Monthly Archives: September 2018
Why You Need a Bluetooth Scanner For Your Car
We’ve all been here before. You’re cruising around town or the highway and upon glancing at your dashboard, you noticed that some warning lights have turned on. What does it mean?
You have no way of checking it through your phone or the car manual and you don’t have a scanner. Then, just as suddenly, your engine stalled and you’re stuck in the middle of the road and will probably be fined heftily by the tow company.
The ability to diagnose the problem as soon as it appears can save you a lot of money in future repairs. An automotive diagnostic tool such as the Bluetooth scanner from Scan Tool Center connects to your car’s computer system and analyzes the code and information to determine the cause of the problem. In some models, this scan tool center does not only analyze and decode the problem, it also prevents future issues from happening.
A car will exhibit some signs and signals before the problem becomes a persistent issue for the driver. However, the driver will usually miss these signals and will only notice the problem once the car stalled or the car won’t start. By this time, the problem could have affected some other parts of the car and you would have to spend more than you would have normally on a basic issue.
Originally, the problem would have just been a simple cable that needs replacing. By the time the driver managed to determine the problem, the result would have required him to overhaul the whole engine.
The vehicle warning indicators can get confusing at times and though you know what it means based on the car’s manual and the information you’ll find on the internet, a scan tool center would give you a more in-depth look into the root of the problem.
With the proper scanner in hand, you’ll have peace and confidence knowing that your car is in top shape every time you take it out of your garage. It is affordable and it is cost-effective, and it protects your investment for the long term.
2019 Hyundai Elantra Selling For $17,985
Korean automaker Hyundai just released its pricing for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, which made its global debut in Utah last month. The new car’s base model, the SE trim, will have a starting price tag of $17,985, a mere $150 more than last year’s model.
The Elantra SEL trim, which sits above the base model, now includes a suite of SmartSense safety and convenience technologies. This will come standard from the SEL trim and up. The tech suite includes forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning.
But that additional tech means a small surge on the prices, too, though still not much to get your eyes out of your socket. The 2019 SEL trim will start at $20,285, up $550 from last year. The livelier Sport model will set you back $23,285 for a six-speed manual version or $24,385 for one with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The prices show an increase of around $600 across the range. The Value trim level returns again for the 2019 model year. This time, it will sell for $21,285 or $550 more than the current generation’s price. The Eco trim’s base price is now $21,835 and the top-of-the-line Limited gets a $23,485 price tag, up by $500 from last year.
The increase in prices is due to the fact that the 2019 Elantra compact sedan is getting some cool new features such as a new hood, front fenders, and a new set of headlights that emphasize a redesigned grille. At the back, there’s a new rear fascia and taillights that is angled towards the new trunk lid.
A refined exterior and interior space are the focus of the 2019 edition of the compact sedan. Hyundai particularly wants the Elantra to maintain its design character but have a set of new desirable features that come with an affordable price tag.
Since it was launched in 1991, Hyundai has sold more than three million Elantras. The sedan, now on its sixth generation, is available in six trim levels—SE, SEL, Value Edition, Limited, Eco, and Sport.
Depending on the trim level, there will be three engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower, a 1.4-liter turbo-four with 128 horsepower, and a 1.6-liter turbo with an estimated 201 horsepower.
All models below the Sport trim will get a six-speed automatic transmission, except for the Eco trim which will be paired with a seven-speed EcoShift dual-clutch. If you want the feel of a manual transmission, you can opt for the Sport model or the six-speed manual option available for the SE trim.
3 Things You Should Know About The 2019 Renault Arkana
French car manufacturer Renault revealed an all-new coupe SUV called the Arkana at the Moscow Auto Show. This is the first coupe-inspired SUV to sit at a lower price point compared to its more premium competitors.
For now, it is just a concept, but one that is really close to production. Once released, it will first be marketed to Russia before going to other Western countries under a different name. The United States won’t get it, though, since we don’t have Renault here but we expect to see Nissan release a similar architecture to the Arkana.
1. Exterior
The latest technology and ideology from Renault designed the Arkana based on the Talisman and the Megane. There will be many bits and pieces of the front and rear end of the Arkana that would be taken from the two cars. If you look at it closely, it would resemble in many ways an updated Renault Megane Grand Coupe. There’s also redesigned C-shaped lights.
The one obvious thing that made this a coupe crossover is the coupe roofline. While many automakers try to hide the coupe nature of their coupe-inspired SUVs, Renault went the other way and made this with a high waistline, massive clearance, and 19-inch wheels.
Based on its dimensions, the Arkana is going to compete with the Nissan Rogue or the Honda CR-V.
2. Interior
Renault refused to give photos of its interior, but it’s safe to say that it would be close to the high-speccedMegane or Talisman. The dashboard will be dominated by a massive central portrait screen while the instrument cluster will be partially digital.
It brings a sense of comfort for the Arkana to have a Megane interior because it will at least bring a dash of elegance and sophistication.
3. Drivetrain
Remember that this is going to be a cheap crossover, so it will probably carry the engine from the Renault Kadjar. That being said, the Arkana will come equipped with a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine and an option for a 1.6-liter diesel engine. These machines should be paired with a possible 4WD.
2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance Gets Enhanced Drivetrain Options
It’s not exactly the easiest name to remember. Thankfully, Twitter stretched its character limit, so we can now tweet about the new 2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance. We haven’t even managed to get our hands on the BMW X5, but we’re already dealing with a performance version of the car that would depend on a host of electric powertrains.
The new plug-in X5 is going to replace the X5 xDrive40e and would be different in every single thing that matters. This new car is going to leave behind its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for a 3.0-liter inline-six that makes 286 horsepower. This engine will be paired with a 112-horsepower electric motor for a total output of 394 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. BMW’s all-wheel-drive system should be connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It can accelerate to 60 mph from a complete stop in just 5.6 seconds. The top speed was bumped to 146 mph.
The 2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance is going to answer another problem that the current X5 xDrive40e is having. Today’s X5 xDrive40e can only go 14 miles from a full charge, but this new car is going to bump that number to an estimated 50 miles. Some people could even go their entire trip in electric mode. When in this mode, top speed would be 87 mph from the previous 74 mph.
Since this is an iPerformance trim, BMW placed the lithium-ion batteries under the body of the vehicle. This resulted in better handling because the center of gravity was lower compared to other X5 models. There’s one downside, though: the X5 xDrive45e iPerformance is going to lose about five cubic feet of storage space because of the battery pack.
Europe will get this car in 2019. The United States would have to wait, though. Pricing isn’t available for now but as a reference, the base 2019 X5 begins at $61,695 while the top-of-the-line is $76,745.
3 Things To Know About The All-New Mercedes-Benz GLE
German company Mercedes-Benz came up with a sketch and short video clip showing the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLE sport utility vehicle’s redesigned front fascia and exciting new set of LED headlights. As if the GLE has not been talked about a lot lately, now the sketch and teaser video turned people’s enthusiasm to a near obsession.
Exterior and New Platform
The new-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE will be based on the MHA RWD platform. The silhouette of the car might remain the same, but the styling on the new GLE is bolder and definitely more futuristic. It is longer, too, at 3.1 inches (80 millimeters). Spy shots revealed a prominent new grille, sweptback LED headlamps, and wraparound taillights. The new model is less boxy, too, and has sharper-looking bumpers, larger alloy wheels, and the familiar twin exhausts.
Powertrains
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE will most likely use the 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 engine on the GLE 63 which will be available in two flavors—one that makes 563 horsepower and another one that produces a whopping 604 horsepower. We also believe that the German carmaker will introduce an entry-level GLE 53 AMG to the SUV’s lineup. This will use a 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine.
For the standard versions, Mercedes will use a number of four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines for the 2019 GLE. These engines will be paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox. There might also be a 48-volt plug-in hybrid version that’s going to be paired with the six-cylinder versions.
Interior
Spy shots revealed an interesting take on the interior, especially because of the new technology that Mercedes has been working on. In terms of in-car tech, Mercedes is doing a complete revamp. It will now come with twin 10.25-inch display units for the instrumental console. The center console, on the other hand, will run the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) interface. The new SUV will also arrive with a three-spoke steering wheel, grab handles integrated into the central tunnel and powered seat adjustments for the rear passengers.
New Peugeot 208 Snapped For The First Time
The all-new Peugeot 208 supermini was spied for the first time on the road. The completely revised model now has sharper looks and an all-electric model that could rival the Ford Fiesta and the Volkswagen Polo.
There are very few key details that we can glean from the spy shots as the car was heavily camouflaged. There are at least three features we can be sure of now: the car will have a set of bold Lion-claw headlights, it will have a sleek rear end, and it will have a five-door body, confirming speculations that the three-door body of the current GTi models will be dropped for the supermini’s second generation.
The car takes its cues from the newer 3008 and the 5008 SUVs in terms of an upright grille and U-shaped lower air intake that gives it a rather distinctive nose. For a sportier look, the roofline tapers to the back and the rear has a small boot spoiler and a bumper-mounted number plate. The DRL signature up front is replicated at the back that now sports a full-LED setup and based on the dual exhaust tips, the photographed model looks to be the GT-Line variant.
There’s a variety of small-capacity turbo petrol engines for the powertrain options. There’s also a new full-electric-vehicle for the first time. Peugeot’s electric powertrains are suited for small cars, but not for large cars just yet, Peugeot 3008 project manager Marion David said earlier.
To achieve this, the French brand is going to use the new Common Modular Platform (CMP) technology on the 208. The platform will allow the supermini to support batteries and motors for all-electric models. It will offset some of the weight that would be added by the battery packs in these cars.
The petrol engines offered could be three-cylinder turbos with power from 70 horsepower to nearly 150 horsepower for the 1.2-liter version. There’s no information available if Peugeot will offer diesel engines in its next-generation superminis.
The new 208 will likely make its first public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in the spring of 2019.
Toyota To Introduce A Corolla Sportwagon
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
Japanese automaker Toyota is in the process of unveiling a wagon variant of its popular new Corolla lineup at the Paris Auto Show in early October. The sportwagon will have a Touring Sports body style designed and developed in Europe.
Toyota will use the TNGA platform for the sportwagon which means that it’s going to be a Corolla Hatch that has a wagonback. The long-roof Corolla will have a longer wheelbase at over 106 inches. It should be noted that the hatch’s wheelbase is less than 104 inches. This gives the Touring Sports the distinguished title of being the best in its class in terms of rear-seat legroom.
As for the powertrain options, the Touring Sports will get the same lineup as the rest of the Corolla range in Europe. This means there will be a non-hybrid engine and no diesel engines. On the base model lies a 1.2-liter turbo engine that makes 116 horsepower. The two other powertrains above that trim level include a 1.8-liter engine and 2.0-liter hybrids.
The bigger hybrid engine can produce 180 horsepower while the smaller ones will only make 122 horsepower. The hybrid technology should not worry you about the possible space to accommodate a battery pack. The cargo space will be 21.1 cubic feet.
When it comes to the styling and appearance of the sportwagon, the Touring Sports will most likely resemble “lifestyle” wagons such as the original Lexus IS Sportcross. Buyers would also love the tapering roof, especially when finished with the glass moonroof, because the car resembles more “dynamic” wagon offerings.
It makes sense for Toyota to introduce a stretched version of the Corolla because its decision to pull out the IC coupe from its lineup in Europe left a wide gap. The Touring Sports will give an alternative for Toyota customers who are looking for the height of a conventional wagon but do not want a crossover.
The Touring Sports is tailored fit for the European market, so it’s unlikely we’ll see it on the American soil. It should be revealed at the Paris show in October.
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- Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
2019 Mini Cooper Oxford Edition Is The Cheapest Way To Own A Mini
Are you tired of hitching a ride with your parents to school? Do you always have to take the public transportation when going home during weekends? Do you have to wait for an airline seat sale before flying back home for the holidays? How about if you simply get a car—and not just any car, but a 2019 Mini Cooper Oxford Edition.
This week, Mini announced that it is offering Oxford Edition models of its two- and four-door Cooper hatchback to current college students and recent graduates (graduated within 12 months). The prices range from only $20,600 for the two-door model to $21,600 for the four-door model. Mini said that both cars will be equipped with some $6,900 worth of equipment at no extra charge.
The prices already include the mandatory destination charge of $850, and both are the lowest and the cheapest to be built using Mini’s online configurator. Meaning to say, this is the most basic setup that the Oxford Edition will arrive with. The cheapest Mini Cooper two-door in the base Classic trim is $22,750.
The equipment added to the Oxford Edition comes from higher trim levels. Standard to the step-up Signature trim are mini Teleservices with an emergency call, heated seats, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The top Iconic trim, on the other hand, is offered with 17-inch wheels. Oxford Edition buyers can choose a total of six exterior body colors. All the colors will come free except for the Moonwalk Grey, which costs an additional $500 on the Classic model.
There is also an option to choose between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The automatic will cost an additional $1,250.
The name Oxford did not come from the famed university, rather from the Mini’s UK headquarters. This model can be had by both full- and part-time students of any two- or full-year accredited college or university. Those who have graduated within 12 months are also eligible to get the car, as well as those enrolled in post-bachelor’s degree programs.
3 Things That Define The 2019 Subaru WRX Raiu Edition
The Canadians are getting a special edition Subaru WRX. The model is called the WRX Raiu Edition, which takes its name from the Japanese word meaning “thunderstorm.” It features exclusive exterior and interior elements. Since there are only 100 units available, the model is a must-have for fans and enthusiasts.
1. It Is The First Special Edition For Canada In Years
The 2019 Subaru WRX Raiu Edition will signify the first time that Subaru created a special edition car for Canada in over 15 years. That’s a seriously long drought for a market as big as Canada but alas, the Japanese company has decided to give the North more focus.
The WRX Raiu Edition is based on the WRX sedan but without the STI designation. To be clear, the special edition car will have the same power as the other WRX models. It is going to be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer-four engine. It makes 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
2. It Offers Exclusive Features
The car is dressed in a Cool Grey Khaki paint finish. That color is exclusive to the WRX Raiu Edition, so you know your special edition car is special simply because of its color. That will be contrasted with blacked-out door mirrors, a shark-fin antenna, and a lot of badging showcasing the special edition status of the car.
It will have a lot of STI components such as the ground-effect aerodynamic components and the short-throw shifter in the cabin.
3. It Is Similar To The Subaru WRX Series.Gray
The WRX Raiu Edition will only be released in Canada but that should not be the cause of envy of American buyers. The car is very similar to the WRX Series.Gray Edition that the automaker launched in America a few months ago. Each model of the 100 units will cost CAD$40,995 or about $31,000 in USD.
Mercedes-Benz EQC Electric Crossover Unveiled in Stockholm
The Mercedes-Benz EQC is out as its maker just unveiled the electric crossover in its EQC400 4MATIC guise. The launch of the first fully-electric vehicle from the Mercedes EQ sub-brand happened on September 4, 2018, in Stockholm, Germany.
According to Daimler, the Mercedes-Benz EQC400 4MATIC will go on sale in the US in 2020. So what makes it very special? Here’s a rundown of the key features of the EQC EV:
Powertrain
The Mercedes-Benz EQC400 4MATIC is powered by two asynchronous electric motors. The units have a combined output of 402 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque going to all four wheels. The top speed of the EV is electronically limited to 112 mph, and it can accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds.
The EQC400 4MATIC has an electric range of 200 miles at full charge. That’s 100 miles less than the promised range of its concept.
The lithium-ion battery of the EV can store up to 80 kWh. Using a DC fast charger, Mercedes claimed that it only takes 40 minutes to juice up the power of the battery pack from 10 to 80 percent.
Styling
The Mercedes-Benz EQC is classified as a crossover SUV. Shades of the Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLC Coupe can be seen in its design. However, the new EV adopts the new “Progressive Luxury” design language of its maker, which has cleaner and smoother surfaces with well-sculpted panels that are free of the sharp body lines present in the current Mercedes SUVs.
The electric crossover gets rid of the typical roof rails found in modern SUVs in order to maintain its clean look. Meanwhile, going around the vehicle reveals a coupe-like ridge on its roofing that certainly adds to its appeal.
Moreover, the EQC introduces an LED band on top of its radiator grille that also bridges the DRLs and the LED headlamps. A red LED strip running across the liftgate and connecting the taillights can be found on its rear too.
Further adding to its beauty is the set of wheels with blue spokes and rims. The wheels are available in sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches.
Interior and Tech
The interior of the Mercedes-Benz EQC mirrors the same level of luxury and tech found in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan. Rose gold accents adorn the cabin of the auto while its comfort elements are boosted by its heated leather seats.
The main attraction in the EQC is its twin digital displays. Each screen measures 10.25 inches and joined by a single glass cover. The infotainment system of the EV uses the Mercedes-Benz User Experience or MBUX interface.
In a nutshell, MBUX functions like Siri or Alexa. It carries an artificial intelligence that can recognize and process voice commands. It takes note of the preferences of its user too.
Mercedes-Benz EQC Photos
Feast your eyes on the official photos of the Mercedes-Benz EQC in the gallery below:
