Paris Preview: Citroën C3 Picasso unveiled ahead of show

click above for more hi-res shots of Citroën's new C3 Picasso

It sounds as if Citroën sees it's new C3 Picasso as a rolling contradiction in terms. According to the automaker, it is compact and spacious and blends strength and comfort; quality and affordability; performance and economy; contemporary and retro design; square shapes and flowing curves and style and practicality. All right, we can give them style and practicality, which the peculiar C3 seems to offer in spades -- though the French people mover is stylish in the same way it's namesake's paintings are a beautiful, if not an acquired taste. After reading through Citroën's press release, pasted after the break, it sounds as if there are plenty of innovative storage options as well. We do like how the automaker revels in its own quirkiness and was able to make the cockpit seem so bright and airy with all that glass. Four engines will be offered, two gas and two diesel. Look for more when we visit Paris later this month.

Gallery: Citroen C3 Picasso

First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus ST (Euro-spec)

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Ford Focus ST

Save the hot hatch for last. That's what we kept telling ourselves as we wandered the Belgian countryside looking for Ford's Lommel Proving Ground. As it turns out, the facility, located next to an air force base – restricted airspace, you know – is so secret, our hosts at Ford could hardly find it. So we had a little extra time to repeat the mantra: save the hot hatch for last.

On our way to Italy to drive the new Fiesta, we took a detour to Lommel to sample some of Ford's European C-segment offerings. A variety of vehicles, including one with the new dual-clutch gearbox, a Kuga crossover and the fire-breathing Focus ST, would be on hand for us to drive around the track. But we knew that if we gave into temptation and drove the ST first, the rest would seem sluggish by comparison, even though the vehicles aren't comparable. So did we resist the urge, or give into the little demon that's always whispering in our ears to go faster? Follow the jump and we just might tell you.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus ST



Photos Copyright ©2008 Noah Joseph / Weblogs, Inc.

First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus ST (Euro-spec)

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Ford Focus ST

Save the hot hatch for last. That's what we kept telling ourselves as we wandered the Belgian countryside looking for Ford's Lommel Proving Ground. As it turns out, the facility, located next to an air force base – restricted airspace, you know – is so secret, our hosts at Ford could hardly find it. So we had a little extra time to repeat the mantra: save the hot hatch for last.

On our way to Italy to drive the new Fiesta, we took a detour to Lommel to sample some of Ford's European C-segment offerings. A variety of vehicles, including one with the new dual-clutch gearbox, a Kuga crossover and the fire-breathing Focus ST, would be on hand for us to drive around the track. But we knew that if we gave into temptation and drove the ST first, the rest would seem sluggish by comparison, even though the vehicles aren't comparable. So did we resist the urge, or give into the little demon that's always whispering in our ears to go faster? Follow the jump and we just might tell you.