Daily Archives: November 30, 2016
Three Things To Learn About The 2018 BMW X3
If you’re a fan of the current BMW X3, you’ll be happy to know that the same snappy performance, elegant interior, and reasonable pricing are packaged in an all-new next-generation 2018 BMW X3.
Spotted testing once again, the new X3 is likely to arrive in showrooms starting next year as a 2018 model. Aside from what we enjoy with the current model, the German automaker added other elements to make this the perfect crossover SUV. What does anyone want in an SUV? Power, aerodynamics and cargo space. All of these you can find in this next-gen X3.
1. More Interior Space
Crossover SUVs have suffered tremendously for its failure to offer adequate interior and cargo space like it’s bigger brother, the SUV. It’s understandable why since the crossover wasn’t made to rival the SUV. It was just made to be bigger than the sedan, but significantly smaller than the SUV. The focus was on ground clearance than interior space. But thanks to a more efficient engineering and the use of lightweight materials, the 2018 X3 is equipped with a larger interior.
That is thanks largely to the adoption of the CLAR modular platform that was first seen in the 2016 7-Series. The SUV version will be debuting in the X3, and will likely appear in the new X5 and X7 as well.
2. Diesel and Plug-in Hybrid Options Available
For those of you waiting for a battery-powered electric X3, this isn’t the year for that, unfortunately. Under the hood of this new X3, you’ll find almost the same engine as that of the latest 3-Series. This means that the crossover is offering BMW’s new B58 modular 3.0-liter inline-6 and inline-4 units, including diesel and plug-in hybrid options. The battery-powered electric X3 will arrive towards the end of the decade.
3. Performance Variants are Coming
There will be an X3 M40i and X3 M, the latter was apparently spied in prototype form. Its engine will be coming from the M3/M4 line which produces 425 horsepower. These performance variants will have an aggressive body form that is also wider than the current X3.
Hyundai i30 Wagon vs Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
Hyundai i30 Wagon
The third generation of Hyundai’s resident hatchback is here, and boy, do we love its elegant and sporty interior coupled with the classic space wagon design on the outside. The Hyundai i30, as it is called in the rest of the world (it’s referred to as the Elantra GT in the US), is a four-door hatchback with an angular look on the outside and a cleaner and modern layout on the inside.
Wagons used to be a big thing in the US, but their appeal has already faded. That’s not to say the i30 Wagon won’t have any competition. This aggressive and funky exterior will be challenged by the likes of Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen and the BMW 3 Series Wagon.
Inside, you’ll find a slew of tech features such as a rearview camera, phone connectivity via Bluetooth, USB, Android Auto or Apple Car Play. Under the hood, the i3 will be equipped with the new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that can produce 138 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.
It is expected that the i30 will have a starting price of $23,000, which is cheaper than the 3 Series Wagon and the Volvo V60, but a little more expensive than the Sportwagen.
Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
Unlike the i30 Wagon, the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen will only receive its update for the 2018 model year. It was last upgraded in 2014, which means there is at least a three-year gap in terms of these two cars’ designs. In terms of styling, the Sportwagen definitely has a quieter appeal than the i30.
But if you are more concerned with the interior and the power, then you have to give this Sportwagen a second glance. The interior is equipped with a three-spoke steering wheel, Alcatara-wrapped center section, a center console with a large touchscreen, and HVAC controls,. Other features include the 12-way power driver’s seat, a panoramic moonroof, and Climatronic auto climate control.
Under the hood, the Sportwagen will receive power from the 1.8-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that coughs up 170 horsepower. There are two transmissions available: a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
The base price for the Golf Sportwagen is $21,395.