NISSAN CROSSOVER DEBUT: Nissan looks set to put its SUV/people carrier crossover, the Qashqai concept (pictured below undergoing some final testing), into production.
The Qashqai is likely to debut as early as this September at the Paris Motor show. Failing that, it will be unveiled at the Geneva show next year.
Incorporating styling cues from the Murano and Note, the Qashqai is not a direct replacement for any particular model, though it is hoped that it will win favour with current Almera and Primera drivers looking to move into the SUV market.
A name has not been chosen for the final vehicle, though it may simply keep its Qashqai nomenclature. The new crossover will feature all-wheel-drive and is expected to be powered by a variety of engines including a 1.6-litre petrol unit and 2-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The top-of-the-line version could be equipped with a six-cylinder unit.
KIA COUPÉ COUP: Kia is set to offer a hard-top coupé convertible of its upcoming mid-range hatchback. According to industry reports, the Koreans will follow up the launch of its Ford Focus rival with a CC version.
Currently codenamed the Cee'd, Kia's next generation hatchback will debut in Paris this September. Various names have been suggested but it may even retain its codename. The first models to go on sale will be the five-door versions, with three-door and estate derivatives following within 12 months.
SHOWROOM SCENT: Leading brands such as Corvette, Hummer, Jaguar, Ferrari, Citroën and now Lotus are moving out of the showroom and on to your local department store's fragrance counter. The latest in the automotive fragrance field is Lotus, which has launched in the UK's Perfume Shop chain.
The firm's managing director, Michael-Cyrano Albert, said the inspiration for the scent was "driving the car on the Mediterranean coastline."
Mr Albert said the scent was aimed at the 20- to 45-year-old male consumer base: "He loves the car - maybe he can't afford it, but he can afford the scent." The Lotus fragrance, which comes in a 50-ml bottle, is priced at around $50; the cars, from $40,000 to more than $50,000.
NOT TALKIN' ABOUT MOVING IN: Authorities in one Sydney area have enlisted a most unlikely weapon to deal with souped-up cars with loud engines and pulsing music, in the form of Barry Manilow. Rockdale councillors have decided to pipe the American crooner's music over loudspeakers in an attempt to rid streets and car parks of hooligans whose anti-social cars and loud music annoy residents and drive customers from businesses.
Following a successful experiment in which Bing Crosby music was used to drive teenage loiterers out of an Australian shopping centre several years ago, the council believes Manilow is so uncool it might just work.