If you’ve been driving a Honda Civic sedan wishing you had the Coupe’s front bumper, you wont have to pray much longer. Honda’s facelifted 2009 Honda Civic now has the three scoop bumper and I’m certain many people will opt to replace their current bumper with the new version. Where the old version looked like a buck-toothed bull dozer, the sedan’s new bumper looks much curvier and is easier on the eyes. Aside from the new bumper and minor grille update, there are no dramatic changes in the new 2009 Civic model year.

Inside the cabin, Honda is still offering the same optional DVD-based satellite navigation system that we saw on the 2007 Civic Hybrid model, but has added Bluetooth hands-free capabilities to the system. Oddly enough the Honda navigation still offers that weird PCMCIA card slot that allows the use of a digital memory card and PC Card adapter to store MP3- and WMA-formatted music.

Honda has also added a new LX-S trim level, which is a sport-styled LX model, and a DX-VP trim level that sits just above the DX trim level and adds air conditioning and an audio system, which inadvertently brings to focus the fact that Honda even offers a radio-free Civic DX in the first place.

The powertrains are carried on from 2008. [adapted from cNet]

The world’s number one awesome automaker from the land of the rising sun has decided to use brawns over brains for its Toyota Genuine Motor Oil Media Launch. The new, relaunched oil, is touted to ease engine friction, lubricates engine internals, clean deposits, inhibits corrosion, improves sealing and cools the engine by carrying heat away from moving parts. Intermolesting! The oil is available in two flavors, petroleum-based and synthetic, each guaranteed to make your Toyota last longer than it’ll already last. If you’re a sucker for boobies, you’ll rush out and grab yourself a jug… maybe both. Maybe not.  [PT]

As previously reported, the Moscow Auto Show was going to be home to Lexus’ mini-announcement about the all-wheel drive version of its LS460. Russia has traditionally had a long running love affair with Mercedes’ S-Class and BMW’s 7-Series but Lexus is hoping the AWD LS with an eight-speed automatic will fit the bill for Russian oligarchs and their motorcades.

The LS460 AWD gets the same four-wheel drive system and eight-speeder transmission from the LS600H and comes packed with a Torsen rear LSD and a decent 380 HP, 4.6-litre V-8 as standard. It might not help make a quick getaway, but the AWD will make a dramatic difference in Russia’s extreme weather. [See more→]

Mazda has dropped a Russian tuned Kesselman CX-7 in Moscow and the definitive details are nowhere to be found - in English atleast. All we know is that the car, which looks like the Matrix, is unworthy of model accompaniments. They do have a young lad for good measure. I guess that’s how they roll in Russia - sans Dimitrova and avec Vlad. Aside from the Fast & Furious styling, the Kesselman Mazda CX-7 gets an upgraded intercooler, ultra-low stance suspension, jagged body kit, and a stripped interior with a six-point roll-cage. I’ll post the details when a translated version hits the web. [See more→]

Special Feature: New Honda City Edition
It might not mean much in North America, but the car spotted in India and China is indeed the next generation Honda City. The confirmation came via a Flickr photo account which has the new City fully uncovered - both inside and outside. It is currently unknown where the photos come from, but I’m suspecting they’re from Thailand. The photos have since been taken down, hinting that the photos were inside job.

As expected, the Honda City’s interior is very different from the Honda Jazz on which it is based. The changes are rumored to make the City cheaper to cast and manufacture for the developing markets where is is most popular. [See more→]

Exclusive Spy-Shots! Full Exterior and Interior photos are now online
First captured in India and then announced for launch in Thailand, the Honda City has now been spotted in China. The new Honda City is rumored to launch in Thailand as early as next month and will come in three variants: S model, V Model and SV model. Other countries like China, India, Malaysia and Pakistan can expect the car sometime in 2009. [See more→]

As if Mitsubishi didnt have enough special editions in their line up, they’ve decided to announce a new, higher specification second generation L200 Raging Bull Edition. The car gets satelite navigation, cruise control, a 420-watt sound system and a chrome rear bar with integrated steps. The line, which has so far been offered only in Aztec Red, is now also available in Cosmos Black and Graphite Grey. The “special edition” is oddly cheaper than the regular model - Mitsubishi offers a £3,000 discount on the automatic derivative and £2,200 on the manual with prices set for both versions at £16,939. [See more→]

Lexus will use the Moscow International Auto Show to unveil an all-wheel-drive version of their LS460 flagship luxury sedan. The Lexus AWD system on the LS460 is the same as found on the LS600h. It includes a Torsen LSD integrated into the rear drive shaft that powers up using the 381 HP, 4.6-liter V8 on a eight-speed automatic gearbox. The Lexus, in normal driving situations, will get a 40/60 torque split between the front-and-rear. It can get as much as 70% to the rear when required.

Russia is shaping up to be a serious launching pad for car makers. Mitsubishi will debut their redesigned Pajero Sport crossover concept and BMW has decided to launch the redesigned 7-series too. The Moscow market has always had a taste for expensive cars and the car makers are only recently tapping into the world’s fastest growing automotive market. [See more→]