The 2010 Suzuki SX4 gets freshened styling, slightly more power, and new transmissions. This subcompact car comes in hatchback and sedan body styles. Both use a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Transmission choices include a new 6-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic (CVT) which behaves like an automatic. Manual-transmission versions have 150 horsepower, while CVT-equipped SX4s have 148 horsepower.

All have front-wheel drive. Some hatchbacks have all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing, but can be set for a 50/50 front/rear power split or front-drive only. AWD hatchbacks are called Crossovers. Hatchbacks come in Base, Technology, Touring, and GTS trim levels. Sedans come as the Base, LE, LE Popular, Sport S, Sport SE, and Sport GTS. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. Depending on model selection, available features include keyless entry/engine start, wireless cell-phone link, and a navigation system. Some navigation-equipped models include real-time traffic and weather, airline departure and arrival data, news, and sports scores.

The only feature in this SX4 SportBack that could be considered tech was the stereo, having as its sources a six-disc in-dash changer capable of reading MP3 and WMA CDs, satellite radio, and an auxiliary input. Music plays through an eight-speaker audio system, complete with center channel and subwoofer. This setup proved generally tinny, although we appreciated the subtle richness added by the subwoofer.

Small cars like the SX4 SportBack can be a whole lot of fun, able to zip around quickly and provide thrills at low-to-moderate-speed driving conditions, which is about all you can hope for on public roads. The SX4 SportBack’s two-liter four-cylinder engine showed a willingness to go from the start, pulling the car quickly as soon as we put it in drive. That engine is tuned for 150 horsepower at 6,200rpm and 140 pound-feet of torque at 3,500rpm.

Inside, the cabin is tall with excellent headroom. Large front quarter windows give a great view around corners. The seats tend to force the driver to a more upright position but give a very good view of the road. Lower in the eyeline, the instrument cluster is simple and intuitive with large tach and speedo dials, fuel and temp gauges are mounted high and toward the center. In the lower center is a multi-info display with a fuel consumption computer, fuel range, trip meter and clock.

Towards the center of the dash is the audio system with CD and MP3 capability. Music players can plug into the aux port to channel sound through its 8-speaker system. It’s composed of 4 door speakers and 4 door-mounted tweeters. Audio controls are mounted on the leather-wrapped steering wheel for easy access.

This new Sentra (B16) replaces the Pulsar-based N16 Sentra. And rather than being sourced from within South East Asia, like the latter, this new one comes all the way from Mexico.

It’s a Completely Built Up (CBU) US domestic model, which means a larger body and higher standards of safety. As such, the big body Sentra carries a more sedate and stately style. It’s also pulled along by a 2.0 liter engine mated to a silky smooth Xtronic CVT transmission.

Where it begins to underwhelm is the inclusion of certain specific parts that many other brands have long since phased out. For instance, the Sentra 200 is held aloft by a torsion bar rear suspension system and drum brakes are fitted in the rear wheels. Nothing wrong with these, but many compact cars now offer independent rear suspension systems and disc brakes on all fours. It’s all tried and tested old technology but is by no means obsolete.

The fact of the matter is, it’s all in the real world performance where it matters and that’s where the Sentra 200 truly surprises. Despite the old parts, it accelerates and handles just as well as many of its modern peers. Sure the 2.0 liter may lack the kick of a Civic, but the smooth power delivery of the CVT definitely matches any Honda’s fuel economy figures. Drop it into manual mode and even shifting near the redline doesn’t return that typical shift shock. All throughout, the pedal feels firm and connected, virtually eliminating the slipping clutch and disconnected feeling CVTs tend to have. Another surprise reveals itself in downhill sections, where the engine returns some engine brake, typically absent from CVTs.

Based on Nissan’s Global C platform, the new Sentra 200 features styling cues from the latest generation of Nissan’s design concept. The new sedan promises powerful yet fuel efficient and comfortable driving performance with the integration of transmission technologies such as the Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and the 6-speed manual, coupled with a new power unit, the MR20, producing 140 horsepower and 199 newton meters of torque.

“We are positive that the all-new Sentra will change how today’s customers see sedans. The Sentra exemplifies how a sedan can be as versatile as other types of vehicles. The driving experience, amenities and safety that this new vehicle offers will surely surprise our customers as they drive the Sentra to work and at play,” said Allen Chen, president of Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc.

At first glance, this looks like just any other facelifted Ford Focus done up in white sitting in Sime Darby Auto Connexion’s car park by the Federal Highway. But it’s actually something new – find out more on what it is after the jump.

It’s a Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi! I know alot of us more educated motorists have been asking for a new era where we can enjoy the really nice low rev kick of torque and the better mileage that the turbodiesel engines that Europeans seem to love in our daily rides.
When the government upgraded our diesel to Euro 2 last year, it opened some doors for some better diesels to be brought in. Diesel engines that are lighter, smaller and more refined – a newer generation of diesel engines compared to the truck engines that we get in our sub-100K pickups. I know of a friend who bought a Nissan Frontier purely for its diesel engine as he had to travel alot, he wasn’t really interested in a truck.

And then BMW introduced their 320d. It had loads of shove over the 320i and could go over 1,000km per tank if driven frugally. Finally, a diesel compact executive to be enjoyed. You needed deep pockets but not as deep as pockets as 530d or X5 3.0d owners. But it was still priced over RM250k, though during promotions you could get pre-registered units for lower than that.

The leather-wrapped steering wheel with its’ four spokes stands out. The instrumentation is mounted on the wheel. It is easy to use without making any frequent trips to the owners’ manual. Seating space at the back is very comfortable with plenty of legroom that seems larger than most of its’ competitors.

The 2009-2010 Ford Focus TDCi Hatch with its competitive price also scores highly on the safety front and comes with front, side and side curtain airbags. Additionally it has ABS anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and traction control.

Even when you consider the usually thoughtful Ford Focus prices, this model will still face strong competition in the market. The most direct rival to this impressive little car will no doubt be Holden’s Astra where the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel goes almost head to head with the 2009 Ford Focus TDCi Hatch. The Hyundai i30 will be yet another competitor in this rough small car segment.

VIOS is one of the youngest creation by the ever dazzling Toyota. The car was first introduced in 2003 and is still out in the markets of China and South East Asian countries. Vios is a 4-door subcompact sedan. It came out as a replacement for the Toyota Soluna. Subcompact cars is the choice of most Asian countries. They want small ones to be able to maneuver on heavy traffic-stricken small roads. And Vios satisfied them. This is the reason why Vios is still in demand on countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Mainland China.

The Toyota Vios in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, and Malaysia, and Taiwan is powered by 1.5 liter 1NZ-FE engine with VVT-i. In the Philippines, the engine is just 1.3 liter 2NZ-FE engine while in China, it is sold with an 8A-FE engine. Vios was first assembled in Thailand at the 1 million square meter Toyota Gateway Plant in Gateway City in the Province of Amphoe Plaeng Yao, Chachoengsao. Thai engineers and Toyota Japanese designer’s collaborated to come up with a level lower subcompact car. The ergonomics in the region focuses on keeping everything inside a car within reach of the driver.

The first generation was inspired by the Toyota Platz where Vios got its body panels. Another car that inspired its design is the E120 Corolla. In Indonesia and Thailand, it serves as a racing vehicle, mainly used in the Touring Car Championships. Vios are also restored as taxicabs in both countries, Philippines and Malysia.

Philippines is the country where Vios is highly purchased. Car enthusiasts prefer it because of its small size. Philippine versions has three grades the base 1.3 J with a l4 2NZ-FE engine, VVT-i, 13″ steel wheels and a central instrumental digital display. It is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

The Mazda 6 is powered by one of two engines — a 2.5-liter four-cylinder generating 170 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque or a 3.7-liter V6 that cranks out 272 hp and 269 lb-ft. The four is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic, while the V6 is only available with a six-speed automatic.

The 6 is available in seven trim levels: i SV, i Sport, i Touring, i Touring Plus, i Grand Touring, s Touring Plus and s Grand Touring. Models with the “i” prefix come with the four-cylinder engine, while models with the “s” prefix come with the V6. Base models are respectably equipped, while higher trim levels come with such niceties as alloy wheels, xenon headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control and an audible blind-spot monitoring system. Major options include a sunroof, an in-dash six-CD changer, satellite radio and a navigation system.

The S Grand Touring trim package is the top of the Mazda 6 lineup and this one came equipped with the only available options, the technology and navigation packages. That makes it as fully kitted as a 6 can get with an MSRP right around $33,000. The car had Mazda’s 3.7 liter 272 HP DOHC 24 valve V6 with variable valve timing mated to a 6 speed automatic with available tap shifting.

Equipment included power and heated leather seats, dual zone automatic climate control, glass sunroof, high end Bose audio system with six-disc changer, 10 speakers, sat radio, a nav system, auto dimming mirrors, rain and snow sensing wipers, stability control, blind spot warning, xenon headlamps with leveling controls (more on that later), smart key fob system, sills that light up with the Mazda 6 logo and more. Personal settings for you and your significant other are stored in memory. On the outside were 18? aluminum rims with wide 235/45 tires.