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Get the Flash Player to see this player. If vehicle dependability matters, you should probably avoid the following 10 models. Recently, Consumer Reports published the results of its 2018 Annual Auto Reliability Survey. Far and away dependability is the No. 1 purchase consideration of new-vehicle shoppers. That’s at least according to the influential watchdog organization. In fact, it beats out performance, price and even fuel economy. Moving on, here are some of the most problem-prone vehicles you can buy right now. 10. Honda Odyssey Landing in 10th place is the Honda Odyssey. Wait, WHAT? A Honda on a list of MOST UNRELIABLE VEHICLES? That’s just hard to believe. But according to Consumer Reports, body hardware and interior electronics proved to be major trouble spots. Somewhat offsetting these deficits, this minivan is comfortable, refined and economical. ALSO SEE: Top 10 Most Reliable Cars 9. Volkswagen Atlas Next on this list of underachieving autos is the Volkswagen Atlas. Despite offering respectable driving dynamics, a hushed cabin and even a third-row seat that adults can actually fit in, this three-row utility vehicle was savaged for its cantankerous climate-control system and troublesome transmission, among other minor issues. ALSO SEE: Volkswagen Atlas V6 Review 8. Buick Enclave Edging out the Atlas in projected unreliability is the Buick Enclave. Also a three-row crossover, Consumer Reports liked its quiet and spacious interior, easy-to-use infotainment system and comfortable ride. But minor transmission issues, as well as problematic climate-control and emissions systems, really hurt it. SEE ALSO: Is Tesla’s Elon Musk Crazy or a Genius? – The Short List 7. Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Heavy Duty Falling below these also-rans is the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD. It’s kind of weird seeing a big, tough truck on this list, but apparently, Consumer Reports subscribers said they’ve had major engine issues with these pickups as well as noises and leaks, plus troublesome in-vehicle electronics, a recurring theme on this list. 6. Kia Cadenza In the No. 6 position on this Bottom-10 List is the Kia Cadenza sedan. It competes with larger four-doors like the Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Avalon. The Cadenza is roomy and quiet, with easy-to-use technology, though problematic climate control, fuel and emissions systems were its undoing. 5. Chevrolet Traverse Moving along, the Chevrolet Traverse is also one of the most unreliable vehicles available today. Much like its sibling the Buick Enclave, minor transmission issues and problematic electronics landed it in the middle of this list, a pity, really, because it’s an attractive and highly functional vehicle. 4. Honda Clarity Surprisingly, the No. 4 finisher here is another Honda, specifically the Japanese automaker’s cutting-edge Clarity sedan. This futuristic vehicle is offered as an electric, a plug-in hybrid and even with a hydrogen fuel-cell drivetrain. Can you say complexity? Issues that dragged it down in reliability rankings include weaknesses in the climate control, fuel and emissions systems as well as problems with body hardware. SEE ALSO: 12 Facts About Alfa Romeo You Should Know – The Short List 3. Cadillac ATS Nimble and sharp, the Cadillac ATS is an absolute driver’s car, with a buttoned-down ride and peppy turbocharged four-cylinder engine or smooth-running V6. A convoluted infotainment system and cramped interior detract from the overall experience, as do glitches with its climate controls, in-car electronics and driveline. Perhaps this is why Cadillac is killing off the ATS. 2. Tesla Model X Tesla’s Model X is the second-least reliable vehicle according to Consumer Reports. Despite its driving finesse, futuristic interior and respectable all-electric range, it was failed by issues with body hardware, noises and leaks as well as cantankerous interior electronics. 1. Ram 3500 Heavy Duty Finally, we come to the most unreliable vehicle. Surprisingly, it’s another heavy-duty pickup, the Ram 3500 HD. Able to tow massive trailers and haul heaping loads without breaking a sweat, this tough truck is nonetheless undermined by issues with its steering, suspension, fuel, emissions and engine-cooling systems. It’s even dogged by various noises and leaks, again, at least according to Consumer Reports. Check out more episodes of The Short List The post Top 10 Most Unreliable Cars – The Short List appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

Get the Flash Player to see this player. Another Geneva Motor Show is in the rear-view mirror, which means it’s time for us to start making fun of all the stuff we didn’t like. Accordingly, here’s our obligatory list of winners and losers, a specially curated selection of vehicles hand picked by the AutoGuide.com staff. For a little extra balance, we’ve also included a few undecided options. SEE ALSO: 2019 Geneva Motor Coverage WINNER: Vanquish Vision Concept Aston Martin is firing on all cylinders, debuting a trio of design studies in Switzerland. Arguably the coolest of the bunch is this, the Vanquish Vision Concept. Despite the McLaren-esque proportions, it previews the British Brand’s first mid-engine production model. In typical fashion, it features an aluminum structure, but what’s not expected for Aston Martin is the power source, a turbocharged and hybridized V6. ALSO SEE: Aston Martin Unveils Three Stunning New Concept Cars WINNER: Honda e Prototype Next up, something at the opposite end of the spectrum. Honda’s e Prototype hints at the Japanese brand’s first battery-electric production vehicle. An urban runabout, it offers a driving range of 200-kilometers – about 125 miles – and can be charged to 80 percent capacity in as little as 30 minutes. Unusual for a Honda, this car is rear-wheel drive. The production model is slated to debut later this year as a 2020 model, possibly at the Frankfurt Motor Show. WINNER: Alfa Romeo Tonale crossovers, Crossovers, CROSSOVERS! The world just can’t get enough of these things. Helping satiate demand, Alfa Romeo unveiled a new premium compact SUV in Geneva. Smaller than their acclaimed Stelvio, Tonale is the Italian brand’s first plug-in hybrid. Basically, zero details about its drivetrain have been shared at this time, but it promises best-in-segment dynamics, which we’d expect it to deliver. With classic styling and a sweeping interior, it at least looks like a winner. WINNER: Bugatti La Voiture Noire Now for what was perhaps the star of this year’s Geneva show, a mega-pricey, one-off creation from Bugatti. Called La Voiture Noire, which translates rather fittingly to “the black car,” this creation was clearly inspired by Darth Vader, or the legendary Type 57 SC Atlantic. Your pick… Power is provided by a 16-cylinder engine that delivers about 1,500 horses. This one-of-one grand-tourer sold for nearly $13 million. Whoever bought it can sleep soundly at night knowing that nobody else is going to roll in in a La Voiture Noire at their local cars and coffee. UNDECIDED: Mazda CX-30 Shifting gears, let’s focus on a few of Geneva’s UNDECIDED reveals. And the new Mazda CX-30 crossover is a bit of a head-scratcher. Size-wise, it’s intended to slot between the CX-3 and CX-5 models. But this raises a couple questions: One, why do they need a vehicle sandwiched in the middle of these two offerings? And two, shouldn’t it just be called CX-4? On the plus side, this thing is beautifully styled and will likely be brilliant to drive. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best Engines of 2019 UNDECIDED: Subaru Viziv Concept The Subaru Viziv Adrenaline Concept is yet another installment of the automaker’s Viziv range of design studies. It showcases the bolder, more exciting direction Subaru styling is supposedly heading. While we certainly wouldn’t call it ugly, neither is it breathtaking. Of course, since this is a concept, powertrain, pricing and other details are unknown, but we’d still bet this is an early look at the next-generation Crosstrek. Your thoughts? UNDECIDED: Volkswagen ID BUGGY The last UNDECIDED vehicle on this list is the Volkswagen ID BUGGY concept. A battery-powered dune-hopper, it demonstrates what the company can do with its advanced MEB electric-vehicle architecture. This thing’s got a 62 kWh battery and a 201-horsepower motor, both of which can deliver 62 miles an hour in as little as 7.2 seconds. The ID BUGGY is kind of cool, and there are rumblings they’ll actually build it, but we shall see if it makes it to production without being completely watered down. LOSER: Imagine by Kia Moving on to the LOSERS, we start with the Imagine by Kia concept, which may have the worst name of the entire Geneva show. Predictably, it’s an all-electric design study that vaguely resembles a crossover. It’s got a six-layer paint job, 22-inch wheels and even a continuous piece of glass that forms both the windshield and roof. Upping the ridiculousness, it’s gussied up with 21 individual screens inside, like someone shuffled a stack of smartphones. According to the press release it’s “designed to get your pulse racing.” Yeah, OK. SEE ALSO: 2019 Detroit Auto Show Winners and Losers — The Short List LOSER: Ginetta Akula With supercars, you expect certain design flair, but the Ginetta Akula is just too friggin’ weird. This thing’s got more gills than a school of sardines! Unsurprisingly for an exotic, it’s made of carbon fiber and features a mid-mounted engine. It also brandishes 600 horsepower and can hit 200 miles an hour. Aside from the design, there’s another BIG downside. It costs more than half-a-million dollars. LOSER: Smart Forease+ And the last LOSER we’ve got here is the Smart Forease+, which made its official debut in Geneva. If you remember back to the Paris show last fall, the automaker revealed a concept called the Forease. Well, this is essentially the same thing but with a removable roof. It’s kind of like microwaving leftovers, right? Check out more episodes of The Short List The post Winners and Losers from the 2019 Geneva Motor Show – The Short List appeared first on AutoGuide.com. 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Updated March 2019 This winter just doesn’t seem to want to go away. During these soul-crushingly low temperatures, we’ve become quite fond of cars that are equipped with heated steering wheels, a premium feature that doesn’t need to be reserved for expensive luxury vehicles. Folks in southern states might not get the appeal, but for drivers who live in colder climates, a heated tiller is like a warm hug for your hands. Why not wear gloves you may ask? Well, so many cars have touch-screen infotainment systems or small buttons that make using gloves in a car cumbersome. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Most Dependable Automakers of 2019: J.D. Power After spending some time configuring hundreds of them, we came up with this list of affordable nameplates that are equipped with a heated steering wheel. Would you be surprised to know that you can get a car with such features for under $30,000? The price tag on most affordable model may surprise you too. All prices include destination and packaging information. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best Used Car Bargains: 2019 This list is in no particular order – all vehicles on this list are priced between $20,000 to $30,000 and have a heated steering wheel. Kia Optima EX (W/ Premium Package) The first car on this list is the 2019 Kia Optima EX. Equipped with the premium package, the Optima EX becomes a cold-weather warrior, featuring not just a heated steering wheel but heated front and rear seats too. The EX model with the premium package is also well equipped for when the sun comes out, as it sports a nice panoramic sunroof and ventilated driver’s seat. All those features for just $30,915 before destination and tax mean this a pretty solid value in the segment. 2019 Dodge Journey GT Don’t stop believing in the features found in the family-friendly Dodge Journey. Dodge Journey GT models come standard with heated seats and a heated steering wheel and start at $26,740 before destination and tax. This trim also gets you the V6 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and comes with a remote starter, perforated leather seating and 19-inch wheels. See Also: The Weirdest Car Accessories Dodge Challenge SXT Another Dodge makes our list, but it certainly isn’t the last car from the Fiat-Chrysler Alliance. We found that you can equip a $26,590 Dodge Challenger SXT with a $495 cold weather group package, which adds heated front seats and a heated front steering wheel, turning this rear-wheel drive muscle car into a cozy place when the temperature drops. Of course, the Challenger is saddled with a V6 at that price. If you want more power, you can always spring the extra cash for the R/T model, which hosts a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 under its hood. There’s also the Scat Pack or SRT models which use 6.4-liter V8s. Of course, if horsepower is what you’re after, maybe you can skip all the pleasantries and go straight for the Challenger Hellcat, which makes 707 HP. SEE ALSO: 2019 Dodge Challenger GT AWD Review Buick Regal Sportback You haven’t forgotten about Buick, have you? Well GM’s premium brand can always deliver on the promise of value when you get the Buick Regal Preferred II trim, which comes with a heated multifunction steering wheel as standard. It also gets a push-button start, dual zone automatic climate control, a blind spot monitoring system and an 8-inch infotainment display. Don’t forget the standard 4G LTE in-car wifi that comes with the 2019 Buick Regal. All that for just $30,695? Sounds like a pretty good deal. Jeep Cherokee Although there may be some people who wouldn’t dare buy a front-wheel drive Jeep, the new Jeep Cherokee may change their mind. The sport model, can come well equipped for just under $25,000, especially when you tack on the $895 Cold Weather Group which adds heated seats, a heated steering wheel, an engine block heater, a remote start system, a windshield wiper de-icer and heated mirrors. All of those are essential for those living in really cold regions. See Also: Do you Even Lift? How Jack It is More than an Online Suspension Parts Store Kia Soul Another entry on our list comes in the way of the quirky, $21,485 Kia Soul. Under the hood is a a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 164 hp and earns 31 MPG on the highway, but once you add the $4,500 Primo Package, the Soul’s features are hard to beat. The package comes with a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, ventilated and heated front seats, heated rear seats and the ever important heated steering wheel. It all makes you wonder if there was there a fire sale on features at Kia HQ. Nissan Altima The 2019 Nissan Altima in SV trim, which starts at $28,080, features a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel as standard. That trim level also comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, Nissan’s ProPilot Assist suite of semi-autonomous driving functions, 17-inch alloy wheels and more. It’s a decent deal for a fairly well equipped four-door. Nissan Rogue Sport The Nissan Rogue Sport has a heated steering wheel as standard in SL trim, which starts at $27,960. That’s a decent deal for a crossover of this size and you also get leather-trimmed seats, Nissan’s ProPilot Assist suite of semi-autonomous driving functions, 19-inch alloy wheels, navigation and other useful features. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Least Dependable Automakers 2019: J.D. Power The post Cheapest Cars With a Heated Steering Wheel appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

Kia is a popular brand in North America, but many Canadians and Americans may not know the origins of the brand, why it has a close relationship with Hyundai, or where the company makes its vehicles. SEE ALSO: 2019 Kia Forte Review In this post, we’ll explain Kia’s origins and also list every plant the company operates that serves the North American market. Just like its sister brand Hyundai, Kia is an international company, so it builds cars in many different places for many different markets, but this post will only focus on its North American-serving plants. Where is Kia From? Kia was founded in Seoul, South Korea, in 1944 and was originally called Kyungsung Precision Industry before changing its name to Kia Industries in 1956. Kia’s global headquarters are still located in Seoul today. It solely produced vehicles under license from other automakers such as Ford, Mazda, Fiat, and Peugeot and enjoyed a good degree of success both domestically in Korea and abroad, but went bankrupt amidst the Asian Financial Crisis in the late 1990s. SEE ALSO: Kia Stinger Review Rival South Korean automaker Hyundai purchased a 51% stake in Kia in 1998, outbidding Ford in the process, and remains Kia’s largest single stakeholder today. While Hyundai now owns only one-third of Kia, the companies have a strange ownership structure in which Kia also owns small stakes in several Hyundai companies, closely intertwining the companies. The companies share many platforms and engines for their vehicles. Where Are Kias Made? Sohari Plant – Gwangmyeong, South Korea Kia K900 Kia Stinger Kia Sedona Hwaseong Plant – Woojeong-myeon, South Korea Kia Cadenza Kia Niro Gwanju Plant – Gwanju, South Korea Kia Soul Kia Sportage Monterrey Plant – Monterrey, Mexico Kia Forte Kia Rio Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – West Point, Georgia Kia Sorrento Kia Optima Ulsan Plant (Hyundai) – Ulsan, South Korea Kia Telluride SEE ALSO: Where is Hyundai From and Where are Hyundais Made? OR Where Is Toyota From and Where Are Toyotas Made? The post Where is Kia From and Where are Kias Made? appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

Kia has updated its popular Sportage utility vehicle for the 2020 model year, unveiling it at the Chicago Auto Show. This crossover gains a variety of new features and a fresh look. Outside, the front bumper has been reworked plus there’s a new grille, bumper, air intake, and skid plate. The headlamps have been overhauled, as have its standard projector-beam fog lights. For drivers that want more, both are available in LED form for extra output with reduced current draw. At the 2020 Kia Sportage’s rear, you’ll find a similarly redesigned bumper and skid plate. The exhaust tips have been tweaked as well. For added visual pizzazz, a new crop of wheels is on the menu. They span between 17 and 19 inches. Of course, all-wheel drive is also offered. SEE ALSO: Complete 2019 Chicago Auto Show Coverage Inside, this Kia’s cabin has been lightly enhanced. There’s newly available leatherette seating surfaces and a standard eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto baked right in. The steering wheel and vent bezels have been changed and wireless charging is available. Two engines are offered including a base 2.4-liter unit that’s good for 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. For drivers that want more of each, a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is also on the menu. It’s good for 240 ponies and 260 units of twist. A six-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox offered. Keeping up with rival automakers, the new Sportage can be equipped with a range of advanced driver-assistance technology. Lane keeping assist, smart cruise control with stop and start and automatic high beams are a few of its fancy new amenities. For 2020 this crossover will be offered in four trim levels: S, the newest addition, LX, EX and SX. The latest-generation Sportage is slated to go on sale in the second half of 2019. No pricing information is available yet. Discuss this story on our Kia Forum The post Kia Sportage Mildly Spruced Up for 2020 appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

Latest version of the Kia Soul lighting speakers is more advanced & looks better than ever! The post Mood Lighting System In Kia Soul Has 11 Colors appeared first on theKEEA. Lees volledige artikel

The fully-redesigned, all-electric "hamster ride" gets bigger battery & more range! The post 2020 Kia Soul EV Gains 64 kWh Battery & More Range appeared first on theKEEA. Lees volledige artikel

How fuel efficient is the fastest Kia car ever? The post 2019 Kia Stinger MPG & Official Fuel Economy Ratings appeared first on theKEEA. Lees volledige artikel

New generation Kia Soul impresses automotive vloggers! The post Top 5 Kia Soul Video Previews From L.A. Auto Show appeared first on theKEEA. Lees volledige artikel

[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] Kia has finally embraced the American mindset with its biggest vehicle ever. Called the Telluride, this eight-seat crossover has been designed from the ground up with the U.S. in mind. This boxy SUV features three rows and seating for eight, which will allow it to compete with other large three-row crossovers like the Dodge Durango, Subaru Ascent, Honda Pilot, and VW Atlas. While the automaker already offers the three-row Sorento crossover and the family-friendly Sedona minivan, this Telluride is meant to deliver a more luxurious ride and will appeal to those with an adventurous side. Get the Flash Player to see this player. The boxy exterior just screams ruggedness, but the interior is the complete opposite, featuring many premium and luxurious touches. Try not to be impressed at the double-stitched Nappa leather, or the brushed metal and matte-finished wood finishes. Furthermore, the car is offered with a lot of convenience features that will appeal to the road-tripping family, like the second-row heated and vented seats, reclining third-row, and six USB ports. The driver’s voice can broadcast to the rear seats and there is a rear seat occupant reminder that uses ultrasonic sensors to detect whether there’s anyone in the back so no one gets mistakenly left behind. ALSO SEE: 2019 Detroit Auto Show Coverage There’s a ton of technology on tap in the cabin like an available 10.25-inch color touchscreen and a 630-watt, 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, not to mention Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and wireless charging. There are also many driver assistance features, and not just the usual stuff like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane keep assistance. In addition to that, there are features like highway driving assist, which uses radar and LiDAR systems to recognize lane markings and lets the vehicle control the steering, acceleration, and braking to automatically adjust its distance from the vehicle ahead. The Telluride has a number of high-tech safety features to help keep its occupants safe as well as other motorists. Under the hood is a 3.8-liter V6 that makes 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque that’s paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It can be paired with an all-wheel-drive system that features a lock setting to evenly split the power between the front and rear. There are a few other drive modes that change the power distribution. The Telluride can tow up to 5,000 lbs, which is on par with other vehicles it competes with. The ride should be nice and comfy especially since the vehicle can be had with a self-leveling rear suspension. Price is yet to be shared but there will be four trims available when the car hits dealerships sometime next year. The post Boxy 2020 Kia Telluride Debuts with Seating for 8 appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

Feel free to post pictures of your cool Kia cars & SUVs. The post How To Publish Your Kia Car Pictures (GUIDE) appeared first on theKEEA. Lees volledige artikel

[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] The new 2020 Kia Forte5 has been introduced in Canada, offering Kia’s Canuck buyers the choice between sedan and hatchback bodystyles with its compact. Kia says the Forte5 “confidently boasts a sporty look that communicates its intentions to be the performance-focused ‘bad boy’ within the Forte family.” Two engines will be on offer in the Forte5: a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four. Kia didn’t mention performance figures, but in other Hyundai-Kia vehicles, the 1.6-liter turbo is good for 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, while the efficiency-minded 2.0-liter makes 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Two transmissions are also available — a seven-speed dual clutch and a new Intelligent Variable CVT. SEE ALSO: 2019 Kia Forte Review Kia has yet to sort out the trim levels and pricing structure for the Forte5, but the automaker is promising available features like 18-inch alloy wheels, dual tip exhaust, a red-accented radiator grille, sports seats, an alloy gear knob and a flat bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters. “We’re confident that this new Kia Forte5 delivers on what Canadians want -a sporty, yet practical Hatchback that is great to look at, fun to drive, safe and connects to their unique lives,” said Kia Canada marketing boss Michael Kopke. It’s currently not clear if Kia plans on introducing the Forte5 in the U.S. We reached out to Kia for comment and will update our story when we hear back. American Kia buyers get the new Forte sedan, though, which is still rather handsome with its mini Kia Stinger looks, in our opinion. For now, Canadian consumers can look for the 2020 Kia Forte5 to go on sale in the fall of this year. Discuss this story on our Kia Forte Forum The post 2020 Kia Forte5 Debuts as a Handsome Hatchback appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

Get the Flash Player to see this player. Consumers may be shifting to crossovers at a seemingly unstoppable pace, but cars are still big business, despite what some pundits and prognosticators may opine. A cornucopia of brand-new or totally redesigned vehicles debuted for model year 2019. This list may include more crossovers and pickup trucks than grains of sand in the Sahara, but yes, even the humble car was well represented. Aston Martin, for instance, launched a completely overhauled Vantage sports machine. There’s a stylish new Audi A7 liftback and BMW took the wrapper off its reborn 8 Series, which is available as either a coupe or convertible, however, it wasn’t just high-end models that made waves. Toyota launched an easy-riding new Avalon sedan for 2019 as well as a redesigned Corolla hatchback. There were fresh versions of the Buick Regal, an all-new Lexus ES, and even the subtly Swedish Volvo S60 took a bow. But of this latest crop of all-new cars, we narrowed the field down to five of the most significant. As always, this is NOT a direct comparison for obvious reasons; pitting a hot-hatch against a hybrid, for instance, makes no sense whatsoever. What we aim to do in these tests is find out which car raises the bar most for its brand, segment or even the automotive industry as a whole. We evaluate each competitor against other vehicles in its segment to get a better sense of how much it sets a new benchmark. Also, we want to make sure all the cars we consider are accessible to most people, which is why you don’t see mega luxury cars or supercars here. Stay tuned for our Utility Vehicle of the Year and Truck of the Year evaluations as well! Here, in alphabetical order, are the contenders vying to be AutoGuide.com’s 2019 Car of the Year. Genesis G70 Like Japanese automakers three decades before, South Korean automakers want in on the highly profitable luxury market, which is why Hyundai launched Genesis as a standalone brand several years ago. Further fleshing out this upscale division’s vehicle portfolio is the G70, an all-new sports sedan that’s sized and equipped to make the even the Germans take notice. But perhaps even more important than either of those points, this car also looks, drives and feels like a worthy rival to the vaunted BMW 3 Series and high-tech Audi A4. We expected good things from the G70 given its robust genetics, and it did not disappoint. This Genesis is, after all, based on the shockingly competent Kia Stinger, our 2018 Car of the Year. SEE ALSO: 2019 Genesis G70 Review Nestled behind that gaping mesh grille is one of two engines. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is standard, churning out 252 horses, however, the model provided to us brandished the optional powerplant, a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6. Rated at a ground-pounding 365 horsepower, it delivered astonishing acceleration at any speed, rocketing the G70 to mile-a-minute velocity in as little as 4.5 seconds, aided by an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Atypically for a powerplant of the bent-six variety, the Genesis’ engine was liquid smooth, transmitting virtually zero vibration to the passenger compartment, something that underscores this car’s overall refinement. In addition to a liquid-smooth powertrain, the G70 offers exemplary on-road manners including particularly sharp steering. Upscale Brembo brakes are available, as is a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. Throw in an unexpectedly luxurious interior and this car is certain to cause panic within the walls of rival automakers’ headquarters. Honda Insight When it comes to saving, few cars beat the new Honda Insight. It saves fuel while saving you money at the pump; it also saves polar bears, carbon emissions and, ideally, humanity from holes in the ozone layer. This economical hybrid melds astonishing efficiency and a livable overall package to form a vehicle that’s arguably more than the sum of its parts. Sized between the Civic and Accord, two pillars of the Honda lineup, this gasoline-electric four-door looks like either of its siblings, with plenty of familial design elements including an arching roofline and chrome mustache running along the upper grille. The Insight’s cabin also resembles any other modern Honda, which is a very good thing. Everywhere you look or touch you’re likely to find premium materials; there’s loads of technology including standard Honda Sensing, the automaker’s suite of advanced driver aids; and if that’s not enough, this hybrid is also surprisingly spacious, with a backseat that’s able to accommodate fully grown adults without complaint. SEE ALSO: 2019 Honda Insight Review But what matters most with a car like this are the bits and pieces you don’t really see. Underneath that broad, flat hood the Insight features a 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine that’s paired with – you guessed it – an electric motor. Working together, this drivetrain duet delivers a total system output of 151 horsepower with 197 pound-feet of torque, figures that deliver adequate, if not breathtaking performance. The tradeoff for less-than-inspiring acceleration is unfathomable fuel economy. This electrified Honda maxes out at 55 miles per gallon in city driving (4.6 L/100 km), 49 on the highway (5.3 L/100 km) and 52 mpg combined (4.9 L/100 km). Top-trim Touring models are slightly less efficient, sacrificing about 4 miles per gallon in each category, the cost of added luxury and amenities (4.6, 5.3, 4.9 L/100 km, respectively). But what you won’t pay for this car is a fortune. The Insight’s base price is around $23,000, including delivery fees. If your heart desires a maxed-out model, plan on shelling out about 30 grand. Hyundai Veloster Undoubtedly, the most entertaining vehicle in this year’s car-of-the-year competition was Hyundai’s Veloster N. About as asymmetrical a vehicle as you’ll find on the market today, this three-door hatchback provided plenty of turbocharged thrills, courtesy of a force-fed 2.0-liter engine. Although we had the N for our evaluations, we are evaluating the Veloster lineup as a whole, base models and all. SEE ALSO: 2019 Hyundai Veloster Review With the available Performance Pack, this car thunders with 275 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. That options group also includes a limited-slip differential, 19-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli summer tires and an oh-so-fun variable exhaust system that allows the decibels to range from Monday-morning mild to race-day wild. Skip this extra options group and you’ll miss out on the abovementioned goodies and lose 25 ponies, though on the plus side you will save $2,100. (In Canada, this car is only available with the performance package and stickers for around $35,000.) Smooth, light through its gates and precise like a scientific instrument is this car’s slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, which routes all that twist to the front wheels. Thanks to thoughtful engineering torque-steer is all but absent in the N, even if you pounce on the accelerator while mid-corner on a road with undulating, off-camber pavement. But we’re not just evaluating the highest-performance version of this car; we have to consider the rest of the Veloster lineup, too. There’s a base model that chugs along with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, one rated at a rather measly 147 horses. Stepping up from there, you can get a Turbo model with appreciably more giddy-up, a healthy 201 ponies, though neither of these models hold a candle to the pavement-pounding N version. SEE ALSO: 2019 Hyundai Veloster N Review Setting performance aside for a moment, the new Veloster is surprisingly versatile. Its interior is well built and functionally designed. The backseat is more than spacious enough for adults and since it’s a hatchback, there’s plenty of cargo space. Unquestionably, the all-new Veloster is light-years ahead of its crude, largely unlovable predecessor, but is the top-shelf N model better than a Golf GTI, Ford Focus RS or Honda Civic Type R? That’s a much tougher query to reckon with. Kia Forte Handsome, of high quality, efficient and attractively priced, the 2019 Kia Forte offers a lot for a compact car. But does it raise the bar for this mass-market segment? The latest and greatest Forte is priced to sell, starting around $18,000 ($19,000 CDN). Check every box and plan on spending around 26 large ($31,000 CDN) a figure that means it’s still totally attainable for many motorists. In traditional Kia fashion, this vehicle is loaded with standard features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control and a tilt-telescopic steering column. A generously sized trunk, spacious backseat and some of the most elegant styling this side of an Audi are also included at no extra cost. SEE ALSO: 2019 Kia Forte Review The new Forte is hauled around by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 147 horsepower with 132 pound-feet of torque, identical numbers to what offered in the base-model Veloster. In this application, it can be matched to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable automatic transmission. Next year, a 1.6-liter turbo-four should join the lineup as an optional powerplant, a welcome addition to the Forte. While we’re rarely fans of CVTs, the unit in this Kia is generally agreeable, maximizing fuel economy while also simulating gear changes under heavy loads to minimize engine droning. According to Uncle Sam, this car should return 30 miles per gallon in urban driving (7.7 L/100 km) and 40 on the highway (5.9 L/100 km). Combined, it should deliver 34 mpg (6.9 L/100 km). Nissan Altima Nissan’s stalwart Altima sedan is all new from the platform up for 2019. The car is more refined, feature-laden and handsomely styled than ever before. But it’s also far more premium. While its interior isn’t quite as nice as what you get in a current-generation Honda Accord, it’s still attractively styled and perhaps more sensibly laid out than what’s offered in a Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata or Chevy Malibu. It’s also incredibly comfortable, with acres of backseat space and front-buckets that rival recliners in overall cushiness. Two engines are offered in this new Altima. As before, the base unit is naturally aspirated and displaces 2.5-liters, but that’s where the similarities end because for 2019, this unit has been thoroughly overhauled and is about 80 percent new. With gasoline direct injection and myriad other technologies, it’s rated at 188 horses and 180 pound-feet of torque, perfectly class-competitive figures. But better than this is its overall refinement. Unlike the older unit, this one is smooth and quiet, going about its business with minimal fuss, a much-appreciated (and much-needed) upgrade. SEE ALSO: 2019 Nissan Altima Review If more power is desired, Nissan also offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged-four, an engine that’s augmented by an ingenious variable-compression system that maximizes output while reducing fuel burn. It also features both port and direct fuel injection. All told, this engine cranks out 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of tire-roasting torque, allowing this car to pull like a freight train, especially as the tachometer needle hits around 4,000 rpm. For better or worse, the only “gearbox” offered in the Altima is a continuously variable automatic, though it’s more than livable in day-to-day use. All-wheel drive is also offered for the first time in this car, though, curiously, it’s only available with the base engine. This newest Nissan sedan starts at around $24,000 ($30,000 CDN), though it can be pushed into the mid-30s ($39,000) if you go hog wild with options. Even if it doesn’t win top honors in this car-of-the-year showdown, the Altima still a winner in the midsize-sedan segment. And the Winner is… You’ll have to watch the video above to find out! Check Out Our Previous Car of the Year Evaluations Video and Photos by Ben Sanders and Brett Colpitts The post 2019 AutoGuide.com Car of the Year: Meet the Contenders appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

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