Automobiles Review

Author: Georgi Boychev

  • New Kia e-Niro continues to impress both skeptics and enthusiasts

    2020 Kia e-Niro Ever since the Kia e-Niro made its debut last year, it has been awarded with tons of recognitions from well-respected industry commentators. The electric e-Niro won Car of the Year at the 2029 What Car? Awards and was named “Game Changer” at the 2019 Autocar Awards. It was also recognized as the Best Electric Car at the Business Awards 2019 and grabbed the Eco Award at the 2019 CarWow Car of the Year Awards. Additionally, Auto Express has named the vehicle the Best Affordable Electric Car at the 2019 New Car Awards and Driving Electric announced it as Electric Car of the Year 2019.

    But even with this expanded list of recognitions, Kia decided not to rest on its laurels and for 2020 announces the “First Edition” lineup. Its standard equipment list is even more lengthy, and some of the features include new 10.25-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system with telematics system UVO Connect Services, LED headlights with bi-function projection, ambient lightning and a battery heating system.

    In terms of interior, there’s black leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an electronic parking brake and automatic air conditioning. The adaptive Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go and the smart entry system make the driving experience more convenient, while the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions, along with the eight-speaker JBL premium sound system make it more pleasurable.

    SEE ALSO: 2020 Honda Fit comes with excellent features and advanced technologies

    The award-winning zero tailpipe emission Kia e-Niro is already available to order from showrooms.

    Source: Kia 

  • 2020 Honda Fit comes with excellent features and advanced technologies

    2020 Honda Fit 2020 Honda Fit has already arrived in showrooms as a clear benchmark in the subcompact car category, with enhanced versatility, premium features and fun-to-drive performance. For the new model, Honda has included a newly available 6-speed manual gearbox, Honda Sensing as a standard feature for EX and EX-L and more advanced safety features.

    Additionally, all 2020 Fit trims are geared with a 1.5-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder i-VTEC that produces a total of 130hp and 114lb-ft of torque. The mentioned slick 6-speed manual gearbox also comes with a continuously-variable system.

    What makes the new Honda Fit special is the blend between sporty performance and excellent fuel efficiency. The clever packaging and the design ensure large cargo capacity of a class-leading 52.7 cubic-feet of space Standard features include a rearview camera, a liftgate spoiler, auto on-off headlights, LED taillights, Bluetooth and multi-function central console. The palette of exterior colors includes Orange Fury, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Milano Red, Aegean Blue Metallic, and Platinum White Pearl.

    SEE ALSO: 2020 Honda Ridgeline comes in neat package and affordable offers

    In terms of safety features, Honda Sensing includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, and Pedestrian Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System and Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning.

    New Honda Fits is manufactured in North America, at the Honda Mexico plant.

    Source: Honda 

  • 2020 Honda Ridgeline comes in neat package and affordable offers

    2020 Honda RidgelineNew 2020 Honda Ridgeline arrives at dealers in Dec. 16 with a host of updates, including a 9-speed automatic gearbox as a part of the standard equipment. Additional goodies include Honda Sensing and an extended list of standard features and gadgets. The model will be available in four trim levels – Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition. Let’s check out more!

    New Ridgeline is a versatile tailgate vehicle for sports events, picnics, and other gatherings. This is due to the fact that it features industry-first and exclusive Dual Action Tailgate and in-Bed Trunk. Additionally, there are 115V AC power outlet and the world’s first Truck Bed Audio System. In terms of interior equipment, 2020 Ridgeline comes with Honda’s Display Audio System, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay integration.

    In terms of drivetrain system, 2020 Honda Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5-liter direct-inject i-VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management, now mated to the already mentioned 9-speed automatic transmission. The peak output is measured at 280hp and 262lb-ft of torque. AWD is available on all trim levels, all along with the iVTM4 system, enhancing all-weather performance and handling.

    SEE ALSO: New Ram 1500 comes with an award-winning drivetrain system

    Additionally, a new Ridgeline is available for customers to personalize their truck. Also, Honda ensures its 3-year, 36,000-mile limited warrant if obtained at the time of new vehicle purchase. Sweet!

  • New Ram 1500 comes with an award-winning drivetrain system

    2020 Ram 1500Edmunds has named Ram 1500 as its Top Rated Truck for 2020. As you might know, the Edmunds Top Rated awards include seven categories and recognize the overall excellence of vehicles in the market today.

    Edmunds test every competitive vehicle on the market and the winner of each category represents the best of that particular segment no matter when the vehicle was launched.

    The winner itself, Ram 1500, features a revised 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel engine that leads the half-ton pickup segment in torque with the massive 480lb-ft and diesel towing capacity of 12,560 pounds. Additionally, the EcoDiesel also leads all trucks in fuel range. Mated to an available 33-gallon fuel tank, Ram’s driving range exceeds 1,000 miles. Neat!

    SEE ALSO: 2020 Kia Telluride takes home one more award

    New for the 2020 model is the increased overall engine output, all along with superb fuel economy and minimal levels of noise, vibration and harshness. Furthermore, the new engine is rated as best-in-class 480lb-ft of torque, which represents a massive 14 per cent increase from the previous-generation engines. The horsepower output is also increased with a total of 8 per cent to 260hp. The engine is available in all models and configurations, including the new Ram Rebel.

    Source: Ram 

  • 2020 Kia Telluride takes home one more award

    2020 Kia Telluride Kia Telluride has been awarded a 2020 Edmunds Top Rated Award, taking the win its category to earn the title of Top Rated SUV.

    The event itself, 2020 Edmunds Top-Rated Awards honors and recognizes the overall best vehicles of the year based on their extensive vehicle testing and rating process. The award represents the “golden standard of automotive excellence” and signifies that the chosen vehicles are the best-of-the-best on the road nowadays. Rather than honoring the newest machines out there, which may not be available yet, Edmund Top Rated provides a list of seven best machines that customers may want to check out.

    Kia’s popular three-row SUV has managed to earn numerous recognitions and praises for its rugged exterior, contemporary-styled cabin, and available advanced gadgets. Designed with families in mind, Telluride is also available with optional family-friendly systems such as Occupant Alert with Ultrasonic Sensors, Driver Talk, Quiet Mode and numerous more.

    Confidently does Kia step into the new decade with its numerous awards and recognitions that showcase how the entire team is determined to deliver customers even more and more advanced pieces of technology and engineering solutions.

    SEE ALSO: 2020 Kia Telluride is named “SUV of the Year”. Details here!

    New Telluride is the prime example of a vehicle that represents the principles of the brand – it is reliable, appealing and agile. Just as Kia itself.

    Source: Kia 

  • Jaguar upgrades new i-PACE with knowledge from the track

    2020 Jaguar iPACEJaguar is giving the I-PACE customers an early holiday present in the form of an exclusive upgrade for the award-winning all-electric SUV that is designed to deliver increased real-world range. Jaguar engineers have applied advanced technical insight from the I-PACE eTROPHY race series in order to optimize the management of battery, thermal and AWD systems in order to increase the overall efficiency of the drivetrain system.

    By following the goal to enhance the overall customer experience, Jaguar engineers have also analyzed data from more than 50 million miles of real-world journeys from all corners of the world. Every single element of the vehicle’s performance is revised and optimized in order to contribute to that optimal performance and efficiency rates.

    The all-new I-PACE is Jag’s first battery-electric vehicle and has EPA estimated range of up to 234 miles with a single charge of its 90kWh lithium-ion battery. The new software upgrade doesn’t change the official certified range figure, the marginal gains developed from the eTROPHY analysis will give customers access to the improvement of up to eight percent dependent on usage – which equates to a potential extra 12 miles of range. Sweet!

    The changes in the new unit include optimized torque distribution between the front and rear motors for greater efficiency, refinements to the thermal management control and updates to the battery compartment that result in a lower state of charge.

    SEE ALSO: 2020 Nissan Kicks: a quick overview

    Additional changes and upgrades include Regenerative Braking, Range Calculation, which offers a more precise and consistent estimate of vehicle range and more.

  • 2020 Nissan Kicks: a quick overview

    2020-Nissan-Kicks-9102020 Nissan Kicks compact SUV is on sale at brand’s dealers worldwide with a pretty comfortable starting price – $18,870. The front-wheel-drive Kicks is available in three trim levels – S, SV, and SR. Let’s check out more, shall we?

    This compact SUV is designed in order to fit the needs of singles or couples looking for expressive styling, advanced technologies, and comprehensive safety features.

    For the 2020 model year, Kicks comes with Nissan Safety Shield 360 technology and incorporates Intelligent Mobility strategy, Safety Shield 360, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, radar-based Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and High Beam Assist. Additionally, Rear Door Alert is now standard on Kicks SV and SR grades.

    Drivetrain-wise, 2020 Kicks comes with a standard 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder power unit rated at 122hp and 114lb-ft of torque. This, plus an efficient Xtronic gearbox result on a pretty economical ride rated at 31mpg city, 36mpg highway and 33mpg combined.

    SEE ALSO: New Mitsubishi Mirage and Mirage G4 take home additional awards!

    Furthermore, new Kicks lineup blends emotion and practicality and includes Nissan’s signature V-motion grille and the floating roof with a wrap-around visor look. Additionally, Kicks is offered in a range of seven exterior finishes, plus five two-tone blends. The inside is characterized by ample space and intelligent technologies.

    2020 Nissan Kicks
    2020 Nissan Kicks
    2020 Nissan Kicks
    2020 Nissan Kicks
    2020 Nissan Kicks
    2020 Nissan Kicks
    2020 Nissan Kicks
    2020 Nissan Kicks

    Source: Nissan 

  • New Mitsubishi Mirage and Mirage G4 take home additional awards!

    2020 Mitsubishi Mirage Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., the fastest-growing Asian brand in the US, has announced that both Mirage and Mirage G4 models have managed to receive the 2020 Vincentric Best CPO Value in AmericaTM awards in the subcompact hatchback and subcompact segments, respectively, at the 7th Annual Vincentric Best CPO Value in America Awards.

    Awarded by Vincentric, the provider of ownership and cost data, knowledge and consumer insight, 2020 Vincentric Best CPO Value in AmericaTM awards recognize the vehicles that offer the best value in every market segment over the past five model years (2015-2019), with the assumption of 15,000 miles driven each year. The awards use a statistic analysis comparing total cost-of-ownership figures and the current market price for each vehicle.

    By comprising factors as finance rates, residual values and maintenance schedules, statistical results determine the awards that are then given to specific makes and model lines after factoring in their overall performance in a variety of cost and ownership areas, including purchase price, retained price, fixed and operating costs over the life of vehicles and maintenance and repair.

    Furthermore, both Mirage and Mirage G4 received top honors among entries from every major automotive manufacturer in their respective classes. As you might know, both machines offer a strong and appealing blend of affordable price, low maintenance costs and overall high level of standard equipment.

    2020 Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the most cost-efficient gasoline-powered vehicles and can be specified with a 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine that achieves overall 37/43/39 mpg city/highway/combined mpg when equipped with the optional continuously variable gearbox. Additionally, both machines include goodies as a 7-inch touchscreen display audio system with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, rearview backup camera, steering wheel audio controls, central console USB port and available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone incorporation.

    SEE ALSO: Jeep Renegade receives Superior Rating from IIHS

    In addition, both models offer one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry – fully transferable 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty; 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty; 7-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty and includes 5-year/unlimited miles of roadside assistance. Neat!

    Source: Mitsubishi 

  • Cadillac team launches an online purchase platform

    2019 Cadillac Live Part personal shopper and part interactive digital showroom, Cadillac Live has been launched! The project is set to expand the reach of the brand’s shopping experience and would try to make it more applicable to the digital world.

    With Cadillac Live, shoppers can enter a digital showroom in order to view features and specs of 10 Cadi models, and also contact a specialist, who can answer queries about the vehicle and purchase conditions. Additionally, shoppers can explore every detail of a Cadillac vehicle with the help of a Live agent, who is equipped with gadgets that ensure two-way audio and one-way video connection. This means that shoppers can hear and see the agent, while the agent can only hear. Agents are also geared with a digital interface to share color, wheel and accessory choices. Sweet!

    As part of the pilot program, consumers based in California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Texas can connect with a local dealer in order to test drive a machine of choice and take the next step on the path to purchase. Shoppers outside those states can still benefit from Cadillac Live.

    SEE ALSO: New Mitsubishi Mirage and Mirage G4 take home additional awards!

    Cadillac.com is available 24/7 to explore the brand’s lineup; and Cadillac Live agents are available to connect with shoppers Monday-Thursday, from 9 a.m.-1 a.m. ET, Friday, from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. ET, and Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. ET. Customers can schedule future sessions with a Live agent during off-hours.

    2019 Cadillac Live

    Source: Cadillac 

     

  • Jeep Renegade receives Superior Rating from IIHS

    2020 Jeep Renegade2020 Jeep Renegade has earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The rating applies to Jeep Renegade models produced after September this year, when geared with the brand’s optional Automatic Emergency Braking technology, Forward Collision Warning-Plus, and LED projector headlamps.

    These are among more than 70 standard and optional safety features. Additionally, Renegade offers the segment’s first availability of Forward Collision Warning-Plus and LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus.

    Furthermore, Renegade’s optional Forward Warning-Plus was rated as “superior”, the highest possible rating awarded by IIHS in front crash prevention. The system initially warns the driver to take action in order to avoid collisions. If he fails to do so, the system autonomously activates.

    The Top Safety Pick rating is also enabled by Jeep’s available LED projector headlamps with optional automatic high-beam control. The available feature switches headlamp models between high- and low- beam function, depending on traffic conditions, without driver intervention.

    Jeep Renegade has also managed to record “good” results in five additional crashworthiness tests.

    SEE ALSO: VW ID. BUDDY takes home a prominent award!

    As it seems, Jeep team is determined to deliver us more and more appealing vehicles with even more advanced and futuristic technology features. It is no surprise that the new Renegade has managed to take such an award home – the machine is a result of the team’s hard work and dedication towards engineering and customers.

    Source: Jeep 

  • VW ID. BUDDY takes home a prominent award!

    Volkswagen ID. BUDDYInterior Design, a leading design publication, website and events brand, has named the Volkswagen ID. BUGGY concept winner of the Automotive Design category in the 2019 Best of Year Awards. Now in its 14th year, Interior Design’s Best of Year honors and recognizes the most significant works of designers, architects and manufacturers from around the globe.

    The ID. BUGGY prevailed in a category of five competitors. All other nominees in the Automotive Design category were from luxury and exotic automotive brands.

    The ID. BUGGY concept

    Just like the classic Beetle and Bus, ID. BUGGY has no need for a grille, and yet the summer cruiser is instantly recognizable as a VW machine. The raised hood, fenders and tail end hit at the concept’s off-road spirit, while the 3D oval LED headlights and taillights, LED VW logo and the body seem to float above the chassis. The top half of the vehicle is painted in matte Fern Green, while the bottom portion is finished in Grey Tech Blue.

    In terms of interior, VW designers have decided to go for the minimalistic approach and have characterized ID. BUGGY by easy handling and waterproof materials. The majority of the interior trim is finished in Grey Tech Blue soft-touch paint. The driver and passengers sit on seats with head restraints and safety belt guides integrated into the backrests, while the floor plate is outfitted with anti-slip knobs.

    SEE ALSO: VW showcases I.D. BUGGY concept at Concours d’Elegance

    In terms of the drivetrain system, the ID. BUGGY features a zero-emission engine with an electric motor integrated into the rear axle, power electronics, a single-speed gearbox, and a high-voltage flat battery (62kWh) arranged in the car floor to save space, and the additional units integrated into the vehicle front end. The electric motor generates a total of 201hp and maximum torque of 228lb-ft from standstill. This setup is specially designed in order to ensure that the electric vehicle provides enough power to the rear axle, even off the paved road. With performance acceleration on paved slopes, the concept car can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 178km/h (99mph).

    2019 Volkswagen ID. BUGGY
    2019 Volkswagen ID. BUGGY
    2019 Volkswagen ID. BUGGY
    2019 Volkswagen ID. BUGGY
    2019 Volkswagen ID. BUGGY
    2019 Volkswagen ID. BUGGY
    2019 Volkswagen ID. BUGGY
    2019 Volkswagen ID. BUGGY
    2019 Volkswagen ID. BUGGY
    2019 Volkswagen ID. BUGGY
    2019 Volkswagen ID. BUGGY

    Source: Volkswagen 

  • 2020 Kia Telluride is named “SUV of the Year”. Details here!

    2020 Kia Telluride With its sophisticated styling, refined handling, and excellent price-to-value ratio, the new 2020 Kia Telluride confidently wins “SUV of the year” by the Hispanic Motor Press Foundation. Kia’s largest and most agile SUV was recognized for its ample interior and cargo space, convenience and comfort, advanced technologies and overall excellent passive and active safety technologies.

    Designed in California and assembled in Georgia, 2020 Telluride’s appealing body shape and sophisticated exterior accents convey a spirit of adventure and rewarding driving experience. The sentiment is strengthened by its engineering qualities and advanced systems that altogether ensure excellent driving performance both on the road and off the road.

    As it comes to the event, the Hispanic Motor Press Foundation’s jury panels is comprised of Hispanic automotive journalists, bloggers, content creators and industry influencers selected by the organization’s advisory board. There are more than twenty automotive experts handpicked every year along with one jury director from the panel. The jury panel evaluates the vehicle from their perspective, however keeping the Hispanic audience’s preferences foremost in their minds.

    SEE ALSO: INFINITI QX50 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Award!

    As it seems, Kia continues its confident crusade towards becoming one of the most advanced and reliable automobile brands out there. Something more, it is apparent that the team is focused on delivering its customers only premium products and solutions – Kia brand is one of the automobile manufacturers that has consecutively won award after award and recognition after recognition.

     Source: Kia