#2019 Volkswagen Golf 8 Rivals

[adrenalineguide]

2019’s Top Rides: Part 3/Buick Regal GS, Subaru Ascent and Golf R

By Michael Hozjan

Buick Regal GS AWD: Buick gets it right

At 12, I wanted to be a car designer. Fate however had different plans for me. With an eye for automotive design, I grew up loving Buicks; from the ’57 Special to the ’59 Invicta, with the ’64 Wildcat stealing my heart time and again. Cadillacs took a close second, Fords were ok but I found Chevs too feminine. Buicks, were masculine with broad shouldered front fenders and creased lines, personifying the designing cues of GM greats, Harley Earl and Bill Mitchell.

Then came the Riviera. One snowy December afternoon as I headed to my post office, there on St. Lawrence Boulevard, with six inches of snow on the ground sat a ’65 Riviera. My heart skipped several beats and I must have studied its lines for what seemed like an eternity.

Well into the ‘70s there were some noteworthy designs that came out of Buick’s design studios however, the last four decades have been anything but exciting. That has all changed with the launch of the Regal GS – the sexiest Buick to come out of Detroit in, well the last four decades.    

The Grand Sport designation is nothing new to the Buick line up, having been associated with ‘70s era muscle cars but this is the first time that it has been used in a European sports sedan context. The stylish GS goes up against some well established rivals like the Acura TLX, Lexus ES, BMW 3 series and the like, a tough field to say the least. The Regal GS is more than just good looks, it’s a bona fide sports sedan. In fact a rebadged, German built, Opel Insignia, so the GS starts with the right genes. European engineered handling makes it the best tarmac gripping Buick ever.

Red Brembo brake calipers immediately tell everyone that this is not your typical Buick.

While different drive options/trim levels are available elsewhere around the globe, we Canucks get only one trim/drive option- also the most desirable one - the all-wheel-drive version motivated by the 310 horsepower DOHC, 3.6L V6 with variable valve timing punching out 282 lb-ft of torque through a 9-speed automatic.  

Entry price is $44,045, my tester came with the Buick Experience Package ($3,495) that included the moonroof, a Bose premium 8-speaker sound system, wireless charging, an 8” touch screen, HD radio, LED leveling headlights, The Driver Confidence Package (yes you read that right) at $1,995 includes adaptive cruise, forward collision alert with automatic braking, lane keep assist, front pedestrian braking and heads up display. The Ebony Twilight Metallic paint was a premium option at $495.

The all-wheel-drive gets a torque vectoring rear axle, which only improves traction in slippery conditions and makes the Buick eat up the corners. Buick has also given us three driving modes to choose from, Touring, Sport and GS 

Inside you’ve got one color choice, black. The supportive Recaros have a massage feature as well as being heated/cooled. Both driver’s and passenger seats have 14 adjustments to suit your body, including adjustable bolsters. Following with the German sport sedan traits, it includes a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Rear seat passengers get ample legroom, but headroom is tight for taller occupants. With 30.cu.ft of space under the hatch with the rear seats up, with over 60 cu.ft with the rear seats folded, it betters many compact crossovers!

Is it perfect?

Non-functional air intakes in the front valance are mickey-mouse and a step backwards. Why not leave them open and help cool the brakes? No spare tire but a useless tire fix kit –that’ll help when you have a blow out or bend a wheel on Quebec’s pot holes. On the comical side, the audio system had mixed up the Cirius station numbers it’s 60s on 6 and not 660s on six….and the same could be said for 50s on 5 not 550s on 5, as well as 70s, 80s and 90s.

You can go through the gears manually with the console mounted shifter but paddle shifters would have been a nice touch to compliment the smooth 9-speed automatic.

Will the GS steal buyers away from BMW? I hardly doubt it but it does give of us a formidable option to keep our performance dollars with domestic manufacturers, and the GS buyer has nothing to be apologetic for. 

 Price as tested: $52,050*

*Includes destination charges and a/c excise tax

 Subaru Ascent: If at first you don’t succeed…

If you thought that Subaru already had a large SUV you’re right. The magic word here being had. The B9 Tribeca, later shortened to just Tribeca debuted in 2005 to, lets just say a less than stellar sales, and by 2014 had moved into the automotive history books of what once was.

It takes guts to admit that you were wrong, and it takes even big cojones to come back with a similar sized vehicle. Truth be told the SUV market has also changed over the last decade with SUVs growing increasingly larger, just like the population. Subaru appears to have been ahead of its time back in 2005 when 3-row SUV’s didn’t proliferate our roads, and minivans still reigned supreme for getting the platoon to school. But times have changed and so the new Ascent is the company’s answer to the latest trend.

The Ascent is also Subaru’s largest vehicle to date, with 142 mm longer wheelbase and 134 mm longer in length than the Tribeca, so yes passenger comfort has been greatly increased. The midsize SUV is built on the company’s Global Platform, a chassis that is easily adaptable; serving as the basis for everything from their Impreza and Crosstrek to the Ascent.

Available in four trim levels – Convenience, Touring, Limited and Premier - with the entry level 8-passenger Convenience starting at a meager $36,695. Regardless of trim, there’s a new 2.4L direct-injected, turbocharged boxer four cylinder dolling out 260 horses and 277 lb-ft of torque through the High-torque Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission).   

Talk to anyone who’s ever driven a Subie in less than ideal conditions and they’ll swear by the symmetrical full-time all-wheel-drive system. A new feature, X-Mode, pushes the traction envelope even further; at the push of a button, it monitors and controls four different vehicle dynamics, including engine, transmission, torque splitting and braking.

There’s a lot of standard driver-assistance technology in each Ascent without having to step up to trim levels, Items like automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist through the company’s EyeSight system. The base model gets a 6.5 inch infotainment screen while upper trim buyers will see an 8 inch screen. GPS however is only available in the two higher end trims (Limited and Premier). Both Touring and Limited are available in either seven or eight passenger configurations with captain’s chairs taking up the second row. My tester, the Premier trim comes only with the second row captains chairs. While all trims get heated front buckets it’s only the two higher trims that pamper their second row passengers with heated outboard seats. The third row looks a lot more inviting than some of it’s competitors but it’s still on the tight side with limited leg room. Still bear in mind this is a mid-size seven passenger and the seats are padded and comfortable to keep the small fry happy for longer drives. Oh and a pair of third-row USB charging ports become available in the Limited trim and are in addition to the standard two you’ll find in the front and second rows.

Rear cover blind and tow loop are stowed neatly under the cargo bay’s floor, the latter an option on some pricier suvs

.

Whether you’re out in the boonies or negotiating city streets, the Ascent doesn’t feel like a large bulky SUV. With above average handling and a minimum of body roll for a three-row SUV, Subaru’s use of the boxer engine and its advantageous low center of gravity immediately become apparent. It’s stable, with a soft luxurious ride and is generally quiet during normal highway cruising. But it does get loud when pushed hard.

Is it perfect?

The drone of the CVT does get annoying but once you get passed that, the Ascent is typically Subaru; it does everything what it’s supposed to and does it well. I averaged 9.8L/100 km which is unprecedented in a 7-passenger sport ute. It may not be overly luxurious but you get what you pay for. I know my Subaru driving friends will all be looking at the Ascent when the time comes to turn in their current drives, and that alone will keep this big Subaru around for a long time to come.

Price as tested: $52,795*

* Includes destination charges

Volkswagen Golf R: You’ll want one

If you’ve missed my installment of the Rabbit GTI, I urge you to scroll down the page and have a read.

Now take the GTI and turn it up a notch, or three. The formula for the Golf R is very simple; take one German built spacious hatchback that already has solid, tight handling, and add gobbs of turbocharged horses to a 2.0L inline four cylinder. How many ponies? Two eighty-eight to be exact – enough to propel you well past the posted speed limit in less time than it takes you to say posted speed limit. Now stir in all-wheel drive to put all that power to the ground. Slam it to the ground for added handling. Dress it up with killer 19” wheels.

Choose between the 6-speed manual available for $42,495 or the 7-speed dual clutch automatic with Tiptronic for $43,895. Now go have the most fun you can with your clothes on.

Doesn’t look like it but there’s nearly 300 horses in there

Quad exhaust tips tell you this is no ordinary Golf

The Golf R is everything you want in a performance sedan and then some. It makes no sense in a country with posted speed limits, but then neither do Porches, Ferraris and the like.   

Price as tested: $49, 290*

*Includes destination charges and a/c excise tax

[mynewdrive-blog]

2019 Volkswagen Golf 8 Modifications, Capability, and Prices

2019 Volkswagen Golf 8 Modifications, Capability, and Prices

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf 8 will struck the marketplace in early 2019. The Golf 8 has been around for some time however the vehicle has its origins right back in the Golf 5 which struck the marketplace greater than One Decade earlier. It lastly appears like there is most likely to be an all next-gen Golf. While the maker decided to remain silent, there are a fair bit of details currently readily…

[globalenginesandgearboxes]

Audi vs BMW: which is better?

In the pantheon of German extravagance brands, there are three predominant players: it's Audi versus BMW versus Mercedes-Benz. Despite the fact that the competition between the three has been seething on for right around 100 years, and the fight among BMW and Mercedes remains very savage, Audi versus BMW is the battle that has become opposing in the course of recent decades as the two brands forcefully seek after more youthful, well-off customers. The two brands keep on offering broad lineups of rich vehicles and SUVs, and both have created affirmed pre-possessed projects that keep on developing in prominence. In 2019, generally new and pre-claimed vehicle customers intrigued by extravagance, execution, and style as a rule end up cross shopping models from both Audi and BMW. Customers most every now and again make examinations between the omnipresent Audi A4 and the BMW 3 Series. Another basic correlation is the Audi Q5 versus the BMW X3. That is dexterous. It's imperative to contrast vehicles before you purchase and great information on what to search for. What's more, we're here to help you through that shopping procedure. Here we'll think about the two fruitful German extravagance brands and their most prominent models. We'll additionally respond to these significant inquiries: What is the contrast among Audi and BMW? Audi versus BMW: which is better? Which is increasingly dependable, Audi or BMW? Which is increasingly costly, Audi or BMW? Audi versus BMW: which has a superior notoriety? Which has lower support expenses, Audi or BMW? What is the contrast among Audi and BMW? Audi is quite of the Volkswagen Group, which likewise possesses Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti. BMW additionally claims Rolls-Royce and Mini. This permits Audi to share a considerable lot of the parts of its autos with its different brands. The Audi A3, for example, shares a portion of its foundation and powertrains with the VW Golf, while the Audi Q7 shares huge numbers of its parts with the Porsche Cayenne. In any case, it's BMW that offers a more extensive scope of motors and crossover powertrains. This assortment of advancements likewise incorporates a remarkable inline six-chamber motor, which is very smooth and stays mainstream in the 3 Series and X5. BMW likewise utilizes inline motors with four-chambers, V6 and V8 plans, and in the M760i it utilizes a twin-turbo 6.6-liter V12 with 600 hp. The entirety of BMW's motors are turbocharged, which utilizes the motor fumes gases to turn a turbine that powers outside air into the motor at well above barometrical weight, expanding power, yet with no penance of efficiency. Audi additionally utilizes turbocharging widely, however its supercharged V6 is as yet utilized in the Q7.

BMW M4 DTM Motor

BMW additionally offers purchasers a larger number of businesses around the country than Audi. BMW has 341 businesses in the United States, while Audi has only 220. This may make it somewhat simpler to discover a BMW seller close to your home, particularly in the event that you live in suburbia. It might likewise make it simpler to locate the careful BMW model you're searching for in vendor stock and it might make it simpler to fund the terms of arrangement. This is significant when you're purchasing the vehicle, but at the same time it's imperative to have a seller closer to your home when the vehicle needs administration. Making a trip to a far away business for administration is certainly not a decent utilization of your time. A year ago BMW surpassed Audi in the United States. This is nothing new, BMW has been beating Audi in America industriously since the 1980s. In 2018 it was Mercedes that sold the most extravagance vehicles in the United States. Yet, it was close. Mercedes sold 315,959 vehicles a year ago, which was uniquely around 4,000 autos and SUVs in front of BMW, which completed in runner up. Lexus completed the year out in third spot, while Audi was fourth with 223,323 vehicles sold. Acura and Cadillac completed the year fifth and 6th. For the vast majority of the year, the BMW X3 was the brand's top-selling BMW model, while over at Audi the Q5 was its hit.

Audi versus BMW: which is better?

Twenty years prior this would have been a very simple inquiry to reply. On the off chance that you needed an incredible driving encounter and the most presentation you purchased a BMW. On the off chance that you needed the extra all-climate footing of an all-wheel drive framework since you live in a blanketed atmosphere, well, at that point you purchased an Audi. In any case, it's not exactly that rudimentary any longer. Today Audis are extraordinary drives. They're amazing and responsive. They're amusing to drive, they handle well and they like to be driven hard. Simultaneously, BMW has made an enormous interest taking all things together wheel drive innovation, which is currently offered on the entirety of its cars and obviously its SUVs. Audi additionally once had a bit of leeway over BMW when it came to inside structure, but at the same time that is not true anymore. In any case, we need to give the edge to BMW. The brand keeps on utilizing back wheel drive engineering all through its line up, which gives better equalization, more prominent reaction and at last preferable taking care of over the subjugating front-wheel drive design utilized by Audi. Front wheel drive stages, which Audi utilizes in its cars, just as its prevalent Q5, normally push the motor further forward in the vehicles structure. This puts more weight over the vehicles front tires and the outcome is sub-par dealing with and torpid reaction. Kindly, don't misjudge. Audis aren't hesitant to perform, they simply don't offer the separating aficionado driver a similar profundity of building and deft elements tuning as BMWs.

Which is progressively dependable, Audi or BMW?

BMW additionally has the bit of leeway over Audi with regards to unwavering quality. Each BMW as of late got a better than expected anticipated dependability rating. Its most noteworthy appraised model was the well known 5 Series, yet the 2 Series, 4 Series, X1 and X4 additionally scored amazingly. Audi's scores are extensively lower and the brand completed with a general normal score. Of Audi's 12 models, just three have a better than expected anticipated dependability rating, the A5, A7 and A8, and four others were scored beneath normal.

Which is increasingly costly, Audi or BMW?

Audi and BMW contend no holds barred in numerous vehicle classes, however not all. BMW offers fundamentally a greater number of models than Audi, so it's not constantly a reasonable correlation with regards to cost, however for the most part, Audis are more moderate than their BMW rivals. To assist you with ascertaining which models are increasingly reasonable we've recorded each Audi and each BMW model alongside its base cost, excluding the unavoidable goal charge, which is as a rule about $1,000 on most models. Notice that BMW offers a more sweeping assortment of vehicles than Audi. Equivalent models normally offer comparable highlights and alternatives. Audi A3 $33,300 versus BMW 2 Series $37,300 Audi A4 $39,200 versus BMW 3 Series $40,250 Audi A5 Sportback $44,200 versus BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe $44,750 Audi A6 $58,900 versus BMW 5 Series $53,400 Audi A7 $68,000 versus BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo $70,300 Audi A8 $83,000 versus BMW 7 Series $86,450 Audi Q3 $34,700 versus BMW X1 $34,950 Audi Q5 $42,950 versus BMW X3 $41,000 Audi Q7 $53,550 versus BMW X5 $60,700 Audi Q8 $67,400 versus BMW X7 $73,900 Audi A5 Coupe $44,200 versus BMW 4 Series Coupe $44,950 Audi A5 Cabriolet $51,200 versus BMW 4 Series Convertible $53,100 Audi TT $44,900 versus BMW Z4 $49,700 Audi R8 $169,900 versus BMW i8 $163,300 These BMW models don't have an immediate contender from Audi. BMW X2 $36,400 BMW i3 $44,450 BMW 8 Series Coupe $111,900 BMW X4 $50,450 BMW X6 $63,550

Audi RS 7 Sportback execution on mountain street

It ought to likewise be noticed that both Audi and BMW each have numerous superior models that have been changed for extra power and taking care of. These models normally cost more than the more person on foot forms. BMW's elite M division is best known for the incredible M3 and M5 models, yet it has likewise made superior renditions of the BMW X3, X4, X6 and others. Audi offers a two-layered way to deal with its presentation contributions, with S and RS rendition of numerous models. The RS vehicles offer a considerable exhibition increment over the S adaptations. Customers keen on Audi superior should shop the RS3, RS5, and RS7.

Audi versus BMW: which has a superior notoriety?

With regards to execution, BMW's notoriety is better than Audi's. Truly, Audi's perform well, however BMW for all intents and purposes concocted the game car around 50 years prior. Also, its M3 and M5 models are worldwide execution legends. Indeed, even BMW's long running slogan, "The Ultimate Driving Machine", has developed the brand's enjoyable to-drive notoriety for quite a long time. Astoundingly, BMW has had the option to at the same time develop its Green notoriety. In the course of the most recent decade it has offered a lot more charged models than Audi, remembering plug-for cross breed variants of a portion of its cars and SUVs. Today, in 2019, it offers two module half breeds, the i3 and i8, just as an all-electric variant of the i3. BMW is likewise more slanted to try different things with colorful materials than Audi. The BMW i3 and its colorful module crossover sports vehicle, the i8, have carbon fiber structure, which is light, yet additionally over the top expensive. This innovation is normal in race autos. The structure of most generation vehicles is either steel or aluminum or a mix of each.

Red BMW i3 on european road

All things considered, Audi has offered more EV models than BMW, and its new all-electric e-Tron SUV will absolutely place a charge in its notoriety for building ecologically cognizant vehicles. Where Audi's notoriety sparkles is style and plan. Audi's are lovely. Most are so outwardly striking they turn developed men Pavlovian. They look energetic and dynamic, and they have for quite a while. There are likewise numerous wonderful BMWs, however most are simply appealing and some throughout the years have been out and out horrible. Audi keeps on driving the manner in which with regards to outside structure. It's one of the overwhelming reasons why its big name with more youthful extravagance purchasers keeps on proliferating. Which has lower support expenses, Audi or BMW? Examining the information uncovers that both BMWs and Audis are among the most costly c Read the full article

[savetopnow]

2018-03-13 02 CAR now

CAR

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[movies-and-songs]

Nitro Nation Drag & Drift [6.9.0] APK + (Money Free Repair) Android

Download Free Nitro Nation Drag & Drift APK + (Money Free Repair) Android on APKMod1.com

Are you ready to join Nitro Nation Drag & Drift game? This is the newest racing game. This game develops Creative Mobile Games. Your devices have to be Android 4.1 and up. At now, this game is over 10,000,000+ downloads and installs on Google Play. Players are joined this game is increasing. Players are very attracted when playing this game. Let’s discovery this game now. Don’t forget to enjoy this game with MOD APK free for Android on APKMod1.com now. Enter Nitro Nation Drag & Drift game and enjoy

Game Introduce

For those who live a 1/4 mile life at a time, Nitro Nation is the most addictive drag racing game ever! Race, mod and tuning dozens of real licensed cars. Create a team, invite friends, win tournaments. Exchange car parts with other racers in real time and build your dream car!

LOTS OF CARS – Supercars and Exotics? Check it out. Tuners and street racers? Check it out. Classic and modern muscles? You bet! The best part? There are always more in the game! We know that you love drag racing, we have more than 100 real cars of the world’s leading automobile brands, such as Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan. , Subaru, Volkswagen – and much more!

HONEST GAME – There is no “fuel” that you have to wait. No “delivery time” for cars or updates. Each vehicle is competitive, and there are no “premium” upgrades. It’s all about the player’s driving skills and his dedication.

THESE RACES AND TEAMS – we are all about multiplayer races, there is always an online rival who is waiting for you on the street or on the highway. Start with racing at any distance from 1/8 to a full mile, join or create a team, win tournaments with your team, rise in the leaderboard or check your nerves in racing for bets.

Join the real-time multiplayer race, play in real time with friends and opponents around the world! Compete in weekly regional tournaments and make your way through the Bronze and Silver divisions in Worldwide Gold Elite Racing!

EPIC UPDATE Upgrade and upgrade 33 unique automotive components with 3 levels of after-sales engineering. Satisfy your need for speed and build a one-of-a-kind racing car with top drag racing. Have you ever dreamed about smoking an exotic sports car in a Volkswagen Golf 800 hp? It happens every day on the streets of N.N.

What’s new

Hey Racer!

There’s no better way to celebrate America’s Birthday than by racing in the new update!

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION: meet the new custom car and thrilling events!

UNIQUE SUBARU CARS: brought to you by the winners of the design competition.

DRIFT HOLIDAYS: cruise in Nissan R32 GT-R with a one of a kind skin.

SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY EVENTS: celebration on the high speed provided by Audi, Subaru, Koenigsegg, Bugatti, Cadillac, and

Mercedes-Benz.

Hit the gas and let the party begin!

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Tags: Android, Game, Racing

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[affordableusedcarsale-blog]

BEST AND AFFORDABLE SPORTS CARS

The word “sports” instantly provides the thought of speed, performance, more athletic looks, and advanced engineering which can make you love head over heels with sports cars.

Love speed and high-performance sports cars are your best friend and the best part there are some affordable sports cars which are worth buying.

Let’s have a look at some of the affordable sports cars

Subaru WRX

One of the most affordable sports cars in the segment with the all-wheel-drive system and delivers high performance. It is best for the rally cars and offers you a firm ride and redefined interior and exciting performance.

Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 2.0 Liter BOXER

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Horsepower: 268hp

EPA: 21city/ 27 highway

MSRP: $27,495

Ford Mustang

Muscle car looks, sporty edges and powerful performance without creating a hole in your bank account. The base model starts from $30,000 and it is one of the most affordable cars and offers a wide variety of powertrain options and body designs and styles.

Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 2.3 Liter Eco Boost

Transmission Name: 6 Speed Manual

Horsepower: 310hp

MPG: 20 City / 28 Highway

MSRP: 37,185

Hyundai Veloster

It comes under $25,000 and is one of the most affordable sports cars in the segment. The three-door hatchback has sporty references and independent suspension present in all the four corners. In other words, it’s a full package car that delivers exciting road performance. The upper trims Veloster N with performance package costs around $30,000.

Engine: 1.6L Turbo GDI Engine

Horsepower: 201hp

Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch

MSRP: $24,070

Performance package: $30,420

Chevy Camaro

Another muscle car in the list 2020 Chevy Camaro with the V6 engine and standard six-speed manual makes it a perfect match in the sports car segment.

Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 2.0 Liter

Transmission: Tremec 6 Speed Manual (TR6060)

Horsepower: 275hp

EPA 20city/ 30 highway

MSRP: $27,003

Volkswagen Golf GTI

Volkswagen Golf GTI is one of the best all-rounded performance in the hatchback car segment. The VW Golf has speed, handling, and elegant interior and costs less than the $30,000.

Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 1.4 Liter

Transmission: 6 Speed Manual

Horsepower: 147hp

EPA 29 City/ 37 Highway

MSRP: $25,627

Chevrolet Corvette

Sadly, the 2019 Chevy Corvette is the last model in the sports car generation and it truly the best sports car which will blow your mind. The classic and iconic C7 corvette will be one to have a traditional front-engine, a rear-wheel-drive layout which will make people adore it for the long haul. It offers a range of standard features, does not matter what model you buy.

Top trim ZR1 offers 755hp.

15 cubic feet of cargo space

Five-position drive mode selection

MSRP: $26,500

BMW X1

This luxury compact SUV delivers the best performance with its turbocharged engine. The X1 has a major amount of rivals which delivers powerful performance and at the same time smoothens your driving experience. It offers more seats and storage space which is less possible in other sports cars.

3 Cubic feet space

Engine: 2.0L turbocharged engine

Horsepower: 228hp

Transmission: 7-8 speed automatic

MSRP: $22,000

Porsche Boxster

It’s a full-package deal in the sports car segment as it falls under the category of luxury sports cars with a powerful engine. It offers a fun drive, subtle interiors, and maximum reliability. Boxster offers you electrifying handling and robust engine in comparison to its competitors such as Chevy Corvette.

Engine: Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4 2.5 L/152

Transmission: Manual

Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive 2.5 L/152

MPG: 20 City / 26 Hwy

MSRP: $59,000

[businessliveme]

Slow Transition to Electric Fells BMW’s CEO After Just One Term

(Bloomberg) — When BMW AG picked Harald Krueger to run the company more than four years ago, he was the perfect candidate. Young, with a personable manner and decades of experience across the company, Krueger appeared ready to guide the venerable luxury carmaker into a future of electric, self-driving and shared automobiles.

But on Friday — two weeks before his contract came up for renewal — Krueger quit. Instead of leading the company through the biggest upheaval in a generation, he was felled by the transition as he failed to provide a roadmap to the future. In his farewell note, he cited the “enormous exertion” demanded of BMW employees as the company grapples with the unprecedented demands of the shift.

In the past few years, the industry “has been shaped by enormous changes, which have brought about more transformation than in the previous 30 years,” Krueger said in the note.

Krueger, 53, inherited a company at the top of its game. Under the previous CEO — now chairman — Norbert Reithofer, BMW had outsold Mercedes-Benz and Audi for a decade. The company was a pioneer in electric vehicles with the i3 city car introduced in 2013. It was the first major automaker to use lightweight carbon fiber in mass-market models. And its traditional business of sumptuous-but-sporty sedans and SUVs was as robust as ever.

But soon after Krueger took over, sales of the i3 hit a wall, calling into question the electric push. The plan to use carbon fiber turned out to be too costly. The strong-willed Reithofer never really exited the stage. The diesel crisis that shook rival Volkswagen AG sullied the reputation of the entire German car industry, and more recently the U.S.-China trade spat has hit profits.

“The path BMW set out for Krueger wasn’t easy,” said Frank Biller, an analyst at Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg in Stuttgart. “BMW has traditionally picked executives with less emotional flair and more of a technical, engineering background. Car electrification is a very emotional topic.”

As Krueger puzzled over how to reinvent BMW for the electric age, it was almost a year before he presented his strategic vision — which was a bust. He delayed BMW’s next major electric car, effectively squandering its leadership in the field. Key engineers quit to set up an electric-vehicle startup. And to help pay for the shift, Krueger doubled down on gas-guzzling, super-charged luxury cars such as the 8-Series sports car and full-size X7 SUV.

At Krueger’s first major public appearance, at the Frankfurt car show in September 2015, the CEO collapsed on stage minutes into a presentation. He blamed the episode on dehydration and too many hours flying, but it was an apt metaphor for his leadership, and the event haunted him with obvious discomfort speaking publicly in the months that followed.

Squandered Lead

The company has since watched Daimler AG reclaim the luxury crown. Tesla Inc. has become the face of the electric-car revolution. And everyone from Ford Motor Co. to Ferrari NV is rushing to develop electric models, with scores of new offerings scheduled to hit the market in the next five years.

“BMW took its head start in electric cars for granted and then failed to hit the accelerator again when needed,” said Christian Ludwig, an analyst at Bankhaus Lampe in Bielefeld, Germany.

Krueger’s departure serves as a warning to the new executives running at least a half-dozen of the industry’s top companies. Electric vehicles offer nowhere near the same returns as combustion vehicles. And selling electrics remains a struggle without major incentives as consumers balk at patchy charging infrastructure, high prices and limited driving range.

  Like Krueger, most of the new executives come from engineering backgrounds. But they’ll be required to master technology-driven trends such as ride-hailing, while contending with Silicon Valley giants like Tesla, which is aiming at BMW’s bread-and-butter 3-Series sedan and VW’s Golf with its Model 3, and Waymo, the self-driving unit of Alphabet Inc.

Profit Warnings

At Daimler, new CEO Ola Kallenius, 50, issued the company’s third profit warning in a year, citing provisions to cover recalls of diesel cars that need upgrades to improve emission technology. He took over from Dieter Zetsche in May. At Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, CEO Mike Manley failed in an attempted merger with Renault SA that would have delivered much-needed electric technology Fiat eschewed under Sergio Marchionne, the long-serving CEO who died last year.

Krueger’s likely successor, Oliver Zipse, 55, is another insider with a similar career path. Like Krueger, Zipse worked at BMW’s Mini operations in England, and then served as global head of production. Zipse is a champion of BMW’s strategy of keeping factories as flexible as possible, making hybrid and electric models alongside combustion cars around the world. That aligns him with Krueger, who in May defended his cautious approach on electric cars, saying no one knew how fast they’d take over or which technology might win out.

“We have taken numerous decisions that we are now bringing to the road,” Krueger said at a June presentation. “By 2021, we will have doubled our sales of electrified vehicles compared with 2019.”

The post Slow Transition to Electric Fells BMW’s CEO After Just One Term appeared first on Businessliveme.com.

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Avaliação: Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline é familiar com boa pegada

Ele surgiu primeiro na China como uma exigência local por espaço, mas se tornou uma opção ideal para quem queria levar mais gente com algum conforto. Assim, o Tiguan “padrão” ficou na Europa e ganhamos o Allspace, essa citada versão longa de nossa avaliação.

Também feito no México, o Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, aqui em sua versão Comfortline, surge como uma alternativa para quem tem família grande e quer um carro confortável, espaçoso e com bagageiro para levar tudo e mais alguma coisa.

Com preço sugerido de R$ 149.990, o Tiguan Comfortline está numa faixa altamente disputada por players como o Chevrolet Equinox, por exemplo, seu maior rival em vendas. Mas, este VW tem sete assentos e isso faz a diferença.

Embora tenha motor 1.4 TSI de 150 cavalos, o Tiguan Comfortline não parece ser exatamente um carro fraco para seu porte e peso, o que vai surpreender muita gente.

Não por acaso, as vendas do modelo como um todo são interessantes: 5.771 vendidos em 2018 e 3.296 até abril, sem contar que no último mês, emplacou 1.324 contra 827 de março…

Por fora…

Visualmente, o Tiguan Comfortline é um exemplo de design conservador e de manutenção do DNA de marca. As linhas podem ser remetidas até os anos 70, dependendo do ponto de vista.

Ele não chama atenção apenas por ser grande, mas por detalhes como as enormes portas traseiras, onde está a diferença para o europeu.

As colunas C largas e caídas até as lanternas você já viu em outros VW no passado, por exemplo.

Fiel à Bauhaus, a marca imprimiu elementos atuais para fazer a diferença, como uma frente com faróis grandes e duplos de LED, assim como a grade com frisos cromados e marcantes.

Como o conjunto ótico é baixo, o Tiguan Allspace não parece tão parrudo e alto, mas é somente impressão.

Na traseira, as lanternas em bumerangue possuem feixes de LED e a vigia é bem ampla.

Detalhes como rodas aro 18 e barras no teto realçam a proposta dessa versão que, no entanto, não abusa de cromados, deixando-os na base das portas e área envidraçada.

O teto solar panorâmico é um opcional desejável por R$ 4.000.

Por dentro…

Com interior bem amplo e iluminado por LEDs, o VW Tiguan Comfortline acomoda bem quem vai à frente e no meio.

Atrás, é preciso empurrar a segunda fileira para que um adulto possa sentar nos dois pequenos bancos, mas isso limita quem vai ao meio.

Até quem está na frente precisa ser um pouco generoso no recuo do banco para um conforto democrático a bordo. O acesso à terceira fileira é facilitado pelo recuo rápido e descomplicado da segunda. O ambiente tem bom revestimento em couro nos bancos e portas.

Já o banco do motorista tem ajustes elétricos e três memórias, enquanto o teto solar panorâmico deixa o ambiente mais iluminado e convidativo, mas para quem está na segunda fileira, o conforto é maior.

Isso porque nos encostos dianteiros, existem mesinhas retráteis com porta-copos escamoteáveis.

Bastam apenas aquelas telas de entretenimento para a criançada não se entediar com a viagem, diferente de quem está ao volante.

Difusores de ar e ajuste de temperatura na segunda fileira aumentam o conforto, enquanto duas entradas USB e fonte de energia alimentarão o entretenimento dos ocupantes ali.

Um apoio de braço central vem com porta-copos também. Com a terceira fileira erguida, são 216 litros para pequenas bagagens, mas com estes assentos rebatidos, o volume pula para bons 686 litros.

Não há acionamento elétrico da tampa, mas ela não é pesada. Puxadores nas laterais do bagageiro derrubam os bancos da segunda fileira.

O painel do Tiguan Comfortline segue o padrão VW com acabamento escurecido e, nesse caso, detalhes em cinza brilhante, inclusive nas portas.

O cluster é analógico, pois, o digital só está disponível no potente R-Line. Não é ruim, entrega o que o motorista deseja, incluindo alguns avisos importantes.

A multimídia Discover Media tem sensor de aproximação e tela de 8 polegadas, oferecendo Google Android Auto, Apple Car Play e MirrorLink no AppConnect.

Também vem com navegador GPS nativo e câmera de ré. No porta-luvas, slots para SD Card e CD/DVD. O ar condicionado é tri zone e o controle de cruzeiro tem limitador de velocidade.

No geral, o Tiguan Comfortline atende bem em seu interior.

Por ruas e estradas…

No desempenho, o Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline se mostra um carro bem mais ágil do que se pode esperar.

Mesmo com seus 1.598 kg, o SUV mexicano não se ressente de ter “somente” 150 cavalos a 5.000 rpm e 25,5 kgfm a 1.400 rpm.

Esses são os números de um dos motores mais elogiados do mercado, o EA211 1.4 TSI – que aqui é flex – sendo o propulsor feito em São Carlos-SP muito elástico, ele oferece sempre sua força máxima na maior parte do tempo, mantendo o pico de torque até 3.500 rpm.

Embora haja um leve turbo lag de início, o VW Tiguan Comfortline pode ser guiado de qualquer forma, seja com o pé lá em cima para poupar combustível ou mesmo ir sem pressa, como também responde prontamente para uma pegada mais agressiva do condutor.

Com turbocompressor, intercooler e injeção direta de combustível, o EA211 permite ao Tiguan 250 TSI explorar bem sua força com saídas vigorosas e até empolgantes. Basta apertar o pé para que ele reaja como se estivesse em um Golf.

A dinâmica de condução é muito parecida, mesmo sendo este um SUV enorme de 4,70 m e com sete assentos.

Aquela pegada com reações imediatas de aceleração e direção deixa o Tiguan Allspace com uma dirigibilidade superior ao do rival da Chevrolet.

Boa parte disso se deve ao excelente câmbio de dupla embreagem DSG de seis marchas e discos banhados a óleo, que garantem mudanças rápidas e suaves no melhor tempo, extraindo ao máximo o que o motor oferece, sem perda de giro.

Com condução prazerosa, o Tiguan 250 TSI pode ser bem exigido, indo dos 2.000 rpm até 6.500 rpm em poucos segundos, convertendo o SUV de sete assentos quase num hatch esportivo. Ele vai de 0 a 100 km/h em 9,5 segundos e tem máxima de 198 km/h.

Rodando a 110 km/h, nota-se facilmente as relações mais curtas do DSG, apontando para 2.300 rpm.

Uma sétima marcha faria o giro cair para a casa de 2.000 rpm. Mesmo assim, o SUV da VW não é um carro beberrão.

Na estrada, conseguimos média de 14,3 km/l, enquanto na cidade ficou em 10,9 km/l. Ambos com gasolina é claro.

Na estrada, o Tiguan Comfortline sobra, mesmo com lotação máxima. Nas ultrapassagens, o giro sobe e a disposição vai ao mesmo nível, diferente dos utilitários aspirados, que gritam muito e reagem pouco.

As retomadas também são animadoras para um carro grande com motor pequeno. Na mesma tocada, a dirigibilidade acompanha.

A direção elétrica é muito direta e progressiva na medida que o condutor exige do pedal, dando assim maior sensação de controle.

Outro ponto é o conjunto de suspensão, bem acertado com rodas aro 18 e pneus 235/55 R18, que mantêm o Tiguan Allspace bem em situações como mudanças rápidas de direção, curvas fechadas e frenagem forte.

No asfalto, desliza com suavidade. Em pisos ruins, filtra razoavelmente a maior parte dos defeitos da via.

Mesmo cheio, não tem tendência de sair de traseira de forma exagerada. O Tiguan se mostra ser um SUV “mais no chão” do que os concorrentes nessa faixa de preço.

O Tiguan Comfortline dispõe de todo o conjunto de segurança padrão, o que inclui seis airbags, TCS, ESP, Hill Holder e o XDS, que é o bloqueio eletrônico do diferencial. Aliás, toda essa performance boa deste SUV tem somente tração nas rodas dianteiras.

Por você…

No começo, pareceu caro. Ainda continua, mas observando o que existe na faixa de R$ 150 mil, o Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Comfortline 250 TSI (nome tão longo quanto o carro…) é uma opção muito desejável. Com o teto, ele fica em R$ 153.990.

Na mesma faixa, o JAC T8 com tudo dentro sai por R$ 151.980. Este foca numa impressão de luxo e no sistema de som, tendo motor 2.0 Turbo mais potente e até a dupla embreagem, mas não com a mesma resposta desse 1.4 TSI do Tiguan Comfortline.

O Chevrolet Equinox LT custa praticamente o mesmo: R$ 149.890 e tem um motor muito “possante” com 262 cavalos e 37 kgfm, mas é mais familiar e comedido em dirigibilidade, apesar do que carrega no cofre. Além disso, não tem sete lugares.

Em resumo, o VW Tiguan Comfortline é uma opção que alia não só espaço e conforto, como capacidade para uma família maior com bom desempenho e economia.

Vale a pena partir nessa direção se o alvo estiver dentro das necessidades.

Medidas e números…

Ficha Técnica do Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Comfortline 250 TSI 2019

Motor/Transmissão

Número de cilindros – 4 em linha, turbo, flex

Cilindrada – 1.395 cm³

Potência – 150 cv a 5.000 rpm (gasolina/etanol)

Torque – 25,5 kgfm a 1.400 rpm (gasolina/etanol)

Transmissão – Automatizada de dupla embreagem com seis marchas com mudanças na alavanca e no volante

Tração – Dianteira

Desempenho

Aceleração de 0 a 100 km/h – 9,5 segundos

Velocidade máxima – 195 km/h

Rotação a 110 km/h – 2.300 rpm

Consumo urbano – 10,9 km/litro

Consumo rodoviário – 14,3 km/litro

Suspensão/Direção

Dianteira – McPherson/Traseira – Multilink

Elétrica

Freios

Discos dianteiros e traseiros com ABS e EDB

Rodas/Pneus

Liga leve aro 18 com pneus 235/55 R18

Dimensões/Pesos/Capacidades

Comprimento – 4.701 mm

Largura – 1.839 mm (sem retrovisores)

Altura – 1.658 mm

Entre eixos – 2.790 mm

Peso em ordem de marcha – 1.598 kg

Tanque – 58 litros

Porta-malas – 216/686 litros (5L/7L)

Preço: R$ 149.990 (básico) – R$ 153.990 (versão avaliada)

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Comfortline 250 TSI 2019 – Galeria de fotos

© Noticias Automotivas. A notícia Avaliação: Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline é familiar com boa pegada é um conteúdo original do site Notícias Automotivas.

Avaliação: Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline é familiar com boa pegada publicado primeiro em https://www.noticiasautomotivas.com.br

[superautoreviews]

Volkswagen Tiguan 2020 Interior, Exterior, Price, Engine

New Post has been published on https://www.vwcartrend.com/volkswagen-tiguan-2020-interior-exterior-price-engine/

Volkswagen Tiguan 2020 Interior, Exterior, Price, Engine

Volkswagen Tiguan 2020 Interior, Exterior, Price, Engine – The new Volkswagen Tiguan 2020 characteristics a larger sized wheelbase and comes with the profile of the 3 rd row. Of course, the VW has revamped some other attributes to make sure the new Tiguan lifestyles up to the popularity. The Tiguan has without doubt been just one of the best trying to sell models by the impressive car manufacturer Volkswagen. It offers bought in many market segments in large numbers, and the loyalist base is quite significant. Nonetheless, there is no doubt the simple fact that the vehicle is at considerably will need of a facelift. With competition expanding in quantity and wish to triumph over the limited existence in the US sector. The VW has bounced rear with a revamped Tiguan planned to be available as 2020 model. It joins cousin Atlas to combat it with rivals from stables of Ford and Honda.

Volkswagen Tiguan 2020 Exterior

The Volkswagen Tiguan 2020 is going to be the bigger car than the predecessor. Based on the industry, it will probably be started sometimes as the Tiguan or Tiguan Allspice. It gives the platform with sisters and brothers like VW Golfing and Audi Q3, and needless to say, the MQB platform has recently got many applauds. Overall, the new car is pretty much 10 inches beyond the 2017 model. There are Swanky LED front lights and slender upper grille in addition to reduced air intake cavity. It will get body claddings that put to the rugged appearance.

Volkswagen Tiguan 2020 Exterior

Volkswagen Tiguan 2020 Interior

The cabin of approaching Volkswagen Tiguan 2020 is proceeding to be the two sensible and chic. The hike in wheelbase gives advantages both for front side and 2nd-row passengers. It is higher than the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan Rogue. As predicted. The legroom and headroom in the next row are not intended for big older people but at the least legroom might be enhanced by adjusting the 2nd row of car seats. The freight sound level also gets an improve. The Volkswagen Tiguan 2020 is moving to be imbued in security features, and the same can probably be said about the services it comes with. The infotainment system is appropriate for Apple company CarPlay and Google Android Auto. Furthermore, it works with 12-volt energy Bluetooth, USB and plug-ins and Global positioning system navigation. Top notch trims get the 8″ exhibit system.

Volkswagen Tiguan 2020 Interior

Volkswagen Tiguan 2020 Engine

The Tiguan could get a lot of powertrain selections. The Western shoppers, thus, could get eight engine possibilities to choose from. Four of these is going to be TDI turbo diesel systems even though remainder four will be TSI gas engines. In the USA, the model will likely be mailed with 2.-liter TSI gas product that is used in pre-existing Tiguan. The VW has not explained very much about the fuel efficiency of these engines, but they should be improved. A single Aisin eight-speed automatic gearbox is going to be used. You will see five travel settings- ordinary, snow, and specific off-road and the like.

Volkswagen Tiguan 2020 Engine

Volkswagen Tiguan 2020 Release Date And Price

The VW failed to disclose the charges of Volkswagen Tiguan 2020, but it will be hiked very much, offered the dense competitors within this sector. The low-end trim can be listed unique to $27.000. The top toned could be charged close to $38.000. It will eventually prepare for release at the end of 2019 or more. The VW has its dreams pinned on the impending Volkswagen Tiguan 2020. It needs to place the problems caused by the Dieselgate fiasco at relaxing. Aside from, the company is also preparing to introduction Atlas, another committed model.

[roadwatcheu]

Lo típico que pruebas el nuevo Volkswagen Golf 8 y te lo llevas a un McDonald's para que alguien le saque fotos

Lo típico que pruebas el nuevo Volkswagen Golf 8 y te lo llevas a un McDonald’s para que alguien le saque fotos

La nueva generación del Volkswagen Golf está al caer. El inminente Volkswagen Golf 8 tiene todos los números para ser el plato estrella del Salón de Ginebra 2019, que se celebrará del 7 al 17 de marzo.

Aunque ya hace mucho que el Golf tiene rivales por los que preocuparse, empezando por su propia casa con el SEAT León, pero sin quitar un ojo a los hermanos coreanos Kia y Hyundaini a los…

[beautyandthewolffanfic]

2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo review: Fleet and fun in a practical package

New Post has been published on http://www.dailygadgets.net/2019-hyundai-veloster-turbo-review-fleet-and-fun-in-a-practical-package/

2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo review: Fleet and fun in a practical package

The basic job description for a hot hatchback is straightforward enough, even if it comprises somewhat opposite demands. Such a car has to engage and thrill the driver whenever traffic clears or the road gets twisty, and maybe even handle an occasional trip to an open track day. Yet it also needs to deliver respectable fuel economy, a compliant ride and a quiet enough cabin that it can be your only car, day-in, day-out.

The first Hyundai Veloster Turbo did an OK job at satisfying all those requirements, but it didn’t particularly excel at either side of the coin. With the funky hatchback now in its second generation, however, Hyundai has doubled down on both the sportiness and sensibility of its turbocharged compact.

Here comes the fun

The Turbo suffix obviously refers to this car’s engine, a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four offering up 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, the latter from just 1,500 rpm. An overboost function temporarily cranks that torque rating up to 202 pound-feet during maximum acceleration. That’s comparable horsepower to most rival cars; obvious competitors to the Veloster Turbo include the Volkswagen Golf GTI (220 horsepower), Ford Focus ST (252 horsepower) and Honda Civic Si (205 horsepower).

The Turbo model’s output is also, incidentally, a nice middle-ground in the Hyundai Veloster’s overall powertrain lineup. The base car’s 2.0-liter inline-four offers 147 horsepower, while the racy Veloster N will pack 275 horsepower when it goes on sale at the end of this year.

On the road all that power and torque is delivered easily and often. The turbocharger spools quickly, without any of the off-the-line laziness that afflicts some of this car’s competition. Instead, you get a frenetic, urgent punch all the way through the rev range. Unfortunately, the rev limiter comes on quite early and, at least seemingly, before the rev marks on the tach, so pay attention when hurtling through the short first gear. The engine’s abundantly torquey nature also means you don’t really need to do a whole lot of downshifting; accelerating in sixth on the highway is plenty feasible.

The car’s signature asymmetrical door arrangement continues into this second-generation model.

Nick Miotke/Roadshow

Working the six-speed manual transmission is a joy, amplified by the lovely mechanical feel of the B&M-developed linkage that’s unique to this R-Spec trim level. It works hand-in-hand with the positive, weighty feel of the clutch uptake. The large, round metal shift knob — also exclusive to the Turbo R-Spec — is delightful to hold, though it gets toasty after the car has sat in the sun and will likely be chilly on winter mornings.

Small matter: running the Veloster Turbo through the gears is a joy, especially thanks to the very short shift throws and pedals that facilitate heel-toe maneuvers. The tight gate spacing is mostly fine for city driving, too, though in the first few-dozen miles of city driving it’s not impossible to find fourth gear instead of second when downshifting.

Hyundai’s engineers have tuned a just-right chassis for the Turbo, with well-damped body motions and well-controlled roll. To reduce understeer, the stability control automatically squeezes the car’s inside brakes during tight bends. Though there’s no limited-slip differential to keep the engine’s torque in check, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires provide more than enough grip for street driving in every direction. One caveat is that the sticky rubber comes only on manual-transmission Turbos. Equip the optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and you instead get all-season tires, which is yet another reason to pick the stick.

Though a seven-speed dual-clutch is optional, get the manual: This shifter feels great to hold and great to use.

Nick Miotke/Roadshow

The Veloster’s suspension offers a typical hot-hatch ride quality: firm with some jarring over major bumps, but complaint enough that I’d be happy taking an all-day road trip or commuting in this car 12 months a year.

For all the quickness and directness in the steering gear, almost no feedback is transmitted back to my fingertips. And though stopping power is plentiful, the middle pedal’s soft feel doesn’t provide the braking confidence of competing cars. I also wish for a more evocative engine note. Though you can turn up the Active Engine Sound option to artificially augment the sound track, some more genuine exhaust snarl and intake honk would be welcome. The upshot is, however, that the Veloster’s cabin is calm and quiet enough to a good commuter — albeit with some engine drone and wind noise on the highway.

It’s also a sensible car

When you’re done hooning around, fuel economy is quite respectable. The Veloster Turbo is rated for 26 miles per gallon city and 33 mpg highway with the manual transmission (or 28/34 mpg with the dual-clutch). Those figures proved easily attainable in my test, and are midpack among similarly priced and similarly powerful competitors (better than a GTI or Focus ST, not as good as the ultra-thrifty Civic Si).

The back seat fits just two people, but they should be comfortable enough back there.

Nick Miotke/Roadshow

The Veloster’s hatchback design also gives lots of practicality. While the exterior design results in a pretty high liftover height, cargo space of 19.9 cubic feet is close to what major rivals offer behind their back seats. Unfortunately, the 60/40 seats don’t quite fold flat, leaving a noticeable lip in the cargo area. That’s not to say it’s not practical, though: With the back seats folded, I can fit a bicycle in the cargo area (with the front wheel removed) just as easily as in, say, a GTI.

There’s enough leg- and headroom for adults to sit in the rear seat comfortably, but do note that there are just two seatbelts in back — this is a four-seater hatch where most rivals will fit five people. And it’s a bit of a hassle to remember that there’s only a rear door on the passenger’s side. Either make your friends all slide out of that side, or tilt the driver’s seat forward and have them squeeze through that coupe-style opening.

The rest of the Veloster’s cabin is smartly finished, with R-Spec models dressed up in tasteful amounts of yellow accents, a subtle checkered-flag motif on the passenger-side dash and snug-yet-comfortable gray cloth seats. Sure, the door panels wear a lot of unexciting black plastic, but overall the interior feels sporty without being over-the-top. There’s phone storage ahead of the shifter, two useful cupholders and a decently sized center console compartment.

In terms of instrumentation, the Turbo R-Spec keeps it simple with analog dials and a trip computer. The speedometer’s scale changes above 40 miles per hour to give better resolution at low speeds but a 160-mph max reading, a trick you’ll see on other sporty cars but confusing at first glance. The 8-inch infotainment system is a cinch to use, whether you tap through the on-screen menus or use the physical shortcut buttons (you can program the star button to whatever shortcut you desire). Though built-in navigation is relegated to the pricier Turbo Ultimate trim, you can use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to navigate via your smartphone. Moreover, the standard audio system sounds great, with lots of punch and clarity.

As to visual signifiers on the outside, look to black 18-inch wheels, a big roof spoiler, a center-exit dual exhaust and a red accent on the front fascia. The Veloster’s sloped roofline and relatively low height (2.7 inches shorter than a VW GTI, for instance) help make the car look smaller than it is from the outside. R-Spec models have five color choices; while this tester’s Thunder Gray is mature and understated, I like that a fun Sunset Orange hue is offered for more visual pop.

How I’d spec it

Although the R-Spec is fairly sparsely equipped, it’s still the Veloster Turbo model I’d pick with my own money. At just $23,785 with destination, it represents outstanding value for this type of performance hatchback. Notably, it features pre-collision braking and lane-keep assist as standard, while neither is standard on rivals like a Focus ST, GTI or even the Civic Si. On the other hand, you don’t get heated seats, power seats, a sunroof, automatic climate control or any other active-safety tech. You can get all those by upgrading to the Turbo Ultimate (heated seats, a sunroof, wireless phone charging, HUD, etc), though it’s pricier at $27,535 with the manual or $29,035 with a dual-clutch transmission.

The most obvious praise for the 2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo is that it requires no disclaimers. This isn’t simply a car that is better than before or that presents great value for money. It’s genuinely a ton of fun to drive, both around city streets and when you open it up on twistier roads. Yet it has the composure, maturity and practicality to be an everyday driver without fuss. All that adds up to a great, affordable hot hatchback.

Jake’s Comparable Picks

[eddiejpoplar]

First-Half U.S. 2018 Auto Sales Are Down Slightly from Last Year

How to handle General Motors’ move to quarterly U.S. auto sales reports? It’s the number-one automaker in the country, and will likely lead others to do the same over the next year.

But most of GM’s rivals list monthly numbers, and year-to-date numbers, and I could never get this web column out in time if I had to add up the last three months’ numbers for every other automaker and its individual models. So from now on, this column will compare cumulative sales for the year. This column compares numbers for the first half of the year, for everyone, and the percentage change, up/down, is compared with sales for the first half of 2017.

Next report will be in October, comparing sales for the first three quarters of the year, and after that comes the annual sales report, which will be in January 2019.

I’ve covered car sales for more than a decade, first at motortrend.com, because I think good knowledge of what cars and trucks people are buying can give you a good hint at what automakers will be building within the next five years. It’s also a reminder that sports cars, and the proverbial diesel stick-shift station wagon, are for enthusiasts and not for the mass markets. We have to hope that automakers that still build sports cars are selling sufficient amounts of compact sport/utilities to fund enthusiasts’ favorites.

Toyota says the Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate is running in the high 16-million range, down from the low 17s of a year ago.

And so, to the numbers …

1. General Motors: 1,474,170, up 4.2 percent.

Chevrolet division was up 5.2 percent, to 1,019,019, with Silverado accounting for 291,074, up 10.7 percent, and Suburban at 29,861, up 19.9 percent. Tahoe sales for the first half were 50,523, up 12.3 percent.

Equinox is Chevy’s second-bestseller, and was up 17.2 percent, to 156,365. Among Chevy sedans, Cruze, at 77,691, off 26.1 percent, narrowly outsold Malibu, off 8.9 percent, to 76,417.

Among Green Chevys, Bolt, at 7,858, up 3.5 percent, edged out Volt, off 28.5 percent, to 7,814. Corvette plunged 25.3 percent, to 10,242. GMC was up 2.4 percent, to 269,507, with Sierra up 1.7 percent, to 100,874, and Yukon/XL up 1.1 percent, to 34,522. Acadia was off 10.7 percent, to 50,008.

Buick sales for the half dropped 0.6 percent, to 109,659. Encore was its bestseller, up 14.9 percent, to 48,635. Encore was next, up 15.3 percent, to 48,635. Envision was off 25.7 percent, to 16,814 and the new Regal, including the TourX, spiked by 26.7 percent, to 8,215.

Cadillac sales moved up 5.4 percent, to 75,949, led by bestseller XT5, up 7 percent, to 31,890. XTS was the biggest gainer, up 16.2 percent, to 8,563. Escalade was up 4 percent, to 17,766, and brand icon CT6 was off 9.3 percent, to 4,894.

2. Ford Motor Company: 1,277,691, off 1.8 percent.

Divisional split was 1,227,422 for Ford, off 1.4 percent, and 50,269 for Lincoln, down 10.8 percent.

Ford’s F-Series pickup was up 4.9 percent for the half, to 451,138, a 59,190-unit lead over the Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra combo.

Ford Mustang leads #PonyCarWars, at 42,428, off 4.9 percent, and with Dodge Challenger, at 37,367, up 4 percent. Chevy Camaro dropped 30.6 percent for the half, to 25,380.

Ford Expedition was down 10.2 percent, to 27,934, while Lincoln Navigator spiked up 82.4 percent, to 9,115.

Escape is Ford’s next-bestseller, though off 7.9 percent, to 144,627. Explorer was off 6.5 percent, to 110,805, Edge slid 4.5 percent, to 68,048 and Ford sold 23,610 of its new EcoSport b-segment CUVs.

Ford Fusion was down 18.9 percent, to 86,978, and Focus fell 9.2 percent, to 75,1010.

MKX was Lincoln’s bestseller for the half, at 13,470, off 13.1 percent, and edging out MKC, off 8.7 percent, to 12,289.

Lincoln MKZ dropped 32.5 percent, to 9,675 and Continental plunged 28.3 percent, to 4,478.

3. Toyota Motor Sales: 1,189,312, up 3 percent.

Toyota Division sales for the half rose 3.2 percent, to 1,054,312 as Lexus edged up 0.9 percent, to 135,000.

Toyota says its Camry remains the bestselling car in the U.S., up 1.1 percent, to 178,795. RAV4 sales were stronger, though, up 7.4 percent, to 198,392.

Corolla was off 8.5 percent, to 161,462 and Prius was off 16.2 percent, to 46,171.

Tundra sales for the half was up 4 percent, to 55,792, and Tacoma was up 22.9 percent, to 116,266.

Lexus remains the RX brand, as first-half sales for that SUV rose 7.1 percent, to 50,051, including the new three-row RX L. NX was up 10.2 percent, to 28,672.

Lexus ES was off 8.7 percent, to 19,901, in the midst of a model changeover.

Lexus LS sales surged 135.5 percent with the new model, to 4,369.

4. Fiat Chrysler: 1,115,476, up 5 percent.

Jeep, Jeep, it’s all-Jeep. Sales of the brand jumped 22 percent, to 495,022. Even Ram was off 7 percent for the half, to 260,341.

Dodge fell 4 percent, to 250,933, Chrysler dropped 13 percent, to 88,630, and Fiat plunged 44 percent, to 8,285. Alfa Romeo was up 230 percent, but that was to just 12,265.

Jeep sold 35-percent more Wranglers in the first half of ’18, versus the first half of ’17, to 133,492. Cherokee was up 40 percent, to 113,719 and Grand Cherokee dipped 6 percent, to 109.313.

Jeep Compass was up 240 percent, to 87,510, while Renegade fell 5 percent, to 50,439.

Ram pickup fell 7 percent, to 233,539, in the midst of a model changeover.

Chrysler Pacifica sales rose 6 percent, to 63,024, as 300 was off 13 percent, to 24,707.

Dodge Charger was off 4 percent (see #PonyCarWars under Ford sales for Challenger), to 41,406 and Journey was down 8 percent, to 52,309.

Dodge sold 14 Vipers, down 97 percent.

Fiat 500X was down 19 percent, to 3,225, as 500 fell 70 percent, to 2,262, and 124 Spider dropped 24 percent, to 1,894.

Alfa’s Giulia, up 83 percent, to 6,362, outsold the new Stelvio, which posted 5,769 sales for the first half.

5. American Honda, 787,824, off 0.5 percent.

Honda was off 0.4 percent, to 715,171 and Acura was off 1.6 percent, to 72,653.

Honda CR-V led Accord and Civic, off 4.1 percent, to 179,580.

The expanded Civic lineup was up 0.3 percent, to 176,242.

Accord was down 13.6 percent, to 138,290.

RDX led Acura sales, up 8.1 percent, to 27,322. MDX was off 7 percent, to 21,900. TLX was off 11.4 percent, to 16,890.

6. Nissan Group: 780,695, off 4.8 percent.

Nissan division was off 4.3 percent, to 708,525 and Infiniti was off 8.8 percent, to 72,170.

Rogue was up 10 percent, to 215,202.

Nissan Altima was off 15.4 percent, to 123,792, and Sentra was up 2.8 percent, to 115,676.

Nissan Leaf sales fell 8.1 percent, to 6,659.

QX60 led Infiniti sales, up 21.3 percent, to 22,176, while Q50 was next, off 2.3 percent, to 19,157.

7. Hyundai: 335,048, off 3.3 percent.

Hyundai brand was off 2.6 percent, to 327,786 and Genesis was down 26.7 percent, to 7,262.

The Elantra compact sedan remains Hyundai’s bestseller, by far, though off 0.5 percent, to 99,728.

Tucson was up 35.3 percent, to 69,949. Santa Fe slipped 1.4 percent, to 59,185.

The electrified Ionics had a good half, up 76.2 percent, to 8,599. Hyundai has sold 15,193 Konas, year-to-date.

Genesis G80 was down 26.2 percent, to 5,646, and G90 was off 28.3 percent, to 1,616.

8. Subaru: 322,860, up 5.9 percent.

Outback is bestseller, up 5.5 percent to 90,978.

Forester was off 9.9 percent, to 79,277, while Crosstrek was up 71.1 percent, to 74,475.

WRX/STI was off 7.1 percent, to 15,038. BRZ was down 14.4 percent, to 1,966.

9. Kia: 293,563, off 0.7 percent.

Forte led sales, off 7.4 percent to 54,400, with Sorento up 5 percent, to 52,760.

Soul was off 5.8 percent, to 50,032.

Niro was up 12 percent, to 14,203, and outsold Hyundai Ionics by 5,604.

K900 was down 30.3 percent, to 175, but Kia sold 8,638 of its new Stingers.

10. Mercedes-Benz USA: 176,408, off 1.9 percent.

Slipping sales this year place Mercedes plus vans and smart just 386 units ahead of BMW at the halfway point. The Mercedes brand, excluding vans, was off 1.9 percent, to 158,848.

GLC-Class leads, up 78.2 percent, to 35,145. C-Class sales fell 30.3 percent, to 29,659.

GLE was off 15.2 percent, to 22,741, and GLA was up 17.4 percent, to 12,162, while E-Class/CLS dropped 5.3 percent, to 23,440.

CLA-Class was up 37.9 percent, to 11,716.

S-Class was up 11.1 percent, to 8,425.

Vans were up 7 percent, to 16,910 and Smart brand plummeted 67.2 percent, to just 650 cars in the first half of the year.

11. BMW Group: 176,022, up 2.8 percent.

BMW brand was up 2.9 percent, to 153,386. Mini was up 1.9 percent, to 22,636.

Three models all were in the 24k range. X3 was up 1.6 percent, to 24,750, X5 was off 0.9 percent, to 24,376 and 3 Series was off 12.7 percent, to 24,180.

The 4 Series, which has outsold 3 Series in certain months, was down 22.6 percent, to 15,758.

Countryman led Mini sales, up 48.6 percent to 9,459. The Cooper/S Hardtop 2 Door was off 10.8 percent, to 4,861.

12. Volkswagen: 172,898, up 7.2 percent.

VW’s second-half of ’18 success is all thanks to the new Tiguan and Atlas SUVs.

VW sold 28,158 Atlases, up from 4,023 as production began early in ’17.

It sold 46,102 of its new Tiguans and 9,293 Tiguan Limiteds, up 226 percent versus the old Tiguans last year.

All major car lines were down. Jetta was off 40.5 percent, to 33,023, Passat fell 36.4 percent, to 22,356, Golf was down 36.6 percent, to 24,257 and Beetle was off 9.7 percent, to 7967.

13. Mazda: 163,924, up 15.7 percent.

The CX-5 compact SUV is a runaway hit, up 40.1 percent for the half, to 81,012. It outsold the VW Atlas and ’18 Tiguan, combined, by 6,752.

MX-5 Miata was off 32.7 percent, to 4,691.

CX-9 was up 21.5 percent, to 14,716, and CX-3 was up 26.5 percent, to 9,627.

Mazda3 was off 10.1 percent, to 35,796.

14. Audi: 107,942, up 4.8 percent.

Q5 was up 12 percent, to 28,951, outselling VW Atlas by 793.

Q7 was up 6 percent to 17,763, and Q3 was up 17 percent, to 10,636.

A4 was off 1 percent to 18,397, while A5 was up 102 percent to 13,592. A3 slipped 22 percent, to 9,731.

15. Mitsubishi: 67,327, up 23.4 percent.

On track to eclipse the 100k mark this year, Mitsubishi is led by Outlander, up 30.6 percent, to 23,506. Outlander Sport was up 48.8 percent, to 22,415.

Mitsubishi sold 2,966 Eclipse Crosses in the first half of the year.

Mirage was off 3.7 percent, to 13,185.

16. Jaguar/Land Rover: 59,566, up 5 percent.

Jaguar is off 28 percent for the year so far, to 14,787, while Land Rover is up 25 percent, to 44,779.

The Land Rover Range Rover is of 2 percent, to 9,438, but 8,812 new Velars were sold in the first half. F-Pace is off 24 percent, to 7,252, while the new E-Pace claimed 1,426 sales.

XE was off 48 percent, to 2,663 and F-Type was off 47 percent, to 1,219.

17. Volvo: 47,622, up 39.6 percent.

The XC90 still leads the marque’s sales, at 15,974, up 32.8 percent.

The XC60 was next, up 66 percent to 14,790, of which 14,551 were the new model.

Volvo sold 5,098 XC40s in the first half.

V90 sales were 182, up 1,200 percent, but the CC version was up 26.9 percent, to 1,131.

18. Porsche: 29,421, up 6.7 percent.

Macan led at 11,650, up 9.5 percent.

Cayenne was of 25.3 percent, to 5,275, while 911 was up 10.8 percent, to 4,871.

Luxury/Premium Marques, YTD:

1.) Mercedes-Benz 158,848 2.) BMW 153,386 3.) Lexus 135,000 4.) Audi 107,942 5.) Cadillac 75,949

Mazda MX-5/Fiat 124 Spider: 6,585 (-30.5%) Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ: 4,254 (-29.5%)

Midsize cars, YTD:

1.) Toyota Camry 178,795 2.) Honda Accord 138,290 2.) Nissan Altima 123,792 4.) Ford Fusion 86,978 5.) Chevrolet Malibu 76,417

Compact CUVs, YTD:

1.) Nissan Rogue 215,202 2.) Toyota RAV4 198,392 3.) Honda CR-V 179,580 4.) Chevrolet Equinox 156,365 5.) Ford Escape 144,627

The post First-Half U.S. 2018 Auto Sales Are Down Slightly from Last Year appeared first on Automobile Magazine.

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[jonathanbelloblog]

First-Half U.S. 2018 Auto Sales Are Down Slightly from Last Year

How to handle General Motors’ move to quarterly U.S. auto sales reports? It’s the number-one automaker in the country, and will likely lead others to do the same over the next year.

But most of GM’s rivals list monthly numbers, and year-to-date numbers, and I could never get this web column out in time if I had to add up the last three months’ numbers for every other automaker and its individual models. So from now on, this column will compare cumulative sales for the year. This column compares numbers for the first half of the year, for everyone, and the percentage change, up/down, is compared with sales for the first half of 2017.

Next report will be in October, comparing sales for the first three quarters of the year, and after that comes the annual sales report, which will be in January 2019.

I’ve covered car sales for more than a decade, first at motortrend.com, because I think good knowledge of what cars and trucks people are buying can give you a good hint at what automakers will be building within the next five years. It’s also a reminder that sports cars, and the proverbial diesel stick-shift station wagon, are for enthusiasts and not for the mass markets. We have to hope that automakers that still build sports cars are selling sufficient amounts of compact sport/utilities to fund enthusiasts’ favorites.

Toyota says the Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate is running in the high 16-million range, down from the low 17s of a year ago.

And so, to the numbers …

1. General Motors: 1,474,170, up 4.2 percent.

Chevrolet division was up 5.2 percent, to 1,019,019, with Silverado accounting for 291,074, up 10.7 percent, and Suburban at 29,861, up 19.9 percent. Tahoe sales for the first half were 50,523, up 12.3 percent.

Equinox is Chevy’s second-bestseller, and was up 17.2 percent, to 156,365. Among Chevy sedans, Cruze, at 77,691, off 26.1 percent, narrowly outsold Malibu, off 8.9 percent, to 76,417.

Among Green Chevys, Bolt, at 7,858, up 3.5 percent, edged out Volt, off 28.5 percent, to 7,814. Corvette plunged 25.3 percent, to 10,242. GMC was up 2.4 percent, to 269,507, with Sierra up 1.7 percent, to 100,874, and Yukon/XL up 1.1 percent, to 34,522. Acadia was off 10.7 percent, to 50,008.

Buick sales for the half dropped 0.6 percent, to 109,659. Encore was its bestseller, up 14.9 percent, to 48,635. Encore was next, up 15.3 percent, to 48,635. Envision was off 25.7 percent, to 16,814 and the new Regal, including the TourX, spiked by 26.7 percent, to 8,215.

Cadillac sales moved up 5.4 percent, to 75,949, led by bestseller XT5, up 7 percent, to 31,890. XTS was the biggest gainer, up 16.2 percent, to 8,563. Escalade was up 4 percent, to 17,766, and brand icon CT6 was off 9.3 percent, to 4,894.

2. Ford Motor Company: 1,277,691, off 1.8 percent.

Divisional split was 1,227,422 for Ford, off 1.4 percent, and 50,269 for Lincoln, down 10.8 percent.

Ford’s F-Series pickup was up 4.9 percent for the half, to 451,138, a 59,190-unit lead over the Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra combo.

Ford Mustang leads #PonyCarWars, at 42,428, off 4.9 percent, and with Dodge Challenger, at 37,367, up 4 percent. Chevy Camaro dropped 30.6 percent for the half, to 25,380.

Ford Expedition was down 10.2 percent, to 27,934, while Lincoln Navigator spiked up 82.4 percent, to 9,115.

Escape is Ford’s next-bestseller, though off 7.9 percent, to 144,627. Explorer was off 6.5 percent, to 110,805, Edge slid 4.5 percent, to 68,048 and Ford sold 23,610 of its new EcoSport b-segment CUVs.

Ford Fusion was down 18.9 percent, to 86,978, and Focus fell 9.2 percent, to 75,1010.

MKX was Lincoln’s bestseller for the half, at 13,470, off 13.1 percent, and edging out MKC, off 8.7 percent, to 12,289.

Lincoln MKZ dropped 32.5 percent, to 9,675 and Continental plunged 28.3 percent, to 4,478.

3. Toyota Motor Sales: 1,189,312, up 3 percent.

Toyota Division sales for the half rose 3.2 percent, to 1,054,312 as Lexus edged up 0.9 percent, to 135,000.

Toyota says its Camry remains the bestselling car in the U.S., up 1.1 percent, to 178,795. RAV4 sales were stronger, though, up 7.4 percent, to 198,392.

Corolla was off 8.5 percent, to 161,462 and Prius was off 16.2 percent, to 46,171.

Tundra sales for the half was up 4 percent, to 55,792, and Tacoma was up 22.9 percent, to 116,266.

Lexus remains the RX brand, as first-half sales for that SUV rose 7.1 percent, to 50,051, including the new three-row RX L. NX was up 10.2 percent, to 28,672.

Lexus ES was off 8.7 percent, to 19,901, in the midst of a model changeover.

Lexus LS sales surged 135.5 percent with the new model, to 4,369.

4. Fiat Chrysler: 1,115,476, up 5 percent.

Jeep, Jeep, it’s all-Jeep. Sales of the brand jumped 22 percent, to 495,022. Even Ram was off 7 percent for the half, to 260,341.

Dodge fell 4 percent, to 250,933, Chrysler dropped 13 percent, to 88,630, and Fiat plunged 44 percent, to 8,285. Alfa Romeo was up 230 percent, but that was to just 12,265.

Jeep sold 35-percent more Wranglers in the first half of ’18, versus the first half of ’17, to 133,492. Cherokee was up 40 percent, to 113,719 and Grand Cherokee dipped 6 percent, to 109.313.

Jeep Compass was up 240 percent, to 87,510, while Renegade fell 5 percent, to 50,439.

Ram pickup fell 7 percent, to 233,539, in the midst of a model changeover.

Chrysler Pacifica sales rose 6 percent, to 63,024, as 300 was off 13 percent, to 24,707.

Dodge Charger was off 4 percent (see #PonyCarWars under Ford sales for Challenger), to 41,406 and Journey was down 8 percent, to 52,309.

Dodge sold 14 Vipers, down 97 percent.

Fiat 500X was down 19 percent, to 3,225, as 500 fell 70 percent, to 2,262, and 124 Spider dropped 24 percent, to 1,894.

Alfa’s Giulia, up 83 percent, to 6,362, outsold the new Stelvio, which posted 5,769 sales for the first half.

5. American Honda, 787,824, off 0.5 percent.

Honda was off 0.4 percent, to 715,171 and Acura was off 1.6 percent, to 72,653.

Honda CR-V led Accord and Civic, off 4.1 percent, to 179,580.

The expanded Civic lineup was up 0.3 percent, to 176,242.

Accord was down 13.6 percent, to 138,290.

RDX led Acura sales, up 8.1 percent, to 27,322. MDX was off 7 percent, to 21,900. TLX was off 11.4 percent, to 16,890.

6. Nissan Group: 780,695, off 4.8 percent.

Nissan division was off 4.3 percent, to 708,525 and Infiniti was off 8.8 percent, to 72,170.

Rogue was up 10 percent, to 215,202.

Nissan Altima was off 15.4 percent, to 123,792, and Sentra was up 2.8 percent, to 115,676.

Nissan Leaf sales fell 8.1 percent, to 6,659.

QX60 led Infiniti sales, up 21.3 percent, to 22,176, while Q50 was next, off 2.3 percent, to 19,157.

7. Hyundai: 335,048, off 3.3 percent.

Hyundai brand was off 2.6 percent, to 327,786 and Genesis was down 26.7 percent, to 7,262.

The Elantra compact sedan remains Hyundai’s bestseller, by far, though off 0.5 percent, to 99,728.

Tucson was up 35.3 percent, to 69,949. Santa Fe slipped 1.4 percent, to 59,185.

The electrified Ionics had a good half, up 76.2 percent, to 8,599. Hyundai has sold 15,193 Konas, year-to-date.

Genesis G80 was down 26.2 percent, to 5,646, and G90 was off 28.3 percent, to 1,616.

8. Subaru: 322,860, up 5.9 percent.

Outback is bestseller, up 5.5 percent to 90,978.

Forester was off 9.9 percent, to 79,277, while Crosstrek was up 71.1 percent, to 74,475.

WRX/STI was off 7.1 percent, to 15,038. BRZ was down 14.4 percent, to 1,966.

9. Kia: 293,563, off 0.7 percent.

Forte led sales, off 7.4 percent to 54,400, with Sorento up 5 percent, to 52,760.

Soul was off 5.8 percent, to 50,032.

Niro was up 12 percent, to 14,203, and outsold Hyundai Ionics by 5,604.

K900 was down 30.3 percent, to 175, but Kia sold 8,638 of its new Stingers.

10. Mercedes-Benz USA: 176,408, off 1.9 percent.

Slipping sales this year place Mercedes plus vans and smart just 386 units ahead of BMW at the halfway point. The Mercedes brand, excluding vans, was off 1.9 percent, to 158,848.

GLC-Class leads, up 78.2 percent, to 35,145. C-Class sales fell 30.3 percent, to 29,659.

GLE was off 15.2 percent, to 22,741, and GLA was up 17.4 percent, to 12,162, while E-Class/CLS dropped 5.3 percent, to 23,440.

CLA-Class was up 37.9 percent, to 11,716.

S-Class was up 11.1 percent, to 8,425.

Vans were up 7 percent, to 16,910 and Smart brand plummeted 67.2 percent, to just 650 cars in the first half of the year.

11. BMW Group: 176,022, up 2.8 percent.

BMW brand was up 2.9 percent, to 153,386. Mini was up 1.9 percent, to 22,636.

Three models all were in the 24k range. X3 was up 1.6 percent, to 24,750, X5 was off 0.9 percent, to 24,376 and 3 Series was off 12.7 percent, to 24,180.

The 4 Series, which has outsold 3 Series in certain months, was down 22.6 percent, to 15,758.

Countryman led Mini sales, up 48.6 percent to 9,459. The Cooper/S Hardtop 2 Door was off 10.8 percent, to 4,861.

12. Volkswagen: 172,898, up 7.2 percent.

VW’s second-half of ’18 success is all thanks to the new Tiguan and Atlas SUVs.

VW sold 28,158 Atlases, up from 4,023 as production began early in ’17.

It sold 46,102 of its new Tiguans and 9,293 Tiguan Limiteds, up 226 percent versus the old Tiguans last year.

All major car lines were down. Jetta was off 40.5 percent, to 33,023, Passat fell 36.4 percent, to 22,356, Golf was down 36.6 percent, to 24,257 and Beetle was off 9.7 percent, to 7967.

13. Mazda: 163,924, up 15.7 percent.

The CX-5 compact SUV is a runaway hit, up 40.1 percent for the half, to 81,012. It outsold the VW Atlas and ’18 Tiguan, combined, by 6,752.

MX-5 Miata was off 32.7 percent, to 4,691.

CX-9 was up 21.5 percent, to 14,716, and CX-3 was up 26.5 percent, to 9,627.

Mazda3 was off 10.1 percent, to 35,796.

14. Audi: 107,942, up 4.8 percent.

Q5 was up 12 percent, to 28,951, outselling VW Atlas by 793.

Q7 was up 6 percent to 17,763, and Q3 was up 17 percent, to 10,636.

A4 was off 1 percent to 18,397, while A5 was up 102 percent to 13,592. A3 slipped 22 percent, to 9,731.

15. Mitsubishi: 67,327, up 23.4 percent.

On track to eclipse the 100k mark this year, Mitsubishi is led by Outlander, up 30.6 percent, to 23,506. Outlander Sport was up 48.8 percent, to 22,415.

Mitsubishi sold 2,966 Eclipse Crosses in the first half of the year.

Mirage was off 3.7 percent, to 13,185.

16. Jaguar/Land Rover: 59,566, up 5 percent.

Jaguar is off 28 percent for the year so far, to 14,787, while Land Rover is up 25 percent, to 44,779.

The Land Rover Range Rover is of 2 percent, to 9,438, but 8,812 new Velars were sold in the first half. F-Pace is off 24 percent, to 7,252, while the new E-Pace claimed 1,426 sales.

XE was off 48 percent, to 2,663 and F-Type was off 47 percent, to 1,219.

17. Volvo: 47,622, up 39.6 percent.

The XC90 still leads the marque’s sales, at 15,974, up 32.8 percent.

The XC60 was next, up 66 percent to 14,790, of which 14,551 were the new model.

Volvo sold 5,098 XC40s in the first half.

V90 sales were 182, up 1,200 percent, but the CC version was up 26.9 percent, to 1,131.

18. Porsche: 29,421, up 6.7 percent.

Macan led at 11,650, up 9.5 percent.

Cayenne was of 25.3 percent, to 5,275, while 911 was up 10.8 percent, to 4,871.

Luxury/Premium Marques, YTD:

1.) Mercedes-Benz 158,848 2.) BMW 153,386 3.) Lexus 135,000 4.) Audi 107,942 5.) Cadillac 75,949

Mazda MX-5/Fiat 124 Spider: 6,585 (-30.5%) Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ: 4,254 (-29.5%)

Midsize cars, YTD:

1.) Toyota Camry 178,795 2.) Honda Accord 138,290 2.) Nissan Altima 123,792 4.) Ford Fusion 86,978 5.) Chevrolet Malibu 76,417

Compact CUVs, YTD:

1.) Nissan Rogue 215,202 2.) Toyota RAV4 198,392 3.) Honda CR-V 179,580 4.) Chevrolet Equinox 156,365 5.) Ford Escape 144,627

The post First-Half U.S. 2018 Auto Sales Are Down Slightly from Last Year appeared first on Automobile Magazine.

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[jesusvasser]

First Drive: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta

DURHAM, North Carolina — No matter the long-term outcome of the sedan vs. SUV sales clash, you certainly can’t accuse the current batch of four-doors of not trying hard enough. For the moment, the news remains good–there’s still money to be made and new sedans keep rolling off dealer lots, albeit with less enthusiasm than in years past. This is especially true for German uber-automaker Volkswagen, whose C-segment Jetta remains the brand’s best-selling model, at least in the States.

Following big-budget bets on the explosive SUV market with the Atlas and the reworked Tiguan, the brand is momentarily back to cars with the all-new 2019 Jetta. This is the first Jetta to ride on VW’s excellent MQB platform, the same that underpins the Golf, Audi TT, and A4, among many others. This is one of the better modular architectures currently in production, incorporating relatively dynamic handling with a confident and composed ride. However, this Jetta isn’t just a Golf with a sleeker derrière. Sure, it rides on the same global platform, but according to VeeDub, this new four-door is specifically designed for the U.S., incorporating a softer ride and larger footprint—inside and out.

To accommodate America’s apparent appetite for upsizing, the new Jetta is larger than ever. It’s 1.3-inch longer, 0.8-inch wider, 0.2-inch taller, and its wheelbase has been stretched by an extra 1.3-inches. Unlike supersized Americans, this new girth isn’t detrimental to its profile – it’s slipperier than the old car, cutting the drag down from 0.30 to 0.27.

The new threads look snazzier, too. In a gentle attempt to dust off a tiny bit of typical VW austerity, the design team incorporated a sleeker front grille and added a number of noticeable style lines that run the length of the hood and body, culminating In a sharper rear profile—think of it as a scaled-down Arteon. Outfitted with the optional R-Line appearance package that adds black trim, revised rear bumper, new differential, and upgraded alloy wheels, and the Jetta is one of the visual standouts in the segment.

Volkswagen is still king of low-rent, high-impact interior. It’s budget chic, with that intangible European design that pervades the entire VW lineup. It’s reserved and serious without being severe, like Helvetica. There are still acres of black plastic, but most of it is either matte or soft-touch. It’s clever too, especially with the optional VW Digital Cockpit that takes the place of the traditional gauge set. It’s very similar to Audi’s system of the same name.

For other infotainment needs, an optional eight-inch screen fills the center console. There are little upmarket touches scattered throughout the order form, including a panoramic sunroof, remote start, ventilated seats, and neat-o customizable ambient lighting with ten distinct colors. For the brand-junkies among us, the available premium sound system is developed with the team at Beats.

Get too distracted by all this restrained design and the Jetta will step in to prevent you from mussing up the shiny new metalwork. Spec it correctly and the car comes loaded with a suite of driver assistance systems, including forward collision warning and braking, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams.

Two engines were cut from the model lineup, with only the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder available at launch. Power is routed to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission (but only on the base S) or an all-new eight-speed automatic. Power is a modest 147 hp, but torque is a semi-meaty 184 lb-ft. These figures won’t convert the GTI crowd but VW confirms the performance GLI is on the way, likely with a variant of the 2.0T from the aforementioned hot-hatch.

With this mechanical motivation turning the front wheels, the 0-60 sprint is handled in a face-flattening “who cares.” What’s more impressive for cars of this ilk and for the people who drive them is a moderate 0-45 mph scramble around town. VW says all 184 of those torques arrive at a lowly 1,400 rpm, giving the not-so-little sedan some low-effort punch that pulls beyond what the diminutive displacement might suggest on paper. Hit the entrance ramp and the eight-speed works hard to eke out every little pony, Shetland or otherwise.

If you positively have to know, I’d reckon it takes around eight seconds or so to scrape the 60 mph barrier, so keep your foot in it. An earlier drive program with camouflaged Jetta prototypes revealed the top speed around 127 mph, if that matters.

Out on the Loblolly pine-lined roads outside of Durham, it’s nice to see the Americanized Jetta still bleeds black-red-yellow. It’s typically Teutonic, with a drive experience that feels better bolted down than rivals from Japan or the States, even if it isn’t. The Mk. 7 sticks with a torsion-beam rear suspension, a noticeable departure from its Korean and Japanese counterparts, but it’s still as cheerful to drive as previous Jettas were, with predictable electronically assisted steering and those excellent MQB underpinnings.

Despite the cushy ride and bigger interior custom tailored for Shake Shack’s largest market, it’s a snappy little car. For the moment, the bog-standard engine is fine, but the eight-speed can be slightly excitable, especially with its readiness to upshift as soon as possible. I didn’t get any seat time in the prototype Jetta fitted with the six-speed, but I’m sure for interested enthusiasts, that’s the one to get.

Depending on trim, it’s cheaper than the outgoing generation. For a bargain-basement stripper S with a manual, expect to pay $19,395, jumping to $20,195 for an S with the new eight-speed. The $23,005 SE cuts $90 from the MSRP, and the $25,265 SEL chops an impressive $1,830, but a portion of that is likely from redistribution of features, thanks to a new range-topping SEL Premium trim that starts at $27,795.

For a market increasingly obsessed with SUVs, a well-rounded compact sedan strangely begins to feel special. In spite of the U.S.-centric changes, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta remains one of the sweet spots in the automaker’s lineup, especially with the promise of a performance oriented Jetta GLI on the horizon.

2019 Volkswagen Jetta Specifications

ON SALE Spring 2019 PRICE $19,345 (base) ENGINE 1.4L turbocharged DOHC 16-valve I-4/147 hp @ 5,000 rpm, 184 lb-ft @ 1,400 rpm TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic LAYOUT 4-door, 5-passenger, front-engine, FWD sedan EPA MILEAGE 30/40 mpg (city/hwy) L x W x H 185.1 x 70.8 x 57.4 in WHEELBASE 105.7 in WEIGHT 2,970 lb 0-60 MPH 8.0 sec TOP SPEED 127 mph

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2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback gets tech'd up for NY Auto Show

The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback has just bowed at the New York Auto Show, and it's been quite a journey to get here. This model's direct predecessor started life under the Scion iM nameplate, but after Toyota axed its youth brand, it absorbed the model into its portfolio, rechristening it Corolla iM. For this all-new second-generation model, the "iM" suffix is gone, and henceforth, this five-door will be known simply as the Corolla Hatchback. While its name may be more ordinary, this new model is anything but. This new car is actually both more stylish and significantly more interesting from a tech perspective. In order to keep costs down, Scion models were famous for being available basically in one trim, but now that the second-gen model is a full-fledged Toyota, there's more tech, more trims and more options on offer. Despite looking a lot like its predecessor, the 2019 Corolla Hatchback actually sits atop the automaker's new TNGA C chassis (Toyota New Global Architecture -- catchy, eh?). As a result, it's actually quite distinct from its well-known four-door sedan sibling, and significantly more advanced overall. In fact, the new model has much more in common with Europe's latest Toyota Auris, which was just revealed at the Geneva Motor Show. The Corolla Hatchback is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor, and combined with svelte J-shaped LED headlamps and restyled wheels, this new generation has a more aggressive and sophisticated aura. In addition to its new platform, the Corolla Hatchback also receives a new naturally aspirated "Dynamic-Force" four-cylinder engine. Despite its 2.0-liter displacement, Toyota says this new powerplant is actually more compact and lighter than its 1.8-liter predecessor, while also being quieter. Toyota has not yet disclosed power or fuel economy metrics for the new M20A-FKS engine, but we expect to know more prior to the car's on-sale date. The Corolla Hatchback will be offered with a new six-speed manual transmission (huzzah!) that features rev-matching, but the new Dynamic-Shift continuously variable transmission will doubtlessly be specified in a majority of models. The latter features no fewer than 10 simulated speeds, and it also features a dedicated sport mode and shift paddles.

Look, Ma! Toyota's Entune will finally play nice with Apple CarPlay!Toyota

Interestingly, Toyota says the car's K120 transmission features the world's first launch gear in a passenger-car CVT, an attribute the company claims will help to improve launch immediacy and smoothness. While we at Roadshowtypically prefer the greater involvement of manual transmissions, we can't wait to try this unique transmission for ourselves. The Corolla Hatchback's redesigned cabin is dominated by a generously sized 8-inch infotainment screen as standard. We've been underwhelmed with Toyota's Entune-based touchscreen systems before, but this new v3.0 setup promises to be better, if only because Toyota has at last succumbed to consumer demands for Apple CarPlay compatibility (at least on this model). Android Auto fans are still left out in the cold, but at least there's available Qi wireless charging. Other new and noteworthy cabin tech includes a 7-inch TFT in-cluster display on high-end XSE models, along with an available 800-watt JBL audio system featuring Clari-Fi, a processing technology that aims to restore some of the sonic luster that's typically lost when digital sound files are compressed.

The Hatchback features LED taillamps, with active corning headlamps on top-spec models.Toyota

The 2019 Corolla Hatchback will compete against today's surprisingly strong and varied crop of liftback rivals, including the Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra GT, Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf, and of course, the Honda Civic. In order to successfully ward off those models, the Corolla GT will also need a full complement of advanced driver assist safety systems, and fortunately, it appears to have them. All trims come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a suite of features including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intelligent cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and even auto high beams. A new Lane Tracing Assistant feature allows the vehicle to follow the path of a preceding vehicle even when lane markings aren't present on highways. Blind-spot monitor is standard on top-trim XSE and optional on mid-grade SE models. The 2019 Corolla Hatchback goes on sale this summer, and pricing should be revealed a bit closer to its appearance in dealers. Given this car's competitive set and where today's 2018 Corolla iM sits, we'd bet on spending a bit over $20,000 for starters. We'll have a better understanding of this car's value factor after we get our mitts on this car at next week's New York Auto Show, but for the moment, that seems like pretty agreeable pricing for a car with dramatically more content than its forbearer.

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BEST AND AFFORDABLE SPORTS CARS

The word “sports” instantly provides the thought of speed, performance, more athletic looks, and advanced engineering which can make you love head over heels with sports cars.

Love speed and high-performance sports cars are your best friend and the best part there are some affordable sports cars which are worth buying.

Let’s have a look at some of the affordable sports cars

Subaru WRX

One of the most affordable sports cars in the segment with the all-wheel-drive system and delivers high performance. It is best for the rally cars and offers you a firm ride and redefined interior and exciting performance.

Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 2.0 Liter BOXER

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Horsepower: 268hp

EPA: 21city/ 27 highway

MSRP: $27,495

Ford Mustang

Muscle car looks, sporty edges and powerful performance without creating a hole in your bank account. The base model starts from $30,000 and it is one of the most affordable cars and offers a wide variety of powertrain options and body designs and styles.

Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 2.3 Liter Eco Boost

Transmission Name: 6 Speed Manual

Horsepower: 310hp

MPG: 20 City / 28 Highway

MSRP: 37,185

Hyundai Veloster

It comes under $25,000 and is one of the most affordable sports cars in the segment. The three-door hatchback has sporty references and independent suspension present in all the four corners. In other words, it’s a full package car that delivers exciting road performance. The upper trims Veloster N with performance package costs around $30,000.

Engine: 1.6L Turbo GDI Engine

Horsepower: 201hp

Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch

MSRP: $24,070

Performance package: $30,420

Chevy Camaro

Another muscle car in the list 2020 Chevy Camaro with the V6 engine and standard six-speed manual makes it a perfect match in the sports car segment.

Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 2.0 Liter

Transmission: Tremec 6 Speed Manual (TR6060)

Horsepower: 275hp

EPA 20city/ 30 highway

MSRP: $27,003

Volkswagen Golf GTI

Volkswagen Golf GTI is one of the best all-rounded performance in the hatchback car segment. The VW Golf has speed, handling, and elegant interior and costs less than the $30,000.

Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 1.4 Liter

Transmission: 6 Speed Manual

Horsepower: 147hp

EPA 29 City/ 37 Highway

MSRP: $25,627

Chevrolet Corvette

Sadly, the 2019 Chevy Corvette is the last model in the sports car generation and it truly the best sports car which will blow your mind. The classic and iconic C7 corvette will be one to have a traditional front-engine, a rear-wheel-drive layout which will make people adore it for the long haul. It offers a range of standard features, does not matter what model you buy.

Top trim ZR1 offers 755hp.

15 cubic feet of cargo space

Five-position drive mode selection

MSRP: $26,500

BMW X1

This luxury compact SUV delivers the best performance with its turbocharged engine. The X1 has a major amount of rivals which delivers powerful performance and at the same time smoothens your driving experience. It offers more seats and storage space which is less possible in other sports cars.

3 Cubic feet space

Engine: 2.0L turbocharged engine

Horsepower: 228hp

Transmission: 7-8 speed automatic

MSRP: $22,000

Porsche Boxster

It’s a full-package deal in the sports car segment as it falls under the category of luxury sports cars with a powerful engine. It offers a fun drive, subtle interiors, and maximum reliability. Boxster offers you electrifying handling and robust engine in comparison to its competitors such as Chevy Corvette.

Engine: Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4 2.5 L/152

Transmission: Manual

Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive 2.5 L/152

MPG: 20 City / 26 Hwy

MSRP: $59,000