Suzuki R3 Concept Proposal for a Six Passenger Compact MPV Debuts at New Delhi Auto Show

This year’s Auto Expo in New Delhi, India, is turning out to be a crowd puller as many automakers chose the show to unveil an array of concept and production models designed with the domestic market in mind. Maruti Suzuki took the covers off the R3, a Compact Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) that was penned at the firm’s Research and Development Department in India.

Despite its compact size, the futuristic looking concept model can accommodate a total of six passengers in three rows of seats. Suzuki didn’t release any more details on the R3, but it has been speculated that the concept model may base a production version in the very near future.

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2011 Chevrolet Equinox Compact SUVs

Chevrolet Equinox

The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox Compact SUVs. The Equinox is a competent crossover that manages to offer fuel economy that rivals many mid-size sedans, the size of many mid-size SUVs and a starting price competitive with compact SUVs.

In terms of size, the Equinox is close to being a midsize SUV. Reviewers offer up few complaints about the Chevy Equinox. Both offer standard V6 power and slightly more cargo space than the Equinox’s 63.7 cubic foot capacity. Though its large for a compact SUV, the Equinoxs low price means many consumers will shop it against small SUV class leaders.

Note that opting for all-wheel drive and/or the V6 engine decreases the Equinox’s fuel economy rating. Equinox LS models now come standard with a compass for 2011.The Chevrolet Equinox is a mid-size SUV offering five-passenger seating and a relatively low price of entry of $23,490.

The front-wheel-drive LS model begins at the aforementioned $23,490, including the $745 destination charge. The vehicle comes equipped with a 2.4-liter direct-injection four-cylinder Ecotec engine delivering 182 horsepower at 6,700 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 4,900 rpm. Also featuring direct injection, the motor has an isolated fuel injector system that promises quieter operation than other DI engines. The 3.0 offers the same horsepower rating as the old 3.6-liter V6.

For 2011, the Chevrolet Equinoxs optional V6 now has E85 capability. Ride quality is another plus, with the Equinox delivering a stable, well-planted ride. The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact crossover SUV available in LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ trim levels.

Every 2011 Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque. Both engines come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional. An Equinox four-cylinder with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. An Equinox V6 with front-wheel drive gets an estimated 17/25/20, with all-wheel-drive versions dropping 1 mpg on the highway.

The 2011 Chevy Equinox comes standard with antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), traction and stability control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and On Star. The Chevy Equinox boasts a stylish cabin filled with premium touches. Adjust the sliding rear seat backward and youll find rear legroom thats the most generous in this segment; the rear seat also reclines for passenger comfort.

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2011 Toyota Compact FR Sports

2011 Toyota Compact FR Sports

7Tune revealed new details regarding the future sports car developed in cooperation by Toyota and Subaru. And we will start with a bad new regarding the sports car set to be released in 2011, where will be no WRX or STi versions. A good news though: there might be a convertible version.

The sports car will be based on a 100mm shorter Subaru Legacy platform and will be powered by a 2.0L four cylinder boxer engine from the Impreza with a power output of 190 hp. A 6-speed gearbox will be offered initially with an automatic transmission being offered later. Weight is expected to be around 1200kg.

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Saab 9 4X Compact SUV Renderings

Our little chit-chat with a Saab PR last week wasn’t only about the facelifted 9-3 that’s coming this fall with a new AWD version fitted with a 290Hp 2.8 V6 Turbo engine, as we also learned that Saab will debut its first-ever compact SUV, the 9-4X

Although not officialy confirmed, it’s rumored that Saab’s 9-4X will be based on the next-gen Opel Vectra / Saab 9-3 / Cadillac BLX platform. Talking about Cadillac, the American car-maker will also produce their versions of the Saab 9-4X, both of whom will compete against the likes of BMW’s X3 and the upcoming Mercedes MLK, Volvo XC60 & Audi Q5 SUV’s. Back to Saab, GM’s Swedish-arm will probably tease us with a prototype version of the 9-4X in the upcoming months but until then; check out a bunch of computer-generated renderings from the swedish mag, Teknikens Varld

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2011 Toyota RAV4 Compact SUVs Reviews

Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4 Compact SUVs. Reviewers call the 2011 Toyota RAV4 one of the most practical and family-friendly SUVs you can buy. The optional third-row seat also helps the Toyota RAV4 stand out. If you like the RAV4, reviewers say you’ll likely be happy with it. The Toyota RAV4 is most often compared to the Honda CR-V. However, compared to a four-cylinder RAV4, the CR-V is tough competition.

That said, the RAV4 is one of the older designs in the compact crossover segment. The 2011 Toyota RAV4 is a midsize crossover SUV. There are three trim levels available: base, Sport and Limited. The base Toyota RAV4 comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, a limited-slip differential (front-drive models only), air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat and a six-speaker stereo with CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The base V6 4WD adds 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels.

The Toyota RAV4 Sport comes standard with 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels, color-keyed bumpers and sportier suspension tuning. All V6 models add hill-start assist and hill-descent control, which are also standard for the RAV4 four-cylinder with the optional third-row seat.

An Upgrade Value package for the base Toyota RAV4 includes a sunroof, roof rails, privacy glass, 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels, six-disc CD changer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, upgraded cloth upholstery and a cargo cover. The Premium package available on the Sport and Limited trim levels (though not with the third-row seat) adds leather upholstery and an eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar support. The 2011 Toyota RAV4 comes standard with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine that delivers 179 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy for this model with front-wheel drive is 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined, and 21/27/24 with 4WD.

The V6 achieves an impressive 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive Toyota RAV4, and these ratings change only by 1 mpg less for EPA highway when the 4WD model is selected.

Every Toyota RAV4 trim level can be matched with either front-wheel or four-wheel drive. Antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, whiplash-reducing front headrests, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on every 2011 Toyota RAV4. The RAV4s interior boasts a clean design with large, simple controls and lots of storage space. To configure the RAV4 for cargo, all you need to do is flip a lever on the second-row seats.

The 2011 Toyota RAV4 crossover SUV is available with a fuel-efficient 2.5 liter, four-cylinder engine that racks up a healthy 22 city/28 highway MPG and a slightly less gas stingy V-6 that still logs in an impressive 27 highway MPG.
Pricing: Pricing should be around $22,750 MSRP for the base model Toyota RAV4.

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2011 Toyota Tacoma Compact Pickup Trucks

2011 Toyota Tacoma

The 2011 Toyota Tacoma Compact Pickup Trucks. Reviewers are nearly unanimous in saying that the 2011 Toyota Tacoma is one of the best compact pickup trucks you can buy. The Tacoma isn’t perfect. Several reviewers say that the only credible alternative to the Toyota Tacoma is the Nissan Frontier. The 2011 Toyota Tacoma sees a few changes for the new model year. The "Toyota Tacoma" is available in regular, access, and double cab; the double cab is the trim with a full-sized back seat. Four- and six-cylinder engines are offered, and the Tacoma offers a performance-tuned X-Runner trim.

Air-conditioning is now standard on every Toyota Tacoma, while all but Regular Cab 4x4 models get bucket seats.
The 2011 Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup offered in Regular Cab, Access Cab (an extended cab with small rear-hinged doors) and Double Cab (crew cab with four full-size front-hinged doors) configurations. Both Regular and Access Cabs are joined to a 6-foot bed. All Tacoma body styles are available in either two- or four-wheel-drive form. When equipped with four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission, the Regular Cab gets front bucket seats. The Access Cab gains power locks and windows, upgraded cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, a rear bench (includes under-seat storage) and two more speakers. The Toyota Tacoma Double Cab adds 16-inch steel wheels, a front skid plate and driver lumbar adjustment.

The Convenience package adds power mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, a sliding rear window and steering-wheel audio controls. The on-road-oriented TRD Sport package includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a hood scoop, a sport suspension and sport seats.

The 2011 Toyota Tacoma is available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the Regular and Access Cabs, while a four-speed automatic is optional on those cabs and standard with the Double Cab. When properly equipped, the Toyota Tacoma can tow 6,500 pounds.

Standard safety equipment on all 2011 Tacoma’s includes stability and traction control, antilock brakes (disc front, drum rear) with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front active headrests. For better or worse, the 2011 Toyota Tacoma drives like a proper pickup truck.

The Toyota Tacoma, the No. 1 selling compact pickup five years running, reminded me how versatile and useful these trucks can be. They can carry a lot of stuff — up to 1,435 pounds — nearly matching the payload capabilities of a few full-size trucks. Small should equate to small in stature, small in price. Ryan Sea crest is a pretty big shot, but still cant ride most roller coasters at Cedar Point.

My test vehicle was the Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Access Cab with the SR5 trim package, which falls in the middle of the five different Toyota Tacoma body styles. It still felt big and its $25,163 price tag felt steep.

Options aside, the PreRunner Access Cab offers a nice set up. The truck also offers a fairly smooth ride. The rear leaf springs are not too jarring, even when the trucks bed is empty. The best part of the Toyota Tacoma is its riding position.

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