Ford Ranger
You wouldn’t be alone thinking that the Ranger is not a technical tour de force. But in some ways, that’s why it’s surprisingly fuel-efficient. The Toronto show is where EnerGuide Canada announces the vehicles that are at the top of their respective classes, in term of fuel efficiency. The Ranger was proclaimed, again, as The Man in the compact truck segment. It keeps pulling off this feat by having the least powerful engine you can get in a pickup — the 143-hp 2.3-litre I4. Seems to be a powerful, yet simple lesson — live with less horsepower.
Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV
The Concept PX-MiEV, slated for release by 2013, is Mitsubishi’s take on the future of SUVs. It was presented at Toronto by Mitsubishi’s global president, Osamu Masuko. “The automobile industry, which has been focusing on high performance and comfort, is shifting to an era where environmental technology and smaller sized vehicles are being demanded by the global market,” said Masuko. “Therefore in order for Mitsubishi to grow in a changing environment, we must also adapt with the times.” The “plug in” hybrid PX-MiEV has a 1.6-litre I4, two electric motors (one for the front wheels, one for the rear wheels), and Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWD) system.
Lexus LF-Ch
Another hybrid concept, yes. But the Lexus LF-Ch is one of the better-looking concepts out there (to these eyes at least), and rendered in one of the most space-efficient formats out there — the five-door hatch. Lexus is using the concept to gauge interest in a “hatch” Lexus, and we say, go for it. Under the skin is the latest version of the Lexus Hybrid Drive technology as packaged in the HS250h.
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| photo: Michael Wong |
You wouldn’t be alone thinking that the Ranger is not a technical tour de force. But in some ways, that’s why it’s surprisingly fuel-efficient. The Toronto show is where EnerGuide Canada announces the vehicles that are at the top of their respective classes, in term of fuel efficiency. The Ranger was proclaimed, again, as The Man in the compact truck segment. It keeps pulling off this feat by having the least powerful engine you can get in a pickup — the 143-hp 2.3-litre I4. Seems to be a powerful, yet simple lesson — live with less horsepower.
Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV
 |
| photo: Michael Wong |
The Concept PX-MiEV, slated for release by 2013, is Mitsubishi’s take on the future of SUVs. It was presented at Toronto by Mitsubishi’s global president, Osamu Masuko. “The automobile industry, which has been focusing on high performance and comfort, is shifting to an era where environmental technology and smaller sized vehicles are being demanded by the global market,” said Masuko. “Therefore in order for Mitsubishi to grow in a changing environment, we must also adapt with the times.” The “plug in” hybrid PX-MiEV has a 1.6-litre I4, two electric motors (one for the front wheels, one for the rear wheels), and Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWD) system.
Lexus LF-Ch
 |
| photo: Michael Wong |
Another hybrid concept, yes. But the Lexus LF-Ch is one of the better-looking concepts out there (to these eyes at least), and rendered in one of the most space-efficient formats out there — the five-door hatch. Lexus is using the concept to gauge interest in a “hatch” Lexus, and we say, go for it. Under the skin is the latest version of the Lexus Hybrid Drive technology as packaged in the HS250h.