2016 Mazda CX-3

subcompact-crossover segment like the Buick Encore, the Jeep Renegade, Kia Soul, Mini Countryman and Nissan as stilts other wee hatchbacks, combining a delayed volcano-witness new Chevy Trax, Fiat 500X and Honda exploding Juke as HR-V. Mazda's new CX-3 wheel of having spent a couple of hours now, I think we just may be the most compelling bundles. Of course, only a comparison test can prove that the first impression-that Mazda is quite good, but there is no doubt stay tuned.

Stylish Chassis
At first glance, it is the smaller CX-3 looks like a big hot sun even though the CX-5, Mazda's Kodo design language, gives a more muscular stance and aura of a premium mini-ute. Minimal overhangs, together with prominent nose and a curved greenhouse fetching more bold character lines give the person a tense and compact look. The base Sport models have the same diameter aluminum wheels with 16-inch steel wheels and take midlevel Touring versions, but offer the most attractive aesthetics Grand Touring adds 18-inch pieces.

The CX-3 solid-yet-light unibody structure serves as a solid foundation, the upcoming 2016 Mazda 2 (two vehicles sharing architecture) announced well in advance what to expect. Sixty-three percent of the building consists of high-strength steel, and there are plenty of insulation off the road. Struts in front and a torsion-beam axle used include back out. Most current Mazdas, the CX-3's body, chassis, all components of the vehicle to operate with maximum efficiency and engine and transmission are designed to align the brand's SKYACTIV engineering philosophy, employment. In short, it works.

Momentum Key
Highway and Phoenix, Arizona near the meandering mountain road on our drive, this is not harmony, but rather that our long-term 2015 Mazda 3 hatchback, friendly and translates into a satisfying driving experience. In fact, the latest CX-5 (all profiles estimated $ 1,250 option on for) similar to slightly elevated seating position and "estimated" all-wheel-despite the drive system, the CX-3, which may be, it feels like a normal hatchback car is actually off putting high seeking buyers can take to feel. To ride commutes, power steering feedback amount BMW makes some pretty consistent blush and general comportment balanced and responsive.


Mazda's SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder, unfortunately not as fascinating. Sport mode that intelligently controlled and optional paddle shifters (GT model), though also with six-speed automatic mated happens, the engine would struggle with any enthusiasm to motivate the CX-3. Tuned For this application, HR-V output 1.8-liter turbocharged Juke more but less so at 188 in 2800 pony-light speed of 6000 rpm and 146 lb-ft of torque is 146 horsepower.

Granted, part of our drive, the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated power demolished the high mountain altitude was. But this is not a fast car; We estimate that it would take at least eight seconds to 60 mph line. When prodded 2.0 can also come quite rude. Mazda CX-3 29 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway for front-drive and 27/32 mpg with all-wheel drive preliminary estimates, but expects to be class-leading in fuel economy.

A Pint-Size Palace
The CX-3 to highlight, however, has its own wonderfully luxurious and supremely comfortable interior for at least an entry-level tool for front seat passengers. Here, too, the CX-3 mimic fine Mazda 2, three circular ventilation and an aesthetic hidden in the curved part of the smart bar chrome accents running along the line type of ventilation. Whatever trim materials are good. Stitching on the seats and dash and suedelik GT models are opposite tasteful red seat inserts and metal accents.

Perched high on the line as solid ergonomics turns seven inch screen helps you navigate the HVAC knobs and the console is simple, as the central control, making for easy operation (touch screen is also activated). The current Mazda CX-3 3 seat supporting the driver's seat all the time, you will feel right at home. GT's installation, central tachometer and digital speedometer with different things is not easy to view display with less models putting the two main indicators, it was our favorite.


compact and second-row seat is best left to children younger folks. A stadium seating behind affords good visibility, but leg and shoulder room is restricted and rape comfort of the front seat backrests. You can fill a couple of carry-on bags almost rear cargo bay windows and high beltline fine because the general opinion, but the package is good despite the light.

Loaded with goods
Basic CX-3 Sport models are front-wheel drive should start around $ 20,000 and split-folding will be standard gear is a healthy dose including rear bench cloth seats, start buttons to push, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, rear view camera and Mazda Connect infotainment with central control knob. Middle armrest throughout the Touring model, six speakers and an upgraded audio system, advanced keyless entry and heated side mirrors, as well as artificial leather upholstery options, premium Bose stereo, satellite radio, power sunroof, beautiful materials and add accents and heated front seats .

Grand Touring CX-3 for more premium trim and multi-tone interior color palette, plus standard 18-inch wheels, full LED lighting, leather upholstery, navigation, automatic climate control, heated front seats, are overachievers with a pop head-up display, Bose sound and more. It is possible to activate the optional SD card navigation function with fewer models include radar cruise control only GT Mazda's i-Activs financed package is available; lane departure warning; Automatic intelligent braking; automatic headlights, high beams and rain-sensing wipers and so on.

Despite Mazda has yet to confirm the exact pricing, sales in the lineup this fall, loaded CX-3 GT we have been gone for 34 thousand last tested stickered Given the CX-5 is entirely possible that it can be $ 30,000. Such a tiny tool, a lot of cash. No detail feels just great road manners and attention, such as the CX-3 to be worth it.

2016 Honda HR-V

The SUV-ification of the automobile market Continues apace, with Buyers in even the smallest segment now deciding that they, too, want the high seating position and (in all-wheel-drive versions) the bad-weather capability afforded by a crossover- type vehicle. Honda is showing more hustle than usual with the new HR-V in 2016, getting into this game in the still-early innings. The Nissan Juke, the Mini Countryman, and the Buick Encore were the pioneers but in the past year the size of the field has more than doubled, with new Entrants such as the Chevy Trax, the Jeep Renegade, the Fiat 500X, and the upcoming Mazda CX-3. The HR-V crossover, which slots in below the wildly popular CR-V in size and price, promises to be a strong entrant in this burgeoning field.

Solid Feel
Whereas the CR-V is based on the Civic, the HR-V shares its platform with the Fit subcompact. The HR-V, however, is a whole order of magnitude more solid- and substantial-feeling than that little waif-like box. The cabin is much wider, the windshield is not miles away, and the interior design and materials are better. If you never looked behind you, you could easily be convinced that this is a new CR-V.


Indeed, the HR-V is the substantially larger than the wee Fit. Its wheelbase is longer by 3.2 inches, its front track is wider by 2.1 inches, and the rear track is up by 2.6 inches. Overall, the HR-V casts a shadow 9.1 inches longer and 2.8 inches wider than the Fit, and it stands 3.2 inches taller.

Those extra inches, of course, bring with them more weight. Compared to the Fit, the HR-V is Honda's Measurements by nearly 400 pounds heavier. Even so, its svelte curb weight of roughly 3000 pounds is for this class.

Not So Speedy
In other markets, the HR-V uses the Fit's 130-hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder, but for the United States Honda wisely bypassed that engine in favor of the larger, 1.8-liter unit from the Civic. Alas, the 1.8-liter's output is not that much greater, mustering 141 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque at 4300 rpm figures that are near the bottom of the baby-ute battery. It's no surprise, than, that the HR-V is slow, with zero-to-60 times likely falling in the nine-to-10-second range. The CVT automatic, which is the only transmission available with AWD, Sends revs soaring and keeps them there while he waits for the speed to build. (Or one can flap through the paddles, which causes the transmission to run through lovers preset ratios.)


Honda offers a six-speed manual in front-wheel-drive LX and EX models, and It provides the sensation of livelier acceleration. We like that the stick is easy to shift, but the clutch travel seems long and the throws a bit ropey. Unfortunately, the manual is at a real disadvantage in fuel economy. According to the EPA, the automatic returns 28/35 mpg with front-wheel drive, beating the manual by 3 mpg in the city and 1 mpg on the highway; the CVT-only nets ratings of 27/32 mpg with AWD models. All of those figures are at or near the top of the class.

Ten or straight, flat, and traffic-choked drive route in South Florida, the HR-V did not display much verve for cornering-although it did not have much opportunity to do so is beyond an aggressively take the on-ramp or two. The HR-V's electric power-steering system, though, does offer reasonable effort, and the suspension soaks up road irregularities capably.

Inner Space
The HR-V's real talents lie elsewhere-chiefly in its people- and cargo-carrying capacity. Packaging has long been a Honda forte, and it's definitely on display here. The HR-V follows the Fit's lead in cleverly placing the fuel tank under the front seats, which Allows the rear seat cushion to flip up, creating a practical space for ferrying taller objects. Alternately, the split rear seatbacks can flop forward, as can the front passenger seatback. Even when it's not showing off its gymnastic flexibility, the HR-V boasts the largest to cargo hold among its peers, whether that's behind the rear seats folded it with that row. And the extremely low cargo floor Facilitates easy loading, a boon for those who frequently haul heavy items.

2016 Volkswagen Golf R SportWagen

One of our journalist colleagues do not get it. When we asked him, "Why do you want to drive like a sports car, a station wagon?" Malaga, Spain, close Ascari race track and the pit we stand at this time, a Volkswagen Golf R SportWagen roars at full blast, the fourth gear is DQ400 dual-clutch automatic transmission swaps as furiously popping four exhaust outlet. We (We should note that we have had from other outlets) we advise you to check the pulse of the authors.

An increasing number of drivers represents the on-road superiority over tanklik choice at a time, view-obstructing crossover SUV, we size does not make a statement through the compact and agile station fully position or the flashy design of the rear of the VW decided to start the wagon. Modestly style but equipped with four-cylinder 300 hp turbo (in compliance with Euro, US Golf R makes 292 horsepower), the Golf R SportWagen leave entirely up to the driver to deliver the message.


EA888 2.0-liter TSI engine in the last iteration, Golf Sportwagens through this burliest, estimates, will charge 60 mph in under five seconds and its top speed is governed to 155 mph full. Riding on a lofty plateau of 280 lb-ft of max torque at 5500 rpm-1800-it family friendly R SportWagen a more Eurocentric available for comparison, the poor man's Cadillac CTS-V wagon or Audi RS6 Avant.

High speeds increase sound in Soundakt makes use of any of his notes go a little artificial despite driving modes, but especially in the racing environment, the Golf R cars, all makes noise. However, high costs cruel car into three-digit rates; and you can even get better fuel economy for something so powerful to hit 29 mpg highway-we think was certified for sale in the United States. Things such as cane and drive you to the intent of the driver, so long. You can do this and close to 10 mpg average stated onboard, which is a fact that we're well aware that we announce-speed cameras prayer is still passed on a lunch break. (We are rated for 30 mpg highway US-spec Golf R hatchback made our testing to achieve 24 mpg.)


The standard 4MOTION four-wheel drive system, traction drive or warranty claims it only rears calling task is biased toward the front wheels under normal driving conditions. At this point, you can send all the torque and clutch Haldex clutch almost to the rear wheels; Despite this, no gliding machine and to be a part of any equation terrible oversteer is easy to rotate the Golf R SportWagen again through a succession of aggressive corners and fun.

Helping the cause-but a brake-based vector system must at both ends of the brake-pad life brake to send more torque to the other side to turn the wheels of individual assistance. nicely weighted power-steering system as well as light and a touch sensitive to even small input is one of our favorites. We sometimes automatic mode, the dual-clutch 'box with feeling sluggish throttle response, I would say the same about you.


Golf R SportWagen Volvo Saturns and Subarus frolicking in Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood, or in an urban environment like New Hampshire could go hidden in the back way. Only a few connoisseurs will notice that there is something hidden under the extra modest housing. 225 or 235 tires wearing giveaway tips as well as 18- or 19-inch wheels, four exhaust pipes revenues mentioned above. There is an aero kit, too, but it seems rather different sports. subtle clues cut microfiber sports seats, carbon fiber trim and looking continues in stainless steel covered pedals spacious cabin.

While we understand some of the nation and even other journalists, the Golf R can take Sportwagen, it's sad: This practicality, performance and the secret is a fantastic mix. (Of course, the Golf R hatchback with the main argument even SportWagen in Europe, it helps to have any low-priced GT version.) Obviously, we would like to see the car here, although we accept the high prices and long-roof body style, to low volume ahead. On the other hand, Volkswagen of all places, Los Angeles, last year, made starting this version. We're asking-and since the appeal of the car VW-how already about one glaring omission to fix the car's six-speed stick and limited means the proposal will be here?

2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Alltrack

VW always seem a little late to the game. Next year, the German car manufacturer will only bring the Alltrack models we've driven the US; Golf SportWagen styling of a jacked-up behavior is going off-road four-wheel drive and fitted to do. After the role models for this segment comes almost twenty years, the Volvo XC70 and Subaru Outback, first appeared. What most Americans do not know is that VW Golfs since the early 1990s, sales of this type. But they never sold in this period of the Golf Country States, and probably would be looking at the typical buyer scare Alltrack was very funky.

To compile this review, we are already available to order in Germany Alltrack sampled the European version. In 2016, then the starting US-bound models VW Puebla factory in Mexico, where all the important investments made to meet the mounting of the wheel drive vehicles will be made.

Only available with 4MOTION four-wheel drive, it moves a step beyond being just Alltrack appearance package and offers some real talent. Car meaning, folding rear axle driveline during everyday driving is intended to ensure greater efficiency too much time feeling like a typical front-wheel drive VW Golf. If you need traction of four-wheel drive, a Haldex clutch rears duty calls and they sent almost 100 percent torque.


gas and transmission parameters tweaks driving mode selector, as well as others, Alltrack setting an "off-road," adds. This hill-descent control and also allows gravel, dirt or snow, let it pile up in front of the wheels during hard deceleration to shorten the braking distance on loose ground will extend the ABS pulses. The chassis does not sound like much but it will come in handy in a variety of two parts, and the dirt road 0.8 inches, is raised by.

Aesthetic package brings restyled front and rear ends and be aggressive with fake skid plates. There there fender flares to protect VW claims, but of course they were so very nice of them to take the risk of scratches. Meanwhile, 17- or 18-inch wheels look good, but who has actually want to do both kinds of off-road tires tall side walls, not to mention, it could opt for a steel wheel option. Inside, the Alltrack model is not unique, casual, equipped with fabric and trim. Otherwise, the interior and exterior of moderate means Golf SportWagen handsome good looks, plus functional and ergonomically friendly dashboard layout. Alltrack even though we've found the same individual DeMerit his brother, so slow and frustrating entertainment setup suffer. That adds some processing power when it comes to the time line here Alltrack Volkswagen Golf hopes.

Given all of the above, we can expect basically Golf Alltrack handles like any other golf and you'd be right. This compliant ride quality and talent, with a nice mix of easy handling exploited, offers a treatment beyond reasonable be expected in its segment. Despite rising center of gravity Alltrack responds quickly to input sensitive Steers and wrapped around corners as well as companions.


In the US, Alltrack, recently adopted in late Volkswagen's EA888 1.8-liter petrol TSI with 180 hp will be equipped with four-cylinder mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. 110-hp 1.6-liter TDI with 150 or 184 horsepower or a 2.0-liter TDI: it takes three diesel options as well as Europe. We whose character befits Alltrack most robust attitude diesel, like, but our TDI models Golf all-be bundled with wheel-drive requires an emissions-scrubbing urea-injection system because it will be now here comes the installation and multilink rear suspension. (US-spec Golf and Golf SportWagen TDIs a torsion beam rear suspension.)

Again, 1.8 liter engine offers many Alltracks acceptable for the sort of tasks you can expect will perform performance will be just fine, and 60 mph in the car must have the ability to accelerate, we are on, 7.7 seconds predictions and 125 miles or so top speed. One long-term fleet currently powers Golf hatchback, the same engine as we know for 1.8 is perfectly habitable.

Better late than never, we say. Golf SportWagen Alltrack is a nice entrance and the Subaru Outback is a real headache for large models, as well as dull passages may turn out to be a series of SUVs.

2016 BMW 7-series

BMW's 7-series flagship Great Recession, oil teeth fifth generation born but very happy finally waived writing more appropriate successor.

7 series, the traditional difficulties of their stick-shift, the tail has been sliding BMW for those who want to remember the day. And with the rear or four-wheel drive twin-turbocharged 12 cylinder or a really long long wheelbase, a choice is available, 7 comfort, speed and a four-door limousine is blessed with an appropriate remote demeanor.

Since coming on the current 7 2009 Fisker it has changed the world yet came and went, Tesla green chip and Cadillac is showing strong signs of intelligent life out as a luxury brand like Mercedes-usual. luxury car business, even Korean brands nibbling on a thin slice of cake is so nice spread.


BMW has made decisive moves to secure its future. Last year, the company's engineering chief electrification adding a plug-in hybrid option for all core models i3 and i8 fashion statement and are 3, 5 and 7 activehybrids announced that it will spread beyond. BMW SGL producing affordable in the state of Washington Group in partnership with the weight-saving carbon fiber composites is the undisputed leader in its own facilities in plastic cars.

Five years ago, fresh out of its shipping container, a 2010 BMW 750Li Mercedes S550 thumped two car comparison test, but the big Bimmer quickly lost steam. Then in 2011, while beating the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S. Porsche Panamera S just lost a 750, a distant third place 750Li disrespect Audi A8L and the Jaguar's supercharged suffered against XJL cause. We arrived late this year to compensate for the new 7.

We BMW's Miramas, France only after around eight round pace, if not to announce the successful mission of the early production testing parts in automobiles, we are encouraged by what you have learned so far about 7:


• Project title Schindlbeck Walter Sanchez acknowledges the need to restore the omission Boat ride and handling forces.

• Weight-saving technologies have been implemented in earnest. BMW engineers weight from 7 to lower the center and improving the body-while-an emphasis on the third floor of a claimed 285 pounds crop of high-strength steel, aluminum, magnesium, plastics and have created a carbon fiber material with a clever mix of both flexural and torsional rigidity. Several suspension and brake components passed from aluminum iron and steel and acoustic insulation is used more sparingly. Unsprung weight is reduced by 15 percent.

• BMW badge touting the technology discretely 7 B-pillars have been installed in each of the innovative 'carbon core' is proud of unibody construction. While stamped steel as the main component (CF) 15 extra reinforcement molded carbon fiber use in strategic locations are thanks to its less. largest foundry door openings in the upper part and the lower C-pillar base, a long tube CF majestic sweeps from the base of each A-pillar. The top half of one side of each B-pillar molding pressed and cured in place happening is reinforced by the CF layer. A large patch also be determined by each C-pillar at the base of rivets and glue. The windshield header and two bows strengthen the roof structure. 7 centers to increase the bending stiffness of the body tunnel and to help manage the forward collision load CF has doubler. Add a horizontal shelf under the rear lights made of two CF magic door sill inserts and black material per side. BMW natural preference is exactly how CF and steel components are assembled with glue and fasteners and painting methods as long as possible to keep their rivals away from what they have learned, there is proprietary information.