Daily Archives: September 5, 2013
Chevy Rolls out an all-new 2014 Chevy Traverse Review
The Chevrolet Traverse is a ride for eight passengers incorporating interiors of a van and averting the sham tag of a minivan with uplifted styling of an SUV. It spans to a width of 78.5 inches, 203.7 inches in length and 69.9 inches in height. The front is arranges freshly in a slew of three, angular headlights and sharp tail lights reminding of Camaro with a dynamic look. The Traverse receives more adept handling than the oldies like Tahoe by a uni-body platform that it rides on. The Traverse is potential of towing a weight up to 5200 pounds if utilized properly.
The Traverse is a home to a 3.6 L V-6 engine that produces 281 horsepower and torque of 266 lb-ft while an alternate dual-exhaust variant boosts figures to 288 horsepower and torque of 277 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic transmission supplies power to the front wheels while an optional All-wheel-drive configuration is available for enhancing traction over slippery roads. Fuel economy is computed standard as 17mpg in city and 24mpg on the highway for the front-wheel-drive model while the all-wheel-drive model furnishes 16mpg and 23mpg in city and on highway respectively.
The Traverse is currently purchasable in LS, 1LT, 2LT AND LTZ trim levels. The LS offers basic features like keyless entry, power locks, power windows, A/C along with rear-view camera and a six speaker standard multimedia stereo system, cloth upholstery and 17 inches alloy wheels. The 1LT associates Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, power adjustable driver’s seat, front collision warning, 18 inches alloys and mimic wood interiors. 2LT brings power lift gate, heated front seats, a ten speaker Bose USB stereo system and remote start. The LTZ comes with heated and cooled front seats, power-folding mirrors, leather upholstery, power adjustable passenger seats, an exterior fringe of chrome and 20 inches wheels.
The crossover offers a stinking rich feel due to its soft touch material on the dashboard and top ends of doors. The Traverse facilitates an accommodation for eight riders with three rows, providing options between bench chairs or captain’s chairs in the second row. The Traverse brags of a cargo space for 24.4 ft 3 whilst increasing it to 68.8 ft 3 when the rear row is folded. Directed for the comforts of a family, the vehicle comes equipped with 12 cup-holders and a DVD entertainment system. LS, 1LT and 2LT have provision for Chevrolet’s infotainment equipment system namely MyLink while it is customary on the LTZ. Mylink features a 6.5 inch touch screen for call receiving, media streaming and HD Radio as well as navigation.
All variants of Traverse accentuate dual front, full length side curtain and front side airbags for passenger safety besides Chevrolet’s first front centre airbag. Blind zone alert mechanism and Cross traffic alert system are available as options on LS, 1LT, 2LT while coming standard on the LTZ which utilizes RADAR to detect sport which may be out of the vision of the driver and renders audio or visual alarms to prevent collisions.
Sharing uni-body platform with Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia along with a high load carrying capacity of a van, Traverse is most likely to face competition from Dodge Journey, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander.
The 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid – Vision and Performance
Honda has been a big player in the automobile industry for a while now. Though it has managed to remain abreast of all techno-revolutions happening in the car-world, like other brands, it has faltered too, and the discontinued hybrid Accord model sold from 2004 to 2007 is a reminder of that. However, with the 2014 Accord Hybrid model, Honda is expected to redeem itself, or at least it seems so, from all the specifications that have been promised.
Envisioned as a mid-segment sedan targeting a growing market, the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid is designed to impress. In terms of exterior styling, the 2014 hybrid model is similar, if not identical to the redesigned 2013 Accord gasoline models. The only differences include – a bolder grille and front wheels, different wheels, LED taillights and a lot of blue in the interior (consoles and décor). By retaining the design of the iconic and extremely successful 2013 Accord model, Honda has ensured that they cash in on the popularity of the earlier vehicle, while marketing it based on the exemplary fuel efficiency.
The expected EPA rates for this model, when announced by Honda, created a media furor and not without reason. Beating all its contemporaries including Toyota Camry, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata and even Ford Fusion, the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid promises a mileage of 49 mpg in the City (highest in this segment), 45 mpg on the Highway and a combined figure of 47 mpg. Its only competitor which offers such figures is the Ford Fusion Hybrid which claims to offer City/Highway/Combined mileage of 47/47/47 mpg respectively. However, the promising 2013 Fusion model is known to have under-achieved in real-world usage, falling short of the manufacturer’s claims. The automobile world is now waiting with bated breath for the 2014 Accord Hybrid version, wondering whether it will live up to its promises or not.
Interestingly, Honda’s upcoming Hybrid model will have three driving modes which is the standard convention for mid-size hybrid sedans in current times. With a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine and a pair of efficient electric motors, ultimately, the Accord Hybrid can be driven in EV, Hybrid or Engine mode, depending upon which power sources is most efficient at a given time. As the nomenclature indicates,EV Driveimplies that only the electric motor is being used for power; viable at lower speeds during light-load highway stints. Hybrid Drive entails a combination of both the engine and electric motor for propulsion whileEngine Drivemeans engine power goes to the front wheels while the electric drive is not used.
The 2014 Accord Hybrid refers to the non-plug-in Hybrid version; Honda has already released the Accord Plug-In Hybrid model sometime in early 2013 is few parts of the world. The new, 2014 Accord Hybrid model, however is yet to hit the market. If reports are to be believed, it shall be brought to the market in the Fall of 2014, just a few months from now. Unlike the Plug-In model which was distributed only in limited markets, this version will thankfully be available in greater volumes.
2013 Lincoln MZK Hybrid Review
The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid hit the markets in February 2013. A second-generation model of the original Lincoln MKZ, its production was plagued by more glitches than one. It was however, quality problems at Ford’s assembly plant in Hermosillo, Mexico which caused the longest delay in production. It is then no wonder that those looking out for this vehicle breathed a huge sigh of relief when the MKZ Hybrid was finally released early this year. The question is, was it worth the wait?
The MKZ series comprises of mid-size entry level luxury sedans that are easy on the eye offer smooth, comfy drives. The 2013 Hybrid model is certainly one that would not go unnoticed on any road. It is sleek, snazzy and distinctive, with a low roof, prominent front grille and a convertible-like sporty look. For those who like to make a statement on the road, this car is for you.
What is interesting is that this new MKZ Hybrid has borrowed much from the Ford Fusion Hybrid (its unmistakable sibling) in terms of the technology used. It has a 2.0 liter Atkinson-cycle four cylinder engine and a 88 kW electric motor with a lithium-ion battery pack. The total system output is a respectable 188 horsepower which when combined with other factors promises a mileage of 45 mpg in both the City and on the Highway. This puts it ahead of its primary competitor – the Lexus ES 200h, which offers a 40/39 mpg City/Highway mileage. Lincoln has warned, however, that the car’s fuel performance is contingent on several factors suggesting that the mileage may vary in different driving conditions.
Alongside offering good mileage, the Lincoln promises a luxurious, comfortable ride. The interiors are spacious with much leg-room and fair amount of cargo space. The inner consoles and instrument cluster are high-tech and unique, if slightly complicated. The car is equipped with MyLincoln Touch which provides access to a colorful screen with attractive, colorful graphics. As far as the whole car driving experience is concerned, the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid certainly does not fall short.
While the above represents the specifications released by the manufacturer, the user experience is a different thing altogether. Users report that the real-world mileage and car’s output is hardly ever over 35 mpg which is a falls far short of the promised average. The MyLincoln Touch is known to falter sometimes and the consoles have small buttons which makes them less easily accessible. The most drastic shortcoming perhaps is that 28% of cargo space has been sacrificed in favor of fuel economy alongside the backseats lacking too much room. For big families that travel heavy, this vehicle may not always be suitable.
The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid thus leaves something to be desired. However, owners are largely so rather satisfied with it, since it has been priced very well with an appropriate entry-level price tag. Therefore, the car shall be a good bet for those who do not have an extravagant budget but a penchant for luxury.
