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Future products: Kia seeks lively, upscale look

Kia's redesigned Optima sedan and the Cadenza replacement for the Amanti, both due next year, reflect an emphasis on creating a livelier and more upscale look for the once-bland brand. Indeed, styling has been a crucial element of Kia's new-product push in the past 18 months. The team at Kia Design Center America near Los Angeles--part of the automaker's global design network led by onetime Audi design chief Peter Schreyer--has helped set the new styling direction.

Mercedes-Benz courts Renault for new Smart model based on Twingo

Mercedes-Benz is set to join forces with Renault in a deal aimed at providing its underdeveloped Smart division with a contemporary-engineered front-engine/front-wheel-drive platform as the basis for a frugal new Forfour model. The new Smart, due out in 2013, is planned to sit on a lightly modified version of the Renault Twingo’s underpinnings, complete with a 93.3-inch wheelbase. Speaking about the new car over the weekend, a highly placed Mercedes-Benz official told AutoWeek: “It’s a key component in plans to grow the Smart brand.

Subaru Impreza Diesel delayed for UK

Update 2/9/09: Finally, Subaru has announced that the Subaru Impreza Diesel will be coming to the UK, starting at £20,000 OTD for the 2.0D RC. It does get difficult when markets go mad, and currencies fall out of the normal range of values, for none more than the big car manufacturers whose products are sold around the world. The Japanese are really struggling with this at the moment, as the Yen has remained strong in relation to many western currencies, in particular the Pound.