Audi Brings 2010 A3 Sportback TDI diesel to the States, Priced from $29,950

Audi Brings 2010 A3 Sportback TDI diesel to the States, Priced from $29,950

The second diesel offering from Audi to be launched in the US this year after the Q7 TDI is the 2010 A3 Sportback TDI and it will begin arriving at the company's dealers in late November 2009. The base price for the front-wheel drive model with Audi's S tronic dual-clutch transmission is $29,950, but you'll have to add another $825 to that for destination charge, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges. Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbo diesel that makes 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque offering the five-door hatch a top speed of 130mph.

According to Audi the A3 TDI returns an EPA-estimated of 30mpg in the city and 42mpg on the highway. For some reason, Audi thought it would be a good idea to compare the diesel-powered A3 hatchback to the Lexus HS 250h four-door sedan in its press release saying that the Japanese model "offers similar combined fuel economy with hybrid technology, but not superlative highway mileage range."

For what it matters, the 187HP HS 250h, which starts from $34,200 in the States, received EPA-estimated ratings of 35 mpg city and 34 mpg on the highway for a combined 35 mpg.

Audi Brings 2010 A3 Sportback TDI diesel to the States, Priced from $29,950

Audi Brings 2010 A3 Sportback TDI diesel to the States, Priced from $29,950

The second diesel offering from Audi to be launched in the US this year after the Q7 TDI is the 2010 A3 Sportback TDI and it will begin arriving at the company's dealers in late November 2009. The base price for the front-wheel drive model with Audi's S tronic dual-clutch transmission is $29,950, but you'll have to add another $825 to that for destination charge, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges. Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbo diesel that makes 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque offering the five-door hatch a top speed of 130mph.

According to Audi the A3 TDI returns an EPA-estimated of 30mpg in the city and 42mpg on the highway. For some reason, Audi thought it would be a good idea to compare the diesel-powered A3 hatchback to the Lexus HS 250h four-door sedan in its press release saying that the Japanese model "offers similar combined fuel economy with hybrid technology, but not superlative highway mileage range."

For what it matters, the 187HP HS 250h, which starts from $34,200 in the States, received EPA-estimated ratings of 35 mpg city and 34 mpg on the highway for a combined 35 mpg.

First Lotus Evora Coupe Delivered to Customer, Full Production to Start in November

First Lotus Evora Coupe Delivered to Customer, Full Production to Start in November

Matthew Melling of Twickenham, UK, is the first customer to take delivery of the all-new Lotus Evora. He received the keys to the mid-engined 2+2 coupe from Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars Limited, at the British firm's Hethel headquarters in Norfolk where the sportscar is hand built.

"I was determined to be the first in the world to get my hands on an Evora so with Stratton Motor Company's help, I laid down my deposit within seconds of the order books being opened last year," said Meling. "I have read all the press reviews of the Evora and am so excited about getting behind the wheel – what a great start to September!"

Lotus said that many dealers around the world have already received their demonstrator Evoras and that so far, the company has taken enough orders to cover production for the next five months.

First Lotus Evora Coupe Delivered to Customer, Full Production to Start in November

First Lotus Evora Coupe Delivered to Customer, Full Production to Start in November

Matthew Melling of Twickenham, UK, is the first customer to take delivery of the all-new Lotus Evora. He received the keys to the mid-engined 2+2 coupe from Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars Limited, at the British firm's Hethel headquarters in Norfolk where the sportscar is hand built.

"I was determined to be the first in the world to get my hands on an Evora so with Stratton Motor Company's help, I laid down my deposit within seconds of the order books being opened last year," said Meling. "I have read all the press reviews of the Evora and am so excited about getting behind the wheel – what a great start to September!"

Lotus said that many dealers around the world have already received their demonstrator Evoras and that so far, the company has taken enough orders to cover production for the next five months.

Limited Run Ford Focus X Road Compact SW Goes on Sale

Limited Run Ford Focus X Road Compact SW Goes on Sale

Ford's European arm has announced the Dutch market launch of the Focus X Road special edition model that was first seen this past April at the AutoRAI motorshow in Amsterdam. Built in a limited run of only 300 unit all of which are destined for The Netherlands, the 'tough' looking Focus Station Wagon is priced from €25,175 or at today's exchange rates, $35,800.

Based on the Focus Station Wagon and available exclusively with a 125-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that can run on either regular unleaded gasoline or bioethanol (E85), the X Road features a special off-road bodykit with unique front and rear bumpers, protective trim on the fender arches and sides plus aluminum underbody skid trays. The car's looks are rounded off by a set of unique 17-inch alloy wheels.

Limited Run Ford Focus X Road Compact SW Goes on Sale

Limited Run Ford Focus X Road Compact SW Goes on Sale

Ford's European arm has announced the Dutch market launch of the Focus X Road special edition model that was first seen this past April at the AutoRAI motorshow in Amsterdam. Built in a limited run of only 300 unit all of which are destined for The Netherlands, the 'tough' looking Focus Station Wagon is priced from €25,175 or at today's exchange rates, $35,800.

Based on the Focus Station Wagon and available exclusively with a 125-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that can run on either regular unleaded gasoline or bioethanol (E85), the X Road features a special off-road bodykit with unique front and rear bumpers, protective trim on the fender arches and sides plus aluminum underbody skid trays. The car's looks are rounded off by a set of unique 17-inch alloy wheels.