Automobiles Review

Author: autoview

  • Fiat Shows The New Freemont Cross [video]

    2015-Fiat-Freemont-Cros-651

    2015 Fiat Freemont Cross has been officially unveiled. The Italian manufacturer has also announced that the new model is just a rebadged Dodge Journey Crossroad.

    There are two engines in the range : a 140HP (103 kW) 2.0 MultiJet II engine connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive and a 2.0 liter MultiJet with power of 170HP (125 kW). Both engines are available in a 4×2 version with manual gearbox, but only the powerful can be opted with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The new all-wheel-drive system features an electronic control unit which uses sensors to measure the grip of the four wheels and to transfer torque to the rear wheels if needed.

    Outside, the 2015 Freemont Cross comes with a new front bumper with chrome platinum colour inset, glossy black front grille and frame and fog lamps. There are also side skirts with platinum chrome finish and roof bar extends in the same color as well as a black frame to the front and rear light clusters. Last but not least is the under-body armor and a set of 19″ five-spoke alloy wheels finished in black.

    The interior features an 8.4″ chscreen satellite navigation system, a DVD player and a SD slot. In addition, buyers will get Bluetooth connection, rear parking sensors and an Alpine Premium sound system with 6 speakers, 368 W amplifier and subwoofer.

    2014 Fiat Freemont Cross
    2014 Fiat Freemont Cross
    Source : Fiat

  • Honda CR-V crowned as most reliable SUV

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    Everyone wants to have a reliable car – after all you would want to have a car that is cheap to maintain and that will give you driving pleasure, taking you anywhere, instead of making you spend tons of cash and waste time in car repair shops. Well, the British Which? Car web site has made your choice a bit easier by naming the Honda CR-V the most reliable SUV for year 2014.

    The model in particular that has earned this prize is the 4 x 4 Honda CR-V 2.2 i-VTEC model up to three years old. The car has zero reported breakdowns, average annual repair costs of just GBP 10 and an overall reliability score of 98.5% over a 12-month period.

    Impressed? If yes, this is not everything – the Honda CR-V shines with 0.14 faults reported compared to 0.88 for the worst performing in its category and 0.11 days off the road with the worst performing recording an average of 1.09 days. The survey has covered 49 000 owners and some 58 000 cars over a twelve month period.

    Leon Brannan, Head of Cars for Honda (UK) comments: “It’s fantastic to see Honda’s excellent reputation for reliability recognised yet again, particularly from a name as respected and trusted as Which?. It’s also really useful to get feedback from customers living with their Hondas day in, day out, as this gives us insight which we can use to continually maintain our high levels of service.”

    The latest addition to the Honda CR-V line – the 1.6-liter i-DTEC vehicle – proves the quality, refinement, comfort and reliability of the brand. This car can cover up to 800 miles (1287 km) on a single tank of fuel and its CO2 emissions are just 119 g/km, which means that in the UK the CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC qualifies for zero road tax for the first year and a road tax that can be as low as GBP 30 thereafter.

    Source: Honda UK

  • SsangYong offers 3-year free servicing for select models

    SsangYong-Rexton-W_thumbSsangYong-Rexton-W_651

    The Korean automaker SsangYong has announced a 3-year free servicing offer that covers all Rexton W models purchased during the months of August and September 2014. More specifically the offer is about the 4×4 Rexton W SX, EX and EX automatic models and covers the CSX commercial, registered by September 30 this year. Add the market leading 5-year limitless mileage warranty that SsangYong offers and you will have complete peace of mind when driving such a car.

    The SsangYong Rexton W is a vehicle that is built on a steel ladder chassis and that offers a 3-tonne towing capacity, yet at the same time the car carries equipment that will make you feel comfortable. Owners can expect to find cruise control, air conditioning, electrically operated and heated door mirrors and a CD/RDS radio system with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.

    The Rexton W is powered by a SsangYong 2.0-liter Euro 5 turbo-charged e-XDi200 diesel engine that delivers maximum power of 155 HP (114 kW) at 4000 rpm and maximum torque of 360 Nm (265 lb.-ft.). The vehicle is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed Mercedes-Benz T-Tronic automatic transmission and offers a frame construction for maximum strength and double wishbone and coil spring suspension to the front. A five-link rigid axle with coil springs is situated at the rear.

    In the UK a SsangYong Rexton W can be obtained for GBP 21 995 – GBP 25 995. Some dealers also offer 0% finance to certain applicants aged 18 and over.

    Source: SsangYong

  • GM issues six recalls

    GM-Logo_thumbGM-Logo_651

    The US automobile giant GM has issued six recalls that affect vehicles sold in the United States and that cover 717,949 cars sold recently. Here’s a list of the recalled vehicles:

    414,333 2011-2012 model year Chevrolet Camaro; 2010-2012 model year Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain; 2011-2012 Buick Regal and LaCrosse; and 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX models in the U.S. equipped with power height adjustable driver or front passenger seat structures. In these cars there is a problem with a bolt that secures the height adjuster actuator. The bolt may become loose or even fall out. If the bolt falls out the seat will move up and down freely because it is no longer attached to the height adjuster. The vehicles are safe to be driven but there have been reports of injuries and one crash.

    124,007 model year 2014 Chevrolet Caprice, 2014 Chevrolet SS, 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado LD and HD, 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS, 2014 Cadillac CTS, 2014 Cadillac ELR; 2013-2014 Buick Encore; and 2014-2015 GMC Sierra LD and HD vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly. If there’s such a weld, dealers will replace the lower seat track at no cost. There are no reports of crashes or injuries.

    120,426 2011-2013 model year Buick Regal and 2013 model year Chevrolet Malibu equipped with front turn signals that use two bulbs in each front turn signal. If one bulb is burnt out the driver inside will not get a turn signal in the instrument cluster; if both bulbs burn out the driver will get a rapidly flashing turn signal arrow in the instrument cluster. The body control module has to be reprogrammed to solve this issue – something that dealers can do. There are no reports of crashes or injuries related to the issue.

    57,242 2014 Chevrolet Impalas equipped with belt-drive electric power steering. On some vehicles, customers may experience reduced or no power steering assist at start-up or while driving. The reason is a poor electrical ground connection to the Power Steering Control Module. Steering control will be maintained because the vehicle will revert to manual steering mode but greater driver effort will be required, especially when driving at lower speeds. The issue can be resolved at your local dealer. So far there has been one crash but there are no reports of injuries or fatalities.

    1,919 2014-2015 Chevrolet Sparks imported from Korea. In these cars there is a lower control arm bolt that is not fastened to specification. This issue may create noise coming from the front suspension and separation of the lower control arm from the steering knuckle while driving, which will result in loss of steering control. The issue can be resolved at your local dealer. There are no reports of crashes, fatalities or injuries.

    22 2015 model year Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon Denali vehicles. Here the roof carriers may have been attached with the wrong retaining nuts, which will result in holes or tears in the roof rail air bags if they deploy. Eight of these vehicles are in dealer stock and will be repaired before being sold.

    If you own one of these vehicles you are strongly advised to get it checked at a dealer near you.

    Source: GM

  • Kia describes 2015 Soul

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    Kia Motors America has issued a short description of the upcoming 2015 Soul for all fans of the brand. Since the 2014 Soul was completely redesigned, the 2015 year model comes only with enhancements here and there but even then they are appreciated.

    The enhancements and changes to the 2015 Kia Soul aim to increase the so-called “fun factor” but the car gets to keep the three unique trim levels – Base, Plus and Exclaim. The vehicle keeps its distinct signature design, which makes the car instantly recognizable and offers a blend of funky personality, fun-to-drive characteristics and premium interior amenities. The vehicle will be offered in the beautiful Soul-exclusive Solar Yellow, Cloud White, Fathom Blue and Inferno Red colors and Kia is sure the colors alone will attract customers as well.

    The Base version gets most of the changes. The car now comes with a new UVO eServices Package. This service is a free subscription telematics service that is available for 10 years or 100 000 miles. For the year 2015 model the service offers four new features: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score. The introduced Kia App store also allows owners of the car to download select apps for free from services that include iTunes and Google Play. The Kia app connector is now available for partnership with the content community, including Pandora 5, iHeart Radio and Yelp 6.  Many more new technologies for comfort and convenience are featured in the new UVO system, including Siri “Eyes Free7” and Local Search – powered by Google – for finding locations, addresses and points of interest.  Sirius XM Travel Link8, offering access to traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports scores, stock information and movie times, makes the Soul the perfect companion for those who live their lives on the road with family and friends.

    The second version – Plus – remains unchanged for the year 2015 model.

    The 2015 Soul Exclaim gets a new Umber Color Package, which is available with either the Fathom Blue or Cloud White exterior colors. The option package includes premium Nappa leather seating surfaces and door armrest accents. On the outside Gloss Black wheel inserts further set the Umber Color Package apart.

    The Base version of the 2015 Kia Soul will be powered by a 1.6-liter all-aluminum gasoline DOHC four-cylinder engine that produces 130 horsepower (95 kW) at 6300 rpm and 118 lb.-ft. (160 Nm) of torque at 4850 rpm. The Plus and Exclaim versions offer a more powerful 2.0-liter gasoline GDI technology-based engine that delivers 164 HP (120 kW) of power at 6200 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. (205 Nm) of torque at 4000 rpm. In addition the 2015 Kia Soul Base can be had with a 6-speed manual transmission or an automatic one as an option; the Plus and Exclaim versions are available with a 6-speed automatic gearbox only.

    Source: Kia Motors America

  • Dodge debuts most powerful muscle car ever

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    The US car maker Dodge along with SRT has launched the company’s most powerful car ever – the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT. The new vehicle comes with a 6.2-liter Hellcat HEMI V8 engine that delivers 707 HP (520 kW) of power. In addition to this monster of an engine the new car comes with a number of improvements that include performance-enhancing technologies and a totally re-engineered muscle coupe.

    “The new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is the most powerful muscle car ever,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO — Dodge Brand and SRT Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “With 707 horsepower and 650 ft.-lb. of torque, we have unleashed a true GT car with an all-new driver-focused interior, the TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission and the first supercharged HEMI® engine Chrysler has ever produced. The Challenger Hellcat has been released!”

    The new Dodge muscle car will also be available with an upgraded six-speed manual transmission too if you like it this way. The 6.2-liter V8 engine steals the show, however. It comes with a number of technologies that make it extremely reliable under heavy load. Thus the new supercharged engine comes with a forged-steel crankshaft with induction-hardened bearing surfaces. The result is that the crank is so well-engineered it can withstand firing pressures of 110 bar (1595 psi). In addition the crank damper has been tested at 13 000 rpm.

    The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT increases driving pleasure by offering all-new drive modes that tailor driving experience to each individual driver. The drive modes modify driving experience by controlling horsepower, transmission shift speeds, steering, paddle shifters (only for automatic transmission), traction and suspension. There are four drive modes – Default, Track, Sport and Custom. The Default mode is automatically activated when the vehicle is started, Sport delivers increased vehicle performance, Track delivers maximum vehicle performance for dry and smooth surfaces, while Custom allows the driver to personalize the car’s performance.

    Comfort is also standard for the new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT. The vehicle comes with SRT-exclusive “Slingshot” split-seven spoke 20 x 9.5-inch, lightweight forged-aluminum wheels with a Matte Black finish or the optional Brass Monkey (dark bronze) finish. The car also uses 275/40ZR20 Pirelli P Zero tires that provide performance for all seasons. Inside the vehicle resembles the 1971 Challenger but in a more artistic and organically styled way. There’s a stamped aluminum bezel, which sets the tone for the driver’s display. An innovative 7-inch driver-selectable driver information display provides essential information. New analog speedometer and tachometer gauges provide a heritage-inspired look with concave shapes and a hub-covered needle design reminds of the “tic-toc-tach” gauges of the 1971 Challenger. The seats inside have been fully redesigned for improved cushioning and more comfortable contours. The front seats are also heated and ventilated. The passenger seat also has an easy exit/entry function for the rear seat and there are tens more options, improvements and comfort features inside.

    The new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT will be built in Canada at the Brampton, Ontario plant. The production of the car is scheduled for Q3 2014.

    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat US
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat US
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat US
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat US
    2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat US

    Source: Dodge

  • 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage becomes most affordable vehicle

    The year 2014 appears to be very successful for Japanese automakers, at least in the United States. After the 2014 Nissan Versa Note became one of the 10 coolest cars under $ 18,000, now the 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage has been named “the most affordable vehicle shoppers can buy” by Cars.com. The title has been awarded by following guidelines that include equipment, destination fees and anticipated 5-year fuel costs to find the most affordable vehicle to buy and own at the same time.

    The 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage DE, in particular, is the winner. The car comes with a CTV transmission, a Bluetooth capability and a price of USD 15 115, which is savings of more than USD 1300 over the car that came in second. The fuel efficiency of the 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage was also a factor – the car achieves US 40 mpg (5.88 liters per 100 km) of fuel consumption, which means owners will likely spend USD 7000 on fuel in five years, which is USD 500 less than the second-place vehicle.

    “When we considered the most affordable cars, it was important that we looked only at models equipped with basic but important options like an automatic transmission and power windows and locks,” said Joe Wiesenfelder, Cars.com’s Executive Editor. “We wanted to help consumers who want an incredibly affordable car find one that also includes the niceties that almost every shopper has come to expect.”

    The 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage is based around a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder DOHC engine and offers a 5-speed manual gearbox or the more advanced continuously-variable transmission (CVT). Standard safety features include seven air bags and the Mirage features one of the best protection plans in the entire industry: a 10-year/100 000-mile powertrain limited warranty, a fully transferrable 5-year/60 000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, a 7-year/100 000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty and a 5-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance program.

    Interested in the 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage? Then go and take a look at the car at a Mitsubishi dealer near you.

    Source: Mitsubishi

  • 2014 Nissan Versa Note wins accolades

    Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and owners of the 2014 Nissan Versa Note have a reason to be very happy – the vehicle has been named one of the “10 coolest new cars under $ 18,000” by Kelley Blue Book. The recognition comes as the sales of the 2014 Nissan Versa Note increased by 30.5 per cent in May 2014 alone.

    In order to compete for the title of being one of the 10 coolest new cars under $ 18,000 a car must meet Kelley Blue Book’s two critical criteria – fun-to-drive and fun-to-own – to determine a vehicle’s “cool factor”. In addition the vehicles must be available for purchase at USD 18,000 or less, using Kelley Blue Book’s exclusive Fair Purchase Price – a pricing tool that shows what others have been paying for a new car that week.

    “The Nissan Versa Note is truly ‘the door to more,’ offering an exceptional combination of style, comfort, technology and cargo space at a price even the most economical car buyers can appreciate,” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations. “Featuring a sleek, modern design with enhanced aerodynamics for improved fuel economy, and class-exclusive Around View® Monitor, the Versa Note is “cool” in a variety of ways – from the road, to the parking lot, to your wallet.”

    2014-Nissan-Versa-Note_rear_651

    The 2014 Nissan Versa Note starts at just $13,990 and offers a 5-door hatchback design. It is available in a range of well-equipped models – S, S Plus, SV, SR and SL with each one of them coming with an advanced 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with dual fuel injection. Models equipped with an Xtronic gearbox achieve US 40 mpg highway fuel economy (5.88 liters per 100 km).

    The 2014 Nissan Versa Note is equipped with NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps, Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, Nissan Intelligent Key®, RearView Monitor, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio and class-exclusive Around View® Monitor, Divide-N-Hide® Adjustable Floor (adjustable rear load floor height), heated front seats and 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

    Source: Kelley Blue Book

  • All-new Fiat Panda Cross 4×4

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    The 2014 Fiat Panda was officially revealed at the 2014 Geneva motor show in March. In fact, the Panda Cross is based on the Panda 4×4 model. Now the Italian manufacturer offers some new technological upgrades, which make this off-road mini more capable and really fun to drive.

    The upgrades for the new Fiat Panda Cross include : “Torque-on-Demand” all-wheel drive system, Electronic Stability control, Electronic Locking differential and Hill Descent control as standard.

    Above are complemented by new plastic-cladded front and rear bumper, metal skid plates front and rear, redesigned fog lights and LED daytime running lights. There are also roof bars and plastic-cladded side sills and wheelarches.

    The engine range is also updated : the TwinAir petrol 0.9-liter two-cylinder turbo engine with power of 89hp (66kw), or a 1.3-liter MultiJet turbo diesel with power of 79hp (60kw). The petrol engine is connected with a six-speed manual gearbox and five-speed gearbox for the turbo diesel respectively.

    The MultiJet turbo diesel is more economical to run with claimed fuel consumption of 4.7l/100km,while the TwinAir engine consumes 4.9l/100km.

    The interior is also consistent with the overall performance of the vehicle. The seats are decorated in bespoke natural fabric with brown eco-leather bolsters. The center console and the dashboard are finished in a new silver “ultrashine” as the surround and audio system details.

    The standard equipment of the Fiat Panda Cross includes :  automatic climate control; Blue&Me™ Bluetooth connectivity with a USB port and steering wheel controls; a satellite navigation dock; heated electric door mirrors; remote central locking; split rear seat with rear head restraints; height-adjustability for the driver’s seat and steering wheel; front fog lights; a leather steering wheel and gear knob; ESC system complete with ELD (Electronic Locking Differential)and Terrain Control and specific 15-inch alloy wheels with a burnished finish and all-season 185/65R15 M+S tyres.

    The 2014 Fiat Panda Cross goes on sale in the end of 2014. The expected price is less than £ 17,000 (€21.500).

    2014-fiat-panda-cross-01
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    2014-fiat-panda-cross-09

    Source : Fiat

  • Eight-speed transmission to debut in select Chevrolet and GMC vehicles

    The US car brands of Chevrolet and GMC, fully owned by General Motors, have confirmed that certain Chevy and GMC models will receive a new eight-speed automatic transmission starting in 2015. The new models that will boast this gearbox will be the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali models that come with 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engines.

    The new transmission is called Hydra-Matic 8L90 and has been developed by GM. It comes with about the same size and weight as the Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic gearbox. Its 7.0 overall gear ratio spread is wider than GM’s six-speed automatic transmissions, providing a numerically higher first gear ratio to help drivers start off more confidently with a heavy load or when trailering. The 8L90 also enables numerically lower rear axle ratios, which reduce engine rpm on the highway.

    The 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 engine is also impressive – it offers 309 kW (420 HP) of power and 460 lb.-ft. (624 Nm) of torque as well as a maximum available trailer rating of 12 000 pounds (5448 kilograms), based on the SAE J2807 Recommended Practices. Just like many other EcoTec3 engines, it can also work with four cylinders only under lighter loads to improve fuel efficiency.

    More information on the 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 engine will become available when the unit enters production, which will be in Q4 2014.

    Source: GM

  • 2015 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer officially launched

    People looking for a vehicle that combines both mobility and style can now take a look at the all-new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, freshly launched by the respected German auto maker. The new vehicle series offers users space, comfort, style, power and elegance and will surely be appreciated by customers who do not need a large car for every day needs yet they insist on having the BMW sign on their cars.

    We will not waste time so we’ll take you straight to the engines department as there is some interesting news – the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is the first front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout vehicle sold under the BMW brand. Designed to compete directly with Mercedes-Benz B-Class vehicles, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer comes with new turbocharged engines with three or four cylinders, BMW EfficientDynamics features and BMW ConnectedDrive technology. The total number of engines is three but they all come with transverse installation and BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology while at the same time they fully meet the latest EU6 emissions standard. There are two gasoline models installed in the BMW 218i Active Tourer and in the BMW 225i Active Tourer, and one diesel unit installed in the BMW 218d Active Tourer. The first gasoline engine comes with displacement of 1.5 liters and three cylinders that need 4.9-5.2 l/100 km (57.6-54.3 mpg UK) of fuel to deliver 100 kW (136 HP) of power under a six-speed gearbox. The BMW 225i comes with a more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers 170 kW (231 HP) of power with 5.8-6.0 l/100 km (48.7-47.1 mpg UK) of fuel consumption; this model comes with a standard eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. The four-cylinder diesel engine in the BMW 218d Active Tourer needs just 4.1-4.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (68.9-65.7 mpg UK) to deliver 110 kW (150 HP) of power to the wheels. This car has a standard six-speed transmission with an eight-speed gearbox available as an option.

    The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has another feature worth noting – the cars in this series feature compact dimensions of 4342 x 1800 x 1555 mm (171 x 71 x 61 inches) but despite this they come with impressive internal levels of space. The driver and the front passenger enjoy a far higher seating position than in a sedan, which affords a commanding all-round view at the same time as making it easier to get in and out. The wealth of storage facilities and the option of a fold-flat passenger seat backrest are just two examples of the interior’s impressive flexibility and cleverly devised layout. The cabin has a light and spacious feel to it, with all surfaces horizontally structured in a layered look. There is also the option of a large panoramic roof that lets light flood into the interior. Add a luggage compartment that can be enlarged from 468 to 1510 liters and you do have a really spacious vehicle.

    People buying these cars will be treated with ultimate BMW quality on the inside that includes Radio Professional, including a hands-free telephone facility with a Bluetooth interface, the BMW iDrive control system with a controller on the centre console and a 6.5-inch Control Display, a rain sensor and automatic headlight activation, a sports leather steering wheel, the Intelligent Emergency Call system and the Collision Warning with City Braking function and more.

    Later this year the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will also be available in the M Sport specification. This version will come with special M Sport suspension, 17-inch or 18-inch M light-alloy wheels, an M-leather steering wheel and sports seats. The M version will be available in Germany on September 27, 2014 starting from EUR 27 200.

    As to the other models there is no pricing information at the moment but given all the tech specs and the luxury that one will find inside, the new cars are not likely to be that cheap. Still you get what you pay for and this is also true for the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.

    Source: BMW

  • 2015 Ford Expedition comes with EcoBoost engine, advanced technology

    Ford Motor Company has announced the 2015 Ford Expedition full-size utility vehicle for everyone that wants capability, class-leading maximum cargo space in the extended length version and the latest automotive technologies.

    Ford has something to boast with – the car company says that the 2015 Ford Exhibition is the most powerful and fuel-efficient Expedition ever with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and a SelectShift six-speed transmission under the hood. The vehicle also comes with some advanced technologies that include electric power-assisted steering, a Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert, SYNC with available MyFord Touch, and continuously controlled damping to give drivers control of ride performance.

    “Customers still have a need for a traditional full-size utility vehicle and the new 2015 Expedition delivers what those customers are looking for,” said Keith Wilson, Expedition marketing manager. “These are Ford’s more affluent customers who won’t compromise – they want space, performance, comfort and capability all in one impressive package.”

    The new 2015 Ford Expedition comes with numerous improvements, one of which includes increased engine torque, better fuel efficiency, an independent rear suspension and more. The 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine will be the only one to be offered in North America. The unit will deliver 365 HP (268 kW) and 420 lb-ft (567 Nm) of torque. The machine is also capable of towing up to 9200 pounds (4177 kilograms) – a fact that will make the 2015 Ford Expedition a useful vehicle for many people under many circumstances. The new 2015 Ford Expedition will also be the first Ford nameplate to offer a continuously controlled damping suspension that allows drivers to select among three drive modes – comfort, normal and sport. Thanks to 46 integrated sensors the continuously controlled damping technology analyzes the weight of the vehicle, steering feedback and road undulations and reacts accordingly to help control wheel and body motions so passengers experience an orderly, comfortable ride.

    The list of improvements continues with Ford’s new and innovative electric power-assisted steering that gives drivers improved maneuverability at low speeds and better feel at high speeds while at the same time saving fuel. Customers will enjoy unprecedented levels of quietness thanks to a host of changes that include improved seals on the body and reduced air leaks by 20 per cent. New sound dampening material in the cabin pillars also improves quietness. The center console also makes use of this material for even lower levels of unwanted road and engine noise. The interior noise gets reduced too thanks to the usage of acoustic glass in the windshield.

    The new 2015 Ford Expedition will be offered in four versions – XLT, Limited, Ranch and Platinum and King Ranch. This means customers can select from the sporty XLT; the confident, elegant Limited; the sophisticated, urban Platinum; or the rural, rugged King Ranch. Each series has unique finishes specially selected to reflect the lifestyle and desires of the customer. For example, Expedition Limited features refined yet traditional finishes, while Platinum colors and material finishes are fresh and sophisticated.

    The 2015 Ford Expedition will be commercially available later this year. No word on pricing as of now.

    Source: Ford Motor Company