Auto Trends Weekly Mar 06, 2015 by Auto Trends Weekly

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AUTO TRENDS WEEKLY

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Volume 02, Issue 10 || Ph:604-597-7749 || Fax: 1-855-796-3342 || Friday, Mar 06, 2015

2015 Mercedes Benz C-400 4MATIC: Unbeatable Quality

By Veeno Dewan

he new Mercedes Benz C-400 sedan is a benchmark design taking some is design cues from the larger S-Class sedan. With its three pointed star fascia, long hood and substantial looking body, the new C-400 ends in a truncated rear where the SClass influence is more prominent. Discreet chrome detailing, LED lighting and a dramatic side profile make the C-400 somehow imposing and sporty at the same time. The new 2015 is a little bigger with a

3.7 inches stretch in the body, a wheelbase increase of 3.0 inches, and an additional 1.6. inch increase in width. The C-400 features a 3.0-liter turbo V-6 engine delivering 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, channeled through a seven- speed automatic transmission and the excellent 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Although the 2015 C- Class is slightly bigger car than the outgoing model, it is a little lighter – so

helping in the performance stakes The interior of our tester was a joy to behold. Whilst some auto makers seem to be making over- complicated interiors in their premium cars, the C-400 is a delight of gleaming back leather, rich, shiny metal and silky wood trim. Combined with the substantial quality and nice to the touch controls, the C-400 interior oozes class. From the way the doors close, the manner in which the interior panels and material fit Continue on Page 15

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Striking two-toned Scion tC Release Series 9.0 makes Canadian debut

cion has teamed up with a legendary customizer to create unique two-tone show car -the distinctive magma orange and black 2015 Scion tC Release Series 9.0. Scion and legendary car customizer Jeremy Lookofsky of Cartel Customs paired up to create the all new exclusive two-toned ride. The new model combines Scion’s legendary “style plus substance” reputation and is based on a concept car developed for custom car shows. Just 100 of these special-edition models will be available for sale across Canada.

catching black alloy wheels. Inside, this limited coupe is all about the exotic orange: orange front seat belts and orange stitching woven throughout the interior show off the tC’s quality and design. This is also the first Release Series vehicle with an externally facing Release Series numbering badge – located on the back of the rear-view mirror.

This is the first Scion Release Series vehicle with a two-tone exterior – a blistering magma orange paired with sleek black. Designed to appeal to drivers who feel at home both on the show floor and the open road, the Scion tC Release Series 9.0 features a centre exhaust, Cartel Customs-designed aero kit, high profile rear spoiler, blacked out badging, and eye-

The release series 9.0 vehicles come with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management technology. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is $25,760 for the manual transmission and $27,060 for the automatic transmission.

Canadians auto sales hot up in February despite cold weather

espite the fact that much of the country was experiencing the coldest February in history, people still ventured into the cold to purchase new cars. February’s auto sales were up 3.4% compared to last year with 109,248 units sold. February sales were 6.7% above the 5 year average sales for the month of 102,376 units. “While the effect of sustained lower oil prices on vehicle sales by region will be more apparent when the provincial sales numbers are available later in the month, it would appear that despite knowing that fuel prices will eventually go back up, consumers are continuing to embrace trucks when purchasing new vehicles,” noted David Adams, President of the Global Automakers of Canada. “Much like January, truck sales in February comprised more than 60% of all vehicle sales,” added Adams. Truck sales improved 5.4% over last year while passenger car sales were essentially flat compared to 2014. For the GAC member companies, vehicle sales were up 5.7% to 61,710 units, representing a better than market growth for the 14 member companies of the Global Automakers of Canada. Fiat Chrysler lead in sales in February with 18,711 units sold, and also holds the year-to-date sales lead with 36,765 units sold. The manufacturer with the most significant sales improvement on the month was Volkswagen with a 26.2% increase in vehicle sales. As expected, the Ford F-series continued to reign as the best- selling vehicle while the Honda Civic was the best-selling passenger vehicle in February with 2,615 units sold, but it still trails the Hyundai Elantra for year-to-date sales leadership. GAC members’ sales represented 56.5% of total market sales in February compared to 55% for February 2014. Automotive date source from “Global Automakers of Canada” CHANDRA KANTA SHAYLEN ANITA

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Offer(s) available on select new 2015 models through participating dealers to qualified retail customers who take delivery from March 3 to March 31, 2015. Dealers may sell or lease for less. Some conditions apply. See dealer for complete details. Vehicles shown may include optional accessories and upgrades available at extra cost. All offers are subject to change without notice. All pricing includes delivery and destination fees up to $1,665, AMVIC fee, tire tax of $22, $100 A/C charge (where applicable). Excludes taxes, licensing, registration, insurance, variable dealer administration fees (up to $699), fuel-fill charges up to $100, and down payment (if applicable and unless otherwise specified). Other lease and financing options also available. ¤Representative Leasing Example: Lease offer available on approved credit (OAC), on new 2015 Rio LX MT (RO541F)/2015 Forte LX MT (FO541F)/2015 Soul 1.6L LX MT (SO551F) with a selling price of $15,602/$17,502/$18,682 is based on monthly payments of $151/$159/$172 and includes delivery and destination fees of $1,485/$1,485/$1,665, $22 AMVIC fee, and A/C tax ($100, where applicable) for 60 months at 0%/0%/0.9% with a $0 down payment/equivalent trade, $0 security deposit and first monthly payment due at lease inception. Offer also includes a lease credit of $800/$800/$0. Total lease obligation is $9,038/$9,535/$10,345 with the option to purchase at the end of the term for $5,765/$7,167/$8,957. Lease has 16,000 km/yr allowance (other packages available and $0.12/km for excess kilometres). Other taxes, registration, insurance and licensing fees are excluded. Offer ends March 31, 2015. ΩLease payments must be made on a monthly or bi-weekly basis but cannot be made on a weekly basis. Weekly lease payments are for advertising purposes only. *Lease credit for 2015 Rio LX MT (RO541F)/2015 Forte LX MT (FO541F) is $800 and available on lease offer only. Consumers can elect to take an additional 10,000 km allowance in lieu of the Lease credit. Lease credit varies by model/trim and is deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes. **$500 Competitive Bonus offer available on the retail purchase/lease of any new 2015 Forte, 2015 Forte Koup, 2015 Forte5, 2015 Rondo and 2015 Optima from a participating dealer upon proof of current ownership/lease of a select competitive cross-over vehicle. Competitive models include specific VW, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Honda, GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles. Some conditions apply. See your dealer or kia.ca for complete details. ∞Cash purchase price for the new 2015 Sorento LX AT (SR75BF) is $22,982 and includes delivery and destination fees of $1,665, $22 AMVIC fee, A/C tax ($100, where applicable) and a cash credit of $5,800. Dealer may sell for less. Other taxes, registration, insurance and licensing fees are excluded. Offer ends March 31, 2015. ‡Model shown Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for 2015 Forte SX (FO748F)/2015 Rio4 SX with Navigation (RO749F)/2015 Soul SX Luxury (SO758E)/2015 Sorento SX V6 AWD (SR75XF) is $26,695/$22,395/$27,195/$42,095. Highway/city fuel consumption is based on the 2015 Rio LX+ ECO AT/2015 Forte 1.8L MPI 4-cyl AT/2015 Soul 2.0L GDI 4-cyl MT/2015 Sorento LX 2.4L GDI 4-cyl AT. These updated estimates are based on the Government of Canada’s approved criteria and testing methods. Refer to the EnerGuide Fuel Consumption Guide. Your actual fuel consumption will vary based on driving habits and other factors. Information in this advertisement is believed to be accurate at the time of printing. For more information on our 5-year warranty coverage, visit kia.ca or call us at 1-877-542-2886. Kia is a trademark of Kia Motors Corporation. DL #30460.

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Reader’s Digest survey finds Canadians trust Toyota C

ar owners trust Toyota. That’s the result of Reader’s Digest’s annual Most Trusted Brand Survey released Jan. 21. For Toyota, it was the seventh straight trip to the winner’s circle when it comes to passenger cars and the fifth straight win in the hybrid car category.

QX30 concept is Infiniti’s vision for its first premium compact crossover

pontaneous and fluid, the QX30 Concept is Infiniti’s design idea of a premium compact crossover that not only effortlessly handles anything the city or weather throws at it but also does it with style and panache. The sloping coupe lines have been beefed up with robust facets to give the four-door concept an air of being ready to explore its neighborhood and beyond. The high ground clearance at 192 mm (7.6 inches) gives the driver an elevated view of the surroundings and confidence to go through potholes or uneven terrain. Standing at 4430 mm (174.3 inches) long, 1815 mm (71.4 inches) wide and 1520 mm (59.9 inches) high, the Infiniti QX30 Concept is a progressive interpretation of a premium compact crossover for

the future. “We wanted the spontaneous fluidity of the QX30 Concept design to cut through the urban clutter and rigidity, reflecting its go-anywhere and spurof-the-moment nature,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director. “With its higher stance and edgier design to match its tough capabilities, you can almost visualize how the QX30 Concept floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee.” The QX30 Concept is Infiniti’s next step in extending the brand into the global compact premium segment, following the 2013 debut of the Q30 Concept in Frankfurt. Both vehicles are in the same family, with the QX30 Concept about 30 mm higher than the Q30 Concept.

2016 GM “Bolt” to take on Tesla in mainstream Electric Vehicle market

Reflecting this record of consistency, Reader’s Digest awarded Toyota a gold Trusted Brand seal in the passenger car manufacturer category. In addition, Toyota has earned a gold seal as the most trusted hybrid car manufacturer, with five consecutive years of leading the way in that category as well. Reader’s Digest commissioned Ipsos Reid to conduct a nationwide online survey of more than 4,000 Canadians, including 1,500 Quebec residents, to identify the brands they trust. Respondents were asked for their most trusted brand within each of 40 categories in an open-ended question format. Ipsos Reid said the survey, done Aug. 26 to Sept. 2, 2014, was weighted by age, gender, and region according to census data to ensure that the overall sample reflects the demographic profile of Canada and Quebec.“Participants say they would choose a brand that’s been identified as ‘trusted,’ over another brand when product quality and price are similar,” said Erin Schnarr, director, Integrated Sales & Marketing Solutions. “The annual ... survey reaffirms that trust, as well as cost and product quality factor into Canadians’ brand affinity and loyalty,” Almost nine of every 10 survey respondents reported that once they trust a company, they tend to act as ambassadors, recommending its products and services to friends and families. “Trust plays a key role in consumer purchasing decisions and it can tip the scale favourably toward a particular brand. “With 76 percent of survey participants reporting it takes many years to earn their trust, these brands deserve recognition,” said Schnarr.

ormula Publication report that General Motors CEO Mary Barra has called the Bolt Electric Vehicle GM wants to put in mass production “an affordable solution.

“The Bolt EV concept is really a natural flow from the work that we’ve done, the expertise we have in electrification, and listening to our customers,” Barra said. Tesla Motors said it would have a mass-market EV on sale by 2017 at US$35,000. While Barra wouldn’t guarantee the vehicle would go into production, she said the all-electric vehicle would be sold across the U.S. and in select global markets. She declined to say which markets GM is considering. “Building on the experience gained from both the Volt and the Spark EV Chevrolet is committed to once again raising the bar by bringing an affordable long-range, all-electric vehicle to market,” Barra said. GM’s head of global product development Mark Reuss hinted production would start in the next few years. Michael Simcoe, executive director of global design for GM’s international operations, said the Bolt was in development for about two years. The Bolt’s size is more of a subcompact but the interior is roomier, up a segment size,” Simcoe said. The batteries in the vehicle are flat, allowing for more passenger and utility room, Reuss said. The 2016 Volt will feature hand-controlled brake regeneration via paddle shifters on the column. (With files from Formula Auto press and The Detroit Free Press.)

Pickup Corner Preview

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All-New F-150 Raptor offers Ultimate Off-Road Performance

ord, America’s truck leader introduced the all-new F-150 Raptor – the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup in the company’s lineup. Ford has reengineered every part of the F-150 Raptor to make it the toughest, smartest, most capable off-roader – and more efficient than ever. Forged from high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy that helps save more than 500 pounds of weight, Raptor’s exterior design is inspired by Ford’s performance heritage in off-road racing that includes Best in the Desert, Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series and the famous Baja 1000. Raptor’s chiseled looks are reminiscent of those found in Trophy Trucks – the most powerful and fastest off-road pickups. Raptor is 6 inches wider than the standard F-150 for improved stability off-road. The all-new Raptor also boasts its first-ever dual exhaust and new 17-inch wheels with next-generation BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires specifically designed for off-road performance. Raptor is powered by Ford’s new, second-generation 3.5-litre EcoBoost® engine that produces more power with greater efficiency than the current 6.2-litre V8, which is rated at 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque. The first-generation 3.5-litre EcoBoost proved its mettle off-road – racing in the original F-150 EcoBoost Torture Test truck in the 2010 Baja 1000, as well as notching repeated wins in off-road race series. The high-output 3.5-litre EcoBoost is a Raptor exclusive in the F-150 lineup. It will be paired with an all-new 10-speed transmission for improved efficiency. An all-new four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand transfer case, with an advanced, easier-to-use version of off-road mode driver-assist technology, further improves Raptor’s trail performance.

Raptor’s new transfer case, which manages power distribution between the front and rear wheels, combines the best attributes of clutch-driven, on-demand allwheel drive with durable, mechanical-locking four-wheel drive. F-150 Raptor comes standard with new FOX Racing Shox with custom internal bypass technology that works to damp and stiffen suspension travel over rough terrain to help prevent the truck from bottoming out. Front and rear shock canisters have grown from 2.5 inches to 3 inches in diameter for improved performance. They feature more suspension travel than the current Raptor’s 11.2 inches at the front and 12 inches at the rear. Advanced LED lighting and camera technology contribute to improved visibility on the trail or street – day and night. Commanding and comfortable, while the exterior design of the F-150 Raptor is about projecting an image, the interior design is about creating a comfortable place for driver and passengers to enjoy their time on- and off-road. Added content includes interior upgrades, three colour material levels, and paddle shifters to manually shift the 10-speed transmission. Auxiliary switches to control aftermarket equipment such as lights or an air compressor are mounted out of the driver’s way in the roof of the cab – similar to a fighter plane. “This all-new F-150 Raptor takes Raptor performance to the next level,” said Dave Pericak, director, Ford Performance. The all-new Raptor will be built at Dearborn Truck Plant, and goes on sale fall 2016.

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he influential US based Consumer Reports magazine has announced its top new car picks for the 2015, and for the second year in a row, the Tesla Model S is the publication’s choice for best vehicle overall. the Tesla Model S is the publication’s choice for best vehicle overall. The Model S was chosen for its melding of technology, luxury, driving performance in a sharp looking package. General Motor’s Buick Regal also made it as a favourite sport sedan, while the Chevrolet Impala scored highly in its large family sedan category the Regal was praised for its above-average reliability rating and driveability. The Impala, Consumer Reports found, “offers strong value and good build quality. The 2015 Subaru Legacy won out as Consumer Reports best mid-size sedan. While the Toyota Prius was its favourite green car, scoring highly for its smoothness and simplicity. Toyotas mid-size Highlander SUV also made the best of list. Audi’s mid-size A6 makes the list, as best luxury car and the Honda Odyssey makes the list as best minivan.

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Sports Car Corner

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The New benchmark in its Class:

FRIDAY Mar 06, 2015 7 www.swmediagroup.ca

The 2015 Porsche Cayman GT4

he new member of the Porsche GT family is the Cayman GT4. This is the first time Porsche is introducing a GT sports car based on the Cayman which has components of the 911 GT3. A lap time of 7 minutes and 40 seconds on the North Loop of the Nürburgring positions the Cayman GT4 as the new benchmark at the top of its market segment. It also makes a clear statement that Porsche will continue to promote radical two-door sports cars in the future – sports cars that are developed at the Motorsport department in Weissach. The engine, chassis, brakes and aerodynamic design of the Cayman GT4 are configured for maximum driving dynamics; yet the top model still retains the versatility and everyday utility that are typical of the two-seat Porsche coupe. It is powered by a 3.8-litre flat-six engine with 385 hp (283 kW), which is derived from the 911 Carrera S engine. Its power is always transmitted by a six-speed manual gearbox with dynamic gearbox mounts. The Cayman GT4 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds; its top speed is 295 km/h. The car’s NEDC fuel consumption is 10.3 l/100 km. The chassis – which features a 30 mm lower body position and a generously sized brake system – consists nearly entirely of components from the 911 GT3. On its exterior, the Cayman GT4 is clearly differentiated from related mid-engine coupes. Three distinctive inlet openings at the front and a large fixed rear wing are part of an aerodynamic package which is systematically designed for downforce. Upon request,

the Cayman GT4 can be equipped even more comprehensively for sporty use. Options include the PCCB ceramic brake system; full shell seats made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), a custom Sport Chrono Package with the unique Track Precision app and a Club Sport Package. The interior of the Cayman GT4 is designed so that the driver and front passenger can experience unfiltered driving enjoyment. They sit on sport seats, upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara, which are distinguished by very good lateral support. The new GT4 sport steering wheel guarantees ideal control and direct steering feedback due to its compact dimensions. Technical aspects of the new GT sports car are based on the 911 GT3. As a mid-engine sports car and a prime example of driving dynamics in its class – it follows the conceptual tradition of such cars as the 904 GTS, 911 GT1, Carrera GT and 918 Spyder. GT sports cars from Porsche embody the most passionate connection possible between everyday driving and the race track and thereby the sporty core of the brand: Intelligent Performance. Four out of five drivers of Porsche sports cars with this classification also use them on the race track. The Cayman GT4 celebrates its world premiere in early March at the Geneva International Motor Show.

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AUTO TRENDS WEEKLY

Auto Trends Weekly special supplement

What to expect from Europe’s Most Exotic Sport Cars!

Porsche 9

Porsche is on new 911 GT3 R Show. modifi performance T and 338 lb-ft of ates the high-p in 10.9 seconds

ill deliver w n o ir h C i tt a g New Bu er yron-replacing 1500 horsepow to release the Ve

set mph tti is allegedly ower and a 0-60 ep rs In 2016, Buga ho 00 15 rable Veyron r that will have Chiron. It’s a ca er than the vene ht lig be to id gh the nds. Sa ling too. Althou nd ha time of 2.5 seco er tt be ve der the hood Chiron will ha horsepower un it replaces, the 00 15 ed rt po re 0 it will have a om 1,200 to 1,50 fr er W16 engine will w po g tin injection, boos ph – still keepwith direct fuel of around 288 m d ee sp p to a ojected ee with anet. Price is pr pl e remain hybrid fr th on r ca t n as the fastes ing its reputatio $2.5 million. to be in excess of

Koenigsegg Re gera – Swedish built supercar The Koenigsegg Regera is built in

Sweden and is hypercar – pow a plug-in hybrid ered by a 5.0-lit er twin-turbo Vsump oil system 8 en gine with a dry. On its own, th e V8 engine de horsepower. How livers 1,100 brak ever, once one e of the three elec torque increase tric motors kick s 221 pound-fe et of torque, w two power the hile the remaini rear wheels and ng produce 192 po power from this und-feet each. Th system is routed e through a new Ko Drive transmissi enigsegg Direct on, which replac es the standard mission. Top sp gear-based tran eed will be arou snd 250 mph.

Ferrari 48

The Ferrari 4 with evolutio 3.9-litre unit Performance be 205mph-p

Pagani Huayra

The Pagani Hua yra made its de but as the succes and hand built sor to the Pagani using the most Zonda exotic materials powered by a M available. The H ercedes AMG-e ua yra is quipped 6.0-liter engine, produc , twin-turbochar ing 700 horsep ged V12 ower, with 738 center-mounted lb-ft. The Pagani quad exhaust tip fe atures s and a carbon fib active flaps for th er rear fascia an e rear. The Hua d two yra can storm fr in just 3.2 second om 0- 62 miles s, with a top spee pe r hour d in excess of 25 0 mph.

ew supercar n i’s d u A : 8 R i d u A 2016 di R8, with its mistakable as an Au

n, but remains un ar. Power will It’s an all-new desig ils and wide squat re ta de es ad bl e sid over ge sleek low profile, hu a V10 Plus trim with d an hp 0 54 g in model mak ro to 100 km/h range from a base cond sprint from ze -se 3.2 a do ill w R8 ive is e 610 hp. Audi says th Quattro all-wheel dr s ou m fa ’s di Au n. nstructio placed by a thanks to lighter co nsmission may be re tra l ua an m ed m fa e th R8 will standard, although nsmission. Still, the tra l ua an m ed at m tch auto seven-speed dual-clu planet. e fastest car on the remain as one of th

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911 GT3 RS

nce again breaki ng down the ba rrier between sp RS which celebr orts cars and ra ated its world pr ce cars in the emiere at the 20 fications to its dr 15 Geneva Internat ive system, aero ional Auto dynamics and lig The 911 GT3 RS htweight design is powered by a enhance four-litre flat-six f torque, combine engine with 500 d with a specially horsepower developed PDK performance sp transmission an orts car from ze d accelerro to 100 km/h in s. 3.3 seconds and to 200 km/h

Lamborghini A ventador Supe rveloce For the 2015 m odel ye

ar, Lamborghini perveloce. The has released ye SV will be power t another specia ed l car- Aventador by a 6.5-liter V– an increase of Su12 developing 40 horsepower a heady 740 hors over the standa of torque. The Su ep rd ow A ve er ntador – and th perveloce will be e same 509 poun a thinly disguise increase its dow d-feet d race car with nforce. The Ave revised aerodyna ntador SV is capa seconds all the m ics to bl e of sprinting fr way to a top spee om 0-62 mph in d of 217 mph. just 2.8

88 GTB

488 GTB is a replacement for the 458 Italia and gets better onary changes. The 488 GTB’s engine is a twin-turbocharged and produces 660bhp at 8000rpm and 560lb ft at 3000rpm. e? The 0-62mph sprint takes 3.0 seconds - Its top speed will plus.

New Maserati Gran Turis as a performance coupe mo will be hard focused

McLaren 650S

The British built McLa ren 650S is with a 0-6 clad in ex 2mph in 3 otic carbo .0 seconds a There is a n fibre an nd a top s plethora o d alloy an peed of 2 f equipme high perfo d 0 7mph is n nt featurin rmance Pir o s g lo e n u ll ew five-sp ch. i tyres and horsepow oke alloys the option er from th , e 3.8-liter o U f lt c ra from 443 a rb on race se twin-turb lb-ft to a a ts o . V W -8 it 5 h th 0 6 0 ere is also 41 . The sev refined to a torque in en-speed improve d dual-clutc crease rivability, s h gearbox hift smooth has been ness, and outright p erformanc e.

Maserati is hard at work with a replacement for the Gran Turismo coupe. However the next generation will be more performance, rather than luxury orientat ed coupe. The convertibl e wi ll apparently be discontinued and faster , more agile car will replac e it. The engine choice is expected to be wi th a Maserati V8 with up to 560 hp in top form or the company’s lat est twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 wi th power offered depending on state of tune from 350bhp to 52 0bhp

Special Supplement by Veeno Dewan

10 FRIDAY Mar 06, 2015 www.swmediagroup.ca

AUTO TRENDS WEEKLY

Feature resides a tuned version of Kia’s proven 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injected (T-GDI) four-cylinder engine putting out an impressive 315 horsepower. That power is put to the ground via a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. Flanking the grille on both sides are vertical LED headlamps, and front-brake cooling vents intricately molded into the bumper provide a clean, smooth appearance. A carbon fiber front splitter mounted below the bumper provides added down force for the car at high speed to keep the GT4 Stinger’s front tires firmly planted to the tarmac.

Kia Canada reveals GT4 Stinger Concept

ia Canada presented the Canadian Premier of the brand’s most aggressive concept car ever when the wraps came off the GT4 Stinger at the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS). Kia’s eye-catching design language moves in a bold new direction with the introduction of the GT4 Stinger. The concept pushes the boundaries of performance with a rear-drive 2+2 sports car that places man and machine in harmony on the road or track. It comes as no surprise that the GT4 Stinger is the wild style child of Kia’s California design team, home to its 2012 predecessor, the Track’ster concept. And like the Track’ster, the GT4 Stinger’s racy appeal is more than skin deep.  Beneath the low wedge of the GT4 Stinger’s hood

The long hood gently rises to meet the cowl. Two chrome accent pieces add visual interest to the otherwise ripple-less pond of Ignition Yellow sheet metal. The hood closely embraces the front wheel arches, creating two protruding muscular fenders above the front tires. The result is a pronounced edge at the vehicle’s shoulders that eventually becomes the belt line.

Continuing around the car, the transparent Apillars provide a more than 270-degree view from the driver’s seat. The layered slots cut into the pillars reduce weight while improving outward visibility. The interior is purposeful in design and practical in nature. A pull of the billetaluminum door handles reveals incredibly lightweight doors, but their generous width makes dropping into the molded leather race-inspired bucket seats a breeze. There is no carpet, only a rubber floor mat underneath the billet-aluminum pedals. Front and center to the driver is a thick D-shaped steering wheel and red LED-illuminated instrument panel with large tachometer and gear indicator. Continued on Page 12

AUTO TRENDS WEEKLY

Auto Review

FRIDAY Mar 06, 2015 11 www.swmediagroup.ca

2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI Highline: Classic family hatchback is hard to beat

he Volkswagen Golf has always been one of my favorite cars and for good reason: It has a great heritage, decent build quality, fine engineering and has always been a practical, fun to drive car. It is also available in a number of permutations to suit different buyers and driver needs. The fast and exciting GTI and Golf R models offer superb performance and of course the five-door and three-door model hatchback format offers great flexibility. Our tester was a well-optioned Tornado Red 5-door Highline edition with the superb 2.0 Liter diesel TDI engine producing 150 horsepower. Transmission options include: a manual gearbox or as on our tester, a 6-speed DSG automatic. The Highline added such niceties as 17” inch Geneva allow wheels and all-season tires, 12 way power driver seat, KESSY keyless access and a panorama tilt and slide power sunroof. Also added was a Fender premium audio sound system and LED signature daylight running lights amongst other goodies.

Interior wise, the Golf is roomy with two comfortable bucket seats up front and a roomy rear bench seat and ample rear cargo room. The cabin is still sublimely efficient and neat as a pin, with a choice of trim and

- By Veeno Dewan touchscreen unit featuring satellite radio, Bluetooth and navigation. Our tester rang in at a base price of $32,395 with the optional multimedia package adding another $2,195 to the cost. Final cost came in at $34,590 plus $1,395 and $100 Excise Air Conditioning tax Handling is the best part of the Golf offer excellent handling, steering and braking. Fuel economy is not bad either. Horsepower improves by 10, now 150 hp at 3,500 rpm, while torque is unchanged at 236 lb-ft. The TDI is smooth, tractable and is one of the best diesel unit on the market. For the price it hard to find a car of this pedigree Fuel efficient, comfortable and eminently refined the Golf TDI With its bullet proof diesel TDI engine is still amongst the best hatchback in its segment. Highly recommended.

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12 FRIDAY Mar 06, 2015 www.swmediagroup.ca

AUTO TRENDS WEEKLY

Tip of the Week

THE 4-11 ON TIRES Buying tires is Not the Hassle it could be!

ooking for new tires for your ride. It could be a minefield these days as everyone need these very important black rubber doughnuts to get around. You think it is expensive? Well, spare a - By Veeno Dewan though for our cousins in some provinces who have to have snow tires by law. That’s two sets of tires per vehicle! Have a high performance BMW or a Porsche… the right high speed performance tires can cost you a couple of hundred bucks each! The tried and trusted way of buying tires is by visiting a tire dealer. They usually have the tire you need in terms of size and type (All season, summer winter or snow and performance. the advantage is that it’s a one stop shopping place assuming you have done some preliminary price shopping and comparison. Another option is to buy tires online. Buying and fitting new tyres in a garage is less hassle but may cost you more. It’s often cheaper to buy tyres online, but only if you feel confident enough and know tires. Always check a few websites before parting with your cash. Various website can give you instant quotes and compares prices and are good tools for researching the market. Enter the tyre width, diameter and load rating (from the car’s manufacturer handbook) to work out the cost of delivery. Remember to factor in the price of getting the tyres delivered, fitted and balanced at a garage. Tyre quality. Before you buy, check the quality of the tyre on internet review websites that usually lists all published tyre tests and will give you a good idea of how the tyres you’re buying stack up against the competi-

will reduce general wear and tear on your tyres. You may also want to try rotating your tyres every six months to make sure that the tread wears evenly. The usual method of doing this is to swap the tyres diagonally, so that the right front tyre moves to the left back tyre, and the left front tyre moves to the right back tyre. It may be the case though those tyres can only be used on either the right or left side of the car, so it is best to check your owner’s manual before doing this.

Used tires

tion.

Saving your Tyres Keeping the correct tyre pressure is essential for safe braking and handling. The recommended tyre pressure for your particular car can usually be found in your owner’s manual. Driving on tyres that are not correctly inflated can make this dangerous, as they will wear down quickly and puncture more easily. Keeping a check on tyre pressure once a month can prevent this. On the flip side, driving with tyres that are inflated too much can also cause braking and handling problems. In both cases, the car will not be using the full width of the tyre tread. Driving safely and carefully within the speed limit

Continued from Page 10

Kia Canada reveals GT4 Stinger Concept In keeping with the track theme and taking inspiration from sports and competition cars of the past, interior door handles have been replaced by red-stitched pull straps. In fact, the GT4 Stinger makes due without the luxury of a stereo. “The audio system starts under the hood and the speakers are the exhaust pipes,” said Kearns. Underway, the GT4 Stinger’s free-flow exhaust burbles and blurts unabashedly and is music to the ears of driving enthusiasts everywhere. While there are currently no plans to bring the concept to production, Kia has a history of delivering production vehicles that bear a strong resemblance to the concept that preceded them, and the GT4 Stinger provides a possible and highly provocative glimpse into Kia’s future.

If you are going to buy used tires from a tire shop, ensure they match in sets of two (front and rear axles). There is a legal tread requirement so ensure the dealer measures this. Don’t get tires that look badly used, worn, split, damaged or with an uneven tread pattern – mo matter how good the price. You can get some pretty good deals on used tries and can save a fortune. However, be aware and don’t cut corners when it comes to condition.

Getting tires properly fitted Whichever method you choose to buy dealers, ensure you go to a good tire dealership to have them correctly mounted and balanced. Don’t underestimate the importance and skill level of good tire fitters, who have the knowledge, experience and the proper tools and machines to ensure tires are fitted properly and safely. A task not to be tried at home!

FRIDAY Mar 06, 2015 13

AUTO TRENDS WEEKLY

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AUTO TRENDS WEEKLY

Hybrid Corner

Hyundai Launches New 2016 Plug-In Hybrid and All-New Hybrid Sonata Sedan

ntroduced just recently, the new 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is expected to travel up to 35 km on electric power and can recharge in as little as two and a half hours with a Level 2 charger. Once the maximum electric-only range has been reached, the Sonata PHEV goes on to perform just like a regular hybrid vehicle. The company also introduced an all-new Sonata Hybrid. Sonata Hybrid continues to visually differentiate itself from other Sonata models with purposefully unique wheels and front and rear fascias that improve aerodynamics while highlighting its advanced technology and efficiency. The 2016 Sonata Hybrid is expected to deliver improved fuel economy over the previous generation Sonata Hybrid.

140 lb. ft. of torque and the total system output is 202 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.

Although the Sonata PHEV is very technologically advanced, it will behave much like the regular Sonata Hybrid from the driver’s seat. A 9.8 kWh lithiumpolymer battery pack, roughly five times larger than the Sonata Hybrid’s battery, is expected to give Sonata Plug-in Hybrid an all-electric range of up to 35 km, farther than any other intermediate PHEV sedan.

The heart of the 2016 Sonata Hybrid is the downsized 2.0-litre Nu GDI fourcylinder engine (replacing a 2.4-litre MPI engine) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that houses a more powerful 38 kW electric motor and clutch where the torque converter would normally be found. Sonata Hybrid’s Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED) delivers the same responsive, engaging driving characteristics Sonata owners expect while improving fuel economy through the use of the larger electric motor.

Sonata Plug-in Hybrid uses a six-speed automatic transmission with Hyundai’s Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED), a 50 kW electric motor, in place of a torque converter. This electric motor is 32 percent more powerful than the motor used the in regular Sonata Hybrid and allows EV operation at higher speeds and for greater duration. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder GDI engine is combined to the electric motor to power the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid once the battery is depleted. Sonata PHEV’s Nu engine produces 154 horsepower and

Sonata PHEV is expected to deliver an estimated 2.5 L/100 km combined in EV mode. In charge sustaining mode, the Sonata PHEV is expected to return 6.2 L/100 km in the city, 5.5 L/100 km on the highway and 5.9 L/100 km combined. Recharge time ranges from two and a half hours at a 240V Level 2 charging station to five hours using a standard 120V outlet. The Sonata PHEV will be available nation-wide later in 2015. Sonata PHEV buyers will be eligible for a provincial tax credit in Ontario and Quebec.

Sonata Hybrid’s gasoline engine produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb. ft. of torque. The electric motor produces 38 kW (51 horsepower) and 151 lb. ft. of torque. Hybrid system net power is 193 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Sonata Hybrid is expected to achieve up to 6.0 L/100km in the city, 5.2 L/100km on the highway and have a combined rating of 5.6 L/100km.

AUTO TRENDS WEEKLY Continued from Page 1

FRIDAY Mar 06, 2015 15 www.swmediagroup.ca

2015 Mercedes Benz C-400 4MATIC and mesh together, and the quality and texture of each part of the cabin feels- this is pure Mercedes - Benz all the way. The huge 8.4-inch infotainment screen is pure modern technology and along with the C-400’s COMAND control interface makes for a very intuitive system to use. The small, ergonomically COMAND control wheel is housed partly by a protective pod and uses a touch pad with a haptic feedback feature. Once you get the hang of the COMAND system you can use simple finger gestures to initiate infotainment features and menus. As with all Mercedes- Benz, the driver ergonomics are superb with a multi- adjustable seat and power-adjustable tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel that can accommodate any drivers shape or height. Front seat comfort for both occupants is excellent. Rear seat passenger have only marginally decreased space and enjoy their own fully cosseted cabin. On the road, the V6 engine is a strong,

lively unit that is happy to deliver power when you need it seamlessly. It can be docile and unobtrusive until you use a heavy right foot which can make it accelerate with some vigour. The 3.0L twinturbo V6 produces an impressive 329 horsepower (at 5250 rpm, and 354 lb-ft of torque at 1600 rpm) so giving the C-400 a decent turn of speed if needed in any situation. Official Canadian Energy guide fuel economy figures are: City: 11.1 L/100km, Hwy: 8.4 L/100km Brakes are also delightful with firm predictable stops without drama or over modulation. In summing up, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-400 is what it is – luxury and quality with incredible engineering and finishing. It is expensive when fully loaded, but worth every dollar- especially when it is time for a trade in or upgrade. A true everyday luxury car in every way. 2015 Mercedes –Benz C-400: Base price, $43,000 to $51,400 plus options, freight and taxes.

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AUTO TRENDS WEEKLY

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