Autoesque

It’d be intriguing to question members of the World Car Awards jury about their voting rationale, because some of 2018’s top three finalists seem nonsensical.

2017's North American Car of the Year, Truck of the Year and Utility Vehicle of the Year have been announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Jurors have chosen the finalists for the 2017 North American Car of the Year, Truck of the Year and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards. Yes, there are now three prizes, because organisers sensibly decided to split the previous Truck / Utility of the Year category.

Unique bodywork components and a serious engine upgrade give Chrysler's 300 Super S a blend of aggressive looks and performance.

At first glance, the 2015 Chrysler 300 might appear very similar to its predecessor. Look more closely though and a deeper front grille, restyled bumpers and updated light clusters are all evidence of a refresh.

Chrysler is hoping that its new 200S-based concept will serve as an inspiration for any prospective owner who wants to personalise their car using Mopar components.

Following an initial voting round, the shortlists for the 2015 North American Car of the Year and Truck / Utility of the Year awards have been announced.

In the UK, the top of the new car registrations league table doesn’t seem to alter much from one quarter to the next. Not that there’s anything wrong with the best-selling models, but obviously by definition they’re going to be a common sight.

Chrysler has confirmed that a John Varvatos Limited Edition is once again joining its 300C range.

The Lancia Delta, which continues to wear Chrysler badges in the UK and Ireland, is being given a mild makeover for 2014.

Chrysler UK has announced prices for its flagship 300C saloon, which goes on sale this June. Lead-in model is the 300C Limited, which costs £35,995 and features as standard heated seats front and rear, self-levelling suspension and the ubiquitous LED daytime running lights. The only other trim grade to be offered is the 300C Executive. Although buyers will need to find an extra £4,000, the specification is more generous and includes Nappa leather upholstery, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control and a blind spot monitoring system. Both versions are powered by a 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine that produces 236 bhp (176 kW / 239 PS) and 540 Nm (398 lb/ft) of torque. Although no performance data has been released, combined cycle fuel consumption is 39.8 mpg (7.1 l/100km), while CO2 emissions range from 185 to 191 g/km according to wheel size. However, a potential problem for the Chrysler is that those figures are eclipsed by the competition. Take the Jaguar XF, for example. In...

Lancia has confirmed that the convertible version of its Flavia (née Chrysler 200) is to be offered in Europe. The Flavia Cabrio is being positioned firmly as an elegant and refined car, not a sporty one. Just one trim level will be available, but the specification is comprehensive and includes an automatic soft top, 18” alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, cruise control and leather upholstery. Similarly, there won’t be any choice when it comes to engines, as the only option is going to be a 172 bhp (128 kW / 175 PS) 2.4 litre petrol. Reflecting the Flavia’s American roots, it’ll come connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, with no manual alternative. Buyers in the larger European markets can order the Flavia Cabrio from March onwards, although there’s no word yet on whether it’ll be sold in the UK or Ireland in Chrysler form. Related posts: Chrysler Ypsilon Black&Red Chryslers become Lancias No UK return for Lancia

An important element of the Chrysler brand’s relaunch in the UK is the introduction of the Ypsilon supermini. It doesn’t look much like a traditional Chrysler model though, which is unsurprising seeing as it’s essentially a rebadged Lancia. And that means it has the individual - some would say quirky - styling so typical of recent Lancia products. But at least the design could never be described as bland and, on that basis, the Ypsilon could end up on the shortlists of those who want something more idiosyncratic than the usual Fiesta, Corsa, Polo etc. Of particular appeal to potential buyers who really want to stand out from the crowd will be the latest addition to the Ypsilon line-up, the Black&Red. As the name implies, it features striking black and red paintwork which seems to suit the shape of the Chrysler’s five-door body very nicely.  The same palette is carried through into the interior, with the seat fabric, door linings and dashboard all being finished in a ma...

Fiat has unveiled the 2012 North American-spec 500 Cabrio at the New York International Auto Show. Distinguishing the 500C is its powered dual-layer cloth roof that features a glass rear window and a spoiler with built-in central brake light. Retractable to multiple positions, it can even be folded fully back while driving at speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h). Fiat describes the interior of the 500C as ‘airy and roomy’, although that probably depends on how many people are sat inside at the time, and the size of those people. Claimed interior space is 76.2 cubic feet (2,157 litres), while the luggage compartment is 5.4 cubic feet (152 litres). Perhaps to distract from the its petite size, Fiat is offering a myriad of colour permutations that allow 500C owners to create a potentially unique car. There are fourteen paint finishes, three roof colours, two interior colour themes and twelve seat colour and material combinations for them to choose from. Like the hatchback, only one ...

The Lancia product offensive continues. Following news of the Thema, Grand Voyager, Flavia Concept and Flavia Cabrio Concept comes a first look at the brand new Ypsilon. Although it has been around in various guises since 1996, the Ypsilon will be unfamiliar to most people in the UK and Ireland, simply because Lancia abandoned those markets years ago. However, this next generation model is going to be built in right-hand drive form too, albeit badged as a Chrysler. The Ypsilon’s thing is supermini luxury; rather a small niche, but that theme continues unchanged. Luckily, what has been altered is the awkward styling that blighted previous versions. Sure, it’s still distinctive, but it just works a lot better. And now, for the first time, the Ypsilon is a five-door. Buyers will be able to choose from three trim levels - Silver, Gold or Platinum - and four engines. The two petrol options are a 68 bhp (50 kW / 69 PS) 1.2 8V Fire unit, or an 83 bhp (62 kW / 85 PS) 0.9 litre two...

It might upset some Lancia traditionalists, but the marque’s initial Chrysler-based models have been revealed ahead of their debuts at the Geneva International Motor Show. First up is the Thema, which is a badge-engineered Chrysler 300. Resurrecting the Thema name - last used in the mid-1990s - this new edition focuses on comfort and luxury. For example, Lancia is claiming best-in-class noise levels, thanks to various acoustic panels and laminated glass all round. Recent Chrysler interiors haven’t been the brand’s strong point, but the Thema’s cabin is said to feature soft-touch materials, redesigned seats, wood trim inserts and optional leather upholstery. Available in either Gold or Platinum specifications, both come with Uconnect telematics as standard. Based around an 8.4” touch screen, the system controls climate control, telephone and audio functions, as well as the Garmin satellite navigation that is included with the Platinum version. Of course, being a reworked Chrysl...

Dodge will stop offering its Journey in Europe, choosing instead to market the vehicle as the Fiat Freemont on this side of the Atlantic. Such a move comes as no surprise. Indeed, when Fiat Group Automobile unveiled its 2010-2014 Business Plan earlier this year, it was made clear that for Dodge ‘outside of the US, only models consistent with the strong American image of the brand, such as the Challenger, Charger and Viper, will be distributed. In addition, some products will be gradually integrated with the Fiat brand in Europe…’ The good news for potential Freemont customers is that Dodge gave the Journey an extensive overhaul for the 2011 model year. Changes included retuning the suspension for improved ride and handling, recalibrating the steering for more feel and increasing the soundproofing for more refinement. Interior quality - arguably a factor that has prevented recent Chrysler Group products from performing better in Europe - received attention too, and Dodge is n...

First of all, Lancia had intended a return to the UK market in Summer 2008, spearheaded by the then new Delta. That plan was delayed for a year because the dealer network wasn’t ready, and the company recognised it also needed a second model for those dealers to sell. Then the brand’s re-launch was postponed indefinitely, a victim of the prevailing tough economic conditions. Now, following the presentation of Fiat Group Automobile’s 2010-2014 Business Plan , it seems almost certain that Lancia will never return to the UK. That’s because the Chrysler and Lancia ranges are to be fully integrated in Europe, a consequence of Fiat taking a 20% stake in Chrysler back in June 2009. It has also been decided that all of the unified range will be branded Lancia in continental Europe, while the Chrysler badge will be used for the UK and Ireland. As well as the Delta, the Lancia line-up currently consists of the Ypsilon supermini, Musa small MPV and Phedra MPV (part of the Citroen C8, Fia...

Interesting to see a couple of re-badged European cars on display at the 2010 Detroit show earlier this month. Following its takeover by Fiat, Chrysler clearly couldn’t be bothered to do too much with the Lancia Delta, not even going to the trouble of changing its model name. A minor tweak to the grille seemed to be enough. The Chrysler Delta.  Or is it? Buick meanwhile appeared to make a bit more of an effort with the Regal, its version of the Vauxhall / Opel Insignia. The GS shown featured a 252 bhp four cylinder turbo engine. Not quite the 321 bhp that the six cylinder Insignia VXR / OPC has, but it should still be rather quick, with a 0 - 60 mph time below six seconds.