Autoblog UK

Mitsubishi launched their i-MiEV e-car in Japan during the summer 2009. An agreement was signed this autumn with the French PSA Group to build two sister models based on the i-MiEV for the European market. Peugeot's iOn will get its chance towards the end of 2010. Citroën has dubbed its version the C-Zero.

Some details about the C-Zero have now been released. Designed primarily for urban use and purely electric driven, it doesn't use petrol nor emit CO2. The vehicle simply glides quietly along the road. Citroën's e-car has a state-of-the-art, lithium-ion battery pack stowed amidships providing juice for a 64bhp synchronous motor. The C-Zero has a range of around 80 miles (130km) on a fully charged battery.

The VW Polo took the Golden Steering Wheel award in the small car category. The VW Polo has been around since 1975. The mark 5 version of Volkswagen's small car was launched in 2009. The Polo is available as a 3 or 5 door hatchback saloon. In its original form, it was sparsely equipped. The Polo is now much bigger than the first model. Visually, the new Polo with its broad C-pillars suggesting sturdiness and its wide stance, takes its cues from the current VW Golf. The Polo beat off the following cars: Ford Ka, Suzuki Alto, Hyundai i20, Toyota iQ, Citroen C2 und Nissan Pixo.

The most important prize award for cars in Europe was instituted by the publisher Axel Springer in 1976, and has been awarded annually since then. On the 4th November, top managers from the car industry accepted awards for the model year 2009 at the Axel Springer Building in Berlin. Eight new models in total received a Golden Steering Wheel award. For the third time, a Green Steering Wheel prize was presented for the best eco car. Fiat and Ferrari president, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, received an honorary award.

The winners in the individual categories:

Small car class: VW Polo
Compact class: Vauxhall Astra
Medium class and above: Audi A5 Sportback
Luxury class: Porsche Panamera
Supercar: Mercedes SLS
MPV: Renault Scenic
Eco award: Toyota Prius and VW Blue Motion
Honorary prize: Luca Cordero di Montezemolo

The new generation of Nissan's Micra is set to conquer the planet and is therefore required to have a uniform appearance for all markets. Thailand has been chosen for the Micra's initial launch in March 2010. After that, it will be rolled out in 150 further countries. It will be interesting to see whether the Micra looks as sporty in real-life traffic as it does on the drawing board.

At the Tokyo Motor Show (24th October - 4th November), Nissan will be showing off an unusual prototype that combines elements of a mini with those of a motorbike. According to Nissan, the model on display is just a design study. Having said that, though, future small cars from the manufacturer may be heading in this general direction. The dimensions and technology of the tandem could be the answer to some of the problems in congested urban environments. By seating the single passenger directly behind the driver, the designers have ensured that the Land Glider has a very narrow body. Special technology is used to enable the Land Glider to tilt at an angle of up to 17 degrees on corners. The roof is reminiscent of the cockpit on an aeroplane. The vehicle is powered by an electric motor located next to the rear axle and fed from lithium ion batteries.

We've seen a few weird specimens emerge from the French automobile industry over the years – they just like to stand out from the rest of the European herd, we guess. But being different is after all part of the business of building concept cars. In the BB1, Peugeot have come up with a visually challenging idea for the Frankfurter Motor Show. It is a prototype measuring just 2.5 metres in length powered by electricity and seating four. So what's the BB1 supposed to be? An urban motor of the future that has had some bruising encounters with the robust style of the Parisian driving? Even after the initial shock, the vehicle still looks like it's been squashed. So has this concept got a future? We could imagine it in the context of a Michel Vaillant comic or maybe in Disney's 'Cars 3'.

BMW intends manufacturing two new Mini models at its factory near Oxford. Chief Executive Norbert Reithofer said in an interview with the Financial Times, that a coupe version of the Mini and another new model are to roll off the production line in the British factory. New jobs would be created and money invested. Reithofer didn't reveal any definite figures or any time frame. Around 3,500 staff are currently employed at the factory, which, according to the newspaper, is working almost at full capacity with a yearly output of 200,000 – 220,000 vehicles. We might expect the second model to be the roadster, which will also be launched at the IAA in Frankfurt.

The series production version of the diminutive Fiat 500 Abarth already has a sting in its tail, despite packing a modest 135bhp under the bonnet. But after graduating from tuner Karl Schnorr's academy in Herborn (Hessen), the scorpion-badged Italian sports model has an even more poisonous bite. Schnoor offers a choice of two performance kits boosting output to 163 or 200 horsepower. In addition, the master tuner also spruces up the car's visual appeal.

Exactly 50 years ago on 26th August 1959, the classic Mini first saw the light of day. The IAA in Frankfurt now presents the latest development – a prototype of the Mini Coupe Concept. This two-seater is 3.71 metres long, 1.68 metres wide and just 1.35 metres tall. Of lightweight construction, it has an aluminium roof which brings down the overall weight and optimises the vehicle's centre of gravity. It has a four-cylinder engine delivering 211 horsepower and presents the same face to the world as the four-door version. The only slight change is the flatter inclined windscreen. By dispensing with a rear bench seat, the designers have increased luggage capacity to a respectable 250 litres. So that owners can make best use of this space, there is a decent-sized tailgate that opens wide. The same goes for a further prototype due to go on show at Frankfurt – the Mini Roadster Concept. We will follow developments with interest...

Now that the Smart has achieved excellent sales in North America - particularly in these dodgy times - South America is now being targeted and Mercedes have already opened their first branch in the sprawling Brazilian metropolis of Sao Paulo. The city speedster is on offer there as a coupé and cabrio with prices starting at 57,900 Real, which corresponds to some 19,300 euros. The high import duty in Brazil does not do Smart any favours, given local conditions there. Brazil is now the 38th country where the Smart is on sale and market launches are also planned this year for China and Denmark.