Ford has launched the 2012 Focus Zetec S, the sporty version of its third generation of Focus.

Ford launched this model specifically for its UK customers.

This sporty hatchback produces 180PS from 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine, which is serious power for its size.

Exterior & Interior

The new Zetec S adds on to the sophisticated and sporty look of the Focus hatch. Ford Focus is a successful company and you will a lot of them on streets of the countries where they are sold. To cater to customer need to differentiate their Focus, the new Zetec S gets a sporty treatment with 17 inch alloys along with sporty body kit which includes a front and rear spoiler.

Zetec S gets a firmer sports suspension, an engine start button, LED tail lamps, sports pedals and a premium central console finish. Zetec S buyers can choose from options like Driver assistance pack, active speed limiter and cruise control. The interior pack includes Red partial leather upholstery, power driver seat and heated front seats.

Performance

The Ford Focus Zetec S is available in four engine options, the most attractive which is the 1.6 liter turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine producing whopping 180PS of power.

With this configuration, the Zetec S will do 0 to 60 in less than 8 sec and achieve max speed of 222km/h. All that fun comes along great fuel economy with the car returning around 47mpg.

The other engine options include a 1.6 liter Ti-VCT petrol engine producing 125PS of power, a 1.6 liter TDCi engine producing 115PS and a 2 liter TDCi engine generating 163PS.

At £18,475, the car offers great value and improves over the shortcomings of the standard Focus. As the Zetec S is targeted for enthusiasts who are keen on the performance of the vehicle, the enhancements in Zetec S would not disappoint.

It may not be the fastest car around, but as a complete package the car makes a case for practical sports driving.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Hatchback

Base Price: £18,475.00

Performance

Engine: 180 PS EcoBoost Turbo Charged	Displacement: 1.5 Liter cc
0-60 mph: 7.9 seconds	Maximum Speed: 138 mph (222 km/h)

The 2012 Toyota Prius C is most notable for its high affordability and exceptional gas mileage, surpassing all other hybrids in its class.

With front wheel drive, the combination gas and electric 1.5 liter four cylinder engine is modest, yet delivers great value for the consumer.

Performance

People are delighted to get 53 miles to the gallon on the highway and 46 miles to the gallon in the city. There are even three driving modes to select from to help you control how much fuel you use, which are Normal, Eco, and EV mode. The exterior looks similar to other Prius models, with the exception for its size which is more compact. There are nine body color options available, with a cozy interior.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Hybrid Compact	Base Price: $18,950.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 9.5 gallons (36 liters)	MPG: 53 city / 46 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 157.3 in. (399.5 cm)	Wheel Base: 100.4 in. (255 cm)
Height: 59.6 in. (151.3 cm)	Width: 66.7 in. (169.4 cm)
Curb Weight: 2500 lbs (1134 kg)	Ground Clearance: 5.5 in. (13.9 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 17.1 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 1.5L DOHC w/ VVT Hybrid	Motor: Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous
Net Horsepower: 99 HP	Max RPM: NA
Torque: 125 lb-ft	Transmission: ECVT

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Prius c Two	MSRP: $19,900; MPG: 53 city / 46 hwy
Option:Prius c Three	MSRP: $21,635; MPG: 53 city / 46 hwy
Option:Prius c Four	MSRP: $23,230; MPG: 53 city / 46 hwy

Safety

The latest Prius C is built with safety in mind. It has a regenerative braking system that gives more power to stop the vehicle in emergency situations, and is a major improvement among hybrids; nine airbags offer protection for everyone in the vehicle; it has excellent traction control & anti-lock brakes. The smart stop technology reduces engine power when the brake and gas pedals are pressed simultaneously.

Reliability & Warranty

This Prius C comes with a three year or 36,000 mile warranty to assure the overall reliability of the vehicle. Additionally, the hybrid parts of this Prius model are under warranty for eight years or 100,000 miles, while the powertrain is also under warranty for five years or 60,000 miles.

Not only that, but customers receive special warranty coverage against rust damage for five years and up to an unlimited number of miles. The Toyota Care plan is also offered for anyone who buys or leases a new Toyota, including a complimentary maintenance plan as well as roadside assistance for the first two years of ownership, or 25,000 miles (depending upon which comes first).

The roadside plan offers such important services as jumpstarting your vehicle, changing flat tires, delivering fluids, towing for emergency situations, and even helping you get back into your vehicle if you become accidentally locked out.

With all of these guaranties, the quality of this 2012 Toyota Prius C is something that buyers can count on.

Pros & Cons

The maximum of 99 horsepower offered by the engine doesn’t provide much acceleration on hills and for passing on highways; however, this is a common tradeoff for most hybrid cars in general.

It is most comfortable for 4 passengers maximum, although for some people that’s all that they need.

The new Prius C is recommended for people who want the most affordable hybrid, those who like small cars to get around town, and for those who want the most fuel efficient vehicle.

Competition

The Prius C is the top fuel efficient vehicle in its class, far outranking other small hybrid vehicles such as the Honda Insight Hybrid (MSRP $19,290; 41 city / 44 hwy) and the Honda Civic Hybrid (MSRP $24,990; 44 city / 44 hwy).

Many people considering a Toyota Prius C compared to the Honda Insight Hybrid, which is cheaper; however, the difference in price is far from the only difference between the two.

The 2012 Toyota Prius C has softer seats, more trunk space, and more overall extra features than its Honda Insight rival, not to mention getting much more gas mileage. For all of these reasons, the new Prius C is the most economical, quality hybrid vehicle of its kind.

Overall Rating
65 out of 100

What others say:

“Although the Prius C looks like a mass-market model, perhaps fitting right in between the Yaris and the Matrix, in keeping with the Prius family traits, it’s a unique, hybrid-only body style.”Car Connection

“Feels more nimble than sporty. Steering feel is light but dull, and the ride-oriented suspension tuning combined with relatively narrow, economy-minded tires limit grip in fast turns. The Four we tested with optional 16-inch tires had snappier steering response and a bit less body lean.”Consumer Guide

“With a smaller footprint and price to match, the 2012 Toyota Prius C should appeal to a whole new range of buyers. Not only does it drive more like a normal car, it’s the only subcompact hatchback out there that gets 50 mpg.”Edmunds

“Taking Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) technology down to its smallest size yet, the 2012 Toyota Prius C – for “City” – arrives on the scene as the latest and most fuel-efficient member of the automaker’s ever-expanding Prius family. ”KBB

When it comes to the latest car innovations, Audi is a pioneer in its own right. From the point of view of most international car companies, excellence in car manufacturing is a goal that should be achieved every time a new design is released. However, for the thinkers and engineers of Audi, excellence is more than just a goal – it’s a way of life.

The company’s culture of excellence exists on the foundation of more than a century of car engineering and customer value. An addition to the wide range of luxury vehicles offered by Audi is the 2012 TC-Concepts Audi R8 Toxique.

Performance

With its 4.2 liter V8, this Toxique kit engine designed by TC Concepts boasts of its performance engineered to meet the highest standards in modern car manufacturing. Using software optimization, a serial power of approximately 440 horsepower is created to exceed any driver’s expectations when it comes to performance.

Exterior & Interior

Incorporation of the use of carbon fiber, a lightweight material popular for its weight-to-strength ratio, gives the car’s cockpit a very modern and scientific edge. This same carbon fiber material is used in the manufacture of the vehicle’s dashboard, seat consoles, transmission tunnels, and other interior parts.

Using a new generation of designs, Audi truly elevates itself in the industry of luxury car production. Uniqueness in every model is aimed for in various aspects of performance and interior and exterior looks. Integral and innovative concepts give the TC-Concepts Audi R8 Toxique not just a high-end blueprint but also provide a lasting impression to any luxury car enthusiast.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe	Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 23.8 gallons (90 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: NA

Dimensions

Length: 174.6 in. (443 cm)	Wheel Base: 104.3 in. (264 cm)
Height: 49.3 in. (125 cm)	Width: 76 in. (193 cm)
Curb Weight: 3605 lbs (1635 kg)	Ground Clearance: 4.3 in. (10.9 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 3.5 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 2 people

Performance

Engine: 32-valve V8	Displacement: 4.2 Liter
Horsepower: 440 HP	Max RPM: 7900 RPM
Torque: 316 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic

This sporty, charismatic, and classy car, manufactured by BMW, is named for a very colorful area of London, just in time to celebrate London hosting the Olympic Games.

It will be manufactured as a limited edition in honor of the hosting country, displaying “Bayswater” side lettering on the door sills, and leather bolster seats, making this vehicle unique in its limited edition release.

The Mini Bayswater is very much like the Mini Baker Street, yet its special edition color is Kite Blue Metallic.

Exterior

The exterior of the Bayswater is offered in Kite Blue metallic, limited edition color with a contrasting black roof, or it can also be ordered in Midnight Black metallic, or Eclipse Grey metallic paint schemes.

The hood also features the newly designed and unique Sport Stripes in a “V” shape. It has 17″ Sandblast alloy wheels, which have black high-gloss surfaces, and bright rim and spoke machined edges.

Performance

The Mini Bayswater can be ordered with engine options of: Mini cooper D/112 hp, Mini Cooper/122 hp, Mini Cooper SD/143 hp, or Mini Cooper S/184 hp. The six-speed, manual gearbox is standard, but may be ordered with an optional six-speed automatic.

Interior

The interior consists of a Piano Black cockpit trim, Punch Leather seats that bolsters of a metallic sheen, completed with blue and grey stitching to contrast. It sports stainless steel pedals, and the Chrome Line Interior package. It is classy, with quality work, to look great, and to last a long time.

The Pepper Pack includes:

• Leather bolster seats
• Chrome Line Interior
• On-board computer
• Leather steering wheel
• Stainless steel pedals
• Front fog lamps
• Passenger seat lighting and adjustment for height

The Mini Bayswater will be offered late in 2012, and because it is a limited edition, a very limited number will be made.

Ordering early will ensure that you have a chance to reserve this sporty, classy, and vibrant image of London for yourself.

With the power of BMW, and the unique and classy looks, the Mini Bayswater is a car to watch for in 2012.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Hatchback (Base)	Base Price: £16,115
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.5 gallons (40 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 40 city / 61 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 146.8 in. (372.8 cm)	Wheel Base: 97.1 in. (246.6 cm)
Height: 55.4 in. (140.7 cm)	Width: 75.3 in. (191 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 5.7 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 4 people

Performance

Engine: Turbo Charged 16-Valve 4-Cyl	Displacement: 1.6 Liter
Horsepower: 122 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 118 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 9.1 seconds	Maximum Speed: 126 mph (202 km/h)

When it comes to modifying high-end vehicles, Mansory is a tuning company that has made its mark. Exceptional design and detail precision are just two of the reasons why Mansory prides itself as one of the best in the industry. This reputation has led itself to team up with top brands in luxury car manufacturing. One of the companies that joined Mansory in its up coming innovation in car design is Audi.

The 2012 Mansory Audi R8 Spyder is one of the latest refining programs done by Masonry in collaboration with Audi.

Performance

The installation of a sport air filter together with a sport exhaust system results to a 552 horsepower engine performance. Another technical innovation is the use of an alloy wheel distinctively designed by Mansory. This is a light-weight material that improves acceleration, handling, and braking response. These are qualities that sports car enthusiasts specifically look for in a sports vehicle. Even the design of the tires and wheels of the car are carefully designed to achieve harmony with the performance of the engine.

Exterior & Interior

For the interior and exterior look of the vehicle, Mansory incorporated personalization and sophistication in various parts of the car. This is designed in line with Audi’s perspective of a true polished look for a sports car.

The era of technological advancements for the intelligent consumer is a challenge for most companies. However, for Mansory and Audi, it is a time to showcase their ideas and creations gaining them an edge over their competitors.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe	Base Price: $163,000.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.1 gallons (80 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: NA

Dimensions

Length: 174.6 in. (443.5 cm)	Wheel Base: 104.3 in. (265 cm)
Height: 49 in. (124.4 cm)	Width: 79.9 in. (203 cm)
Curb Weight: 3979 lbs (1805 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 3.53 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 2 people

Performance

Engine: 5.2 V10 FSI DOHC	Compression Ratio: 12.5: 1
Horsepower: 552 HP	Max RPM: 8000 RPM
Torque: 406 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm	Transmission: X-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds	Maximum Speed: 194 mph (312 km/h)