Responding to increased demand for subcompact cars with minivan-like features in its home market of Japan, Toyota has given its Porte model a makeover while also introducing a second variant of the series named Spade. The two cars, which are similar in philosophy to the Peugeot 1007 (2004-2009), differ only in their exterior appearance with the Spade sporting a boxier front end with sharper lines and headlamps and bespoke tail lamp graphics and rear bumper trim.
Both models are equipped with a single, remote-controlled electric sliding door (1,020 mm wide by 1,250 mm tall) on the passenger side and two conventional doors on the driver's side, and measure 3,995mm long (157.3 inches), 1,695mm (66.7 inches) wide and 1,690mm (66.5 inches) tall, while riding on a comfy 2,600mm (102.4 inches) wheelbase.
The five-seater cabin comes with all sorts of practical features ranging from a front passenger seat that folds down completely to form a table and which can be adjusted back and forth 700 mm, to a 60/40-split rear seat with seat cushion tip-up functio, and hooks for hanging shopping bags to specially designed tissue holders front and back.
Powertrain options include 1.3-liter and an updated 1.5-liter petrol engines coupled to a Super CVT-i (Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent) automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive.
Prices for the Toyota Spade and Porte in Japan range from 1,450,000 Yen to 1,910,000 Yen (US$18,450 to US$24,300 / €15,100 to €19,900).
2013 TOYOTA PORTE
2013 TOYOTA SPADE
A station wagon model probably isn’t what comes to mind when you think about Jaguar but times and attitudes changes and the British brand is willing to give it another try after its hapless X-Type Sportwagon. At a first glance, Jaguar's new XF Sportbrake is a handsome creation, although those abnormally large LED tail lamps look somewhat odd from certain angles.
Jaguar says that every panel on the XF Sportbrake, from the B-Pillar and back, is completely new. Added touches include the silver signature line running the entire length of the car while the gloss black C-Pillar is reminiscent of the XJ limousine. The polished roof rails will be offered as an option.
The estate model shares the same 1,877mm width and 2,909mm wheelbase with the sedan but is 5mm longer at 4,966mm while also offering 48mm of extra rear headroom.
According to Jaguar, the transformation from saloon to estate has added a little under 70kg or 154 pounds to the car's kerb weight.
In terms of boot space, the XF Sportbrake offers 550-liters with the rear seats up, which is less than the BMW 5-Series Touring's 560-liters, the Audi A6 Avant's 565-liters and the Mercedes-Benz's capacious 695-liters.
With the seats folded, the total volume grows to 1,675-litres, which is slightly more than the BMW's 1,670 liters but less than the Audi's 1,680-liters and far less than the Mercedes-Benz's monstrous 1,950-liters.
To justify its more practical side, the Sportbrake comes equipped with remote fold levers mounted within the boot area to lower the rear seats, while additional LEDs light onto the ground when the tailgate is open. You also get a panel in the boot that splits into three sections and a new tray fitted under the load area to store valuable items.
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Both models are equipped with a single, remote-controlled electric sliding door (1,020 mm wide by 1,250 mm tall) on the passenger side and two conventional doors on the driver's side, and measure 3,995mm long (157.3 inches), 1,695mm (66.7 inches) wide and 1,690mm (66.5 inches) tall, while riding on a comfy 2,600mm (102.4 inches) wheelbase. 
