Autoblog

Paris Preview: Ford reveals Kuga Individual package

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Ford, Lifestyle, Specialty

Click above for more shots of Ford Kuga Individual

Ford of Europe has an Individual Program that's been rolled out for a number of old world offerings, and now the Kuga gets its turn in the wardrobe room. Inspired by the Iosis concept from 2006, the new body kit and 20-inch wheels clothe a specialized interior for the Kuga Titanium that features Ebony Nappa and Bond leathers with contrasting piping and high-gloss Piano White fixtures.

Down in front, the Kuga will benefit from a new 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder Duratec Turbo with 200 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque that comes out of the Focus ST. It should add some sporty to the spaciousness while returning 29 Imperial mpg. This gas engine is 64 hp up on the standard offering, the Duratorq TDCi diesel. Another first for the Kuga, it can be shifted with an optional 3-mode, 5-speed automatic transmission.

On another note, the Duratec puts out a more energetic sound thanks to new exhaust tuning. The Individual program and powertrain options will be available from the beginning of 2009, and the first Kuga Individual showcasing what customers will be able to do goes on display at this week's Paris Motor Show. In the mean time, check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Ford Kuga Individual

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Paris Preview: Ford reveals Kuga Individual package

Paris Preview: Ford reveals Kuga Individual package originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Orlando Concept reveals its rear

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Chevrolet

Click the image above for a hi-res gallery of the Chevy Orlando

The Chevy Orlando, due to be revealed at next month's Paris Motor Show, has turned tail and the rendering doesn't look half-bad. It's mildly reminiscent of the Audi A2 from way back when, in an exaggerated, chunked-up way, and we get a little Volvo feeling from the sculpted area of the rear lights. Overall, we give it a thumbs up.

The Orlando is a compact seven-seater, and the dip in the rear roofline means that those last to occupants might need to be especially compact. However, the intended audience is probably not the local WNBA team, so the kids should fit just fine. With a hot front and rear, and an interior that nearly qualifies as dreamy, this is the kind of thing we're looking forward to checking out in the flesh. Stay tuned for Paris...

Gallery: Chevrolet Orlando concept

[Source: GM]

Chevy Orlando Concept reveals its rear originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi releases all the details on the North American Q5

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi Q5

For those of you queuing for the Q5, Audi has let loose a flood of new info on its high performance, low consumption, relatively low emission sports SUV. Consumers outside the U.S., get to choose between one of two diesel-sipping TDIs -- of 170 hp and 240 hp -- that are the envy of Stateside quattrophiles. Even with that 240 hp and 369 lb-ft, you'll still get 31 MPG. Folks in the fifty U.S. will need to make do with the 211 hp, 2.0-liter V6 FSI... which isn't exactly a complaint.

The vehicle wrapped around those engines is a study in efficiency, from the power steering pump to the energy recovery to the .33 coefficient of drag. The full press release is after the jump -- it's probably the only one you'll read this year that mentions a "holistic optimization of energy." And be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res images below.

Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi releases all the details on the North American Q5

Audi releases all the details on the North American Q5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forbes lists top 10 family cars

Chris Tutor — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Minivan/Van, Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, Carsumer Advocacy

As the self-appointed family car reviewer for Autoblog, I have some opinions on the topic. If money were no object, my nomination for the ultimate family car would be split between the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and the BMW 5 Series wagon. But the R-Class entry price is $42k, and the Bimmer's is close to $50k -- not exactly family-friendly.

Forbes Magazine, however, is a bit more realistic in its quest for the perfect family car, and considers price a deciding factor, like the majority of families. I agree with its Compact Car pick. The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is a good deal for your $16k entry price (though Forbes says $19k). On paper, its 15 cu. ft. of cargo space doesn't sound like much, but in reality, it's bigger than it sounds. The Rabbit also averages about 25 mpg, and these days, that's a big deal.

Still, there are some Forbes picks I just don't agree with. For example, the mag selects the Saab 9-3 Sport Combi as best wagon. Really? I admit I've never driven one, but I'm just wondering where the new Jetta Sportwagen placed. (I just stepped out of reviewing one for a week.) Forbes cites the Saab's maximum 72.3 cu. ft of cargo space as a big factor. But it only bests the VeeDub's by 5.4 cu. ft. And while the VW gives up 110 horses to the Saab's 280, but the VW gets, on average, 24 mpg to the Saab's 18. Oh, and the Saab requires premium fuel. I guess the question is this: Do you want to drag race your wagon or save money? My family will take the cash, please.

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Forbes lists top 10 family cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Motor Show: Chevrolet releases Captiva crossover

Chris Paukert — Fri, 03 Mar 2006 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Geneva Motor Show

As expected, Chevrolet unveiled its new compact SUV, Captiva, in Geneva. The flexible crossover will be available in both five and seven seat configurations, and is set to be in European showrooms this June.

Critically, General Motors has seen fit to imbue the Captiva with an available 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel, making it the brands first oil-burning compact SUV. It will also carry the distinction of being the first European Chevrolet to offer electronic stability control. Other motors in the lineup will consist of 2.4-liter and 3.2-liter petrol engines.

Driveline-wise, Chevy's newest crossover comes standard as a front-driver, but 'active-on-demand' all-wheel-drive is optional. Interestingly, the Captiva's Electronic Stability Program incorporates such advanced features as Hill Descent Control (shades of Land Rover!), FBS, 'Fading Brake Support' and TSA-- Trailer Stabilization Assist.

Our man on the scene, Alberto from Autoblog Spanish was quick and to the point: The wood is fake, some of the plastics from the interior are kind of light and the doors don't close with a loud, convincing sound... but the seats are comfortable, the fit is good, the leather looks pretty nice... it feels like a case of bang for your buck.

(Click through to the jump for a dozen more shots, full press release and specifications!)

Continue reading Geneva Motor Show: Chevrolet releases Captiva crossover

Geneva Motor Show: Chevrolet releases Captiva crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Mar 2006 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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