2011 MINI COUNTRYMAN
The Countryman is going on sale in the USA in February 2011, and provides seating for four or five. One of the really cool features in the cabin is the center rail, which has mood lighting, plus provides places to charge an iPod or other mobile devices, and uses the new Mini Connected system to integrate smartphone functions into the vehicle.
Countryman buyers can choose from the standard 1.6-liter, 120-horsepower four or can choose for the Countryman S, with a twin-scroll turbocharger that brings power up to 180. Either way, this is Mini’s interpretation of the crossover, so it should be a lot of fun to drive.
As a crossover, it is probably the most functional Mini in the lineup. It offers cargo volume – 41 cubic feet with the rear seats down – and all-wheel drive. Mini ALL4 uses an electrohydraulic differential to distribute power front to rear, with up to 50 percent of power going to the rear wheels.
The Countryman also give 100 percent of the power that can be shifted to any wheel under severe conditions and it will be the most fuel-efficient crossover in the U.S.
2011 SCION iQ
Scion unveiled its tricked-out, Toyota iQ-based microcar concept at this 2010 New York Auto Show.
The car are limited to smoked headlamps, large Scion emblems, and horizontal grille inserts. The flared body kit and massive 18-inch wheels of the concept will be carried into production for this Scion iQ.
Scion will be offered only with a 90-hp, 1.3-liter inline four-cylinder with variable valve timing. A continuously variable transmission is standard, and will send power to the front wheels.
The iQ will be chock full of safety amenities, including ten airbags, stability control, ABS, brake force distribution, and traction control. A six-speaker sound system will be standard, as will a USB and line-level auxiliary audio inputs.
Packing that equipment in the iQ’s nose allows for an entirely different interior layout. Toyota manages to squeeze in a rear seat, generating some additional versatility. By staggering the front bucket seats, the iQ’s “3+1” seating allows room for an extra adult in back, along with a child or extra cargo. The rear seatback is split 50/50, and folds entirely flat.
Jom komen!