Kia Cross GT
Ahead of the upcoming 2013 Chicago Auto Show, KIA offered a sneak peek of its latest crossover SUV concept in a shadowy teaser image, one that hides most of the concept’s looks. Nevertheless, anyone looking at the photo can make out the bulk of the so-called urban vehicle’s looks. The concept is a sneak peak [...]
Read More →Volkswagen Crossblue Concept
A New Standard in Efficiency A version of the Crossblue’s hybrid drivetrain was first displayed in last year’s CrossCoupe TDI concept cars. It consists of a 2.0-liter turbo diesel inline-four engine, which produces 190 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of torque, coupled with an independent, battery-powered electric motor at each axle. In all-electric mode, Volkswagen claims [...]
Read More →Honda Urban SUV Concept
The tiny SUV category is the one hot spot in Europe’s declining auto market. Unsurprisingly, Honda has been working toward a personal entry in the market segment. However, what is a surprise is the debut of the concept for this car dubbed the “Urban SUV” at this year’s North American International Auto Show. The Detroit [...]
Read More →Honda Urdan Concept
It appears that Honda has a brand-new compact crossover on the horizon, one that’s slated to slot below the current CR-V. The Urdan SUV is based on the Fit’s subcompact platform, giving compact car fans a sporty and dynamic package with the same sensibilities that made the Fit such a hit. Judging from its overall [...]
Read More →2014 Subaru Forester
Evolution, Not Revolution There is nothing radically different about the 2014 Forrester compared to the outgoing version. Rather than make sweeping changes, Subaru’s engineers and designers instead focused on making lots of little additions and improvements to the news cars. Taken together, these various refinements make a big overall impression. They help to ensure that [...]
Read More →Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force Concept
A Winning Entry This exiting sport utility vehicle was created as an entry for the 2012 Los Angeles Design Challenge. The theme of this year’s contest was to imagine what a California Highway Patrol vehicle would look like in the year 2025. The principal inspiration for the Ener-G-Force was the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen. In production [...]
Read More →2013 Toyota RAV4
Toyota’s latest generation of RAV4 compact crossovers recently made its official appearance at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. All new for 2013, the small CUV offers bold styling with plenty of familiar cues. Of course, there are also a few big changes to the Japanese automaker’s small crossover offering. New Styling, New Features As [...]
Read More →2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel
Diesels have long been popular among European car buyers. From tiny econo-boxes to high-end luxury cars, most models “across the pond” are available with an optional diesel engine. In the U.S., though, oil burners still have somewhat of a bad reputation. Americans think of them as slow, loud and foul-smelling. This is partially a result [...]
Read More →2013 SUV of the Year The Mercedes-Benz GL
More Truck-Like Than Many Current SUVs It’s no secret that SUVs have become much more car-like in recent years. Consumers are no longer as concerned with off-road capability or overt ruggedness. Most of these vehicles will never traverse anything more challenging than a gravel driveway or a snowy access road. By acknowledging this fact, buyers [...]
Read More →2013 Nissan Pathfinder
Sign of the Times: The 2013 Pathfinder Jumps Head First Into the Emerging Crossover Segment It’s no secret that, circa 2012, traditional SUVs are becoming something of a niche market. Mainstream buyers are increasingly seeking out so-called crossovers. These vehicles combine the tall stance of an SUV, the passenger and cargo capacity of a minivan, [...]
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