Tag Archives: suv
Spy Shots Of 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Emerge
The all-new 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio was photographed while on a road test around the Nürburgring.
The new SUV came at just the right time when Alfa Romeo promised to launch eight fresh models by 2018. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is expected to compete against the likes of 2017 Audi Q5, 2017 BMW X3, and 2015 Lexus NX.
The models will apparently offer a range of drivetrains from fuel-efficient gasoline and diesel versions to high-performance haulers.
Technically, Alfa Romeo has yet to launch a production SUV. But every time it does, the Kamal Concept presented at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show is being tapped.
But Alfa has a new design concept for the Stelvio, seen on both the 4C and the Giulia. Up front, we can see Alfa Romeo’s design language on the nose and the lower area of the fascia. Then, there is more padding on the sides while the roof slopes down a little to the rear.
Inside, there’s an expectation that the SUV will borrow the design features of the Giulia. The dashboard includes a center console, the instruments cluster, the center stack and the infotainment display.
It would also probably come with premium features such as leather upholstery, soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels, contrast stitching, and aluminum inserts. The high-end variant will most likely include carbon fiber trim.
Under the hood, there will be a range of gasoline and diesel engines. For the gasoline, the SUV will have a 2.0-liter, supercharged, four-cylinder that delivers 197 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque on an eight-speed, rear-wheel-drive transmission.
As for the diesel variant, you will get a 2.2-liter four-cylinder with two different configurations. One offers 177 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque while the other offers 148 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.
There’s going to be a high end variant with a 2.9-liter, biturbo, V-6 engine.
Prices are not yet available for this SUV, but the entry level should start at $42,000 while the high end would cost $50,000.
2017 Renault Koleos To Be Unveiled In Beijing
It looks like French automaker Renault will have a new replacement for the compact Koleos crossover, and it will be a seven-seater flagship SUV ready to compete with the likes of Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mazda and Honda.
Renault confirmed it will carry the Koleos name, and that it be launched at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show. The company also unveiled the first official photo of the Koleos.
On the outside, what we can confirm is that the Koleos will be 5 meters longer than the current model, which has a length of 4.5 meters. With that size, it will be the biggest Renault passenger vehicle in production.
Aesthetically speaking, it will receive the same treatment as the Renault Talisman and Mega ne. It has a rectangular shape headlights and a LED running lights underneath that is hook-like in shape.
The design will be built on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s Common Module Family, a partnership formed in 1999. The platform is also currently used for the Nissan Qashqai, Nissan X-Trail, Renault Espace and Renault Kadjar.
Inside, the cabin has that extra third row to fit seven people. This is a pretty major adjustment for the Renault. The head, hip and leg room are all pretty spectacular given the size of the SUV. But if you’re worried about compartment, don’t be. The one-touch folding rear seats will make sure to provide that.
The Koleos will inherit the Nissan X-Trail various drivetrain options, which include a gas-powered 2.0-liter inline-four that can produce 143 horsepower, a gas-powered 2.5-liter inline-four with 170 horsepower, and a diesel-powered 1.6-liter inline-four with 130 horsepower.
Transmission choices will include a six-speed manual and a six-speed EDC automatic with FWD as standard and AWD as optional.
Prices of the current Koleos are varied in markets, and the successor will might follow suit. In Australia, it starts at $28,490.
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.
Subaru Updates 2017 Forester With Advanced Safety Features, Torque Vectoring
Subaru of America Inc. has announced an update to the 2017 Forester. This mid-cycle refresh course includes a slight revised front and rear fascias, a few interior upgrades, and a new active safety equipment.
But above that, there’s something Subaru included in the 2017 Forester that cannot be found on a Toyota RAV 4 or a Honda CRV—the addition of a brake-based torque vectoring.
According to Subaru, the main changes can be found on the styling, the new driver assist technology, interior comfort, enhanced driving performance, and a better fuel-saving feature.
What Subaru is most proud of in its revised 2017 Forester is the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which incorporated color cameras to provide a wider and longer field of vision. The system also includes a Lane Keep Assist, which detects when a vehicle sways and would gently guide it to the center of the lane.
The Forester Limited and Touring models will also have the Blind Spot Detection and Red Cross Traffic Alert, both of which can help the driver prevent accidents on the road. The Premium models that are equipped with the EyeSight also get the Blind Spot Detection and Red Cross Traffic Alert features.
More, the safety feature packs the High Beam Assist, Steering Responsive Headlights, and the Reverse Automatic Braking on the 2017 Limited and Touring models.
The exterior was redesigned with a refined front bumper cover, a new hexagonal grille and headlights, and a rear spoiler that matches the body color will now come standard on all Premium, Limited, Touring and XT Premium models.
Inside, the new Forester has an all-new Saddle Brown perforated leather-trimmed upholstery with contrast stitching. You can also choose a matching brown leather trim to the door panels, center console storage box lid, and other interior details.
The new 17-inch wheels are standard on the 2.5i Premium and Limited models while the new 18-inch wheel design will come standard on 2.0X trims.
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.
Mercedes-Maybach SUV Might Be In The Works
We might have dreamed about it until the day came. It was quite hard to imagine that the luxury SUVs have finally arrived. The three-pointed star marque has once again hinted that it might join the ultra elite group of carmakers with a Mercedes-Maybach SUV.
Merc is the latest in the long line of luxury carmakers that bit into the trend. Bentley has the Bentayga. Rolls Royce has the Project Cullinan. Lamborghini has the Urus by 2018. Aston Martin has a plan based on the DBX concept.
However, a Merc official said that although Mercedes is willing and even able to build a luxury SUV, it cannot be done on the current platform. So, if ever Merc does build a luxury SUV, it would be on the next generation platform.
This makes sense, of course, since Maybach’s release, which was based on a completely different portfolio than the previous version, has been widely successful in places like China.
In China, the automaker sold more of the new long-wheelbase Mercedes-Maybach S-Class in a month than it was able to do so during the old Maybach’s “best year.” This renaissance was the push Merc needed in order to plan ahead again.
An SUV based on this current lineup is a wise decision, especially because the SUV has been slowly catering to Merc drivers as well. Since bringing back the M-Class in 1997, the SUV segment has been successful.
Ola Källenius, a Merc board member, said there is an unbroken trend in SUV because people love the high seats, sporty image and all-around usefulness for outdoor adventures. He believes the SUV trend will continue in years to come.
In Mercedes, 30 to 40 percent of the portfolio are SUVs, which Källenius said all carry the Mercedes imaging, meaning there’s no actual conflict in creating a Maybach SUV.
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.
