CAIRO: As the world prepares to ring in the New Year, carmakers are looking back on a year of sporty, eco-conscious cars in 2008 and looking to capitalize on both for their 2009 models.
Every year cars improve in terms of performance, comfort, security and design, and 2008 was no exception. Born in a time when purchasing power was steadily decreasing worldwide, seducing consumers to buy cars got increasingly difficult, which meant the models had to be that much better.
It’s always said that increased competition benefits the consumer; for car buyers, that benefit came in the form of more attractive, better equipped and more efficient cars than ever before – trends which are set to continue next year.
This year, Volkswagen equipped its Golf 6 with seven airbags, a premiere in this segment. Meanwhile, Renault introduced a classy interior in its Megane 3, with a dashboard that is usually seen on executive sedans.
Suzuki unveiled the new generation of its Alto, which used to be called the “civilized toc-toc, with features such as power steering, air conditioning and a more luxurious interior for the same price tag of the previous generation.
Ford on the other hand chose to launch the seventh generation of its Fiesta with less eye-catching gadgets and more basic improvements. Even though the new model is bigger and stronger, it actually lost 40 kilograms with an improved structure and lighter materials, which is reflected in its performances and fuel consumption.
In fact, the ECOnetic Fiesta consumes only 3.6lL/100km with its 1.6L common rail diesel engine. Added to all of the previous ingredients is a stunning design and some fancy comfort options (key-less start, cap-less refueling system, a USB port for the music player), which makes for a “superb little car, as Motor Trend described it.
The Fiesta was only one vote shy of being hailed car of the year, an honor which went to the Opel Insignia, as elected by a panel of 59 European auto-journalists.
Succeeding the bestselling Vectra, the Insignia marks a new era of style for Opel and features the best technology the brand has to offer. The German sedan’s commanding design emphasizes stature and dynamism, its engines range from 115 to 260 horsepower – all comply with the EURO 5 emissions regulations – and boasts advanced safety features at a price tag of ?23,000.
One of the most advanced gadgets in the options list is the ultramodern Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) system, which uses two cameras mounted behind the screen-shield to detect the road signs and lights. The Insignia was the first car to integrate this feature.
Another high-tech gizmo is the Adaptive Forward Lighting system, which adjusts the lignting to the environment conditions: curves of the road, speed of the car, how close is the next car, when a car is coming in the other direction it decreases the light. The Insignia is available in four- and five-door configurations and, of course, the Tourer (a break or station car).
Another novelty from Germany is the new VW’s two-door coupe based on the Golf platform: The Scirocco. The name dates back to the 70s when Volkswagen successfully launched an affordable sports car, and this third generation Scirocco will likely see the same fate.
With an aggressive front and rounded rear, it easily seduces consumers looking for a cool car for the price of a similarly equipped two-door Golf. There is also a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, an ideal car if space is not your top priority.
A special mention goes to the latest Tesla Roadster, the first electric roadster to be produced on a large scale. Its 248 horsepower engine takes the driver from 0 to 100 km/h in less than four seconds, and up to a top speed of 200 km/h. Its lithium-ion batteries allow it to reach an autonomy of 400 km, which means it can be used on a daily basis just like a regular car.
What is special about this automobile is that it proves cars can be sporty on the outside and eco-friendly under the hood.
The year saw exciting trends being set in the auto world, and most of these cars will continue to be popular as cash-conscious consumers opt for the cheaper 2008 models. With a looming financial crisis, it’s uncertain how many of these carmakers will weather the coming year, and it seems 2009 will be about survival of the fittest.
As the Big Three hold their breath for a bailout, their commitment to creativity, innovation and making green cars will be key to gaining consumer confidence, and will give birth to some very special models.
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