Mitsubishi Bringing Facelifted 2013 Outlander Sport

It's only been on the market since spring of 2010, but Mitsubishi feels that it's time for its Outlander Sport, which some of our readers will know as the ASX and RVR, to receive a mid-life facelift. The Japanese automaker revealed on Wednesday that the refreshed 2013 Outlander Sport will break cover at the New York International Auto Show on April 4.
Even though we don't get any photos of the 2013 Outlander Sport (what you see here is the current, 2012 model), Mitsubishi outlined the most important changes for its compact crossover.
These include new-look front and rear fascias and side sills on the outside, and "a host of design and equipment improvements" for the interior.
Mitsubishi added that the 2013 model also benefits from a series of mechanical upgrades among which are a revamped rear suspension and a recalibrated Continuously-Variable Transmission (CVT).
We'll update you as soon as we receive any additional information and/or photos of the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. In the meantime, feel free to browse our previous posts on the 2012 New York Auto Show.

2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT

Mercedes-Benz Officially Introduces the New A-Class Hatch

The Geneva Motor Show's second worst kept secret after the Volvo V40, the all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback, was finally revealed today. The new A-Class represents both a radical and a conservative departure from the two previous generations of Mercedes-Benz's compact model series.
To explain, conservative, in the sense that it abandons the tall sandwich platform and mini-MPV-like body of the outgoing model for a more traditional hatchback shape, but also a radical departure because of the far more sportier and sexier design inside and out.
Previewed by last year's concept model of the same name, the new five-door A-Class is based on Mercedes' new MFA (modular front architecture) platform. It measures 4,292mm long, 1,780mm wide and 1,433mm tall, which makes it 32mm shorter but 15mm wider and 12mm taller than its main rival, the BMW 1-Series hatchback.
However, unlike the BMW model that uses a rear-wheel drive setup, the A-Class is driven by its front wheels, which means it should provide more ample space inside.
From launch, Mercedes-Benz will offer a broad range of gasoline and diesel engines. The petrol lineup includes three four-cylinder options: the A180 with a 1.6-liter turbocharged unit producing 121hp (122PS), the A200 that uses a 154hp (156PS) version of the 1.6-liter unit and the A250 powered by a 2.0-liter turbo delivering 208hp (211PS)
On the diesel front, we find the A180 CDI with a 1.8-liter engine churning out 108hp (109PS) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft), the A200 CDI with the same unit rated at 134hp (136PS) and 300Nm (221 lb-ft), and the A220 CDI with a 2.2-liter turbocharged four delivering 168hp (170PS) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft).
All engines in the new A-Class come equipped with the ECO start/stop function as standard and can be combined either with a new six-speed manual gearbox or an optional 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The German company is also planning to introduce a flagship AMG model that will use a turbocharged four-cylinder engine possibly delivering well over 300-horses.
Other highlights include the introduction of a raft of assistance systems such as the Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, an in-house developed app that allows users to integrate their Apple iPhone into the car's infotainment system, and an AMG Sport package with styling as well as chassis upgrades.
The new five-door Mercedes-Benz A-Class will reach European dealership in September. There are no current plans to offer the hatchback model in the States.

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