Auto Trends Weekly Apr 03, 2015

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AUTO TRENDS WEEKLY

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Volume 02, Issue 14 || Ph:604-597-7749 || Fax: 1-855-796-3342 || Friday, Apr 03, 2015

2015 Kia Optima Smarty sleek and sublime

By Veeno Dewan Continue on Page 6

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AUTO TRENDS WEEKLY

he electric car maker tesla is expected to start manufacturer and delivery of its new Model X all electric CUV in late 2015. The Model X will offer a set of dramatic rear “falcon-wing” doors and a forward-facing third row of seats Tesla claims this pair of upward-swinging doors eases ingress and egress to both the second and third rows. Sharing its platform with Tesla’s Model S which is rear-driveonly, the X can be outfitted with crossover-necessary all-wheel drive. Its standard drive configuration mirrors that of the S, with a single, rear-mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels. An additional, front-mounted motor powers the front axle on allwheel-drive models. Similar to the S sedan, there will be a sporty Performance model; it will be all-wheeldrive-only and is claimed to hit 60 mph in less than five seconds. Pricing for the Model X has yet to be announced, but Tesla has said the least-expensive version will start somewhere close to the Model S’s price point with a premium for a higher capacity battery model and the Performance version. Tesla plans to begin producing the crossover near the end of next year, and to deliver the first customer cars early in 2016.

Auto News

New Tesla Model X Crossover will offer expensive thrills

Nissan BladeGlider Concept

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n the other side of the automotive spectrum, Nissan presented a head-turning concept vehicle. While the Titan XD offers a one-of-a-kind engine, Nissan’s additional CIAS highlight has none – the electric BladeGlider Concept. Nissan’s latest sports concept will challenge conventional thinking on sports car performance handling, braking and weight distribution. The Nissan BladeGlider features a radical front narrow track layout, where the front is significantly narrower than the rear, creating a swept-wing profile when seen from directly above.

Disrupting and challenging the status quo, the NISSAN BladeGlider shares sustainable engineering values with both the Nissan LEAF and the Nissan ZEOD RC, the futuristic-looking competition machine which made its debut in last year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper tours Honda plant in Ontario

rime Minister Stephen Harper, Simcoe-Grey MP Kellie Leitch and Barrie MP Patrick Brown toured Honda Canada facilities in Alliston. Ontario on March 30. Honda Canada president and chief executive officer Jerry Chenkin announced on Monday that some of the CR-Vs will be destined for the European Market during Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s stop at the Alliston facility. It will be the first time that Honda Canada will export vehicles and the company expects the plan will result in a “modest” number of new jobs.

“Today’s announcement is significant for Canada’s automotive and advanced manufacturing industry. Our Government has worked hard to open new markets for Canadian companies and we are pleased that Canadian vehicle manufacturers like Honda are already preparing to take full advantage of the many benefits that the Canada-EU Trade Agreement will generate. Our Government will continue to support our exporters and manufacturers as part of the most ambitious pro-export, pro-jobs plan in Canadian history,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper in a statement.

Based on production volumes, Honda Canada was the fourth-largest automaker in Canada in 2014, with 393,007 vehicles produced. Honda Canada directly and indirectly employs more than 19,000 Canadians, including more than 4,000 in Alliston. Approximately 90 per cent of Canadian auto production is exported each year. Source, Government of Canada

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Auto News

Infiniti Canada Introduces New Limited Q50 Editions

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nfiniti announced Canadian pricing for the 2015 Infiniti Q50 Limited Sports Sedan and 2015 QX80 Limited 7-passenger SUV. The new Q50 Limited combines popular equipment together at an attractive value while the new QX80 Limited offers subtle exterior upgrades and a sophisticated interior evocative of an executive boardroom.

Now in its second model year, the Infiniti Q50 offers distinctive design, engaging performance, and world’s first technologies, including Direct Adaptive Steering and Predictive Forward Collision Warning. The Q50 Limited is available with the refined 328-horsepower 3.7-litre V6 and with the Infiniti Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system. With two models available, the Q50 Limited has been added to the lineup and is priced from $45,100. Equipment highlights include 19” spoke aluminum-alloy

Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram and FIAT brands all showcase exciting new products for 2015 Coming off of a standout year in 2014 as the top-selling automaker in British Columbia(1), FCA Canada (formerly Chrysler Canada) is maintaining its momentum with 10 regional premieres at the 2015 Vancouver International Auto Show (VIAS), led by the 2016 Fiat 500X crossover.

Leading the charge in Vancouver is the 2016 Fiat 500X. The latest addition to the FIAT lineup in North America, 500X brings comfortable seating for five, world-class craftsmanship, superior ride and handling, technology, safety and functionality to the rapidly growing small crossover segment. With its iconic Italian style, functionality and all-wheel-drive confidence, it is sure to resonate with Canadians. Alongside the 2016 Fiat 500X and aforementioned new products, six other FCA Canada vehicles have their British Columbia premieres at the 2015 VIAS: the made-in-Canada 2015 Chrysler 300, 2015 Dodge Charger and 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, plus the 2015 Ram 1500 Laramie Limited, 2015 Ram ProMaster and 2015 Ram ProMaster City.

Meanwhile, the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel redefines the premium SUV, producing a class-leading 240 horsepower and a massive 420 lb.-ft. of torque, Jeep Grand Cherokee’s awardwinning 3.0-litre V6 delivers clean-diesel technology with low CO2 emissions, a best-in-class 8.4L/100 km (34 mpg) fuel efficiency, a standard eight-speed transmission and towing capability of 3,356 kg (7,400 lb.). Built on more than 70 years of legendary Jeep heritage, Grand Cherokee is the most awarded SUV ever.

wheels and a new rear spoiler. This model also includes the Moonroof and Premium & Navigation packages, which offer a power sliding tinted glass moonroof with onetouch auto-open/close, Infiniti Studio on Wheels® by Bose® 14-speaker Premium Audio System, Infiniti InTouch™ Navigation System with touch-screen, Lane Guidance and 3-D building graphics, SiriusXM Traffic, and Infiniti Voice Recognition for navigation, including voice destination entry.

Also available, at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (M.S.R.P.) of $49,400 is the Q50 Limited Deluxe Touring & Technology model, which offers additional safety and technology features. The 2015 Q50 Limited will be available at retailers beginning in April.

Toyota Fuel Cell Vehicle Makes debut at Vancouver International Auto Show

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oyota’s leading-edge environmental innovation was is in the spotlight at this year’s Vancouver International Auto Show. The headline attraction is the Canadian debut of the Toyota Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) Concept – the inspiration behind Toyota’s production ready fuel cell vehicle – the Toyota Mirai. It’s a zero-emissions vehicle that harnesses the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity for power.

Water is the vehicle’s only by-product. Utilizing a hydrogen fuel cell and tank system, it has a refueling time comparable to a conventional gasoline vehicle of just 3-5 minutes and a driving range of about 500 kilometres on a full tank.

“Toyota led the industry in powertrain innovation with the introduction of the Prius hybrid, and

now we are continuing on our trail-blazing vision for a better, greener tomorrow with fuel cell technology,” said Seiji Ichii, President and CEO, Toyota Canada Inc. “The FCV Concept is Toyota’s inspiration for the ultimate next-generation, eco-friendly car.” Another showstopper is the Vancouver debut of the Toyota i-Road Concept. It’s a three-wheeler that represents the ultimate fuel-efficient and funto-drive small urban vehicle that combines motorcycle-like styling and maneuverability with car-like protection and comfort. With seating for two in tandem, the i-Road gets the heart racing through an exhilarating and responsive “active-lean” system. This innovation ensures a stable ride and provides an unprecedented feeling of oneness with the vehicle, evoking an emotional connection.

Feature Article

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The 2016 Acura ILX Redesigned and Refined Sports Sedan

-By Veeno Dewan

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ith more features, more leading-edge technology and a major injection of Acura DNA the 2016 ILX goes on sale in Canada February 25th with a starting MSRP of $29,490. The ILX acts as a gateway sports sedan with the performance, technology and style desired by younger luxury buyers. The 2016 Acura ILX boasts more power, improved handling, more luxurious appointments, more youthful, sporty styling. The 2016 ILX also provides customer choice with several grades available – the standard ILX, the ILX with Premium Package, the ILX with Technology Package, and the all-new ILX with A-SPEC Package.

The Acura ILX captures some of the younger buyers under 35 in its segment, and the 2016 ILX will continue to bring in new and younger buyers into the Acura family. The enhancements made to the 2016 model are designed to make the ILX even more attractive to upwardly mobile younger buyers looking for upmarket quality and performance. The ILX’s new 2.4-litre, 16-valve, direct-injected DOHC I-VTEC engine produces peak output of 201 Horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 180 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm, up 51 horsepower and 40 lb.-ft. compared to the outgoing 2.0-litre engine. The new engine is mated to a new 8-speed dual clutch transmission (8DCT) with torque converter and paddle-controlled Sequential Sport Shift. The new 8DCT is the most advanced transmission in its competitive set, delivering incredibly quick, crisp and intuitive gear changes, including rev-matching down shifts, to achieve outstanding response and sporting performance with top-class fuel efficiency, with an NRCAN rating of 9.3/6.6/8.1 L/100km city/hwy/combined.

To make the most of its high performance new powertrain, steering responsiveness and linearity are improved via a retuned suspension and a number of chassis design

enhancements. With these changes the 2016 ILX delivers an athletic, confident and balanced driving performance. With form following function, the reborn ILX sports a bolder, more distinctive front end highlighted by piercing Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, a new grille design, and more aggressive lower fascia; a restyled rear end offers new LED combination lights and lower fascia enhancements; and new 10-spoke 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The ILX A-SPEC Package enhances the performance look even more by adding sporty side sill garnishes, a trunk spoiler, front fog lights, new 18-inch 10-spoke machined alloy wheels, and several unique interior appearance touches.

In an unprecedented move in its class, the 2016 ILX comes standard with AJAC’s pick for Best New Safety Technology, Acura Watch, a suite of advanced safety and driverassistive technologies, and the most advanced system of its kind in the competitive set. Acura Watch™ includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, a Multi-View Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines, as well as Road Departure Mitigation and a Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (including Forward Collision Warning) with sensor fusion technology that enables new capabilities, including pedestrian sensing. Premium grades and up also get Acura’s blind spot information and Cross Traffic Monitor feature. The ILX is equipped with Acura’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and is designed to achieve top safety ratings – a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a GOOD rating in the IIHS’ small-overlap frontal collision test.

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Continued from Page 1

2015 Kia Optima For 2015, the Kia Optima continues as a superbly styled, and well - equipped family front-wheel drive sedan. There are a few changes for the new model including new LED fog-lamps and revised fascia, and at a very attractive base price of $24,795 for the LX model, value continues to be high.

The entry-level LX with 192 standard horsepower has a very comprehensive list of features, whilst the EX model, adds even more options at $27,495. There is also a higher EX Luxury model priced at $31,495 which offer more comfort and luxury touches. The top dog is the Optima SX priced at $33,195. If you want the sophistication of a turbo engine, the SX Turbo arrives with all you could ask for at $34,895. As standard features on the Turbo model include Dual-zone automatic climate control, power locks, windows and heated mirrors, cruise control, power driver/passenger seat, leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, tilt/telescopic steering, AM/FM/CD/satellite audio with eight speakers, AUX/USB inputs and steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth, navigation with voice activation, backup camera, smart key with

push-button start, rain-sensing wipers, blind spot monitoring and body kit Interior wise, the Optima has a design, look and features that seem much higher than the price suggests, with beautiful leather trim and seats, contrasting stitching two-tone seats and a sporty dash layout. Tilt and telescopic steering adjustment mean anyone can find the ideal driving position and visibility is good allaround despite the low- slung roof line. In any case, the SX Turbo also arrives with a back-up camera. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a nice touch along with excellent ergonomics and very comfortable seats.

Occupants will appreciate the amount of room, soft touch surfaces, audiophile quality Infinity audio system, full panoramic glass roof, memory seating with heated and cooled leather surfaces, blind-spot monitoring mirrors. The rear cabin is also roomy with rear seat warmers as standard on the SX Turbo model.

In addition the SX Turbo model we tested had such goodies as navigation, satellite radio, voice command and steering-wheel mounted controls for audio and entertainment. On the road, the 2.0-litre turbocharged

four-cylinder has a respectable 274 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque at 1,750 rpm. The Optima SX Turbo unit is a refined power plant that is well matched to the six-speed manumatic gearbox. The Optima feels European in its handling dynamics with a taut, firm feel, and crisp steering.

With its sleek looks and a wide choice of models, the Kia Optima continues to rate highly judging by the number on the road in mid-sized sedan segment.

Buy it in the base LX model and it still comes superbly equipped for the price. Meanwhile the SX models add even more pizazz whilst the Turbo has the edge in performance. You simply cannot go wrong with Optima.

Auto review by Veeno Dewan.

2015 Kia Optima. Based priced from $24,795 This vehicle is available at Kia Vancouver 396 SW Marine Dr. Vancouver, BC (Corner of Cambie & Marine Dr.) Call: Harry Oberoi Ph: + 1 888 378 0632 Web: www.kiavancouver.com

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The new

Cayenne Turbo S

The top athlete among SUVs

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t the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Porsche is also introducing the new Cayenne Turbo S – the top model of the sporty SUV model series. Its re-engineered 4.8-liter V8 biturbo engine now develops 570 hp (419 kW) and 800 Nm (590 ft lb) of torque. A chassis that is tuned for maximum driving dynamics and packs a wide range of control systems also makes the Cayenne Turbo S a genuine top athlete. It can turn a lap of the North Loop of the Nürburgring in 7:59.74 minutes. The Cayenne sets a new record for SUVs here, and it also proves that every Porsche is a genuine sports car – even in this vehicle segment.

The more spontaneous response of the biturbo engine is primarily a benefit of the integral turbochargers, which are now housed directly in the exhaust manifolds. This new approach also improves combustion. The high-performance engine offers 20 hp more power and 50 Nm (36.8 ft lb) more torque than the previous engine. The Cayenne Turbo S accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds – which is 0.4 seconds faster than the previous model (0 – 60 mph in 3.8 seconds). Its top speed is now 284 km/h (176 mph).

The Cayenne Turbo S also underscores its position as a top athlete in its chassis systems. Its standard Porsche Composite Ceramic Brakes (PCCB) include 420 mm front brake discs and, for the first time, ten-piston calipers. The rear brakes have 370 mm discs and fourpiston calipers. The active roll stabilization system, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) proactively reduces side tilt when driving through curves early on.

Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) increases dynamic handling and stability by making specific brake interventions at the right or left rear wheel – this noticeably improves steering into curves and steering precision. The active hang-on all-wheel drive system Porsche Traction Management (PTM) permanently drives the rear wheels while offering fully variable power distribution to the front wheels. Some advantages of the interplay between all systems: excellent driving dynamics and traction as well as a high level of agility at any speed.

-By Veeno Dewan Standard features of the Cayenne Turbo S reflect the top level of this model. They include 21-inch wheels in distinctive 911 Turbo design with black painted edges, LED headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus), full-leather interior with Porsche logo embossed on all head restraints as well as interior carbon accents. Interior styling in a black/creme color combination is making its debut in the Cayenne Turbo S. Creating exterior visual accents are the air inlet surround at the front of the vehicle that is painted in high-gloss black, the undersides of the door mirrors in the same color and the roof spoiler and wheel arch moldings in car color. A sport exhaust system is available as an option in combination with a switchable sound symposer, which optimally transmits the V8 sound experience into the interior.

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- Special Report -

Best of The 2015 Vancouver International Auto

By Veeno Dewan

FRIDAY Apr 03, 2015 www.swmediagroup.ca

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cars ─ Volkswagen with its new Golf; winner of the 2015 North American Car of the Year Award and Mercedes with its new GLA range and fabulous Mercedes –Benz AMG GT. Both BMW and Jaguar showed up with their full range of high end vehicles.

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he 2015 Vancouver International Auto Show was a big success and reached a number of milestones this year. Firstly, the show was in fact, the largest in the annual events 95 yearlong history and featured the most new car reveals the show has ever seen. For the first time ever it also took up both main floors of the Vancouver Convention Centre, where it now takes place each year. Generally people find the glitzy, swank Convention Center is a far warmer, cosier, and more welcome venue than the cold draughty B.C. Place of previous years. Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealer s Association of BC said before the show,” It’s the most wonderful time of year for car lovers eagerly awaiting the start of the Vancouver International Auto Show, and this year’s annual Auto Show will see a number of the world’s top manufacturers debut their newest models, giving consumers an upfront look at the latest design and technology soon to hit our roads.” He added, “This year’s Auto Show was completely redesigned and revamped to make room for even more vehicles, including a 25-per-cent increase in floor space, totaling almost 290,000 square feet. We expected in excess of 85,000 people are expected to attend the Auto Show and marvel at the hundreds of new vehicles on the exhibition floor.’ The Auto Show, presented by the New Car Dealers Association of BC, is the largest event of its kind in Western Canada and, offers something for everyone. This year we are giving away not one, but two cars; see (and possibly take home) the 2015 Chevrolet Canucks Camaro or the 2015 100% Electric Nissan Leaf offered by Scrap-It B.C.” Qualey was not wrong and the general consensus was that the 2015 show with new organizers behind the helm and a new dynamics plan for this year was resounding success with a number of highlights. For openers, the number of news car revealed was way up from normal – and after a long while, the super car and exotic car makers were back in full force with proper staffed booths as the top class automakers noticed the burgeoning hot market for very high- end specialist cars in Vancouver. Exotic super cars on display included offering from: Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Lotus, McLaren, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Tesla, Aston Marti and Bentley which were located at the front of the entrance in a very prominent position.

In addition the more populist auto manufactures also did a stellar part in presenting a considerable bevy of new vehicles which will be on sale ─ this year or next. The home grown automakers were in fine fettle as Fiat Chrysler showed off the new Jeep Renegade, the Fiat 500x Crossover, on sale this year and the phenomenal 700 horsepower Dodge Challenger Hellcat. General Motors displayed its new high performance Corvette Z06 and it compact Chevrolet and GMC Colorado and Canyon pickups. The Japa-

nese auto maker was also in full effect, with Infiniti showing off the new Q50 Hybrid and superb looking Infiniti Q60 IPL Convertible. Honda displayed its brand- new soon to be on sale HR-V Crossover Utility and its upmarket Acura range. Mazda also showed off its CX-3 Compact CUV to be launched next years. Toyota meanwhile had its full range and some new hybrid and alternative fuel powered concepts. The Koreans also impressed, with the Hyundai Equus, Kia K900 premium sedan and the award winning Soul EV. Not to be outdone, the Europeans were also out with an impressive range of

Concept vehicle at the Vancouver show included such futuristic vehicles such as the Cadillac Elmiraj, the Infiniti Q80 Inspiration, the Nissan BladeGlider and the Subaru VIZIV 2. There were also a number of special displays this year including: Classic Alley, featuring rare vehicles from the Vintage Car Club of Canada’s Vancouver Chapter; Electric Avenue, a showcase of green and environmentally friendly products and services. Notable announcements included the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) Green Car of the Year Award presented to the Kia Soul EV finished ahead of competing finalists to win the award which included the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Honda Fit and the Subaru Legacy. Also announced was the B.C governments Clean Energy Vehicle for BC (CEV for BC) incentive program which will provide BC residents with up to $5,000 off the pre-tax sticker price for qualifying new battery electric, fuel-cell electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and up to $6,000 for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Combined with the recently announced incentive program from SCRAP-IT, purchasers of a new electric can stack each offer to potentially save up to $8,250 when a dealer point of sale incentive is added. The program will be administered by the New Car Dealers Association of BC and will

The life-size version was on display as guest entered. The iconic twin mill car had not one but two functioning GM V8 engines – each with their own tachometer. And, in another nod to classic Hot Wheels details, even had redline tires! Although the classic orange race tracks were missing!

For Corvette fans, there was a real treat in the form of a display of all seven generations of the All-American Corvette Sports car display.

Presented by Dueck GM, it features an example of every generation of Corvette, from a 1961 C1 to a 2014 C7. A Dueck representative placed the value of the collection at more than $700,000 or more. With more than 62 years of Corvette history on display at this year’s show, the cars showed how seven generations of iconic Corvettes, from 1953 to 2015 have changed, improved with developments such as fuel injection to independent rear suspension to disc brakes, this car has pioneered many of the features we see in today’s cars.

begin April 1, 2015.

Also keeping with them of glamour was the display of cars from Hollywood North also known as Film City Vancouver where cars from the world of films made an appearance with vehicles from the live-action Scooby Doo 2 film and Percy Jackson & Olympians: The Lightning Thief were on display. Monster truck fans were also delighted by the Electric Bigfoot Monster truck “Bigfoot,” a name is likely familiar to monster truck fans, as the big blue trucks are some of the most recognizable ever on the Monster Jam circuit. This one on display at the Vancouver show, however, was finished in a blackand-yellow electric theme and makes 800 lb-ft. of purely electric torque.

Fun stuff was much in evidence. Hot wheels showed off a life size rendition of its famous “Twin Mill” Hot wheels car that has been a staple of Mattel’s largest die-cast model brand since 1969, just two years after the first Hot Wheels models arrived in stores.

In short, this year’s show was a great few day of car-nut and family fun, with plenty to see and do for all the family. We look forward to next year’s event with even more anticipation.

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AUTO TRENDS WEEKLY

Sports Car Corner

The All-New Ford Focus RS has entered the room!

ll-new Focus RS makes North American debut at New York International Auto Show, introducing advanced performance technologies for ultimate hot hatch experience; pioneers innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring, industry-first drift mode, additional drive modes Focus RS pioneers innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive delivering blistering cornering speed for thrilling performance and unbridled driving enjoyment for enthusiasts in North America for the first time.

The high-performance road car introduces advanced performance technologies, and is the first Ford RS equipped with selectable drive modes – including industry-first drift mode as well as launch control. The thirdgeneration high-performance hatch features a 2.3-litre EcoBoost® engine delivering well in excess of 315 horsepower, along with the most powerful Ford RS braking system ever. Its dramatic exterior design offers optimized aerodynamics and cooling, Using a switch alongside the gear lever, the driver can choose settings for all-wheel drive, damper control, Electronic Stability Control, steering and engine response, as well as exhaust sound. Industry-first drift mode is specially calibrated for all-wheel drive to modify torque distribution to help the driver achieve controlled oversteer drifts at the track. Projected to deliver well in excess of 315 horsepower, the Focus RS 2.3-litre EcoBoost shares its fundamental structure with the all-aluminum four-cylinder engine in the all-new Mustang. What’s different is that the RS engine features a comprehensive package of design changes.

With its high-efficiency design featuring direct fuel injection, twin independent variable camshaft timing, advanced turbocharging and Auto Start-Stop, this EcoBoost engine delivers exceptional power and respectable fuel consumption. The six-speed manual is optimized for the enthusiast driver with a shorter gear shift and revised mechanism to deliver faster, more accurate shifts. Both transmission and clutch are upgraded with stronger components to cope with the engine’s increased torque output.

Focus RS, based on the standard model, features a powerful new front end look, with a bold upper trapezoidal grille above a deep splitter incorporating the largest possible openings for engine cooling. Bi-xenon HID headlamps offer brilliant illumination in all road conditions. The wide, muscular stance is emphasized by lower wings and

large outboard openings on each side of the car, which feed the brake cooling ducts and house vertically mounted fog lamps. At the rear, the fascia panel is dominated by an exceptionally large diffuser that optimizes airflow from under the car. The distinctive roof spoiler is integrated with the car’s silhouette through body-colored side panels featuring a subtle embossed RS logo. The dynamic side profile is emphasized by sculptured rocker panels and bold wheel lips that house a choice of multi-spoke 19-inch RS alloy wheels, including the high-performance, lightweight forged design finished in low-gloss black that offers enhanced strength and impact resistance with a weight savings of 1.3 pounds per wheel.

The high-performance character is reflected in the cockpit, with heavily bolstered, partial-leather Recaro sport seats as the centerpiece. A soft-feel flat-bottomed steering wheel, leather-covered rim, alloy pedals and unique instrument graphics in the main cluster reinforce the performance character. Gauges atop the center console display turbo boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure. The all-new Focus RS is the latest vehicle to be unveiled as part of a new era of Ford performance that will bring to customers globally more than 12 performance vehicles through 2020.

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2015 Volkswagen Tiguan 4Motion 2.0TSI Incredible value at $24,990!

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he 2105 Volkswagen Tiguan is entering its seventh year, and continues on with a few changes; however its timeless styling, excellent engines, performance, driving dynamics and rich cabin still make it a very good value for its current price and must be considered if you are in the market for a compact SUV. Base Tiguan’s priced from only $24,990 are the ultimate bargains for now. The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and 207 poundfeet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is optional.

Transmission is either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. - with the option of 4Motion All-Wheel Drive. Our tester was the 2015 Tiguan Comfortline 4Motion 2.0 TSI model in Titan Beige Metallic Paint with Titan Black leatherette trim. Options added to our vehicle. Base priced at $34,700 included: Technology package ($2,075) which includes: RN10 Navigation CD Player with Touch Screen and 30 GB Hard drive, Fender Premium Audio System 8 Speaker and Subwoofer,

- By Veeno Dewan

Kessy Keyless Access and Push Button Start. Also added was the Appearance Package ($1,750) comprising: 18 Inch Pasadena wheels and silver roof rails. Total price for our tester came to $38,525 plus freight, PDI $1,610 and AC tax $100.

The Tiguan cabin is neat, clean and uncluttered – a refreshing change from the sometimes messy, overcomplicated SUV interiors of today. The materials and plastics are high quality, soft touch surfaces; still plastic mind you, but of better materials and design. What buyers do get is sleek Euro design and cabin ambience. Controls are large and well placed and ergonomics superb. Firm, wellshaped seats are comfortable -interior room is good and the 60/40-split-folding rear seat has a cargo pass-through in the middle. The rear seat also slides fore and aft to improve either rear legroom or cargo space and the backrest also reclines.

Generally, there is a light and airy feel to the cabin. The Tiguan has a 700-litres

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Auto Review

2015 MAZDA CX-9 GT AWD

Mid-sized Crossover Has What it takes - By Veeno Dewan

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he Mazda CX-9 is a good looking mid-sized crossover that’s stylistically is the top of its class in a slinky, sensuous way.

Models range from a well-equipped GS Model with front wheel drive priced from $33,995 or All Wheel Drive from $36,995 to the more lavishly equipped GT AWD model starting at $45,995 as tested. The CX-9 is a derivate of the very good Mazda6 sedan and is powered by a 3.7-litre V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and overdrive.

The CX-9 arrives with three rows of seats with a total of seven seats as standard Available options include the 20-inch tires and alloys, a rear-view camera and Bluetooth phone compatibility. An optional ‘Rear Entertainment System includes: a Bose 5.1 channel surround sound system with 11-speakers, CD/ DVD player with audio input jack, Nine-inch monitor, wireless headphones and an 115V

power outlet.

The attractive two-tone leather seats in our Zeal Red Mica GT tester were comfortable and include standard seat heaters in the front. Very high quality materials, design and finishing make for a superb level of interior ambience, with a sporty theme to the dash the seats are well padded, and afford much comfort on long drives. Standard equipment on our tester included: rain sensing wipers, towing package, power tailgate, 5.8 inch display screen with rear view camera, rear back up sensors, USB and Aux Input. Bluetooth Hands Free Phone System, 8 WAY Adjustable Power Seats, luxury Piano black interior trim, Xenon (HID) headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights, Blind spot monitoring system with rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent key System with keyless entry and start. There was no optional equipment on our tester.

Kids and passenger will love the cavernous interior, and luxury touches, while adults Will revel in the luxury and power conveniences. Interior room in the CX-9 is above average in the

mid-size crossover class. Our family found plenty of legroom and headroom in the first and second rows, and decent headroom and legroom in the third, (For kids anyway!) However, the CX-9 is both practical and versatile featuring; second row seats that slide 12 cm forwards and back to increase legroom for third row passengers. Even with the third row seats up, there is 487 liters (17.2 cu. ft.) of cargo space behind the third row seats, while both the second and third row seatbacks fold down without having to remove the head restraints.

Handling and steering proved very responsive although I found the suspension a little firm on rough ground. The All-Wheel drive system powers the frontwheels and can transfers power to the rear wheels when more traction is needed. Traction control and Dynamics control as standard and the All-Wheel Drive Active torque split is very effective The long wheelbase, 273 horsepower V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission make the ride relaxed and comfortable. Not much too complains about although the large turning radius means taking care in tight locations. Fuel economy ratings are (l/100km) City 14.3 Highway 10.6. For the CX-9 Overall the CX-9 is a competitive CUV and has great interior luxury and power features.

The looks alone make this vehicle worthy of a test drive to see all its many attributes. Auto review by Veeno Dewan 2015 Mazda CX-9 priced from $33,995 Price as tested GT AWD version MRSP $45,995. Final price including Freight and PDE $47,890

FRIDAY Apr 03, 2015 13

AUTO TRENDS WEEKLY

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14 FRIDAY Apr 03, 2015 www.swmediagroup.ca

AUTO TRENDS WEEKLY

Pick up Corner

Revamped Titan Nissan Full-Size Pickup Truck Lineup

- By Veeno Dewan

T

he first of the new Titan models, the 2016 Titan XD Crew Cab, is projected to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in late 2015. The Titan XD creates a new class of pickup with the effortless towing and hauling of the larger, more expensive heavy-duty trucks – including an available maximum towing capacity of more than 12,000 pounds* and maximum payload of 2,000 pounds* (when properly equipped) – yet has the fuelefficiency* and affordability of half-ton pickups. It is powered by the new Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel rated at 310 horsepower and hefty 555 lb-ft of torque.

The second-generation TITAN will also be offered in additional cab, bed, powertrain and model configurations, and increasing TITAN’s market segment coverage. Along with the TITAN Crew Cab shown in the Detroit preview, the new TITAN will be available in King Cab and standard cab versions and with 4x4 and 4x2 drivetrains.

Future engine options will include a new gasoline V8 and an advanced gasoline V6.

More details on the full Titan lineup will be announced at a later date.

Designed as a “powerful precision tool,” the new Titan features available cutting-edge towing, utility features and convenience aids – including Rearview Monitor with Trailer Guides, Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detec-

tion (MOD) and a Trailer Light Check system that allows one-person hook-up operation – including checking turn signals, brake lights and running/clearance lights from outside the vehicle. Also available are Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and a Front and Rear Sonar System. Titan XD includes an integrated gooseneck hitch engineered into the frame and easily accessible in the bed.

Titan’s industry-first Utili-track™ Bed Channel System continues with the new design, and while the previous Titan offered a bedside storage compartment in the lower outside fender panels, the new Titan features dual lockable in-bed storage boxes that are accessible from inside the bed without having to remove a camper top or tonneau cover. The boxes are watertight (and drainable) and can be used as a cooler for picnics or tailgating. They are also removable for times when extra bed capacity is required.

Other Titan bed features include the popular spray-on bedliner, flushmounted LED bedrail lighting, cargo and tailgate lamps, 120-volt in-bed access and a damped tailgate that is light to lift and smoothly damped when lowering. The next-generation Nissan Titan will be assembled in Canton, Mississippi, with engines assembled in Indiana and Tennessee (5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel and gasoline V8 and V6 respectively).

AUTO TRENDS WEEKLY Continued from Page 11

FRIDAY Apr 03, 2015 15 www.swmediagroup.ca

2015 Volkswagen Tiguan 4Motion 2.0TSI cargo capacity with seats up and 1,600L with the 60/40-split/folding seats down.

Also note, there is a cool, fold-flat front passenger seat.

On the road, the Tiguan’s 2.0-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine pumps out 200 horsepower and well managed 207 pound-feet of torque at 1,700 rpm. -5,000 rpm. This is a willing, star performer of an engine with non-existent turbo lag and a nice linear power delivery. The sweet six-speed manumatic transmission is well calibrated to the engines power delivery. A sport mode for the transmission also allows for more responsive shift points. The Tiguan’s handling is excellent thanks to the Tiguan’s optional 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The 2015 VW Tiguan is not the fastest accelerating SUV in its class, but the turbocharged fourcylinder engine is a willing unit with plenty of mid- range torque. On a variety of roads, the Tiguan feels safe, controlled and at ease in whatever you throw at it. A light well assisted steering set up makes for easy parking and low speed manoeuvres while braking is smooth and progressive.

Standard safety equipment on the Tiguan includes antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, and multiple front and side airbags. Natural Resources Canada fuel economy ratings for the Tiguan are (L/100 km) 11.7 city, 9.4 highway. There are a lot of good competitors in this sector, but the Tiguan has the edge in term of cabin design, handling, and European refinement and is a recommended buy.

2015 Volkswagen Tiguan. Base price $24,990 - $39,895.

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16 FRIDAY Apr 03, 2015 www.swmediagroup.ca

AUTO TRENDS WEEKLY

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