Fiat 500X

 The X is an SUV looking version of the 500.
And just like the 500L, this is not really a true Fiat 500.
It is based on a different, larger platform. All it gets from the 500 is that front end with the round headlights.

But, this one could be interesting.
As I do like the idea of a larger 500 like the L. I think the L's proportions are quite ungainly in real life. It's trying too hard. Wheels to small etc...

This already looks much better. And also could prove quite popular in our market.

It looks ready to me.
I guess they will show it at the Geneva Auto Show very soon.

Here, it will compete mostly with the Nissan Juke and Buick Encore.
At prices comparable to the Juke.

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VW Tiguan Test Drive

 I have been interested in trying out the Tiguan for a while. And I finally got one last week.
The new(ish) R version.

The 1st thing I noticed was how good it looks. It came out almost 7 years ago! (with a refresh for 2012)
Which is quite amazing.
I think it still looks better than many other small Crossovers (especially the sad/cheap looking Mazda CX-5...)

The big 19 inch wheels of the R version add some aggressiveness to the cute shape.

 Inside, the 7 year old design is also still holding up quite well. Things are simple and attractive. And almost every plastic surface is covered in soft touch, expensive looking material.
No "new Jetta cost cutting" here...

 The back seat is pretty roomy. Especially considering the car is almost a foot shorter than the Jetta.

 One of the best features, that some of the competition still doesn't offer, is the panoramic roof. The front section does open all the way too.

 It wouldn't be a VW without some weird stuff. Like this row of fake buttons. You know, the ones that remind you that you didn't get all the options (even at over $37 000!)

 There is very little space for storage under the armrest. Like most VWs.

 The truck is surprisingly big.

If you read this site, you might know that I am really not aran of VW's 2.0 Liter Turbo engine.
And the Tiguan didn't make me change my mind.

Just like other VW models with the same engine,  you are welcomed by that rattly diesel sound. Except, this is NOT a diesel.

I've heard the excuse about it being a "Direct Injection" engine.
Which is pure BS since GM and Ford (among others) offer super smooth 2.0 Liter Turbo engines, also with DI.
But, also as usual, I did get used to it over time. After a while, you kind of give up.
And realize that it is very fast and fun to drive.

The steering is much too light. (although precise) With almost zero feeling. In a weird un-German way.
The suspension on the R model is too hard. (Which, is really not a good combo with the light steering.)


Once you get going, things are really quiet inside.
As I said, it handles well and the engine has plenty of power, all the time.

It is rated at 21/26 City/Hwy
I got around 22 in the city. But had no problem averaging 30MPG on the highway.

So basically, I would recommend the Tiguan.
It looks good and is fun to drive. Sure the steering could be better. But most small SUVs suck in that department anyway....

But stay away from the grossly overpriced R version.
You can basically get the same car, minus the big wheels, sport suspension  and other details for $5000 less.
Which makes it still expensive, but pretty much in line with loaded versions of the CRV or RAV4 crowd.

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2014 VW Beetle 1.8Turbo price

Looks like the Beetle is the last VW US model to get the new 1.8 Liter.
It has already replaced the 2.5 Liter in the Jetta and Passat.

The 5 speed manual will start at $20 295. While the 6 speed auto is $1100 more.
That base price is pretty much BS since it is basically impossible to find a manual Beetle anywhere.
(I've tried for a friend, who ended up ordering one)

The convertible starts at $25 170. (automatic only)

VW is quick to mention that these are the same prices as the "old" 2.5 Liter model.
(But they had already bumped the price up for the 2014 model by $300 a few months ago...)

City mileage improves from 22 to 25. Hwy from 29 to 33. (All models with the new engine also get a new electric power steering.)
Which is nice, but not amazing (although normal driving usually gets better number with VWs)

I will be driving a Jetta with this new engine in a few weeks.
Everyone seems to praise the new 1.8Turbo. Even suggesting it might be the best choice for the Beetle.

We'll see...

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More pictures of the 2015 Lincoln Navigator

As you can see, it is hardly new. Basically the same body it has had for so long now.

With a new front end and interior every few years. This time it is getting a new engine as well.
A 3.5 Lier V6 Turbo with 365HP. (About 55 less than the 2015 Escalade)
Of course, MPG should be better than the Escalade.
But do people who buy these things really care? I don't think so.

Interior is also a rehash of the same theme. So even if it is, it doesn't feel new.
Look at the little door lock switch at the left of the interior pic. It's been a while since I've seen this.
Especially for this price.

I am not sure who this is for, really. There is nothing here that would make Escalade owners switch.
And if you don't like or want a giant truck based SUV, this isn't going to change your mind.

I guess they didn't invest too much in this, so maybe they're not expecting much...

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2015 Lincoln Navigator

I know I am being "negative" again. But look at this...

Just when you thought it wasn't possible for the Navigator to be uglier, they release these pictures.

That new front end is beyond words.

I know I was bashing the new Escalade a few weeks ago for just being another Tahoe clone.

But at least, it looks fine. And very restrained next to this.

This is taking vulgarity to new levels.

And it is not "all new". It is mainly a new front, rear and interior. Plus the availability of the 3.5 Liter turbo for the 1st time. (The bottom pic does show the same profile as the current model

So they basically have a revised 7 year old model to compete with the new Escalade...

Good luck...

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How about some 2015 Volvo XC90 renderings

The illustration above looks great. But it is basically a 4 door version of the concept we saw last week.
Which would be great, but would end up looking just like a regular wagon.

Instead, I think we'll get this.
Another heavy looking, tall brick.

Nothing special. really. After all these years...

This could end up being quite sad. 

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Another new London Taxi from LTI/Geely?

A few weeks ago I posted a picture of what Nissan is hoping to be the next Londan Taxi.
basically a blacked out NV200 van with a chrome grille and round headlight.
Which would be pretty sad.

The original Firm LTI was bought by Chinese Geely a while ago. The the current London taxis are basically Chinese cars.

Now Geely is fighting back with a new model. Which, at least on this picture, does look a bit closer to a real London taxi than the Nissan NV.

They claim they can have a plug in version or all electric ready soon.

We'll see....

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Chrysler to kill the Dodge Avenger

Not official yet. But it will be soon.
There will be no Dodge version of the all new Chrysler 200.

So while most people will talk about "no new Avenger coming up".
I think it means "no more Dodge very soon".

I mean really, think about it. All their trucks are now under a new brand called Ram.
The Viper isn't a Dodge anymore either. It is sold under the SRT brand.

And they have already announced there will be only one version of the next Minivan. (I would say Chrysler)

So this leave only:
-The Durango (which could easily becomes a new Ram SUV)
-The Challenger . (Old, but a new version could be sold as SRT. The now "sport car brand")
-The Charger. (Which could die after a new Chrysler 300 comes out. Just like the 200 killed the Avenger)
-The Journey ( no one even remembers it. Some Jeep crossover could easily replace it)
-The Dart. (that's the most difficult one. As it is new. But at the same time, not selling that well...)


I say if you are working for Fiat, and counting beans, you are probably going to kill Dodge...

What do you think???

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What the Hell happened to the Mitsubishi Mirage???

 I mean look at this!
This is the sedan version of the hatchback sold in the US. So far the sedan is for Canada. But Mitsubishi is also considering it for the US.
There is no excuse for a car looking like that in 2014

This makes the Versa sedan look like Marilyn Monroe.

 This is the hatch version, sold in the US. Right now. Not 30 years ago but right now.

 To prove things are getting worse, this is the 2008 model, sold in Europe. At that time, Mitsubishi though Americans would' t like it. So it was never sold here (But the new one is...)

This is actually the one I like the best. the 1st one!
It came out in 1978 and still looks better than the atrocity we have now.

It was sold in the US by Dodge and Plymouth as the Colt and Champ.
What a cute modern design. Simple.

Now scroll back up and look at where Mitsubishi is now...

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Nissan IDx Concept to go into production

That is great news.
Now Nissan will have their own retro/futuristic car.
As the new concept was inspired by the old Datsun model. A simple shape that can still work today.

Also refreshing to see a 2 door sedan that isn't trying to look like a hatchback.

But, this is a pure concept design. So it might change a lot in the translation into production.
Let's hope not.

Engines considered a re either 1.2 Liter or 1.5 Liter with CVT (Yes, I know)
But they also mention a proper manual. Which is a must if the car wants to be considered seriously.

It is hard to see the size on thiese pictures, but the concept is about 10 inches shorter than the Scion FRS.
So it is quite small...

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2014 Qoros 3 Hatchback

One really good looking Chinese car from Qoros.

The previously announced sedan is now being produced and delivered to customers in Chine.

Bot hatch and sedan will be sold in Europe later this year. Followed by a wagon.

Where it will compete with cars like the Golf, Astra etc...

Just a s a reminder, here is the sedan.

The sedan version was crash tested last year. And got excellent results.

Which might be a first for a Chinese car.

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Chevrolet Silverado High Country Test Drive.

I mentioned before that I am not a "truck guy". I like cars.
I have zero need in my life for a truck (Maybe that's why).
But I thought it would be interesting to drive one for a week. A real big macho truck that makes John Wayne look like a girl scout.

The Siverado is big. Bigger than almost anything you can get . But I think it looks fine for what it is.
(Except the cheesy chrome wheel on my test unit.)

The interior is very comfortable. It all feels super solid and well made.
I even didn't mind the old fashion column shifter (But I think I still would in the $70 000 Escalade...)

A few things, details, were quite distracting. Especially for the $52 500 price of this truck.
Like the glove compartments. Once you open them you realize they are both tiny. And not really useful.

Everything is powered but not the steering wheel. And you have to deal with 2 sets of manual controls. Plus that area behind the steering wheel looks really, really cheap.

No push button start here. (Even in the loaded version). Just a cheap looking key. And cheap plastics around it.

The gauges also look really cheap. Plastichrome everywhere. Bright blue and red colors. It has a bad 80's feel to it.
Really...

Once you drive it, and once you get used to the size, things are pretty easy.

The steering is just fine. Light but not too much actually.
The suspension can be quite firm with the 20 inch tires.
The optional 6.2 Liter V8 (a $2000 option) is both powerful and super quiet and refined.
It is rated at 14/20MPG, and it is pretty much what I got during the week.

All and all, I did enjoy driving the Silverado. Maybe because it was special to me, knowing I would never own one.
But it rides much better than the current Ford F150, and is light years ahead in every aspect , of the Nissan Titan. (My only other experiences with full size pick up trucks)

I still think they are things missing in the $52000 version I was driving. For that price there was no Navigation or sunroof.
And some interior bits are still quite cheap looking.

But if you really need something like this, I would really recommend it. It does make a very decent every day ride. (you'll just need to avoid any Trader Joe's parking lots)

And make sure you go easy on the options....
These trucks can get really expensive.

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