Daily Archives: July 14, 2014
The All New 2016 Audi Q8
Audi is a German luxury car brand operational since 1965. The company has a strong standing in the car world with millions of customers under its roof. With its elegantly designed masterpieces, Audi has been rated high among the top car manufacturers. Driving and owning an Audi car is considered a style symbol in the society. It is a market leader when it comes to SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicle) and Crossovers. Audi Q series has been a hit among its lovers all across the globe. Now, Audi is all geared up to launch a newly decked up Q series model Q8 in the year 2016. 2016 Audi Q8 is one the much talked about super extravagant Audi’s SUV model that is going to serve as an advance model of Q7. Audi Q8 will be a sportier version of Q7 with the looks and style similar to that of Q6 crossover.
Audi is planning to launch four new Q series models all lined up on the basis of the previous ones. Here is the basis of these newly designed cars:
- Q2 – Based on A1
- Q4- Based on Q3
- Q6- Based on Q5
- Q8- Based on Q7
The structure and concept of these new Q series models will be based on the existing models but with a tinge of an additional luxury, style and comfort.
This novel model 2016 Audi Q8 matters a lot to the Audi manufacturers as they believe that it has great potential in terms of its engine and elegance. This model is being launched as an answer to Land Rover Range Rover Sport and the BMW X6, which are currently highly successful SUV’s in the market.
2016 Audi Q8 platform is based on the MLB of Volkswagen group just like the other next-gen Q series models. The specs of this new model are an amalgamation of Q7 and other passenger cars of Audi. Unlike the MLB platform, this model has a Quattro all-wheel drive.
Powertrains of Q8 include:
Talking about the powertrain, 2016 Audi Q8 will be launched in V-6 and V-8 engines models. Also, the company might also launch the plug-in hybrid model, which will be fitted with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
The other elaborate details about the design, powertrains and interiors ae yet to be revealed by the company. The company will launch the model first in the U.S. in 2016. The expected price range of the 2016 Audi Q8 is $50K (or more) for the base model. The higher models are believed to be priced at six figures. This ultra- luxurious piece of steel is going to cost a chunk of your money but it is purely worth the price.
The SUV Q8 stands a lot of harsh competition like Mercedes-Benz MLC, Land Rover Range Rover Sport and the BMW X6, which are equally deserving. With the Audi mark on and years of trust, the Q8 stands a fair chance. The miss or fail will be decided once the specifications and the first look of 2016 Audi Q8 is out for everyone.
Family Utility Vehicle: 2015 BMW X3
When the concept of luxury compact crossover came in forefront decade ago, BMW was among the top names that played a prominent role in launching the same and they made their BMW X3 the launch vehicle for small crossovers, which has grown stronger over the years with its performance and utility. There is no denying that BMW is one of the most loved standout among this competitive class and has always been an ideal vehicle for the SUV lovers looking for both family friendly utility and excellent driving dynamics. Keeping everything true to the BMW fashion, the new 2015 BMW X3 sports superior handling and appealing performance which form the heart of the X3.you will find that typical luxury crossovers remains uninspiring while driving on the canyon roads, but 2015 BMW X3 breaks the mold with its amazingly sharp reflexes, which also make it a top pick from its class for efficient driver management.
For 2015 BMW X3, the car maker has made available a range of engine capable enough to make it performance driven SUV. The entry level X3 will come with turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder diesel engine, which is new for the 2015 version. The engine is capable enough to deliver 180 horsepower with the torque of 280 pound feet and most importantly boasts the mileage 30mpg combined which is also the strongest among its engine lineup. But it is evident that most of the buyers will definitely opt for the more energetic and frugal 240 hp 2.0 liter four cylinder engine version, which will be available for 28i models. To round things out in its exceptional X3 xDrive35i trim level, the BMW has introduced turbocharged 300 hp, 3.0 liter inline-6 that makes the X3one of the perkiest and quickest in this section, also no compromise has been made in its fuel economy.
The fun to drive disposition of this crossover has been beautifully complimented by its opulent cabin space, which is comfortable and highly utilitarian. Low key luxury is the best word to describe the interior furnishings of this 2015 BMW X3 as they are meted with stylish design, outstanding quality material, endlessly supportive front seats and much more which makes it an ideal vehicle especially while driving on canyons or logging through highway miles for a long trip. BMW X3 is also ideal for family duty because of its spacious rear cabin and excellent cargo space.
The 2015 BMW X3 faces impressive rivals having their own list of strengths and weaknesses. The foremost competitor for X3 is Audi Q5 as they both share the same blend of driving dynamics, utility and variety they offer with engines. 2015 Porsche Macan, the 2015 Acura RDX, 2015 Volvo XC60 and Mercedes-Benz GLK350 are also some of the competitors that one can look forward to. But you will find that some of them fall short when it comes to cargo space and legroom, which adds value to X3. Overall, 2015 BMW X3 outshines all whit its well rounded model and features even if it falls on a pricey side.
2015 Volvo XC60
Ever since the concept of family vehicles has been introduced in the automobile world. They have been enjoying the reputation of being boring and the same becomes quite evident when we talk about something bulky and downright sober like a Volvo. The family vehicles from Volvo have been carrying the burden of being traditional with features like cinder block styling, ultra sensible nature and sleepy driving dynamics. But for 2015, Volvo has come up with something absolutely different from what they have been catering to till date- 2015 Volvo XC60.
The 2015 Volvo XC60 has already been in the market for some time and has always been appreciated for its sleek exterior design, stylish cabin space and engaging driving dynamics. Above all these, the characteristic attributes if this Volvo SUV make it a sensible vehicle with exceptional family friendly features and space, beautifully complimented by excellent crash test scores. For 2015 Volvo has made its Xc60 even more appealing with the addition of all new four cylinder engine, which is capable of providing energetic acceleration and amazing fuel economy for its class. The latter has been aided by the new and equally efficient eight speed automatic transmission system and refined automatic engine stop start system. Unfortunately, 2015 Volvo XC60 will be providing these features only for the front wheel drive models, whereas the old machines with six cylinder engine and six speed automatic transmissions will continue to come with all wheel drive feature. The difference in the fuel economy of both the engine versions is quite evident and also the acceleration which becomes even more powerful with laggardly 3.2 AWD model.
The front wheel drive 2015 Volvo XC60 has new engines for its trim levels along with the inclusion of moniker Drive E. the T5 Drive E trim level is occupied with turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder engine, whereas the T6 Drive E will come with novel turbocharged and supercharged 2.0liter four cylinder engine. Both these powerful engines of 2015 Volvo XC60 are accompanied by the equally powerful eight speed automatic transmission system and automatic start stop engine, which is standard. With all these enhanced features XC60 manages to achieve segment leading fuel economy numbers.
With the exception 2015 Volvo XC60 has made in the budding compact luxury SUV segment, we certainly don’t mind recommending it as one of our best choice among the top 2015 compact luxury crossovers. One of the primary appeal of this vehicle is its well rounded nature, which makes it a perfect competition for some of the other crossover belonging to the same class, moreover with all the distinctive styling and additional features, Volvo has still not lost its family hauler charm, which makes it an ideal family friendly car. Some of the key competitions for 2015 Volvo XC60 are 2015 Acura RDX which is also a family friendly SUV, fuel efficient and extremely stylish Audi Q5 and appealing 2015 BMW X3. You may find Volvo a bit pricey, but with the features it comes packed with you won’t mind spending a bit extra for some great family time.
2015 Chevrolet Trax SUV Crossover
With SUV market taking a plunge in terms of technology and refinement, things have become quite competitive for the car makers to retain their position in the market. The heat of stiff competition becomes evident with the move Chevrolet has taken to balance the crossover segment with its all new 2015 Chevrolet Trax SUV, which is also being touted as the smallest SUV coming from Chevy till date. Some of the buyers might mistake it as a youthful and glorious twin of Buick Encore, but it is not the same in more than one ways. Although, Trax is built on the same platform that of Encore which is also closely related to the Sonic subcompact Sedan from Chevrolet.
Chevrolet has introduced Trax with front wheel drive technology and will also be available in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels, wherein all of them will have 1.4 liter four cylinder engine capable of generating up to 138 horsepower along with its six speed automatic transmission. All wheel drive option will also remain available as an additional feature. The expectation set by 2015 Chevrolet Trax claims that front wheel drive model will be good enough for 26mpg city and 34mpg highway mileage.
Although, Chevy has reduced the size of Trax almost by 20 inches if compared to its current smallest crossover, the Equinox, the SUV still manages to offer the cargo space of 48 cubic feet, which is just 15 cubic feet short of its Equinox. The good thing about 2015 Chevrolet Trax is that you can easily fold its front seats to haul items up to 8 feet long. To keep pace with the competition, Chevy ahs left no stone unturned and used the best possible technology to build the crossover of this class. Some of the prominent high tech features introduced in the Trax include a standard 7 inch touchscreen, rearview camera, 4G LTE hotspot optional and also the latest suite of in car apps supported by the MyLink from Chevy. To make the things more interesting for 2015 Chevrolet Trax, the company has included a unique nifty feature that allows display of GPS navigation from your smartphone, which also allows users to forgo the traditionally integrated navigation systems of the vehicle.
2015 Chevrolet Trax is all set to reach the dealers near you by the end of next year and is also all set to compete with the small crossovers like Nissan Juke, Kia Soul that have already taken the small SUV segment by storm. There are other forthcoming competitors for Trax as well, which primarily include Jeep Renegade and Honda HR-V. Going by the competition the Trax will be facing, it is being speculated that it will be priced somewhere around $20,000, to keep the selling preposition high. If you compare its price from other versions of small SUV’s available in the market you will find that Buick Encore costs around $25,000. Full review, specifications, reviews and more info about the 2015 Chevrolet Trax is still awaited and is expected to reach the dealers before it hit the roads.
2015 Lincoln MKC: An All New Entry Level Crossover
The name of the new Lincoln seems more like a stock market symbol, which is giving us the hard time to keep our Lincolns straight. But no matter how you feel about its name, the 2015 Lincoln MKC is a genuine as well as competitive compact luxury crossover in every possible manner.
The advantage that MKC has on its side is the availability of good genetics, because the mechanical base of 2015 Lincoln MKC is based on the tried and tested excellent Ford Escape. This time Lincoln has laid great focus on the word ‘based’ because going by their history the car maker has always remained akin to changes in the oval front shape of Ford and replacing it with the Lincoln Badge. Although the new MKC doesn’t look any close to the Escape and it looks more like an imitation of Audi Q5, but that’s a different story to talk about. There is no denying that the 2015 Lincoln MKC has drawn its inspiration from the distinctive liftgate as well as integrated taillights of Audi Q5, which gives the profile of both the vehicles a distinctively similar look. But the addition of winged grille on its front is purely Lincoln design, which has actually added an overall pleasing effect which also looks good to the eyes. The cabin of the all new 2015 Lincoln MKC is also very pleasant with wood ascents which are not only tasteful but sleek as well complimented well by the high tech dashboard.
Under the hood, the MKC comes with the powerful turbocharged engine of the Escape as a standard equipment. The 2.0 liter turbocharged engine with four cylinder has the ability to produce 240 horsepower along with the torque of 270 pound feet. If you are looking for a performance oriented MKC then you have the option to choose turbocharged 2.3 liter four cylinder engine option which is capable of producing 285 horsepower and 305 lb feet of torque for enhances performance. Athletic handling of MKC beautifully compliments its power and performance. While test driving MKC, we reached to the conclusion that it drives more like hatchback on its tip toes rather than a nearly 2 ton weighing crossover SUV.
No matter how desirable you find the new 2015 Lincoln MKC, there are other exceptional models in the market to look forward in this segment. Some of the best options to look forward include 2015 Acura RDX, more refined and stylish Audi Q5, the class personified Mercedes Benz GLK Class, sporty 2015 BMW X3 and the family hauler 2015 Volvo XC60. No matter you find the truth, but it is difficult to approve for MKC when such fantastic vehicles are already there in the market to compete with it.. But Lincoln MKC has its own position in the market and the company has kept its price lower than most of its competitors. You can go for the 2015 Lincoln MKC only if you are looking forward to buy an alternative of the usual SUV choices also its price won’t hurt much on your pocket.