Daily Archives: November 16, 2016
Top 3 Things We Learned About The 2018 BMW 3-Series
Spy shots for the prototype of BMW‘s next-generation 3-Series were released, and it looks like it can blow things out of proportion, at least for the segment it belongs to. Codenamed G20, this new prototype from BMW will be released by mid-2017 as a 2018 model.
The 2018 BMW 3-Series reportedly will become the benchmark for the small sedan segment in terms of performance and driving dynamics.
CLAR Platform Will Be Used
BMW engineers have developed one of the most advanced platforms in the automobile industry. The multi-material constructed CLAR modular design will allow BMW to catch up to its other competitions, namely Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac, with their small sedan offerings.
The CLAR made its debut on the 2016 7-Series and has since made its appearance on the 2017 5-Series.
The platform uses lightweight materials such as aluminum and magnesium. In the 7-Series, it used carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. Besides that, it can support alternative drivetrains such as plug-in hybrid and battery-electric applications.
The 3-Series will be the smallest model to use this platform.
Sporty Design Will Be The Exterior Element
The usual BMW styling is present on this prototype. That includes the kidney grille, Hofmeister kink and short overhangs. The front appears lower and wider, however, making many believe that it will have a sporty look, much like the Jaguar XE.
There are still no clear changes on the interior, but there might be a digital instrument cluster that will be paired with an advanced infotainment system complete with voice activation and gesture control.
The driver will have access to semi-autonomous modes.
Plug-In Hybrid Is Going To Be Available
In the US, the core powertrains will be the turbocharged 4- and 6-cylinder inline engines with 2.0 and 3.0 liters, respectively. Some markets might also have BMW’s 1.5-liter inline-3.
There will be diesel and plug-in hybrid options too. The plug-in hybrid will most likely use two electric motors under the setup of Power eDrive.
As for the high-performance variant, that is called the M3. Back in 2014, a prototype of this used a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 and two electric motors to produce 670 horsepower.
Volkswagen Golf Gets a New Facelift
The Volkswagen Golf has been around since the middle of 1970s, so there’s a certain standard expected from it. The current model was introduced at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, and some exciting changes were seen for the 2017 model year.
Volkswagen introduced a new front fascia, headlights, infotainment system, engine options and safety features in the Golf. These make the Volkswagen Golf the sportiest vehicle in its segment, according to a source.
Exterior
The most popular change on the Golf’s exterior is the sportier front fascia and bigger air dam. The chrome grille now extends into the headlights through the sporty LED stripe that surrounds the bottom and outer edges of each headlight bulb.
Models with the adaptive cruise control or front assist will include a hidden radar sensor behind the VW emblem. Overall, the new model has a sportier appeal than the old one. Though not much changed at the rear, the new models come standard with LED taillights. Higher-end models have Individual LED for taillight and brake lights to differentiate them from the lower models.
Interior
There are no drastic changes in the interior of the new Golf, though there are new decorative trim panels for the dash, doors and center console. The seats also have new covers and trimmings.
The infotainment system is where Volkswagen focused its attention. Thanks to the next generation of MID infotainment systems, Discover and Composition Media systems of the Golf now enjoys 8-inch touchscreen while the Discover Pro system has 9.2-inch touchscreen. It boasts of the touch and voice command operation too.
These new systems bring the Golf to the modern age, and put it atop competitions based on features, design and functionality.
Drivetrain
Volkswagen will not disappoint with the changes it made under the Golf’s hood. It has a new 1.5-liter TSI EVO gasoline engine that can produce 147 horsepower and 189 pound-feet of torque. In addition, it now offers the 1.5-liter TSI, a BlueMotion 1.5-liter Diesel with an output of 128 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque.
Lastly, there’s the GTI, which would be at part with last year’s GTI model. All these models come standard with six-speed dual clutch transmission.
Why is Ford EcoSport the Ideal Subcompact SUV?
Ford just announced that it’s finally bringing the Ford Ecosport, a subcompact SUV that is loosely based on the Fiesta and shown for the first time in 2012.
Based on a report, the EcoSport is Ford’s smallest SUV, and it is mainly aimed at developing markets. The American company has hinted numerous times that we might see it on US shores, and here it is, finally.
It Trumps Its Competition
The main competitions of the Ford Ecosport are the Chevrolet Trax, the Honda HR-V and the Nissan Juke. But why does it land on top of these? Mainly, it’s because of the price. While Ford has yet to release the pricing for the Ford Ecosport, its popularity in the Asian market proves that it is a force to be reckoned with, pricing-wise.
In terms of powertrain, the standard trim has a turbocharged 1.0-liter inline-3 and front-wheel drive. There’s a 2.0-liter model with a standard all-wheel drive, too. Both of these variants will arrive with a 6-speed automatic.
Its Connectivity Features are Insane
Considering that this is a subcompact SUV, the connectivity and infotainment systems are actually quite good, or better, in fact, than other SUVs. Ford is targeting urban-based millennials, so this slew of connectivity features is not surprising at all.
The Ecosport will have Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system—Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. You can toggle with the features through the 8-inch touchscreen display.
Aside from that, the Ecosport has two fast-charging USB ports, a 12-volt power outlet (for the driver and rear passengers), and a 110-volt behind the center console.
Its Storage Space is Decent
Who doesn’t want huge storage space in their vehicles? Ecosport will have 30 stowage pockets, bins and hooks that will make use of every nook and cranny of the crossover. There’s also a movable floor board, and you can fold the second-row seats to provide a larger area to transport larger items.
The Ford Ecosport will officially make its debut at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. Market launch won’t be until early 2018, though.
