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Hyundai and Kia have unveiled a new way to charge electrified vehicles: Roof or body-mounted solar panels. Despite being talked about for years, solar roofs on automobiles haven’t seen widespread adoption. Cost, practicality, and rollover safety concerns mean the largest user of the technology is the Japanese and European-market Toyota Prius Prime. Now, Hyundai wants to go solar in a big way, starting next year. The automaker wants buyers to know that solar roofs aren’t useless for regular gas-powered vehicles, either. There are three solar charging systems under development, Hyundai Motor Group claims, targeting electric, hybrid, and ICE Hyundai and Kia vehicles. Obviously, the largest benefit of a roof containing a photovoltaic array is that EV or PHEV vehicles can charge themselves while parked, eliminating some of the need to plug into an electric grid. While the amount of current headed to the car’s battery wouldn’t be large, it would make a difference. ALSO SEE: Audi to Add Clear Solar Panels in its Sun Roofs Without mentioning the markets where it plans to offer the technology, Hyundai said the first system — applied to hybrids — will become available in 2019. It didn’t mention models, either, but Hyundai’s Ioniq and Kia’s Niro seem like likely candidates. There’s also the Sonata and Optima to consider. In a hybrid model, the solar roof can apparently top up a propulsion battery by 30 or 60 percent over the course of a day. Depending on the vehicle, the technology might also make it to the hood, boosting the amount charging power. The maximum generation capacity of these systems is 100 watts. Using an Ioniq Hybrid as an example, a max generation solar array operating under optimal conditions would top up the car’s 1.6 kWh battery to the tune of 50 percent in eight hours, though a smaller, roof-only system would mean less charge. A plug-in hybrid variant would likely need more than a week to fully charge its 8.9 kWh battery. As for the 28 kWh Ioniq Electric, well, you’d best bring that charging cord. A system designed solely for use with conventional gas-powered cars would utilize a semi-transparent roof and send current to the car’s battery. This would be great in cold climes, assuming the sun peeks above the horizon (or through the clouds), though you’d also want some kind of insulation beneath that roof. Whether we’ll see this technology in North America remains to be seen. Road safety regulators put the kibosh on the solar-roofed Prius after it was determined the panel would shatter during a rollover. Hyundai says its panels are made of silicon, though its crashworthiness isn’t yet known. That said, if solar isn’t a go, something else might show up to generate a money-saving charge (likely at an additional expense to the buyer). Jeong-gil Park, the automaker’s engineering chief, said solar panels are not the extent of its electricity-generating tech. “In the future, we expect to see many different types of electricity-generating technologies integrated into our vehicles,” Park said in a statement. “The solar roof is the first of these technologies, and will mean that automobiles no longer passively consume energy, but will begin to produce it actively.” A version of this article originally appeared on TTAC.com The post Hyundai, Kia Aiming for Solar Roofs Starting in 2019 appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

The 2020 Kia Forte GT debuted at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, a show where automakers typically go overboard on crazy paint colors an unrealistic mods. The Kia Forte is the second car in the Korean automaker’s lineup to get the GT designation after the much-hyped Stinger GT. In Kia land, GT denotes a top trim that is focused on luxury and sporty driving dynamics. The Forte GT is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that gives it 201 horsepower, a 54-hp bump over the standard Forte. At the time of writing, no torque figure was released and we’ve asked for more clarification, but it’s the same engine in the Soul Turbo, and that makes 195 lb-ft. ALSO SEE: 2019 Kia Forte Review Other goodies include a fully independent front and rear suspension, a sport-tuned exhaust, available 18-inch performance tires, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, alloy sport pedals, new two-tone wheels, LED headlights, projector fog lights, rear spoiler and a bunch of other unique trim pieces. Drivers can pick a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and sport seats with contrast piping are also available. The new Kia Forte got great reviews and feels much more expensive than it is, and the driving dynamics were already quite good, so we’re sure the GT version will be even better. The 2020 Kia Forte GT will be offered in GT1 and GT2 trims, available summer 2019. More information and photos should be available in the near future. Discuss this article on our Kia Forte Forum The post 2020 Kia Forte GT is the Little Stinger You Asked For appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

If you don’t like taking trips back to the dealership with your brand new car, here are this year’s most reliable cars. Based on Consumer Reports 2018 Annual Auto Survey, these models are the 10 most reliable cars today. The publication predicts these vehicles will give owners fewer problems than their competitors, based on data collected from over 500,000 survey respondents. The study takes a look at 17 different trouble areas, ranging from broken interior trim and squeaky brakes to out-of-warranty transmission repairs and issues with four-wheel-drive systems. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Most Reliable Automakers: Consumer Reports 2018 Each vehicle gets a Predicted Reliability Score which is then combined with data collected from Consumer Reports‘ own track testing, along with owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data. 10. Toyota Highlander Ranked as one of the best midsized three-row SUVs is the Toyota Highlander, offering a balance of an absorbent ride, responsive handling, and generous interior space. Powering the Highlander is a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired to an eight-speed automatic, helping improve fuel economy to 22 mpg compared to the previous six-speed unit. There is also a hybrid variant that returns 25 mpg overall. Consumer Reports does note that it’s a long reach to some controls inside the cabin, particularly the touchscreen. 9. Kia Sedona There aren’t very minivans left in today’s market, but the Kia Sedona is one of the most reliable. Refreshed for the 2019 model year, the Sedona offers a 3.3-liter V6 engine with 276 horsepower paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s available with either seven- or eight-passenger seating and has a quiet, roomy cabin. The ride, however, is overly stiff and doesn’t compare to the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna. It’s also not as enjoyable to drive, with ungainly handling, but does feel secure. It does get praises for its nicely finished and inviting interior, as well as a new front console that offers handy concealed storage. 8. Honda Fit A popular model for decades, the Honda Fit offers similar versatility to that of a small, subcompact crossover. It returns 33-mpg overall, but it is noisy with its CVT that keeps the engine at high revs. The ride is stiff but handling is responsive. Unfortunately, the cabin is loud, which makes the Fit uncomfortable for long drives. One major complaint with the Honda Fit is its button-free, touchscreen radio found on the EX and higher trims, which can be frustrating to use. Also, the seats and driving position aren’t particularly comfortable. ALSO SEE: 2018 Honda Fit Review: Tiny Hints of Type R Lineage 7. Toyota Prius Arguably the most recognized hybrid in the automotive industry, the Toyota Prius is a safe bet if you’re looking for something reliable. Returning 52 mpg overall in Consumer Reports testing, the Prius handles more responsively and rides more comfortably than its predecessor. The seats, however, offer mediocre support and tire noise is noticeable during drives. In addition, the car’s lower stance makes it a challenge to get into and out of. 6. Lexus NX The Lexus NX is the Japanese luxury automaker’s offering in the compact crossover market, delivering responsive handling but a rather firm ride and a somewhat noisy cabin. The standard NX 300 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that returns 24 mpg overall, while the NX 300h hybrid nets 29 mpg overall. The hybrid, however, does feel a bit underpowered, says Consumer Reports. Front cabin room is tight on this model, and its styling does compromise rear visibility and cuts into cargo space. Another noticeable complaint is its fussy touchpad, which is used for most controls. The publication notes its frustrating and distracting to use. ALSO SEE: Top 10 Least Reliable Automakers: Consumer Reports 2018 5. Toyota Corolla For decades, the Toyota Corolla has delivered reliable performance on a budget. It continues to offer a comfortable ride and a quiet, spacious interior, although handling is lackluster but secure. The CVT does its job well, but does make the engine a bit noisy under higher revs. Fuel economy on the Corolla is impressive, delivering 32-mpg overall and 43 mpg on the highway. 4. Mazda MX-5 Miata Now in its fourth generation, the Mazda MX-5 Miata finds itself on the list of top 10 most reliable cars. Returning 34-mpg overall, the Miata features a “delightfully accurate” six-speed manual transmission, although an automatic is available as an option. As expected, the Miata delivers quick and precise steering, although some body roll is noticeable. Taking some points off the car, however, are high levels of noise, thin and unsupportive seats, and a stiff ride. Overall, cabin space is snug and opening or closing the convertible top is a breeze. Power did get increased from 155 hp to 181 hp for the 2019 model year. Consumer Reports did note the optional dial-controlled infotainment system takes some time to master. 3. Toyota Prius Prime Joining the standard Toyota Prius on the list is the plug-in hybrid version, the Prius Prime. Complaints about the Prius Prime include its seating for four, lack of a rear wiper, and an unintuitive infotainment system. Its ride is complaint and it does offer responsive handling, similar to what can be found on the standard Prius. 2. Toyota Prius c Rounding off the Prius family is the compact Prius c, less expensive than the standard Prius. It’s not really a substitute for a Prius, with the c offering a harsher ride, a noisy engine, and slow acceleration. In addition, the interior looks and feels cheap, the driving position and rear seats are cramped, and it offers little cargo space. But it does return 43-mpg overall and 37 mpg in the city, making it a natural fit for urban driving. It’s worth mentioning that the 2019 model year is the final year for the Prius c. 1. Lexus GX Topping the list and serving as this year’s most reliable vehicle is the Lexus GX, which is one of very few body-on-frame SUVs left on the market. Despite its size, the Lexus GX is quick and very quiet, and is even capable off-road while offering a 6,500-pound tow rating. It’s powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, but returns just 17 mpg overall. Its ride is comfortable, but the body does tend to jostle when driving over uneven payment. As you would expect from a Lexus, the interior is plush and well-finished, offering a good driving position. ALSO SEE: The Only 15 ‘Real’ SUVs Left on the Market The post Top 10 Most Reliable Cars: 2018 Consumer Reports appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

American automakers continue to have some of the least reliable cars available. Consumer Reports has released its annual Car Reliability Survey, which takes the responses from over 500,000 vehicle owners and studies 17 trouble areas to determine which vehicles are the last reliable. Trouble areas that go under study range from squeaky brakes and broken interior trim to major issues such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or problems with four-wheel-drive systems. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Least Reliable Automakers: Consumer Reports 2018 Here are the top 10 least reliable vehicles based on Consumer Reports‘ 2018 Car Reliability Survey. 10. Honda Odyssey Honda’s popular minivan gets praised for its refinement, quietness, fuel economy, and relatively intuitive infotainment system, but it’s plagued by issues with its in-car electronics, power equipment, and body hardware. Other complaints include the push-button gear selector being troublesome to use when parking and the optional eight-inch infotainment touchscreen can be distracting. 9. Volkswagen Atlas Volkswagen’s three-row crossover offering drives well, has a comfortable ride, and surprisingly agile handling. But owners have experienced issues with its climate system, transmission, noises, and leaks. Still, the cabin is quiet and very accommodating and the infotainment system is easy to use. The V6 engine, which is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, is smooth but acceleration doesn’t keep up with the competition and its 20-mpg overall fuel economy leaves a bit to be desired. ALSO SEE: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 Review 8. Buick Enclave Redesigned for the 2018 model year, the Buick Enclave is another three-row offering that suffers minor problems with its transmission, issues with its climate system, and emissions/fuel system. Consumer Reports tested the Enclave to return 18-mpg overall and found the 3.6-liter V6 engine to be lively while the nine-speed automatic transmission was smooth and responsive. Although the infotainment system is easy to use, the gear selector is unintuitive and a nuisance in parking maneuvers. 7. Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Chevrolet’s heavy-duty offering, the Silverado 2500 HD, received complaints about major engine issues, noises and leaks, as well as its in-car electronics. Its twin, the GMC Sierra HD, shares reliability ratings with the Silverado 2500 HD. 6. Kia Cadenza Kia as a brand fares well in this year’s study, but the Cadenza large sedan suffers from issues with its climate control and fuel/emissions systems. Competitive with the Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Avalon, the Kia Cadenza is better suited for long-distance cruising, according to Consumer Reports. Powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine that is both slick and powerful, the Cadenza offers 290 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly. 5. Chevrolet Traverse Although it’s a competent challenger in the three-row crossover segment, the Chevrolet Traverse does suffer from minor transmission issues, and problems with its in-car electronics. Powering the model is a 3.6-liter V6 engine that returns 20-mpg overall, while its infotainment system is intuitive and an eight-passenger configuration is available. ALSO SEE: Top 10 Most Reliable Automakers: Consumer Reports 2018 4. Honda Clarity The Honda Clarity is the Japanese automaker’s focus on alternative powertrains, available in fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen-powered variants. Owners, however, experienced issues with its climate control and fuel/emissions system, as well as its body hardware. Consumer Reports does note that the plug-in hybrid’s engine “makes a loud ruckus” while in hybrid mode and the front seats are uncomfortable due to their short bottom cushion and lack of lower back support. 3. Cadillac ATS Although the Cadillac ATS sedan has been discontinued for the 2019 model year, the American automaker still offers the coupe. Issues with this model include problems with its in-car electronics, climate system, and drive system. The Cadillac ATS coupe is available with either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 3.6-liter V6 that is smooth and refined. Stepping up to the ATS-V gets a twin-turbo V6 engine with 464 hp. 2. Tesla Model X The Tesla Model X remains troublesome for its owners, with in-car electronics problems, noises and leaks, and issues with body hardware. The all-electric crossover does handle well and offers great performance, but Consumer Reports does note that ride comfort and noise isolation on the Model X isn’t as good as in the Model S. 1. Ram 3500 Ram’s 3500 heavy-duty pickup truck has some reliability concerns, with owners stating issues with its steering/suspension, fuel/emissions system, engine cooling, noises, and leaks. Engine choices on this pickup include a 5.7-liter V8, 6.4-liter V8, and a 6.7-liter Cummins turbocharged diesel engine. The post Top 10 Least Reliable Cars: 2018 Consumer Reports appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

Consumer Reports has released its annual Car Reliability Survey and there are a few surprises. This year’s survey collected data from over 500,000 Consumer Reports members to determine what problems or issues vehicle owners can expect. Those problems range from troublesome turbocharged engines to infuriating infotainment systems, as well as transmission issues and other problems. The publication said this year’s survey reinforces its recommendation that consumers should avoid brand new or redesigned models, instead waiting a year or two until the automaker has had a chance to work out the issues that often arise. Below, you will find the top 10 most reliable automakers from this year’s study. SEE ALSO: Japanese Brands Shine, American Automakers Tumble in Consumer Reports’ Latest Reliability Survey 9. Hyundai With an average reliability score of 57, Hyundai ties in ninth place this year. According to Consumer Reports, the Korean automaker’s least reliable model is the Ioniq, while its most reliable model is the Santa Fe XL. Hyundai Tucson owners have been complaining about the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and seven-speed dual clutch transmission, saying the transmission suffers from rough shifting, computer problems, and slipping. Overall, the Ioniq Hybrid has below average reliability, with owners complaining about rough shifts from the six-speed transmission and engine problems. Hyundai’s overall ranking did not change from last year and a total of five models were considered in the survey. 9. MINI MINI ties Hyundai with an average reliability score of 57, but it’s worth noting the British automaker didn’t even have a ranking last year. Two models were considered in the survey, with the Cooper being MINI’s least reliable and the Countryman being its most reliable. The Cooper did improve to average, while the Countryman has an above average reliability rating. 8. BMW In this year’s survey, BMW drops three spots to eighth place with seven models analyzed in the study. The German automaker received an average reliability score of 58, with the X1 being its least reliable model and the i3 being its most reliable model. The redesigned BMW X3 was noticeably below average, with owners complaining about climate system issues, including coolant leaks. Seat controls that required the seatback to be replaced were also noted. The BMW X1 crossover dropped to below average due to suspension problems, premature brake wear, and steering wheel vibrations. 7. Audi Also dropping three spots this year, Audi edges out competitor BMW with an average reliability score of 60 to land itself in seventh place. Six models were considered in the survey, with the Audi A3 being the least reliable and the Audi Q5 being the most reliable. Overall, all the Audi models that Consumer Reports has sufficient reliability data for rated average or better, although the scores were not as high as they have been in previous years. 5. Infiniti With four models with sufficient reliability data, Infiniti went up one spot this year to tie for fifth place. The Japanese luxury automaker’s least reliable model is the Q50, while the Q60 was the most reliable model. The brand scored 61 in this year’s survey, and both the Q50 sedan and QX60 improved to average reliability ratings. 5. Kia With the same average reliability score as Infiniti, Kia dropped two spots to tie for fifth place. Eight models were considered in this year’s survey, with the Cadenza being reported as the least reliable model. The Sedona minivan topped reliability for the brand. Although the Kia Sportage is similar to the Hyundai Tucson, it has been much more reliable. The same applies to the Niro Hybrid, which has above-average predicted reliability. AutoGuide.com‘s Car of the Year, the 2018 Kia Stinger, has average reliability. Hurting the Cadenza’s reliability score are issues with faulty thermostat sensors, problems with the climate system, and engine cooling. 4. Subaru Making a two-spot jump to fourth place, Subaru has an average reliability score of 65 in this year’s study. Six models provided sufficient data, with the Subaru WRX being the least reliable model and the Crosstrek being the most reliable offering from the brand. According to Consumer Reports, the redesigned Impreza has problems last year but has rebounded this year with better than average reliability. The redesigned Crosstrek has much better than average first-year reliability, while the WRX was the only Subaru model with below average reliability due to transmission problems. 3. Mazda Mazda saw a huge jump in this year’s survey, climbing nine spots to third place with an average reliability score of 69. The Japanese automaker had six models analyzed in this year’s survey with the CX-3 being noted as the least reliable and the MX-5 Miata as the most reliable. It appears Mazda has managed to work out the issues that plagued the CX-9 and MX-5 Miata, but the CX-3 is still rated below average due to climate system problems. 2. Toyota Toyota lost the crown in this year’s survey, dropping one spot to second place. With 14 models supplying reliability data, the Japanese automaker received an average reliability score of 76. Its most reliable model is the Prius c, while the least reliable model is the Tacoma. The Tacoma continues to have issues with the driver system and in the transmission minor trouble spots, while the 2018 Camry saw a slight drop in reliability to better than average. Owners say they experienced problems with the Entune infotainment system and rough shifting from the eight-speed automatic transmission. 1. Lexus Toyota may have lost the top spot this year, but at least the honors went to its luxury arm, Lexus. Rising one spot, Lexus had six models accounted for in this year’s study, earning an average reliability score of 78. The brand’s least reliable model is the IS while its most reliable model is the GX. This year, all Lexus models with sufficient data were rated average or above, although the redesigned LS was not taken into consideration since there wasn’t sufficient data. The post Top 10 Most Reliable Automakers: Consumer Reports 2018 appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] The new Kia Soul and Soul EV will allegedly debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. Intel on the arrival of the new Soul and Soul EV comes from the Hyundai-Kia obsessed folks over at Korean Car Blog. Kia itself hasn’t made an announcement, so take the report with a grain of salt, but we trust KCB in this scenario. Prototypes for the Soul and Soul EV have been consistently spotted all year long and the most recent sighting showed the vehicle looking very production-ready indeed, so the unveiling is definitely happening soon. The new Soul is expected to tap the Hyundai Kona’s platform. The Kona supports all-wheel drive, so it’s possible that the Soul could finally receive it. The entry-level Soul should share the Kona’s 147 hp naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine, with Kia’s turbocharged 1.6-liter possibly appearing in better-equipped models. The Kona gets a seven-speed DCT transmission, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see it pop up in the Kona too. SEE ALSO: EPA Rates 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric Range at 258 Miles As for the Soul EV, expect similar or identical specs to the Kona EV. If you need a refresher, the long-range version of the Kona EV has a 64 kWh battery pack that provides an EPA-certified 258 miles of range. Power comes from a single electric motor making 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque, which enables a 0-60 mph sprint of 7.6s and a top speed of 104 mph. The long-range Kona EV starts at 39,000 euros in Europe, which is equivalent to around $45,000 USD. As for the new Soul’s styling, expect the slightly boxy shape to stick around. Spy shots have revealed a single-frame LED light bar out front, vertically-mounted LED taillights and other small changes, but we’re not expecting a dramatic shift in styling. Look for the new Kia Soul and Soul EV to debut after the LA Auto Show press days kick off on November 27th. [Source: Korean Car Blog] The post New Kia Soul, Soul EV Coming to 2018 LA Auto Show appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] The Kia e-Niro crossover just made its debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. It’s the South Korean automaker’s first all-electric crossover. This will be the third vehicle in the Niro range, joining the hybrid and plug-in models. It will also be Kia’s second pure-electric vehicle offered globally, following in the Soul EV’s tire tracks. Two battery capacities will be available in the e-Niro. A 39.2 kWh lithium-ion polymer pack is standard, offering a driving range of up to 193 miles (312 km) on the WLTP combined cycle. It’s matched to a 134-horsepower motor that can move this crossover from a standstill to 62 miles an hour (100 km/h) in 9.8 seconds. For drivers that want more, a 64-kWh battery of the same chemistry is optional. On the WLTP combined cycle it should deliver a driving range of 301 miles (485 km); on the WLTP urban circuit that figure increases to an impressive 382 miles (615 km). Further differentiating this upscale version of the e-Niro from the base version, that larger battery pack is paired with a more powerful electric motor, one delivering 201 horsepower and a zero-to-62-mile-an-hour time of just 7.8 seconds. Improving its driving range, a heat pump helps the HVAC system by recycling energy that would normally be wasted. SEE ALSO: 2018 Paris Motor Show Coverage Visually separating this all-electric vehicle from its stable-mates are things like reworked bumpers front and rear, 17-inch wheels, blue exterior accents as well as a slightly more aerodynamic body. Ten exterior paint colors are available. Inside, one of the biggest changes with this vehicle is the addition of a rotary-dial shifter in lieu of a traditional gear selector. This alteration frees up space on the center console. Paddles mounted behind the steering wheel allow the driver to change how aggressive the regenerative braking is. Three levels are offered. The Kia e-Niro’s cabin is further dressed up with a pair of seven-inch displays, one on the dashboard and another in the gauge cluster. This new all-electric Kia will be, not surprisingly, assembled in South Korea. Production begins in the second half of 2018 with the vehicle going on sale in Europe before the end of the year. Discuss this story on our Kia Niro Forum. The post All-Electric Model Joins Kia Niro Lineup appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

Rear-wheel-drive vehicles exhibit a certain purity that performance enthusiasts look for. Although more and more automakers are opting to have both axles powered, there are still a lot of rear-drive cars offering the thrills drivers want. Here are AutoGuide.com’s picks for the 10 best rear-wheel-drive cars you can buy, in alphabetical order. Alfa Romeo Giulia The Alfa Romeo Giulia isn’t perfect, but it has so much personality and is so engaging to drive that we find ourselves forgiving its flaws easily. The Giulia has a few things that its German competitors often lack: Swagger, drop-dead gorgeous styling, and an undeniable cool factor. With a balanced chassis, tactile and responsive steering, and a playful rear-drive architecture, the Giulia feels alive. The Giulia has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood that outputs 280 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque. The Quadrifoglio variant, a ridiculously quick carbon fiber beast of a car that gives us all the feels, is powered by a Ferrari-sourced 2.9L twin-turbo V6 with 505 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. ALSO SEE: Alfa Romeo Giulia Review BMW 2 Series The M2 and M240i are the shining stars of the 2 Series lineup and are both cars we’d happily have in our garage. These two cars are essentially the purest BMWs you can currently buy and exhibit the driving dynamics and engaging performance that rocketed the German automaker to the forefront of the luxury sport market back in the day. The M2 and M240i have a playfulness that seems to be lacking from a lot of BMW’s lineup. Equipped with powerful 3.0L turbo inline six-cylinder engines and manual transmissions that send power to the rear wheels, these small performance coupes are what driving joy is made of. ALSO SEE: BMW M240i Coupe Review Chevrolet Camaro Built on a fantastic, balanced chassis and an excellent rear-drive architecture, the new Chevrolet Camaro is impressive in many ways. From the base four-cylinder model to the SS and all the way up to the bonkers supercharged ZL1, there’s also a Camaro for every type of driver. Muscle cars democratized performance and brought speed to the masses; the Camaro continues that tradition while at the same time being more refined than ever. We adore the chassis the Camaro is built on — it makes the muscle car engaging and entirely capable. Ford Mustang The popular Ford Mustang is also backed by a rich, half-century history of attainable performance. The Mustang has legions of faithful fans and has sold millions of units since the muscle car stormed onto the market more than 50 years ago — more than 10,000,000 have rolled off the assembly line. It has been the world’s best-selling sports car for the past three years. Drivers also have a wide range of Mustangs to pick from — there are four-cylinder EcoBoost coupes and convertibles, V8-powered GT models, and for people who want something more hardcore and track-focused, there’s the thunderous Shelby GT350, which is one of our favorite cars to drive. All Mustangs are fun and represent the American Dream in a way no other car can. ALSO SEE: 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Review Genesis G70 Genesis is the luxury arm of Hyundai and has been making huge waves in the luxury sport market with driving dynamics and luxury that you’d expect from more established German automakers like BMW and Audi. The Genesis G70 is a really impressive car with its buttoned-down driving dynamics, excellent attention to luxurious details, and a personality that actually makes it fun. The G70 doesn’t make too many compromises — you can take it on a twisty road and be entertained, but still drive home and do groceries comfortably. It’s also handsome, well-priced, and legitimately athletic. You can get the Genesis with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.3L twin-turbo V6. Rear-wheel drive is standard with both engines, but AWD is available as an option (in Canada, AWD is standard except on the manual Sport model). The G70 is a heavy hitter and proves that Genesis is serious about building great cars. ALSO SEE: 2019 Genesis G70 Review Jaguar F-Type The Jaguar F-Type is one of the prettiest cars you can buy right now and also happens to be one of our favorite rear-drive cars. It is gorgeous from every angle and it is aging very gracefully. We also think it will be a future classic. If there was an award for “Best Sounding Cars,” the F-Type would also dominate on that list as well. Simply put, the F-Type has a lot going for it. With coupe and convertible models, manuals or automatics, available AWD on some models, and three engine choices (a base turbo four-cylinder, a supercharged V6, and a supercharged V8), there’s an F-Type for every driver. This car is all kinds of sexy and we love driving it. ALSO SEE: 2018 Jaguar F-Type SVR and 400 Sport Review Kia Stinger The Kia Stinger was so impressive that we awarded it as AutoGuide.com’s 2018 Car of the Year. It shares a platform with the Genesis G70 but brings a lot to the table like a practical and handsome sportback body style and its own unique personality. The rear-drive grand touring car is exciting, dramatic, and it gets all sorts of admiring looks from passers-by. Besides looking good, its driving dynamics are genuinely engaging thanks to a well-engineered chassis, responsive steering, and rear-drive architecture (AWD is standard in Canada but is still rear-biased). It is really refreshing to experience a car where you can tell that passionate people worked on it and didn’t cut any corners. The Kia Stinger is a very compelling car in many ways. ALSO SEE: 2018 Kia Stinger Review | Kia Stinger GT Review Mazda MX-5 Miata No list of rear-drive cars or sports cars can be complete without the Mazda MX-5 Miata. This special little roadster perfected the quintessential sports car formula and is one of the purest and most engaging ones you can buy today. Lightweight, rear-drive, and affordable, the Miata might be a car you don’t understand until you drive it and it charms the hell out of you — it communicates with you, makes you feel like a superhero, makes you smile, and engages you like almost no other sports car out there. The MX-5 Miata is a car you can tell was made by people who obsessed over the smallest details and the result is something they can be really proud of. ALSO SEE: 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster The mid-engine Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster set the benchmark for serious sports cars and are so good that they can step on the toes of some 911s. With steering feel, performance, balanced handling, purity, and prestige that few others can match, the 718s are also among the most affordable mid-engine cars you can get. Plus, they’re practical! In addition to a usable trunk, there is a deep front trunk (a frunk) under the hood. The 718s are bred from race cars, something that is immediately obvious once you drive them, even though they are still comfortable and forgiving. ALSO SEE: 2018 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS Review Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ Following a similar formula as the Mazda MX-5, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are a pair of lightweight, super chuckable, back-to-basics, and engaging rear-drive sports cars that have legions of faithful fans. Born from a collaboration between the two Japanese automakers, the BRZ and 86 are silly fun — they’re goofy sports cars with a ton of outward personality. Easy to drive at the limit, these coupes are really good at communicating with the driver so you can always swing around a corner without fearing that you’ll stuff it into the guardrail. The post The 10 Best Rear-Wheel-Drive Cars You Can Buy appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] If the world were perfect, wagon sales would be booming right now and consumers would recognize crossovers for what they truly are: worse handling, less economical, more expensive hatchbacks. The world’s not perfect, though. In our downtrodden reality, most consumers are crossover obsessed and avoid anything even vaguely wagon-shaped like the plague. For that reason, we won’t be getting the handsome new Kia Proceed wagon in the United States or Canada. SEE ALSO: New 2020 Kia Telluride 3-Row SUV Debuts Looking Big and Boxy While not nearly as handsome as the Proceed Concept, the production-ready Proceed is still quite a looker with a svelte ‘shooting brake’ silhouette, full-width LED taillights and available 18-inch wheels (17s are standard). Three gas engines are available in the wagon from launch: a 118 hp 1.0-liter turbo, a 138 hp 1.4-liter turbo or a 201 hp 1.6-liter turbo. There’s also a 134 hp 1.6-liter diesel. Two transmission options are also available: a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Kia Proceed will be manufactured in Slovakia and will go on sale in Europe in the first quarter of next year. Pricing has yet to be announced, but more information should come to light once the wagon makes its official in-person debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Discuss this story on our Kia Forums. The post Kia Proceed is Another Handsome Wagon That America Can’t Have appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

In a surprise move, the 2020 Kia Telluride has debuted four months ahead of schedule. The three-row, eight-passenger SUV was originally scheduled to debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January but made an unexpected debut at New York Fashion Week this weekend. The SUV that debuted has some rugged extras that obviously won’t come with the production model, as it was a bespoke creation influenced by fashion designer Brandon Maxwell’s Texas-inspired collection that debuted alongside the Telluride. ALSO SEE: Kia Telluride Three-Row SUV Caught Completely Uncovered We’re not sure which parts of this ranch-ready creation will make it to the production model (the snorkel, winch, off-road lights, ram bar, side ladder, luggage rack, and rear-mounted spare tire surely won’t), but the general boxy yet modern design is there for all to see. The big, rectangular upright grille uses a chrome mesh and Telluride is spelled out boldly on the hood and on the tailgate. Around back, it gets two-piece vertical taillights, while saddle-colored leather and natural wood finishes can be seen inside of this one-off SUV. When it debuts, the Telluride will be powered by a V6 (probably optional) and will be much bigger and more luxurious than the seven-passenger Sorento. A turbocharged four-cylinder is also likely to be offered as the base engine. The 2020 Kia Telluride, which was designed at Kia‘s California design studio and will be built in Georgia, is expected to land at dealerships in early 2019 and will compete with vehicles like the Honda Pilot, Volkswagen Atlas, and Subaru Ascent. It will share a platform with Hyundai’s upcoming three-row crossover, predicted to be called the Palisade. Discuss this article on our Kia Forum The post New 2020 Kia Telluride 3-Row SUV Debuts Looking Big and Boxy appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

The upcoming Kia three-row SUV, which may be called the Telluride, has been photographed completely uncovered. Images of the largest Kia yet surfaced on social media this week, showing the SUV completely uncovered from its front, side and rear. It looks as though the production SUV will stay very true to the Telluride Concept first shown in 2016, sporting a similar rectangle grille and squarish headlights, along with the same L-shaped taillights. تسريب صور كيا تيلورايد الجديدة، أكبر سيارات كيا، موجهة لمنافسة سيارات مثل فورد اكسلبورر، شيفرولية ترافرس، دودج دورانجو. وش رايكم بالتصميم؟

Hyundai/Kia has filed a patent application for a sun visor with a small, built-in traffic light. The sun visor features a front-facing camera and a mini traffic light on the rear just to the right of the vanity mirror. The camera records the status of a traffic light, with a computer then processing the camera data and displaying the correct light on the back of the visor. The idea is that you’ll still be able to easily see if a light is red, yellow or green, even if your sun visor is down and obstructing your view of the light. The system would also use GPS and map data to locate traffic lights and ensure the vehicle is at an intersection with a traffic light. “When the sun visor is in use, the sun visor is located close to the eyes of the driver, thereby interrupting the driver’s visibility and, accordingly, the driver needs to bend his body or move to another location to verify a traffic light at an intersection,” the patent application says. As such, this technology will enable a driver to “determine a signal of a traffic light located in front of the vehicle without an effort, even when the visibility of a driver is interrupted by the sun visor while the sun visor is in use.” Such a system may seem like it has limited use, but in addition to helping to view the light with the sun visor down, it could also be useful in the event that a traffic light is out of the driver’s sight – like those that are mounted off to the side of the road or obstructed by an object. SEE ALSO: 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Review We think this system could be particularly helpful for those who are in their cars very frequently and who drive in cities often, so in other words, taxi drivers. Uber and Lyft drivers may also appreciate such technology – anything that makes the task of driving easier during those long workdays, right? This technology also seems as though it would be relatively inexpensive to implement, making it a realistic add-on for Hyundai and Kia’s budget-minded buyers. Whether or not it will ever see the light of day remains to be seen, though. Discuss this story on our Hyundai Forums. The post Hyundai Patents Sun Visor With Built-In Traffic Lights appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

The 2018 J.D. Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study has been released. This year, the industry average APEAL score increased to 820 points from 810 a year ago, with significantly higher scores in all 10 vehicle evaluation categories. The study also found that 23 of the 31 automakers included made gains in their performance compared to 2017. Other key findings in this year’s study include mass market brands continuing to close in on the luxury segment, with the average APEAL score for mass market hitting 814, marking a 10-point improvement compared to 2017. The luxury segment, meanwhile, improved 6 points to 851. J.D. Power says the gap between the two segments has narrowed to an all-time low of 37 points. SEE ALSO: Most Dependable Vehicles of 2018: J.D. Power The annual APEAL Study examines 10 vehicle categories: driving dynamics; visibility and safety; engine/transmission; audio/communication/entertainment/navigation; seats; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; exterior; interior; storage and space; and fuel economy. The highest-ranked brand in this year’s study is Genesis, with a score of 884. Porsche came in second with 883 points, followed by BMW (863), Lincoln (861), and Mercedes-Benz (858). Among mass market brands, Chevrolet and GMC tied at the top with a score of 826. Ram came in third with a score of 825, followed by Dodge and Ford both scoring 824. The following vehicles earned rewards for being the most appealing vehicle in their segment. Small Car: Kia Rio Topping the small car segment is the Kia Rio, beating out the Chevrolet Sonic, Chevrolet Bolt, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Honda Fit, Mitsubishi Mirage, and Toyota Prius c. The Rio received high marks in overall performance and design, comfort, features and instrument panel, and style. Compact Car: Volkswagen Jetta Topping the compact car segment is the Volkswagen Jetta, which received high marks in overall performance and design, as well as comfort. The Jetta beat out the Volkswagen Golf, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Prius, Subaru WRX, Volkswagen Beetle, Nissan Leaf, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Ioniq, Kia Forte, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Chevrolet Volt, and Subaru Impreza. Midsize Car: Honda Accord The Honda Accord takes home the award for the midsize car category, receiving top marks in overall performance and design, performance, comfort, features and instrument panel, and style. The Accord is the only vehicle in its class to receive top marks in all five J.D. Power factors, beating the Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Kia Optima, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat, Chevrolet Malibu, Subaru Legacy, Hyundai Sonata, and Honda Clarity. Large Car: Nissan Maxima In the large car segment, the Nissan Maxima tops the list while receiving highest marks in all five J.D. Power factors, just like the Accord. The Maxima is more appealing than the Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, and Toyota Avalon. Small Premium Car: Audi A3 Not a crowded segment, but the Audi A3 beat out the BMW 2 Series and the Mercedes-Benz CLA to claim the small premium car category. The Audi A3 received highest marks in overall performance and design, performance, features and instrument panel, and style. Compact Premium Car: Kia Stinger With top marks in overall performance and design, comfort, features and instrument panel, and style, the Kia Stinger goes home with the award for the compact premium car segment. The Stinger beat out some serious competition including the Audi A5, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 4 Series, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti Q50, Lexus ES, Acura TLX, Lincoln MKZ, Cadillac ATS, and Volvo S60. Midsize Premium Car: Lincoln Continental Moving to the midsize premium car category, the Lincoln Continental stole the show with highest marks in overall performance and design, features and instrument panel, and style. The Continental scored higher than the Genesis G80, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CT6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Volvo S90, Lexus GS, and Audi A6. Midsize Sporty Car: Ford Mustang Only the big three American muscle cars competed in the midsize sporty car segment, with the Mustang leaving with the award despite only receiving highest marks in overall performance and design. The Mustang beat out the Camaro and Challenger. Minivan: Chrysler Pacifica Somehow there are more competitors in the minivan segment than there is in the midsize sporty car category. The Chrysler Pacifica, which received highest marks in overall performance and design, performance, features and instrument panel, and style, beat out the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Kia Sedona, and Dodge Grand Caravan. Small SUV: MINI Countryman This segment is becoming increasingly more competitive each year and this year the MINI Countryman sits at the top. Receiving highest marks in all five J.D. Power factors, the Countryman is more appealing than the Toyota C-HR, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Niro, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Buick Encore, Jeep Compass, Chevrolet Trax, Ford EcoSport, Mazda CX-3, and Honda HR-V. Compact SUV: Chevrolet Equinox Another crowded segment, the Chevrolet Equinox takes home the award in the compact SUV category after receiving highest marks in overall performance and design, performance, and comfort. Competition in the segment includes the Volkswagen Tiguan, Honda CR-V, Buick Envision, Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, GMC Terrain, Mitsubishi Outlander, Jeep Cherokee, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, and Jeep Wrangler. Midsize SUV: Chevrolet Traverse One of the most competitive segments in this year’s APEAL Study is the midsize SUV category. The Traverse receives highest marks in all five factors, beating out 18 other vehicles in the segment: Buick Enclave, Nissan Murano, Volkswagen Atlas, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, Kia Sorento, Nissan Pathfinder, GMC Acadia, Subaru Outback, Mazda CX-9, Ford Explorer, Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda Pilot, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Highlander, Ford Flex, and Dodge Journey. Large SUV: Ford Expedition Another award winner for Ford is the Expedition in the large SUV category. It also received top marks in all five factors, beating out the GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota Sequoia, and Nissan Armada. Small Premium SUV: BMW X1 For now, there are only four competitors in the small premium SUV segment, but expect that number to grow in the coming years. The BMW X1 takes home the award this year, receiving top marks in overall performance and design, performance, and comfort. The X1 is more appealing than the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Infiniti QX30, and Audi Q3. Compact Premium SUV: BMW X3 BMW’s appeal continues in the compact premium SUV category, with the X3 taking home the award. It received highest marks in overall performance and design, performance, comfort, and features and instrument panel. Competitors in the segment include the Porsche Macan, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60, Audi Q5, Range Rover Velar, Lincoln MKC, Lexus NX, Jaguar F-Pace, and Acura RDX. Midsize Premium SUV: Porsche Cayenne The popular Porsche Cayenne tops the midsize premium SUV segment, receiving highest marks in all five factors except for comfort. The Cayenne scored better than the Lexus RX, BMW X5, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, Lincoln MKX, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Cadillac XT5, Infiniti QX60, Lexus GX, and Acura MDX. Midsize Pickup: Honda Ridgeline This may come as a surprise to some, but a Japanese model is what’s most appealing in the midsize pickup category. The Honda Ridgeline scored highest marks in all five factors, besting the GMC Canyon, Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and Nissan Frontier in this year’s study. Large Light Duty Pickup: Ford F-150 There’s several reasons why the Ford F-150 is a perennial best-selling vehicle. It is this year’s most appealing large light duty pickup truck, scoring highest marks in overall performance and design, and performance. Trailing behind the F-150 is the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra. Large Heavy Duty Pickup: GMC Sierra HD Ford doesn’t dominate large heavy duty pickup category however, as the GMC Sierra HD is the recipient for this year’s award. Scoring top marks in all factors except for comfort, the Sierra HD beat out the Ford Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, and Ram 2500/3500 models. The post Most Appealing Cars of 2018: J.D. Power appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] The Kia Niro EV will go on sale in the United States in early 2019, the Korean automaker has announced. The fully electric, front-wheel drive crossover has a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 201 hp electric motor, which provide an estimated driving range of 239-miles, or 385 kilometers. Using the available 100 kW fast-charger, the battery pack will charge from flat to 80% capacity in around 54 minutes. A smaller 39.2 kWh battery pack is also offered, which has a max driving range of 153 miles or 246 kilometers. Pricing has not yet been announced, but you can expect the long-range version to come in at under $40,000 USD. SEE ALSO: 2017 Kia Niro Review Inside, the Niro EV also benefits from a 7.0-inch touchscreen with some EV-specific features installed. The operating system allows users to locate nearby charging points and easily monitor the battery pack’s remaining range and charge level. A 7.0-inch LCD driver’s display, which is also unique to the Niro EV, also allows the driver to easily check up on the driving range and other EV powertrain information while on-the-move. Other interior features include a wireless smartphone charger and a light on the dashboard that changes color when the vehicle is charging or fully charged when plugged in. The Niro EV is available to purchase in South Korea now. European sales will commence in Q4 of this year, with the vehicle arriving in the US in early 2019. Discuss this story on our Kia Forum. The post Kia Niro EV Sales to Start in the US Early Next Year appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] The 2020 Kia Soul Turbo has been caught undergoing hot weather tests in California. This marks the third time we’ve seen a pre-production 2020 Soul out in public. The first sighting came in February of this year when the vehicle was seen in the snow, perhaps testing out a new all-wheel-drive system. Later on in April, the vehicle was caught in a parking garage in Korea, revealing its sporty center exit exhaust. This prototype is wearing the same centrally mounted twin-pipe setup, but unlike the vehicle seen in Korea, this car has its unibrow LED headlights (headlight?) on full display. The front LED light bar is joined by a set of fog lights mounted halfway down the bumper and a set of smaller lights mounted lower down. SEE ALSO: 2018 Toyota C-HR vs 2018 Kia Soul The rear taillights are also clearly displayed on this prototype, which appear similar to the vertically-mounted lights on the current Soul. The new LED lights are a bit more stylized, however, with a ‘swoosh’ curvature that extends into the vehicle’s rear hatch. The prototype is also rocking a set of sporty-looking alloy wheels. The 2020 Soul is expected to ride on a new front-wheel-drive platform from Kia that is able to accept all-wheel drive – although it’s not yet been confirmed the new soul with be offered with AWD. Engine options remain to be seen, but Kia’s 201 hp 1.6-liter turbocharged engine should return for the Turbo model, perhaps in updated form. Look for the 2020 Kia Soul to debut sometime later this year or in early 2019. Discuss this story on our Kia Soul Forum. The post 2020 Kia Soul Turbo Caught Sporting a Unibrow appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] Police in the United States can sometimes be seen in some pretty fast cars, such as Mustangs, Camaros and V8 Chargers and Challengers, for example. Similarly, the Queensland Police Service in Australia have now taken delivery of their own sporty police cruisers: 2018 Kia Stingers . The Queensland Police will put 50 of the 365 hp 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 Stingers into service this year. The Korean sport sedans will replace the force’s aging Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores. “This is a very important day for us,” said QPS Commissioner Ian Stewart. “We needed a special product to do a job for us, and that is what we have here. A wonderful product.” SEE ALSO: 2018 Kia Stinger Review Kia was also rather happy about the QPS acquiring Stingers due to the exposure. “This level of public exposure and endorsement from a high profile government utility is something which wouldn’t have been on the radar just a few years ago,” said Kia Australia COO Damien Meredith. “It is just a beginning, but a very important one for us.” How long before we see a Kia Stinger police car put into service in North America? American police forces are loyal to American products for obvious reasons, but with a 365 hp twin-turbo engine, rear-wheel drive and a 0-60 mph time of just 4.9s, the Stinger would certainly be up to the task of patrolling the Interstate. Discuss this story on our Kia Forum. The post Kia Stinger Police Car Goes Into Service in Australia appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

Unveiled at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, the All-new Cerato (also known as Forte in some countries) has made a successful debut featuring its impressively enhanced exterior and interior design. Looking more dynamic and stylish, the All-new Cerato’s design has moved in a sportier direction while preserving the original design elements from predecessors. Let’s explore more of its eye-catching design updates. Sophisticated yet Sporty Exterior – the Mini Stinger The All-new Cerato maintains its sporty and youthful image while evolving a more sophisticated appearance that nods to a number of sleek and dynamic styling cues inspired by the Stinger fastback sport sedan. Kia Stinger & All-new Kia Cerato (from left to right) Like the Stinger, the Cerato’s long hood and short deck style built on a wider vehicle body platform recreate an overall fastback-like shape, fueling a sense of masculinity. The front end is more aggressive with a new sturdy version of the Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille and a Stinger-esque headlamp design, while the Cerato is the first model in its class to come equipped with full LED headlamps. The cowl point, base of the windshield, has been moved back to afford a more athletic and well-grounded stance. Around back, the rear bumpers are designed to look connected – Much like the Kia Sportage compact crossover, the Cerato now has a sleek horizontal trim piece that connects to the LED taillights. A Comfortable, High-tech Interior for Everyone As outstanding as its exterior design, the Cerato’s interior has been redesigned to provide an enhanced sense of spaciousness. In order to treat both driver and passengers to a more comfortable ride, the overall length, width, and height of the Cerato have been increased to allow for more head and legroom, as well as cargo room in the trunk. Simplicity is the key to the luxuriousness of the Cerato dashboard. Again drawing inspiration from the Stinger, the horizontal layout of the dashboard paints a picture of a wider interior. Minimizing clutter with clean lines and minimal buttons that are intuitively placed below an 8-inch touchscreen adds a sense of openness to the Cerato’s high-tech look. Sophisticatedly Built for Your Versatile Lifestyle A more versatile, high-end sedan with eye-catching design, the third-generation Cerato is more attractive to drivers seeking a compact sedan that can accommodate a versatile, active lifestyle. Thanks to a number of visual enhancements inside and out, the All-new Cerato is geared up to make any journey – whether a short commute or long haul – a more rewarding and decidedly upscale experience while providing a higher level of comfort. Hop in an All-new Cerato – every minute you spend in the dynamic and upscale Cerato is unquestionably quality time. Lees volledige artikel

[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] The latest sighting of the 2020 Kia Telluride has revealed the full-size SUV’s production grille and other parts of its front end. Kia is hoping the Telluride can help it to retain customers that want a crossover or SUV but have been forced to shop elsewhere due to its lack of large vehicle offerings. Seen here wearing less camouflage than ever before, the Telluride will stay true to the Telluride Concept with a boxy shape and a wide, upright grille. The rear is entirely covered, but like the front end, we’re not expecting a large departure from the design study. The full-size, three-row SUV is expected to share a platform with the new Hyundai Santa Fe and will likely feature Kia’s 3.5-liter V6 engine or 2.0-liter turbo. The Telluride Concept was powered by a 400 hp hybrid system consisting of the 3.5-liter V6 and an electric motor, but it’s not clear if Kia is seriously considering a hybrid powertrain for the production Telluride or not. SEE ALSO: Kia to Make Announcement on Production Telluride SUV Soon With three-rows and eight-seats, the Telluride will be focused on families and should have plenty of convenient features such as an abundance of cupholders, plenty of cargo space and USB ports in both the front and rear. It will have the recently released Subaru Ascent in its crosshairs when it arrives – another three-row offering that puts an emphasis on family-friendly functionality. The 2020 Kia Telluride, or whatever the production model ends up being called, will make its debut sometime later this year or in early 2019. Discuss this story on our Kia Forum. The post 2020 Kia Telluride Shows Off Production Grille in Spy Photos appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

“Those two features – the loaded interior and the unique driving dynamics combine to make the Kia Niro Touring a great option for someone who wants a hybrid that stands out in that segment.” Click to Read More Lees volledige artikel

The 2018 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study has been released and here are the top performers for each segment. The annual study examines problems experienced by original vehicle owners during the first 90 days of ownership, with initial quality measured by the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). This year, the study found a four-percent improvement in quality, with Korean automakers Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis leading the way. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best Car Brands in Initial Quality for 2018 Along with ranking all the automakers, J.D. Power has awarded the highest quality cars by segment. Small Car: Kia Rio The Kia Rio performed the best in the Small Car segment, earning top ratings in overall quality, body & interior quality – mechanical, overall quality – design, body & interior quality – design, and features & accessories quality – design. It’s one of two vehicles from Kia that made this year’s list, helping the Korean automaker rank second overall among nameplates. The Rio beat out the Nissan Versa, Chevrolet Bolt, Toyota Yaris, Chevrolet Sonic, Honda Fit, Toyota Prius c, and Mitsubishi Mirage. Small Premium Car: Acura ILX Topping the Small Premium Car segment is the Acura ILX, which earned top ratings for overall quality, but only has about average reliability. Hurting the ILX in J.D. Power’s evaluations were powertrain quality – design, overall quality – mechanical, features & accessories quality – mechanical, and body & interior quality – mechanical. Still, owners aren’t find many issues with their vehicles, helping the ILX rank best in the 2018 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study. The entry-level luxury sedan scored better than the BMW 2 Series, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and Audi A3. Compact Car: Toyota Corolla The popular Toyota Corolla is highest quality in the Compact Car segment, earning high marks in overall quality, overall quality – mechanical, body & interior quality – mechanical, overall quality – design, and features & accessories quality – design. The Corolla competed in a crowded segment, besting the Chevrolet Cruze, Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen Beetle, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda3, Hyundai Ioniq, Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Golf, Subaru Impreza, Chevrolet Volt, and Subaru WRX. Compact Premium Car: BMW 4 Series There’s a good reason the BMW 4 Series is a perennial best-seller in the Compact Premium Car segment. Receiving high marks in overall quality, overall quality – mechanical, body & interior quality – mechanical, and features & accessories quality – mechanical, the BMW 4 Series not only did well against its German competitors, but Japanese also offerings. Models the 4 Series beat include the Infiniti Q60, Lexus ES, Infiniti Q50, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Acura TLX, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS, Kia Stinger, Lincoln MKZ, Audi A4, Audi A5, and Volvo S60. Midsize Car: Nissan Altima Nissan performed well in this year’s study, with the Altima wining an award for the Midsize Car category. The Altima received high marks in nearly all categories that were rated: overall quality, overall quality – mechanical, powertrain quality – mechanical, body & interior quality – mechanical, features & accessories quality – mechanical, body & interior quality – design, and features & accessories quality – design. Other vehicles in the segment include the Kia Optima, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Subaru Legacy, Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Camry, and Honda Clarity. Midsize Premium Car: Lincoln Continental Topping the Midsize Premium Car segment is the Lincoln Continental, which received top marks in overall quality, powertrain quality – mechanical, overall quality – design, powertrain quality – design, and features & accessories quality – design. The American automaker’s luxury sedan scored higher than the Genesis G80, Lexus GS, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac AT6, Audi A6, Cadillac CTS, and Volvo S90. Midsize Sporty Car: Ford Mustang There aren’t very many entries in the Midsize Sporty Car category, with the Ford Mustang taking home the award. The Mustang received highest marks in overall quality, features & accessories quality – mechanical, overall quality – design, body & interior quality – design, and features & accessories quality – design. Its only competitors are the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro. Large Car: Nissan Maxima Another offering from Nissan, the Maxima is the highest quality Large Car in this year’s study, scoring higher than the Ford Taurus, Chrysler 300, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Charger, and Toyota Avalon. Like the Altima, Nissan Maxima also received highest marks in various categories: overall quality, overall quality – mechanical, powertrain quality – mechanical, body & interior quality – mechanical, overall quality – design, body & interior quality – design, and features & accessories quality – design. Large Premium Car: Genesis G90 The Genesis brand actually ranked highest among all automakers with an IQS PP100 score of 68 in this year’s study. Helping lead the way is the Genesis G90, which took him an award in the Large Premium Car category. Top marks were received in overall quality, features & accessories quality – mechanical, overall quality – design, and features & accessories quality – design. Competitors within the segment include the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Porsche Panamera. Minivan: Dodge Grand Caravan Surprisingly, the Minivan segment actually has more competitors than the Midsize Sporty Car category. This year, the award goes to the Dodge Grand Caravan, which received top marks in overall quality, overall quality – design, and features & accessories quality – design. The Grand Caravan beat out the Kia Sedona, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, and Honda Odyssey. Small SUV: Hyundai Tucson The Small SUV segment is growing and the Hyundai Tucson experiences the last number of problems, according to this year’s study. The model received top marks in every category except for powertrain quality – design. It outperformed the Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Chevrolet Trax, MINI Countryman, Kia Niro, Buick Encore, Ford EcoSport, Jeep Compass, Subaru Crosstrek, Mazda CX-3, Toyota C-HR, and Honda HR-V. Small Premium SUV: Mercedes-Benz GLA/BMW X1 Two vehicles claimed awards in the Small Premium SUV category this year, the Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1. The BMW X1 scored well on overall quality, overall quality – mechanical, body & interior quality – mechanical, features & accessories quality – mechanical, powertrain quality – design, and features & accessories quality – design. The GLA meanwhile, received high marks in overall quality, features & accessories quality – mechanical, overall quality -design, and body & interior quality – design. Both crossovers beat the Audi Q3 and Infiniti QX30. Compact SUV: Buick Envision Another crowded segment, the Buick Envision went home with the award in the Compact SUV category. The model received highest marks in all ratings except for features & accessories quality – mechanical and design. Still, it holds bragging rights over the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Jeep Wrangler, Volkswagen Tiguan, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester, and GMC Terrain. Compact Premium SUV: Lincoln MKC Lincoln MKC owners are experiencing the least amount of problems in the Compact Premium SUV category. The model scored high marks in overall quality, features & accessories quality – mechanical, overall quality – design, powertrain quality – design, and features & accessories quality – design. What’s more impressive is the MKC’s competition, which includes the Porsche Macan, Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, Lexus NX, Acura RDX, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, Jaguar F-Pace, and Range Rover Velar. Midsize SUV: Kia Sorento In the Midsize SUV segment, the Kia Sorento ranked highest in initial quality. The Sorento received high marks in overall quality, powertrain quality – mechanical, overall quality – design, and features & accessories quality – design. It also beat out an impressive list of competitors including the Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Explorer, Nissan Murano, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Edge, Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, Ford Flex, GMC Acadia, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Buick Enclave, Dodge Durango, Subaru Outback, Volkswagen Atlas, and Dodge Journey. Midsize Premium SUV: BMW X6 Sitting at the top of the mountain in the Midsize Premium SUV segment is the BMW X6, which received highest marks in all categories except overall quality – design, and features & accessories quality – design. The Midsize Premium SUV category is getting crowded, with the X6 besting the Lexus RX, Porsche Cayenne, Lincoln MKX, Cadillac XT5, Infiniti QX60, Lexus GX, Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, Audi Q7, Acura MDX, and Volvo XC90. Large SUV: Ford Expedition Not as competitive of a segment, but the Ford Expedition did take top honors in the Large SUV category. The model beat out the GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe, Nissan Armada, Toyota Sequoia, and Chevrolet Suburban. It received highest marks in overall quality, overall quality – design, body & interior quality – design, and features & accessories quality – design. Midsize Pickup: Nissan Frontier The Midsize Pickup category goes to the Nissan Frontier, which received highest marks in overall quality, features & accessories quality – mechanical, overall quality – design, and features & accessories quality – design. The Frontier competed against the GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Chevrolet Colorado, and Toyota Tacoma. Large Light Duty Pickup: Chevrolet Silverado The Ford F-150 might be the best selling light duty pickup, but Chevrolet Silverado owners are reporting less problems. Claiming the award for the Large Light Duty Pickup category, the Silverado beat out the F-150, Ram 1500, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra. J.D. Power gave it high marks in overall quality, overall quality – design, and features & accessories quality – design. Large Heavy Duty Pickup: Chevrolet Silverado HD and Ford Super Duty There is however, a tie in the Large Heavy Duty Pickup category, with both the Chevrolet Silverado HD and Ford Super Duty taking home awards. That left the Ram 2500/3500 and GMC Sierra HD on the outside in this year’s ratings. The Chevrolet Silverado HD received high marks in overall quality, overall quality – mechanical, body & interior quality – mechanical, features & accessories quality – mechanical, overall quality – design, and body & interior quality – design. Meanwhile, the Ford Super Duty performed well in overall quality, overall quality – mechanical, powertrain quality – mechanical, overall quality – design, powertrain quality – design, and features & accessories quality – design. The post Top 20 Highest Quality Cars by Segment: 2018 appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

J.D. Power has released its Initial Quality Study for 2018. The annually conducted study examines problems experienced by original vehicle owners during the first 90 days of ownership, J.D. Power says. The ‘initial quality’ is determined by recording the number of a certain model experiences per 100 vehicles (PP100). The lower score, the higher the vehicle’s initial quality is. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Vehicles with the Highest Three-Year Depreciation While not an indicator of long-term reliability, a vehicle’s initial quality is a good measure of how many small issues and problems it may experience over its lifetime. It’s worth noting that J.D. Power’s study takes into account tech-related issues, which account for many of the vehicle’s problem’s in the first 90 days of ownership. Problems related to infotainment systems were down in frequency compared to last year, although active safety systems, which are becoming increasingly popular in new vehicles, still proved to be a bit finicky on many new vehicles. Let’s take a look at the best automakers for initial quality for the 2018 model year. 10. Nissan Nissan was tenth in initial quality with 85 problems per 100 vehicles. This is a big win for the brand, which beat out Toyota, Honda and Mazda in initial quality. 9. Ram A surprising appearance in the top 10 was Ram with 84 problems for every 100 vehicles. 8. Lexus Lexus vehicles recorded 84 problems for every 100 vehicles, netting them eighth position. 7. Lincoln In seventh was Lincoln with 83 problems for every 100 vehicles. 6. Chevrolet Chevrolets experienced 82 problems for every 100 vehicles, landing them in sixth position. 5. Ford Ford performed well in the study, with J.D. Power recording 81 problems for every 100 vehicles. 4. Porsche Porsche, as always, ranks well in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality study with 79 problems experienced per 100 vehicles. 3. Hyundai Hyundai recorded 74 problems for every 100 vehicles, netting them the first available podium position in the study. 2. Kia Kia vehicles had just 72 recorded problems for ever 100 vehicles, landing them second in the rankings. 1. Genesis With just 68 problems recorded for every 100 vehicles, Hyundai’s luxury sub-brand, Genesis, tops this year’s J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. It was a clean sweep of the top three for the Korean brands. The post Top 10 Best Car Brands in Initial Quality for 2018 appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

Hyundai and Kia have filed a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a high-compression, twin-supercharged four-cylinder engine. The patent, which was first filed on June 19th, 2017 and published this week, is for an engine “including one or more cylinders for generating a driving torque, a plurality of intake lines for supplying external air to one or more cylinders and one or more electric superchargers disposed on, or in, the plurality of intake lines.” The description of the engine goes on to explain the drawbacks of a traditional turbocharger, such as turbo lag, weight and limited compression ratio. By comparison, the twin electric supercharger setup is lighter and allows for increased responsiveness and higher compression, it says. The patent also explains how the output of the electric superchargers is limited to the “low and middle-speed region” and how they can help provide strong low-end torque. Hyundai also says it is “possible to increase design freedom of a vehicle and reduce manufacturing costs of the vehicle by removing a mechanical turbocharger having a relatively high volume and weight.” The engine described and shown here incorporates cylinder deactivation as well, which would operate in low-speed and low-load conditions in order to save fuel. SEE ALSO: Hyundai Grandmaster SUV Concept Previews its Future Designs It sounds as though Hyundai is looking to achieve a similar goal to what Mazda is with its supercharged spark compression ignition SkyactivX engine – providing a fuel efficient four-cylinder with a lean burn and high compression ratio that is fun to drive. There’s no guarantee this engine will ever see the light of day, but it’s interesting to see Hyundai taking an interest in internal combustion engine technology as the rest of the automotive industry focuses intently on hybrids, plug-ins and pure EVs. Discuss this story on our Hyundai Forum. The post Hyundai Working on Twin Supercharged Four Cylinder Engine appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

The classic story of Peter Pan has been revived as a Sci-Fi blockbuster with Kia. Kia Motors has launched a new global advertising campaign featuring characters from the beloved story of Peter Pan, with the goal of conveying sophisticated future technologies in an easy-to-understand and friendly way. The three-minute film, entitled Peter Returns, is a re-imagining of the world-famous Peter Pan fairy tale and offers a futuristic take on Peter’s ongoing conflict with Captain Hook. In 2030, the not-too-distant-future, Peter Pan returns as a righteous hero, joined by trusted companions Wendy and Tinker Bell, to defend Neverland from the nefarious Captain Hook, who has been monopolizing the fruits of technological progress. This short film is part of Kia’s ‘Boundless for All’ vision, in which opportunities for mobility are limitless, and where everyone can enjoy the infinite value that future transportation will bring. This is Kia’s manifesto for its role as a mass mobility provider in the future, with a thoroughgoing commitment to provide broader solutions to mobility. Under the direction of award-winning French filmmaker Philippe André, Kia’s own brand identity is naturally reflected in this delightful film. Bringing this futuristic dream to life whilst capturing Kia’s unique spirit of challenge and passion for innovation, the film boasts an impressive production scale. About 200 actors, actresses and production staff members joined the project, while about 100 different costumes and a wealth of props were created. It also took around a year to make sketches of the imaginary Neverland and the future city and turn them into computer graphics (CG). “Kia is on a journey to become one of the leading mass mobility providers in the future… Much like the people of Neverland in ‘Peter Returns’, everyone deserves to benefit from technological progress, not just the few.” – Yong Won Cho, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Brand & Marketing Division at Kia Motors Corporation Throughout the film, viewers are invited to a fun-filled experience of the multiple autonomous and advanced technologies featured in the Kia Proceed Concept, which was previously unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2017. Kia’s Smart Biometric Access System recognizes Peter just by his facial features and gait, the Dynamic Wireless Charging System automatically charges itself while running on the road, and the Valet Parking Pilot allows the vehicle to park on its own to help Peter and Wendy infiltrate Hook Tower. For boundless communication, Smart Pixel Light technology sends messages to other drivers or pedestrians such as, “Your Lights are on” or “Watch Out!,” to help clear up confusion on the roads. Sound Focusing allows the vehicle to target sound at a specific person to alert them of the car’s presence, while Intelligent Agent is able to understand the driver’s voice commands and respond accordingly. The technologies seen in the film are not just imaginary, but are actually being developed by Kia. Under the ‘Boundless for All’ thesis, Kia plans to commercialize Level 4 autonomous driving technology, with ‘Smart City’ autonomous vehicle testing due to commence in 2021. Kia always considers people first and is highly dedicated to developing automotive technologies that provide a safe, convenient and limitless mobility experience for all. Future technologies are coming your way very soon, so stay tuned for more surprises brought to you by Kia and share your thoughts about the film! Lees volledige artikel

“The new K900 is bigger and more powerful than its predecessor, sharing the same, though slightly stretched, rear-wheel drive platform as the Kia Stinger GT.” Click to Read More Lees volledige artikel

[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently conducted its passenger-side small overlap front crash test on several midsize SUVs. Introduced last year, the passenger-side small overlap front crash test has just the front corner of a vehicle striking another vehicle or object, such as a tree or utility pole. IIHS has been rating vehicles in driver-side small overlap crashes since 2012, resulting in significant improvements by automakers. But passengers aren’t always afforded equal protection, IIHS found, so it began testing the passenger side last year. The latest batch of vehicles include the 2019 Kia Sorento, 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, 2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Toyota Highlander, 2018 Nissan Pathfinder, 2018 Honda Pilot, 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2018 Ford Explorer. The results weren’t pretty for some vehicles, with IIHS discovering a wide range of issues, from structural collapse to airbag nondeployment. One of the most popular models in the segment, the 2018 Ford Explorer, delivered disappointing results. According to IIHS, the 2018 Ford Explorer rates poor because its structure was seriously compromised, with intrusion reaching 15 inches at the lower door hinge pillar and 13 inches at the upper door hinge pillar and the dashboard. The door sill was also pushed in six inches towards the crash dummy, and measures taken from the dummy showed a high likelihood of injuries to the right hip in a real-world crash of the same severity. There were also signs of possible left lower leg injuries. The Explorer also had poor structural performance in the driver-side test and earns an overall rating of marginal for driver-side small overlap protection. The American automaker is redesigning the Ford Explorer and has said the new model will improve small overlap protection on both sides. SEE ALSO: IIHS Evaluates Seven Small SUVs in New Crash Test Another vehicle that struggled was the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with maximum intrusion of 10 inches at the lower door hinge pillar. But what was more alarming was that the passenger dummy’s head hit the dash hard through the front airbag, and since the side curtain airbag didn’t deploy, the door opened. During rebound, the dummy actually moved outside the vehicle since the door was opened. Measures taken from the dummy found right leg injuries would be likely in a crash of this severity, and a head injury would be possible. The passenger dummy in the Honda Pilot also indicated possible head injuries, with the head sliding off the front airbag and moving just far enough to hit the dashboard hard. The Pilot however, does have good structural performance, helping it earn an overall rating of acceptable, along with the Toyota Highlander and the Nissan Pathfinder. Three of the models tested earned a good rating: GMC Acadia, Kia Sorento, and Volkswagen Atlas. Although the Acadia had maximum intrusion of just two inches, the passenger dummy’s head did slide off the right side of the front airbag, leaving it vulnerable to contact with the forward structure. Kia updated the Sorento for the 2019 model year to improve protection in the passenger-side small overlap front crash. The Korean automaker reinforced the passenger-side toepan and door sill, resulting in a structure that was maintained well, with maximum intrusion of four inches on the right side of the toepan. As a result, the 2019 Kia Sorento is the only one to earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award out of the newly-rated SUVs. Discuss this story on our Ford Explorer Forum The post Popular Midsize SUVs Disappoint in New IIHS Passenger-Side Crash Test appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel