HAUTE CAR COUTURE: Part 2 of 2.(Honda Civic Type R )(Ford Mondeo)(Ford iosis X concept )(Nissan Qashqai)(Chevrolet WTCC Ultra concept)(Kia Cee'd )(Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione)(Volvo C30)(Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 4S )(Mitsubishi Outlander concept )(Toyota Auris)

Byline: AUTOWEEK STAFF

1. Honda Civic Type R

This is the production European Civic Type R. You should be mad that we're not going to get it. Honda is citing the current euro/dollar exchange rate as the main reason importing it wouldn't make sense. A series of teaser concepts has been building up expectations, so we already know most of the details: 200 hp and performance that should have it snapping at the heels of the Euro-spec Ford Focus ST and Opel Astra OPC.

2. Ford Mondeo

Shown as a near-production model due for a European launch in early 2007, Ford's latest Mondeo made its debut in wagon form, but we'll see a sedan and five-door hatch when the full range is revealed next spring at Geneva. Besides all the parts-sharing going on under Mondeo's skin and the clean new interior design, the car also represents the company's latest expression of "kinetic'' styling that first appeared on the iosis concept at the 2005 Frankfurt show.

3. Ford iosis X concept

While the iosis shown a year ago at Frankfurt was a large four-door coupe in the Mercedes-Benz CLS style, iosis X applies the design philosophy to a sporty crossover. The result is a small Infiniti FX look-alike that we're told is certain to form the basis of a future Focus-based, small sport/utility vehicle, possibly as soon as two years from now, and very possibly for the U.S. market as well as Europe.