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New styled grilles


The big, bold car grille is emerging as the styling feature of cars to come. Peugeot has made a statement in recent years with its wide-mouthed grille and swept-back headlights. And Chrysler has made a head-turning show of the massive grille on its cars, particularly the big 300C.

Now other carmakers are taking the next step; a large, dominant aperture and sleek, angled headlights. Front grille air intakes are necessary for engine cooling and so have an adverse effect on the car's aerodynamics.

But they can also have a big effect on styling, being the main feature of the 'face' of the car.

A couple of concept cars just revealed are following this trend. The Ford Verve Concept is that company's vision for the future in mini cars.

Ford describes the Verve's front as dominated by a large, inverted trapezoidal lower grille.

The car has 18-inch alloy wheels, panoramic glass roof and, with no B pillars, has a coupe look. Inside, there's the Convers+ system developed by Ford for driver-operated functions.

A colour screen displays essential information. Ford also used a dominant grille on its Lincoln MKR concept shown in the US this year.

Mitsubishi calls the grille on its Concept CX a 'jet fighter' style, similar to the type on the new Lancer sedan. The concept car has a next-generation 1.8-litre 'clean diesel' engine and automated manual transmission.

It boasts low C02 emissions and the interior uses eco-friendly plant resin materials.

A preview of the powertrains to go into production in 2009, the engine has a variable geometry turbocharger and complies with Euro5 emission regulations. The 4.1m-long car has all-wheel-drive, using an electric control version of that found in the Outlander SUV.