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Everything We Know About The 2019 Ford Territory That’s Made For China
Ford is finding it difficult to infiltrate the Chinese market, and for an automaker, that’s bad news. China has become the biggest market for automakers, and without a clear presence there, the business could suffer. For this year, Ford has prepared a grand plan to capture the Chinese market. They will introduce 50 new models until 2025, starting off with an affordable crossover SUV since we can’t seem to get enough of them.
Called Ford Territory, this is no way the same as the one in Australia with the same name. While that one is based on the Ford Falcon, the Chinese-market crossover SUV is very different and will be developed with Chinese automaker JMC.
No mechanical details have been revealed yet, except that it will be offered with three engine options: a conventional gas-powered engine, a Miller-cycle-style engine with a 48V mild-hybrid assist, and a plug-in hybrid.
Don’t worry if this will be manufactured with a Chinese automaker partner. It would still very much look like a Ford since it will still be the one responsible for the Territory’s overall design, engineering, and testing. JMC will provide advice and feedback on what sells in the Chinese market. The car will also be built in a JMC factory.
Other reports from China, however, noted that the Territory may be similar to one of JMC’s brands, the Yusheng. The S330 model, however, features a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that can make 163 horsepower.
From initial reports, the Territory looks handsome enough to have a shot at the Asian market. It may not be outstanding, but its exterior and interior are both aimed at functionality and at appealing to other Asian cities.
The Territory will go on sale in China early next year, but it won’t probably be available in the US because it wasn’t manufactured to meet North America’s safety and emission standards.
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.
Upgraded 2019 Jaguar F-Pace SUV Starts At $45,595
There are no big differences between the current Jaguar F-Pace SUV and the upgraded 2019 version even if Jaguar said the new one received several “enhancements” for the exterior. What changed though is the car’s starting price, which is now at $45,595.
Not much has changed, that we can tell you. But then again, the F-Pace was already one of the best-looking crossover SUVs out in the market, so it does not need a major makeover, really.
That being said, there are a lot of upgrades inside: the 10-inch touchscreen, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and front and rear parking sensors are now standard. And like all 2019 models sold in the United States, a backup camera will now be standard.
Jaguar also added optional slimline seats and three new packages. Owners can avail of the Park Pack bundles that bring automatic parking assist with upgraded parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert. The Drive Pack, on the other hand, includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and upgraded automatic emergency braking.
The Driver Assist Pack have all the features of the two packages, but also includes a surround-view camera system and lane centering.
Under the hood, the gasoline engines will come with an emissions-reducing particulate filter. The most popular engine option would still be the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, but you can also opt for the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 engine that was used in the 380-horsepower F-Pace S.
Us customers would be happy to know that the 2.0-liter turbodiesel will still be included. This engine can produce 180 horses and 318 pound-feet of torque. Want more power? You can opt for the F-Pace SVR, which is powered by a 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 engine that makes 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque.
Including destination fee, the new F-Pace SUV will be priced at $45,595 for the base F-Pace 25t that uses the 247-horsepower turbo-four engine. The diesel 25d will be available for $49,495. The 296-horsepower 30t is priced at $50,995 while the 380-horsepower S costs $62,495. The range-topping SVR will sell for $80,985.
New Aston Martin SUV To Start Production Next Year
Aston Martin confirmed that its first SUV will enter production in late 2019 after the completion of its new St. Athan plant in South Wales in the United Kingdom. The British automaker, however, has not released any specifications for the new car.
The company’s board of directors already held a meeting at the new plant, which includes three converted former-Ministry of Defense hangars. The facility will be completed before the production of the SUV in 2019.
Media reports said that the brand’s first SUV will be called Varekai. The SUV will be based on the DBX concept that was presented in Pebble Beach, California in 2015.
Aston Martin is expected to fit the gasoline version of the SUV with its V12 engine, though upgrades might be made since the company plans to compete with the 650-horsepower Lamborghini Urus via a hybrid powertrain.
To do that, the brand will use a Mercedes-AMG four-liter V8 twin-turbo engine that pairs with an electric motor of 200 horsepower. The engines will combine for a total of 700 horsepower. If this happens, the “Varekai” will be the world’s most powerful SUV.
Aston Martin must have tricks up its sleeves if it wants to compete in the high-end SUV market. Competition is increasingly fierce in the industry as Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Uris, and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan have already made their mark in the segment. Ferrari, of course, is another one to watch out for as it plans to roll out its first SUV soon.
This is not the only SUV that Aston Martin plans to produce. Another one is in the pipeline; this time, for its premium Lagonda brand. The Lagonda SUV is expected by 2021 at the earliest. Based on the Lagonda Vision Concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2018, the SUV will be a semi-autonomous vehicle.
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.
2020 Kia Soul Gets Funkier, Thanks To A New Unilight Feature
The third iteration of the Kia Soul will get a lot funkier as seen in the major changes brought about by its next-generation model. Since going on sale nearly a decade ago, this tiny box became a staple in Kia’s model lineup. In fact, a redesign back in 2014 infused additional features into the hatchback, paving the way for the Kia Soul Turbo in 2017.
Sure, the Soul was part of many “Best Trucks and SUVs” list back in 2017 and 2018 but the competition is getting tough in this segment and it’s time for Kia to bring out the big guns.
Aside from the roofline of the 2020 soul that still looks similar to the current generation, everything else has been altered to create an eccentric new look for the car.
Up front, Kia decided to let go of today’s traditional large headlamps and went instead for a pair of low-mounted units that could almost be mistaken for fog lights. The combination turn signals and LED daytime running lamps (the “unilight”) sit above the grille.
At the back, the D-pillar-mounted taillights now have a three-dimensional appearance and are merged into the liftgate. This just made the Kia Soul more identifiable on the road as it is before without necessarily losing its unique character.
The Soul will offer the same powertrains and platform as the Kona. The entry-level model would have a 2.0-liter inline-four that produces 147 horses. An upgrade would be a turbocharged 1.6-liter, though the output remains shady for now. We’re pretty sure it would exceed the Kona’s 175 horsepower and would instead stand closer to the Soul Turbo’s 201 horsepower.
The base model will be paired either with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox. The Soul Turbo will use exclusively the brand’s seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic. The Turbo would also have distinct features such as the mesh-style grille and center-mounted exhaust outlets.
Photo Source: CarAndDriver
More Standard Equipment Added To The 2019 Dodge Durango
Dodge wants the elderly Durango to continue being relevant in this age of crossover SUVs and luxury pickup trucks. For the 2019 model year, the company decided to fit the Durango with a slew of new standard features. It didn’t have to be much because the Durango has a strong and loyal following.
For the exterior, the Dodge Durango can be equipped with new wheels and there are a total of 11 colors you can choose from, including three all-new finishes—Destroyer Gray, F8 Green, and Reactor Blue.
Entry-Level Durango SXT
The entry-level Durango SXT now has an option for leather upholstery, and coming standard for the cabin is the Uconnect 4 infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen. It comes also with Keyless Enter ‘n Go, push-button start and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Durango GT
The Durango GT got an all-new front end similar to the likes of the R/T and the SRT. The GT model is also getting LED running lights, the looks of the performance models, and the optional hood with air intake and hot air extractors. It is equipped with the same V6 engine found in the SXT. It can produce 295 horses.
Durango Citadel
There’s more standard equipment for the Durango Citadel such as the second-row captain chairs and the option for the 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and a V8 engine that can produce 360 horses and 390 pound-feet of torque. Standard to the Citadel, though, is the V6 engine.
Durango Sporty R/T And SRT
Durango’s top-of-the-line R/T and SRT got their new equipment, too. The SRT has optional red seat belts, high-performance Brembo brakes with two-piece rotors, and 825-watt, 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. More personalization options include 20-inch wheels in Matte Vapor or Brass Monkey finish.
The SRT is the quickest three-row SUV out there. It has a 6.4-liter V8 engine that produces 475 horsepower and can go 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
2019 Subaru Legacy, Outback Get Price Increase And More Features
The 2019 Subaru Legacy and Outback will be priced higher than the previous generations. Like the Subaru Impreza, the price increase also gets a slew of new updates including the EyeSight that will be made standard on every single version of the two models.
The base model Legacy 2.5i now has a price tag of $23,430, an increase of $375 over the 2018 model year while the Outback’s starting price would be $27,320, which is up by $510 from the previous generation. The prices include destination charges. All variants will get price increases, except for the Legacy 3.6R Limited and Outback 3.6R Limited, both of which experienced a slight drop in prices.
The price increase is being compensated by a number of new features both for the Legacy and the Outback. For one, both models will be fitted with the EyeSight feature. The base trims will have the EyeSight as well. The EyeSight includes a suite of driver safety aids such as automatic forward emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist.
On the 2018 Legacy, the EyeSight was not made available on the base model and was only an option for the other trims. On the 2018 Outback, it came standard only on the 2.5i Touring and 3.6R Touring, and was an option for the Premium, Limited, and 3.6R Limited trims. The feature was not available even as an option on the 2.5i.
Aside from the EyeSight feature, the 2019 Legacy 2.5i Sport will also get as standard the blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert features.
There are limited interior updates on both the Legacy and the Outback. All models will get an instrument panel that includes a 5-inch LCD display while the 2.5i trim gets extra lighting and a pair of front USB ports. Standard to the Premium and Limited trims are the auto-dimming mirror with compass and Homelink garage door opening button.
Both of the models will be available starting this summer, so you should be expecting them in dealerships soon.
2019 DS 3 Crossback SUV Readies For Launch
The new 2019 DS 3 Crossback will be the DS’s star for the upcoming Paris Motor Show. Thanks to the new set of leaked images, we now have a good idea about how the new SUV will look like.
The DS 3 Crossback SUV will be similar to the design of the recently released DS 7 Crossback and will, of course, attempt to compete with the current crossover SUVs in the market. It’s a growing market and one that will continue to grow in years to come. It makes sense that DS wants a chunk of that market for their Nissan Juke-looking SUV.
The two unique design features of this SUV are the sharp kink in the window line and the vertical daytime running lights. Other than these, buyers can be sure that the crossover will use Peugeot’s all-new small CMP platform, the same one used on the next-generation Peugeot 208. This means that an all-electric version could also be in the works since the CMP platform was engineered with electrification in mind.
Eric Apode, DS’s executive vice president who’s responsible for research and development, said during the Tokyo Motor Show last year that two-thirds of the 650,000 cars that DS sold since 2010 have been the DS 3. It makes sense for the company, whose parent company is the Peugeot, to cash in on a large number of customers who believed in the DS 3.
He said there is also an “evolution of the markets,” and this can be seen in the sales of the MINI SUV as opposed to the three-door hatchback that the automaker has been known for. The same can be said for other companies such as the Audi.
The DS 3 Crossback will be the first vehicle off the shelves of DS to use the e-CMP. This means that it will be able to offer the Crossback as a pure electric vehicle as well. As previously published by DS, the car would be powered by a 114bhp electric motor and a 50kWh battery that has a range of 280 miles.
