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Kia Rio (2011): first sketches of new supermini

It never rains, it pours in Kiaworld, it seems. Not long after showing us the new Kia Picanto city car last week and the KV7 concept car at this week's 2011 Detroit auto show, today Kia publishes these first design sketches of the new Rio. It's Kia's supermini to compete with the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and VW Polo.

Meet the 214-mpg Volkswagen Twin-Up concept

Ahead of a Tokyo motor show debut, VW is showing off the Twin-Up concept. Essentially an advanced version of the company's entry-level Up supermini, the Twin-Up runs a modified version of the plug-in diesel-electric hybrid driveline used in the high-tech XL1 for spectacular claimed combined consumption of 214 mpg on the Euro combined cycle along with a zero-emissions electric range of 31 miles. The Twin-Up name alludes to the new car's twin drive sources.

New Mercedes A Class: A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition models launch

Mercedes are launching two new eco versions of the new A Class – the A 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition and A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition. Mercedes has had a play with the aerodynamics on the new A Class to lower the Cd value from an already very low 0.27 to 0.26 by partially covering the upper section of the radiator grill, adding aerodynamically shaped spring link coverings that improve the flow of air along the underbody at the rear axle and lowering the suspension by 15mm. Mercedes has also tweaked the generator management for more efficiency and had a play with the gearbox to make the ratios longer (which will help economy, but won’t do much for responsiveness).