Brazil has become a very important market for car companies. It is now the fourth-largest car consuming market in the world, and one of its most popular segments is car-based pick-up trucks.

These vehicles make-up about 7 percent of the market in Brazil. Fiat, which is the largest volume brand there, is now going to offer a sports version of its Strada pick-up truck called the Sporting.

Think of this as a Chevrolet El-Camino of sorts. The Strada Sporting is a sporty looking vehicle that is half car, half pick-up truck. However, unlike the El-Camino, the Strada Sporting is not likely to win many drag races, since it only has a 1.8-liter, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine that produces 130 hp when running on petrol, and 132 hp when running on ethanol. So power is not its main attraction, but its appearance is.

To differentiate it from its lesser versions, Fiat has given the Strada Sporting a new aero kit which includes a front spoiler, side skirts and wheel-arch extensions, all painted in body color. It also gets new 15-spoke, 16-inch rims to complete its sporty appearance.

Inside, you get leather wrapped steering wheel, leather wrapped hand-brake lever and a leather wrapped gear-shift knob. You also get unique seat trims, red seat belts, aluminum pedals and revised instrumentation.

All of these sporty accessories don’t come cheap though. Base price for the Sporting is equivalent to $27,400. But if you’re a young farmer, construction worker or delivery boy who wishes to stand out, this might be the truck you’ve been looking for.

[Source: Carscoop]

Honda has officially revealed the 2010 Accord Crosstour Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV), which will go on sale this Fall, competing head-to-head with vehicles like the Toyota Venza.

“Our concept is to broaden the appeal of the Accord line-up by leveraging traditional Accord strengths of fun-to-drive performance and handling while also adapting to dramatic shifts in the light truck marketplace,” said Erik Berkman, VP of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The Accord Crosstour accomplishes that by offering a modern interpretation of a CUV while integrating the refinement and efficiency of a premium sedan.”

“We know SUV buyers like the commanding view of the road that comes with a high eye-point and like the comforts of living with an SUV. This vehicle meets the needs of buyers looking for those attributes yet at the same time want an image that is different from a conventional SUV.”

Honda has yet to release specifications on the model but the Crosstour will be positioned as the highest level Accord and will likely cost a $2,000 premium over sedan models. Honda promises sporty Accord-like driving dynamics along with all the advantages of a crossover, like an excellent view of the road, AWD and plenty of cargo room.

GALLERY: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

Official release: