Tag Archives: wagon
Toyota To Introduce A Corolla Sportwagon
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
Japanese automaker Toyota is in the process of unveiling a wagon variant of its popular new Corolla lineup at the Paris Auto Show in early October. The sportwagon will have a Touring Sports body style designed and developed in Europe.
Toyota will use the TNGA platform for the sportwagon which means that it’s going to be a Corolla Hatch that has a wagonback. The long-roof Corolla will have a longer wheelbase at over 106 inches. It should be noted that the hatch’s wheelbase is less than 104 inches. This gives the Touring Sports the distinguished title of being the best in its class in terms of rear-seat legroom.
As for the powertrain options, the Touring Sports will get the same lineup as the rest of the Corolla range in Europe. This means there will be a non-hybrid engine and no diesel engines. On the base model lies a 1.2-liter turbo engine that makes 116 horsepower. The two other powertrains above that trim level include a 1.8-liter engine and 2.0-liter hybrids.
The bigger hybrid engine can produce 180 horsepower while the smaller ones will only make 122 horsepower. The hybrid technology should not worry you about the possible space to accommodate a battery pack. The cargo space will be 21.1 cubic feet.
When it comes to the styling and appearance of the sportwagon, the Touring Sports will most likely resemble “lifestyle” wagons such as the original Lexus IS Sportcross. Buyers would also love the tapering roof, especially when finished with the glass moonroof, because the car resembles more “dynamic” wagon offerings.
It makes sense for Toyota to introduce a stretched version of the Corolla because its decision to pull out the IC coupe from its lineup in Europe left a wide gap. The Touring Sports will give an alternative for Toyota customers who are looking for the height of a conventional wagon but do not want a crossover.
The Touring Sports is tailored fit for the European market, so it’s unlikely we’ll see it on the American soil. It should be revealed at the Paris show in October.
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- Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
What We Know So Far About The 2019 Audi S6 Avant Wagon
USA customers are clamoring for the 2019 Audi S6 Avant Wagon. However, it doesn’t look like we’re going to see this performance wagon from Audi.
It has been an important week for the industry. This past week alone, we have seen the likes of the 2018 Volvo V90, the 2018 Jaguar XF Sportbrake, and the 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo. These are all wonderful in their own little ways and Americans love seeing these European brands in dealerships, but we’re missing out on the Audi Avant.
The 2019 Audi A6 was recently photographed in all its camouflaged glory. It made its debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show to replace a competent but aging model. Though there was no word from Audi about the fate of the S6, but it will likely follow the A6.
Americans will most likely miss out on the Avant, though we doubt very much that we’re not going to see at least the sedan variant. Right now, we’ve got the Volvo, Jaguar, and Mercedes wagons here. There’s a big market for wagons in the United States, so we’re here crossing our fingers that we’ll see the Avant sometime.
Audi has yet to reveal what it plans for the S6, engine-wise. All we know is that the current S6 uses a version of Audi’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 and a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. It produces 450 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. All models have the quattro all-wheel drive. The next-generation S6 will most likely shed off the V-8 engine and downsize into one that would be more fuel efficient. We’re hoping to see a variant of RS4’s new 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6.
Audi S6 Avant Spy Shots
Check out the spy shots of the Audi S6 Avant provided by Carscoops in the gallery below:
Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon: The Fastest Wagon in the World
The Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon is not your average family car. Beneath its luxurious exterior lies an engine with a performance that can beat even the likes of the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.
Performance
According to Mercedes-Benz USA, the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon is the fastest station wagon in the world. Beneath the hood of the car rests a handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. The unit has an output of 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. The auto operates on a 4MATIC all-wheel drive configuration. Then, its power is distributed through an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission that uses a wet clutch.
Putting the pedal to the metal will allow the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon to reach 60 mph from a complete stop in just 3.4 seconds. That beats the acceleration of the Mustang and the Camaro. On the other hand, the maximum speed of the auto is electronically-capped at 180 mph.
Mercedes noted that when the car was tested by a journalist at the Nordschleife of the Nuerburgring track, it conquered the whole circuit with its lap time of 7:45.19.
Design
The Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon is the high-performance version of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon. Therefore, it has all the signature look of Mercedes’ midrange luxury vehicle such as the curvaceous corners, glossy finish and striking body lines. Its appeal is further highlighted by its improved stance, thanks to AMG’s suspension; jet wing-inspired front bumper complete with air intakes; rear diffuser; rear lip spoiler at the roofing; quad exhaust tips; and chrome horizontal grille with black vertical slats in the background.
The most noticeable part of the E63 S Wagon is its 12.3-inch digital display. The gauges also come in carbon fiber look to enhance the sporty elements of the car’s cockpit. Moreover, it has AMG Performance Seats and Steering Wheel as well as nappa leather surfaces.
Pricing
The Mercedes-AMG E63 S has a starting price of $106,950, excluding its $995 delivery and destination fees.
Jaguar XF Sportbrake Comes At A Lower Price Tag
Those who want to own a Jaguar but cannot afford its skyrocketing price tags will have the chance through the Jaguar XF Sportbrake, which will be valued at a reasonable price of just $48,770. That’s pretty low for a car bearing the Jaguar name.
If you want the wagon counterpart, you’ll have to shell out a lot more. The wagon version will cost a whopping $71,445 since it will only come in two high-equipment trim levels. No base model for this variant, unfortunately.
In the “near future,” Jaguar Land Rover North American CEO Joe Eberhardt said that Jaguar enthusiasts can have the XF Sportback on a more reasonable price range. There are plans to produce more variants of the mid-size luxury wagon.
There are no exact details yet about the XF Sportbrake, but all we know is that the wagon will have the most powerful and expensive powertrain in the XF lineup—that’s a supercharged V-6 engine paired with an all-wheel-drive system and can power up the vehicle up to 380 horsepower.
To bring the cost down on the XF Sportbrake, Jaguar would have to use its new Ingenium turbocharged four-cylinder engine. For the sedan, the gas-powered four-cylinder will be available in two power capabilities—one producing 247 horsepower and the other churning up 296 horses.
You may also opt for a diesel engine that produces 180 horsepower on a turbocharged four-cylinder as well.
But if you’ve got the money to spare, you can wait for Jaguar’s flagship XJ and compact XE sedans. These are going to be a handful in the price department, though, since the tags are well north of $100,000 each.
The XJR575, which can produce 575 horses, will go on sale later this year for $123,395. Aside from that, the full-size luxury sedan will also have an additional 105 horsepower over the next XJ model—the XJ Supercharged. The difference will allow the XJR575 to reach 186 mph. the XJ Supercharged an only do a measly 155 mph.
Hyundai i30 Wagon vs Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
Hyundai i30 Wagon
The third generation of Hyundai’s resident hatchback is here, and boy, do we love its elegant and sporty interior coupled with the classic space wagon design on the outside. The Hyundai i30, as it is called in the rest of the world (it’s referred to as the Elantra GT in the US), is a four-door hatchback with an angular look on the outside and a cleaner and modern layout on the inside.
Wagons used to be a big thing in the US, but their appeal has already faded. That’s not to say the i30 Wagon won’t have any competition. This aggressive and funky exterior will be challenged by the likes of Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen and the BMW 3 Series Wagon.
Inside, you’ll find a slew of tech features such as a rearview camera, phone connectivity via Bluetooth, USB, Android Auto or Apple Car Play. Under the hood, the i3 will be equipped with the new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that can produce 138 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.
It is expected that the i30 will have a starting price of $23,000, which is cheaper than the 3 Series Wagon and the Volvo V60, but a little more expensive than the Sportwagen.
Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
Unlike the i30 Wagon, the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen will only receive its update for the 2018 model year. It was last upgraded in 2014, which means there is at least a three-year gap in terms of these two cars’ designs. In terms of styling, the Sportwagen definitely has a quieter appeal than the i30.
But if you are more concerned with the interior and the power, then you have to give this Sportwagen a second glance. The interior is equipped with a three-spoke steering wheel, Alcatara-wrapped center section, a center console with a large touchscreen, and HVAC controls,. Other features include the 12-way power driver’s seat, a panoramic moonroof, and Climatronic auto climate control.
Under the hood, the Sportwagen will receive power from the 1.8-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that coughs up 170 horsepower. There are two transmissions available: a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
The base price for the Golf Sportwagen is $21,395.
Subaru Gives Out More Details of Its Levorg STI
Subaru has finally revealed spec and technical details of its new Levorg STI. This after it confirmed that Subaru Tecnica International, or STI, is in the plant for the performance variant of the Levorg wagon.
Officially, it is called the Levorg STI Sport Wagon, which is probably going to be similar to the World Rally Blue concept, according to a source. Subaru did not intend for the Levorg STI to be its halo car, so not much can be expected in terms of power.
Instead, what the Subaru wagon offers is an upgrade in aesthetics and some minor tweaks for better driving dynamics.
On the outside, the Levorg STI will sport a more aggressive profile because of its new grill and front fascia with larger air dams. The fact that Subaru made this to be performance ready can be seen on the styling of the body, the subtle side skirts, the chromed twin tip exhaust, and a rear diffuser similar to the Forester tS.
To complete its looks, the Levorg STI will also be coming with 18-inch multi-spoke alloys.
Inside, there are some changes, too. The Bordeaux on black STI sport-specific leather seats certainly added elegance and to the Levorg STI’s interior. And to boost that sporty look, the seats can be covered as well in STI’s signature dark red stitching along with the Bordeaux. The contrast is astounding, especially on the use of the dark red stitching on the center console, steering wheel and gear levels.
STI’s logo is embroidered on the seats’ headrests and plates on the door sills.
The Levorg STI Sport Wagon will come with either the 1.6L 170 PS flat-four turbo or the 300 PS 2.0L FA20 turbo, which is standard with Japanese specs. Both of these engines will be partnered with a lineartronic CVT transmission with all-wheel drive.
The only change done in terms of the drivetrain is the addition of uprated springs, revised steering, and upgraded dampers.
The new Sport Wagon from Subaru is expected to arrive this summer in Japan. There is no report yet if this will be offered outside Japan.
Subaru Confirmed Levorg STI Version
Subaru Tecnica International, Subaru’s performance arm, just confirmed the company’s plan to launch a high performance version of its Levorg wagon. According to a source, it will be based on the Levorg STI concept introduced during the 2016 Tokyo Auto Salon.
The concept is due to start production this summer, but it won’t be coming to the United States market since the Levorg was never really offered there.
Unlike the previous BRZ tS, the Subaru Levorg STI won’t be another lame duck attempt. Instead, it will more likely offer dedicated performance like the WRX STI, which was celebrated when it was launched.
Subaru is basically claiming this would be a more mature performance car. It is launching the vehicle to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the brand’s love for horizontally-opposed “boxer” engines. The release seems to be an appeal also for consumers who lamented the company’s decision to end the production of the hatchback body style of the current-generation WRX STI.
No other details have been released by Subaru, although reports are pointing out to a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which we saw on the original Levorg STI concept. What we saw on the concept is that it’s also fitted with 18-inch wheels, especially-tuned dampers and an elegant interior with two-tone leather trim.
The concept also featured a CVT.
All of these features were included in the wagon as an attempt by Subaru’s design team to come up with a performance car for the older and more conservative types who were unimpressed by the WRX STI.
There’s no actual detail yet on when Subaru is planning to introduce the Levorg STI to the market, but the company has been hinting since 2011, when it launched the Advanced Tourer concept, of such a vehicle. Let us expect the Levorg STI wagon anytime soon.