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  • 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 

  • INFINITI QX50 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Award!

    2020 INFINITI QX502020 INFINITI QX50 has received the 2020 Consumer Guide Automobile Best Buy Award in the premium compact crossover/SUVs category, making the second year in a row the vehicle has won this award. The Consumer Automotive Best Buy Award has recognized the QX50 after evaluating more than 150 different models.

    2020 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Award is based on objective ratings and by setting apart itself through performance value compared to other in the class. 2020 QX50 hits all premium compact SUV high points with its sexy design and advanced VC-Turbo power unit, which offers both high power and efficiency.

    2020 QX50 continues the tradition to grant customers with that unmistakable INFINITI signature design elements. What is new for this model, however, is the QX50 SENSORY and QX50 AUTOGRAPH trim levels, which include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto all along with a new generation of infotainment system with dual HD displays and tons of additional gadgets and utilities.

    SEE ALSO: Honda takes home one more prestigious award! Details here!

    2020 QX50 also comes with a highly capable interior space with sliding rear bench, a panoramic moonroof, and driver-centric asymmetric interior design that enhances the overall driving experience and cozy ambience. The machine is powered by INFINITI’s own 2.0-liter VC-Turbo power unit that offers low emissions and a front-wheel drive function, or an optional AWD system. Additionally, 2020 QX50 is also available with technologies as ProPILOT Assist, Rear Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, High Beam Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

    Source: INFINITI 

  • Honda takes home one more prestigious award! Details here!

    2019 Honda Accord For the 24th time, Honda Accord has been named to the prestigious Car and Driver 10 Best list, winning history with no other similar. The 2020 model marks the 22nd consecutive year that the Accord has made the list.

    The 10th-generation Accord was introduced back in 2018 and redefined what a mainstream midsize sedan should look like. The vehicle impressed both critics and enthusiasts with sexy styling, sophisticated interior, and powerful and yet efficient drivetrain system. Joining the lineup a few months later, Accord Hybrid offers outstanding fuel efficiency without sacrificing comfort, refinement or interior space.

    In fact, Accord lineup is the best-selling midsize sedan in America for the last 44 years, with cumulative US sales topping 13.8 million units, and US production of more than 11.7 million units since going into production as the first US-made car form a Japanese automaker on November 1, 1982, in Marysville, Ohio.

    Honda offers a full line of reliable and efficient vehicles that also incorporate advanced safety technologies. Brand’s lineup includes the Fit, Civic, Insight, Accord, and Clarity passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V, Passport and Pilot SUVs, the Ridgeline pickup and Odyssey minivan.

    SEE ALSO: Vauxhall reveals first details for upcoming 2020 Insignia!

    Honda team has been producing automobiles in America for more than 35 years and currently operates 19 major manufacturing facilities in North America. Back in 2018, more than 90 percent of all Honda vehicles sold in the US were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

    Source: Honda 

  • Bentley Motors is named Britain’s Most Admired Car Company! Details Here!

    2019 Management Today BentleyBentley Motors has been simultaneously named Britain’s most admired car company and recognized as overall number one in the category for Best Quality of Products according to a leading survey by the prominent business magazine, Management Today.

    The annual Most Admired Companies Study dates back almost 30 years and honors the best businesses throughout the country and beyond. The two awards reflect the quality of the brand’s exquisite lineup of luxury automobiles such as the all-new Flying Spur, Mulsanne, Continental GT, and Bentayga.

    Bentley has achieved 13th position overall in the extensive study of 250 leading British companies across 25 sectors. UK’s largest public companies and leading employers were asked to evaluate their peer across 12 key criteria, making it the ultimate peer-review of corporate reputation.

    And as it enters its second century, Bentley has already confirmed that it aims to lead the way in the delivery of sustainable luxury mobility. The brand promises to offer hybrid or electric versions of all models in the prestigious lineup by 2023, and battery-powered electric solutions by 2025.

    2019 Management Today Bentley

    Significantly, the Pyms Lane factory in Crewe achieved carbon certification last year and the company has just launched the sexy Bentayta Hybrid SUV – Bentley’s first plug-in hybrid and its most efficient model so far.

    SEE ALSO: Bentley releases new Continental GT Limited Edition!

    Furthermore, the luxurious British marque celebrated its 100th year with a series of events around the world, culminating in the launch of the Bentley EXP 100 GT. As we have told you, the vehicle incorporates a breath-taking vision of the future which sets the benchmark for sustainability and innovation.

    Source: Bentley 

  • Bentley releases new Continental GT Limited Edition!

    2020 Bentley Continental GT Limited EditionBentley has announced details about the striking Continental GT Limited Edition that celebrates the record-breaking automotive achievement from earlier in the British marque’s centenary year. The lineup is limited to 15 models and honors Bentley’s accomplishment at the demanding International Hill Climb event in the USA in June.

    The world’s finest Grand Tourer has managed to shave off 8.4 seconds form the existing record for the 12.42-mile course in Colorado, making it the fastest production car ever at Pikes Peak. Driven by three-time champion and former “King of the Mountain” Rhys Millen, the W12-powered machine climbed the peak in ere ten minutes and 18.4 seconds.

    The Limited Edition

    The new Limited Edition is characterized by a carbon-fiber body kit and sweet Radium by Mulliner paintwork, mirroring the color scheme used on the record-braking car. Glossy black details have also been added to the front lower bumper inserts, roof panel, wing mirrors and rear surfaces.

    There are also Acid Green brake disc calipers, Pirelli P Zero Color Edition tires in Radium Finish and Pikes Peak decal to the front bumper hit at the Limited Edition’s record-braking lineage, while the 22-inch Mulliner Driving wheels in Glossy Black top off the appealing expression.

    2020 Bentley Continental GT Limited Edition

    Inside, Alcantara with contrasting radium thread stitching adorns much of the soft trim areas, matched with Beluga secondary hide. The steering wheel comes with honeycomb stitching design and a central stripe both in Radium. There are carbon-fiber fascias and wasitrails are complemented by a Piano Black central console, all adding to the sporty theme. The passenger-side fascia features a graphic showing a section of the Pikes Peak track, whit five different graphics being used across the 15-car run, along with the record-setting time of 10:18.488.

    Pikes Peak embroidery to the seat headrests in Radium stitching, Pikes peak treadplates and exclusive &O speaker covers in Black Anodised and Radium finish further enhance the interior appeal. Continental GT’s luxurious cabin includes the ground-braking Bentley Rotating Display, deep pile overmats and Front Seat Comfort Specifications.

    SEE ALSO: Jaguar presents details for the new F-TYPE lineup

    And just like the Continental GT that broke the Pikes Peak record earlier this year, the new model features world’s most advanced 12-cylinder petrol engine in the twin-turbocharged Bentley W12. This setup allows the vehicle to generate a total of 626hp and 900Nm of torque, effortlessly accelerating the GT from 0 to 100km/h in mere 3.7 seconds and chase a top speed of 333km/h.

    2020 Bentley Continental GT Limited Edition

    2020 Bentley Continental GT Limited Edition
    2020 Bentley Continental GT Limited Edition
    2020 Bentley Continental GT Limited Edition
    2020 Bentley Continental GT Limited Edition
    2020 Bentley Continental GT Limited Edition
    2020 Bentley Continental GT Limited Edition
    2020 Bentley Continental GT Limited Edition
    2020 Bentley Continental GT Limited Edition
    2020 Bentley Continental GT Limited Edition

    Source: Bentley

  • Vauxhall reveals first details for upcoming 2020 Insignia!

    2020 Vauxhall Insignia Vauxhall team has revealed the first images of the new Insignia, brand’s flagship large saloon. The car proudly showcases sexy exterior styling, high levels of efficiency and innovative functions. Let’s find out more, shall we?

    The new design of the saloon reveals the new front and rear styling, reshaping the exterior appearance of the vehicle to accommodate class-leading new technology and equipment. The front-end adopts the next-gent of IntelliLux LED headlights, with 84 LED elements in each dipped beam for added efficiency, also improving visibility for night driving. At the rear, there’s a new rear-view camera and a rear cross-traffic alert system.

    Additionally, the flagship large saloon is reimaged with bold and yet attractive styling. The front follows the example set by the shape of the innovative new headlights, with the new chrome-edged radiator grille wider and featuring more prominent slats, making the Vauxhall logo in the middle appear larger. The LED DRLs are now positioned at the bottom instead of the top of the headlight unit.

    Overall, the new Insignia loos lower and wider than before, thanks to the position of the air vents with integrated fog lamps. The stance looks sharper and more coupe-like in its styling than previous models, with the Insignia’s design defined by clear curves and slim, horizontal lines.

    2020 Vauxhall Insignia

    In terms of technology, the newest Insignia features class-leading gadgets and equipment. As a first for this flagship model, Insignia features a new rear-view camera that improves rearview vision, radar sensors to detect objects 90 degrees to the left or right behind the car, up to a distance of 20 meters away. Also, the driver is warned by acoustic signals and on a dedicated display screen.

    For driver convenience, infotainment options are compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, from the basic seven-inch color touchscreen Multimedia Radio to the Multimedia Navi Pro unit. The top-of-the-line version comes with an eight-inch touchscreen and a number of Connected Navigation services.

    SEE ALSO: Jaguar presents details for the new F-TYPE lineup

    The optimal E-Call system exclusive to Vauxhall can be specified in Insignia orders, automatically sending an emergency call if the seatbelt tensioners or airbags are deployed. Or, for example, help can be summoned in seconds by pressing the red E-Call button. Nice!

    Additional innovative tech features include ergonomically certified AGR sears, compatible smartphones and more.

    2020 Vauxhall Insignia

    Source: Vauxhall

  • Should You Buy Your Off Lease Car

    2019-Second-Hand-Vehicle-910So, your lease is about to be up and you’re trying to decide whether to lease another car, buy a different car, or keep the one you have. Well, if your plan to buy another car entails getting a used one, you might just be better off continuing with the one you have. After all, you’ll never find a used car with which you’ll be more familiar — right? However, that’s just one of the things to ponder when you’re wondering whether you should buy your off lease car.

    What’s the Car Worth?

    The vehicle’s residual value was established when you signed the deal. The primary determinant of how much you paid, the residual is what the leasing company expected the car to bring as a used model when they liquidated it at the end of your lease. Sometimes they get that number dead on, other times they’re a bit too high or a bit too low. If the estimate was too low and you can buy the car for less than its fair market value, doing so is certainly worth considering.

    What’s the Car’s Condition?

    This one can be a double-edged sword. If you did everything the way you were told you should and the car is in pristine condition, buying it could be a good move — especially if the residual value is artificially low. On the other hand, if you flat dogged the ride and it shows, you’ll be required to pay for every little thing the inspector finds wrong at the end of the lease. In this instance, it might add up to what you’d pay to just keep the car — in which case you probably should. On the other hand, it could go either way if you’re somewhere in the middle of those two extremes.

    Mileage Matters Too

    The accrued mileage comes into play along with the overall condition of the car when it comes to determining its true value at the end of the lease. In most cases, your lease contract requires you to keep the mileage at or below 12,000 miles per year on mainstream cars and 10,000 miles per year on luxury cars. You’ll be required to pay $.25 for each mile over the agreed-upon amount if you exceeded your “mileage cap.”

    This can sometimes add up to more than it would cost to buy the car, or enough to make buying the car worth considering. However, this too can be a two-sided coin. If your mileage is far below what you agreed upon, you might well be in a position to get a great deal on an extremely low mileage used car. This is a very real consideration when you’re contemplating whether to lease or buy a car.

    Buyouts Are Negotiable

    The leasing company will have to pay to prepare the car for resale or auction when you turn it in. The typical $350 disposition fee it charges covers some of this. However, conditioning a car can sometimes cost more. It is completely within the realm of reason to offer the leasing company a lower price than the residual value to make the purchase.

    Of course, you’ll only know any of these things for sure if you ask.

    If you’re going back and forth over whether you should buy your off lease car, it never hurts to get in touch with an agent of the leasing company to see if you can negotiate a lower purchase price. After all, you’ll be saving them a lot of trouble and expense. They might be willing to pass that on to you in savings if you decide to keep the car.