Richmond Review · Page 17
Friday, December 5, 2014
DrivewayCanada.ca
WHAT’S NEW!
2015
FFord ord d Explorer
Chevrolet Volt Ford Explorer
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Honda HR-V
Jeep Renegade Mazda M azd d MX-5
The 2015 model year vehicles are rolling into dealerships, with just a few stragglers set for later arrival in the New Year. This week, the Driveway team takes a look at what’s new, in print and online at drivewaycanada.ca, starting with our chief test driver Zack Spencer. Honda HR-V
Visit the gallery at DrivewayCanada.ca
New Year’s Resolution: Hot rides and buys for 2015 Here are what I consider to be five important cars for 2015.
This sixth generation Explorer marks the 25th anniversary of the iconic SUV, with over 350,000 sold in Canada so far.
Mazda MX-5 2015 Jeep Renegade Over the last few years Mazda has been introducing There is no question that the merger of Fiat and vehicles with its new Skyactiv technology but there is Chrysler has helped to introduce many new vehicles. one car that will signify the culmination of all the things The small car segment is a perfect example; the Fiat Mazda does well, the next generation MX-5 (Miata). 500 and its variations has been a plus The MX-5 will come in 2015 as a 2016 for Chrysler’s bottom line. Built in Europe model and all eyes are on Mazda to see on the Fiat 500L platform, this smaller what it can deliver. The bodywork is more Jeep Renegade replaces the Compass dramatic and having seen it in person, and Patriot models. Powered by either the dimensions look fanatic but the new a 160hp, 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder front grille might take a while to adapt too. or a larger 184hp, 2.4L 4-cylinder, Jeep The two-seat cockpit is roomier, thanks to claims that this compact crossover is a wider body and longer wheelbase but still a capable vehicle because of two the overall length is 105mm shorter and by Zack Spencer available all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems. 20mm lower. The standard models will be available with front-wheelThe 2.0L Skyactiv direct injection 4-cylinder will power drive (FWD), with either a 6-speed manual or 9-speed this lightweight car and power will go to the rear automatic transmission. wheels though a 6-speed manual transmission. Engine output has not been announced, neither has the price, Styling is all-American; the signature Jeep grille is married perfectly into the boxy design, as too are other Jeep but expect the car to be competitive with the 2015 styling cues. The interior is has a rugged, yet upscale model on price. design that features all of Jeep’s latest technology, Ford Explorer including the award winning Uconnect infotainment The sixth generation Ford Explorer will arrive in 2015 system. Pricing has not been announced but expect it as a 2016 model, now with new 2.3L EcoBoost engine shortly as it is due at dealerships very soon. available on the base and XLT trim. This replaces the older 2.0L Ecoboost and provides a 270hp, a 13 per cent bump over the last version. The 290hp 3.5L V6 is carried over but the Sport trim and new Platinum trim will be fitted with the 365hp Ecoboost V6. Ford claims that styling is the number one purchase consideration so the shape was retained but new grille and LED headlamps help refresh the look.
Honda HR-V Coming in 2015 is another SUV, smaller than the CR-V, helping to define the new subcompact SUV market. This little runabout is built off the excellent Honda Fit platform and will include many of the features that make that car a standout. The first is the interior of the HR-V. It will also feature Honda’s Magic Seats that flip
and fold for amazing versatility. The same 1.8L 4-clinder engine with 138hp will power this vehicle, either with FWD or AWD, through a continuously variable transmission or 6-cpeed manual. Pricing will be introduced closer to the introduction this coming spring. Built in Mexico, the HR-V will give Honda the same leg up that the original CR-V did for the small SUV segment. Chevrolet Volt It might surprise many people that the best selling electric car in Canada is the Chevrolet Volt, not the sexy Tesla Model S. There are many reasons for this, mainly the fact that the Volt provides all-electric transportation for 65 kms but with the aid of a small 4-cylinder generator to extend the range over 300 kms. This car has all of the upside of an electric car with none of the range limiting restrictions. In 2015, Chevrolet will introduce the second generation of Chevrolet Volt, one that hopes to improve on the usability of the car in terms of comfort and electric driving range. General Motors will showcase the next generation car in January at the Detroit Auto Show and the company’s CEO has stated that the new car “will store more energy in its battery pack with fewer cells, yet go further on a charge.” General Motors claims that 80 per cent of current Volt owners commute entirely on electric power, so any improvement to range will help increase this number. The Volt isn’t a huge volume seller for General Motors but this new model will help the company to showcase what it can do technologically. General Motors has the capability to produce some the most advanced cars on the road. zack.spencer@drivewaybc.ca
A Traditional
German Christmas Festival For all!
November 22 – December 24 • Open daily 11am – 9pm
The Plaza @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre • West Georgia St & Hamilton St
Question of the Week Alexandra Straub writes this week about the unusual new colours featured on cars at the LA Auto Show. Do you favour one colour when you buy a car. If so, what and why?
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QUESTION OF THE WEEK!
Go to DrivewayCanada.ca to submit your answer.
Safety Tip: On average, there are almost double the crashes resulting in injury or fatality in B.C. due to driving too fast for conditions in December. In poor conditions, slow down, increase your following distance and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
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