin 38mpg/highway Eco- to $ 25,995, including $ 760 destination charge.

Billed as the most fuel efficient Malibu, however, the Echo is the first Chevy in accordance with GM's hybrid technology soft eAssist uses a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator to allow braking and electric-start feature -stop.

System with 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder and six-speed automatic. Gasoline production unit at 180HP, but not as much as 15 more horsepower during acceleration system eAssist heavier.

Formal EPA figures are pending, but GM estimates that the 2013 Chevy Malibu will offer up to 26 mpg city and 38 mpg on the highway.

GM makes the point of saying that the "Echo Malibu road performance is comparable to that segment of the popular full-hybrid and diesel, but gave a lower price", the company also offers a list of some of the competitors of the car :

• 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid – $29,395 / 36 mpg


• 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI SE Diesel (with automatic) – $27,895 / 40 mpg


• 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid – $26,660 / 39 mpg


• 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – $26,545 / 40 mpg

The Eco will be the first model of the new Malibu series to be launched in the States, with the LS, LT and LTZ trim levels powered by a 169HP 2.5-liter Ecotec engine to arrive in the summer of 2012.

 

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