Fuji Heavy Industries, manufacturer of Subaru vehicles and aerospace-related products, today announced the introduction of the Subaru Stella, an all-new mini car for the Japanese market.

The Stella follows the ‘Think.Feel.Drive’ message delivered by the Subaru B5-TPH concept at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, albeit in somewhat less glamorous clothes. It does, however, similarly tap into the popularity of ‘green’ cars, boasting the class’s most efficient engine. Two versions are available: the standard model, or the Stella Custom aimed at younger drivers, differentiated outside by twin headlamp lenses and foglamps. The interiors of both feature a flat IP that puts the central airvents on the upper surface. Both aim to express ‘grand presence and friendliness’.

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Daihatsu launched the Sonica yesterday, a small hatchback for Japan. Designed in Osaka, the Daihatsu Sonica furthers the goal of parent company Toyota Motor Corporation to make the brand synonymous with small affordable cars.

Distinguished by a long wheelbase and short overhangs, the one-box Sonica should live up to its description of having a ‘spacious and comfortable’ interior. This comfort is repeated through the soft theme outside, having elliptical side-glass and rounded body-section. Aimed at ‘freestyle couples’ that place ‘importance on their own personalities and private time’, the Daihatsu Sonica also aims to reflect such changes in Japanese society. It is priced from $9000.

Malaysian car manufacturer Proton have launched the new Satria Neo three-door hatchback, which replaces the Satria model introduced 12 years ago. Having formerly sold re-badged and out-moded Mitsubishi-derived models, Proton have since established a relationship with Lotus Engineering that began with the Proton GTi.

Though cars such as the Elise demonstrate the depth of Lotus’ abilities, partnerships with other companies reflect their breadth. The Satria Neo succeeds that first venture: while the Proton GTi was based on the previous ovoid Mitsubishi Colt, the Neo has flatter surfaces with a more masculine look. The interior is described as having a minimalist theme and air-conditioning dials that "redefine style". Powered by a 16v DOHC engine, Proton assures that the Satria Neo is "capable of going really fast".

Crystal-manufacturer Swarovski is a common sight at the Milan furniture fair, as invited designers find increasingly diverse ways to implement their products. Formerly a company most associated with kitsch figurines, their kudos has now grown thanks to the efforts of people such as Naoto Fukasawa, Toord Boontje and Tom Dixon.

As part of this PR drive is a vehicle by industrial designer Ross Lovegrove. Inspired by the Trans-Australia Solar Car Race, the form adopts that of the competitors, while each cell holds a single crystal to magnify the light. Lovegrove’s proposal ‘fuses nature with technology’ and was developed in conjunction with Sharp Solar Europe, prototypers Coggiola, Swarovski Optical Laboratories and General Motors Europe Advanced Design Director Anthony Lo. The vehicle has already won the World Technology Prize for Design in San Fransisco.

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Zaha Hadid is an Iraq-born and London-based architect, who became the first female recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004. Her ambitious buildings have earned her much acclaim, and having designed the latest BMW factory, Hadid has now turned her sights on cars with the unveiling of the Z-car concept.

Not to be confused with the similarly titled Nissan/Datsun, Hadid’s Z-car is a small plastic-bodied monocoque with a prominent lifting door. Demonstrating her vision of personal mobility, the Z-car is currently on display as part of a major exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

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Following the recent announcement of the new three-door Corsa comes its five-door sibling. While the three-door concentrates on sportiness, the five-door is more practical and features FlexFix, a new seat folding system following the method introduced on the Opel Trixx concept from 2004. The ‘DualFloor’ arrangement lets luggage be horizontally divided in the trunk, whose volume can extend to 1100 litres. A new interior color scheme means customers can also choose between red and blue trim, while piano lacquer is available as an option.

Outside, surface changes are most noticeable at the rear, haunches doing without the extended shoulder treatment of the three-door. The window-line is also less arched, the two models differentiated in the same manner as the larger Astra. Length increases by 183mm to 3999mm overall, while width and height grow by 61mm and 52mm respectively. Both models will make their debut at the British Motor Show in London next month.

Porsche has released pictures of the most intense 997 yet, the GT3 RS. Due to be released in spring next year in North America, the RS produces 415PS from its naturally-aspirated 3.6l flat-six, enough for a 0-62mph time of 4.2 seconds. Power is sent through the rear wheels only, whose surrounding shoulders widen by 43mm to accommodate the extra track. Despite this growth, weight is down over the ‘regular’ GT3 thanks to extra use of carbon-fiber. Standard paint finish is either black or silver, though orange and green will be available as options, complete with color-coded roll-cages.

This will be the first time in 33 years that the homologation model of the 911 will be available in North America, marking the introduction of a range of worldwide racing series.

Chinese manufacturer Chery has unveiled their new V5 at the Hangzhou Motor Show. Originally shown at the Beijing Motor Show in 2004, the V5 is a crossover combining estate with MPV and seats up to seven.

Co-developed with Lotus Engineering, the V525 shown here is first of the V5 family to be produced, and is powered by a 125PS engine sourced from Mitsubishi. The generous specification includes traction control, satellite navigation and DVD player. Going on sale in China in January, the V5 will also mark Chery’s introduction to the North American market next year. Dimensions are: length 4662mm, width 1820mm, height 1590mm, with a 2800mm wheelbase.

Nissan and British design group Conran have unveiled 'Plus Conran' limited versions of the Cube, March (Micra) and Lafesta minivan for the Japanese market. The series follows Nissan's 'Modern Living Concept', which stresses advanced design values in cabins, first introduced with the Teana in 2003, and seen in the the Amenio concept minivan, shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2005.

Cube + Conran features leather seats emphasizing texture and color, enhancing and refining the sofa-like feel of the Cube seats. The series features Bitter Chocolat and Irish Cream exterior colors, as well as two interior color schemes: red with gray accents, and brown with beige. The equipment package includes a variety of convenience and comfort features, such as an automatic lighting system.

The March + Conran series allows owners more choice in expressing themselves with high-quality design options for both the interior and exterior. For the Bohemian theme, the seats are covered in floral print material. The floor mats maintain the leaf patterns without the flowers, the idea of a thoughtful designer who felt that "one shouldn't step on flowers."