Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 2015 Review

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 2015 Review

We take seriously the rigor we apply the testing and evaluation of new cars, but occasionally we lean a little toward the absurd. Responds fly to Kelowna, British Columbia, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 on the road, miles of trails in the forest, two steep lanes are 2015 inclusive. Mercedes was eager to show the Sprinter has serious four-wheel off-road chops, sure, but were experiencing general curiosity about how proposed a $ 40K-plus ,, performs four by four in full size van.

These two objectives converge to a drive of 115 miles of Kelowna easy to ski semi-remote Revelstoke, where we were given a safety briefing and logistics. Among the instructions: they are not lost too far from our van because the local bear waking from sleep and came following command could not use strict roads with trees, single lane, the "bad mood" shot our way uphill winding mountain. ,, Because timber trucks loaded down that "really can not stop."

Off-road Vannin simply "not stand not push

To get an idea of ​​where we were, dragging the map of Google, imagine a straight line from Vancouver to Calgary, and insert a pin somewhere in between. This is Revelstoke. Our potentially dangerous route would take us to a forest road in the remote Mica Creek, which promised to take it off-road circuit by man, where we tested a prototype last year 4x4 Sprinter more challenging. As we climb the mountains, our first impressions of the streets are prototypes Sprinter 4x4 drove last fall not allowed on public roads, and in this environment, which drives like the standard version does not 4x4.

Mercedes-sockets on the 4x4 4.3-inch front suspension and 3.1 in the back, but apart from the high ground clearance and a switch on the right side of the steering wheel to participate on all wheels, there is little evidence the 265-pound 4WD system, not at all. The steering is precise, the large van tracks straight and true, and the new Crosswind Assist function oncoming trailer truck always took things on the straight and narrow air directly into the van the edge. (Works with the stability control program, Crosswind Assist brakes individual wheels to mitigate rising due to high winds and sudden gusts of wind.) The brake pedal is firm and reaction linearly, and exhibits surprisingly good control Sprinter the body to something so big.

Action traction

4x4 different skills were visualized, but one of the Mica Creek forest roads, where we had radios in hand to alert us about logging trucks from the other direction. Uneven, rugged, indented with deep grooves made by giant machines, the road would have a flush Jeep Wrangler. The sides were covered with snow, while others offered a peatlike mud in which sprinters sank to the centers; Sometimes the forest road all included in one place, and launched into a nearly 30 degrees steep class for fun.

The Sprinter 4x4 diesel standard 188-horsepower V-6 of 161 horsepower four-cylinder base Sprinter diesel can not be combined with 4WD drive one to setup automatic five-speed type decent part-time and four wheels (on dry pavement, you must run to avoid binding) to feel agitated by the swamp and not surprisingly, since the light work. the van in drive mode Our sprinters had two wheels with winter tires, which have been appointed by the Law of 1 October to 31 March in British Columbia required; vehicles were completely different values.

Our RV SUV models include a rear axle of one wheel, as well as some with a dual configuration. There were versions of high and low ceiling, and variants of short and long wheelbase. Each configuration has the forest road, no doubt. Some of the vans were (an additional $ 6,500 to $ 300 for the top of the 4x4 configuration) box equipped with optional low-end changes, but successfully climbed the rough roads with a long reach only a 35/65 percent against solid Features / rear torque distribution. Besides slowing crosswind stability system and traction control also detects a spinning wheel and brake individually to send torque to the drive wheels; This ensures that the Sprinter puffing held, even if one or more tires lose contact with the ground particularly twisted.

Having proven himself a worthy SUV, we could not help but wonder who could simply buy the Sprinter 4x4. Mercedes does not answer the question exactly, but has given us, that the vehicle, which starts at $ 44.475 for a short wheelbase, the indoor load model has already been sold by the end of September this year. And that somehow feared an encounter with a pissed ursine or a huge truck full of dead trees were to the sawmill, we discover that this truck is a tool essentially without competition. If you have a large family and living in a remote area, or perhaps you need large, capacity weatherproof load and often walking through construction of mud, the Sprinter 4x4 is the only way to follow. Now if you are happy then maybe you build a taste for the absurd and silly an equal amount of cash, a fleet of Mercedes G500 6x6 4x4²s or have.

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Ford Focus ST Diesel Wagon 2015 Review

Ford Focus ST Diesel Wagon 2015 Review

As every automaker in the US, Ford is not averse to package itself in Old Glory, if you want to sell more product to patriotic 'Muricans. That's why Ford F-150 ads are the kind of voice-over gravel, Clint Eastwood sound somewhat effeminate and usually contain more than all Montana Cowgirl to do. But despite the call Michigan home for over 100 years, will continue in its home market for Ford denied much of its range global models. And if we really care if cars like the EcoSport and the B-Max is not, sometimes abandoning really hurts, damn.

As here, it is sold with the diesel version of the Focus ST in Europe and other parts of the world where a compression ignition taken seriously. To make matters worse, some of them, the TDCi engine is also available as a combination. These can illuminate not at the same level decision so long, we deny the Escort Cosworth, but it is fair to say that a performance car with a diesel of 182 horsepower and a shift lever engine quite busy all matter bingo card that we want but can not get. So we took the first opportunity to get behind the wheel during a trip to Germany.

Familiar with the key differences

The view from the driver's seat is almost identical to that in the US-spec Focus ST five-door. They sit in the same Recaro sport seats mega-grippy, holds the same thickness wheel, the same lever feeling gearshift pleasantly bulbous, so you can view the same dashboard, with the same trio stuck additional dials oil and increasing the pressure and oil temperature. The only real clue that something is different, different from the Euro-spec km / h, a bar and Celsius scales for implementation, is the fact that the red tachometer shortly after the number "5".

The engine is a slightly revised version of the Ford-Euro-spec 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel, and even (with a maximum of 182 horsepower reaches a low 3,500 rpm) for 60 PS residue on your brother petrol , which actually project more Tighten 295 Nm at 2,000 rpm. The paper performance figures are expected to be low, with a time of zero to 60 miles per hour, an estimated 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 135 mph (in our test, the US gas ST 60 attacks in about six seconds The top speed of 150 mph), but against the whole, the official TDCi "combined" fuel-economic speed corresponding to 56 mpg on the Euro cycle test optimistic. If the car were to be executed by the EPA Ringer, we thought it might be 40 mpg highway in the previous cycle.

Less enthusiastic, but still Enthusiast

It's no surprise that the diesel lumps can not match the enthusiasm of the gasoline engine. He lacks the enthusiasm of her sister ignition for speed and torque-despite having much less torque steer in slow corners. But it is very soft and fleshy bottom, which means that changing gear about half as often. A confidential Autobahn route confirmed that no point in trying, the engine of 4,000 rpm mark, which seems to push hit a patch of molasses. But high gear, results almost exactly as claimed top speed in sixth saw an indicated 220 kmh (137 mph), with the ST feel stable and comfortable when driving flat. Motor hums and thrums when I worked hard, with a sound Symposer repeal most harmonic sound at low speeds.

Although slower than the gasoline ST Ford has not softened the diesel Volkswagen Golf GTD version. This means that the fixed settings and dampers did an excellent job keeping the body under control when asked, make frequent changes of direction to do. Also give a hard ride on rough surfaces, especially at high speeds. Shares of electrically assisted steering quick rack ST gasoline and provides similar responses sharp front-end (less than on understeer) and the manual transmission is as smooth as in gasoline.

In fact, our test car of the car body probably made a greater difference at high speed dynamic performance car like the diesel engine. Ford numbers say the car is 53 pounds heavier than the gasoline engine, but also the relatively modest increase in mass in the back of the car is obvious, so much less willing to tighten their stranglehold on a simplified line. Or, in other words, a little less fun. The positive side is an award to the cavernous 33 cubic meters of cargo space with the rear seats in place, 53 cubic feet with the Crusaders.

Based on the versatility and fuel efficiency of the vehicle, we describe the Kombi diesel Focus ST performance car as sensitive in the world. Or rather, in parts of the world who are authorized to buy another car compelling; we have no doubt that the United States sales of a manual displacement diesel cars would be limited, but it would be good to at least the offered option.

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Fiat 500X 2016 Review

Fiat 500X 2016 Review

Fiat will finally bring real adult vehicle for the US market. The 500X invites Tyres Driver into something more comfortable than the small two-door Cinquecento car as toy city, the new brand in the United States in 2010 launched, and offers a much more attractive driving experience frumpy 500L never imagined slipping. The X is much better than the L, in fact, we suggest the days shall begin the only advantage a little more inside.

To date, Fiat continued market return mode mini-burning America. Start with a small car offers many customization options, and then expand the range of products on hewing to a single design theme. Go sometime next year to break the Italians developed in a new direction with the 124 Spider with the Mazda Miata, but now every Fiat in this country remains a 500. The X could be the best yet, it certainly extends the brand appeal to American drivers who need more than the minimalist transport.

The 500X is really good, even if the design elements of court on the grounds that this. Just another variation on the original is not. About a new global platform (the same as the Jeep Renegade is based) built, the 500X designers did their sums properly and for the first time since the revival of the brand had here, was withdrawn from the US market in mind from the First -ir, attitude and proportions that have to admire auto shows and even looks better in real world traffic. Both outside and in, seems to be built to a higher and more beautiful than the 500L standard materials when prototypes that went straight in and around Los Angeles indicative of cars on US dealers should arrive.

No stranger to this country

The chassis is shared with the renegade and propulsion systems are familiar FCA hardware, so just tuning, Tuning, and equipment to distinguish the 500X. The base model uses the familiar setting pop name and is powered by 160-hp 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged four, the 500 Abarth is Fiat, combined with a six-speed manual transmission standard with power. Pop is the only 500X provides a clutch pedal, and has options beyond the choice of colors; the nine-speed automatic transmission and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, the standard for the rest of trim levels are also an option in the popup menu. As VW Golf with its sports car Fiat auto shift corresponds with a focus sackcloth racing if you want to paddle your own, you obviously can not mean a larger touch screen or a heated steering wheel. Vendors say that the recording speed in the manual is only 1-3 percent, but that's a self-fulfilling with packaging as this prophecy. If you can not get navigation or seats or a rear view camera or improved with a transmission that is very effective distribution of audio shift lever killing. We want Fiat Mini had reflected the way in this case; Countryman can with a manual, to be optioned even if the maximum.

Simple, trekking, lounge and Trekking Y: However, the vast majority (95 percent, the FCA estimates) is Fiat 500X models in one of four different trim levels. Five trim levels sound like much, but most of the differences are executed in cosmetics. All but the pop use the 180-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder Tigershark has more power but less torque than the smaller 1.4-liter turbo. Fiat estimates that about 40 percent of buyers choose the optional ($ 1,900) to all four wheels with independent rear axle. It is the same as that used in the Renegade, but more capable Fiat four by four units, the Jeep Trailhawk not offer in his version. So the two iterations of trekking have elements of exterior and interior design to cause off-road capability, but everything is just window dressing, at least in our market (500X is sold in about 100 countries). Simple and Lounge versions support a greater resemblance to the small Cinquecento with a similar front fascia. In all models 500X will look, feel and perform better than previous US Fiat.

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BMW 7-series 2016 Review

BMW 7-series 2016 Review

He born in the teeth of the Great Recession, the fat, but not so happy fifth generation flagship BMW 7 Series definitely abandon its contribution as a successor.

The 7 Series has always been to BMW for those who remember the little stick their shifts, day-tail slide. Available in a range of distances between long or very long shafts with a maximum 12-cylinder twin-turbo and rear-wheel drive or four-wheel, which is a four-door sedan with comfort, speed and attitude due caution 7 blessed.

But the world has changed since the current 7 was produced in 2009 came and went Fisker, Tesla was so green luxury brand Mercedes chips is stronger than ever, and Cadillac is showing signs of intelligent life. The luxury car business is so beautiful that even the prosperous Korean brands nibbling a thin slice of the cake.

BMW has taken a decisive step in securing your future did. Last year the company announced major electrification is expensed in the states of fashion i3 and i8 and the existing 3, 5 and 7 Active Hybrid, to include a plug-in hybrid option for each model of core engineering. BMW is the undisputed leader among automakers in composites of weight savings with its own plant in the state of Washington to produce affordable carbon fiber in collaboration with the SGL Group.

Five years ago, fresh out of the shipping box, a BMW 750Li 2010 Mercedes S550 won a comparison test of two cars, but the big Bimmer lost steam quickly. He lost a 750i Porsche Panamera S to hit a Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S. Then in 2011, suffered a humiliation 750Li in a distant third place result against Audi A8L and Jaguar XJL compressor. The new 7 is too late to do well again this year.

While we can not announce Mission after only eight laps in stimulated BMW Miramas, France achieved, proving grounds in early production cars that we've learned about so far in July, asked:

• Project Manager Walter Shindlbeck recognizes the need for careless handling badge career and recuperate.

• weight-saving technologies have been applied seriously. BMW engineers are a clever mix of high strength steel, aluminum, magnesium, plastics and carbon fiber materials created for an alleged £ 285 in the basis weight of a third of them from the body while lowering the center of gravity 7 and improve the fit of bending and torsional stiffness. Several suspension components and brakes has been changed from iron and steel, aluminum and silencing used in moderation. Unsprung weight is reduced by 15 percent.

• BMW is proud of its innovative 'carbon core "unibody construction that a badge touting the technology is discreetly mounted to each of 7 of the B-pillar. While pressed steel remains as the main ingredient, there is less of it by the Use of molded carbon fiber 15 was added (CF) reinforcements at strategic locations. The larger form is a long tube, the CF sweeps majestically from the bottom of each pillar, along the top of the openings doors and based on the C-columns. The upper half of each B column is reinforced with a CF-layer, which is pressed with a die of one side and cured in place. A large patch secured with rivets and adhesives based on each of the C column. The windshield header and two leaves reinforce the roof structure. The 7 central tunnel has to raise a CF Bender the bending rigidity of the body and help drive forward collision loads. There are also two inserts doorway CF side and a horizontal shelf under the backlight black magic material. Exactly how the CF and steel parts are associated with adhesives and fasteners and painting methods proprietary information, such as BMW, of course you prefer to keep their knowledge of competitors as long as possible.

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Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Alltrack 2017 Review

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Alltrack 2017 Review

VW always seems a bit late to the game. Next year, the German automaker is the model we need to bring Alltrack just moved to the United States; It is a sports car with all-wheel drive Golf kidnapped and off-road style equipped air. This comes almost two decades after the segment model, the Volvo XC70 and Subaru Outback, first appeared. What most Americans do not know is that VW has been selling this type of field since the early 1990. But the age of the Golf Country was never sold in the US, and it's so funky looking, it was likely to scare the typical buyers of these Alltrack.

To compile this review, we tested the European version of Alltrack in Germany, where they are already qualified. Beginning later in 2016, are models in Mexico, where they have made significant investments in the VW plant in Puebla to the installation of all-wheel drive vehicles destined for US take.

Only in combination with 4MOTION all-wheel drive, the Alltrack moves a step beyond mere appearance package and provides some real ability. VW aim of increasing efficiency by decoupling the rear axle transmission when driving every day, which means giving the car feels very much like a typical front-wheel-drive field much of the time. If necessary, the traction of four-wheel drive, a Haldex coupling asks the backs of duty, and can be sent to almost 100 percent of par.

The drive mode selector, throttle settings and transmission settings, among other things, adds an "off-road" setting in the Alltrack. This allows Hill Descent Control and ABS pulses continues to gravel, dirt or snow accumulate in front of the wheels, to shorten the braking distance when braking hard on loose surfaces. The chassis is 0.8 inches, which does not seem much, but rose to be useful in several two-lane dirt roads ahead.

The aesthetic package brings redesigned front and rear ends with aggressive fascia and counterfeit protection plates. There fender flares that are VW claims for protection, but of course they are too pretty to risking scratches. Meanwhile, 17 or 18-inch wheels are look good, but they really want to do some kind of field through a steel wheel option preferred not larger tire sidewalls, none of which are available to be mentioned. Within the Alltrack it is equipped with model-specific, but rather plain, fabric and cut. Otherwise, there is a golf cart, which means restricted handsome good looks inside and out, plus a dash of functional design and ergonomic controls. The Alltrack suffers from the same singular demerit we have seen in his brothers, however, despite configuration information and entertainment frustratingly slow. Here it's hoping Volkswagen adds a bit of processing power to the line of Golf arrive here by the time the Alltrack.

Given all this, one can expect that the principle Golf Alltrack also handles like any other golf course, and you'd be right. It also offers a refinement of what can reasonably be expected in its segment, with a good mix of ride quality consistent and able to handle easily exploited. Although most attention Alltrack controls accurately responds quickly to inputs and hugs corners almost as good as their comrades.

In the US, Volkswagen Alltrack will be mounted recently adopted EA888 180-hp 1.8-liter TSI four-cylinder gasoline, which automatically with a dual clutch transmission with six gears. Europe has three diesel options as well: 110-hp 1.6-liter TDI and 2.0-liter TDI with 150 or 184 hp. We like the diesel, whose character is robust for Alltrack occurrence, but we will not come here for the moment, because our models TDI require a purification system of urea injection emissions that can not be packaged with the Gulf with all wheel drive and rear axle multilink setup. (US-spec Golf and Golf TDI sports cars have a rear torsion beam axle.)

But the 1.8-liter engine is good and provides acceptable performance for the type of tasks you can expect most Alltracks made, and should be able to accelerate the car to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds We its estimate and reaches a maximum speed of 125 mph or so. 1.8 We also know that to be perfectly habitable as it is the same engine as a hatchback Golf are in our long-term fleet.

Better late than never, we say. The sports car Golf Alltrack is a welcoming entrance, and could be more boring than a real headache for Subaru Outback larger models, and a number of crossover SUV.

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Honda HR-V 2016 Review

Honda HR-V 2016 Review

The SUV-fication of the automotive market to advance, decide with buyers, even in the smallest segment now you want the high seating position and (on four-wheel versions) the ability weatherproof granted by a vehicle cross type. Honda shows more noise than usual, with the new HR-V 2016, always in the game in the first innings yet. The Nissan Juke, the Mini Countryman and the Buick Encore were the pioneers, but last year the size of the field has more than doubled, with new actors like Chevy Trax, the Jeep Renegade, the Fiat 500X, and next Mazda CX -3. The HR-V crossover positioned below the popular CR-V in size and price Slots, promises to be a strong competitor in this growing field.

Feeling of solidity

While the CR-V is based on the Civic inform the HR-V platform with the subcompact Fit. HR-V, but an order of magnitude solid and substantial feeling of the box-like child abandoned. The cabin is much larger, the windshield is not removed miles and internal design and materials are better. If you never have back, one could easily believe that this is a new CR-V.

In fact, the HR-V is substantially greater than the wee Fit. The wheelbase is longer by 3.2 inches, wider front 2.1 inch their way, and the rear is 2.6 inches. In general, HR-V casts a shadow 9.1 inches longer and wider than 2.8 Fit inches and is 3.2 inches higher.

This additional duty, of course, will bring more weight. Compared to adjusting the HR-V is almost 400 heavier measurements from Honda pounds. Despite its curb weight of around 3,000 pounds it is slim for this class.

Not so fast

In other markets, use the HR-V 130 hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder that fit, but overlooked the United States of Honda into account the engine to the largest, the 1.8-liter engine of the Civic. Oh, the output of 1.8 liters is not much bigger, screening 141 hp at 6,500 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm figures, which are the baby-ute pile at the bottom. It is not surprising that the HR-V is slow, most likely to fall to zero to 60 times in the range of nine to 10 seconds. The automatic CVT, which is the only available transmission with AWD sends increasing speed and remains there while waiting to build for speed. (Or I blade flutter caused by the transmission of predetermined relationships seven run.)

Honda offers a gearbox six-speed in LX and EX front-wheel-drive models, and that makes you feel more alive acceleration. We want the stick is easy to move, provided that the journey seems long clutch and pull a bit ropey. Unfortunately, his hand on a real disadvantage in fuel consumption. According to the EPA, the automatic return 28/35 mpg with front-wheel drive, see the 3 mpg city and 1 mpg on the highway; Networks CVT AWD-only 27/32 mpg ratings. All these figures are at or near the top of the class.

Our straight, flat and traffic choked roads in southern Florida, the HR-V does not have much Verve ads for curves, but did not have much opportunity as an aggressive or two momentum. An electric power steering system of the HR-V, but does not offer a reasonable effort and competently drawn strokes suspension.

Innerspace

Genuine talent of the HR-V lie elsewhere especially in human and cargo capacity. Packaging has long been a strong Honda, and can be seen in any case here. The HR-V follows the guidance of the positioning adjustment is anticipated to fuel tank under the front seats that can fold up rear seat cushion, creating a practical space for larger items. Alternatively, the backs of the split rear seats flop forward, as is the passenger seat. Even if it shows flexibility gym provides the HR-V, the largest cargo space among their peers, if the folded behind the rear seats or with this line. And the extremely low loading floor makes it easier to load a blessing for those who frequently tow heavy objects.

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