Ruben van Praagh's Car News and Scoops Page

And this is the news

Ruben van Praagh's Car News and Scoops Page

On this page you will find news and even SCOOPS of the latest car models. For example, look at the Alfa Romeo 156 SCOOP from febraury 1997 - yes, before anyone had ever heard what it would be like. Return to this site regularly to keep up with the news from Europe, the USA and Japan on cars, automobiles, wheels, or whatever you want to call them.

Go to the news and scoops of

2003 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997

2003

Citroen C4 on French roads already

SCOOP
Citroen is testing the C4 in the open. Early in the summer of 2003, a C4 was being driven across France on a truck without any mock-parts or black plastic. This particular one was the new Break, which suggests it will be available with the Berline 5-door from the get-go. SCOOP

2001

Rover 75 Tourer being introduced slowly

SCOOP
The new Rover 75 Tourer - the estate or statiocar version of the 75 series - is slowly being rolled out around the Birmingham area, near the factories of MG Rover. I have seen it twice now, once in early may and one other time at the end of that month. It is stylish, as the new tail fits the model surprisingly well. The most surprising fact is the clear relation of the Tourer to the sedan model - its window and roof lines, usually the main identity-makers for a car - are different yet acceptably similar.

SCOOP

Honda Civic 5-door on the roads already

SCOOP
As the year was almost at a close, Honda chose to give us a New Year's present with its latest installment of the Civic. The 5-door hatchback is a stunning deviation from Honda's sporty, low-seated approach, appearing much like the Ford Focus to be a near-MPV.
Halfway through January, at the Warwick Arts Center, I spotted the first Civic of this new model. It was driven by the unfortunately typical set of Honda Civic drivers, an older couple, but there it stood: the new model. It has a strong personality in real life and makes even more of an MPV-impression than the aforementioned Focus does.

SCOOP

2000

Caught in the act: previews of Mercedes-Benz C-class

SCOOP
Saturday the 13th, I was driving past Pordon, one of the Netherlands' larger Mercedes-Benz dealerships. Just a few weeks before official introduction, there they were: two (perhaps more in the back) brand new C-class models. Apparently, the new car is available in an eye-wrecking shade of purple, which fits the new model surprisingly well.
Overall impression of the new model: excellently styled elements from the S-class, but a profile that leaves me wondering. Is it sleek, or does it really remind me of a cross between the Lancia Lybra (its profile is not its strength) and the old Toyota Carina E? The new headlights are fine, but a first impression is that they're somewhat flat to look at, which doesn't seem the way they wanted it. Summing up: a car that has wonderful engines, a can't-miss chassis and an appearance that we'll need to get used to.

SCOOP

1999

On the roads too soon: Seat Ibiza and Mitsubishi Space Runner

SCOOP
On wednesday August 11nd, my brother and I were in Brussels. Although the new Seat Ibiza was only introduced to the European press one week before, the car was already on the road, and even in the center of Brussels.
The new looks fit the Ibiza's and Seat's style, as planned by Volkswagen. The only problem is now, why should ANYONE want a VW Polo?

As I was on the Dutch A58 highway on sunday the 15th of August, the new Mitsubishi Space Runner passed on the other side of the road. It was a bright red car, so Mitsubishi were not trying to conceal it at all. But what about the car's official European debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September? This seems a careless runaround - but it is extra nice for those who hunt the news!
SCOOP
Space Runner is now a more mature car than ever before, and clearly the sporty alternative to the versatile Space Wagon, with more rigidity because of the use of a single sliding door to add to the expected excellent driving behavior.
SCOOP

Seen without camouflage: the NEW Mitsubishi Carisma

Scoop
On sunday May 2nd, my father and brother were on the Dutch A12 highway when they were passed by the NEW Mitsubishi Carisma Sedan. It seems to have a tail quite like a BMW, although there is also something else recognizable in it - but what?
The car that was 'Scooped' had no markings, but was further clean, i.e. no plastics, and it had a normal license plate.
The new sedan will feature the same engines as before, as will the 5-door hatchback. Its front is now more like a cross between a Nissan Primera and a Renault Laguna. The old model, which is still being heavily advertised, will dissappear quickly.
Official introduction of the new model: probably on the Zandvoort racetrack, where its paint job will suggest the Carisma is a hideous monster by strangely accentuating the new front. Scoop

Volkwagen's new Variants are over the top - and falling fast

At a recent European Motorshow - yes, Geneva - the abominable snowmen showed up. Volkswagen launched two new stationwagon models, the Golf Variant and the Bora Variant. Contrary to previous announcements and rumours, the rear of these two cars is identical in its basic shape. The Bora Variant, which was said to be a more sporty and less boxy design, has turned out to be a fake. Instead, the new Variants are equal but different - within the same brand!
The fronts of the two cars are taken from their respective co-models Golf and Bora - choose the one you like best. However, the Bora versions will feature only the more expensive engines and will be better stocked - at a higher price of course. This makes the Golf Variant look like a cheap car - buy that if you just can't afford the Bora - and the Bora turns out to be a poor man's snob car - I like a Golf, but I can do better. Needless to say, I think both cars should flop.

If you do decide to buy one, get a Golf. It is more 'Variable' in its options list and still looks good. The Bora is nothing better, only slightly different and much more expensive. Still, it is strange to make people think 'Couldn't you do better than a Golf?' when you've struggled for years to make that image dissappear and turn the Golf into a highly admired quality car.

SCOOPS from the AutoRAI

On the 11th of February 1999, I visited the AutoRAI in Amsterdam to pick up some news. I came up with quite a lot.

Alfa Romeo

Scoop The Alfa Romeo 166 is set to come out in two distinct extra body styles. In line with the Lancia K Coupe, AlfaStile are designing a 166 Coupe. It is set to arrive at the end of 2000. A SportsWagon version is also on the table, but is not certain to appear and, if it does, will be with us around 2002. The Coupe will probably feature only V6-engines, and expect the introduction of the new Selespeed gearchanging mechanism on the 2.5 liter V6 (you know, it was just presented in the 156 2.0 and the only other car that features it is the Ferrari F355 F1), with the advanced automatic transmission as an alternative to a 6-speed box on the 3.0 liter. Scoop
The SportsWagon version of the 156 is now certain to arrive, probably before the end of 1999.

BMW

The new BMW 3-series touring is set to appear in late 2000. It will possibly RETAIN the current model's (excellent) rear suspension and axle, as that of the new sedan may eat away even more in luggage room than the old one. Expect the new model to be styled conservatively, but about 2-5 centimeters (1-2 inches) wider inside. It still is going to be quite small, but not so much so as before.

Renault

The new Safrane will be yet another 5-door model, without any other models to be introduced on this platform. There will thus be no sedan, coupe or Break (estate). Expect a pumped-up version of the V6 designed in collaboration with PSA (Peugeot / Citroen) to be featured in this new Renault.

Rover

Under BMW's leadership, Rover has created the new 75 to be its flagship. Perhaps oddly, I was told that it will most likely NOT appear in a Tourer (estate) version. It is said that a Tourer 'would not fit the status of a top-sedan' and also that it would not generate sales.

Toyota

Toyota showed their MR-S prototype on the AutoRAI. It will be presented as the successor to the by now illustrous MR-2 before the year is over. Expect it to start selling in this century.
Scoop Also, the long-running Previa is departing. Its successor will be presented before the end of the year as well, but it will not reach Europe before the year 2000. It is said to be on a new independent platform, with a less controversial engine-placement (in front instead of 'midships') and far better handling than the American Siena. Scoop
Expect the NEW Celica to appear on the same time-schedule as the new Previa.

Smart moves in the academic world

As a student of economics, I find myself in the middle of academic endeavours. It has come to my attention that the MCC Smart is rapidly becoming the most researched car ever. Mercedes Benz have created a hype. Since the Volkswagen Beetle there has not been more research focused (note: that is not a pun) on any other car. Especially in the areas of marketing, psychology the Smart is a revered object of studies, but also in environmental studies this is so.

Hot Scoops? They will be there soon.

In the second week of February, I will go to the semi-annual AutoRAI and try to find out more about the Smart. Of course, I will hunt for scoops as well. For instance, what will the Alfa Romeo 156 SportsWagon be like, and wil there be a 166 SportWagon?
Or what about the takeover of Volvo by Ford? Is that going to lead to some interesting models, like more turbo engines at Ford?
Perhaps, maybe, possible, there will be news on the new Renault Safrane or the first real facelift for the Chevrolet a.k.a. Pontiac TransSport? Get back here soon to get some news.

Mercedes Benz have a family-roof

It is now for the whole world to see. Mercedes Benz is creating original designs by a new means. Traditional design is by use of either the totally extravagant (think of the 70-s Citroen or any exotic sportscar) or by variations on the themes 'front' and 'back'. The last part has been especially apparent in, for instance, Ford's and Fiat's latest designing periods.
Mercedes has now created a theme of its own: the c-bar in connection with the roof. There are three obvious examples: A-class, M-class and CL-class (just shown in a new press release). However, the CLK and SLK also show traces of this new focus in design.
Without ever being brittle, all these designs look good from the outside. But they are not so good in other aspects! The A-class as well as the CLK are notorious for their bad rear-view sight. Perhaps something to keep in mind, especially for those of us who want to park in busy streets and cramped garages.

1998

Ford Focus European Car of the Year

Ford beat Opel's Astra model by a wide margin as it raced to the front of the annual election by car journalists of the car of the year. Other top contenders were Audi's TT coupe and Peugeot's 206, the substitute for the Alfa Romeo 156 as this year's stunning-looking 'normal' car.
The Focus scored many first places, and is becoming renowned for its driveability. Now if they could just get the gearbox/engine combinations to work better, I think only fashion can kill this car.

There's more 166

Alfa Romeo are sending their 166 out on the road mighty quick. Two weeks ago, it already drove in the Netherlands-without the front numberplate.

But Mercedes Benz have been even speedier. The S-class is on trailers in Europe right now! Time's a waistin'???

Seeing Ford's Focus, without a camera nearby

As Ford prepares the launch of its new Focus, successor to the famous Escort, it is already being moved through the Netherlands and thus probably spreading over the whole of Europe as we mail -ehr... speak-. Recently, late in August, I spotted a yellow Focus five-door hatchback on a trailer with some Ka's. It was being moved through the center of the country, on its way in a dealership-fresh condition. Perhaps another First Mover among Dutch dealerships, or maybe a test-vehicle for the agency that admits cars to the Dutch roads?
The Focus is to appear on the market in a short while now, and especially its ride is said to be excellent, geared to roadholding, and with excellent chairs.

New Mitsubishi Spacestar is introduced in October, yet we in Holland get it in September??!

Mitsubishi is introducing the new Spacestar in Paris in October 1998. It is a smaller version of a Renault Megane Scenic, and it is made at Nedcar in the Netherlands.
It is to be sold in the Netherlands first, starting halfway through September. Official introduction is planned for October. That means the Dutch get the world premiere.

Seen in Amsterdam: the NEW Renault Laguna

Renault is introducing the new Laguna in April 1998. They have claimed that it will not be changed radically and I must say: they were right. On Monday, 30 March 1998, I saw a trailer parked behind the Dutch importer's building with a golden Laguna on it. Although I caught only a glimpse, I must say: the changes are few but wise!
First of all, Renault has changed the dark rear light to bright orange-and-red ones, without any further change to the car's rear. At the front, the new bumper-spoiler gives the Laguna a sophisticated, mean look. It's now got for, squarely arranged, air intakes in the bumper with room for extra lights beside that. It looks like they have improved it for the better!

The Smart Falls Too

Mercedes Benz' A-class fell into dark depths over the past few months. As it is just climbing out, new horror appears: the Smart, Mercedes' joint venture with Swatch has toppled over in the Moose-test as well. For this model, I am not so surprised myself, as it is a very, very small car, and also not that wide and quite tall. Yet, it's still a Mercedes, and they won't hear of it. I received official snail-mail from Smart, in which they announced a half-year delay before its final presentation. To remove some 'quality problems' -uhuh!

Alfa Romeo 156 European Car of the Year 1998

Mercedes Benz' A-class came in fourth, disappointingly, as Alfa Romeo headed off Volkswagen's Golf and the Audi A6 (3rd) in the car-journalists' Car of the Year event.
As for the winner, it seems that finally a car has won as judged by its appearance. Also, I heard another rumor about the 156: it is told to be set to come with a fold-back rear seating area, so that expansion of the luggage area is finally possible. Good show, fellas!

1997

Mercedes A-Class Goof-up

Mercedes Benz' A-class was tested in October by some Swedes with an attitude: they tried a so-called Moose-Manoeuvre in which they simulated evading a crossing moose at 60 km/h. This procedure is apparently a usual test to check for stability; you know, lifting up one wheel etc. This time it backfired, however, and the A-class fell over , causing four injured in the car and one terminally damaged A-class.
Mercedes have promised to fit the car with better (as in wider) tires and add some electronic devices and possibly extra stabilisers to prevent this from occurring again. Those who already own an A-class can get these extras for free at their Mercedes dealer next door. But new buyers will have to wait at least until february before they can even think of getting their new A-class, as Mercedes have ceased production until that time.

Scoop from the AutoRAI

I went to the AutoRAI fair in Amsterdam on the 12th of February, and there was quite a lot to see. But what about this new, HOT SCOOP:

Alfa Romeo's successor the the 155-model is, according to sources in the Dutch importer's ranks, currently code-named 932 and will come out on the market carrying the number 156 It is reportedly an aggressive car with a fully slick side, without any 'creaks'. The front doorhandle is the only ornament on the sides. (One local newspaper already remarked that this must definitely be a prototype, as it SUPPOSEDLY had only one doorhandle...)
The 156 will carry 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 liter TwinSpark engines or a revised 2.5 liter TwinSpark 24 valve V6. And there are some new, spicy diesels on the way too, with the new rail-fueling system, in a 1.9 and a 2.4 liter version, with four and five cylinders respectively. WOW! BUT THERE'S SOME BAD NEWS TOO: If the 156 fails to sell, there will be no successor to the wonderful 164, and the entire future of Alfa Romeo may be very bleak, as owner Fiat may decide to end the existence of the whole brand within only four or five years .
I'm very sorry, but it had to be said. Let's just hope for the best and buy the 932 whether we like it or not.

BERTONE

A few months ago, I saw the news of the death of Nuccio Bertone, who passed away aged 82. Let's remember him for all his products, because, whether we liked them or not, they always stood out. Therefore, the most 'Bertone' car of them all shall always be linked to him: think of Bertone's death when you see a Fiat X1/9, and see it as a show of his will to stand out.

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