Monthly Archives: December 2013
The New Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 has been a huge success for Mazda, a company that more than often struggles to get the attention of buyers more inclined to shop other brands. The CX-5 is a perfect blend of good looks, general feature content, ample space and car like driving dynamics that resonated perfectly with folks looking for a compact crossover SUV. The only little possibility to improve was under the hood. And this issue was addressed in the 2014 Mazda CX-5. The Mazda CX-5 gets a welcome infusion of power for 2014 as the Touring and Grand Touring models get a bigger engine. Fortunately, the fuel economy is barely affected. Other additions to the new Mazda CX-5 include the availability of a collision warning and assist system as well as HD and Pandora radio services.
The 2014 Mazda CX-5, a 5 passenger compact crossover comes in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. The base Sport is a standard with 17-inch wheels, full power accessories, key-less entry, cruise control, a highly adjustable driver’s seat, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and a 60-40 split folding rear seat. The Touring gets the Sport’s additional equipment plus a more powerful engine, a rear camera, a blind spot warning system, a six way power driver seat, a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat and a six speaker sound system. The Grand Touring includes everything that there is along with 19 inch wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, dual zone automatic climate control and an eight way power driver seat.
While the Sport carries the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as the last year that produces 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed manual transmission that takes the little crossover from rest to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds the Mazda CX-5 Touring and Grand Touring sport a 2.5 Liter four-cylinder good for 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission is standard. The way the 2014 Mazda CX-5 drives is a dynamic departure from the compact SUV’s segment’s otherwise typical low standards. The brakes, suspension and steering are uncommonly capable! The new Mazda CX-5 is downright fun and confidence-inspiring on a curving road. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly and makes the drive a completely indulging experience.
Mazda CX-5 will be one of the most enjoyable little SUV to drive. Mazda, once again, proved that sensible is not equal to boring. Of course, there are an awful lot of worthy competitors to consider. The Ford Escape offers available turbo power and a more appealing interior, the Honda CR-V is a more utilitarian choice and the 2014 Subaru Forester boasts stronger credentials for off-road use. But, the 2014 Mazda CX-5 should be strongly considered. Though the concept is quite conventional the execution is truly unique. The best-handling compact crossover shines in its driving experience and that makes the people who drive it won over by the Mazda CX-5 in a heartbeat. The pricing is not yet known for the Mazda CX-5 compact crossover but more would be know when the new CX-5s roll into the dealer showrooms in the early 2014!
Sneak Peek at 2014 Chevy Equinox
Since it was first introduced in 2010, the Chevrolet Equinox has been one of the most love compact crossover SUVs all credits to its perfect combination of good looks, comfort and practicality. Compared to some more recently launched or redesigned models, the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox struggles to remain as desirable as it has always been but it is still a model you might want to take a look at if you are searching for a compact crossover.
Above of all on Equinox’s positive attribute list is the availability of a strong V6 engine. As the times goes by and fuel economy becomes a raging issue or there is a claimed lack of consumer demand, more and more automakers are dropping V6 engines from their compact crossovers leaving the Equinox (and its GMC twin, the Terrain) as one of the few handful models in 2014 to boast a six cylinder grunt for towing or hauling or merely to quench your thirst for speed. Second in the list follows the overall comfort and quietness of the cabin Equinox proudly holds. While the truth prevails that this little Chevy does not offer as much as cargo space as some rivals, but there is still enough to deal with the typical stuff that most people will be looking to haul. Then there’s also the fact that the Equinox’s rear seat both slides back and reclines to give second row occupants first-class legroom.
What disappoints a tad bit is the 2.4 liter four cylinder engine that is standard on all trim levels which by the way are the LS, LT and LTZ. Even the solid EPA fuel ratings don’t do much justice out in the real world. Handling isn’t a strong suit and the steering lacks precision even by budget crossover SUV standards.
The 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine puts out 182 horsepower and 172 pout feet of twist. The standard power and torque in the lineup are accompanied by a six speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive. The all wheel drive system comes as optional. The front wheel drive Equinox with a four cylinder engine accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a sprint time of about 9.3 seconds. The LT and LZT models come with an option of the impressive 3.6 liter V6 producing 301 ponies and 272 pound feet of torque. The small SUV accelerates to 60 mph from rest in 7.0 seconds which is an amazing sprint time among small and midsize crossovers with a six-cylinder or upgraded turbocharged engine. The four cylinder models, when properly equipped, are capable of towing up to 1,500 pounds. With the V6 grunt the towing capacity rises up to 3,500 pounds.
While the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox disappoints with average handling, its smooth ride and the overall serenity of the cabin get it back into the game. The compact crossover faces tough competition with the more practical, roomier and multitalented Honda CR-V and other sportier models like the Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape and Volkswagen Tiguan. However, the Equinox remains worth a look if you seek for a small SUV with a truly upscale interior and a V6 option.
2014 Cadillac Escalade: An Inside Look
Leadership directly results in recognition, case in point: the 2014 Cadillac Escalade. The much-admired SUV still continues to set stature and remain one of the most luxurious, the brawniest large SUV’s in the market. If treading lightly is what you want, this is just not the vehicle for you. Perfect to be seen as either a high-end executive transport, marking your presence when your arrive all bold, or a symbol of overindulgence, the new Cadillac Escalade’s accentuated redesigned exteriors and improved performance put it into an authoritative niche in the market of luxurious crossovers.
Way quicker and more responsive than you ever might expect from such a beasty vehicle the 2014 Cadillac Escalade defies logic. The gigantic SUV is actually quicker than the way smaller and lighter 2012 Mercedes-B
enz C300 Sport Sedan. What adds to its formidable presence on the roads is 6.2 Liter V8 engine. Wait for it! The road monster sets standards with commanding power of a whopping 403 HP. Immense power at your disposal! The 403 HP clubbed with 417 pound-feet of torque can propel this rumbly muscle car from rest to 60 mph in a mere sprint time of 6.5 seconds. Not to forget this is when the big ute weighs almost 6,000 pounds. The low-end torque which is also great for towing married to the six speed automatic transmission is the key to the responsive shifts and the oh-so-smooth ride this humungous SUV delivers. And when it says “great for towing”, basically translates to a towing capability of a massive 8,300 pounds. And all of it adds up to an SUV experience unlike any other that makes you forget that this is the one of the biggest, heaviest luxury SUVs and also one with the truck roots.
The 2014 Cadillac shows off its signature and distinctive Cadillac Grille that helps it make its way through a crowded field of luxury crossovers. Style icon, if called, would be no harm done to anyone. Monochromatic striking accents, for instance, the body-color, side moldings and door handles along with 22 inch ultra-bright machine finished painted aluminum wheels make it look a little more stylish than the rest. On the inside the new Cadillac boasts a comfortable cabin that is luxury-car plush yet reasonably quiet. The stunning interior is trimmed in elegant brushed aluminum accents, polished chrome and tastefully selected burled wood. Heated steering wheel, 14-way adjustable heated/cooled supple leather trimmed front seats, automatic climate control and 10 ideally place speakers, all combine to make the driver and passenger feel luxury while riding it.
Escalade, to put it simply, is a full-fledged luxury vehicle. The base model semblance of the Escalade caters to VIPs and executives with an interior that can reach up to a limo-like level of gear focusing on either work or play as required. The Platinum is the choice for those who lure for a more expensive look. There is a Cadillac escalade for everyone. Well, everyone who can spend $63,170 of starting price of this full-size SUV. Expensive but so totally worth it, this beast is going to be one big competition to the Audi Q7, the Infiniti QX56, the Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX570 and the Mercedes-Benz GL Class. Not much time left to see how the forth gen Escalade sweeps SUV lovers off their feet.
Overview of 2014 Buick Enclave Sports Utility Crossover
Buick has not gifted the market with a minivan or a true station wagon but it compensates for it by delivering its mainstay vehicle, the Buick Enclave. Offering something between the flexibility of a minivan and the long-roofed goodness of a real wagon, without the stigma of wither, Buick Enclave a perfect substitute for those good old family shuttles. The Enclave is part of a trio of GM crossovers and to most of the SUV lovers it is the most appealing of them all. The hints of coke-bottle curve on its sides, the waterfall grille give this full sized star a personality far enough from the rugged looking GMC Acadia or the insipid Chevrolet Traverse, while all three of them share the same innards. What haven’t changed much are the new grille and the LED lighting. On the inside the Buick Enclave seems to have undergone rejuvenation with the new soft-touch dash and a big touchscreen.
Nothing has changed under that sheet metal for the 2014 Buick Enclave. Still spinning on the same 288 horsepower as before from its standard 3.6 liter V6 engine and the same six speed automatic transmission, the beast reins with an option of channeling it to either the front wheels or to all four wheels. The indecisive transmission from the last year has been lost for the new Buick Enclave features much less hunting through upper gears and the powertrain never really struggles to tap cruising speed despite a heavy curb weight. The gas mileage is 24 mpg mat max.
On the inside, the Enclave brings its customers the IntelliLink as the big news. Bringing up the interior of the ruling monster to the leading edge in connectivity, with a relatively easy interface, well integrated Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming functionality and apps for Pandora and Switcher audio, the IntelliLink transforms the driving experience into a high tech and amazingly entertaining one. The standard equipment this year includes a rear view camera system, a USB port, HD Radio, satellite radio and voice recognition, while navigation is optional as is a ten speaker Bose sound upgrade.
While it shares the platform with the Chevy Traverse and the GMC Acadia, the Buick Enclave boasts fancier styling and richer interior furnishings than its cousins. This niche of the crossovers, however, doesn’t lack choice. The aforementioned Chevy and GMC relatives are still a good idea on the basis of styling and lower price tags. The Ford Flex offering its wagon like styling and a turbocharged V6 grunt is funkier at the same time and stands as tough completion to the 2014 Buick enclave. So does the Mazda CX-9 with its more athletic handling and equally spacious interiors.
If dropping down in size is not a big issue for you, higher-end rivals like the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60 boast even nicer interiors, advanced features, and in the case of Infiniti – a hybrid powertrain. The MDX, however, offers the best overall characteristics of any three-row SUV in this price range. But in front of all these worthy vehicles stands proud with the handsome styling, enormous cabin and competitive pricing, the 2014 Buick Enclave!
The 2014 Buick Encore
There has been a wide range of sizes available in crossover SUVs but only a few automakers have actually presented the market with absolutely small utility vehicles aimed at consumers who drive in crowded cities. 2014 Buick Encore is one such subcompact crossover. What makes it different from rest of the alleged compact crossovers is the amount of luxury it packs in its small size. The only small SUV viewed as a premium entry in the niche, 2014 Buick Encore marks enough presence with its downsized stout structure to justify its price tag which is anticipated to reach more than $30,000 with a heavy hand on the option list.
The uniquely designed little SUV makes it hard to figure out what it competes with. While the MINI Countryman and Fiat 500L are smaller and quirkier, they stand with completely different designs than that of the Encore. As far as the traditional luxury brands are concerned the only automaker offering an all wheel drive crossover closest to the Encore in size is BMW. And as the BMW X1 shoppers go, it’s hard to say if they even know where their local Buick-GMC dealer is located. For those who seek tall wagons that aim for good gas mileage in a practical, city-friendly size, the Buick Encore stands alone and proud in its more traditional approach to luxury. Consumers who look for small but plush crossovers that is a fine mix of elements of a hatchback and a crossover, and offer an all wheel drive may end up with 2014 Buick Encore with a few other options. While the sales nowhere match the enraging sales of Buick’s mainstay larger Enclave crossover and the LaCrosse sedan, the tiny Encore reaches out to a younger audience and is potentially pioneering a whole new market segment.
The structure of the 2014 Buick Encore attempts to convey a tough and strong look to disguise its box like shape. With a steeply raked front end, the little luxury rides on huge 18 inch wheels. Accommodations impress certain dimensions while appear to be tighter in others. The flexible interior configuration is a plus point. 2014 Buick Encore comes is just one engine and transmission combination currently. A turbocharged 1.4 liter four-cylinder engine from the Chevy Sonic mated to a six speed automatic transmission. Verging on a whopping 3,200 pounds, Encore carries a lot of mass to move with just 138 ponies. If the option all wheel drive is removed and hence the added weight, the little crossover takes about 9 seconds to reach 60 mph from rest and if you need the extra weight to drive all the wheels you’ll need 10 seconds. Handling is as fine as you may get in any tall, heavy wagon with a short wheel base. The all wheel drive models roll more smoothly than the front wheel drive ones.
With its safety features and equipments, the 2014 Bick Encore and its price tag make complete sense. This is one premium luxury crossover that is not at all large, though a bit hefty, but the little SUV makes up for it by being drivable on crowded city roads!