The Ford Ka has been completely redesigned, and it looks a lot like the recently launched but bigger Fiesta, which will go on sale in the U.S. in 2010, via a factory in Mexico. Ford has said it is unlikely to sell the Ka in the United States. Ford of Europe has sold more than 1.4 million versions of the Ka since it was introduced 12 years ago. The new version adds a diesel engine to the lineup. Toyota iQThe new Toyota iQ is a Mercedes Smart minicar lookalike that can carry four people. On closer inspection, the iQ is much chunkier and wider than the two-seat Smart, and more car-like. The space in the back is snug, to say the least, but two adults could conceivably travel there for short distances. Don't think about putting the golf clubs in the trunk. If you lift up the tailgate, you will wonder why Toyota bothered to put one there. You might be able to fit a putter in there, or perhaps two thin briefcases. Toyota said despite its size, the iQ will protect its passengers well. It features nine airbags, including the world's first rear-window curtain shield airbag. The body is engineered to maximize strength. Various computerized aids to safety, including standard ABS brakes and Traction Control. Sales of the iQ start in January, and annual sales are expected to reach around 80,000. Engines include a 1.0-liter gasoline and 1.4-liter diesel motor. No word yet on when the iQ will be available in America. Chevrolet Cruze, OrlandoChevrolet is selling up a storm in Europe, mainly with its Korean-based small cars like the Aveo. But Chevrolet also sells bigger cars in Europe, and the Chevrolet Cruze compact family sedan will help this cause when it goes on sale in March next year. The Orlando concept is a combined SUV and multi purpose vehicle, says Chevrolet. Both cars would use a 150-horsepower, 2.0-liter diesel engine. Honda InsightHonda's new Insight gas-electric hybrid will go on sale worldwide in the spring of 2009, after the mass production-ready version of the car is unveiled at the Detroit auto show in January. The original Insight was introduced in 1999. It only had two seats, whereas the new one has room for five. Honda said the Insight will achieve fuel efficiency on a par with its Civic hybrid, but at a significantly reduced price. The new Insight is equipped with a hybrid system that combines a lightweight and compact 1.3-liter gasoline engine with a motor that will achieve excellent fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions, Honda said, without revealing any data. The current Civic hybrid uses a so-called 'mild' hybrid system, which enhances the performance of the gasoline engine. 'Strong' hybrids, like that in the Toyota Prius enhance efficiency, but also allow a limited amount of separate, battery-only powered driving. Honda didn't say which system will be used in the new Insight. BMW 7 seriesBMW launched its new top-of-the-range 7 series and unveiled a hybrid concept version that will cut fuel use by 15 percent. The hybrid uses the 'mild' system, which bolsters the gasoline engine without allowing separate electric power. It combines a V-8 engine with electric drive. The hybrid version will go on sale early next year. The new BMW 7 series will hit dealerships around the world next month, and offers four-wheel steering, Internet access and technology that can identify pedestrians who might lurch dangerously close to the highway. Bentley ArnageThis massive, British, stately Arnage is presumably reaching the end of its life. Bentley, now owned by Volkswagen of Germany, has named the next 150 models it sells of its traditional limousine, the 'Final Series.' The Arnage, priced at $220,000, boasts a monster, twin turbo, 500-hp V-8 engine. Ferrari CaliforniaFerrari unveiled its new California supercar, powered by a new 4.3-liter V-8 engine with direct fuel injection generating 460 horsepower. Fiat 500The trendy little Fiat 500, the reincarnation of the iconic 1950s car, has been spectacularly successful in Europe, but is probably too small for Americans to consider. Fiat though has been talking about a building it in an old Chrysler factory. VW GolfThe VW new Golf, sold as the Rabbit in the U.S., is Europe's best-selling car. VW said 60 percent of its components are new, but the car looks remarkably similar to the outgoing model. Renault MeganeThe Renault Megane is a direct competitor with the Golf and doesn't look like the old model at all. The outgoing car's weird looking rear-end divided opinion. The new one is much more conventional looking. A recent report from investment banker Credit Suisse said in a head-to-head contest the VW Golf will win because it has a much better cost of ownership. It also sports superior engines. Lamborghini EstoqueThis four-seater, four-wheel drive concept car is powered by a 5.3-liter 500 hp Gallardo V10, Lamborghini's first four-door car since the 1987 Portofino concept. Lexus IS 250 convertibleThe IS 250 has a retractable roof and enough room in the trunk for a golf bag. Neil Winton writes the European Perspective column for AutosInsider.com