Monthly Archives: July 2013
2014 Ford Edge Proves To Be A Versatile Choice!
People often get stuck in the decision of which SUV to buy, a large SUV for maxing cargo storage and third row capacity while some ponder upon greater fuel economy and swift movability in the city, choosing small utility vehicles, instead. Many, meanwhile, are attracted towards the middle ground choosing for a Mid-range crossover vehicle where Ford Edge echoes with the needs of most buyers.
The love for Ford Edge originates from its high-tech features and attractive interiors which include blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, dual-screen rear entertainment system and cross-traffic alert, Sync voice-controlled system and a three-display MyFord Touch interface coupled with an easily maneuvering figure. Edge’s 265 horsepower, 3.6 L V-6 engines impresses well with the acceleration via a six-speed automatic transmission along with a road-oriented AWD configuration for slippery roads and snowy terrains, though it has been fabricated for off-roading purposes. Paying extra for a four cylinder turbocharged engine brings along a superb fuel economy of 30mpg on highway along with extra added enormous power. The electronic interface boasted well by Ford has invited itself criticism for being complex to use and miffing for users, while the restriction to seating capacity of five and no off-roading abilities may disappoint a vast buyer population.
The 2014 Edge is available in SE, SEL, Limited and Sport variants. The base SE packages a V-6 engine with 17 inch alloy wheels and basic functionality feature along with an add-on convenience pack that presents benefits like exterior keypad entry, rear parking sensors, automatic rearview mirror dimming and automatic headlights along with additional satellite radio and Sync Voice Command Interface. The SEL has home for all SE features along with 18-inch alloys and 8-way power driver seat with the steering wheel wrapped with leather. Leather Comfort package adds on leather upholstery, 6-way foldable passenger seats and front seat warmers. Other options include a MyFord Touch Interface with benefits of turn-by-turn 
navigation. The Driver Entry Package in Limited features keyless entry and ignition, remote ignition and power liftgate apart from the basic SEL model and addition 12-speaker sound system from Sony with HD Radio and heated mirrors. The Edge Sport, alternatively bundles a 22-inch alloy wheel system with a retuned suspension, integrated special interiors and a beastier V-6 engine.
For safety Antilock disc braking system, front-seat side airbags and full length curtain airbags along with stability control come standard in all models. Add-ons in the Vision package include blind-vision and cross-traffic warning system. Another option for all trim variants except sport is a 2.0 L four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine that has a 270 lb-ft of torque and produces 240 horsepower. It goes from 0 to 60mph in 8.4 seconds and furnishes a mileage of 24mpg in city with 30mpg on the highway.
The 2014 Edge is well known for its driving comfort and quiet, soothing and bump-free ride with a solid, concrete built. Its handling is secure with all the effective safety features and cutting corners and parking is hassle-free. The sports model, meanwhile, is more swift and sharper but its husky wheelbase degrades ride quality beyond acceptance for some. Despite of the enormous V-6 engine it leaves many people craving for more power.
2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 –Stronger Than Ever!
Whilst other siblings and competitions around the Silverado have continued to revamp constantly over past years with minor alleviations, the Silverado remained unchanged since 2007 until this year when Chevrolet decided to refresh the Silverado for model year 2014 after they had beheld enough of other manufacturers remodeling engines and redesigning bodies. Likely to the 2014 GMC Sierra, Silverado will feature a choice among three engines i.e. one V-6 and two V-8. All engines are set to discharge large amount of power more than previous models and the 6.2 L V-8 engines has been furbished to be the most efficient engine in light-duty pickup clan.
Included in the humongous degree of improvement that the new Silverado houses, a more durable, comfortable and silent cabin, emended steering, brakes and suspension for improved ride and handling, newer aesthetic interiors with connectivity functionality to meet needs of truckers, are dome peculiar alterations. Despite of high amount of improvement, the base prices of the all three contour models-regular cab, double cab and crew cab remain unchanged. The new model received an energetic presence, with a heightened stature and more muscularity in metal. The front is refreshingly new with a two-slat chrome grille with handsome headlamps mimicked from 80’s Silverado, while the back and the side seem to have acquired much less number of changes and most likely resemble the previous model.
The Silverado offers an option among three variants incorporating outmoded pushrod engine design along with contemporary system variable valve timing, direct inject, cylinder deactivation system. The base model has a 4.3 L V-6 engine that renders 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque which are top figures among standard six-cylinder pickups and is desired for fuel efficient requirements by many. A higher engine configuration offers 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque via a 5.3 L V-8 engine while the list topping model is a 6.2 L V-8 Corvette engine that flushes out 420 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard while one can select between a rear-wheel-drive and a four-wheel-drive configurations.
The interiors have gained more upscale and exciting transformations built of user-friendly HVAC and 4.2 inches or 8.0 inches touch screen depending upon the variant. All trim levels except the base model comes preloaded with Chevrolet’s MyLink Infotainment package for integrated entertainment experience as well as effective navigation and e-services like Pandora Radio. Efficient revisions, including acoustic-laminated glasses, lined front wheels and triple sealed doors, have determined utter quietness in the cabin that even whispered voice controls are perceived. Seven Trim Levels namely 1WT, 2LT, LT, LT Z71, LTZ, LTZ Z71 and High Country are available. Depending on choice of trim, Silverado can be equipped as a tech-advanced luxury traveler or an extreme trucking machine. A rough-and-tumble Z71 configuration is available to suit needs of off-roaders. Towing capability vary from 7,200-lbs for V-6 engine and 11,400-lbs and 12,000-lbs for 5.3 L and 6.2 L variants.
The Silverado boasts dual front, full length side curtain and front side airbags for passenger safety besides tire pressure monitoring system and stability control system. A lane departure warning alarm and a forward collision control system find home in the beast. With durability of a truck and ability to endure holds Silverado 2014 over most vehicles, yet it is most likely to face competition from Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra and far kin GMC Sierra.
2013 Lexus CT 200h Compact Hybrid – Their Best Bet?
Since its very inception, Lexus cars have been a hallmark of luxury and superior technology. However, being a division of the Toyota empire, which has always been inclined towards fuel efficiency and going green, Lexus took up hybrid technology in a big way, rather early as compared to other luxury automobile brands. It has numerous hybrid models of different market classes to its name. The question is, which on-road model can be touted as best?
The answer to this question can be the cause of much debate amongst both users and experts, for quite possibly, it can never be an objective response. However, if one was to use the very rudimentary and simplistic approach of assessing fuel efficiency, the 2013 Lexus CT 200h is the latest, on-road model that would emerge victorious. This is because, not unlike the super-fuel-efficient Toyota Prius, this Lexus model uses a 98 horsepower, 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine, alongside a pair of nickel-metal-hydride-battery-powered electric motor generators. Functioning as per the Hybrid Synergy Drive System, the CT 200h’s technological preeminence cannot be questioned. The EPA rates of the 2013 Lexus CT 200h are a testament to the same; it offers a mileage of 43 mpg in the City, 40 mpg on the Highway and a combined average of 42 mpg. These figures are certainly very impressive and only add to the multifarious unique features that this Lexus model boasts of.
Reviewers have often asserted that in terms of its exterior design, the 2013 Lexus CT 200h is not exceptional. It has a low, flat roof, aggressive mien and distinctively chunky form. However, the interiors of the car, more than makes up for the unimpressive outside. A think center console with a multiple controls, couples with a low-strung instrument panel placed horizontally across from door-to-door offers easy access to all the luxury fittings within. The seats are comfortable and the backseat can be folded to increase cargo-space. The features’ list is a long one; pandering to the luxuriant expectations of Lexus-lovers, the car’s interiors can be customized with numerous add-ons to make the ride all the more smooth.
Though the car in question happens to be in its third model year, it is the 2013 release that marked the beginning of sales of the F-Sport line of the model. The F-Sport version is meant to provide a sportier drive by means of a suspension upgrade, different wheels and a bolder front-grille. Even though the 2013 Lexus CT 200h may not have created much buzz on account of new additions, it certainly did grab attention on account of the new F-Sport version.
It is evident from the above that in terms of performance, the 2013 CT 200h model is superior to other Lexus hybrid models such as the 2013 ES 300h, 2013 GS 450h and 2013 RX 450h. These models, however, promise larger vehicles with way more spacious interiors. One may then conclude, that amongst all of Lexus’ on-road hybrids, the 2013 CT 200h offers highest fuel efficiency, and even though not optimally luxurious, this model caters to a niche consumer-base of those looking for a luxury compact hybrid hatchback.