Monthly Archives: March 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 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.
Chevrolet Tahoe 2014- A Closer Look
SUV, Sports Utility Vehicle, is a hit among those who love to drive something giant. SUVs have recently become very popular across people of all ages and belonging to all classes. Many companies have launched their SUVs in the market and are satiated with the response. Chevrolet, a prevalent name among the car manufacturers is always been admired for its SUV range of cars. The company is now out with its 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe model.
Tahoe has been in the market for almost a decade now. Tahoe’s full-size macho looks and robust engineering has enabled it to become splendidly popular among many. The company has been working on Tahoe’s features and has unceasingly launched new and improved models every year but this time it is after 2007, that Chevrolet has reworked on Tahoe. The brand new Chevrolet Tahoe 2014 has been ranked as number 1 affordable large SUVs and also number 1 in the category of affordable SUVs with 3 rows. What is that makes the car number 1 among many of its contemporaries? Is it the look? Is it the powerful engine?
The answers to all these are right here. The ones who have ranked Tahoe as number 1 say that the car outdoes its rivals in many ways. Its advanced powertrain, simple yet sophisticated interior and yes a comfortable ride make sit stand apart in the race.
Mechanics
Tahoe 2014 has highly impressed its reviewers with its powerful engine make. Here are the technical specs of the car:
- V8 engine empowering the car with smooth operation
- Six-speed automatic transmission enabling it to have a smooth-shifting
- Mileage- 15/21 mpg city/highway- The car has a highest fuel economy among the cars of its class
- Small turning radius investing the car with the power to move easily through tight spaces. It is an easy to park car and can easily find its way even through jam-packed areas.
Interior
The car interior has been redesigned after a long gap. The interior is mostly made of plastic yet it looks elegant. The regular features of Chevrolet Tahoe 2014 include:
- Six-speaker stereo
- USB port
- Satellite radio
- Bluetooth phone connectivity
- Tri-zone climate control
- Backup camera
- Rear parking sensors
There are some optional features as well like:
- Rear-seat entertainment system
- Automatic tri-zone climate control
- Bose stereo system with 9 or 10 speakers
Chevrolet Tahoe’s navigation system is user friendly and liked by the reviewers. With a surround sound high quality stereo system, the ride becomes a wonderful never-ending experience. The car has been able to earn positive reviews and loads of appreciation from experts. Many auto magazines online and offline have published good reviews about its performance and decent looks.
“A smaller sibling to the massive Suburban, the Tahoe manages to combine broad-shouldered toughness with a refined demeanor, making it a good choice for those who take long road trips with their toys in tow.” – Edmunds, 2013
With its affordable pricing and high fuel economy, Chevrolet Tahoe 2014 is assuredly a good buy. The years of good reputation and high ranking adds to his demeanor.
BMW Up with 2 New SUVs
BMW, an eminent name in the category of luxury cars is always busy launching new models. The company’s designing team understands the market needs and comes out with highly elegant models every now and then. BMWs reputation as the elite car manufacturer facilitates in launching new cars with full poise.
2014 will be a big year and with numerous number of car launch in the markets, BMW is sure to sweep all hearts. BMW is going to unveil two new high performance SUVs in 2014. Let us have a quick review as to what is there on the platter.
The first SUV will be revealed at the New York Auto Show this April. It is the BMW X4 production model. It has a super stylish design with a coupé-like sloping roof. It is one of the concept SUVs launched by BMW. Here is a small review of the X4.
Tech Features
BMW X4 will be equipped with:
- Engine- This all-new BMW X4 will be available in an array of engines suiting the requirements of different markets across the globe.
- X4 xDrive28i- turbocharged, 240-hp, 2.0-liter four
- X4 xDrive35i- turbocharged 300-hp, 3.0-liter inline-six
- Four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Variable sports steering system
- Stop-start systems
- Brake-energy recuperation
- Enhanced aerodynamics
- 110.6-inch wheelbase
- Length 183.0
After the success of BMW previously launched SUVs, the management and designers have high hopes with the X4 model. The rest of its interior features will be undraped with its launch but it is sure to inherit the luxuries of a BMW make.
Besides X4, the next in the league of luxury SUVs is the upcoming model X6. It is a midsize SUV. The first look of this will be previewed at the 2014 Moscow motor show in the month of August. This one is the second-generation X6 with its first-generation already been launched in the year 2008. The designers claim the X6 2014 model to be sportier with an all-new improved athletic structure.
BMW X6, complete with all its features will be launched later this year. As per the reviewers, X6 has weight and height of an SUV but the interior are of a sporty car.
Technical Specifications:
The model will be equipped with:
- Engine- Twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine (This might differ for different models of X6)
- Power and torque has been increased from the current 547bhp and 69.4kgm
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- EPA-estimated 17/24 mpg city/highway
As per those who have taken a test drive of X6, it is a car which offers controlled handling and has a set of powerful brakes. Also, it has advance emission systems.
Interior
BMW X6 is loaded with all the lavish features like:
- Spacious seats
- Cargo space is typical for the class
- Advance infotainment system
- Moon roof
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Bluetooth
- 10-speaker sound system
- Head-up display
- Rear-seat entertainment system
- Adaptive cruise control
X6 is all in all a luxury SUV to look forward to. BMW is known to deliver outlandish range of cars and these two SUVs are much awaited.
Audi Q5- No. 1 Compact Luxury SUV
Audi is always in news for its luxury and sophisticated cars. This time it’s the 2014 Audi Q5 which is making news all over. For Audi lovers and users, this new SUV came in as a pleasant surprise. This super Luxurious SUV, Audi Q5 is ranked number 1 among the luxury compact SUVs. The ranking is assessed based on the published reviews in magazines and newspapers, on the basis of test drives and safety and reliability data.
Audi Q5 2014 has been ranked high in various other categories like:
- Second among the Luxury SUVs with 2 Rows
- Third among the Luxury Crossover SUVs
With finest of interiors, a highly advanced base engine and swift handling, the reviewers have ranked the Audi Q5 2014 as the top luxury compact SUV.
It is a compact five passenger luxury model. The gaining popularity of SUVs among people has propelled the company to design them in all sizes and with all extravagances.
Car Features:
Audi group has always amused its users by putting forth creative and at the same time robust cars. The Audi Q5 2014 is a perfect amalgamation of agile mechanics and striking interiors. Let us look at some of its prominent features.
Technical
- Turbocharged four-cylinder engine for excess power
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Optional supercharged V6 for strong acceleration
- Turbo diesel V6 engine (Only in 2014 TDI model)
Mileage
The car scores exceptionally well on this parameter. Here are the exact findings as per the tech reviewers.
- EPA-estimated 20/28 mpg city/highway
- EPA-24/31 mpg city/highway(TDI model)
Interiors
Talking about interiors of the Audi Q5 2014, they are super attractive. The company has loaded this compact SUV with a dozen of features making it a best purchase.
- Ultra comfortable front seats
- Expansive rear seats
- Spacious luggage space
- Leather upholstery
- Bluetooth phone connectivity
- iPod integration
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- 10-speaker stereo with surround sound
- Audi’s MMI infotainment system
Observing the features of the 2014 Audi Q5, it can be surely said that it is one of the highly advanced makes of the company.
“The face lifted Q5 is entering one of the most hotly contested segments of the market. However, it has a lot going for it, including build quality, which continues to outshine the SUV competition on a number of fronts.” — AutoWeek (2013)
These very lines published in the Autoweek magazine makes the Audi Q5 2014 stand out in the league of compact SUVs. The Audi Q5 has been reviewed by numerous magazines that have published good reviews of it. The car is priced well suiting the pockets of those wishing to buy a compact SUV car. It is also ranked as the most affordable luxury SUV this year proving that it has been priced reasonably.
Reviewers say about Audi Q5 cost, ”It plays well in cost of ownership evaluations because it depreciates slowly, gets high gas mileage and needs little maintenance.”
So, simply test drive this luxury piece today and experience the whole world of sophisticated Audi.
2014 Nissan Rogue- Interactive Website for Promotion
How about experiencing an SUV test drive sitting on your comfortable couch at home? Pacing with the times and owing to inadequacy of time in hand, Nissan marketing unit has hit the web with an all new fresh idea. Nissan has come up with a decked up interactive website for those who love to try out new adventures. This website is hosted as a part of a marketing campaign of its new launch SUV 2014 Nissan Rogue. The car is a redesigned midsize crossover that is loaded with numerable features.
The website enables the user to virtually test drive the SUV and to take a look at all its features in person. The test drive can be taken on any of the smartphone, computer or a tablet. Nissan marketing department has made sure that the website’s interface is compatible with all browsers.
How can you test drive on a website?
It is a user friendly website with some easy navigation keys. It also works well for those who are not that tech savvy. The user just has to simply choose the start and end point of the test drive. With the help of Google Street Drive and Maps, you can take a test drive in any part of the world be it hills or the charismatic coast line drive. Foot tapping numbers of the British recording artist and rapper M.I.A accentuate the whole experience of the test drive. The virtual drive is designed such that it offers the users places where the car stops and gives them time to explore the diverse features of the car. This helps the users to take a closer look and thus become the potential buyers of the Nissan Rogue 2014.
Besides stopping at various points, the drive is simply like a video game wherein the user has all the controls of the brand new SUV. All the advance features of the newly launched Nissan Rogue 2014 are highlighted inside the car during the test drive helping the users to pay attention to their usage while driving.
Below are the Nissan Rogue’s noteworthy features which can be of great use a probable buyer.
2014 Nissan Rogue significant features:
- Touchscreen audio system
- Automatic climate control system
- LED daytime running lights
- Push-button start
- Leather-trimmed seats and seat covers
- Panoramic sunroof
The test drive ends by giving a picturesque view of the destination point with the all the new 2014 Nissan Rogue in front of it.
The song played through the test drive can be downloaded from the website which serves as a gift from the Nissan. This also leaves the users in a good mood while they move away from the page. Also, the link can be shared onto different social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, etc. to let your friends all experience the virtual drive.
You must be wondering whether a virtual test drive of this fully loaded SUV be an expedient one. The answer would be visit the website and experience it yourself. Happy journey!!
A Look at the Jaguar C-X17
What comes to the mind when you hear the word Jaguar? Yes, a super modish and lavish Land Rover stands right in front of your eyes. Jaguar, a British multinational unit is famous all across the globe for its luxurious cars. The unique make and refined look of the Jaguar cars have been captivating millions of hearts since ages. Jaguar’s cars are largely designed for the elite class.
This time it is not the Land Rover that the company is going to launch, it’s the ‘Jaguar SUV’. The first look of the car was premiered at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Though the company always hesitated from bringing out a SUV but in 2012 they announced about launching a CUV (crossover). In 2013, the preview of the Jaguar C-X17 has finally stepped the company in the SUV market.
This crossover model is an amalgamation of a sports car and a luxurious SUV. Though it is launched under the sports category yet its urbane looks make it a pure Jaguar. The Jaguar engineers have come up with a new architecture which is flexible and robust.
Talking about the super luxurious Jaguar C-X17, it is stylish car with exclusive external and internal features. The car exteriors are novel but some of them resemble Jaguar XF and XJ.
Following are the external car features of the car which makes this SUV an uncommon one.
Exterior Car Features:
- Aluminium unibody architecture
- Slim headlights
- Lower front fascia has a silver panel
- 23-inch wheels
- LED accent lights
- High mounted taillights are simple yet classy
Car size:
It is a four- seat car with a size of 185.7-inch length. The wheelbase of this Jaguar is 114.4-inch. It has a ground clearance of 8.3 inches.
Interiors
The Jaguar C-X17 interiors is a blend of advance interactive technology and traditionally crafted design. This results in a spacious, luxurious and erudite cabin space. The car seats and cargo area of Jaguar C-X17 is designed such that it gives a feel of a flight cabin. Here is a list of some of the features:
- Low seating position
- Two aluminium seats in cargo area with a Connolly saddle leather finish
- Panoramic roof
- Roof has a set of sculpted vanes stretched from front to the rear
- Multi-screen infotainment system- This feature enables the rear seat passengers to share audio files, photos and videos with the passengers sitting in front on several social media apps.
- Head-up display
Julian Thomson, Director of Advanced Design, Jaguar says “The C-X17’s design is timeless, yet absolutely up-to-the minute. Artisan treatment meets modern techniques in an innovative cabin full of luxurious touches and cutting-edge technical ideas.”
The superior interior looks of the Jaguar C-X17 are eye catchy and are sure to lure the car lovers. This concept car gives you an experience of a sports car with an enhanced and flexible driving experience.
Jaguar C-X17 will be launched in 2015 in markets all across the world. Jaguar’s management has high hopes with this new launch and claim that the car is for the global audience.