No Volkswagen Robust pick-up for Europe (EU)

Due to be launched next year, Volkswagen all-new Robust pick-up truck won't be available in Europe since fuel prices at the pumps are at an all-time high and CO2 limitations by the EU, however, a handful may still come to Europe in selected markets. Instead, sales will go ahead in North America, Argentina, Brazil and South Africa. No word if Australia or any country in Asia are going to receive it.

The newcomer is currently undergoing rigorous brake and engine testing in the Austrian Alps. Production was expected at the Hannover plant in Germany, but this news means production will be done solely at the Volkswagen facility in Argentina. The plant is expected to produce 90,000 units just for the South American market alone.

The Robust would have rivalled the popular Mitsubishi L200/Triton, Nissan Navara and Toyota Hi-Lux.

The Robust is due to be released as a 2010 model, we should see its unveiling at one of the major American motorshows early in 2009.

Hyundai Elantra LPG hybrid may come to UK (UK)

Hyundai has just released details of a new ‘mild hybrid’ version of its Elantra hatchback. It uses an LPG-powered engine in conjunction with an advanced lithium polymer battery pack and an electric motor.

The hybrid Elantra will go on sale in South Korea next April. Senior Hyundai sources in the UK confirm the company is seriously considering exporting it to markets with “an established LPG delivery architecture”, which includes the UK.

The hybrid Elantra uses a 1.6-litre engine that can only run on LPG in conjunction with a 15kw battery pack. Power goes to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission system.

The hybrid Elantra would likely be sold under the Hyundai’s ‘i-Blue’ eco sub-brand in the UK. The car is the first in the world to use new-tech lithium polymer batteries manufactured by LG Chem. These offer significantly higher energy density and lower manufacturing costs than lithium-ion batteries, and are also claimed to be capable of withstanding more charge-recharge cycles, extending their lifespan.

Hyundai claims the Elantra LPG emits only 103g/km of CO2. If it comes to the UK, expect the car to be tweaked so its in VED Band A, which means owners don't pay a single penny for road tax.

If the Elantra hybrid does come to the UK, Hyundai should be able to price it to undercut both the Toyota Prius and Honda’s forthcoming hybrid hatchback.

The Elantra was on sale in the UK but was recently replaced by the i30 hatchback due to slow sales, however, in the U.S, it is one of the most popular cars in the Hyundai line-up alongside the VeraCruz crossover.

Cadillac CTS pricing announced (UK)

Cadillac UK has announced prices for its mid-sized sedan. The rear-drive CTS will only be available with one trim level, ‘Sport Luxury’ which is offered with a choice of either a 2.8-litre V6 or 3.6-litre V6 petrol engines.

The entry level, 208bhp 2.8 V6 starts at £26,995, with the 307bhp 3.6 V6 priced at £32,995. A diesel engine won’t find its way into the new sedan until the 2.9-litre V6 diesel becomes available in 2009. Unfortunately, buyers of the CTS will face a £400 a year road-tax and high running costs. The automatic pollutes less than the manual with the latter emitting 285g/km. The diesel is expected to make up most sales in the UK, providing it slots under VED Band G.

Cadillac is majoring on value and style with the new CTS. The entry version costs nearly £2000 less than a base BMW 5-Series and boasts standard heated leather and electrically adjustable seats, climate control, automatic wipers and lights, bi-xenon headlamps with adaptive forward lighting, BOSE sound system, LED tail-lights, auto-dipping rear-view door mirror and interior mirror and rear parking sensors. Full spec here; Cadillac CTS UK specification

For UK buyers that are looking forwards to the 555bhp 6.2-litre CTS-V are out of luck: Cadillac has confirmed its BMW M5 rival will be staying in the US, along with the new CTS wagon, however, a GM insider said the CTS-V may come over but in LHD only. GM doesn’t think that either would be viable in the European market.

The new CTS saloon will make its public debut at the British motorshow later on this month.