The year 2008 was unforgettable: skyrocketing oil prices that came crashing down, a heated global warming debate, and an economic crisis that toppled world markets. Many are expecting 2009 to be just as eventful, especially for the automotive industry.
Carmakers around the world are under the pressure as purchasing power decreases, environmental regulations tighten, and sales quotas remain unmet.
To face these challenges, many are counting on innovation and creativity while others prefer to play it safe, making only slight modifications to their plans.
Mercedes-Benz will introduce its E-Class 2009 in the first half of the year, on five continents and without changes to its pre-announced specifications, prices or local launch dates. As expected from the luxury carmaker, the design is elegant and modern with engines that range from 136 to 525 horsepower.
The new E-Class inherits several safety features from its big sister S: The Adaptive Main Beam Assist uses a small camera behind the windshield to adjust lights to a comfortable configuration for oncoming traffic. Other features include the Night View Assist, which detects pedestrians in the dark, the Blind Spot Assist, the Lane Keeping Assist and the Speed Limit Assist.
Last but not least, the exclusive Attention Assist, based on complex algorithms and inputs from more than 70 parameters, monitors the driver’s alertness and sends a signal if it detects a “lack of attention.
Audi is filling in the gaps on its previous offerings by introducing the Q5, an SUV smaller in size and pretensions as well as being cheaper than the massive Q7.
Based on the same platform as the A4 and A5, it will have a wide range of existing in-house petrol and diesel engines. The model will feature state-of-the-art technology including the Nvidia graphics chip for the on-board multimedia system. The most exciting news from Audi is that it’s expected to inaugurate its hybrid architecture in 2010, but not much is revealed about it, so we’ll wait and see.
Hyundai unveils its i20, a compact car that will replace the Getz, and follows the curvy style the carmaker adopted with the i models. Designed in the European design center in Germany, the car’s enhanced features are ready to compete with European compact city-cars. Longer and wider than its predecessor the Getz, Hyundai’s i20 is roomier for both passengers and luggage. It also has more luxury features, such as integrated audio controls, keyless central locking and six airbags. A wide range of petrol and diesel engines will be available, seven to be precise, but it will likely be sold in Egypt with the 1.2l (78 horsepower), the 1.4l (100 hp) and the 1.6 (126 hp) petrol engines.
From the camp of innovators, Toyota takes the lead with its new iQ. This 3+1 seater (three adults plus one child) city-car is only 2.99 meters long, a few centimeters longer than the tiny two-seat Smart ForTwo. It passed the NCAP crash test flying colors, scoring five stars.
Toyota engineers say they designed the ultimate car for congested cities: compact but roomy, small but safe, fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly with a luxurious interior.
KIA is also giving its models a makeover. The Soul marks the brand’s new stylistic orientation. The car is called an “urban crossover : tall like an SUV, spacious and flexible like a monospace and small as a compact car, it highlights the spirit of trendy urban lifestyle for less cost than a MINI Clubman. A 1.6l (126hp) and a 2.0l (142hp) petrol engines will be available, as well as a potential diesel one for European markets. KIA is planning on launching a broad range of this vehicle including a two-door off-roader with a hardtop.
Honda is determined to offer a number of hybrid cars in the near future, beginning Insight – what have been dubbed the “Prius killer. The hatchback combines an electric engine and a pack of high efficiency batteries with a conventional petrol motor. It will hit European, Japanese and American roads this spring.
Other main revelations of the year include the cabriolet version of the trendy Fiat 500, the coupé-cabriolet version of the Peugeot 308 and the BMW Z4, which finally comes with a metallic folding top instead of the fabric one. The Bavarian engineers say it will be a more appropriate “all seasons car.
The C3 Pluriel by Citroen will be the answer for consumers who want a more spacious car that is more compact than the C4 Pluriel. Last but definitely not least is the 2009 Mazda 3, but very little is known about it.
