Ford and Mazda have micro on the mind as they reveal their new hot hatch sub compact cars.  First one being the highly anticipated Ford Fiesta, sporting a 1.6L engine and 40mpg (seems to be a trend here) the big news though is the inclusion of the PowerShift electronic dual clutch automatic transmission.  This will allow the Fiesta to be lighter than a typical automatic transmission car and has a sealed internal lubrication so it is maintenance free.   The new Mazda2 was announced for the US market without specifics.  It is known that the car is based on the same architecture as the Ford Fiesta but the engine and driving dynamics being specifically built to Mazda’s Zoom Zoom quality.

The big winner of the day on reveals goes to Mitsubishi with its announcement of the Colt here in the USA.  The EVO nosed Colt is a current global car for Mitsubishi and will be up against a tough and growing crowd of B-Segment cars like the Ford Fiesta, Mazda2, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, and Honda Fit.  No details have been given yet, but we know that it will come with a manual or CVT transmission and have a MIVEC engine.  A turbocharged Ralliart version is sold in Japan and would be the fastest B-segment on the market if introduced.

Now if we could twist American Suzuki Motor Corporations arm a little we could fill the segment with the world’s best B-Segment hit the Suzuki Swift, maybe there will be a surprise left at the LA Auto Show.

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Next up is one of Suzuki world famous scooters the Burgman sporting a 70MPa hydrogen tank, the highest-pressure tank used on a bike this far.  This should give the scooter a usable riding range.  No word on what sort of power or performance stats will be. And the tank is mounted within a robust frame for safety.

Last but not least is the MIO electric fuel cell wheelchair.  The MIO will have a direct-methanol fuel cell that has replaceable fuel cartridges that will allow for an unlimited range as long as fuel stations are available.

Suzuki will have more info and products coming up at the Tokyo Motor Show this October.

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The Suzuki Swift that is currently available in Japan and Europe will be on display at the the Tokyo Motor Show with a plug-in concept.  The Swift Hybrid concept will feature a plug in series hybrid that uses an electric motor for propulsion and a 660cc gas engine to power the lithium-ion battery packs for extended range.   A unique feature of the Swift Hybrid is the mounting of the battery packs in the center console and extending them into the rear seat area.  The electric motor is 54kW with about 74 HP turning the front wheels.  There is no word of this concept being available in the United State yet, however, Suzuki is planning to bring a Swift over for the next model year.

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