2015 VW Polo based SUV

Not sure what this will be called yet. But these illustration show us what a small Crossover/SUV based on the next Polo could look like.

VW has already said that we will be getting the next Polo in the US.
So it would be fair to assume we are also getting the SUV.

Also not sure what they will do with the Tiguan. Which is now 6 years old!
(Although aging quite well I think)

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2015 Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

They did it a few years ago with the larger CLS. And it looks great. Like a cross between a hatchback and a regular wagon.

The CLA will be getting the same treatment soon. Not sure we will ever see this in the US though, since we never got the CLS version.
(And Mercedes will try pushing their CLA based GLA SUV over here instead of a wagon...)

Or, maybe they will. Who knows...

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Upcoming test drives for the new year.

Including VW Tiguan R, 2014 Regal GS, 2014 Nissan Rogue, Cadillac ATS and VW Jetta 1.8 Turbo.

Just so you know...

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Mystery Dodge?

I just got this a couple of days ago and have tried to figure what it is.

From the front end it does look like it could be a Dodge.
It actually looks more like a Frankenstein type mule than an actual camouflaged car.
So it is hard to say... The picture was taken in the Hollywood Hills.

Any idea what this is?

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Nissan NV200 Cargo test drive

 Yes, I was quite a bit surprised when I was offered to test drive this for a week.
But I also thought it could be interesting. Why not.

It looks kind of cute for what it is. Mostly because of its small size. Its only competition in the US seems to be the Ford Transit Connect.
For now. Later this year Ram  will be selling a version of the Fiat Diablo as the ProMaster City.
Other might also follow.
(Even GM, which will sell its own rebadged version of the NV200 pictured here as a Chevy.)

 Inside, it is pretty big and bare. Seems a bit larger than the Ford. No side windows are available in the US though.

 The dash is fine for what it is. A small cargo van doesn't really need soft touch plastics everywhere.
The driving position isn't too bad. You get used to it in a few minutes.
The main inconvenience is the lack of rear side windows. (If you are not used to drive cargo vans that is)
I must say, it is really scary at first as you can't see anything on the sides unless it is at your level.

 There are more conveniences than I thought. Like a USB plug and a rear view Camera. My test car even had GPS

The 2.0 Liter only has 131HP. Which is just OK with 2 people on board, but could be really slow with a full load. Although it is quite smooth and mostly quiet.

I did get used to the driving position and the scary lack of visibility after a while and felt more comfortable driving it.

It is rated at 24 City and 25 HWY.  (that's what horrific aerodynamics will do...)
I did match the City figure but got a bit better on the freeway with 28MPG.

So far the NV200 is a fine choice for small businesses on a budget.
But its main problem is the Ford transit Connect. Not the current one.
But the new one coming out soon.
It has a much, much nicer interior. A more car like driving position. And will be available with Ford's great 1.6 Liter turbo.
And you can get side windows!

Sure, the Nissan is already less expensive than the current Connect. (The all new 2014 will start at $22 000.)
 An XLT wagon version including the 1.6 Liter Turbo and Panoramic glass roof is $24 500.
(My NV200 test model was $23 250, including a Tech package and back door windows.)

The NV200 is fine, but I cannot see it surviving against the new Transit Connect unless it starts offering more options and models.

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Audi Sport Quattro Laserlight Concept

Not an all new design, since we have seen it before. but a new color, and these new Laser Headlights.

They are tiny and powerful. Since Laser diodes are smaller than LED diodes. Yet they have twice the range and 3 times the visibility of LEDs.
(which could be quite blinding when you think of it...)

I think the Quattro concept looks great anyway. Showing a more angular and stronger version of the Audi look. And the new technology will allow for some amazing looking headlight designs in the future.

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Ford C-Max Solar concept

I drove the C-Max a few weeks ago and really liked it.
It feels really solid and drives great.

But as usual with plug-in cars, you only get about 30 something miles of electric before the gas engine kicks in.

This new concept only gets about 21 miles of electric. Nut, you don't even have to charge it. (You still can if you want)
The solar panels do the job. In 6 or 7 hours. Which is a great idea.

Ford claims that can put the car into production if enough people are interested.

Imagine in just a few years when solar panels might allow you to get 100 miles or more.

This is great.

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