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It seems like Saab is in for some more competition in the hatchback segment. The new Audi A3, BMW 3-Series Compact, Mercedes C230 Sport Coupe, and Volvo H30. What do you all think?
The next generation Ford Focus/Mazda 323 platform is going to spawn three different Volvo variants, the new H30, S40, and V50! The upscale compact segment is heating up!
Volvo's innovative concept car from the recent Detroit Auto Show, the SCC "Safety Car Concept", has just received the green light to make it into production.
The computer image above shows what is believed to be the final design of the production version. It is likely that the Swedish manufacturer is going to introduce a new letter - H for hatchback - to clearly distance the new vehicle from its bigger brothers, the sedans called S (Saloon/Sedan) and the wagons called V (Versitile/Variable).
The H30 production car will be available with three doors and possibly five, and will share its floorpan with the next-generation Ford Focus and Mazda 323.
Although minor, exterior modifications compared to the SCC will be clearly visible, including a slightly redesigned front bumper, mirror-mounted turn signals, painted door handles, and a higher roof-line for more cabin space. The variable focus fiber optic headlights are also thought to be a final production possibility. Although the sport-oriented younger customers might choose the car for its coupe-like design, practicality will still be a matter of improvement, and therefore the hatch will be larger on the H30 than it was on the SCC.
One conventional exhaust pipe will replace the bumper-mounted pair of pipes seen on the SCC. Sadly, however, will be the replacement of the transparent A-pillars by ordinary ones. Since the car is aimed further upscale than its in-house brothers, the next generation Ford Focus and Mazda 323, the engine range is likely to start above 100 hp and might reach beyond the 200 hp barrier. Expect 4 and 5 cylinder inline engines as well as some V6 options.
The main upscale competition for this car will be the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 Sports Coupe, 2002 3-Series Compact, 2003 Audi A3, and 2003 Saab 9-3.
, Tue, 20 Mar 2001 14:08:49
, Tue, 20 Mar 2001 20:16:35
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