Tag Archives: crossover
4 Things We Noticed About The 2018 Jaguar E-Pace Crossover
Spy shots of the 2018 Jaguar E-Pace Crossover showed a number of details about this latest crossover from the British automaker. The E-Pace is a little bit smaller than the F-Pace, and will be similar in size to the XE four-door.
According to analysts and reports, these all-wheel drive crossovers are the reason why Jaguar’s US sales have been toppling that of luxury giants such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Thanks to the presence of all-wheel drives throughout the range, more people are going to Jaguar for their all-season vehicles.
1. Platform
The platform to be used in the E-Pace is some kind of variation of the one underneath Land Rover’s Land Rover Discovery Sport. The platform is front-drive based, though this might not be a problem at all for consumers who simply want a crossover that looks stylish and has an elevated seating position at the same time.
The spy shots showed that the E-Pace will probably have slender headlights, squarish grille opening, aggressive air intakes, and a raked rear window. Since we’re seeing an aggressive roofline, we don’t expect this crossover to have a third-row seating.
2. Powertrain
The E-Pace is armed with a turbocharged inline-four engine with a ZF-sourced nine-speed automatic transmission. There’s no word yet on what drive system, aside from all-wheel drive, will be available.
3. Competition
As expected, the E-Pace Crossover will be competing with the Audi Q3, the BMW X1, the Infiniti QX30, and the Lexus NX.
4. Arrival And Pricing
Early this 2017, we can expect the E-Pace Crossover to be revealed by Jaguar. But it wouldn’t be available until the end of this year when it will be delivered to showrooms and auto dealers nationwide.
There are no details about the pricing but based on the competition like the Audi and the BMW, we can expect the E-Pace Crossover to be in the mid-$30,000 range.
5 Important Things To Note About The Peugeot 3008
Peugeot has finally launched its new 3008, a stylish crossover SUV that proved the French manufacturer is finally ready to move away from the original 3008 model’s MPV look. This one will sit underneath the new 5008.
Here are 5 quick facts about the new Peugeot 3008:
1. Prices
The Peugeot 3008 will have a starting price of $26,759, which makes it more expensive than the Nissan Qashqai and the SEAT Ateca. The affordable price tag (yes, despite being more expensive than two of its rivals) is largely thanks to the automaker deciding to balance it out—use premium materials and still be practical on where it puts it.
2. Specifications
The entry level is called the Active trim, and it packs a considerable hefty infotainment system—12.3-inch digital instrument display, 8-inch touchscreen with built-in Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink for Android smartphones. The new 3008 will come packed with the so-called i-Cockpit interior, which will cocoon the driver in the screen-laden center console and dashboard.
Standard also to the entry-level model are the dual climate control, rear parking sensors, automatic emergency brakes, lane departure warning, and distance alert.
Those who want more can opt for the Allure trim, which has a starting price of $28,969. This comes with additional safety features.
3. Exterior
The entry-level model sits on 17-inch alloy wheels with automatic headlights and wipers. The Allure trim gets more—larger 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome detailing on the front wing, grey scuff plate on the front bumper, and stainless steel doorsills.
If you are looking for a sportier model, go with the GT Line for $31,302. It tweaked the original design to get a different grille, improved front bumper, black roof, twin exhaust effect rear bumper, LED headlamps, foglamps, and front indicators.
4. Engine
The 3008 GT, the range topper, will sell for $40,511. Aside from all the stunning features mentioned above, this one gets a 2.0-liter BlueHDI diesel engine paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. It can produce 179 horsepower. Fuel economy is rated at 58.9mpg.
The cheapest engine option is the turbocharged 1.2-liter PureTech 3-cylinder petrol engine. It can produce 129 horsepower.
5. Interior
Standard to the new 3008 are full leather seats. The driver’s seat, in particular, is eight-way adjustable with a multi-point massage function. The 3008 GT will have aluminum roof bars, panoramic glass roof, keyless entry/go, adaptive cruise control, and an electric tailgate.
5 Important Pointers About The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen has worked hard to bridge the gap between the current Tiguan and the Touareg. What came out of their effort is this crossover: a second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan that has an increased overall length, has more cargo space, and has a seven-seater option.
1. It Uses The MQB Platform
The modular components for VW Group’s MQB platform are being utilized extensively by the German company. Since 2012, the group sold 28 models and a total of 4.6 million vehicles that used this chassis. What all MQB-based vehicles have in common are the transverse engine and transmission orientation. From there, the cars are free to do anything: front- or all-wheel drive, three-, four-, or six-cylinder, and variations in wheelbases, tracks and exterior dimension.
2. It Has The “German Engineering” Driving Experience
This means that you’ll get to experience what it feels like to handle a German-made car—from the leather-wrapped steering wheel to the well-bolstered driver’s seat to the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system that perfects rounds on snowy roads, the dry-paved roads, and even off-road conditions. When driving on a highway, you can choose from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom operating modes.
3. It Can Only Produce 180 Horsepower
It may be outfitted with VW’s new EA888 turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, but it will only be able to produce 180 horsepower, 16 horsies less than the current Tiguan. VW said this was done for the greater good—increased torque and better fuel efficiency. The exact figures, however, have not been released.
4. It Has A Cabin That Rivals Most Luxury Sedans
Inside the new Tiguan, you’ll find some of the most luxurious elements of a crossover—an 8-inch centrally-located touchscreen with infotainment volume and tuning, and a second screen display between the speedometer and tachometer. The first screen shows a compass, steering angle, pitch and roll angles, and engine oil temperature. The second display has the navigation, trip, and mileage information.
5. It Can Accommodate Up To 7 People
To be clear, the crossover is unlike the Honda Pilot, Ford Flex, and Buick Enclave when it comes to cabin length and width. It just sits a little above the Mitsubishi Outlander, though seven people with normal stature can fit into the new Tiguan.
Three Things To Learn About The 2018 BMW X3
If you’re a fan of the current BMW X3, you’ll be happy to know that the same snappy performance, elegant interior, and reasonable pricing are packaged in an all-new next-generation 2018 BMW X3.
Spotted testing once again, the new X3 is likely to arrive in showrooms starting next year as a 2018 model. Aside from what we enjoy with the current model, the German automaker added other elements to make this the perfect crossover SUV. What does anyone want in an SUV? Power, aerodynamics and cargo space. All of these you can find in this next-gen X3.
1. More Interior Space
Crossover SUVs have suffered tremendously for its failure to offer adequate interior and cargo space like it’s bigger brother, the SUV. It’s understandable why since the crossover wasn’t made to rival the SUV. It was just made to be bigger than the sedan, but significantly smaller than the SUV. The focus was on ground clearance than interior space. But thanks to a more efficient engineering and the use of lightweight materials, the 2018 X3 is equipped with a larger interior.
That is thanks largely to the adoption of the CLAR modular platform that was first seen in the 2016 7-Series. The SUV version will be debuting in the X3, and will likely appear in the new X5 and X7 as well.
2. Diesel and Plug-in Hybrid Options Available
For those of you waiting for a battery-powered electric X3, this isn’t the year for that, unfortunately. Under the hood of this new X3, you’ll find almost the same engine as that of the latest 3-Series. This means that the crossover is offering BMW’s new B58 modular 3.0-liter inline-6 and inline-4 units, including diesel and plug-in hybrid options. The battery-powered electric X3 will arrive towards the end of the decade.
3. Performance Variants are Coming
There will be an X3 M40i and X3 M, the latter was apparently spied in prototype form. Its engine will be coming from the M3/M4 line which produces 425 horsepower. These performance variants will have an aggressive body form that is also wider than the current X3.
2018 BMW X2 To Take On The Audi Q2
Rumors that BMW is building an X2 crossover has been around since 2011. It was finally semi-confirmed when spy shots surfaced on the streets in 2015 and early 2016.
A concept car was also introduced during the 2016 Paris Auto Show, making it clear as the day that the German company wants to put the competition with Audi Q2 to the test.
Spy photos of the BMW X2 being tested near the BMW Development Center in Munich showed that it will be a sportier and coupe-like version of the X1. It will certainly not have the hunched roofline of the X4 and X6. It will heavily depend on the X1, albeit with a little more legroom.
The X1 and X2 will have similar front fascia with a big twin-kidney grille, as well as sleeker headlamps. It will be more aggressive in appearance compared to the X1, though the X2 will have a shorter tailgate and rear windscreen.
Inside, we expect to see a seven-speaker audio system, a multi-function, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cruise control, as well as an 8.8-inch display, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a panoramic moonroof.
In terms of drivetrain, the X2 will take a page from the X1’s book. It will have gasoline and diesel options, both with three- or four-cylinder formats. They will also be offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
The base model in Europe has a 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline unit that produces 134 horsepower. This is coupled with a six-speed automatic and power FWD versions only. There will also be a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine while the sDrive20i and xDrive20i will have 189 horsepower and the xDrive25i, 228 horsepower.
Diesel-wise, the X2 is getting 1.5-liter three-cylinder that produces 114 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. The base model will be able to crank out 148 horsepower and 243 pound-feet while the high-end variant gets 228 horsepower and a whopping 332 pound-feet of torque.
The X2 could be bought for $37,500 before options.
Audi Q2
A mash-up between the Q1 and A3, the Q2 looks more like a hatchback than a crossover. The only thing that allows it to be in the crossover segment is the aggressive lines, sporty roofline, spacious indoor capacity and the diverse powertrain lineup.
The base is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder that can generate 116 horsepower, while the 1.4-liter four-pot is available 150 horsepower. Higher end models will get the 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 190 horsepower.
When it comes to diesel engine, there’s the 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 116 horsepower and a 2.0-liter four-banger with either 150 or 190 horses.
The Audi Q2 is priced at $27,780.
Lexus UX Concept Is A Glimpse of a New Luxury Compact Crossover
The Lexus UX Concept just made its world debut at the Paris Auto Show last week, and to say it made quite a bit of a splash is an understatement. Showcasing Lexus’ vision for a compact crossover in the future, the concept defines a new vision for the company’s design journey and driving experience.
What the UX Concept showed is that Lexus is determined to separate itself from the rest. The models using this concept will have a bold, standalone and unique character coupled with a powerful design and deconstructed interior styling.
During its introduction at the Paris Auto Show, experts raved about the concept’s sharp creases, trademark grilles, piercing headlights and flared side intakes. One can see bits of Lexus NX SUV in the concept, though the innovation was heavily exaggerated on the UX Concept. For one, it has massive wheels, ones we would not see on a production vehicle anytime soon. But this completes the muscular and sexy look of the concept.
There are some pretty interesting parts to the exterior design, but none as compelling as the wild taillight setup at the rear. The clearance between the lens on the rear hatch and the stationary units on the rear quarters is almost nonexistent that the taillight looks like one wide light.
What’s even more unique is the see-through A pillar that “blurs” the boundaries between the exterior and the interior.
Inside, there’s a “deconstructed” look as demonstrated by the sharp and angular forms that overlap each other to replace the conventional dashboard. These overlaps create shadows and contrasts, making it difficult for anyone to identify where they begin or end. The passenger seat was also not prioritized to emphasize that it is the driver that has control of the environment.
The seats, by the way, are inspired by the Lexus Kinetic Seat Concept, which also premiered in the show.
2017 Honda HR-V Is Coming To 2017 With New Color And Better Fuel Economy
The sporty and functional Honda HR-V crossover vehicle is entering 2017 as the 2016 Green SUV of the Year, and with new color, better fuel economy, a seamless transmission system, and a host of new safety and infotainment technology.
Stylish and versatile, the Honda HR-V will start to go on sale tomorrow with a starting price of $19,365 for the LX 2WD with a 6-speed transmission according to reports. So far, Honda announced eight trims for the HR-V: the LX with 2WD w/ 6MT ($19,365), the LX with 2WD w/ CVT ($20,165), the LX with AWD w/ CVT ($21,465), the EX with 2WD w/ 6MT ($21,415), the EX with 2WD w/ CVT ($22,215), the EX with AWD w/ CVT ($23,515), the EX-L Navi with 2WD w/ CVT ($24,840), and EX-L Navi with AWD w/ CVT ($26,140).
The 2017 Honda HR-V is being powered by a refined and efficient 1.8-liter 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® engine with an output of 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. This same engine is paired with one of Honda’s two efficient and responsive transmissions: the continuously variable transmission (CVT), available on all models, or an engaging 6-speed manual transmission, available on LX and EX models with 2WD.
For its price, the HR-V is a standout in the crossover market. Along with a list of standard features and technologies— 7-inch alloy wheels, push-button electric parking brake with Automatic Brake Hold, rearview camera with guidelines, Pandora® radio and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®–it will also come in a new color, the Lunar Silver metallic. This will replace the Alabaster Silver.
It also has a host of safety tech that includes the four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist™ electronic stability control system, a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, side-curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). A Honda LaneWatch® display is added in the EX and EX-L Navi trims.
Check Out the Spy Shots Of 2017 Volkswagen 3-Row SUV
Two years ago, Volkswagen confirmed that it has plans to build a new three-row crossover SUV at its plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Now, merely months after the production started, spy shots of the prototype have come out.
According to a report, the new Volkswagen 3-Row SUV was first seen in early 2013 by the CrossBlue concept. No one knew if the concept would be carried over to the actual production design, but the spy shots now confirmed that the production version will resemble the 2013 concept. Of course, we couldn’t see it in its entirety so the finer elements are still a mystery.
This new SUV is Volkswagen’s challenge to the ever popular and family-oriented three-row SUVs such as the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Motor Company Explorer and Toyota Highlander.
It will be based on the stretched version of VW’s flexible MQB platform, enabling the SUV to be offered at a lower cost. That platform was the same one used in the smaller Golf and the North American-spec Passat currently being produced at the Chattanooga plant.
Those who seek for a plusher ride can wait for the new generation Touareg that’ll come out next year.
There is no information yet on what drivetrain would be used on the SUV, although it is expected to come out with a 4- and 6-cylinder option. The CrossBlue concept had a hybrid powertrain that pairs the 4-cylinder diesel engine with an electric motor.
But since there are current issues on VW’s use of diesel engine, then perhaps a gasoline-electric hybrid setup will be offered in the production version. Volkswagen’s 2017 3-Row SUV would most likely debut later this year or early next year.
VW also has other SUVs in the pipeline, including the new Tiguan and Touareg, as well as the production versions of the T-Roc and T-Cross Breeze concepts. There would also be coupe-like versions of the Tiguan and this new three-row SUV from VW.
2017 Mazda CX-4 To Be Unveiled At Beijing Motor Show
Mazda introduced the Mazda Koeru concept during last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, promising to venture into the growing crossover SUV segment. This is the answer to that—the Mazda CX-4. It came sooner than expected, but who’s really complaining?
Most upcoming models come as prototype, but based on a source, the CX-4 was immediately spotted in production in Asia late 2015. By the beginning of 2016, Mazda has confirmed this and said it will be unveiled at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show this April.
The CX-4 will walk on that thin line between Mazda 3 and CX-5, so it will probably be the sportier, coupe version of the CX-3.
Mazda has already released a few teaser photos for the CX-4, and we can’t help but be charmed by it. The CX-4 will have the same features such as the KODO-styled front end, massive grille, and sculpted engine hood. Koeru’s grille frame extends into the headlamps—a feature not available on current Mazda units.
Koeru has a sporty profile, and we can see this on the CX-4 with its roof sitting slightly higher and its door handles having standard design.
Inside, the CX-4 interior is not as fancy as the current CX-5. But this doesn’t mean the CX-4 will have no premium features since it comes with aluminum inserts, leather, contrast stitching, and overall fit-and-finish.
Since the CX-4 is configured to become a coupe, it will feel less roomy than the CX-5.
No exact word yet on the vehicle’s powertrain, but it might actually not go too far off and remain inspired by the CX-5. That one has 2.0-liter SkyActiv unit rated at 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque in entry-level guise and a more powerful 2.5-liter SkyActiv with 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque.
Choices for transmission would make us pick between a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic.
If it will cost as much as the CX-5, then you better prepare around $21,795.
Buick Encore Given a Facelift with Updated Interior and Tech
Buick decided to gives its smallest crossover a facelift, some updated interior and new technologies four years after its debut. The new 2017 Buick Encore will strengthen the appeal of America’s most popular small SUV.
Although the changes are not drastic, such changes would ensure the Encore would be a top choice for years to come.
The new Encore has a refreshed front-end appearance and a new premium interior technology that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it perfect for just about anyone who’s ever owned a smartphone. The new technologies are supported by a next generation IntelliLink system that features an equally impressive 8-inch diagonal color touch screen.
Standard features included in the new Encore are push button start, keyless unlock via the exterior door handles, and the 8-inch color touch screen.
Outside, the Encore added a winged grille with Buick’s new tri-color insignia, new front headlamps and rear LED signature tail lamps. Uplevel models would come packed with Buick’s full LED headlamps that provide clear lighting for night driving.
It also has a new chrome exhaust outlet, body color heated outside mirrors, a new 18-inch wheel design and three new colors—Black Cherry Metallic, Ebony Twilight Metallic and White Frost Metallic.
In terms of interior designs, the 2017 Encore puts greater emphasis on selecting materials, as well as details like bright accents and contrast stitching.
It boasts an updated instrument panel as well with a 4.2-inch diagonal color driver information center, as well as a new center that complements the instrument panel for a friendlier user interface for its new technologies.
The core feature of the 2017 Encore is that it offers room for five persons. In addition, it has 48.4 cubic feet of storage space with the 60/40 split rear seat folded. Standard models come with 10 air bags, StabiliTrak stability enhancement and a 1.4L turbo four-cylinder/six-speed automatic powertrain.
Buick Encore’s main rival is VW’s Tiguan, but the latter costs a bit more at $26,255. The updated Encore will have a starting price of $24,065.
