Daily Archives: January 20, 2017
5 New Features Of The 2017 Toyota Kluger
The Toyota Kluger has been updated for the 2017 model year. Set to arrive in Australia this February, the Japanese automaker fitted the Kluger with more style, a new set of standard features, and a boost in power and fuel efficiency.
All of these can make the Kluger one of the better bets in its segment.
1. Powertrain
The engine will remain the same: a 3.5-liter petrol V-6, though Toyota now added a direct injection for the engine and a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Owners will also get to choose between a front-wheel or an all-wheel drive. Similar to before, the Kluger is available in three model grades: the GX, the GXL, and the Grande.
The direct injection will pump up the power to 218kW and 350Nm from the previous 201kW and 337Nm. Fuel consumption is better at 9.1L/100km for the two-wheel drive GX up to 9.5L/100km for the all-wheel drive Grande.
2. Interior
The Kluger will enjoy enhanced interior features, thanks to premium materials and metallic touches. On top of that, the Grande, the top of the line, will be receiving a blue LED ambient lighting.
GXL owners will get a new 8.0-inch touchscreen audio system with navigation, DAB+ digital radio and power, and a power tailgate with an independent-opening glass hatch.
3. Safety Features
The good thing about this refresh is that the new safety features come standard to all Kluger variants. That means the three model levels will receive the following: seven airbags, reverse parking sensors, rear view camera, electronic traction and stability control, and ABS brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.
The Grande will have an additional—rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning with steering assistance and sway warning.
4. Exterior
On the outside, you will notice some new designs on the grille and the new alloy wheel that comes in 18 inches for the GX and GXL, and 19 inches for the Grande.
5. Pricing
Pricing will be revealed during the model’s launch next month, though we’re seeing a $40,000 price tag here.
3 Things To Know About The Mini John Cooper Works Countryman
Mini’s largest vehicle is going to get the John Cooper Works treatment, which means an additional power than what Mini packed it with. The next-generation Mini Countryman will become the next model to receive such treatment.
Redesigned and unveiled in October, the Countryman is the largest vehicle in Mini’s lineup, meaning it will carry the burden of helping Mini get out from the slump in its American sales. According to a report, the 11-percent drop in 2016 is the brand’s worst performance since 2010. Experts point out to Americans’ preference for crossovers rather than sedans.
1. Countryman Is Now Considered A Crossover
Previously, the Countryman was considered a subcompact. But thanks to the upgrade, it is now under the category of a compact crossover and will be the direct competitors of the BMW X1 and the Subaru Forester.
It used a new front-wheel-drive platform shared with BMW. It’s also eight inches longer in length than its predecessor.
2. Countryman Is Faster And More Powerful
The 2018 John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 can produce 228 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque. Such power can bring the Countryman to hit 60mph in just 6.2 seconds, a 0.8-second better time than what the Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4 can achieve.
The John Cooper Works variant is coming standard with an all-wheel drive system, and is sporting a suspension with the Brembo sports brake system and 18-inch alloy wheels.
3. Countryman Will Start Deliveries Soon
The John Cooper Works Countryman will be arriving in US dealerships in April 2017, which means you can begin your orders in a couple of months. Pricing has not yet been announced, but we’re hoping it won’t be too disastrous to our bank accounts, so we can somehow dream of having a Mini.
The John Cooper Works is available as a treatment for the Cooper hardtop two-door, the Cooper Clubman, and the Cooper convertible models.
5 Things To Watch Out For In The New 2018 BMW 4-Series
It’s that time of the year again when BMW gives its range of luxury vehicles a little refresh and update. This time, it’s for the 4-Series, which included the 4-Series, the 4-Series convertible, the 4-Series Gran Coupe, and the high-performance M4 and M4 convertible.
The changes will be introduced for the upcoming 4-Series to be released next year. Don’t expect the changes to be drastic, though, because they are nothing but cosmetic updates. These changes follow the same path trudged on by the 3-Series.
1. Exterior
From the outside, the changes are quote noticeable, especially if you are looking at those new LED headlights and foglights. There’s also the revised bumpers that give more credence to new available colors such as Snapper Rocks Blue and Sunset Orange.
2. Interior
Inside, the changes will depend on the trim you will purchase. The updates, we’re sure, are minimal, though the higher-end trim models may receive a bulk of the upgrades. On the instrument panel, you’ll find double stitching, which appears to be standard across the range. The infotainment system’s menu has also been revised.
3. Powertrain
There is no confirmation yet about the powertrains that will be made available in the United States. Don’t expect any major change, though, because BMW has just added new engines to the 4-Series for the 2017 model-year.
This means we can expect to see a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 in the base 430i. This can produce 248 horsepower. Next on the line is the turbocharged 3,0-liter inline-6 that can produce 320 horsepower. The option falls between a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. You may also choose between an all-wheel or a four-wheel drive.
4. Rivals
In terms of competition, the luxury M4 will go head-to-head with the Cadillac ATS-V Coupe and the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe.
5. Pricing
There are no details about the pricing yet, but speculations suggest that the 4-Series could go up as high as $43,145.
