Automotive

2018 Honda Odyssey Production Begins

2018 Honda Odyssey Production Begins

The Honda Odyssey is the most popular minivan in the United States. Retail sales data from Urban Science shows Honda has lead the minivan segment for the last seven years, and they show no signs of slowing down. This week, more than 1,500 associates at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) kicked off 2018 Odyssey production.
“This is a celebration for our entire Honda team of associates who have been committed to bringing an all-new, high tech, family-friendly Odyssey to our customers,” said Jeff Tomko, President of HMA.
Exclusive Rights
HMA opened on November 14th 2001 in Lincoln, Alabama, assembling what was then the second generation Odyssey. Today, HMA has built more than 4 million vehicles and engines as the sole production outlet of the Odyssey, Pilot, and Ridgeline. The 2018 Odyssey is the fourth all-new model to emerge from HMA in the past five years. HMA also builds the Acura MDX and its corresponding V6 engine.
The facility has undergone various upgrades to boost performance and quality assurance. With regard to the 2018 Odyssey, this includes a new and refined process for the acoustic spray foam. The material is installed in 14 different locations within the Odyssey’s body to enhance cabin quietness and reduce road noise.
“I congratulate all of our associates for their commitment to quality for this new vehicle, which ushers in a new level of features and functionality with the goal of creating new value for our customers,” Tomko said.
All 2018 Odysseys in EX and above trims will have Honda Sensing as standard equipment. The package includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Photo: Honda North America.
Performance Tech
The 2018 Honda Odyssey, in its higher trims, features a new i-VTEC V6 with 280 horsepower – an increase of 32 horsepower over the outgoing model. The engine is paired to a new 10-speed automatic, the first of its kind for a front-wheel drive minivan. The transmission is produced at Honda Precision Parts Georgia (HPPG) in Tallapoosa, Georgia.
Honda is specific in their design approach with the Odyssey, focusing on beneficial features for growing families. The 2018 Odyssey’s Magic Slide second-row seating system, for example, offers a reconfigurable array for more passenger comfort, easier cargo hauling, and smoother access to the third row. Other features families will find useful are the CabinWatch and CabinTalk systems. CabinWatch lets Mom and Dad keep tabs on the kids via an infrared camera (don’t act up kids!) while CabinTalk allows them to chat with rear passengers through the speakers and rear entertainment headphones.
On the daily commute, drivers can keep passengers comfortable with the Odyssey’s CabinControl app. Through smartphone integration, the app controls entertainment, navigation, and rear climate settings. CabinControl also links to the Social Playlist, a virtual jukebox spinning the preferred music of up to seven family members.
Expect the 2018 Honda Odyssey before long at Honda dealerships nationwide – if you are interested in a 2017 model, see our product and performance overview on the vehicle. Americans have purchased more than 2.5 million Odyssey minivans since its 1994 debut.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Honda North America.
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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Nissan To Expand NISMO Road Car Business

Nissan To Expand NISMO Road Car Business

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is developing a new operation aimed at expanding its NISMO road car business. NISMO Cars Business Department is part of Autech Japan, Inc., a Nissan group company that makes converted vehicles. The division intends to build a greater range of models available to customers in more markets, according to Nissan.
NISMO Cars Business Department will recruit enterprising talent from Nissan, Autech, Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd. and other Nissan ventures to develop the vehicles.
Prospects & Performance
The idea is to introduce NISMO road cars to new global segments and market them accordingly. At the same time, Nissan will look to boost their NISMO presence in existing markets like Japan, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The performance aspects and styling cues of NISMO’s road cars are derived through NISMO motorsports. The focus of the brand revolves around offering drivers a quality and reliability that matches the performance.
“As a Nissan sub-brand, NISMO further builds upon the core values of Nissan cars,” said Takao Katagiri, President and CEO, Autech Japan and Nissan Motorsports International.
Joint Efforts
Nissan unveiled the NISMO brand in 2013; NISMO cars account for about 15,000 units per year in sales. Models so far include the GT-R, 370Z, JUKE, and Sentra in the United States. The Note and Patrol are also on the NISMO roster but are sold outside the American market. In addition to shortening the development process, Nissan plans to raise the bar with regard to marketing and promoting the vehicles. NISMO Cars Business Department will team with Nissan Motorsports International on a range of projects, including showing the cars at Nissan dealerships and holding events for NISMO car owners.
“With the combined expertise of Nissan group companies, NISMO road cars will make customers enjoy Nissan cars more than ever,” Katagiri said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Photos & Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

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Chevy Bolt EV Owners Hit Record Miles As EV Demand Increases

Chevy Bolt EV Owners Hit Record Miles As EV Demand Increases

The Chevy Bolt EV appears to be gaining traction – literally that is. The automaker reports that nearly 3,500 Bolt EV owners in the United States have driven a cumulative 4,570,300 miles as of April 2nd, 2017. The vehicle went on sale recently too – in December 2016 – but the figures are solid for a vehicle only four months on the market, and for one not sold nationwide just yet.
The miles driven by Bolt EV owners added up to more than 175,000 gallons of fuel saved, based on figures from the EPA.
Record Breaking
The Chevy Bolt EV is EPA-estimated at 238 miles of range, although one owner pushed that threshold substantially, traveling 310 miles on a single charge. While these numbers are not typical it is still a feather in Chevy’s cap, especially as younger adults show a remarkable interest in electric vehicles – up to 50 percent according to an extensive study by the Consumer Federation of America.
The study also found the more consumers are educated about EVs, the more they desire to own one.
Accessible Capability
Still, some surveys show mixed emotions on electric vehicles. A fall 2013 study by Navigant Research called the Electric Vehicle Consumer Survey shows consumers like the idea of EVs but might be hesitant to purchase one based on available features. It would appear, however, Chevrolet designed the Bolt EV accordingly. The vehicle comes with a 10.2-inch MyLink color display, Bluetooth compatibility, and a surround vision camera that provides a bird’s-eye view for the driver. An EV-specific navigation feature shows the best routes for range and nearby charging stations.
“Our early Bolt EV customers are proving the crossover’s functionality, flexibility, and long-range capabilities on a daily basis,” said Steve Majoros, Director of Marketing, Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Nationwide Release
The average Bolt EV owner drives approximately 53 miles per day and with an estimated range of 238 miles, it’s more than enough for most commutes. Currently, the Bolt EV is only available in California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Washington, and Virginia, but will see a nationwide release this summer.
“Chevrolet committed to delivering a game-changing vehicle and we’ve done just that,” Majoros added. “As we continue our national rollout of the Bolt EV, we’re making electric driving accessible to even more drivers.”
The Chevy Bolt EV is assembled at GM’s Orion Assembly in Orion Township, Michigan.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet, Consumer Federation of America, Navigant Research.

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Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan: Pursuit-Rated, Fuel Efficient

Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan: Pursuit-Rated, Fuel Efficient

Attention gearheads! Pictured here is Ford’s new hybrid police cruiser. It’s also pursuit-rated. If you are a gearhead of the big right foot variety, be on the lookout for this car. Maintain situational awareness at all times and know your enemy.
In all seriousness, it’s actually no big deal for lead-footed gearheads out there. So Ford made a hybrid cop car. Functionally, it means nothing to getting a ticket. It still looks like a cop car and, as far as I’m concerned, if you can’t spot a cop in time to slow down, you should get a ticket anyway. Pay attention, dingus!
Hot Pursuit
What is cool, however, is that Ford is very serious about its hybrid technology; serious enough to deploy it across a broad spectrum of uses. Ford is dropping $4.5 billion and rolling out 13 new electric vehicles world-wide over the next five years, including an F-150 and Mustang hybrid, Transit Custom plug-in hybrid, and a supposed “self- driving hybrid.” An all electric small SUV with a projected range of at least 300 miles is also planned. Finally, we have the industry’s first pursuit-rated hybrid police car, the all-new Police Responder Hybrid Sedan.
They continually hit on that “pursuit-rated” bit. Pursuit cop cars are different from your run of the mill cruisers and prowlers. Cruisers and prowlers are what you see tooling around your city and can, in a pinch, be counted upon to chase after bad guys for a mile or two. Pursuit cop cars, on the other hand, are designed from the get-go to chase after and maintain contact with a suspect vehicle at high speeds for extended distances. State Patrol cars are almost always pursuit-rated. They are the hot rods of the cop car motor pool, featuring such goodies as uprated shocks, struts, sway-bars, and brakes as well as beefed up transmissions and differentials, along with heavy duty oil and transmission coolers. Pursuit cop cars are built to go flat out from Butte to Billings and back without breaking a sweat.
The Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan was certified by police agencies to operate for longer periods at varying rates of speed. Similarly, it was certified to handle obstacles like curbs and flooded intersections. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Double Duty
FoMoCo rolled out the all-new Police Responder Hybrid Sedan in Los Angeles and New York recently. An admittedly odd choice for a hot rod, but it plays to the other; some would say the real strength of the Police Responder Hybrid Sedan: it gets great gas mileage. Cop cars are usually big fat sedans to begin with. On top of that, you need a back seat large enough to stuff perps into, plus you need a trunk for all your ancillary gear, plus a front seat with room for all the radios, cameras, computers, SCMODS links, that big, bad, vertically mounted pump-action shotgun and two coffee swilling, doughnut absorbing peace officers sworn to serve and protect.
Or to be more succinct, cop cars are already heavy and inefficient to begin with.
The Police Responder Hybrid Sedan will help cities lower emissions and offer potential fuel savings, both while driving and idling. A city’s fleet can drink fuel like it were free, so the cost savings could be very great indeed, and cutting down on the emissions from all those cop cars, idling or otherwise, could be just the cherry on top. Ford says their patented hybrid technology is forecasted to deliver a combined figure of 38 miles per gallon, which is more than double that of today’s Police Interceptor. It could mean a police force’s fuel budget/savings just effectively got doubled.
“Our mission to create safe and healthy communities in Los Angeles is achieved through sustainable approaches in community policing, and that includes embracing new technologies,” said Charlie Beck, Los Angeles Police Department Chief. “Patrol vehicles are a police officer’s office, and we expect them to not only be economically and environmentally efficient, but also an effective tool for fighting crime in major metropolitan areas.” Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Performance Tech
While the Police Responder Hybrid Sedan is idling, its lithium-ion battery helps power the high electrical loads of a police vehicle, reducing engine run time and saving an estimated 0.27 gallons of fuel per hour. Cities that buy Police Responder Hybrid Sedans could see nearly $3,900 a year in fuel savings per vehicle relative to the (possibly outgoing) Police Interceptor. Ford also provides an online fuel calculator that allows customers to determine how much they may potentially save. Handy, no?
The Police Responder Hybrid Sedan uses one of those weird but cool Atkinson-cycle, 2.0-liter engines, mated to an electric motor fed by the lithium-ion battery pack. The hybrid system itself is tuned for law enforcement’s unique duty cycle and can run in battery-only mode up to 60 mph. Ford makes no mention of what the 0 to 60 times are, but using just electrics alone, this thing could detonate to that speed very promptly. Ford does say the Police Responder Hybrid Sedan automatically switches to maximum performance with the engine and battery working at peak acceleration levels when needed.
The Police Responder Hybrid Sedan can be ordered this spring and will be delivered to police departments nationwide next summer. Keep your eyes peeled!
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: Ford Motor Company.

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Jaguar teases new XF Sportbrake in Wimbledon, but we probably won't get it w/ video

Jaguar teases new XF Sportbrake in Wimbledon, but we probably won't get it w/ video Jaguar teases the latest long-roof variant of the latest XF sedan. Like many other long-roofs, don’t expect this one to come stateside.
What’s going on?
Europe has a habit of producing sweet wagon versions of cars we already like stateside. Here’s another example: the latest XF Sportbrake. The Jaguar XF received an overhaul not too long ago. So it makes sense the long-roof variant, the Sportbrake, was to spawn from the latest and greatest XF. And it was just teased at Wimbledon.
Like previous XF Sportbrake estates, this one will likely be off-limits to US shores due to low demand. Let’s also not forget, Jaguar already sells the F-Pace crossover, which doesn’t justify spending the resources to ship XF Sportbrakes here.
Either way, we’re still going to drool because we enthusiasts like hot wagons, because nobody else really does.
What’s known about the new XF Sportbrake?
Not many official details were spared. But it will obviously share a lot in common with the latest XF. This means the usual selection of Ingenium gas and diesel engines already offered on the XF sedan.
From the one teaser released, the new XF Sportbrake comes with a huge panoramic roof that takes up most of the top structure. Then, the rest is pretty self explanatory. Being a modern Jaguar, we already know it’s going to look great.
– By: Chris Chin

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The 2017 Honda Civic Type R sets Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for fastest front-wheel drive...

The 2017 Honda Civic Type R sets Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for fastest front-wheel drive... Honda continues to prove they know what they’re doing with front-wheel drive.
What’s going on?
Honda is no stranger to the game of front-wheel drive. While many detest the configuration, it still works very well in its own respective ways. And Honda’s one of the few brands to prove that front-wheel drive cars can perform just as well as some of their rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive counterparts. The latest example: the hot new 2017 Honda Civic Type R.
It just took the title as the world’s fastest front-wheel-drive production car to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife. A fitting record to sit next to other Honda greats, like the original Integra Type R.
How fast did the Civic Type R lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife?
It did the 12.9-mile Green Hell in just 7 minutes and 43.80 seconds, on April 3, 2017. It was almost three seconds faster than the Civic Type R before it.
This was partially due to the latest Civic Type R’s all-new and potent 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It’s then complimented by a very aggressive, but functional aerodynamic body kit, sport-tuned front control arm and rear-multilink suspension, a six-speed manual transmission as standard, and a limited-slip differential.
Honda admits the lap vehicle was a pre-production prototype, but insist that it represents a production-ready car.
When the 2018 Honda Civic Type R hits US dealers, it will be America’s first Honda Type R model, and the first US-bound Type R model since the original Acura Integra Type R.
Production commenced for the Civic Type R in Swindon, England.
– By: Chris Chin
2018 Honda Civic Type R Nürburgring Nordschleife Lap Record Gallery

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Best Car Sharing Services Compared: A Guide To Short-Term Car Rentals

Best Car Sharing Services Compared: A Guide To Short-Term Car Rentals Americans today are looking for the most cost-effective ways to move about. As the average price for a new vehicle continues to increase, car sharing services have become a viable option.
You can think of car sharing as a short-term rental service, enabling you to drive a specific vehicle when and how you need it. And while car sharing has a lot of upsides, there are particular drawbacks you need to consider as well.
This guide will help you determine which car sharing service is right for you.
What Are The Advantages of Car Sharing?
Expenses: Car sharing helps you save on gasoline, parking fees, maintenance costs, taxes, vehicle registration, insurance, and various other fixed monthly costs. Those expenses are inclusive in the per-minute or per-hour cost of renting the vehicle.
Occasional Use: Car sharing is a practical alternative for those on a budget who don’t necessarily need a full-time vehicle.
Selection: Easily able to choose what you need for specific trips. Need a small car for a quick run to the shopping mall or grocery store? Do you need a larger truck for moving, or an SUV for a family vacation? Many car sharing services and the vehicles they offer are accessible via an app on your smartphone.
Flexible: Car sharing services are an easy and affordable way to get behind the wheel without buying or leasing the vehicle, or beholding yourself to a preset public transportation schedule.
Green: If you are concerned about carbon emissions and pollution, then consider a car sharing service. You can choose a hybrid or – in some cases – a fully-electric vehicle for your trip.
Easy: Car sharing is nothing more than choosing the vehicle you want, and waiting for it to arrive at your home. When you’re done, return the car and that’s basically it.
Passive Income: Car sharing allows you to earn money from your privately-owned vehicle(s). New cars are cheap to run but expensive to buy. Car sharing services will give you the ability to maximize the use of a particular vehicle. Going on a long business trip abroad? Instead of parking your vehicle at the airport lot, car sharing gives you the opportunity to earn money while you’re away.
What Are The Disadvantages of Car Sharing?
Costly: Car sharing is costly if you need to drive every day. This also holds true if you cover a lot of miles on your typical work day commute. If this is the case, leasing or buying your own vehicle is more economical in the long run.
Range: Car sharing services may sound convenient, but not if you live far away from parking garages or drop-off points.
What Are The Types of Car Sharing Services?
Traditional car sharing where a company owns the cars; and
Peer-to-peer car sharing, where you rent the vehicle from private car owners or lenders.
This comprehensive guide will take you through the basics of car sharing and help you pick a service that’s right for you.
Traditional Car Sharing Services
Zipcar
Zipcar was established in 2000 and is one of the most popular car sharing services in the United States. They are a traditional service as a subsidiary of Avis Car Rental. As of July 2019, the service is available in more than 170 cities in 44 states, as well as Canada and Europe.
Zipcar offers a bevy of driving plans, including one for occasional driving with no monthly commitments, and an extra value plan for frequent drivers. The monthly rates will vary by city and model. You can expect to pay a daily rate of $66.00 to $78.00 for a 24-hour period or approximately $8.00 to $10.00 per hour depending on the chosen plan.
The monthly driving plan is $7.00 per month while the extra value plan is $50.00 per month. New customers can enjoy $25.00 in free driving credits; students may also receive special discounts and credits.
Photo: Zipcar.
What Are The Pros of Zipcar?
Location: Available at almost all airports and college campuses in the United States.
Selection: Zipcar has a huge fleet of cargo vans, pickup trucks, luxury vehicles, SUVs, and hybrid cars.
Peace of Mind: The service comes with 24/7 roadside assistance and a rental option of up to seven days.
Range: Every reservation includes 180 miles per day. If you need more, Zipcar will simply charge an additional $0.45 per mile.
Gas & Insurance Included: Each vehicle comes with a gas card. You can use it to fill up the tank and Zipcar will handle the rest. All Zipcar members are covered with comprehensive insurance.
Simple: After applying online, your Zipcard is mailed to you, giving you access to thousands of vehicles worldwide. Book your ride, tap the Zipcard on the car’s windshield to unlock the vehicle, and you’re ready to hit the road.
What Are The Cons of Zipcar?
Drop-Off Location: You are required to return the vehicle where you picked it up.
Added Fees: You’ll get hit with penalty fees ($50.00 to $150.00) for late returns and low fuel.
Verdict: Zipcar is available in more cities and airports across the country, and offers competitive rates within a range of plans. The widespread availability makes it an ideal choice for business travelers too.
If you join using our link, you’ll get a $25 free credit when you create an account.

Enterprise Car Share
Enterprise Car Share is found in a handful of U.S. cities and on 130 college campuses. The service is also available in the UK and Canada. Enterprise Car Share is part of Enterprise Rent-A-Car and leverages the company’s experience in the rental car industry. While rates are competitive, the reach in the U.S. is limited.
If you live in New York City, Enterprise Car Share offers two types of plans: Smart Saver and pay-as-you-go. Smart Saver charges an annual membership fee of $40.00 and will cost you around $79.00 to $175.00 daily; and $9.00 to $18.00 per hour depending on the chosen vehicle. Pay-as-you-go starts around $50.00 per month with hourly rates starting at $7.65. Houston, Philadelphia, and St. Louis are among the other major metropolitan areas Enterprise Car Share covers.
What Are The Pros of Enterprise Car Share?
Gas & Insurance: Both are included.
Location: Available in airports and on college campuses.
Range: Lengthy mileage allowance of 180 miles to 200 miles.
Flexibility: Offers customized plans for small businesses and government agencies.
Selection: Enterprise Car Share offers sedans, pickups, hybrids, and electric vehicles.
Rates: Slightly lower rates than other car sharing services. You can rent a vehicle 24/7 by the hour, per day, or overnight depending on your needs.
What Are The Cons of Enterprise Car Share?
Less Flexible: You must return the car where you picked it up.
Rates: Nothing is set. Rates will depend on the time of day or day of the week.
Availability: Enterprise Car Share is not available in most U.S. metropolitan areas. As of this writing, only 11 cites appear on their website.
Verdict: With the ability to rent a vehicle by the hour, Enterprise Car Share is best for shorter trips. The service also includes free pick-up if you reserve a vehicle from a non-airport location. However, the limited availability in the U.S. might mean you end up using another service anyway. Enterprise Car Share is, however, much more expansive in the United Kingdom.
Car2Go
Car2Go was established in Germany in 2008. It is now available in many North American and European cities and comes with no annual or monthly fees, and no membership costs. Their service model lets you grab an available vehicle from designated parking lots in your city. No reservations required! After you’re done with the trip, the process ends by parking the vehicle in the appointed spot and walking away. You don’t need to return the vehicle to the same pick-up point either.
The rates of Car2Go will vary by vehicle model and location. Typical rates start around $0.41 per minute and around $14.99 per hour. Daily rates start at less than $85.00.
Photo: Car2Go.
What Are The Pros of Car2Go?
Gas & Insurance: Both are included.
Rates: No membership fees and no late return fees.
Peace of Mind: 24/7 roadside assistance is standard.
Grab & Go: Per minute rentals are available, making it ideal for short trips around the city.
Flexibility: No need to return the vehicle to the same pick-up point. Return it to the appropriate “Home Zone” and you’re done!
What Are The Cons of Car2Go?
Selection: Smaller fleet of available vehicles.
Availability: The service is not yet available at airports and covers fewer cities.
Verdict: Car2Go needs to increase their coverage and service fleet to fully compete in the market. However, the hassle-free return policy and competitive rates are a strong point of Car2Go.
Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Services
Turo
When it comes to peer-to-peer car sharing services, Turo is a hands-down favorite. However, there’s a catch: the service only offers daily or weekly rates, meaning it might only be ideal for longer driving scenarios. If you just need to go grocery shopping or run a few quick errands, why pay an entire day’s rate? In terms of selection, however, Turo is top-notch. The service offers the opportunity to rent a wide array of vehicles courtesy of local owners. This includes luxury sedans, premium SUVs, and even sporty cars or coupes.
Turo is available at more than 300 airports and over 4,500 U.S. cities. What we really like about Turo is the doorstep pick-up and drop-off feature. There’s no need to look for official home areas or parking lots, and the vehicle is sent to you at no additional cost. When you’re done, simply park it outside your house and Turo will collect it.
There are no sign-up or membership fees either. Daily rates start at around $18.00 to $30.00 with an additional rental fee of 10 percent. The owner of the vehicle will set the mileage rates (approximately 200 miles per day). The service will charge a fee of $0.75 per mile if you exceed the prescribed mileage.
Photo: Turo.
What Are The Pros of Turo?
Availability: Turo sends the vehicle directly to your location.
Selection: Wide array of vehicles including luxury and sports cars.
Rates: No membership or sign-up fees. The daily and weekly rates are lower than other services.
Passive Income: The owner of the vehicle gets a $1M liability policy and will pocket 75 percent of rental and over-mileage fees.
What Are The Cons of Turo?
Availability: The service does not offer hourly or per-minute rates.
Expenses: You will pay for your own gas. Fuel expenses are separate from the rental fees.
Other Fees: If you are under 25, an extra fee applies (an additional 20 percent based on the rental rate).
Verdict: Turo works well if you are doing a full day’s worth of driving, or need a vehicle for a longer period of time. Its widespread availability means you likely will have access to the service in larger U.S. metro areas.
Create an account on Turo and get started renting, or if you want to make money from your car, sign up here to list your car for rent.

Getaround
Similar to Turo, Getaround is a peer-to-peer car sharing service. But unlike Turo, it offers low hourly rates, making it perfect for short trips or occasional users. However, Getaround is only available in select U.S. cities, namely Washington D.C., San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Chicago, and Portland.
Rates start around $5.00 per hour and up to $45.00 per hour, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Customers can also expect to pay a three percent booking fee for each trip. Daily rates will vary upon the owner’s behest as will the mileage limits. You can expect to pay $0.50 per mile if you exceed the limit, and a late return fee of $50.00 to $500.00, depending on the vehicle.
If you want to list your vehicle on Getaround, you’ll need to pay a one-time installation fee of $99.00 and a $20.00 per month subscription fee. The fees will cover the remote tracking and unlocking system.
What Are The Pros of Getaround?
Peace of Mind: Comes with 24/7 roadside assistance.
Rates: Lower per hour rates and no membership or sign-up fees (a perk for occasional users).
Selection: Good selection of vehicles including convertibles, luxury cars, vans, and exotic rides.
What Are The Cons of Getaround?
Expenses: You pay for your own gas.
Availability: Only available in a handful of U.S. cities as of this writing.
Passive Income: Vehicle owners receives 60 percent of the fees versus 75 percent with Turo.
Verdict: Similar to Enterprise Car Share and Car2Go, Getaround suffers from limited availability. However, the hourly rates make it ideal for shorter trips and one-off users.
Sign up for Getaround here.
Conclusion
Our top choice for a traditional car sharing service is Zipcar. The service is available in more cities and airports nationwide and offers a wider selection of vehicles. For peer-to-peer services, it’s hard to go wrong with Turo. The service might not offer hourly or per-minute rentals, but it does come with lower daily and weekly rates compared to other car sharing services. It’s also available in more cities.
Join Zipcar here and get $25 in free driving credits.
Do you have a car sharing service you use regularly? Let us know by commenting below or on our Twitter page.

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2020 Cadillac XT5: Caddy’s Best-Seller Gets A Whole Lotta Updates!

2020 Cadillac XT5: Caddy’s Best-Seller Gets A Whole Lotta Updates! The 2020 Cadillac XT5 benefits from a number of revisions for the new model year.
Interior themes focus on comfort and luxury; tech features on connectivity and safety.
A new turbo engine is on offer for 2020, although the 3.6 V6 remains an option as well.
Did you know the Cadillac XT5 is the brand’s best-selling model worldwide? That shouldn’t be all that surprising, given the popularity of SUVs, especially luxury ones, and Caddy’s inroads into the Chinese market. So with that as a background, you can see why Cadillac opted for only a revamp on their sales leader, and not a full-on redesign. Still, the refresh is as comprehensive as they come. Cadillac says over 40 different items were updated for the XT5 for 2020.
Here is a look at what to expect when the XT5 hits the dealership.
What Are The 2020 Cadillac XT5 Trim Levels?
For the new model year, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 comes in four trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury (a redundantly named trim level if nothing else), and Sport. The Premium Luxury emphases bright trim and contemporary décor, while the Sport goes darker and more aggressive. As you would expect, Luxury and Premium Luxury are oriented towards comfort, and provide a “retreat from road disturbances” as Cadillac says. The Sport, by contrast, has quicker steering and more aggressive chassis tuning and stuff like that.
Luxury and Premium Luxury models get 18-inch wheels standard, although a new 20-inch wheel is available. The XT5 Sport gets the 20-inchers standard. Across the range, you’ll find a new grille design, available in two textures, and an available Platinum package for more tech.
2020 Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury. Photo: Cadillac.
And Speaking of Tech . . .
Caddy has no problem loading in as much as the bean counters will allow, and infotainment and driver assistance technologies take center stage. The new XT5 now has over 20 available safety and driver aids as a matter of fact. The XT5’s “user experience interface” receives an upgrade, as does the rotary controller with more comprehensive jog functionality. Please note this complements the conventional buttons and touchscreen, but does not do away with them entirely. This is a great move. Hörst du German auto manufacturers?
When Cadillac says user experience interface, they mean the eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, various apps, and an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. One-touch phone pairing with Near Field Communication is there, but this is slowly becoming standard, especially on high-end rides like the XT5.
2020 Cadillac XT5 touchscreen display. Photo: Cadillac.
Related: Affordable luxury for younger buyers: on the road with the 2019 Cadillac XT4.
Interior Treatments
This is a Cadillac, so of course the comfort and convenience goodies will make you feel like you’re driving a suite at the Hilton. There are new interior “themes,” each incorporating a richer selection of authentic materials and coordinating décor. There’s also a new Jet Black/Kona Brown theme that includes premium leather seats, door trim, and armrests. Further accents come by way of new designs for the center console and cup holders (natch).
Best of all, there’s a new Bose Performance Series sound system.
2020 Cadillac XT5 cargo area. Photo: Cadillac.
2020 Cadillac XT5: Power & Performance
The engine bay for the XT5 gets a new choice for 2020. The 2.0L Turbo is now standard for Luxury and Premium Luxury; the existing 3.6L V6 remains standard for the Sport, but is still an option on the Premium Luxury. Both engines are mated to a nine-speed automatic, controlled via the next generation of Cadillac’s Electronic Precision Shift technology.
The turbo found on the 2.0L is a trick, twin-scroll setup with a unique three-step sliding camshaft. Cadillac says the design optimizes performance across the rev band. Don’t say VTEC, although that’s essentially what it is. Bottom line here is an okay 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. The six-banger, on the other hand, puts out 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft. of torque thanks to direct injection and camshaft phasing. There’s also Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and automatic stop/start to help fuel economy.
If you opt for the 2.0L Turbo, you’ll also get a new, electronically-controlled braking system replacing the conventional vacuum-assisted system. Would you look at that. Caddy finally got out of the 1950s!
Pricing & Availability
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 will be available later this summer. We expect a starting price right around $44,000. The new XT5 is produced in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
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 Cadillac XT5 Gallery

Photos & Source: Cadillac.

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2019 Mazda3 Sedan Review: Fun, Sporty & Affordable

2019 Mazda3 Sedan Review: Fun, Sporty & Affordable 95Excellent 2019 Mazda3 Sedan Overall Impression Stylish & affordable.Good safety features.ProsNice Interior All-Wheel Drive Driving Dynamics ConsCabin Noise Small Backseat AC Needs More Power The Mazda3 was good before, but it gets upgrades that lift it higher in the compact sedan segment. For 2019, the Mazda3 continues with its already sharp driving dynamics, and gains the 2.5-liter engine as standard equipment across all trims. Mazda has also made all-wheel drive an option this year, a bonus for customers living in cold weather climates who need extra grip. This week, we’ve been driving the 2019 Mazda3 sedan with the Premium Package and all-wheel drive.
Mazda3: What’s New For 2019?
The Mazda 3 is fully redesigned for 2019 and remains the brand’s best-selling vehicle. The aforementioned 2.5-liter engine is standard now, ensuring all models will have plenty of power. Safety systems for 2019 include Smart City Brake Support and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert among others. Trim levels include Select, Preferred, and Premium, along with a Hatchback option.
Features & Options: Just Enough For The Drive
The 2019 Mazda3 Premium all-wheel drive ($27,900) comes standard with LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights; a rearview camera, push-button start, 60/40-split folding rear seat, and an 8.8-inch central display. Tech treatments include Bluetooth, voice commands, and an eight-speaker audio system with HD radio and two USB ports.
Other features include 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Additional safety features on our tester included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking; a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert; adaptive cruise control, a driver attention monitor, automatic high beam control, and lane keeping assist.
The top-trim Premium package adds adaptive headlights, a sunroof, heads-up display, leather upholstery, and paddle shifters for models with the automatic transmission. Total MSRP including destination: $30,930. By comparison, the 2019 Mazda3 starts at $21,000.
2019 Mazda3 sedan.
Interior Highlights: Clean & Uncluttered
The new Mazda 3’s interior is clean with mostly quality materials and an overall solid fit and finish. The white interior with bald trim is especially attractive but it could be hard to keep the leather seats clean. This tester came loaded with a power driver’s seat (w/memory) and heated front seats for extra winter comfort. We settled in and found the controller-based interface is one of the best we’ve seen. Everything is uncomplicated in the new sedan, as controls and buttons are easy to see and understand. It doesn’t take long to find and select a function.
We could easily find the perfect driving position and visibility is descent out the front and sides for a compact sedan. The Mazda3 comes with a blind-spot monitor, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera as standard, making it easier to navigate and detect objects out of your normal view.
The 3’s roofline has a steep rake, so our passengers this week needed to duck to get into the back. They said rear legroom and headroom was a bit tight as we took a ride to lunch. I had to keep my front seat pushed up more than usual to accommodate their longer legs. Mazda wanted sleeker styling but rear passengers pay the price. Overall, however, we would give the cabin high marks at least up front, and this Premium upgrade comes with features found in more expensive cars. It’s a comfortable place to spend your commute.
2019 Mazda3 sedan interior layout.
2019 Mazda3: Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 186 horsepower and an equal 186 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is standard with Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus, a series of motion control technologies to increase steering response and handling.
EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 25/33 city/highway and 28 combined with all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive models improve to 26/35 city/highway and 30 combined. Our all-wheel drive tester came with cylinder deactivation which helps increase fuel economy.
Driving Dynamics: Sporty & Stable
Getting underway revealed a sporty ride and the dynamics from Mazda we’ve come to expect. The ride is comfortable, even at highway speeds, and the seats are supportive. Driving in the mountains west of Denver gave us the opportunity to push the sedan hard in the curves. The driving characteristics of the 2019 Mazda3 did not disappoint us either. The handling is crisp, and the steering offers up a light but engaging feel thanks to the G-Vectoring technology. However, with Denver’s temperatures in the high 90s this week, we cranked up the A/C but felt the climate control needed more power to sufficiently cool the cabin.
The 2.5-liter powerplant is naturally-aspirated and is eager to deliver from the onset, but it really gets going from the middle of the rev range. We had no problem merging onto the highway even with heavy traffic. We did notice quite a bit of road noise at higher speeds, despite Mazda saying they included additional sound insulation for 2019. In the city, we needed to make a U-turn and the Mazda3 has a quick-turning radius, making it easy to navigate parking lots and busy streets. But when the road gets curvy is when the fun begins in this sedan! The transmission even offers a sport mode which makes the car more responsive in the curves.
The 2019 Mazda3 is especially fun to drive on curvy roads.
Related: 2019 Mazda3: Two flavors and plenty of extras.
Driving Dynamics: Confident Cruiser
The 2019 Mazda3 will give a driver confidence as the car feels safe at higher speeds. We liked the 2.5-liter’s power, of course, but it feels stable as the suspension and transmission pair well with the larger engine. We didn’t test it through snow or over ice, but the available all-wheel drive gave the sedan more stability on the dirt roads we drove.
Conclusion: Definitely One To Consider
For those looking for an upscale, affordable, fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive, small sedan or hatchback, the 2019 Mazda3 should be on your shopping list. It’s especially attractive now with the all-wheel drive option and new engine.
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
2019 Mazda3 Sedan Gallery

Photos: Mazda North American Operations.

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