Daily Archives: March 30, 2014
2014 Acura MDX: A Budget Crossover
For 2014, Acura has completely redesigned its MDX model with highlights like improved fuel economy, luxurious high quality interior and improved control interface. The revamped 2014 Acura MDX illustrates its evolution as well as benefits it comes with. The previous generation SUV model from Acura was quite a success among buyers, especially the ones who like midsize luxury crossovers because it came with luxurious nature and sporty performance at a much lower price as compared to other luxury midsize crossovers. But, as we say there is always a room for improvement, so has already been implemented by Acura in its new MDX as they have made some canny upgrades to present a more refined version with the aim of achieving broader appeal.
2014 Acura MDXMDX which hit the market last year has the same platform as Honda and Odyssey, however this year it comes with a rather new platform that provides a slightly increased interior room. The addition of useful new features in 2014 Acura MDX like forward sliding second row with touch button feature to facilitate third row seats access makes it a complete value for money. Array of control buttons which were quite a put off in previous versions do no longer exist and have made way for a smarter 7 inch touchscreen panel making dash look more cleaner and modern.
Under the hood, 2014 Acura MDX has introduced new 3.5 liter V6 engine which offers lower end torque because of its direct fuel injection technology. However, the horsepower is less by 10hp if compared to its previous version 3.7 liter engine. The car maker is saying that their new MDX is powerful enough to reach from 0 to 60 mph half a second earlier then what its previous version was offering because this time they have reduced weight almost by 275 pounds. The newly introduced engine also brings with it improved fuel economy and their AWD models specifically offer up to 17 percent improvement in the mpg. Make a first critical move in its midsize crossover production, Acura offering MDX 2014 with two wheel drive option which is quite a gift for buyers living in mild climates as it becomes fuel efficient and less expensive.
The talent featured by Acura MDX all these years is quite formidable, but it also faces tough competition from the better and pricier versions of midsize crossovers which also ready to hit the 2014 SUV market with even more pomp and show. Giving direct competition to Acura MDX is 2014 Buick Enclave, which is undoubtedly more spacious and less expensive but also lacks the refinement and handling offered by Acura. In refinement and technology, 2014 Acura MDX has a competitor in 2014 BMW X5 which is more or less a performance oriented SUV but is slightly higher on the price band. On the other hand, Infiniti’s QX60 and MKT from Lincoln fail to offer enjoyable driving dynamics which are a positive point with Acura MDX. So, if you are also looking for a midsized SUV that can offer pleasant handling, excellent driving dynamics, and lovable features then highly evolved 2014 Acura MDX is our best pick.
2014 BMW X5: Redesigned and Evolutionary
To make a hit in 2014 SUV market, BMW has entered the paradigm with its evolutionary and redesigned BMW X5, which has updated styling, revised powerful engine and improved interior space to make it best among the futuristic SUVs. For those who still appreciate watching first generation BMW X5s on roads, should not forget to consider that those have become quite outdated if compared to the next generation SUVs hitting the market. Taking cue from this only, the German car maker has completely redesigned its 2014 BMW X5 to present the more luxurious SUV which fortunately doesn’t drive like an SUV.
14 models year old in market, BMW still understands what a car lover expects from its luxury SUV and the same they have incorporated in their redesigned BMW X5 keeping a beautiful amalgamation of performance, luxury and utility in mind. Although, BMW claimed that they have kept everything intact which the previous X5 owners have praised, but still they have managed to go a step ahead to make it one of the favorite midsize SUVs. With the 2014 model, you will realize that BMW is stepping carefully in the futuristic SUV section, without making any compromise to their flagship standards. The new 2014 BMW X5 looks more or less the same as it previous model from the outside with the exception of handsome rig which is the only difference one can spot from its previous versions.
This time as well, the BMW has maintained the same size and weight while guaranteeing exceptionally capable handling and stability of the X5. Even in the interior section there is not much to boast about, however this time it is more spacious, roomier and classier than its predecessor. They have beautifully split the second row seats in 40/20/40 sections to make them comfortable, thus improving their overall utility and making compromise on their third row seat. Like all their SUV, the 2014 BMW X5 as well can be customized with features depending on your own choice with the addition of designs and themes to make it customized for your needs.
Peeping under the hood and we were engulfed by the feeling of déjà vu because the 2014 BMW X5 has kept its turbocharged inline-6 in the 35i trim level unchanged and X5 50is turbocharged V8 is also here without any major modifications with a slight increase in horsepower which now touches 450 hp with better fuel economy. To make the choices more intriguing for their customers, BMW has come up with 35d model and diesel fueled engine to choose from. 255 hp output of diesel engine remains unchanged as well apart from few tweaks and is paired with eight speed automatic transmission that ensures better fuel economy.
With midsize SUV market becoming abounded these days, 2014 BMW X5 is not the only ideal choice if we see it from the family hauling point. For this, BMW is facing competition from its own fleet because X3 is a batter option as it’s not that small. Although they have offered third row seats but they are quite small to be even considered if compared to the cheaper SUVs like 2014 Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60. Even in performance department 2014 BMW X5 has its competitors like 2014 Range Rover and 2014 Porsche Cayenne.
Toyota Highlander 2014 Bringing Comfort to SUV
Smooth ride, refined optional V6 engine and a redesigned model by Toyota are the first few words to describe their still to arrive highlander 2014, which is sure to take the SUV world 2014 by storm, ranking 9 among the best affordable midsize SUV’s Toyota Highlander 2014 SUV is a complete package for family as many of the critics has awarded it with a title of great family hauler.
The base model of Toyota Highlander 2014 comes equipped with a 185 horsepower, 2.7 liter four cylinder engine which is adequate to provide enough power for smooth ride. However, they have kept an option of a 270 horsepower, 3.5 liter V6 engine as well which is more refined and offers more power in comparison to the later one. Going by their trend, Toyota has kept its sis speed automatic transmission standard across all the trim levels. The major distinguishable point among the various Toyota Highlander 2014 SUV models is their EPA which varies in both the engine versions, the base version offers 10/25 mpg city/highway estimated EPA, whereas the V^ engine version offers 10/25 mpg city/highway estimated EPA, which are considered as good for the class this SUV belongs to.
Test drivers have shown great acceptance and assurance towards Toyota Highlander 2014 SUV’s smooth ride, secure handling and appropriately weighing steering system which is communicative enough to ease the overall driving experience. Undoubtedly, Toyota Highlander 2014 SUV is far better than its close competitors Chevrolet Traverse and Dodge Durango which come equipped with the comparable features.
If compared in terms of appearance, critics find Toyota Highlander SUV a step ahead from others with its attractive design and use of high quality material in building interiors. As far as the comfort is concerned, the first and the second row seats seems comfortable enough for adults to sit, whereas the third row seats are good enough for kids only if planning a long trip. The informative and interactive touch screen system of Toyota Highlander 2014 is something to look out for in an affordable SUV of this class. The availability of wide array of cabin storage space, with a special mention of spacious shelf under the dashboard offers convenience to store odd items like glasses, cell phones, etc.
This time Toyota has given comfort and well being of passengers the top most priority while designing it as a future car for 2014. The future version of Toyota Highlander 2014 is 7cm longer and 1.5 cm in comparison to its predecessors so that Toyota can offer more spacious interior especially in the second row. This 2014 SUV is also a first eight seater SUV by Toyota in this category, wherein all the trims are available with third row, which is disappointingly is suitable for kids only.
The fully loaded Toyota Highlander 2014 SUV comes with an array of standard features that primarily include backup camera, panoramic monoroof, easy navigation, 12 speaker JBL audio system, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring, which makes it a fun to drive future SUV at very nominal price.
First drive of 2014 Land Rover LR4
Giving tough competition to the already raving SUV market, Land Rover has come up with its first installment of futuristic cars with its all new 2014 Land Rover LR4, which is not only impressive with its amazing looks but is also a must to watch out for because of its towing ability. With enough room to accommodate 7 passengers comfortably, this new car looks more like a rather refurbished version of its predecessor LR3. Revised interiors, luxurious cabin, powerful engine performance make the newly launched LR4 worth for its price and hype. To make the design more aesthetically appealing, the company has introduced changes in its design with renovated front bumper, front grilles and LED accent smart headlights.
However, if you dig deep in the interior and exterior of 2014 Land Rover LR4, you will find out that all these years Land Rover has made no attempt to make any changes to the basic structure of its SUVs, which also remains the same with this car as well. In addition to that, the overall look of their SUVs looks more inspired from the vintage SUV designs which were introduced long back in 1989.
Speaking about the tech specs, the new 2014 Land Rover LR4 comes with highly efficient 3.0 liter V6 engine which is by far the best if compared to its previous fuel thirsty V8 engine. The supercharged engine is capable of generating 340 horsepower along with 331 lb-ft torque. The newly introduced eight speed automatic transmission is especially designed by ZF, which is also the major thing to watch out for in the new LR4. The heavy weight vehicle is powerful enough to sprint from 0 to 6mph within 7.7 seconds with the maximum speed of 121mph. Mileage for 2014 Land Rover LR4 can go up to 14mpg thanks to its newly added transmissions and can go up to 19mpg while on highway while using premium gasoline.
This time around, Land Rover has introduced the two speed unit for LR4, which is easily available as an additional option for those looking for more rough and thrilling off road driving. However, the standard transfer case in 2014 Land Rover LR4 with single speed unit has the power to offer 42 to 58 percent torque split for both front and rear. To make the look of 2014 Land Rover LR4 all futuristic yet close to the roots, Land Rover has maintained all its standard features in this one as well which primarily include adjustable air suspension. To match its level, Land Rover has made no comprises to its off road prowess, which helps LR4 gain momentum among other SUVs. The all applauded terrain response system, which is also standard in Land Rover SUVs helps drivers in optimizing vehicle while handling difficult terrains. In addition to everything, the terrain response for LR4 is offered in five settings general, grass/gravel/snow, mud/ruts, sand, and rock crawl.
Luxury leather upholstery, alpine grass rear roof, touch screen panel with USB port and sound system, power seats, alloy wheels with 19 inch rim definitely work as an icing on the already delicious cup cake.
2015 Audi Q7: A New Generation SUV
Every year, Audi comes up with something unique to make its crossovers winners among others, this time as well for 2015, Audi has finally brought its Audi Q7 series at the end of the production cycle to introduce its all new next generation biggest SUV offering with Q tag, which has always been controversial because of Nissans’ claim to Q tag which they have used mainly for their Sedans during the year 1989. Prototypes for 2015 Audi Q7 created earlier this year shows some really interesting signs to look out for in the all new Audi crossover, because this time around the car maker is barging more on its path of discovering the new style of SUV by making significant changes in light clusters and trapezoidal grills.
The new 2015 Audi Q7 looks smaller in size, which might also be because of its steeper roofline, however, less ground clearance from Audi crossover seems to be a surprise for many because of its small body type. Making some notable changes to its designs, Audi this time has added massive front grille along with a newly designed bumper to allow more air ventilation. This is not all, there is more to look forward under the body and surprisingly it’s all more spectacular then the exterior with all aluminum chassis which looks similar to the Range Rover. The new generation 2015 Audi Q7 is a seven seater crossover and has become even more agile and cost effective if compared to its predecessors.
When it comes to its operating basis, this time Audi has done all it can to take on the competition coming from Mercedes and BMW. For additional powertrain, the 2015 Audi Q7 maker has introduced its 4.0 TFSI V8 twin turbo unit in the crossover range which until recently has been associated with the Sedan Audi. The newly introduced engine delivers 520 horsepower and 650nm of torque, however it fails to reach the level of monstrous V12 6.0 diesel engine with amazing 1,000Hm torque, but its power is still 20 hp higher than the usual crossover engine. Audi has promised to introduce its plug in hybrid version with the 3.0 liter TDI and electric motor which will surely add another 115 hp power to its engine.
This year Q7 will have a small four cylinder 2.0 liter TDI engine and will also rank high among the other V8 TDI which might be a part of SQ7 diesel model. Speculations are rife that Audi will keep the basic price of the new 2015 Audi Q7 somewhere around $47.695 and the price will increase with enrichment of the car package. Car enthusiasts are also expecting Audi to unveil Q7s’ premier model later this year, whereas the delivery of the basic model might start in early summer this year only.
Being one of the most anticipated crossovers for 2015, Audi Q7 has managed to create curiosity among the Audi lovers looking forward to buy the next generation SUV in 2015. However, the Audi stride will remain high only if its competitors like BMW and Mercedes fail to match the standard.