Daily Archives: March 14, 2014
2014 Range Rover Sport: The All New Discovery Platform For Sports SUV Enthusiasts
This year, the Range Rover is not at all the same as it used to be earlier. The all steel structure of 2014 Range Rover Sport has underpinned even the last years Land Rover model and fails borderline from being sporty. However, the new owners of Land Rover i.e. Tata Motors have deployed a new generation aluminum structure which is light in weight and was also seen first time in the Range Rover launched last year. The weight reduction for a 2014 Range Rover sport is somewhere around 800 pounds which actually makes some difference.
However, the weight reduction might seem interesting to some if you give importance to the expanded dimensions of this version. Newly launched 2014 Range River Sport is 2.4 inch longer and 2.2 inch wider in comparison to its predecessors. The additional seven inches on wheel base make this SUV more subtle and balanced while also getting away from its predecessors’ bling styling. The newly introduced seven seat option, which is usually not a part of a full Range Rover is good but perches are small. However, no comprise is made on seating space and enough attention is paid to the comfort of driver as well as passengers.
Quality improvements in the well equipped, well designed and reconstructed inside cabin are quite apparent with extra wheel base offering more space. Reorganized seats have made seat comfort a priority with a bit of compromised luggage space, but we are not complaining. Materials used for building interiors are certainly of high quality and feels lovely to touch, must say the interiors are well thought while designing. However, rear seats are only generously comfortable, but overall the Range Rover sport offers loads of useful storage options and rather grand front seat comfort.
All electronic dashboard seems a little dumpy and disappointing in comparison to the remaining interior and the touchscreen controls of the infotainment panel are also a bit laid down as compared to the touchscreen panels available on its competitors. While on road, the 2014 Range Rover Sport ensures comfortable ride, graduated roll control, subtle approach to road bumps and well weighed steering that offer accurate performance. Some test drivers might find wading depth indicator a gimmick but is completely optional. Riding on tough rocks and want to protect tires? Here comes the all around cameras to show the exact position of the wheels in relation to the road, and trust it’s brilliant.
For a tough journey among mountains and mud, 2014 Range Rover sport is the SUV to watch out for as the comfort it and driving dynamics it offer are undoubtedly not available in any other crossover coming at its price.
The next gen Range Rover starts at a price of $20,000 and also has extra two seats on offer, which is not as bad as it seem too many. If you are looking for sports SUV and belong to families hauling from rich parents then surely 2014 Range Rover Sport is your safest bet for a futuristic crossover.
2014 Mazda CX-5: The Beefier and Better Crossover
The driver pleasing Mazda CX 5 is back in 2014 and that too with the bang on Touring and Grand Touring Models offering front wheel and all wheel drive options to choose from. Now the compact SUV lovers can also find 184 hp, 2.5 liter inline four in 2014 Mazda CX-5 which is also a high selling point of Mazda6 Sedan. However, going a step ahead from its previous versions, the SUV also sports useful and additional 29hp along with 35 lb-ft of output and all is made available even in the basic sport trim level. Option of automatic and manual gearbox, Mazda built six speed automatic transmission to mate with 2.5 liter CX-5 and an additional piece of Mazda’s Skyactive technology are some things to look out for in the futuristic SUV.
Undoubtedly the all new 2014 Mazda CX-5 has set the soaring high standards for compact SUVs with its smooth handling and driver enjoyment, however the 2.5 liter dispense manages to offer only modest acceleration. Its takes approx 9s for 0 to 60 mph acceleration, but Mazda claims to offer 8s assurance with 2.5 liter version. Competitors offering turbocharged and V-6 engine options are still way ahead from the 2014 Mazda CX-5, but when it comes to driving in twisting tough roads, the car comes as a winner.
The automatic version is surprisingly quick, adept and downshifts crisply with the less sharp upshifts. The base architecture of CX-5 might be copied from Mazda 6, but it lacks paddle shifter or manual gearbox which is a apart of sedan. Like earlier versions, this time as well 2014 Mazda CX-5 offers handling balance, steering wheel, braking feel, ride control and a lot more beyond the ordinary levels of SUVs offered in this class.
The weight of the compact SUV gets modified with the trim level you wish to buy, as the weight gain with new engine has gone only about 100pounds up approximately. The fully loaded diesel version we test drove is packed with standard Mazda features that prominently include electronic gewgaws, 5.8 inch touchscreen, big console dial/mouse device, easier panel to adjust radio volume and station, dedicated knobs and buttons for tweaking climate control system. The design and finishing of the new 2014 Mazda CX-5 is done keeping in mind real people driving in real world, so hats off to the designers.
Although the compact SUV by Mazda is packed with adequate power but it also lags behind with its one negative point, which is occasional intrusion of road noise over coarse road surfaces. Although Mazda is considered quieter than its competitors but this time it disappointed in that department. Clean and functional interior design might look bland to those who have good experience with top end SUV models going beyond $30,000. At this price, Buick Encore has better and luxurious trimmings to admire.
The 2014 Mazda CX-5 has no competition in driving enjoyment that comes with all round balance and excellent ride charm, until you start looking for accelerative thrills to have fun drive above everything else.
2014 Subaru Forester: A not so gorgeous yet powerful SUV
So from the first look, there is hardly any chance that you will find the 2014 Subaru Forester stunning or even gorgeous, because the car is all about being wide, long and roomy, however this version of Subaru is a lot sleeker than its predecessors. For all those Subaru buyers here comes the good news, the base motor now comes with the all new crisp, six speed gearbox giving rest to the age old five speed version. The new CVT is more efficient than the automatic four speed transmission.
The newly launched turbocharged XT model of 2014 Subaru Forester comes with 250 hp engine which offers same fuel economy as the currently available 170hp 2.5X model. Its fast acceleration from 0 to 60 within 6.2 seconds makes it one of the fastest over among its competitors. The lovable 2.0 liter engine in the XT comes with direct injection feature.
The latest version of Subaru Forester is well planted, composed and is a quieter SUV that comes with a complete package if Subaru Forester features that a buyer looks for. The car is intercooled, has turbocharged monster engine, beefed suspension and amazing stouter brakes that makes it an all comfort drive during snowy stormy days. Well calibrated steering has electronic assistance feature that makes path adjustments simple and direct. Stiffer chassis and no hint of rattles make it a best car in class.
Over the years Subaru has proved its mantle over bringing subtle and smart changes in the detailing of their luxury vehicles and this continues with the latest Subaru Forester as well. Front doors come with no sill which means you will no more find dirt collecting place near front doors. Interiors are all stylish with panache of any banquet and this also the same place where Subaru lacks. No negative word for this SUV in terms of its driving quarter, comfortable seating position, telescoping steering wheel and the clearly reengineered structure, but the SUV still lacks sex appeal, which can easily be found in its competitors like Mazda CX 5, Kia Sorento and Ford Escape that comes at approximately same price.
In more than many metrics, the 2014 Subaru Forester is very well darned and is also one among many crossovers that can be taken to a muddy terrain without much thought. The 8.7 inch ground clearance keeps you safe until you end up bumping on some seriously tough road. Manual gearbox version is also available for the buyers, but the newly launched CVT with manual gearbox makes a less logical choice for obvious reasons and one among them is fuel economy.
Ample of rear legroom and overall improved cargo space as compared to Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Toyota RAV-4 makes it a comfortable and spacious option while buying a crossover. The driving dynamics of Forester being an engaging option is still arguable because of competition coming from Crossover leaders like Mazda and Ford but none of them offers Subaru’s ground clearance. Vanilla cockpit can certainly put the sale of Subaru Forester at the back burner.
2014 Toyota Highlander: A Simple family SUV
Much similar to its previous versions, 2014 Toyota Highlander comes with a quite discreet, unique and our favorite feature on which we will go straight while writing this review for the futuristic SUV. Driver easy speak is the latest feature to look for in the 2014 Toyota Highlander, the advanced tech features uses a front seat microphone with speakers attached on the rear seat, through which driver can speak to rear seat passengers like a PA system. If a driver wish to yell at the back seat passengers, his voice will boom in the rear seat like the voice of God without even him making turn his head. All driver has to do is to switch it on before he decides on talking to the passengers.
The best thing about the new Toyota Highlander is if the driver makes any rear seat commotion then it will be the only sound in its cabin, because otherwise the newly designed cabin of 2014 Toyota Highlander is a placid isolation which is quite an additional feature for drivers who prefer to avoid their surrounding sounds. The same was found missing in the previous highlanders, but this time Toyota has managed its reputation of being a driver pleaser. As always, no compromise has been made to the comfort in front as well as rear, the same has always been a positive point with 2014 Toyota Highlander.
The reconfigured 2014 Toyota Highlander comes with excellent rear suspension that has also created enough space for abreast third row and has the ability to carry as many as eight passengers at a time. Even for cargo space no comprises have been made, even after the comfortable occupancy of eight you are left with ample of cargo space to carry luggage, the storage space behind third row is 34 percent more than any other highlander version.
Bit from the perspective of a driver, all seems well with the new Toyota Highlander, as this time the company has managed to do away with cheap plastic materials and gaping panel joints, which are quite a turn off in previous Toyota models. Soothing interiors with use of excellent quality material are truly a delight for your eye. The powerful V-6 engine over silence pick up, however the automatic transmission is still limited to six speed options, on the other hand the standard six speed transmission is imperceptibly employed making highlander’s mission of serene transportation quite clear.
Thick trimmed and leather wrapped grip of steering wheel is also a surprise for the Toyota lovers and yes this time the steering gives you an amazing genuine feel. These features are quite rare in the newly launched Toyota models and until now completely non-existent in the highlander. Many of the test drivers are taking this as a welcome change as it allows driver to feel the tire grip on the road and also the effort built by steering while turning into the corners.
The all new 2014 Toyota Highlanders will surely make buyers sing its praises from the front seat with kids enjoying singing at the back.
2014 Audi Q5 TDI: Diesel Power In Small Size
The all new Audi Q5 remains largely unchanged if compared to its earlier version, however the addition of two more significant engines Q5TDI and high performance SQ5 are something to watch out for. Here we present you with the review of the diesel version of Audi Q5 TDI that has actually taken us by the storm with its magnificent performance which is much like its other diesel models like A6, A7, A8 and Q7. Apart from new engine, 2014 Audi Q5 TDI also has its share of convenience package that broadly includes features like Audi specialized music interface, Bluetooth, HomeLink and its much liked driver information system, all these features are quite standard for premium Audi models. However, to make a difference among the premium and premium plus models, Audi has introduced Audi side assist, Sport seats, three spoke steering wheel and brushed aluminum inlay, which is proudly names S line plus package. All these plus line package features comes as a standard in all new Q5 models.
Speaking technicality, the Piezo style fuel injectors are undoubtedly the excellent choice for diesel engines as they are highly efficient to handle excess high pressure. The injectors of the model we are talking about are powerful enough to injecting diesel in Audi’s 3.0 liter diesel V-6 engine at a staggering speed of 29,000 psi, which is definitely high from its previous versions and also ensures higher power output. The supercharged 3.0 liter turbo TDI makes you feel like home with its instant torque and the way its whisks smoothly away from stops. Audi has actually made downshift completely irrelevant with their new offering.
In comparison to its expensive oil burning competitors like Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 BlueTEC, 2014 Audi Q5 TDI offers better driving experience. More responsive steering, excellent brakes and its power advantage over Benz are quite apparent even during the first drive. Audi has worked really hard in making 2014 Audi Q5 TDI a car for all and its quite visible as well, it has gone a long way to cut down on weight if compared with other TDI predecessors. The entire structure of 2014 Audi Q5 TDI has been redesigned to make it look and feel lighter. This time they have also taken a break from complex chain drive and is replaced by two belts instead of four.
Audi has once again proved its mantle in the luxury automobile sector with its latest diesel offering and has also given its customers all the reasons to smile. The mating of their turbocharged V-5 TDI engine with capable Q5 is the most logical conclusion taken by them in recent years. The acceleration time of 0 to 60 within 6.5 seconds makes it zippy. N a rare advantage over other TDI models from Audi this one comes fully well equipped even from the entry level models and the all new Audi Q5 becomes a complete value for money when Audi’s famed all wheel drive Quattro system comes at such a low price. The front runner SUV is the most compact luxury utility vehicle to watch out for in 2014.