Toronto Autoshow 2003

To the Toronto Autoshow on Tuesday to check out the car scene. The new Toyota Echo hatchback was on display along with a couple of tricked-up "import" not-for-sale type versions. This is a worthy entrant in the economy car market available in two and four door variants. A fully loaded version should be available for under $20,000 CDN including tax. There will be no diesel version in Canada but a spokesman confessed he had had many requests for such a car.
Next to Mercedes Benz to ask about progress on importing the Smart car - an optimistic spokesman said the testing process was going well and he hoped that the diesel version would be on the market by late 2003. This cheering news was soon punctured by a spokesman for Transport Canada who said that the car was unlikely to be on the market until late 2004 or early 2005. The usual government penchant for secrecy was in evidence but under questioning I discovered that the testing process was 70% complete and that the rear crash protection was under scrutiny.
As last year Transport Canada had a Smart car on display and were dispensing a brochure giving a fuel consumption for the diesel version of 86.1 mpg for city driving and 101.6 on the highway. It makes the US manufacturers protestations that they cannot improve fuel consumption by 1.5 mpg look ridiculous.
Mind you there were plenty of land yachts in evidence with the humongous Ford F-350 Tonka Concept truck dominating the entrance to one hall.

Runaway

Friday night to the Linden Restaurant on the Queensway for a Valentine's night dinner/dance. We're nearly done with dinner when some guys in cowboy hats burst in and announce the arrival of Willie Nelson - suddenly "Willie" is here posing for photos and shaking hands.
A little checking on the web when we get home and "Willie" turns out to be E.J. Cooper from Oshawa, a tribute act. Reminds me of the "The Runaway" on the railway station back home in Lewes, East Sussex. Vic, the owner, insists that Willie Nelson was in the café one day but we have never got to the bottom of it and I don't suppose we ever will.

At last Smart due in North America

Mercedes-Benz are trailing the arrival of the Smart brand in North America at the end of 2004. The first Smart this side of the pond looks set to be the “Forfour” - a four-door, four-seat hatchback with all-wheel drive. The new Mitsubishi Colt will share major components. Mercedes are also contemplating selling the Smart two-seat coupe and roadster.
The question remains will the original Smart city-car make it across the Atlantic - will the modifications required to meet North American standards justify the cost and will consumers take to the Smart in sufficient numbers?

Peugeot-Citroen to launch hybrid models in 2004

Peugeot will be launching "hybrid" cars which use a battery to improve the efficiency of traditional petrol or diesel engines.
Both Peugeot and Citroen-branded hybrid models are expected next year. evWorld reports.

Toyota launches Echo hatchback in Canada

Announced today at the Canadian International Autoshow in Toronto the new for 2004 Echo hatchback will go on sale this summer. Based on the Yaris on sale in Europe this will provide Toyota with a stronger entry-level offering compared to the Echo sedan which has not become a favourite with the Canadian public. No word on a diesel-engined version.

Sussex trugs ups stakes

Another story from Sussex - I must be feeling homesick - the Sussex trug company is on the move - read all about it.
After 174 years producing traditional Sussex trugs in the village of Herstmonceux, the legendary Thomas Smith's Trug Shop moved to Chiddingly this week. The new address is Pekes Farm, Nash Street, Chiddingly. Tel: 01825 872822
A trug is a useful basket for gardeners.

New rolling stock in sidings

The average age of rolling stock on the south-central railway in England is 29 years meanwhile new carriages are sitting around awaiting an electricity upgrade. More here.