Hyundai i-oniq : 2012

2012 Hyundai i-oniq concept.

The 2012, 14-foot long i-oniq hatchback concept is an unexpected and pleasant surprise from Hyundai. It is an electric sport hatchback with a range-extending gasoline engine. The 1,0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine generates a maximum of 45 kW (61 ps). This unit is mated to an 80 kW (109 ps) lithium-ion electric motor which is powered by a 55 kW generator, via a single ratio gearbox.

2012 Hyundai i-oniq concept.

BMW M 135i : 2012

2012 BMW M 135i

Its great to see BMW bring this to the US, a market where most think hatchbacks do not sell. This M 135i is the highlight of the 1-series second body variant, although, in my view, I think the headlights seem a bit too big. Its 3-litre, straight six-cylinder engine achives 235 kW/320 hp and is even available as a five-door hatch.

2012 BMW M 135i

Acadian Woody Wagon : 1976

1976 Acadian Woody Wagon

The 1976 Acadian Woody Wagon was produced for and sold in Canada. The “Woody” option got you simulated wood paneling on the sides, a woody rear decal and other exterior trim, plus the custom interior. Some of the standard features included a sewn headliner, a maintenance free battery, full front and rear carpeting, column-mounted “Smart” switch, flow-through ventilation, diagnostic system, rack and pinion steering, shell bucket seats with full foam, comprehensive anti-corrosion protection, effective acoustical insulation, full width rear seat back cushion and folding backrest and a removable load floor panel with rubber mat. You also had a choice of five interior colors. Acadian was a division of General Motors from 1962 to 1971.

1976 Acadian Woody Wagon

Lada Samara : 1987

1987 Lada Samara

The clean lines of the 1987 Lada Samara holds up quite well. I would find it a desirable ride even today, in fact, I think the automotive industry is missing this low cost, fun, easy to ride segment. (image source: Alden)

1987 Lada Samara

Lada Niva : 1977

1977 Lada Niva

The Lada Niva has been in production since 1977 and it is still on the market. It is said to have great off-road capabilities and is produced by Russian auto company AutoVAZ. I believe it is now called the Lada 4×4. (image source: Alden)

1977 Lada Niva

Formal Coach Cadillac Eldorado Comstock Sport Wagon : 1978

1978 Formal Coach Cadillac Eldorado Comstock Sport Wagon.

The seventies was an odd decade and this vehicle could not be a better example. The 1978 Cadillac Eldorado Comstock Sport Wagon was a conversion offered by the Formal Coach Corporation. (image source: Alden)

1978 Formal Coach Cadillac Eldorado Comstock Sport Wagon.

1978 Formal Coach Cadillac Eldorado Comstock Sport Wagon.

 

Ford Focus Electric : 2013

2013 Ford Focus Electric

The Focus Electric, which launched in 2011, is the flagship of the new Ford family of electrified vehicles. Aston Martin must have left behind a few drops of DNA when they left the Ford family because the brand’s new front grill, while very beautiful, has a very strong resemblance.

It has a top speed of 84 mph, with a full recharge is expected to take three to four hours. Our friends at Shiny Side sent us these great images from a current test drive IDM Photo‘s Ian did.

2013 Ford Focus Electric

2013 Ford Focus Electric

2013 Ford Focus Electric

 

 

Kaiser Vagabond : 1949

1951 Kaiser Vagabond

This 1949 Kaiser Vagabond is an odd inclusion in this blog I know, but in several ways, it does qualify (at least in my mind) as a hatchback (or lift back). It was a very unusual vehicle at the time and is perhaps one of the very first direction towards what we know of as the hatchback today. While practical and unique, the Vagabond saw limited production, with just 4,500 produced between the 1949 and 1950 model years. (source: Charvet Classic Cars)

1950 Kaiser Vagabond

1949 Kaiser Vagabond

1949 Kaiser Vagabond

1949 Kaiser Vagabond

 

 

Ford Focus ST : 2013

2013 Ford Focus ST.

If you like the new Ford Focus, you can now have the opportunity to get your hands on the very beautiful 2013 252 HP ST since the order bank is now open. Its new “Aston Martin”  looking front grill gives it a real mean and nasty look (in a good way) and we’re even partial to this very energetic and bright orange color.

2013 Ford Focus ST.