The next-gen Ford Fiesta ST is 1.5 liters of fury

The next-gen Ford Fiesta ST is 1.5 liters of fury
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Audi forced to defend CEO after accusations in diesel crisis court case

Audi forced to defend CEO after accusations in diesel crisis court case
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The Jaguar XJR-15 still impresses today

The Jaguar XJR-15 still impresses today
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2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid: Better Late Than Never

2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid: Better Late Than Never For the first time ever, the Honda CR-V is available as a hybrid.
The hybrid has a 2.0-liter gas engine plus two electric motors.
The Honda CR-V is also available as a conventional model.
In my humble opinion, the best Honda CR-V will always be the first-gen model with the B20 engine. Five generations later, the CR-V is widely regarded as one of the world’s best-selling SUVs, and now we get a hybrid-electric version – which is the first time in the CR-V’s colorful history. Honda vehicles have a reputation of multiplying like rabbits, but I’m betting the 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid won’t be seeing the same outcome.
After all, hybrids are niche vehicles for a niche set of buyers.
Setting The Stage: Honda Is Serious About Hybrids
The CR-V Hybrid may be late to the game, but that’s not the point. The Japanese car maker wants two-thirds of its entire global automotive sales to come from electrified vehicles by 2030. Furthermore, Honda believes its two-motor hybrid-electric technology – no matter how complicated it seems – is the most effective way of realizing long-term fuel savings and reducing CO2 emissions, all without alienating loyal Honda fans.
“The Honda CR-V is the best-selling CUV over the past two decades and the updates we’ve made to the 2020 model, including a new hybrid-electric variant, solidify its position as a leader in the compact SUV market,” said Henio Arcangeli, Jr., Senior Vice President of Automobile Sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The CR-V Hybrid also signifies our direction to bring Honda hybrid-electric technology to all core models and to invest in the production of electrified vehicles in America.”
The gasoline CR-V will remain the bestseller, but the introduction of a hybrid version is proof of Honda’s commitment. In fact, Honda sold 49,914 electrified vehicles in the U.S. in 2018, double the number sold in 2017. And in the first eight months of 2019, the company managed 42,270 combined sales of the Accord Hybrid, Insight, and Clarity. This represents year-over-year gains of 67.9 percent. 
2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid. Photo: Honda North America.
2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid: Here’s The Lowdown
Since we’re talking about the first-ever, hybrid-electric SUV for Honda, it’s essential to talk about the juicy bits. In particular, how the two-motor hybrid powertrain does its magic underneath. Mind you, Honda didn’t just throw in a basic hybrid system for the sake of having a hybrid model, because that’s not how Honda does things. In fact, the Japanese car maker has a penchant for making the utterly complicated look very basic.
The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid comes with a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle gasoline engine, two electric motors, and a hybrid battery pack. And there’s no conventional CVT automatic or any transmission for that matter. The vehicle achieves propulsion in three ways, depending on the behavior of your right foot. The modes are Hybrid Drive, Engine Drive, and EV Mode.
In Hybrid Drive, the gasoline engine drives a generator, which in turn powers the electric motor to move the front wheels. When traction is low, an electronic clutch activates to send power from the motor to the rear wheels. The CR-V Hybrid is the first all-wheel drive vehicle to utilize Honda’s two-motor hybrid system.
Engine Drive mode happens at higher cruising speeds. In this mode, the lock-up clutch closes to mechanically connect the gasoline engine to the drive wheels, effectively operating as a single gear. In EV mode, the engine shuts down entirely and the vehicle rolls silently using the electric motor alone. You can also engage EV mode by pressing a button.
Photo: Honda North America.
Clever Packaging & Chassis Setup
Still with me so far? The compact Intelligent Power Unit (IPU), consisting of the hybrid battery pack and relevant control systems, is located under the cargo floor. This means the CR-V Hybrid loses its ability to have third-row seating, although cargo space is still pretty good since the second row does fold flat. Oh, and having batteries under the cargo floor also eliminates the spare tire, which is a huge bummer.
Regarding the suspension, both the 2020 Honda CR-V and CR-V Hybrid use a MacPherson strut in front with a multi-link design at the rear. Both CR-V variants come with low-friction dampers, plus tubular front and solid rear stabilizer bars. Dual-pinion, variable-ratio electric power steering provides the driver a “direct and satisfying feel,” according to Honda.
Related: On the road with the 2019 Honda Pilot.
How Much Horsepower Does The CR-V Hybrid Have?
Honestly speaking, the complicated nature of the powertrain makes it hard to gather a total power figure for the CR-V Hybrid. But according to Honda, peak output is 212 horsepower, which is 22 more horses than a conventional CR-V. However, you don’t buy a hybrid for the power output. Perhaps the primary reason for choosing the hybrid CR-V is the fuel savings. Honda didn’t reveal official EPA figures for the CR-V Hybrid, but it’s not difficult they say to achieve 45 mpg combined.
2020 Honda CR-V. Photo: Honda North America.
Pure Gasoline Power
The 2020 Honda CR-V also comes in pure gasoline trim, which I predict will remain the biggest seller. So, let’s take a break from all this technical brouhaha to discuss the normal powertrain, shall we? All non-hybrid CR-V models receive a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. Complete with direct injection and Honda’s evergreen VTEC system, it produces 190 horsepower. Available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, power is routed to a CVT automatic with Honda G-Shift control logic.
Rugged & Upscale Styling
The current-generation Honda CR-V is quite a looker, but the newest model has a more rugged and upscale vibe. The fog lights are now integrated into the front bumper while there’s a new and larger chrome grille. The gasoline CR-V has round LED fog lights while the hybrid gets bar-type fog lights with five LEDs each.
All CR-V models receive dark-tinted taillights; dark chrome treatments for the garnish below the rear glass; and tinted rear windows. The hybrid CR-V has a hidden tailpipe to achieve a “greener” countenance while gasoline models have a chrome exhaust. 18-inch wheels are standard while Touring models receive 19-inch rollers.
2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid interior layout. Photo: Honda North America.
What Safety Features Does The 2020 Honda CR-V Have?
The 2020 Honda CR-V comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety technologies. The package includes collision mitigation braking; forward collision warning with pedestrian sensing; road departure mitigation; lane departure warning; adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow; and lane-keeping assist.
Blind spot information, rear cross-traffic monitor, and automatic high beams are also available. The CR-V Hybrid’s Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System warns pedestrians when the vehicle is in EV mode. The system consists of a front bumper speaker that emits a distinct audible alert.
Related: Do you need more coverage? An in-depth guide to your Honda warranty.
Pricing & Availability
The 2020 Honda CR-V will arrive this fall. Meanwhile, first deliveries of the CR-V Hybrid will commence in early 2020. Exact pricing and other relevant information is still forthcoming. Production of the CR-V Hybrid for the U.S. market will take place at Honda’s Greensburg, Indiana plant alongside the CR-V and Insight hybrid sedan.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
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Photos & Source: Honda North America.



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Letter From The UK: Quintessentially Cinquecento

Letter From The UK: Quintessentially Cinquecento Just because a car is small doesn’t mean it’s not an absolute blast to drive. 
Geoff Maxted of DriveWrite Automotive Magazine examines in this latest Letter.
At the time of writing this, your friendly English correspondent is driving what on the face of it is a Fiat Cinquecento city car (aka the 500), but this is no ordinary diminutive Italian runaround. The front and rear badges proudly declare this to be an Abarth. The mainstream name of Fiat does not appear anywhere because an Abarth is something different entirely.
In 1949 an Italian-Austrian fellow named Carlo Abarth founded the eponymous racing and road car brand, its logo being a shield with a stylized scorpion on a yellow and red background hinting at the intention. Old Carlo sold out to the major Italian brand in 1971 and the Abarth name is now attached to an independent unit within the Fiat organisation. The brief: take the standard car and breathe upon it with fire and brimstone.
The 500 Becomes The 595
The version this writer is driving is the 595 Turismo, a hot hatchback that offers a whole heap of fun, all the while oozing character and that quintessentially Italian charm. It costs around $24,000 in the UK and is worth every hard-earned penny. The 595 in this case is powered by a 1.4 liter turbo-jet petrol engine developing 165 bhp. That’s plenty for a car that weights about the same as Sandra Bullock. I don’t know why I thought of Sandra Bullock at this point. Maybe it’s just me. Reese Witherspoon then; whatever: this car is light despite the addition of over-sized 17-inch Gran Turismo alloy wheels.
The base model offers a still healthy 145 bhp whilst the top edition gets 180 bhp and some performance upgrades, including a trick exhaust that makes the little car sound like an Atlas rocket. Top speed is 135 mph, but we didn’t try it because the sound of this motor at full chat is hardly shy and retiring, attracting attention even in the subtle ‘Record Grey’ as seen here. Ideally it should be red or yellow.
Feels Faster Than It Looks
The 595 as tested will attain the European benchmark of 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.3 seconds, which is in fact a bit slower than the Ford Fiesta I mention below, but it feels fast probably due to the fact it’s so small. The trunk isn’t all bad considering the car’s overall dimensions; certainly enough room for a weekend’s luggage. The down side is that the rear seat space is cramped. The 595 is a two-door vehicle which means rear seat passengers have to enter and leave in the manner of Harry Houdini. It is cramped in there; children only I guess. Anyone over say six feet tall may never emerge at all unless they clamber out of the big rear hatch like an escaping victim.

Driving The 595 Versus The Fiesta ST
In the past My Lady has made it clear that she does not like small, hot cars. Previously she has spurned them; she repudiated them and thus accompanied yours truly on test drives with enormous reluctance. A few weeks ago, however, we trialled Ford’s feisty Fiesta ST (seen below in red), whipping through Summer lanes and she loved it. That’s how good Ford made the car and it is almost the same with the 595.
We drove the 595 to Nightingale Woods in deepest Wiltshire for a run out and to take the images seen here. I was badly bitten by a horsefly, not that you care. Needless to say, we completely forgot about the access road which has more potholes than the moon or, worse still, the road outside my house. Quickly, the occupants become aware that the suspension is seemingly made from iron, stripped from old decommissioned battleships. Stay on the black-top if you value your spine.
On the road it was as if we were somehow inside a well-controlled ice hockey puck, streaking forward only to suddenly change trajectory as skilled hands applied the next input. Wow.
The diminutive turbo-engine really spools up over 3000 rpm which is where you need to be to squeeze out the maximum from the motor. There’s even a little turbo gauge like a mouse’s ear atop the dashboard if that sort of thing is of interest. Personally, driving the thing is so much fun and such a handful that it’s doubtful this driver even glanced at it.

Sick With The Stick
Our test vehicle had the option of Normal and Sport modes. This can be changed on the fly so it makes sense to save a bit of fuel in traffic or on long motorway stints but otherwise the car really wants the Sport mode as default. It’s stick-shift and five gears unless the buyer opts for the ‘robotized’ sequential five-speed auto; it’s expensive though. Stick with the stick.
It’s a front-wheel drive car, but it gets around the understeer issue with a device called Torque Transfer Control as standard on all variants. It works by automatically braking the inside wheel and using it as a pivot point when accelerating through a corner, tightening the car’s line which allows the pilot to carry more speed through the curves. It works very well, giving this driver confidence to push the 595 that little bit more.

Would I Buy One?
Yes, like a shot if I had an abundance of money and thus be able to have a small stable of lively vehicles to play with. Sadly, I am but a humble scribe; that impoverished writer you see pressing his face up against the plate glass window of the expensive restaurant as nightly you dine finely. So no; I wouldn’t. The 595 is very niche and day-to-day would be wearing to drive. The Ford Fiesta would be my choice. That said, the Abarth 595 retains the charm and looks of the original Cinquecento, yet still manages to add genuine performance. Characterful and fun.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite




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2020 Porsche 911 Carrera & 911 Carrera Cabriolet: A Brief Walk Around

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera & 911 Carrera Cabriolet: A Brief Walk Around The new 911 Carrera and Carrera Cabriolet expand the 911 model range.
Model-specific turbos help the flat six engine crank out nearly 380 horsepower.   
Expect the new 911s this fall with all-wheel drive variants arriving at a later date. 
After the introduction of the latest versions of the evergreen 911, the Carrera S and 4S, Porsche is expanding the range again with the 911 Carrera and Carrera Cabriolet. And these will not be just fluffy, badge-engineered cars, nope. The 2020 Carreras are set to get model-specific turbo engines for one thing. Yas, yas. The one word that should strike fear into the hearts of your competition (and you, if you’ve ever gone over the edge in an original 911/930 Turbo). Either way, Porsche is back for another bite of the performance apple for 2020.
Obviously, this very much counts as good news, but what sets apart the Carrera models from the S and 4S?
2020 Porsche 911 Carrera: Engine & Transmission
For a start, like the 2020 911 S and 4S, the new Carrera and Cabriolet are motivated by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat six engine. For the Carrera, model-specific turbochargers crank out a very healthy 379 horsepower and 331 lb-ft. of torque. That equates to a nine horsepower bump from the previous 911 Carrera. The standard gearbox is the eight-speed PDK unit that allows the 2020 911 Carrera to hit 60 in four seconds flat. If you opt for the optional Sport Chrono Package, that time will drop to 3.8 seconds. Either time works out to an improvement over to the previous 911 Carrera Coupe with the PDK transmission.
The Cabriolet offers similar performance numbers. 60 mph comes up in 4.2 seconds or four seconds flat when you go with the optional Sport Chrono Package. The hardtop 911 Carrera reaches 182 mph, while the 911 Carrera Cabriolet can hit 180. Porsche goes out of their way to say this is the “top track speed.” Ain’t they cute.
2020 Porsche 911 Carrera. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Suspension, Tires & Braking
Both the 911 Carrera and Carrera Cabriolet come with Porsche’s Active Suspension Management or PASM. Just like on the Carrera S and 4S, this electronically-variable damping system comes standard and offers two selectable modes: Normal and Sport. The wheels have a staggered diameter with 19 inchers at the front and 20 inchers at the back. They are skinned with 235/40 ZR 19 and 295/35 ZR 20 tires, respectively. There’s an optional 20/21 inch staggered setup, pulled from the Carrera S and 4S.
Related: Better consult your doctor before driving the Porsche 911 Speedster.
Brakes, always a Porsche strong point, feature internally-ventilated and cross-drilled, grey cast-iron rotors. These are 13 inches, both front and rear, and feature black four-piston calipers. If you want to stop even quicker, Porsche’s Ceramic Composite Brakes are on offer. As on the S models, Wet Mode is standard equipment. Wet Mode automatically detects water and matches the stability control and anti-lock brake systems to suit. It even warns the driver.
2020 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
2020 Porsche 911 Carrera: Exterior & Interior Treatments
The outsides of the 911 Carrera models are set apart by their fender arches and front luggage compartment lid, reminiscent of classic 911s. There’s also that new, full-width LED light strip stretching across the rear. Get used to seeing that, it’s going to be a Porsche signature for a while. The only difference between the standard 911 Carreras and the S/4S derivatives are the exhaust openings. Standard 911 Carrera models feature a big rectangular, single-tube tailpipe on each side; while the S models get a set of round twin tailpipes on each side. The optional Sport Exhaust system is available.
On the inside of the new 911 Carrera you’ll find pieces previously introduced on the S models. This includes the seats, the centrally-positioned tachometer (a fine Porsche tradition), and the new Porsche Communication Management system. The five toggle switch buttons below the touchscreen make for a nice addition as well.
2020 Porsche 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera Cabriolet interior layout. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Pricing & Availability
If you want one (and I bet you do), go ahead and put your order in now. Your car should reach dealers early next year, with the 911 Carrera ringing out at $97,400 and the Cabriolet retailing for $110,200. The next big news from Porsche: all-wheel drive versions coming soon!
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz. 
2020 Porsche 911 Carrera & 911 Carrera Cabriolet Gallery








Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.



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2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Review: A Real Sleeper!

2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Review: A Real Sleeper! 97Excellent 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt Overall Impression Ideal summer car.Fast, fun, and furious.Nice slice of nostalgia.ProsStylingManual TransmissionEngine Performance & SoundConsSmall Backseat Parking In Big Cities The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt marks the 50th anniversary of the 1968 movie Bullitt. If you aren’t old enough to remember, or haven’t seen the movie, you need to. The film has one of the most iconic car chases in cinema history. The film stars Steve McQueen and a Highland Green 1968 Mustang fastback. The car was the biggest hit and it made the already successful Mustang even more popular at the time. The Mustang Bullitt returns and it’s a sports car any performance enthusiast would want sitting in their garage.
Over the weekend, we drove a 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt in Dark Highland Green.
Ford Mustang Bullitt: What’s New For 2019?
Ford dipped into the nostalgia pool and created the 2019 Mustang Bullitt, and we could tell they had fun doing it. It’s available in Dark Highland Green or Shadow Black, but we can’t imagine anyone not getting the iconic green hue. The manual gear shifter features a white cue ball knob as a nod to the original car.
The optional Electronics Package includes navigation, driver memory seats and mirrors, upgraded sound system, and blind-spot detection with cross-traffic alert. Ford’s MagneRide suspension and RECARO seats are the only other two options for this classic Mustang.
Features & Options: A Real Sleeper 
The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt comes standard with black alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats, and rear parking sensors. The Performance Package is standard on the Bullitt. It includes red Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 summer performance tires. The Performance Package gives your Bullitt a shorter differential ratio, a bigger radiator, stiffer front springs, and a larger rear stabilizer bar. Our Bullitt tester came with the optional MagneRide adaptive suspension and blind-spot monitoring.
We liked how the new Mustang Bullitt is a real sleeper. The spoiler, fender logos, and grille badges are all removed. You can’t tell this coupe is a special edition or a high-performance model. There’s added chrome trim around the side windows and grille, but the only thing that gives it away is a Bullitt-specific crosshair badge on the rear. Maybe the red Brembo brake calipers peeking through the wheels – but that’s about it. Otherwise, it’s a true sleeper. 
Our Bullitt tester came with the optional Electronics Package which included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and navigation. Our tester was not for sale and Ford did not give us any exact pricing info. Based on our research and depending on options, plan for $47,000 to $53,000 if you are going to purchase a new Mustang Bullitt. Ford could get a lot more money from this coupe if they wanted to.
2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt.
Interior Highlights: Symphony of V8 Sound 
The first thing you have to consider is parking your Bullitt! You don’t want to park too close to someone for fear of door dings on that gorgeous Highland Green paint. We also found out real fast how the long doors make it nearly impossible to get in and out of the low-slung Mustang. If you have rear passengers they need to be child-size, because they will have a hard time accessing the rear. The seat belts are another issue in this performance car. It’s quite a long reach back just to get the belts. Once we got in, however, there’s a good range of adjustment for the steering column and seat height, allowing both tall and short drivers the ability to find a comfortable driving position.
We immediately noticed the white cue ball shift knob, and that brought back good muscle car memories. Our Bullitt tester came with green accent stitching, a 12-inch LCD instrument cluster, and a heated steering wheel.
The cabin feels spacious up front and there’s plenty of elbow room to get comfortable. Everything is well laid out and the build quality feels solid, even though there are some hard plastics. The fit and finish feels tight with no annoying rattles to detract from the 5.0 V8’s rumble. Visibility is not great as you would expect from a raked roof coupe like this. Decent side mirrors help shrink the typical blind spots, and we were thankful for the standard rearview camera when backing into a tight spot. Given the rear seats are very size-restrictive for passengers, it’s a great place for additional storage.
2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt interior layout.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt is powered by a sweet 5.0-liter V8 with an open-element air induction system and an intake manifold sourced from the Shelby GT350. Although torque stays the same as the current Mustang GT (420 lb-ft.), horsepower gets a bump to 480. The Bullitt only comes with a six-speed manual gearbox; an automatic is not available.
EPA fuel mileage ratings come in at 15/24 city/highway, but you won’t even get close to that. 
Driving Dynamics: Perfect For Those Who Love Cars 
Power from the Mustang Bullitt is off the charts, and the sound from the dual exhaust is even better. We downshifted the healthy V8 and heard the rev-matching system, which is addicting to the ears. You can’t drive this Mustang without getting a big grin on your face! Anyone within earshot will know this is a special car.
We had more fun this weekend than any auto journalist should be allowed to. We took out more friends who couldn’t wait for us to give them a ride. After a few drives, we seriously thought about charging admission! Everybody we knew wanted to feel the raw power and listen to the throaty growl from this 5.0 V8. 
We pushed the Bullitt hard around the mountain corners near Denver and it gave us everything we could ask for. The MagneRide suspension provides plenty of stability at higher speeds, and the manual transmission’s short throws make it a rarity when so many cars today have automatics. The Bullitt is a special car for rare occasions. As an everyday driver, you would likely get a boatload of speeding tickets.
Anyone within earshot will know the 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt is a special car.
Conclusion: An Ideal Summer Ride 
The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt is for the performance enthusiast who wants a car for extreme fun. This needs to be a second car that’s taken to the track on weekends ideally. It’s the only way you will experience the optimum performance this pony car has to offer. 
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
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Photos: Ford Motor Company.



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2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid & Electric Models Soon To Hit America

2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid & Electric Models Soon To Hit America

How does Hyundai continue to do this? It seems like they roll out new models, or upgraded current models, the way Old Navy rolls out t-shirts. Most car manufacturers work on a product cycle ranging over multiple years between refreshes, let alone new models. Hyundai recently announced the new 2017 Ioniq hybrid and electric models will be in dealer showrooms soon.

Hyundai, and in all fairness, their fellow countrymen Kia, have a turn around time like a ballerina from the Kirov. Others, when confronted with a game-changer like a Tesla Model S or a Toyota Prius, took forever to respond.

Hyundai just seemed to shrug and say, “okay, we can do that.” And they did.

Eco Minded, Safety Oriented

What Hyundai did with their Ioniq models really starts with three eco-focused electrified powertrains. The Ioniq offers a smooth, aerodynamic silhouette with an impressive 0.24 coefficient drag. Hyundai says that low figure is all down to careful surface design, and not little aero tricks like underbody work or movable flip-ups and the like.

On the inside, the Ioniq has all the bells and whistles buyers want, or car manufacturers believe we want. You get all of your connectivity features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Blue Link, and even wireless charging for your smartphone. There’s a 7-inch TFT instrument cluster that displays all important driver info. You also get all the latest safety gee-gaws like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Yes, we should really be paying more attention, but no, we never seem to, hence you get stuff like this.

It’s under the hood where things are most interesting, drivetrain tech-wise.

“Developed for high energy efficiency without compromising driving performance, every Ioniq powertrain represents a unique and uncompromising solution towards a cleaner means of mobility,” reads a Hyundai Press Release. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.

Engine & Transmission Tech

The Ioniq Hybrid and Plug­in Hybrid models both feature a new, Kappa 1.6L direct-injected, Atkinson-cycle four cylinder engine as the main motivator. The Atkinson-cycle helps the plant get a remarkable thermal efficiency of 40 percent. The engine puts out 104 horsepower and 109 lb-­ft. of torque, which is not bad.

In the Ioniq, the Kappa plant has been shaped for its hybrid application and is combined with a quick-shifting, six speed double-clutch transmission known as the EcoShift. The transmission makes use of low-friction bearings and low-viscosity oil.

The electric motor is said to operate at speeds up to 75 mph and is tweaked to deliver lots of low end torque. That electric motor supplies 32 kW (43 horsepower) with a maximum torque output of 125 lb-­ft. Power comes from a lithium-ion polymer battery with a 1.56 kWh capacity. The battery pack is located under the rear passenger seat, which helps with weight distribution.

Hyundai uses a lithium-ion polymer battery pack for all Ioniq models which is 20 percent lighter than non-polymer lithium-ion batteries and can be shaped more optimally to the interior than standard cell format batteries. This also provides lower memory sensitivity, excellent charge and discharge efficiency, and outstanding maximum output. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.

Long Ranges

So if you add up all the power plants, you get a total system output of 139 horsepower with an impressive EPA-estimated 58 mpg combined rating. Hyundai says that’s the highest rating of any non-plug-­in vehicle sold in the United States. The Ioniq Plug­-in Hybrid delivers an all-electric range of more than 27 miles, says Hyundai, which is good enough for short trips to grocery store and the like.

If you want to opt for the all electric Ioniq model with the 28 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, your estimated driving range will be 124 miles. In the Ioniq Electric, the motor has a maximum output of 88 kW (118 horsepower) and 218 lb-ft. of torque. As far as efficiency goes, the Ioniq Electric has an EPA-estimated 136 MPGe rating. Hyundai says that’s the highest efficiency rating of any electric vehicle sold on the U.S. market, which probably bugs Elon Musk to no end.

Hyundai did not specify any prices, but c’mon. If Hyundais are known for anything, it’s not being overpriced. Ioniq owners will eventually receive welcome kits explaining the benefits, location, and use of the ChargePoint network, which is accessible through the MyHyundai/Blue Link app.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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2017 Kia Niro Hybrid Touring Review

2017 Kia Niro Hybrid Touring Review

The all-new 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid stacks up against some pretty stiff competition in the hybrid crossover segment. The small crossover competes against the number one selling Toyota Prius, popular Ford C-Max Hybrid wagon, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

However, it’s got a lot of appeal for crossover shoppers with its stylish exterior design, fuel-sipping drivetrain, and crossover utility.

This week we drove the 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid Touring, the top trim level.

What’s New 

The 2017 Niro is an all-new model in the Kia lineup. The well-equipped Touring offers up a host of modern comfort features for consumers.

Features & Options

The Touring trim ($29,650) comes standard with 18-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, black front grille trim, a sunroof, door scuff plates, driver’s seat memory settings, ventilated and heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Other creature comforts include leather upholstery, a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, HD and satellite radio, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and LED interior lights.

Options on our Touring tester included the Advanced Tech Package ($1,900) with active safety systems like lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning. It also came with a 115 volt inverter and wireless phone charger.

Total MSRP including destination: $32,840.

Interior Highlights

The first thing we noticed upon getting this Niro Touring tester was the ease of entry. The Niro sits up a bit higher and getting in and out is easier than many small crossovers. My 6’ 8” passenger this week commented on the abundant headroom, a plus for taller drivers. As is typical for this price point, there’s still some hard surfaces that cover the doors, dash, and center console areas.

There are soft-touch surfaces on the upper parts of the dash and armrests, however.

The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and power driver’s seat have two-way lumbar and height adjustments that made it easy to find the perfect driving position. We put a lot of miles on our Niro but never felt tired or fatigued after longer trips.

In the back, there’s ample head and legroom, but there was no room behind my tall passenger when he moved the seat back to accommodate his 6’ 8” frame. Still, the rear seats split 60/40 and fold perfectly flat for a nice load floor. We had to load nine long boxes this week, and the small crossover had enough room for the extra cargo. There’s 19.4 cubic feet with all seats in place and 54.5 cubes when folded flat.

The rear hatch makes it convenient to load groceries and the kid’s sports equipment.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs

The 2017 Kia Niro is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid-electric powertrain, producing 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission in lieu of the more conventional, continuously variable transmission (CVT) like we see on most small crossovers.

Unfortunately, all-wheel drive is not available.

EPA-estimates are 46/40 city/highway and 43 combined mpg.

Driving Dynamics

The 2017 Kia Niro delivers a satisfying driving experience in the city and on the open road. We experienced a fair amount of both this week as we traveled the city streets of Denver, and on the open road between Denver and Colorado Springs. The Niro is an ideal size vehicle for navigating busy streets as we made multiple U-turns, and had to cut across lanes of traffic to catch our exit.

On the open highway, there was a bit of road noise as we traveled 75 mph (yes that’s the speed limit) on the way to Colorado Springs. We especially enjoyed the Smart Cruise Control that not only keeps you at a constant speed, but will slow you down if you approach another car. It then gets the vehicle back up to your set speed when the traffic flow gets back to normal. It does all this without you ever touching the brake or gas pedal.

The Niro stayed planted in the tight mountain curves, thanks to a lower center of gravity because the batteries are mounted beneath the rear passenger seat. We thought the Niro handled more like a car than a crossover. With the six-speed automatic transmission, shifts come quick and smooth, providing a more pleasant driving experience when compared to a CVT automatic.

Conclusion

Overall, the new 2017 Kia Niro is a good city commuter, and should be a vehicle families check out. It gets excellent fuel mileage, has ample head and legroom for taller drivers, and it has the utility of a hatchback. It’s a pleasant ride at high cruising speeds or in stop-and-go city traffic.

Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy

2017 Kia Niro Gallery

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2017 Kia Niro Official Site

Photo: Kia Motors America

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