Daily Archives: December 19, 2013
The 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line
Vehicle models that haven’t changed for a long time are often seen as outdated or comparatively less desirable, but the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line marks a notable exception in that case. This SUV has been on sale for almost six years now and still, without a major redesign, the little crossover from VW remains one of the most rewarding vehicles in its segment. With the already present 4 trim levels namely, S, SE, SE with Appearance and SEL, this year the sport new R-Line debuts as the top-of-the-line trim level for the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan.
The 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line is powered by a turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder engine good for 200 horsepower and 207 pound feet of torque. Enhancing the driving experience is a six speed automatic transmission mated to the engine. While the standard Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line comes with front wheel drive, the all wheel drive (also called the 4Motion) is optional. The automatic transmission accelerates the vehicle from rest to 60 mph in a sprint time 7.5 seconds, which is pretty impressive for a crossover in this niche. EPA-estimated fuel economy rates 23 mpg combined, 21 city/26 highway for the front wheel drive model. The all wheel drive model returns the same 23 combined (20/26).
The 2014 Volkswagen R-Line rocks 19 inch alloy wheels, adaptive bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights, a sport tuned suspension, LED license plate illumination, automatic wipers, power folding exterior mirrors, full power front seats, driver memory functions, leather upholstery, special interior accents which includes the R-Line steering wheel with paddle shifters and an auto dimming rearview mirror.
The sporty body kit of the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line is stylish at the same time. Lines and contours on the sides perfectly complement the look of the SUV and the headlights just the right amount of oomph for the crossover. On the inside, the dashboard of the R-Line strikes with solidity and sophistication with supple materials in abundant supply. While the climate and audio controls remain well placed and easy to use, compact dimension of the touchscreen limit the amount of information that can be displayed, however, it offers a crisp, intuitive interface.
The 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line’s turbocharged four cylinder engine hits the sweet spot. While the compact crossover faces tough competition with the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 in terms of cargo space, the R-Line boasts a stronger base engine and such a gratifying acceleration that more power seems unnecessary. R-Line feels a little sportier when driven around turns, all credits to its firmer suspension tuning. This vehicle is primarily about comfort and that is all you can experience while driving the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line. The way this compact crossover drives with its refined cruising character, it invites comparisons to luxury crossovers. While the fact prevails that this luxury compact crossover doesn’t come cheap at all, every single compliant and exceptionally hushed ride in the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line will testify for every little penny you spend on this work of art.
The 2014 Kia Sportage SUV!
Kia Motors has been quite a strong competitor in the international market, and being one of the very few Korean companies that have been able to do so, the company has managed to turn many heads during its course in the market. The company has launched a number of extremely efficient SUVs in the traditional sector, and has released quite a number of concept models for the future as well. Its SUV, the Kia Sportage has however, managed to be the most famous and sought after vehicle of the company. Although already extremely efficient, the SUV has now undergone some changes under the hood for the new 2014 model, and will be available with slightly modified and even more stylish looks to the company’s customers from next year!
The major change that the company has brought about in the SUV is that the previous 2400cc inline four cylinder engines have been replaced by direct injection engine of the same displacement. Direct injection engines are well known for being extremely efficient as they are capable of delivering better fuel economy statistics as well as better power outputs as compared to traditional inline engines of the same displacement values. As was expected, the values of power output and torque has been enhanced from 176 horsepower and 168 pound – feet in the 2013 model to 182 horsepower and 178 pound – feet in the 2014 models. Also, although the company hasn’t yet released the numbers for the fuel economy of the new models, they are expected to be increased by significant amounts as well.
There are two other major changes to the trims of the 2014 Kia Sportage. The Sportage still comes in three trims, the LX, EX and SX. However, the company has equipped the base model in manners that has reduced the difference between the LX and EX trims significantly. For example, the sporty shock setup has also been added to the LX trim, making the ride better! Also, the company has chosen to drop manual transmissions of the base model, and has decided to incorporate automatic transmission to the LX model.
There are some other changes as well, the most prominent one being the new front grille, which will definitely add a new look to the conventional Sportage look. The new 2014 2014 Kia Sportage models also feature new cuts and sleek designing changes on the exteriors of the vehicles. Also, all the trims now feature a tilt and telescope adjustable steering wheel. The company’s UVO Services come standard on the EX and the SX models, while customers going for the base LX model can choose if they want it or not. Also, the EX model will feature slightly different fog lamps than other 2013 models. In the interiors, all the trims feature an amazing rear ventilation system accompanied by reclining outboard seats. These features add to the overall comfort of the Kia Sportage SUV. The EX trim also features heated front seats, giving the SUV a nice luxurious touch.
The company has definitely made amazing changes to the already awesome Sportage. It is definitely going to be interesting to see how good do these SUVs fare against other giants of the market!
The 2014 Honda CR-V
Having remained one of the best selling SUV’s for several years the Honda CR-V is a perfect blend of practicality, comfort, usability, driver involvement, fuel economy, reliability and low ownership cost and these qualities still remain unmatched by any other compact crossover SUV till date. Folks who look for a small family vehicle this little SUV should top your test drive list. The 2014 Honda CR-V carries over unchanged into the new year and no issues with that since the compact crossover one of the best in its niche.
What best describes the Honda CR-V is the word “easy” because that is certainly what it makes your life. The 5 passenger crossover SUV comes in LX, EX and EX-L trim levels. While the LX comes standard with 16 inch steel wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry, a blind spot mirror, a rear view camera, cruise control a height adjustable driver seat, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a 60.40 split folding seat with reclining trunk mounted fold handle, Pandora internet radio control and all the fancy stuff that there should be in a modern compact crossover, the EX adds to it 17 inch alloy wheels and other luxuries like a sunroof, fog lights, body colored mirrors and door handles, rear privacy glass, a cargo cover and six speaker sound system. The EX-L boast everything along with roof rails, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, dual zone climate control, leather wrapped steering wheel and leather upholstery, eight way power driver seat with two way power lumbar, satellite radio and even a seven-spear surround sound system including a sub woofer.
Powered by a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine, the 2014 Honda CR-V runs on 185 horsepower and twists with 163 pound feet of torque and is mated to a five speed automatic transmission that comes standard with all the models. There is a choice for the buyers between front or all-wheel drive on all models. The fuel economy rates at 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 26 mpg combines while they drop by 1 mpg each in AWD models. The real world driving also testifies the numbers. The Honda CR-V greets the driver with a very precise steering wheel and commendably steady handling. Also, ride quality is smoother and unlike the previous generations, 2014 Honda CR-V sports a relatively quiet cabin.
The 2014 Honda CR-V faces tough completion with competitors like the Chevy Equinox, the 2014 Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and of course the 2014 Mazda CX-5. In fact, the Jeep Cherokee and Subaru Forester also stand as strong alternative. And since the exterior of the 2014 Honda CR-V is quite bland and materials used in the cabin aren’t as high-quality as in some of the rivals, it seems hard to get excited about the vehicle. But for those who believe in making decisions based in practicality and sensibility rather than an emotional choice based on a highly stylish grille or amazingly plush interiors, nothing comes remotely close to the 2014 Honda CR-V.
The 2014 Audi Q5
The German automaker Audi argues that the Q5 boasts interiors of a luxury car, the handling of a sport sedan, and the ground clearance of a crossover SUV. Interestingly, the brand never needed to argue since the 2014 Audi Q5 actually blends the three of the above qualities and is one of the most loved compact luxury crossovers in its class. For 2014, Audi Q5 lineup welcomes the addition of a powerful yet fuel efficient turbodiesel model while the base 2.0 liter gets a power upgrade to 220 horsepower. Rest updates are confined to equipment changes across various trim levels.
The 2014 Audi Q5 2.0T comes standard with all wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.0 liter inline four cylinder engine good for 220 horsepower and 258 pound feet of torque. An eight speed automatic transmission comes as standard. EPA estimated fuel economy is 20 city/28 highway and 23 mpg combined. The Q5 2.0T accelerates to 60 mph from rest in a sprint time of 6.8 seconds which is a performance on par with the Audi’s peers. The Audi 3.0T sports a supercharged 3.0 liter V6 engine that generates 272 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque. Along with the standard eight speed automatic transmission, an automatic stop-start system saves fuel by shutting off the engine when the car comes to a halt. This 3.0T engine is capable of accelerating the Q5 from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds which surely is a very quick time for a vehicle in this class. Fuel economy estimates stand at 18/26/21. Next in the lineup, the Q5 3.0 TDI features a 3.0 liter turbocharged diesel V6 good for 240 hp and a whopping 428 pound feet of torque. The automatic stop-start system is standard. The brand claims a sprint time of 6.5 seconds for a 0 to 60 mph acceleration while fuel economy estimates stand at 24/30/26. Lastly, Q5 Hybrid pairs the 2.0T’s engine with an electric motor and a battery pack and generates an output of 245 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.
The 2014 Audi Q5 sports classy interiors and top notch construction. Despite its compact size this crossover manages to deliver a roomy experience whether you’re seated in front or rear seats. The rear seats slide fore and raft, which is a rarity in this segment of luxury crossovers.
The SUV delivers smooth, powerful acceleration and the eight speed automatic transmission is refined and responsive. As the brand “argues”, the handling is excellent. The steering is similarly quick and responsive but is said to have a rather artificial feel. One rather funny or annoying thing about the Q5 is its random refiring since the automatic stop-start system doesn’t keep the engine off at very long traffic lights.
While the compact luxury crossover faces head to head competition with models, like the roomier Volvo XC60, the equally excellent handling and performance boasting BMW X3 or the even more stylish Land Rover’s Range Rover Evoque or the mpg driven Mercedes Benz GLK-Class, the 2014 Audi Q5 is a candidate that does everything well and hence becomes an ideal choice!
2014 Lexus GX 460
The new Lexus luxury utility vehicle (LUV), 2014 GX 460 gets all gussied up and quite extensively so that the mid-sizer seems less a truck than a Lexus on stilts. The freshened up GX 460 went through far deeper facelift than the now-trademark spindle grille and the LED applied to the Lexus LX 570 last year. The equally tough and trail SUV now boasts gigantic rear fender flares and striking front grille design that marks the extreme L-finesse. Though not the sleekest SUV in town, the 2014 Lexus GX 460 prides itself on global heritage just like Toyota LandCuiser Prado! Also the truck like demeanor is evident of the fact that this is going to be, if not the best and the most rugged, one fine play on the market of off-roaders. And all of it comes under a reasonable price despite additional technology and safety equipment that are included as standard. Cherry on the cake!
The raised roofline, necessary to make sufficient space for the third row of the newly designed seven-seater still got generous ground clearance of about 8.3 inches minimum. The unconventional hour glass shaped grille on the Lexus GX 460 though getting mixed responses is still unique and is sure to make the little SUV to turn heads and stand out. The LED daytime running lights in headlamps are a success. Lexus’s white LEDs are every bit bright as bright and helpful on roads as in SUVs from Audi or BMW. Excellent for low visibility conditions these LED lights use a very little amount of energy and provide a prominent light graphic for road safety. The clear taillights are strange as the fashion aware buyers of the Lexus legacy might question them but they still strike out.
The midsized SUV, 2014 Lexus GX 460 sports a 4.7 liter V-8 engine belonging to the Tundra pickup. Generating enough power of 301 HP and mated to an all-new-five-speed-automatic-transmission and a Torsen center differential which biases the torque (329 pound feet of torque) towards the end with traction, this engine makes this SUV maneuverable with a light duty full time four wheel drive. The car can reach up to 60 mph from rest in a sprint time of 8.5 seconds while it sports a top speed of 112 mph. The undeniable capability and the body-chassis structure of the new 2014 Lexus GX 460 make it deft enough to be creek-and-groan-free in the rough. However, being more of a luxury utility vehicle you might want to keep it away from way too nasty conditions for it is quite plushly outfitted for that.
It is expected that the 2014 Lexus GX 460 will be seen competing with the BMW X5 and the Mercedes ML500 and possibly Merc GL too while it’s priced at a sum of $45,000. For the love of a gritty feel of a 4WD truck underneath your seat the GX is massively appealing. This purposely built off road machine is added with extra style and so much luxury along with a giant price cut making it one definite consideration among serious SUV fanatics!