Tag Archives: crossover
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:
Take A Long Look At These 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe Spy Shots
Ten years ago, BMW single-handedly introduced this weird coupe-SUV segment by launching the original X6 and following that up with the model’s third generation due next year. On the other side of the coin, Mercedes is doing a similar thing with its Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.
Whatever this niche is called, we’re sure about one thing: it’s a premium segment and one that has attracted family-car-loving people. The higher seats plus the better legroom and headroom in the cabin make this car such an enticing prospect for families to have.
Mercedes, particularly, is going all the way with the production-bodied prototype of the GLE Coupe spotted at the Nurburgring just this week. The spy shots show the second-generation model dressed in full camo attire but we can make out its aggressive styling.
Though it’s completely wrapped in camouflage, we can see that there’s a large rear spoiler attached to the tester, which is likely part of an AMG Line styling package. Both LED headlights and taillights appear to have a sleeker shape.
The GLE Coupe is riding high based on the photos, but that’s likely because the air suspension is in the highest possible setting.
The vehicle will use Mercedes’ MHA modular platform that was designed for crossover SUVs, so we should expect similar proportions with its predecessor. This platform, which debuted in the 2016 GLC, is closely related to the German company’s MRA platform which is being used by the automaker’s sedans and coupes.
There are no details about the drivetrains yet, but we expect to see Mercedes’ latest inline-6 with mild-hybrid tech and a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 reserved for the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 Coupe. There should also be a plug-in hybrid version in the future.
These engines should be paired with a nine-speed automatic and rear-biased all-wheel-drive system for all trim models.
The GLE Coupe will likely be revealed next year as a 2020 model. But before that, we can expect the debut of the GLE late this year or early next year.
The Future Is Here With The 2018 Opel GT X Experimental Concept Car
It might only be a concept car for now, but the 2018 Opel GT X Experimental is serious about changing the way we see crossovers in the future. This is the first car that Opel/Vauxhall revealed after the PSA Group’s acquisition of the brand by GM less than a year ago.
The concept car showcases all the important steps that Opel are willing to take to transform the brand. Come 2024, Opel plans to electrify its entire lineup, introduce a new design language, release a number of crossovers, develop an autonomous driving system, and showcase new models. We expect that the Corsa, the Astra, and the Mokka will be replaced by new and exciting models.
What Opel wants is to offer a car that is focused on customer utility and satisfaction, practicality and functionality, and convenience. The design of the 2018 Opel GT X Experimental will be focused on having a height of more than 60 inches and a minimalistic layout, which could be seen on the integration of the rear doors to the rear panel of the car.
It is most likely that the current model the Experimental will closely resemble is the Mokka, which is the smallest Opal crossover that was intended to sit on top of the Chevrolet Trax. Obviously, this new one would be smaller than the Trax.
The GT X Experimental’s electric motors haven’t been revealed yet, but Opel did say that the car will feature a 50-kWh “compact next-generation lithium-ion battery with inductive charging.” All of the newcomers and their successors in Opel’s lineup for the next years will likely be powered by an electric engine, too.
The 2018 Opel GT X Experimental will also be revealed with a Level 3 self-driving ability that Opel will be studying about on the next cars.
Revised Mazda CX-3 Gets Mechanical Upgrades
The facelift for the Mazda CX-3 focuses less on styling and cosmetics and more on the mechanical side of the upgrade. It gained minimum changes to its styling and interior, but more was done on the suspension and engine lineup.
As a rival to the Nissan Kicks, the Mazda CX-3 styling enhancements are very minimal: a touched-up grille and darker pillar trims are the most obvious change. Aside from that, nothing else seems to have been touched by the Japanese automaker. Inside, Mazda ditched the manual handbrake with an electrical item. It freed up space enough for the repositioned infotainment controls, a central armrest, and a cubby space beneath.
Making the front seats more supportive is more padding while the rear seats have a folding center armrest with cupholders. According to Mazda, there are other features such as a thicker roof lining, sound insulation in the doors, and revisions to the door sill trims and rear glazing.
The biggest change can be seen in the mechanical upgrades. Mazda overhauled the springs, dampers, and front anti-roll bar on the new CX-3. Together with a revised steering system, the 2018 CX-3, which was already a fun mini SUV to drive, will ride and handle better than its predecessor.
The engine lineup has gotten a bit of a shake. Though the petrol engines remain the same: a 2.0-liter unit that can produce 119 or 148 horsepower. But the recent adjustments to the pistons and injectors will improve the torque and fuel economy. The previous 1.5-liter diesel was replaced by a 1.8-liter unit, which now makes 113 horsepower, 10 horses more than the current model.
The diesel and the 119-horsepower petrol are paired with a front-wheel drive while the 148-horsepower is an all-wheel drive only.
The revised CX-3 is available starting August 31. The price for the base model is $24,484.46.
2018 Mazda CX-5 Diesel EPA Figure Is Out And It Is Not Looking Good
Americans have been waiting for the diesel version of the Mazda CX-5 for years, and now that it has arrived, the market will surely be disappointed with its Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ratings. Though the CX-5 has finally been certified, the bench numbers are not looking good and may even be the reason for the CX-5 diesel’s possible low sales in the US.
EPA published its estimates for a CX-5 diesel at 28 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive version and 27/30 mpg with all-wheel drive. The city mileage improved by just 3 mpg compared with the gasoline version while highway mileage, which is normally the reason anyone buys a diesel engine, did not improve at all.
Mazda confirmed previously that the CX-5’s 2.2-liter turbo-diesel four, which is rated at 173 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque overseas, will be available in the US for the 2017 model year. It took some time for the Japanese automaker to have the engine tested by the EPA. Even its promise of a diesel engine for the Mazda 6 sedan is in jeopardy of being realized.
Even before the emissions scandal that rocked Volkswagen, Mazda has been having trouble meeting EPA requirements without sacrificing the crossover’s performance. Its Skyactiv-D engine “could be made to drive the way we wanted or it could meet U.S. emissions, but not both.”
Based on these EPA ratings, it looked like Mazda had chosen to go ahead with its high-performance machine. But since the engine must also reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate matter, Mazda had to increase fuel consumption. This will keep the particulate filter clean by burning off excess soot.
The CX-5 diesel is not looking too good seeing as its competitors have better EPA ratings: the Chevrolet Equinox diesel matched the CX-5’s city rating but trampled upon its highway rating with 39 mpg (front-wheel drive) or 38 mpg. The Jaguar F-Pace 20d is rated at 26 city/33 highway and the much heavier Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel 4WD (21/28 mpg) and Range Rover Sport Td6 (22/28 mpg) are almost rated the same as the smaller CX-5.
2019 Skoda Karoq Sportline To Be Unveiled At The Paris Motor Show
Days after Skoda introduced us to the exceptional-looking Karoq Scout, we are not again being treated to the all-new version of the Karoq Sportline. The Czech company’s sporty interpretation of the compact SUV leaves us wondering what more can Skoda do in the future.
The crossover SUV is scheduled to be presented at the Paris Motor Show in October and it will come with the most powerful engine from the range.
In total, there are four engine options to choose from: the 2.0 TSI petrol engine, two 2.0 TDI diesel engines, and the 1.5 TSI petrol engine. The 2.0 TSI petrol engine can make 190 horsepower. This is the main engine being offered by Skoda for the Karoq Sportline. There are two 2.0 TDI engines, the most powerful of which can also produce 190 horses. Using this drivetrain, the Sportline can pair well enough with a seven-speed DSG and four-wheel-drive.
The other 2.0 TDI uses a front-wheel-drive system and can only produce 150 horsepower. It comes with a manual six-speed gearbox. Options available a four-wheel-drive system combined with a seven-speed DSG.
The 1.5 TSI petrol engine comes with a front-wheel drive with the seven-speed DSG as an option. This is also paired with an all-wheel drive.
In terms of exterior, the Karoq Sportline has sportier bumpers, 19-inch black wheels, front mudguards with the Sportline logo, and black roof rails. Inside, the sports seats are all in black with contrasting silver stitch. They are upholstered in air-permeable Thermoflux fabric, which brings extra comfort to passengers, especially during the summer season.
The multifunction steering wheel is covered in perforated black leather with silver stitching, similar to the sports seats. Completing the interior styling are pedals with stainless steel elements, a black headliner, black roof pillars, and an LED package that includes ambient lighting.
2019 Mazda CX-9 Receives Simple Update, Now With More Gear
For a bit more money, you can get the 2019 Mazda CX-9 with much more exciting gear, including the Apple CarPlay and the Android Auto. This is a perfect upgrade for a crossover that the family loves because of its sheer functionality and style.
The Mazda CX-9 is better than ever. That is if you ever found something wrong with Mazda vehicles before today. Almost all Mazda cars and crossovers have always been right on the money—they are not exactly extravagant and they are not out-of-the-box imaginative, but they are always a good value for money because of their functionality and their style.
Mazda improves the interior comfort of the CX-9 too. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) values have been lowered by using a thicker headliner and thicker floor mats. The Japanese automaker said this move is supposed to aid “in ease of conversation and enjoyment.” The company also retuned the suspension on all version, making riding the CX-9 a smoother, finer, and more enjoyable experience.
There are a number of different versions for the CX-9: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature. They have special packages such as the Sport Package which is available for Sport, and the Premium Package available for the Touring trim.
You can choose to have the Mazda CX-9 with either a front-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive, except for the Signature since that comes standard with an all-wheel drive. The Sport trim will sell for $32,380 (front-wheel drive) and $34,080 (all-wheel drive). There’s a $1,290 option for the Sport Package.
The Touring will cost $35,330 (front-wheel drive) and $37,130 (all-wheel drive). The Touring Premium Package will add $2,390 for both trims. The Grand Touring costs $40,840 (front-wheel drive) and $42,640 (all-wheel drive) while the Signature trim gets a price tag of $45,365 for the all-wheel drive.
The available color options for the all-wheel drive are Soul Red Crystal ($595), Machine Gray Metallic ($300), and Snowflake White Pearl Mica ($200).
Updated Porsche Macan Gets Sportier Looks and More Equipment
The Porsche Macan is getting a mid-cycle refresh that will make the crossover sportier than ever before, thanks to its 911-inspired looks. It will also get brand-new equipment inside the cabin.
Exterior
The exterior of the new Macan will follow the features from the 911 sports car, just like the latest Cayenne and Panamera. Up front, there are the familiar four-point LED headlamps that are standard on every trim. The grille and the side vents have been revised with the grille featuring horizontal slats only. The side vents no longer have daytime running lights at the top. The vents below are wider and the center outlet is rectangular. These make the Macan seem wider.
The side remains unchanged, though there are new wheel designs available in either 20 or 21 inches. At the back, the revised taillights now have LED strip that we saw on the 911 and the Panamera. The rear is finished off with a new diffuser with round exhaust pipes.
There are three new colors available for the Macan: Miami Blue, Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, and Crayon.
Interior
Porsche made big changes in the Macan’s cabin. The obvious upgrade is the larger infotainment screen, which is now an 11-inch diagonal display. The German automaker removed the A/C vents and put them in smaller units below. The enhanced PCM system also removed most of the buttons for a cleaner center stack display.
The GT sports steering wheel is another major change. It was inspired by the 911 and now has new controls, a mode switch, and the Sport Response Button. That last feature is offered with the Sport Chrono Package. Other features include Connect Plus module and optional Traffic Jam Assist, an ionizer, and a heatable windscreen.
Powertrain
The new Macan has an enhanced chassis that enhances “neutrality while maintaining stability and improving comfort.” The engine lineup will start with the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet. The 3.0-liter V-6 should be able to produce 340 horses and 339 pound-feet or 360 horsepower and 369 pound-feet.
The range-topping Macan Turbo will use the same 3.6-liter V-6 with 400 horses and 406 pound-feet. The Performance Package will increase the output to 440 horsepower and 443 pound-feet. There will be two diesel models: one with 211 horsepower and another with 258 horsepower. Both will have 428 pound-feet of torque.
Honda HR-V Updated, Now with Starting Price of $21,515
The 2019 Honda HR-V received a slew of new technologies and more refined features that turn this subcompact crossover into a definite all-star. The model will also get a revised CVT, additional sound deadening for a quieter cabin, and an updated all-wheel-drive system. The base model is priced at $21,515, a clean $850 increase from last year’s model.
The six-speed manual was removed from the lineup, so all variants now come with a CVT.
Base LX
The HR-V’s base LX now has halogen projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, and a redesigned cupholder. Other standard features are a 5-inch infotainment screen, LED taillights, steering wheel audio controls, rearview camera, and driver-side seat height adjustment.
Sport Trim
There’s a new trim called the Sport trim that sits right after the base LX. It has a black trim, 8-inch wheels, a black headliner, active noise cancellation, and sport pedals. It also comes standard with a variable gear ratio electric power steering that will enhance the steering feel. Some other goodies are an upgraded infotainment system with a 7-inch screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sport trim will sell for $23,215.
EX
For the first time ever, the HR-V will enjoy the Honda Sensing in the EX trim. This includes collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, and lane keeping assist. It also received a moonroof, heated front seats, and fully automatic headlights for $24,715.
EX-L
The EX-L will get leather-trimmed seats, leather steering wheel, leather shift knob, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror for $26,315.
If you want an all-wheel-drive system for any of the trim levels (except for the Touring), you would have to pay an additional $1,400.
Touring
The Touring comes standard with an all-wheel-drive. Aside from that, it also gets an embedded navigation, LED high and low beam headlights, LED foglights, an eight-way power driver seat, HomeLink, exclusive 17-inch wheels, and double-stitched perforated leather upholstery.
The engine is the same 1.8-liter inline-four that produces 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque. The new color options for the HR-V are Orange Burst Metallic, Midnight Amethyst Metallic, and Platinum White Pearl.
3 Things We Should Expect From The 2019 Volkswagen T-Roc GTI
Rendering of the Volkswagen T-Roc GTI by X-Tomi Design.
It’s rare to see an automaker come up with a performance version of a compact crossover SUV. It’s unusual in this certain segment, but Volkswagen may like the challenge of this idea. The T-Roc was launched in 2017, becoming the smallest crossover in VW’s lineup.
With the likes of the Nissan Juke, Toyota C-HR, and Renault Captur. A beefed-up version of the T-Roc was spotted testing on public roads, and it confirmed suspicions that VW is gearing to create a whole new market for performance-oriented compact crossovers.
1. Exterior
The T-Roc R-Line has a sporty appearance, so we think that the GTI will be loosely based on that exterior. It adds, among others, horizontal slats to the bumper grille, splitter-like elements up front, sports black wheel arch extensions, body-colored side skirts, new wheels, and the trademark red stripe across the grille.
The bumper will be taller and will give the GTI a more planted look. The sides will feature the usual black window trim, side skirt extensions, and a fancier set of wheels.
2. Interior
The T-Roc’s interior will be a little cramped, of course. This is a compact crossover, after all. It would have a premium feel all throughout the cabin, though—from the dashboard to the comfortable seats to the infotainment system. Some upgrades the GTI could bring are turning the colored inserts and the paddle shifters red since it’s the traditional GTI color.
The steering wheel is expected to have a more aggressive design with red accents. The standard seats will be replaced with sportier units with heavier bolstering and maybe even integrated headrests. The standard T-Roc comes with a 6.5-inch infotainment screen but the GTI will likely have the 8-inch version. This will come with a CD player, Discover Media, and a navigation system. The 11.7-inch instrument cluster will display a ton of information—drivetrain info, phone apps, and a media library.
3. Performance
The Golf GTI uses a turbocharged four-pot engine that produces 217 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. the T-Roc GTI could use the same engine with the same output. Currently, the range-topping T-Roc gets 187 horses and236 pound-feet of torque, so the increase of 30 ponies and 20 pound-feet makes sense.