Review 2012 Toyota Prius V

The Toyota Prius is the undisputed king of all hybrids, with no competitor able to come even close. With its number one status cemented, a loyal following of faithful buyers, there is huge equity in the Prius name, so it almost comes as a surprise Toyota has waited this long to cash in and expand the Prius family. That expansion has now seen its day, and The Garage was able sample the first addition to the family, the Prius V, the V standing for versatility.

Whether you consider the Prius V a mini-minivan or a wagon is irrelevant. At first appearance the V is just as it looks-a Prius, but bigger in every dimension. The instant recognition of the car being a Prius was key, and Toyota has succeeded in creating a car with added utility but unmistakably a Prius. With a shape that puts aerodynamics and utility as top priorities, the Prius V comes off as appliance-like, with little character or emotion. Part of this is likely due to the fact the Prius has been around, and sold so well its appearance is not as science fiction as it was years ago.

Inside, Prius owners will feel instantly at home. I am not a fan of the centrally mounted instrument panel. Other controls are easy to find and use, so in spite of its unusual appearance at first, the Prius is easy to use. While the two-tone interior offered some contrast, the overall feel of the cabin felt drab and uninteresting. The graining on the plastic steering wheel did not feel right to me, and I disliked touching the most critical part of the interior I keep my hands on. It felt like the automotive equivalent to a cubicle in the movie Office Space. That said, the Prius V delivers on its promise. The cabin is large, with plenty of room for all. Storage, from a two-tier glove box, generous center console storage and other nooks should more than satisfy the Prius V buyer. Up front, the adequate but flat front seats are familiar Prius fare, but the rear seat offers legroom on par with a limo, thanks to a sliding and reclining rear seat.

The drivetrain is standard Prius fare, with no alterations made for the Prius V, which means a gas hybrid system getting the bulk of its motivation from a 1.8L four, with total gas/electric output equaling 134hp, paired to a CVT. Before getting behind the wheel, I feared how a larger, heavier Prius would get itself around, as the standard Prius is no scorcher. My conclusion is the cars are very close. Fuel economy does take a hit from the standard Prius, but EPA figures of 44/40 MPG city/highway are impressive, and these figures keep the Prius V true to its mission. Is it fun to drive? No. The Prius V drivers fun is in the fuel economy, as it always has been.

The Prius V is available in three trim levels, One, Three, and Five. Our test car was a Level Three, and will likely be the most popular Prius V. Standard equipment includes a 6.1 touch screen display, Navigation, back-up camera, six-speaker audio with XM Radio, Entune multi-media interface, power drivers seat, and automatic climate control. With a sole option of carpeted floor mats, our test car rings in at $28,150USD, including destination.

The Prius V was a logical step for Toyota, and should serve it well. As young families of Prius owners grow, or baby boomers simply want more, um, versatility, the Prius V should meet their needs and keep them in the family instead of abandoning the Prius and getting a crossover. Speaking of crossovers, it is worth mentioning the Prius V offers cargo capacity on par or exceeding contemporary CUVs, with the hybrid trade-off a high load floor. In sum, the success of the Prius V will be keeping the Prius and hybrid faithful graduating to the V as opposed to buying a crossover than it will be in converting the traditional minivan/crossover buyer.

Related posts:

1. Toyota Announces 2012 Prius c
2. First Drive: 2012 Toyota Prius C
3. Review: 2010 Toyota Prius V
4. Toyota Adds PLUS Performance Package to Prius
5. Toyota Announces 2010 Prius Pricing

2012 Acura RL Acquires 6 Speed Automatic Transmission

2012 Acura RL is the report that Honda would axe the 2012 Acura RL, and then came the official word that it wouldn’t, although here is the first symbol that the 2012 Acura RL continues to bring on still if the car has happen to extraneous.

2012 Acura RL is a variety of other to upgrades and trim changes for the Acura RL is prepared for 2012, plus it gets a unique new design for the 2012 Acura RL in a wheel silencer that is intended to take up road limitation. Honda in Japan has announced that the Acura RL “still sold as the Legend there” will get a refresh for the 2012 Acura RL model year that includes a new 6-speed automatic transmission.

This may help the 2012 Acura RL pick up a few extra buyers as the added gear should help improve both fuel economy and acceleration. Then again, perhaps its just a bigger sign of how irrelevant the 2012 Acura RL is when the supposed luxury car is only now getting a 6-speed transmission.

2012 Mazda2 Long Term Test Project July 2012 Update

Its been a couple months since I wrote about my Mazda2. Ive installed a new set of wheels, slightly lowered the car, and put quite a few miles on the car since then. Im now over 6000mi (~9600km), and the cars holding up pretty well. After over 3000 miles on stiffened suspension and two long-distance roadtrips, the interior is still clean and quiet. At a similar mileage, my last car, a 2009 Honda Civic Si sedan, had quite a few annoying rattles, and lots of permanent, ugly scuffs and scratches on the cheap plastic. Im pleased with Mazdas build quality so far. Ive only had a few issues. Theres a slow leak in one of the tires or wheels, which means I have to top it off every week or so, and I really need to get it looked at. I also still havent managed to get the alignment perfectly straight, and the leaking tire doesnt help. Hopefully once the leak is dealt with, I can straighten the alignment out.

I recently changed the cars oil for the first time, and the difference was surprisingly noticeable. The engine is more responsive, and more importantly, more efficient. Ive been averaging 30MPG in my usual daily driving, which mostly consists of short trips on roads with lots of traffic lights, and on a recent long freeway drive I calculated 37MPG, which is pretty great.

 

The wheels are a set of 15×7 C1Ms from TRMotorsport, Tire Racks house brand, and are actually intended for Spec Miata race cars. They have an agressive offset (for FWD) of +30, and it was a bit of a gamble whether theyd look good on the car or not. Im pleased with the results, though. Any lower of an offset and theyd stick out, too much higher and theyd be sunken. I also considered 949 Racings 6UL wheels in the same size, but theyre more expensive and availability is very limited. They look great on the car, though, and have been featured on quite a few Mazda2 projects, including Mazda USAs own demo car. The one downside of the lower offset is that it widens the cars track, which makes the steering a tiny bit less responsive. Supposedly some alignment tweaks can improve that a lot, and Im going to try setting the toe to 0 next time the cars in the alignment shop.

With a set of springs from Racing Beat, the car finally looks right. From the factory, it looked like an off-road vehicle. Now it looks like a sporty hatchback should, not too high but not obviously lowered. The drop is less than an inch, and the springs are only 20% stiffer, so its not a huge change. It rides more like a factory performance car now, a bit stiffer but still totally livable as a daily driver. I was able to drive my car, with the springs, back-to-back with a friends stock Mazda2 on a mountain road, and the improvements are immediately obvious. Theres still a decent amount of body roll, but steering response is much sharper and theres a general sense of vagueness in the stock car thats gone with the springs. Theres also much more road feedback through the wheel and pedals.

I also installed a stainless steel shift knob from Garage Star, a locally-based shop that specializes in Miatas and AE86s. Its not much of a performance upgrade, but makes the car feel a little bit more special to drive.

The top priority for the car is now tires. The stock ones were sort of fun with the stock suspension, but are totally overwhelmed by the stiffer springs. Im torn between going all-out for performance with a set of Dunlop Star Specs, or saving some money and getting more life out of the tires with something like Yokohama S.Drives or Dunlop Direzzas. Theres still a body roll issue, so a front sway bar and a rear torsion stiffener are next. Id like to wake up the performance a little, and get a bit more sound out of the car, so an intake and maybe an axleback exhaust would be nice as well. Theres finally some ECU tuning going on, as well, and one well-known autocrosser has raised his redline from 6250 all the way to 7200. Ive felt like this engine is capable of performing at higher RPMs, so Ill be keeping an eye on development. Id like to tune my car the same way, if it proves to be reliable over time.

Related posts:

1. 2012 Mazda2 Long Term Test/Project Introduction
2. From the Archives: Long term test 2003 Xterra
3. Long Term Test: 2006 Mazda 6 Sport Wagon
4. Review: 2012 Mazda2
5. Mazda2 fills the need from road to track

2011 Subaru Legacy Price of 20 995

The 2011 Subaru Legacy is the latest version of 2011 Subaru. 2011 Subaru Legacy is a latest car out this year. It is a nice and very tremendous which you can totally enjoyed the new model of  Sedan. 

2011 Subaru Legacy is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, or sports sedan, available in 7 trims. 2011 Subaru Legacy is available at a price of $20,995 - $31,395. Upon introduction, the 2011 Subaru Legacy has 2.5i is prepared with a typical 2.5-liter, H4, 170-horsepower engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the freeway. 

The 2011 Subaru Legacy has 3.6R Limited is ready with a standard 3.6-liter, H6, 256-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 2011 Subaru Legacy has a 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. A 2011 Subaru Legacy has 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a changeable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.

2011 Bmw 1 Series Price of 36 350

2011 Bmw 1 Series is the latest version of 2011 Bmw.  The 2011 Bmw 1 Series is prepared with most highly developed safety features like the park assist system, blind spot detection, traction control, rear view camera, and four wheel disc brakes.

The 2011 1 Series is a 2-door, 4-passenger luxury sports coupe, or luxury convertible, available in 4 trims ranging from the 128i Coupe to the 135i Convertible. Before visiting a BMW dealership, be sure to do your homework so you can get the best deal possible. The 2011 BMW 1-Series has a Suggested Retail Price of $36,350 and destination charges of $875.

Before Production, the 128i Coupe is prepared with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 230-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the freeway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The 135i Convertible is prepared with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 300-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 7-speed manual transmission is optional.

2012 Volkswagen Touareg Review And Prices

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is one of the latest version of 2012 Volkswagen. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sport-utility, available in 9 trims, ranging from the VR6 Sport to the Hybrid.

Upon introduction, the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg  VR6 Sport is equipped with a standard 3.6-liter, V6, 280-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway.

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, V6, 380-horsepower, supercharged, hybrid engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. A 8-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims. VW has unveiled today the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg R-Line which will go on sale at first on the German market. The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg R-Line includes both interior and exterior updates, however, no performance mods have been announced. The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is available at MSRP Price of $42,975 - $61,110 And Invoice Price of $40,871 - $58,115.

BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon 2014 What family!

If family cars have more really listing the country of Uncle Sam, here, is a little different. If the Americans, despite fuel prices are rather fond of large SUVs, it must be admitted that the family still has a place in Canada and, more particularly, Quebec. And that’s good, because a good family always show better behavior and fuel consumption lower than any SUV. And this is even more true when she wears the name BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon 2014.

Mechanicals of BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon 2014

The BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon 2014 would see the day with a choice of three engines potential. First, the 328i receive a 4-cylinder engine twin-entry turbo, double overhead cam head and direct fuel injection that develops 241 horse power and produce a torque of 258 lb-ft. This engine has replaced the six-cylinder in-line 3-liter models of 2013. Coupled with this engine andcoupled with stop-start technology, the automatic gearbox 8-speed with paddle shifters behind the wheel improves fuel consumption by more than 10%. One would have expected that the manual 6-speed is optional, but it seems that this will not be the case. Anyway, Automatic loop allows the 0 to 100 km / h in 6 seconds limiting fuel consumption to a minimum.

There is also talk of a 335i automatic transmission 8 reports and a 330d with a diesel engine of 255 hp and torque with 413 lb-ft reach. However, nothing is yet set in stone on these two mechanisms.

Interior and body of BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon 2014

The BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon 2014 is a very comfortable and spacious family. The cargo space has been improved compared to the 2013 model, so it goes to 495 and 1500 litersdepending on whether the rear seat backrest is raised or lowered. With space quantity and the comfort of a luxury sedan, which will need an SUV? It is important to mention that the file is split 40/20/40 and folds completely flat. In the cargo area, as the car rolls on Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires with reinforced sidewalls, it is interesting to note that there is no spare tire, allowing to slip somemenu items we want to avoid the gaze. Tires, by the way, do a great job on the road.

The BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon 2014 is a family really fun to drive, comfortable, economical and more spacious. Family with this quality, we wonder why consumers opt for guzzling SUVs that have not half the dynamic qualities of the BMW. We must now see if the manufacturer will sell at home in Canada.

BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon 2014 News  

BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon 2014: What family!

Chevrolet Trax 2014 Exclusive To The Canadian Market

This new compact SUV that General Motors will market for the 2014 model year was the introduction in September at the Paris Motor Show in Paris. And as the price of fuel has not increased deterrent among our southern neighbors, the U.S. manufacturer does not commercialize the United States. In North America, the Chevrolet Trax 2014 will be exclusive to the Canadian market. Chevrolet Trax 2014 is small, but it is doing very well on the road and very little consumption.

Mechanicals of Chevrolet Trax 2014

The mechanical side, the new Chevrolet Trax 2014 receive one mechanical and one that will be found as an option in the Chevrolet Sonic and Cruze. This is the 4-cylinder turbocharged 1.4-liter dual overhead cam head which develops a power of 138 hp at 4900 rpm. Regarding torque, this engine produces 148 pound-feet at 1850 rpm only, which gives the impression that it is more powerful.

Gearboxes used by the manufacturer to handle the power of the mechanics are the manual and automatic, both 6-speed. Depending on the model, it is possible to opt for traction or drive.Accelerations that the tandem motor box provides are surprisingly good. However, it is in terms of fuel consumption that will undoubtedly Chevrolet Trax 2014 brand with odds of 7.8 and 5.7 liters per 100 km city and highway.

Body and interior of Chevrolet Trax 2014

In fact, the Chevrolet Trax 2014 grants 495 millimeters in length to its big brother, the Equinox. It is also 76 millimeters narrower and lower than 25. It is even smaller than the former Pontiac Vibe is telling you! The main competitor would be covered by Chevrolet Trax 2014 probably the Hyundai Tucson, which dominates in terms of cargo space. However, its price will lower some $ 1 500, but he does not get the air conditioner as standard equipment. The real competition is therefore called Suzuki SX4, Nissan Juke and MINI Countryman, among others.

Despite its small size Chevrolet Trax 2014, it can seat five people and accept their luggage. It will be tight five, we will be more comfortable with four. It also shows the appearance of a true SUV it will not neglect to go before making a final choice. Passengers will feel sitting high. In the more upscale model, we can obtain an electrically adjustable driver’s seat and a steering wheel adjustable for height and telescopic.

Chevrolet Trax 2014 is really designed for a couple or a single person. In terms of price, it is competitive. One can choose between a version with traction or AWD. However, we must make two caveats: The basic version does not get the air conditioner or a CD player as standard equipment. We’ll see what reception he will consumers.

Chevrolet Trax 2014 News  

Chevrolet Trax 2014: Exclusive To The Canadian Market

2012 Honda CR V

Information Specification Modification Image Review 2012 Honda CR-V

Compact crossovers are a little like toothbrushes. They perform a function Necessary, but theyre rarely exciting. Everybody needs a toothbrush, though, and toothbrush manufacturers want to outsell Their competitors, so we have wear-Indicating bristles, heads split flexible, integrated-and-cheek tongue scrapers, and the like.

Accordingly, much of Hondas technical presentation on the new CR-V focused on the next-gen mini-utes new features, Including standard stuff like two information screens, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, and a function That reads incoming text messages from paired phones -assuming said phone is from a short list of BlackBerrys or a Droid X, as Those are the only devices with the which the CR-V can currently Communicate. Meanwhile, lesser points like the powertrain and the basic construction of the chassis were Mentioned only in passing. Makes sense: Once Colgate nails down the perfect handle cross section, head shape, and bristle feel, its probably going to keep making That same toothbrush. Honda was pretty happy with the outgoing CR-V, and its sales numbers were indicated buyers That, too, so the new CR-V is a lot like the old one.

The size and proportion of the previous-generation Honda CR-V contributed to its success as the best-selling SUV in every calendar year from 2007 through 2010, as did refined styling features such as the multi-reflector halogen headlights, long full-body taillights, and exterior detailing that conveyed both ruggedness and sophistication.

Compared to the previous-generation CR-V, the 2012 model takes on a more aggressive and aerodynamic stance with deeper sculpting of the bodylines and a bolder front fascia. The front bumpers smooth-flowing lines are highlighted by a horizontal three-bar grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability with a generous approach angle, while the lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly with the fascia for improved aerodynamics. The CR-Vs signature vertical rear brake lights, which originally debuted on the 1997 model, remain for 2012 with a more three-dimensional style that further compliments the design and aerodynamics of the vehicle. The CR-Vs large wheels and bold fender flares emphasize the vehicles dynamic presence and capability.

In aerodynamic efficiency, the new CR-V is targeted to be at the top of its class, with numerous design elements contributing to improved efficiency. The longer roofline and integrated rear spoiler help to lower the coefficient of drag.

The CR-V EX-L is equipped with silver roof rails that start at the A-pillars and sweep along the roofline toward the rear end of the vehicle (available as an accessory on CR-V LX and EX). These rails provide an attachment point for an accessory rack, while also providing a dramatic visual element. The rails are fully functional, with each side including three anchor points.

Though it certainly holds its own against competing four-cylinder-powered crossovers, theres not a whole lot of low-end power in the 2012 Honda CR-V; its hard to ignore the fact that a V6 upgrade isnt available. On the plus side, the crossover distinguishes itself by offering steering and handling that are sharper and more rewarding than most of the competitions.

A new "Econ" mode dulls throttle response to enhance fuel economy, but the trade-off is compromised acceleration, and this is especially noticeable when traveling up gradients. The 2012 Honda CR-V features a smoother ride and a quieter cabin than last years model, giving it a more refined feeling overall.source:edmunds.com,caranddriver.com,netcarshow.com

2013 Peugeot 208 Intuitive

2013 Peugeot 208 Intuitive

Peugeot Peugeot announced 208 Intuitive Special Edition. Available with a choice of oil and HDi diesel engines, 208 Intuitive available in both 3 and 5-door types. It is packed with even more equipment and showcases new technology in the form of Park Assist - automatic parallel parking is available for the first time in a Peugeot.


All Intuitive models based on the current 208 Allure versions but the benefit of a number of extra standard equipment, consisting of: a Parking Assistant, 16” alloy wheels, Satellite Navigation, Cielo Roof with ambient lighting, Directional, front fog lights, Automatic Dual-Zone Air conditioning and LED surround vehicle on the dials.

As well as extra-standard equipment, all Intuitive models also benefit: ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD), Emergency Brake assist (EBA), power steering 6 airbag, remote control central locking with deadlocks, three rear three-point seat belts, 2/3-1/3 split folding rear seats, steering column adjustable for reach and rake, radio / single CD player, trip computer, Cruise Control, speed limiter, electrically operated / heated door mirrors, and air conditioning.

The 208 Intuitive range to be launched in the UK in January, priced from pounds 14,245 on-the-road for 1.2 VTi 82bhp gasoline version

2013 New Honda CR V

Since its debut in 1995, the Honda CR-V is sold in over 160 countries over five million copies. On 3 November rolls manufactured in the UK fourth generation in the trade. The 2013 Honda CR-V appears more compact: It is 4565 millimeters by five millimeters become shorter than its predecessor, the height shrank by as much as 30 to 1790 mm. However, the newcomer will offer more interior space for passengers and luggage. The storage volume in the trunk grows from 589 to 1,669 liters, while the latter value increases to 147 liters compared to its predecessor. The spatial extension can be done thanks to the "Easy-Fold-Down" system according to the manufacturer with a single handle.

Otto, now with 155 hp
Under the hood of the new Honda SUV uses either a two-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine or a 2.2-liter diesel iDTEC. The output of a petrol engine has been increased from 150 to 155 hp and torque to 192 Newton-meter by two. Despite the power increase, CO2 emissions are the models with manual transmission at 173 instead of getting 192 grams per kilometer and the automatic version at 175 instead of 195 grams, the models with manual transmission is now also a start-stop function at the factory.


Gasoline for the first time with front-wheel drive
Power and torque of the diesel remains at 150 hp and 350 Newton meters, but the CO2 emissions are in the variant with manual transmission by twelve percent from 171 to 149 grams per kilometer, and in models with five-speed automatic transmission from 195 down to 174 grams. The petrol models are also available for the first time with front-wheel drive. The new version emits 168 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

Econ mode and Eco-Assist
All Honda CR-V now get the Econ mode and Eco Assist as fuel-saving helpers. Upon activation of the Econ-switch to fit the throttle and the air conditioner automatically in order to minimize fuel consumption. The Eco Assist provides the driver using the ambient lighting of the speedometer, as his driving style affects fuel consumption.

All-wheel drive brought up to date
Revised is also the all-wheel drive. The new, electronically activated "Real Time All Wheel Drive system" should now react faster to a loss of traction. It has been compared to the previous hydraulically activated by 17 percent lighter, the internal friction was reduced by 59 percent. Thus, the system should contribute to lower fuel consumption.

Collision warning system in case of emergency braking
The assistance systems in the new Honda CR-V 2013, the VSA electronic stability program and the Advanced Driver Assist System by Honda (ADAS). This is a combination of an active lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and collision warning system that warns of an impending accident, and even slow down to minimize the impact. For the first time is also the Emergency Stop System (ESS) is used, which automatically activates during emergency braking the hazard lights.

Mitigate whiplash
If this does happen to crash into the front seats, a system to mitigate whiplash is integrated. For safety and to enable the development of Hondas ACE Body Structure (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) contribute. It improves occupant protection by the impact forces wegleitet the accident from the passenger compartment.

No prices released
The prices, Honda has not yet been addressed, they will be announced at a later date.

2014 Volvo XC60 New Car Model

2014 Volvo XC60 New Car Model

 On the outside, Volvos best-selling model, the XC60, gets more of an urban twist. The redesigned front features a new title in the shape of emphasises the large, self-confident appearance.

2014 Volvo XC60 New Car Model

2014 Volvo XC60 New Car Model

2014 Volvo XC60 New Car Model

Volvo XC60 also benefits from an internal upgrade. Among the new features, the new wood inlay, a new headliner, textile B-pillar and silk metal around the frame, air-conditioning, ventilation and lighting controls.

2014 Volvo XC60 New Car Model

The new Volvo XC60 is also enhanced, both D5 (215 hp) and D4 (163 hp) versions, with a manual transmission and All wheel drive, delivered a combined fuel consumption of 5.3 l/100 kilometres (139 g/km).