Tag Archives: crossover
3 Things To Expect From The 2020 Audi SQ3
The Audi SQ3 is the sporty and level-up version of Audi’s second-generation Q3 crossover, which will be unveiled in late July. The SQ3 will come with the trademark aggressive S styling treatment and four exhaust pipes.
This performance version of the Q3 will match the power output of the outgoing RS Q3, which will have a new iteration of Audi’s turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five that produces at least 400 horsepower later on. The RS Q3 was not released to the American market, making the SQ3 much more in demand and anticipated.
1. Platform
Like the base model Q3, the Audi SQ3 will use the Volkswagen Group’s MQB modular-transverse platform that is being used by a wide range of vehicles—from the small VW Polo to the Atlas SUV. The SQ3 will be similar in size to the current model, but the suspension will be tuned aggressively for minimum roll and sporty handling characteristics.
2. Powertrain
The Audi SQ3 will have the same EA888 turbocharged 2.0-liter four engine that can now be found in the Audi S3 and the Volkswagen Golf R. It can produce around 300 horsepower and can go from complete stop to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. It will have a top speed of 155 mph. The engine will come standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and Quattro all-wheel drive. We don’t have information on other powertrains available for higher-end versions.
3. Estimated Arrival and Price
The Audi SQ3 is expected to arrive in the United States in 2019 as a 2020 model. There is no information yet about the prices, but it will have a starting price of $45,000. Other variants will go north of that range with the available options offered to the vehicle.
The 2020 Audi SQ3 is competing directly with the BMW X2 and the Mercedes-AMG GLA45.
Spy Shots
Here are some spy shots of the Audi SQ3 from CarAndDriver:
Hyundai Kona N Crossover With 247HP Is Looking For Approval
Hyundai’s N Performance sub-brand is awaiting approval from the top tier of the South Korean automaker to make over the Kona, the brand’s new compact crossover. Once it has the approval, the Hyundai Kona N Crossover will get 247 horsepower from a 2.0-liter turbo engine used in the i30 N.
Albert Biermann, Hyundai’s N performance boss, already instructed his engineers to develop a test mule version of the Kona. This test mule version would be the consideration for the production of the Kona by the end of the decade. Biermann had no assurances about the Kona getting approval, but he reiterated that the Kona needs to use the powertrain in the i30 N.
To differentiate it from the standard version, the Hyundai engineers would need to develop a different suspension and steering specs for the performance version.
The i30 N is based on the i30, an overseas version of the Elantra GT seeing as the i30 N was never offered to the American market. It was offered in three body styles—a hatchback, a wagon, and a fastback sedan. Fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, the i30 N has two engine options: the 2.0-liter four-cylinder and another version producing 271 horsepower. The latter version will power the Veloster N, which will be available in the US.
The Kona’s standard version will have two engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, or a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that can do 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque.
Other features of the N version of the Kona could possibly be a large grille, red-trimmed undercarriage, a special badge, and interior trim and suspension upgrades that will include a rear diffuser, small roof spoiler, and exposed rear tailpipes.
Since going on sale last February, the Kona had already sold 5,874 units. It also has plans to develop an all-electric version for 2019 and an entry-level Kona Electric will be available in Europe.
Prices Revealed For The 2019 Mazda CX-3 Small Crossover
The pricing for the 2019 Mazda CX-3 crossover has been released. The subcompact SUV will have a starting price of $21,365 when it arrives in dealerships later this month. That’s a $280 increase from the current model, including a $975 destination and handling fee.
Fuel Efficiency
Aside from the pricing, the company just released the EPA rating. The front-wheel-drive version gets 29 miles per gallon in the city and 34 on the highway for a combined 31 mpg. The all-wheel-drive version is rated at 27 mpg in the city, 32 on the highway and 29 combined. These are the exact ratings for the outgoing model. And here we are wondering about Mazda’s promised improved fuel economy.
Performance
During the New York Auto Show, we saw a glimpse of what’s to come in the 2019 Mazda CX-3 crossover. It would carry the same 2.0-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder that produces 148 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It will be mated with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift and sport modes.
The new model also gets Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control driving technology, as well as a sportier and retuned suspension and improvements, making the driving experience quieter and more refined. There’s also an electronic parking brake, a redesigned center console and armrest, additional storage space, and redesigned front seats and additional rear armrest with built-in cupholders.
Standard features include a new direct tire-pressure monitoring system and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, two USB ports, a rearview camera, hands-free Bluetooth calling and audio pairing capability, and the 7-inch Mazda Connect full-color infotainment and diagnostic display, controllable via voice command or control knob.
For an extra $1,100, you may also get the new Sport i-ACTIVSENSE Package composed of safety technologies such as smart city braking support with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, radar cruise control with stop-and-go function, LED headlights and LED combination tail lights.
The Touring trim level adds 18-inch wheels and keyless entry while the top-level Grand Touring starts at $26,720 and $28,120 for front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, respectively.
Photos by: Road Show
5 Features Of The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Crossover
The Toyota RAV4 first arrived in 1994 as the Japanese brand’s oldest and most popular vehicle in the crossover segment. Since then, the demand for crossovers has grown exponentially and sales of the Toyota RAV4 grew alongside it. It last received a redesign in 2013 and to keep it updated and fresh, Toyota revealed a fifth-generation model at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.
1. Exterior
The RAV4 is still considered a subcompact but it has SUV-like proportions, thanks to the lower and wider stance and extended wheelbase. The RAV4 has a more angular defined nose with the headlights angled toward the front fenders. There’s black detailing on the lower half of the bumper and a silver skid plate protects the chin.
The sides are sharper as well with a built-up shoulder line and creases that lead to the fender flares. Optional 19-inch wheels finish off the sides.
2. Interior
There’s a new simplified design for the cabin’s layout. The thing about the new RAV4 is that it has more space for the rear passengers, thanks to the extended wheelbase it used as a platform. It has a more streamlined and elegant appearance with a lot of techy details. The new RAV4 has hands-free power liftgate, which can be opened by waving a foot under the rear bumper.
Standard safety tech includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Brake Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam headlights, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist. You can go for the options: Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a Bird’s Eye View Camera, Intelligent Clearance Sonar, and Rear Cross Traffic Braking.
3. Drivetrain
There are two powertrains to choose from: a Dynamic Force 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder. Equipped on the five individual gas-only models and a Dynamic Force 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder mated with the latest Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) efficiency-booster.
4. Prices
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 will arrive in dealerships at the end of this year in gas-only variant. The hybrid will arrive sometime in 2019. There are no pricing details yet, but it will likely have the tag of the current model, which is priced $24,510. The hybrid model starts at $27,235.
5. Competition
The RAV4’s direct competitors are the Honda CRV and the Mazda CX-5.
Hyundai Kona Electric Showcases Powertrain Versatility
The Hyundai Kona Electric was introduced last week at the New York Auto Show, marking another level of versatility that the brand is bringing to its US utility lineup.
The Kona Electric is a pure EV subcompact crossover that go an estimated 250 miles on a single charge. It’s part of the series of announcements that Hyundai made to introduce an all-new lineup. Last February, the South Korean automaker said that the redesigned Santa Fe will have a diesel option in 2019, which marks Hyundai’s first diesel in the US market. The fuel-powered Nexo will also continue to be around to build on the brand’s “hydrogen legacy.”
The Kona Electric will be rolled out to targeted markets only. Hyundai said that the EV subcompact crossover will be produced in Ulsan, Korea, and will be initially available in California. Later on, other states with California’s zero-emission vehicle regulations will follow the launch. The availability will start in the fourth quarter of 2018.
What the Kona EV brings to the table is “peace of mind” and “flexibility,” according to Hyundai Motor America COO Brian Smith. Why? The 250-mile range is father than the capability of EVs before the Kona EV. Previous EVs can only muster up around 100 or 150 miles.
The closest competitor of the Kona EV is the Chevy Bolt, a hatchback that has the capacity of 238 miles in a single charge. Though Tesla Model 3 has a 220-mile range, it is a sedan and does not fall under the same category as the Kona.
A lot of cross-shopping will happen, Smith claims, as customers who want EVs suddenly have the option of buying a CUV because it’s out in the market now. The 250-mile range will also allow many people to go two to three days without charging, and that’s a big factor to consider.
The Kona EV gets 19.2 cubic feet of rear cargo space, which is the same as the gasoline version of the crossover. Pricing details have not been announced yet.
6 Important Things To Know About The 2018 Jaguar F-Pace SVR
Jaguar’s first SUV is getting a special treatment from JLR’s performance and customization division, the Special Vehicle Operations (SVO). The Jaguar F-Pace SVR debuted at the New York International Auto Show last week and showed tremendous potential as a sports car performance in a practical SUV design.
1. Exterior
The F-Pace grabbed both the World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year awards in 2017, which proved that Ian Callum is the “king” in SUV design. Callum is the same person behind the designs of the Aston Martin Vanquish, Jaguar C-X75, and the Jaguar F-Type.
The SVR model adds aggression and power to its looks, thanks to an aero package, a unique bumper, a new hood, larger fender vents, and a unique set of lightweight forged alloy wheels measuring 21 inches.
2. Interior
The F-Pace SVR has a sleek but simple interior. It starts with a quilted upholstery with the embossed SVR logo on the heavily bolstered sport seats. Top-shelf materials are used in every inch of the cabin, including the new pistol-style shifter knob, an SVR-specific steering wheel with soft-touch upholstery wrappings and aluminum paddle shifters.
3. Drivetrain
The F-Pace SVR received a huge power boost because of its supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 that can now produce 550 ponies and 502 pound-feet of torque. It has an active and lightweight exhaust system that helps power the car to 176 mph top speed. It can go 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The F-Pace SVR is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
4. Chassis And Handling
The F-Pace SVR used the same iQ-Al modular platform as the regular F-Pace. This is the same one used on the Jaguar XE, the second-generation Jaguar XF, and the next-generation Jaguar XJ, not to mention the Range Robert Velar SUV. Thanks to this platform, the F-Pace SVR has a lightweight aluminum body that makes it easier for driver to handle it.
5. Prices
The SVR variant will start at $79,990 and orders will start this summer.
6. Competition
The main competitor of the F-Pace SVR is the Porsche Macan Turbo, which is rocking a twin-turbo V-6 that produces a whopping 400 horsepower after it has been paired with a 7-speed transmission and high-performance AWD system. The price for the Porsche starts at $77,200.
Checking Out The New 2019 Cadillac XT4
The decision of Cadillac to hire Johan de Nysschen has finally come to fruition in terms of the crossover market. This 2018, we’ll finally get to see the launch of the 2019 Cadillac XT4, which will give the BMW X3, the Audi Q5, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC a run for their money.
Making its public debut at the 2018 New York Auto Show, the XT4 is Cadillac’s smallest crossover to date. It rides on a new platform and uses a small displacement engine. Is it surprising that Cadillac wants a chunk off the crossover market? It’s a huge market, and one being slowly monopolized by luxury brand such as BMW.
Exterior
The overall styling cues of the XT4 comes from the larger XT5. Although it has a more subdued appearance, it is still elegant and sophisticated. Plus, it has a nice sporty look that would go well with the millennial market. Similar to the XT5, the XT4 has a swept-back headlamps with vertical daytime running lights, a big trapezoidal grille, and a sturdy bumper. From the CT6 sedan, it got the side intakes that are placed higher than the fascia and the LED strips that are shorter than the XT5.
Overall, the XT4 feels sportier and more aggressive, which is much needed if it’s to compete with the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. There are eight colors that you can choose from— Atlantic Metallic, Autumn Metallic, Crystal White Tricoat, Twilight Blue Metallic, Shadow Metallic, Red Horizon Tintcoat, Stellar Black Metallic, and Radiant Silver Metallic.
Interior
Inside, the cabin has some familiar features, but there’s enough styling elements also to make it stand out. First, it has a unique dashboard design. The center piece holds the new eight-inch infotainment display with several controls underneath. There’s a three-spoke steering wheel design wrapped in leather and has big grip handles for a sportier feel.
Other notable features include the sporty seats with a massage option and ambient lighting. On the tech side, you can enjoy the infotainment system with a smartphone-like operation and intuitive interface.
Drivetrain
Here’s the 411 on the new Cadillac XT4. It will run on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with Active Fuel Management or cylinder deactivation for the best fuel economy. It can produce 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
The XT4 will have a starting price of $35,790, including the destination charge, but excluding tax, title, license, dealer fee, and optional equipment.
Ford And Mahindra To Come Out With New Crossover And EV
Something is finally coming out of the partnership between Ford and Mahindra that was inked way back in September 2017.
According to reports, the two brands are partnering to come up with a crossover and an electric vehicle. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that the planned crossover has anything to do with Ford’s plans in the same segment. Simply put, Ford wants to put its mark in the Indian auto market.
What we now understand about the agreement on the SUV is that Ford will be doing majority of the work using Mahindra’s equipment, which interestingly included the platform on which the SUV will be built on. This means that Mahindra, even as a partner to Ford, will stay out of the plans in producing the 2020 Bronco.
Aside from the SUV crossover, the two companies are also producing an electric vehicle to compete with the likes of Tesla. Although details are still unknown, this could be a huge stepping stone for Mahindra to finally sink its teeth on the US market, either under its own name or the sub-brand Pininfarina. Mahindra already has headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, so the first step has already been casted.
Mahinda previously reiterated its plan to make its presence known in the US market. An EV made in collaboration with a beloved American company, Ford, could be the linchpin that will make that happen.
Ford and Mahindra are working on a lot more than a crossover and EV. Those two are just part of the grand scheme of things, which include developing new initiatives and technologies that could open the door for future projects in the US and in India.
Jim Farley, Ford’s executive vice president and president of Global Markets, said that his company’s aim is to offer the best vehicles that will fit the lifestyles of the Indian market.
3 Things We Learned From The 2020 Audi Q3 Spy Shots
Audi is working on its next-generation Q3 crossover, we all know that, but these spy shots revealed where in the development process is Audi right now. Well, it looks like everything is on schedule and we’ll see the next-generation Q3 as a 2020 model this 2019 in distributors’ showrooms.
1. No Surprises In Q3’s Exterior
There are no surprises in the design of Audi’s compact crossover SUV, the spy shots revealed. Based on the images, the next-generation Q3 will resemble a scaled-down version of the latest Q5, though this one will have a more dynamically proportioned body. To further highlight the difference, the current-generation Q3 was seen on the road together with the upcoming Q3.
The crossover SUV will use the same and familiar MQB platform design used by the VW Group in almost all of its compact cars and non-premium midsize models.
2. Plug-in Hybrid A Possibility
The new-generation Q3 will be powered by turbocharged inline-4 engines, but there is also a possibility of seeing a plug-in hybrid option. Expectations are high, too, that Audi will have the same RS Q3 in the works. With 400 horsepower from a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5, there should be no question that this one would be a favorite.
The good news? Audi Sport might offer the RQ3 in the United States market this time around. Remember, the US market has been adamant it wants the same preference that Audi has for the European market.
3. Electric-Powered Cars In The Pipeline
The redesigned Q3 is just one of the five new SUVs that Audi is working on. There are others in the horizon, such as the electronic e-tron and e-tron Sportback models, as well as the coupe-like Q4 and Q8. There are also rumors that Audi is working on a Q1 subcompact SUV based on the next-generation A1.
