Tag Archives: compact SUV
2014 Mazda CX-5: The Beefier and Better Crossover
The driver pleasing Mazda CX 5 is back in 2014 and that too with the bang on Touring and Grand Touring Models offering front wheel and all wheel drive options to choose from. Now the compact SUV lovers can also find 184 hp, 2.5 liter inline four in 2014 Mazda CX-5 which is also a high selling point of Mazda6 Sedan. However, going a step ahead from its previous versions, the SUV also sports useful and additional 29hp along with 35 lb-ft of output and all is made available even in the basic sport trim level. Option of automatic and manual gearbox, Mazda built six speed automatic transmission to mate with 2.5 liter CX-5 and an additional piece of Mazda’s Skyactive technology are some things to look out for in the futuristic SUV.
Undoubtedly the all new 2014 Mazda CX-5 has set the soaring high standards for compact SUVs with its smooth handling and driver enjoyment, however the 2.5 liter dispense manages to offer only modest acceleration. Its takes approx 9s for 0 to 60 mph acceleration, but Mazda claims to offer 8s assurance with 2.5 liter version. Competitors offering turbocharged and V-6 engine options are still way ahead from the 2014 Mazda CX-5, but when it comes to driving in twisting tough roads, the car comes as a winner.
The automatic version is surprisingly quick, adept and downshifts crisply with the less sharp upshifts. The base architecture of CX-5 might be copied from Mazda 6, but it lacks paddle shifter or manual gearbox which is a apart of sedan. Like earlier versions, this time as well 2014 Mazda CX-5 offers handling balance, steering wheel, braking feel, ride control and a lot more beyond the ordinary levels of SUVs offered in this class.
The weight of the compact SUV gets modified with the trim level you wish to buy, as the weight gain with new engine has gone only about 100pounds up approximately. The fully loaded diesel version we test drove is packed with standard Mazda features that prominently include electronic gewgaws, 5.8 inch touchscreen, big console dial/mouse device, easier panel to adjust radio volume and station, dedicated knobs and buttons for tweaking climate control system. The design and finishing of the new 2014 Mazda CX-5 is done keeping in mind real people driving in real world, so hats off to the designers.
Although the compact SUV by Mazda is packed with adequate power but it also lags behind with its one negative point, which is occasional intrusion of road noise over coarse road surfaces. Although Mazda is considered quieter than its competitors but this time it disappointed in that department. Clean and functional interior design might look bland to those who have good experience with top end SUV models going beyond $30,000. At this price, Buick Encore has better and luxurious trimmings to admire.
The 2014 Mazda CX-5 has no competition in driving enjoyment that comes with all round balance and excellent ride charm, until you start looking for accelerative thrills to have fun drive above everything else.
2014 GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain has been known to be quite spacious as well as sturdy looking, and has earned an impressive reputation in the same field. 2014 brings no change in this perception of SUV lovers as the company has not planned to make any changes to this image of the excellent SUV. Contrary to what potential customers might fear, the mighty vehicle maintains its impressive fuel economy still! Recollect that the Terrain is quite similar to its brother SUV, the Chevrolet Equinox in construction, on account of the same owning brand. GMC continues to use the Hummer like cuts on the surface of the SUV in order to differentiate it from the Chevy. Being quite a spacious SUV, with excellent looks and a highly economic fuel economy, The 2014 GMC Terrain continues to attract buyers with large families and decent city usage!
The interiors of the 2014 Terrain SUV are designed on contemporary basis and it is quite clear that comfort and space was the prime factor that motivated the designers at GMC. You will be welcomed by a wood grained steering wheel, accompanied by an impressive 7 inch touch screen entertainment and information system. The central console mentioned above is accompanied by a sophisticated array of controls and buttons. It is quite worthy to mention that the SUV is although quite large in size, does not feature a third row of seats. What does that mean? Yes! Extraordinarily large boot space! The rear seats of the vehicle are capable of a movement up to 8 inches in case you need to carry large amounts of cargo with you. Also, you can flaunt a boot space of 31.6 cubic feet if you fold the rear seats up! The SUV is quite comfortable even if five adults are travelling together on account of the huge space it features.
All the models of the GMC Terrain come with a 2400cc four cylinder direct injection engine. These engines churn out a power of 180 horsepower. Opt for front wheel drive system and enjoy a mileage of 22 miles per gallon in city and 32 miles per gallon on highway. All-wheel drive systems deliver mileages of 21 and 31 miles per gallon respectively. However, if this power isn’t enough for you, then get your Terrain upgraded to a 3600cc V6 engine with direct injection. This beast is capable of producing a power of 301 horsepower on the cost of the vehicle’s mileage which drops down to 17 and 24 miles per gallon in city and highway on front wheel drive and to 16 and 23 miles per gallon respectively on all wheel drive.
Although the sturdy look of the Terrain often misleads people to believing that it is an unsophisticated SUV, the interiors make it quite clear that it is very much suitable for corporate as well as semi luxury uses as well. Facing competition from the likes of Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape and the Mazda Cx-5, the highly loaded with excellent features 2014 GMC Terrain makes a great choice for people with families!
Lamborghini’s SUV to be Produced Earlier Than Previously Stated!
Earlier we reported how the Lamborghini’s gorgeous compact SUV, Urus saw some hindrances in its pre-production life. It’s production itself was in jeopardy for some time. The company’s CEO, Stephan Winkelman later stated that the Urus will go under production by 2017. Lamborghini fans and those who are waiting for the Urus hold your breath, for the SUV is all set to go under production very soon!
After all the problems that the Urus faced regarding its production, the SUV has finally received the final green light. The CEO disclosed that the SUV will be out in the markets pretty soon. However, he did not disclose the exact date. “We’re going low profile now,” Winkelmann declared. “I can’t tell you much on details now, but when we get close to the launch, we will have more.” It seems as if the company might have introduced even more amazing changes in the already gorgeous SUV! Time will tell!
The production of the SUV was delayed last year due to the economic conditions of the European markets. The company developed the SUV further during this phase. Now the Urus is all set to be manufactured. Winkelman also declared that although the Chinese mrket has been a huge boon for Lamborghini, the nation has cut low on the purchases of end trim luxury items. Hence, the best markets for the Urus shall be Japan, the gulf countries and the United States of America.
Besides the fact that it is a Lambo SUV, there are a number of enthralling things about the Urus which ensure that the SUV is capable of being better than all others in the market! Urus will be much lighter than its competitors as its body is to be made up of carbon fibre. The main competitors like the Volkswagen Touareg, Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, etc. all will be at least a hundred kilograms heavier than the Urus. An interesting thing to note here is that all these three SUVs share the same platform with the Urus, the MQB platform. Also, Lamborghini’s being eco-friendly with this one as the engine has been paired with a hybrid system using an electric motor for developing the torque. The engine that we speak of here is not a small one. We are referring to an insane 4000cc V8 engine here! This hybrid system is further coupled with an all-wheel drive drivetrain. We are hoping for a six speed automatic transmission on this one. The SUV will definitely blow any speed freak’s mind off high up into the air!
Now that the company’s CEO has himself stated that the vehicle will be out for production really soon, a spark has risen among buyers and lovers. Lamborghini now hopes to keep it low with the news as it plans on making the hopes and anticipations insane until the launching dates come up. We hope of seeing no more hindrances in the production of the beautiful vehicle. However, we will keep you updated!
2014 Kia Sorento Is The Safest SUV!
Among the vast number of compact SUVs that have been coming out in the market since crossovers gaining support over their truck based fathers, the 2014 Kia Sorento has stepped up and made a mark which might help in making the model a huge success in the SUV world. With the help of its brilliant safety features, the Sorento joined the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage and Subaru Forester in the category of five star winners from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Also, the 2014 Sorento gained a Top Safety Pick Rating from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).
Orth Hedrick, the director of product planning in the US was quoted as saying, “Already a compelling entry in the compact SUV category, earning a five-Star rating from NHTSA makes the Sorento an even stronger contender within its segment while underscoring Kia’s overall commitment to delivering safety and exceptional value to our customers.” Officials at KIA stated that the vehicle showed great results in all the three categories of frontal crash, side crash as well as rollover crash.
The trend of making changes to an existing model so as to keep them on the top continues to breed within companies and the 2014 Sorento is the result of the same. Although the changes that Kia has made to the Sorento can barely be seen directly, there are still a number of structural changes which led to the five stars that the SUV now flaunts. If the company is to be believed, then the Sorento now sits on a new platform. Further, you might find a few changes in the exterior looks as well!
The new 2014 Kia Sorento features a mighty 3300cc V6 engine which is capable of providing a massive torque of 252 lb.-ft. (290HP). Paired with a highly efficient 6 speed automatic transmission system, this engine provides as much or even more thrust to the vehicle that any average user would want. The vehicle comes with an all-wheel drive drivetrain. A peculiar thing to note about the Sorento is that even though it is a compact SUV, it features a third row of seats. Yes, it is a seven seater! We like to say that the Sorento is hence, a bit larger than compact SUVs but way smaller than the large truck based ones. A nice new technology equipped in the 2014 model makes the SUV’s ride a lot more fun. We’re speaking of the FlexSteer option. The driver can choose between three modes of steering control as per his needs – Comfort Mode, Normal Mode and Sport Mode.
The conclusion that one can draw is that the 2014 Sorento is absolutely worth investing in. Being a perfect choice for families on account of the third row of seats, the Sorento just earned a factor which places it above most of the vehicles of the same category. Featuring such a good number of safety features, the SUV definitely earned the amazing ratings!