2015 GMC Canyon two.5L Automatic 4×4 Tested: An Okay Truck in Search of Two Far more Cylinders

Six cylinders. That is what we’ve identified to be a requirement as we’ve made our way by means of the different offered configurations for the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon, Common Motors’ hugely anticipated, lately introduced mid-size pickup twins. The 2015 GMC Canyon tested right here has just 4 cylinders, and it isn’t precisely the full-size truck replacement for adventurous weekend warriors that GM thinks it is.

But Look at Its Fuel Economy!

GMC will inform you that the Canyon’s normal-problem 2.5-liter 4-cylinder will net you the ideal fuel economy of any mid-size pickup, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. That is wonderful, till you take into account the Canyon’s (and the identically rated Colorado’s) decade-old competitive set. (A new Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier are on the way, however—as nicely as a second-generation Honda Ridgeline.) And issues decline from there: Add 4-wheel drive, like our test truck had, and the EPA figures drop to 19/25 mpg. Not only is that just 2- and 1-mpg much better than the far a lot more potent V-6 4×4’s numbers, but it’s also not far adequate above the thriftiest complete-size Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 4×4 trucks (17/22 with the base V-6) to look worth it.

In this test we saw 18 mpg, with the 2.5-liter 4 fighting a multi-pronged battle against the axis of weight (4158 pounds), a 6-speed automatic whose overriding goal was to grab the highest gear achievable, and torque and horsepower peaks (191 lb-ft and 200 horsepower) situated too close to redline to be valuable. For comparison, a V-6–powered Canyon 4×4 crew cab we not too long ago tested got 17 mpg, and a Chevrolet Silverado crew cab 4×4 V-6 managed 16 mpg. These trucks also occurred to be 1.7-and 1.5-seconds quicker to 60 mph than this Canyon, while also offering useful back seats.

Cruising at speed, the Canyon necessary a downshift (or 2) to keep 75 mph when encountering a slight grade, and even then, the engine sounded coarse and displeased with the request. Should you be hooking up a trailer, the V-6 Canyon can tow up to 7000 pounds, whilst the 6-cylinder Silverado/Sierra can lug as significantly as 7600 pounds. Provided that our 4-banger test truck can pull only 3500 pounds, the other trucks’ genuine capability appears worth the sacrifice of 1 or 2 mpg.

Six-y Dreams

In truth, we’re not even confident why GMC sees match to supply the 4, specially offered how the brand’s pricing structure virtually begs buyers to upgrade to the 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6 that is optional on every single Canyon save for the base SL. On the second-rung-up Canyon (curiously, GMC’s trim-level structure moves from SL to “Canyon” to SLE, then SLT), the V-6 commands $ 1235, plus the essential $ 650 6-speed automatic for a total of $ 1885 on the SLE, where the automatic is standard, the 6 also fees $ 1235 finally, on the prime-flight SLT, GMC charges just $ 950 for the exact same engine.

Getting 5.7 inches narrower, 17.1 inches shorter, and 3.6 inches reduced than an equivalent extended-cab Sierra, you’d feel the Canyon would be much more maneuverable, but your 1st 3-point encounter with a perpendicular parking spot quickly banishes that hopeful believed. GMC says the Canyon’s turning circle is 41.3 feet, which, although not as poor as a Sierra’s 46.9, is nonetheless much less than nimble.

Are there upsides? Confident, the Canyon rides nicely, even though the physique and chassis do not really feel as ingot-strong as do these of a Sierra, and the truck is prepared to round corners even when traveling at a quick pace. The interior appears pleasant, even if all the materials are generally bland and challenging to the touch, and—somehow—power mirrors aren’t incorporated on a truck with an as-tested value of $ 30,200.

All of this isn’t to totally shoot down the Canyon. Like the Colorado, trim-level-for-trim-level, it’s numerous thousand dollars less expensive than an equivalent Sierra or Silverado. And even though it does not redefine the segment, regardless of having a head start on the competition, it is newer and provides many a lot more contemporary conveniences. Just do yourself a favor and get the V-6.

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2015 GMC Canyon two.5L Automatic 4×4 Tested: An Okay Truck in Search of Two Far more Cylinders

2016 Lexus RX Revealed! More Energy and Presence, Familiar Ethos

The Lexus RX pioneered the luxury-crossover segment when it debuted in the late 1990s as the RX300, and the model has been a pillar of the Lexus brand ever because. It remains the bestselling Lexus model today. The organization shifted 107,000 units final year, putting the RX properly ahead of the runner-up ES sedan, of which it sold 72K. So while Lexus would like the RX to shake its somnambulant image, it is loathe to move it also far off the beam.

The just-unveiled 2016 redesign shows that inherent conflict. Chief engineer Takayuki Katsuda expressed it thusly: “Our ambition has been to make a bold and entirely new statement . . . [while] staying correct to the pioneering values of earlier RX generations.”

Bold and New, or Staying Accurate?

The new RX adopts the brand’s aggressive—which is not to say “beautiful”—new design and style language, with L-shaped lighting elements and a giant, spindle grille. The “floating” roof created by the blacked-out C-pillar is a new twist—unfortunately for Lexus, it’s one that is also seen on the new Nissan Murano. Dimensionally, the car has grown almost 5 inches in length, although the wheelbase has been stretched by some 2 inches width and height are within a fraction of their preceding figures. The added length final results in enhanced rear-seat space, but Lexus has opted not to wedge in a third row of seats.

Beneath the tortured sheetmetal, Lexus engineers managed to wring extra output from familiar mechanicals. Electing to sit out the trend toward engine downsizing and forced induction, they are once more serving up a 3.5-liter V-6, only now with 300-ish horsepower (final figures are not in) instead of 270. An 8-speed automatic, formerly exclusive to the F Sport, replaces the 6-speed unit in other RX350 models. Again, buyers can decide on to have the front wheels or all 4 wheels do the driving. Naturally, the RX450 hybrid returns, with an Atkinson-cycle version of the 3.5-liter. Functioning with its electric motors, it, as well, claims an output of about 300 horsepower, up from 245. Lexus claims to have enhanced handling although preserving the vehicle’s cushy ride. To that finish, an adaptive suspension is newly obtainable.

F Comes Right after M—Way Right after

The AWD-only F Sport gives no extra output but does include active anti-roll bars, 20-inch wheels, and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. Its adaptive suspension adds a stiffer driving mode referred to as Sport S+. Largely, although, the F Sport’s nature is conveyed by its visuals, which tends to make it a far cry from the overall performance SUVs supplied by BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and even Audi.

The new security tech is likely to be of greater resonance to RX buyers. Joining the earlier precollision warning technique and blind-spot warning are lane-departure warning, lane-hold assist, and rear cross-targeted traffic alert. A new panoramic-view monitor additional aids maneuvering, and adaptive high beams aid illuminate twisty roads, even though a giant moonroof lets rear-seat passengers gaze at the stars.

We anticipate the RX will continue to be the star of the Lexus lineup. We’ll see after we drive the 2016 iteration no matter whether the brand made a bold adequate move with this redesign, or no matter whether it dangers getting outshined by the expanding field of competitors.

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2016 Lexus RX Revealed! More Energy and Presence, Familiar Ethos

2016 Jaguar XF Revealed! Less Weight, A lot more Tech

With its redesign for 2016, the Jaguar XF follows the complete-size XJ and the new XE into the property of aluminum. In addition to the attendant weight loss, the new XF also sees a significant increase in its tech offerings, while its engine lineup is sharply decreased.

The switch from an all-steel structure sees the mid-size luxury-sport sedan, which very first created its debut for the 2009 model year, shed considerable mass. Jaguar is quoting a 132-pound weight loss for the rear-wheel-drive model and an impressive 265-pound cut for the all-wheel-drive version. Helping matters is the truth that the automobile has not grown any bigger. The overall package size is retained, but the car’s wheelbase grows by 2 inches. The wheelbase stretch yields a lot more rear-seat space, a welcome improvement. Nevertheless, Jaguar is claiming bumps of significantly less than an inch in rear-seat knee- and legroom, which is significantly less than we may possibly have hoped.

The new styling is largely evolutionary, not surprising offered that the preceding car ushered in Jaguar’s existing style language. Although the whole automobile is new, the most noticeably fresh elements may possibly be the headlights (accessible as complete LEDs), the taillights (which take their cue from the F-type’s), and the elongated greenhouse that now involves quarter-windows in the C-pillars.

Will That Be a V-6, or a V-6?

The dramatically shrunken engine lineup is lowered to just 2 versions of the 3.-liter supercharged V-6. This is the exact same 3.-liter supercharged V-6 as just before, producing an identical 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. It is joined by a new, 380-hp version of the engine in the XF S, but that iteration also produces 332 lb-ft. Both versions of the V-6 use an 8-speed automatic—with gear choice by Jaguar’s dial shifter—and can be had with rear- or all-wheel drive. Jaguar predicts a 5.1-second zero-to-60-mph time for each the AWD XF and the RWD XF S, with the AWD XF S finishing a single-tenth quicker than that and the RWD XF one particular-tenth behind.

With entry-level-sedan duties now handled by the new XE, the Ford-sourced 2.-liter turbocharged 4 does not return (and we can’t say that we’ll miss it). Nor does the 5.-liter supercharged V-8, which in the outgoing vehicle was great for between 470 and 550 horsepower (the latter in the ultra-limited-edition XFR-S). The subsequent engine to join the lineup for the new XF will be a 2.-liter turbo-diesel, component of JLR’s new Ingenium family of engines. It promises highway fuel economy of about 40 mpg but won’t come onstream till about 6 months soon after launch.

As on AWD versions of the F-type, the setup here can brake an inside wheel to boost cornering. Both the common dampers and the optional adaptive dampers have been retuned. When paired with all-wheel drive, the latter includes what Jaguar calls Adaptive Surface Response, which functions as a self-actuating winter mode when slippery road conditions are detected. The active dampers—along with the steering effort, throttle sensitivity, and transmission shift mapping—also can be configured by means of 3 driver-selectable modes.

Virtually Like a Trip to CES

The new XF also pours on the tech elsewhere. New systems and functions incorporate a head-up show, forward-collision warning with automated braking, lane-maintaining help (enabling brief bouts of hands-cost-free driving), adaptive cruise handle that can automatically creep along in stop-and-go visitors, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and semiautomated parking (parallel and perpendicular). A function known as Intelligent Speed Limiter, which can read speed-limit signs and automatically adjust the cruise control to maintain the auto specifically at the speed limit, sounds like a bit of a killjoy to us.

The far better news is that Jaguar’s slow-acting, considerably-loathed touch-screen interface has been junked in favor of a new, bigger unit with the grandiose name InControl Touch Pro. Debuting on the new XF, it features a 10.2-inch screen, boasts more rapidly-acting strong-state drive (SSD) map storage, a quad-core processor, and net-primarily based functions. The hardware should hopefully address the major problem we had with the lesser InControl system in the course of our drive of the XE, namely slow responses. Above the XF’s standard InControl Touch system, Pro adds the bigger screen an interactive, 360-degree view of nav-technique destinations widgets that can supply a shortcut to favorite attributes and dead-reckoning functionality that can pinpoint the car’s position when a GPS signal is unavailable.

Although we hope the new program functions properly, we expect that the new XF will be more rewarding for those drivers who can direct their interest away from the screen. Even at 6 years old, the outgoing XF is one particular of the ideal-driving automobiles in the segment, so we have higher hopes for this new version.

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2016 Jaguar XF Revealed! Less Weight, A lot more Tech

Watch out for travel snarl ups more than the Easter weekend

Traveling more than the Easter weekend? Undesirable news: you’re probably to face delays and disruption on the roads and railway.

The Highways Agency has confirmed 55 sets of roadworks on major roads and motorways like the M1, M3, M4 and M6.

Trains will also be impacted, with main disruption on lines out of Paddington and Euston in London.

Up the junction

Improvements to the M1 in the Midlands will impact the area around Junction 19. Road functions amongst junctions 28 and 31 could also influence your journey.

Operate to upgrade the M60 north of Manchester is likely to result in disruption on the M60 and M62. There could also be delays on the M6 among junctions 10a and 13.

“Euston, we have a problem…”

The line in and out of Euston station will be closed for 4 days more than the Easter weekend as National Rail carries out improvements around Watford Junction, like renewing signalling, laying new track and the reconstruction of the Orphanage Road Bridge.

The engineering functions influence Southern, London Midland and Virgin Trains.

Obtaining Crossrail

Perform on the Crossrail improvement will close the railway between Hayes & Harlington and Didcot Parkway via Reading.

The closure will influence services among Paddington and Greenford, Slough and Windsor & Eton Central, Maidenhead and Marlow, Twyford and Henley-on-Thames.

Trains will be diverted and an amended timetable will operate on all routes to and from London Paddington. This perform is slated to last until April 12.

Capital deficit

Engineering work also indicates there will be no Southeastern train solutions calling at Deptford, Greenwich, London Bridge (platforms 1 to 6), London Cannon Street, London Charing Cross, London Waterloo East, Maze Hill or Westcombe Park.

Then there are a variety of line closures in the Shenfield location that will disrupt trains between Norwich and Ipswich and London Liverpool Street as well as amongst Southend Victoria and London Liverpool Street.

Many of the train operators are advising passengers to postpone traveling till after the Easter weekend. But if you can’t alter your plans, it is worth checking the timing of the works and any revised timetables prior to you set off.

Highway to hell

The Highways Agency has much more specifics about planned road functions or you can pay a visit to National Rail for information on train travel.

Watch out for travel snarl ups more than the Easter weekend

Watch out for travel snarl ups more than the Easter weekend

Traveling more than the Easter weekend? Negative news: you are probably to face delays and disruption on the roads and railway.

The Highways Agency has confirmed 55 sets of roadworks on key roads and motorways which includes the M1, M3, M4 and M6.

Trains will also be affected, with major disruption on lines out of Paddington and Euston in London.

Up the junction

Improvements to the M1 in the Midlands will influence the region around Junction 19. Road works between junctions 28 and 31 could also influence your journey.

Operate to upgrade the M60 north of Manchester is probably to result in disruption on the M60 and M62. There could also be delays on the M6 between junctions 10a and 13.

“Euston, we have a problem…”

The line in and out of Euston station will be closed for 4 days over the Easter weekend as National Rail carries out improvements about Watford Junction, which includes renewing signalling, laying new track and the reconstruction of the Orphanage Road Bridge.

The engineering performs have an effect on Southern, London Midland and Virgin Trains.

Acquiring Crossrail

Function on the Crossrail development will close the railway in between Hayes & Harlington and Didcot Parkway via Reading.

The closure will impact solutions between Paddington and Greenford, Slough and Windsor & Eton Central, Maidenhead and Marlow, Twyford and Henley-on-Thames.

Trains will be diverted and an amended timetable will operate on all routes to and from London Paddington. This perform is slated to final until April 12.

Capital deficit

Engineering perform also means there will be no Southeastern train solutions calling at Deptford, Greenwich, London Bridge (platforms 1 to 6), London Cannon Street, London Charing Cross, London Waterloo East, Maze Hill or Westcombe Park.

Then there are various line closures in the Shenfield area that will disrupt trains amongst Norwich and Ipswich and London Liverpool Street as well as between Southend Victoria and London Liverpool Street.

Many of the train operators are advising passengers to postpone traveling until soon after the Easter weekend. But if you can not alter your plans, it is worth checking the timing of the operates and any revised timetables prior to you set off.

Highway to hell

The Highways Agency has a lot more specifics about planned road operates or you can visit National Rail for information on train travel.

Watch out for travel snarl ups more than the Easter weekend

Honda Recalls 105K More Vehicles, But Also Numerous Owners Can not Be Bothered to Get Them Fixed

Honda has expanded its driver’s-side airbag recall once again to incorporate a lot more 2001 Accord, 2004 Civic, and 2008 Pilot models that had been incorrectly identified by VIN when matched to Takata production records, the company mentioned. An additional 104,871 vehicles are integrated and owners will be notified at a later date. Honda, which has recalled the most cars out of all 10 makers, has recalled about 5.5 million automobiles for driver and passenger airbags in the U.S. because the recalls were initial announced in April 2013.

The question now is: How several owners will bother to take their automobiles in?

According to a new survey, a surprising number of Americans evidently don’t mind the idea of metal shrapnel cutting into their faces. Automotive News reports that just 12 % of all cars recalled for faulty Takata airbags in the U.S. have been repaired, which implies about 15 million men and women are nevertheless driving about with a potentially lethal airbag. AN says that in Japan, 70 percent of the 3 million automobiles under recall have been repaired, owing to that country’s “notoriously fastidious consumers” and tighter inspection needs.

It is a free fix, men and women. Get it completed.

Earlier this month, Honda backed a bill that would need all car owners to complete open recalls in order to renew their registrations. Additionally, Honda lately launched a national advertising campaign in the U.S. with complete-web page newspaper advertisements and 30-second radio spots encouraging Honda and Acura owners to get their automobiles repaired. Parts are readily obtainable now, but most owners across all of the 15 impacted brands have apparently decided it is not worth the difficulty.

Except it is. Here’s a single instance of a 2-inch fragment ejected by a faulty Takata airbag last August in a 2007 Mustang:

Takata, along with 2 other suppliers contracted by Takata, is creating 450,000 replacement inflators every month and will ramp up to 900,000 by September.

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Honda was fined $ 70 million by the federal government in January for withholding accident and defect data all 6 reported Takata-associated deaths occurred in Honda automobiles. An independent review board is hunting into Takata’s manufacturing processes and recommending greatest practices for what has become 1 of the largest-ever auto recalls. For full, continuously updated details of the Takata recall, bookmark this page and verify the federal VIN lookup to see if your automobile is incorporated.

Honda Recalls 105K More Vehicles, But Also Numerous Owners Can not Be Bothered to Get Them Fixed

Aventador SV? Far more Like SE: 2016 Lamborghini Aventador SuperVeloce Is Super-Pricey

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Aventador SV? Far more Like SE: 2016 Lamborghini Aventador SuperVeloce Is Super-Pricey

The female of the species is much more speedy than the male

Girls are not only the fairer sex, but also the faster sex – at least when they are behind the wheel of a rental auto.

A nationwide study of driving habits in rental automobiles has found that female customers exceed the speed limit 17.5% more often than men.

If that weren’t enough to destroy your gender stereotype, ladies are not only faster, they’re also safer – according to the statistics, anyway: males are 5 instances a lot more likely to trigger damage to a rental vehicle than female motorists.

Dented pride

In the study carried out by In-Car Cleverness, a organization that supplies telematics technology, 84% of the cars returned with dents, scratches and punctures had been rented by male motorists.

Honestly, males drivers! So careless!

Telematics, in case you’re asking yourself, is a massive deal in the insurance sector. It’s generally the tiny black box that utilizes satellite communications to record when, where and how you drive so that insurers can far more accurately set premiums, rewarding the protected and penalizing the reckless.

In-Car Cleverness monitored a lot more than 10,000 rental vehicles over a 6-month period to compile the stats, so it is surely thorough, even if it does disappoint some of the much more macho of the male population.

Gender equality?

It is not the only survey that casts doubt on the superiority of the male motorist. Claims information collected by insurers clearly shows that women make fewer and much less expensive claims then men.

Insurers are not, however, allowed to take gender into account when setting premiums.

The findings of the study are also backed up by statistics from the Department for Transport. In 2013, male drivers accounted for a lot more than 40,000 road casualties, compared with less than 35,000 for females drivers.

But let’s not rush to dismiss any link amongst speed and security. Males who returned autos with damage exceeded the speed limit 82 times on typical throughout the rental period. Female drivers who broken automobiles also sped a lot more typically, averaging 90 instances of speeding.

Harm report

Paul O’Dowd of In-Automobile Cleverness says: “While the quantity of vehicles broken by the opposite sexes varies, the behaviours that outcome in harm are regularly related.

“The statistics show a clear correlation in between automobile harm and situations of speeding, harsh braking and acceleration.”

What do you consider?

Attitudes to girls drivers are nevertheless, in a lot of instances, redolent of rubbish comedians playing operating men’s clubs in the 1970s. But the cold tough stats that insurance companies create (but can’t use when they set their prices!) demonstrate that girls are safer drivers.

So what do you feel? Are women really greater drivers than men? Or are men technically better drivers who are unwitting victims of their own testosterone-fuelled impulses?

Go on, get it off your chest in the box below…

The female of the species is much more speedy than the male

SV? Much more Like SE: 2016 Lamborghini Aventador Superveloce Is Super Expensive

Just final week, Lamborghini showed us how super hot its Aventador SV—or “Superveloce”—model appears. Lamborghini also told us how super strong it is, with its 740 horsepower and 509 lb-ft of torque. We also discovered out how super fast it’ll go (217 mph) and how super quick it is, hitting 62 mph from rest in just 2.8 seconds. Now, we’ve discovered how super costly the Aventador SV will be when it goes on sale in America later this year.

The cost? A cool $ 493,069, even though that does incorporate the $ 3700 gas-guzzler tax and the $ 3495 location and delivery charge. That’s nearly $ 100K more than the workaday, $ 400,995 Aventador.

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But such is the value for this exclusive, track-oriented brute, which is basically a Veneno wrapped in Aventador skin, with an interior lined with suede and carbon-fiber fabric, and packing 49 a lot more ponies to support you shave a couple of tenths from your zero-to-60 times. For the Aventador SV, the window sticker is just one a lot more in a extended list of superlatives.

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SV? Much more Like SE: 2016 Lamborghini Aventador Superveloce Is Super Expensive

2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Driven: Worth the Wait, but Wait for More

First Drive Assessment

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Worth the wait, but you may want to wait for more.

It is lastly right here. 2 Geneva shows ago, VW 1st revealed the Golf SportWagen. That summer time, we ran our initial-drive report on the European model and started counting the days till we could get a single here. Effectively, this a lot-anticipated Jetta SportWagen replacement arrives in U.S. dealerships by early April. As with the 10Best-winning Golf hatchback and GTI, the long delay was due to the wait for assembly of the North American–market model at VW’s plant in Puebla, Mexico. Our very first drive in these Mexican-built wagons confirms that they’re as solid and enjoyable as any other 6th-generation Golf.

While VW’s ambitious U.S. sales targets would have a better possibility of reaching fruition if Wolfsburg would send us new models as quickly as they’re accessible in Germany, lower charges for assembly and transportation spend off in an aggressive pricing scheme for the new wagon. Despite arriving so late in the year, these SportWagens are 2015 models for a handful of months. The 2016 models will probably bring the addition of an all-wheel-drive version (officially: “We’re operating on it”) and will certainly incorporate upgraded telematics and a constructed-in USB port that the 2015 edition nevertheless lacks.

Circled Wagons

VW gave us a likelihood to drive the U.S.-spec SportWagens in and about Austin, Texas, just as the large crowds for the SXSW confab had been coming into town and clogging the main highway arteries. Luckily, we have been able to get out into the surrounding Hill Nation.

Even without having all-wheel drive in the mix but, there are 6 SportWagen models, counting S, SE, and SEL trims accessible with either the 1.8-liter TSI 4-cylinder gasoline engine or the 2.-liter TDI diesel. Add the 3 transmissions and there are 10 configurations ahead of you even start off scanning the alternatives list. With limited time and miles at our disposal, we opted to sample the price tag-leader gasoline model and a loaded-up SEL with the diesel. As with other Golfs, the TSI comes with a manual transmission only in the base S model, and that’s a 5-speed unit. This runt of the litter should also endure a restriction on peak torque to 184 lb-ft versus the 199 claimed for its brethren equipped with a slushbox. All SE and SEL gasoline-burners have the 6-speed automatic as common. A 6-speed stick shift is normal with every TDI. Clutchless operation charges an extra $ 1100 where it’s available, regardless of whether it’s the torque-converter automatic on the 1.8T or the dual-clutch DSG on diesels.

Doesn’t Feel Cheap

Thinking about its weakling status in the lineup, the base model delivers a lot of goodness for $ 22,215. No, you do not get navigation or energy lumbar supports or push-button start, but for those who prioritize the driving knowledge, the Golf’s sturdy foundation yields a premium really feel. Adding the larger cargo area and stiffer rear springs to accommodate the payload, plus a complete foot of length and about 100 pounds of vehicular mass, doesn’t diminish the virtues of a rigid structure, tight assembly, and driver-friendly handling. We kept reaching for a sixth gear out of habit, even even though we didn’t need to have it at 66 mph in fifth gear, the tachometer shows the 1.8T spinning at 2000 rpm. It is quiet and buttery in operation and the torque remains enough that you can climb moderate grades without having shifting down. The engine’s qualities do not consist of thrilling high-rpm antics, anyway, and our tests show this drivetrain performs effectively in the regular Golf. Perhaps the torque restriction would be far more noteworthy if we’d folded down the back seats and loaded up the 66.5 cubic feet of cargo volume with heavy gear.

A greater deterrence to choosing this bottom-feeder might be the standard 15-inch wheels and Continental tires if you want to shift for oneself and burn gasoline, that’s all you get from the factory. SE and SEL models supply 16-, 17-, and 18-inch alternatives, and even the base diesel rides on 16s. The 15-inchers yield a very good ride with tiny road noise and the wheels are aluminum, a step up from the old Jetta’s base steel rims, but the little tire does not have the turn-in bite a driver longs for when the road gets interesting. We discovered ourselves generating mid-turn steering corrections out in the hills as the front end washed out—although we should note that heavy rains the day just before left the road damp and wet in places.

An Audi with no Quattro?

Turn-in was no longer a issue when we moved into a TDI in SEL trim on 18-inch wheels. If something, the scenario inverted as the a lot more efficiency-oriented (though still all-season-rated) Pirelli Cinturato P7s in size 225/40 introduced some effect harshness to the ride and could be heard hissing on rough-textured pavement. The sweet spot here for value, ride, comfort, and moderately entertaining behavior may well be a TDI in the SE trim on 17s, and we’d possibly go with the manual. If we’re not acquiring a clutch pedal, the DSG tends to make a great second-greatest option, but as soon as you’ve anted up the premium for the diesel (contact it $ 2000), the transmission’s $ 1100 cost may possibly be much better spent on other choices or accessories.

The automobile we drove carried a $ 33,955 MSRP with $ 695 for the Driver Assistance package (forward-collision warning and parking assist) and $ 995 for the Lighting package (adaptive bixenon headlamps and LED accents), each of which we could reside with no but you may possibly really feel otherwise.

In size, interior ambience, and demeanor, this loaded instance reminded us a lot of an Audi A4 Avant of about a decade ago—according to a single VW engineer, the cargo space is higher, actually, but the rear seat tighter than it was in the former VW Passat wagon and that Avant. If and when we get the all-wheel-drive SportWagen, the similarities will be downright eerie. But try not to make us wait also significantly longer, VW, okay?

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2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Driven: Worth the Wait, but Wait for More

2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Driven: Worth the Wait, but Wait for Far more

Initial Drive Overview

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Worth the wait, but you may possibly want to wait for much more.

It’s finally here. 2 Geneva shows ago, VW 1st revealed the Golf SportWagen. That summer time, we ran our 1st-drive report on the European model and began counting the days till we could get one particular here. Well, this much-anticipated Jetta SportWagen replacement arrives in U.S. dealerships by early April. As with the 10Best-winning Golf hatchback and GTI, the extended delay was due to the wait for assembly of the North American–market model at VW’s plant in Puebla, Mexico. Our first drive in these Mexican-constructed wagons confirms that they’re as solid and enjoyable as any other 6th-generation Golf.

While VW’s ambitious U.S. sales targets would have a much better opportunity of reaching fruition if Wolfsburg would send us new models as soon as they’re offered in Germany, reduce expenses for assembly and transportation pay off in an aggressive pricing scheme for the new wagon. Regardless of arriving so late in the year, these SportWagens are 2015 models for a couple of months. The 2016 models will most likely bring the addition of an all-wheel-drive version (officially: “We’re operating on it”) and will definitely incorporate upgraded telematics and a constructed-in USB port that the 2015 edition still lacks.

Circled Wagons

VW gave us a possibility to drive the U.S.-spec SportWagens in and around Austin, Texas, just as the big crowds for the SXSW confab had been coming into town and clogging the significant highway arteries. Luckily, we had been capable to get out into the surrounding Hill Nation.

Even with no all-wheel drive in the mix yet, there are 6 SportWagen models, counting S, SE, and SEL trims accessible with either the 1.8-liter TSI 4-cylinder gasoline engine or the 2.-liter TDI diesel. Add the 3 transmissions and there are 10 configurations ahead of you even begin scanning the choices list. With limited time and miles at our disposal, we opted to sample the price tag-leader gasoline model and a loaded-up SEL with the diesel. As with other Golfs, the TSI comes with a manual transmission only in the base S model, and that’s a 5-speed unit. This runt of the litter must also endure a restriction on peak torque to 184 lb-ft versus the 199 claimed for its brethren equipped with a slushbox. All SE and SEL gasoline-burners have the 6-speed automatic as standard. A 6-speed stick shift is common with every single TDI. Clutchless operation fees an additional $ 1100 exactly where it is obtainable, regardless of whether it is the torque-converter automatic on the 1.8T or the dual-clutch DSG on diesels.

Does not Really feel Low-cost

Considering its weakling status in the lineup, the base model delivers a lot of goodness for $ 22,215. No, you do not get navigation or energy lumbar supports or push-button start, but for those who prioritize the driving encounter, the Golf’s powerful foundation yields a premium really feel. Adding the bigger cargo location and stiffer rear springs to accommodate the payload, plus a complete foot of length and about 100 pounds of vehicular mass, does not diminish the virtues of a rigid structure, tight assembly, and driver-friendly handling. We kept reaching for a sixth gear out of habit, even although we didn’t need to have it at 66 mph in fifth gear, the tachometer shows the 1.8T spinning at 2000 rpm. It is quiet and buttery in operation and the torque remains enough that you can climb moderate grades with no shifting down. The engine’s qualities do not include thrilling high-rpm antics, anyway, and our tests show this drivetrain performs well in the common Golf. Possibly the torque restriction would be a lot more noteworthy if we’d folded down the back seats and loaded up the 66.5 cubic feet of cargo volume with heavy gear.

A greater deterrence to choosing this bottom-feeder may possibly be the normal 15-inch wheels and Continental tires if you want to shift for your self and burn gasoline, that is all you get from the factory. SE and SEL models supply 16-, 17-, and 18-inch selections, and even the base diesel rides on 16s. The 15-inchers yield a excellent ride with small road noise and the wheels are aluminum, a step up from the old Jetta’s base steel rims, but the modest tire does not have the turn-in bite a driver longs for when the road gets intriguing. We located ourselves generating mid-turn steering corrections out in the hills as the front end washed out—although we should note that heavy rains the day just before left the road damp and wet in locations.

An Audi with no Quattro?

Turn-in was no longer a dilemma when we moved into a TDI in SEL trim on 18-inch wheels. If something, the scenario inverted as the more overall performance-oriented (though still all-season-rated) Pirelli Cinturato P7s in size 225/40 introduced some influence harshness to the ride and could be heard hissing on rough-textured pavement. The sweet spot here for value, ride, comfort, and moderately entertaining behavior may be a TDI in the SE trim on 17s, and we’d possibly go with the manual. If we’re not obtaining a clutch pedal, the DSG makes a great second-very best alternative, but when you have anted up the premium for the diesel (get in touch with it $ 2000), the transmission’s $ 1100 expense might be far better spent on other choices or accessories.

The automobile we drove carried a $ 33,955 MSRP with $ 695 for the Driver Assistance package (forward-collision warning and parking assist) and $ 995 for the Lighting package (adaptive bixenon headlamps and LED accents), both of which we could live with no but you may really feel otherwise.

In size, interior ambience, and demeanor, this loaded instance reminded us a lot of an Audi A4 Avant of about a decade ago—according to 1 VW engineer, the cargo space is greater, in fact, but the rear seat tighter than it was in the former VW Passat wagon and that Avant. If and when we get the all-wheel-drive SportWagen, the similarities will be downright eerie. But try not to make us wait too significantly longer, VW, okay?

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The female of the species is a lot more speedy than the male

Women are not only the fairer sex, but also the faster sex – at least when they are behind the wheel of a rental car.

A nationwide study of driving habits in rental cars has discovered that female customers exceed the speed limit 17.5% more often than men.

If that weren’t enough to destroy your gender stereotype, women are not only quicker, they’re also safer – according to the statistics, anyway: males are 5 times more likely to cause damage to a rental car than female motorists.

Dented pride

In the study carried out by In-Car Cleverness, a company that provides telematics technology, 84% of the cars returned with dents, scratches and punctures had been rented by male motorists.

Honestly, men drivers! So careless!

Telematics, in case you’re wondering, is a big deal in the insurance industry. It’s basically the little black box that uses satellite communications to record when, where and how you drive so that insurers can more accurately set premiums, rewarding the safe and penalizing the reckless.

In-Car Cleverness monitored more than 10,000 rental vehicles over a 6-month period to compile the stats, so it’s certainly thorough, even if it does disappoint some of the more macho of the male population.

Gender equality?

It’s not the only survey that casts doubt on the superiority of the male motorist. Claims data collected by insurers clearly shows that women make fewer and less costly claims then men.

Insurers are not, however, allowed to take gender into account when setting premiums.

The findings of the study are also backed up by statistics from the Department for Transport. In 2013, male drivers accounted for more than 40,000 road casualties, compared with less than 35,000 for women drivers.

But let’s not rush to dismiss any link between speed and safety. Men who returned vehicles with damage exceeded the speed limit 82 times on average during the rental period. Female drivers who damaged cars also sped more often, averaging 90 instances of speeding.

Damage report

Paul O’Dowd of In-Car Cleverness says: “While the number of cars damaged by the opposite sexes varies, the behaviours that result in damage are consistently similar.

“The statistics show a clear correlation between vehicle damage and instances of speeding, harsh braking and acceleration.”

What do you think?

Attitudes to women drivers are still, in many instances, redolent of rubbish comedians playing working men’s clubs in the 1970s. But the cold hard stats that insurance companies produce (but can’t use when they set their prices!) demonstrate that women are safer drivers.

So what do you think? Are women actually better drivers than men? Or are men technically better drivers who are unwitting victims of their own testosterone-fuelled impulses?

Go on, get it off your chest in the box below…

The female of the species is a lot more speedy than the male

The female of the species is far more speedy than the male

Ladies are not only the fairer sex, but also the more rapidly sex – at least when they are behind the wheel of a rental vehicle.

A nationwide study of driving habits in rental vehicles has discovered that female consumers exceed the speed limit 17.5% a lot more typically than males.

If that weren’t enough to destroy your gender stereotype, women are not only faster, they’re also safer – according to the statistics, anyway: males are 5 instances much more likely to trigger damage to a rental vehicle than female motorists.

Dented pride

In the study carried out by In-Vehicle Cleverness, a organization that provides telematics technology, 84% of the automobiles returned with dents, scratches and punctures had been rented by male motorists.

Honestly, guys drivers! So careless!

Telematics, in case you are asking yourself, is a big deal in the insurance industry. It is essentially the little black box that uses satellite communications to record when, exactly where and how you drive so that insurers can much more accurately set premiums, rewarding the safe and penalizing the reckless.

In-Car Cleverness monitored a lot more than 10,000 rental vehicles over a 6-month period to compile the stats, so it’s definitely thorough, even if it does disappoint some of the far more macho of the male population.

Gender equality?

It’s not the only survey that casts doubt on the superiority of the male motorist. Claims information collected by insurers clearly shows that ladies make fewer and significantly less costly claims then guys.

Insurers are not, however, permitted to take gender into account when setting premiums.

The findings of the study are also backed up by statistics from the Department for Transport. In 2013, male drivers accounted for a lot more than 40,000 road casualties, compared with significantly less than 35,000 for ladies drivers.

But let’s not rush to dismiss any link among speed and security. Men who returned autos with damage exceeded the speed limit 82 times on typical in the course of the rental period. Female drivers who broken automobiles also sped a lot more frequently, averaging 90 situations of speeding.

Damage report

Paul O’Dowd of In-Car Cleverness says: “While the number of cars damaged by the opposite sexes varies, the behaviours that result in damage are regularly comparable.

“The statistics show a clear correlation in between vehicle harm and instances of speeding, harsh braking and acceleration.”

What do you consider?

Attitudes to girls drivers are still, in many instances, redolent of rubbish comedians playing operating men’s clubs in the 1970s. But the cold challenging stats that insurance businesses create (but can not use when they set their prices!) demonstrate that women are safer drivers.

So what do you believe? Are ladies really far better drivers than guys? Or are men technically better drivers who are unwitting victims of their own testosterone-fuelled impulses?

Go on, get it off your chest in the box below…

The female of the species is far more speedy than the male

The Party’s More than for Mini Coupe and Roadster—They’re Dead

Mini has announced that it is ending production of its oddball 2-seaters, the hardtop Coupe and the softtop Roadster. Each models are nevertheless primarily based on the second-generation Mini platform, and it seems unlikely that the duo will return as element of the new, third generation of Minis.

The pair was introduced with considerable fanfare as concepts at the 2009 Frankfurt auto show, as portion of the 50th birthday celebration for Mini. Their design and style was credited to Marcus Syring (who also penned the BMW Z3 coupe) and was most notable for the steeper windshield, squashed roofline (2 inches reduce than a common Mini), and vestigial trunk.

The Coupe reached dealerships in the fall of 2011 the Roadster followed a year later. Solution positioning for each, however, was problematic. Mini tried to position the convertible as the return of the British roadster, but it wasn’t precisely that. And the Coupe was just, uh, various. Via 2014, worldwide sales amounted to only 27,350 for the Coupe and 28,867 for the Roadster.

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Numbers like that mean the duo had been niche autos, and Mini’s strategy going forward is to concentrate as an alternative on core products—or “superheroes,” in the words of Peter Schwarzenbauer, the BMW Group board member under whose purview Mini falls. That indicates the lineup could shrink to just 5 models: Hardtop, in 2-door, 4-door, and convertible forms Clubman, a new version of which is due this summer time Countryman, which ought to migrate to the new platform next year a sports vehicle along the lines of the Superleggera concept and, potentially, a smaller city auto. Notice what’s missing here? Yep, the Paceman. We count on that will be the next Mini to follow the Coupe and the Roadster down that final off-ramp.

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The Party’s More than for Mini Coupe and Roadster—They’re Dead