Autoblog

Redesigns that worked and flopped determined by new Cars.com index

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Audi, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, Design/Style

The 2013 Ford Fusion is probably the latest, greatest example of a completely redesigned car that has evoked widespread calls of "Look at that!" Above its buzzworthy looks, though, Ford will be concerned about how the 2013 Fusion sells and by how much - if at all - it beats sales of the previous version. Cars.com has run the sales numbers on 61 models that have been redesigned in the past four years, ranking them as Winners, Underperformers and Losers depending on how a new-generation model is selling compared to the one it replaces.

The rankings are sorted by sales class - small, medium and large sellers - so that the success of a niche sports car is weighted differently than the success of a popular midsize car. Compared to a four-year sales average for redesigned cars in each class, Winners were those who outsold the average, Underperformers didn't make the average but did outperform the previous year's (hence, the previous car's) sales, while Losers couldn't do any better anywhere.

Among the most recently introduced winners were the Toyota Camry and the Honda CR-V. The Camry beat the Four-Year Category Average Redesign Increase for large sellers by 2.2 percent, the CR-V managed 0.2 percent. Underperformers included the Audi A6/S6 which, even though it has outsold the previous generation by 58 percent, still isn't getting near the small seller category average of 79.2 percent. The new Hyundai Accent is also considered an underperformer, the new model boosting sales by 5.5 percent - nowhere near the 61.5 percent of the medium seller category average. The only Loser listed in the chart is the Honda Civic, taking one last thrashing before the "honed" 2013 redesign gets a chance to right the ship.

As for that Fusion, the 2013 model has strong numbers to follow: the 2010 Fusion was a huge winner, putting up a 55.1-percent increase in the large seller category, beating the average by 33 percent. It only trailed the redesigned 2011 Hyundai Sonata shown above, which pasted the average by 42.5 percent. You can find a few more of the ranked models in Cars.com's chart by heading over to their website.

Redesigns that worked and flopped determined by new Cars.com index originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda shows European CR-V prototype ahead of Geneva

Zach Bowman — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, Honda

Honda has unveiled a prototype version of the upcoming European CR-V ahead of the model's debut at this year's Geneva Motor Show. As with most prototypes from Honda, the vehicle is a thinly veiled version of the production CUV set to hit dealerships later this year. If the 2012 CR-V looks familiar, it certainly should. At first glance, the tall-riding five door looks to be a carbon-copy of the U.S. market vehicle. Peer a bit closer, however, and you're likely to notice the Euro prototype wears a grille with a slightly different finish compared to its American cousin.

Our eyes also spot a mildly tweaked lower front fascia with different fog lamp openings and different - dare we say more attractive - headlights to match. Honda isn't saying much about what sort of drivetrain options European buyers will be able to enjoy once the 2012 CR-V lands. Odds are we'll have to wait until the official debut next month. In the meantime, hit the jump for the brief press release and check it out in the gallery.

Continue reading Honda shows European CR-V prototype ahead of Geneva

Honda shows European CR-V prototype ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Matthew Broderick reprises Ferris Bueller for Honda CR-V Super Bowl ad

Zach Bowman — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:21:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Honda, Celebrities

Honda isn't typically one to dive into the Super Bowl advertising fracus with splashy spots, so when the company anonymously teased us with a quick clip of Matthew Broderick reprising his role from Ferris Bueller's Day Off, our eyebrows did a little dance. Now the company has dropped a full-length ad on the web, and it features Broderick skipping his acting duties for a little frolicking about in the city. The spot features more than a few classic Ferris Bueller lines (though nitpickers will note that some of them are a little off), and while it's well put-together, seeing the star take to the wheel of a 2012 CR-V instead of a 1961 Ferrari 250GT California Spyder is a crushing reminder of our own mortality.

Still, we like Honda's crack at half-time advertising a good bit more than the previously released Audi vampire-fest (though not more than the clever Ahab spot that's presently circulating televisions nationwide). Hit the jump to take in Honda's spot before the big game, and be sure to keep a steady out for the various 'easter eggs.'

Continue reading Matthew Broderick reprises Ferris Bueller for Honda CR-V Super Bowl ad

Matthew Broderick reprises Ferris Bueller for Honda CR-V Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Your 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year finalists are....

Chris Paukert — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:15:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

The finalists for the 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year have just been announced, and this year, the three candidates in each category are as follows:

Car:

Truck:

The above finalists are the result of voting by a 50-member jury of full-time automotive journalists and broadcasters from a longer "short list" composed of 30 cars and seven trucks (an award category that also includes sport utility and crossover utility vehicles). Eligibility requirements dictate that the vehicles up for consideration must be new or substantially revised for the model year.

The jury will now vote again on these shorter lists, and the winners will be named on the opening morning of the Detroit Auto Show, with this year's press conference falling on January 9.

Last year's hardware was awarded to the 2011 Chevrolet Volt and the 2011 Ford Explorer.

Who do you think should win? Levy your votes in Comments.

*Full Disclosure: Author is a NACTOY jury member.

Continue reading Your 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year finalists are....

Your 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year finalists are.... originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Honda CR-V

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Crossover, Honda, First Drives

How To Not Screw Up A Good Thing

We Lavrincs are unabashed Honda CR-V fans. So much so that both my wife and father have one parked in their respective garages. When it comes to practicality, ideal ride height, fuel economy and ingress and egress, the CR-V is hard to beat. All of which helps to explain why it's placed either first or second in the compact CUV sales race since it was first introduced to the U.S. back in 1996.

The CR-V allows my wife to shlep a dog, a few cases of wine and untold amounts of catering supplies with room to spare. For my dad, the CR-V means that he can get in and out with ease and drive with the "command view" seating that Boomers are always after. And when asked what they'd like to see changed or improved, their list was remarkably small. Dad wanted softer seats and less road noise, while the wife wanted more cubbies and a bit more connectivity. Without directly conferring with my immediate family, Honda has managed to addressed all of these issues and more with the 2012 model, and it's thrown in better fuel economy and a host of new features to boot.

Despite all of these improvements, with every automaker pouring hundreds of millions into crossover development and scads of new entrants appearing each year, Honda simply couldn't afford to take it easy on this model - especially in light of its recent struggles. So with some trepidation, I flew to San Diego, California recently to see if the 2012 Honda CR-V is still good enough to retain its status as my go-to recommendation for the anti-wagon crowd.

Continue reading 2012 Honda CR-V

2012 Honda CR-V originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 CR-V proves that Honda and good looks don't need to be strangers

Chris Shunk — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:14:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Honda, Design/Style

The fourth generation Honda CR-V has flown under the radar so far, but given that the hot-selling crossover hits dealers on December 15, the Los Angeles Auto Show is as good an opportunity as any for Honda to play show-and-tell. The 2012 CR-V receives all-new sheetmetal, and the result is a more refined look that should give Honda fans some hope for the future. The interior has also been greatly improved, with a more contemporary layout, quick-stow rear seats and gobs of storage, though the top of the instrument panel and door caps are still rendered in hard plastic.

Power comes from Honda's faithful 2.4-liver i-VTEC four-cylinder, with 185 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque - thats five more horsepower and two additional lb-ft compared to the outgoing CR-V. The transmission continues to be Honda's tried and true five-speed automatic, which is a bit of a disappointment given the competition's flurry of next-generation gearboxes offering more ratios. Still, Honda promises very competitive fuel economy numbers of 31 miles per gallon on the highway and 23 mpg in the city for the front-wheel drive model. The all-wheel drive variant should deliver an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Honda also pledges to offer more bang for the buck for customers with a range of new standard features. The 2012 CR-V will include standard Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a multi-angle rearview camera and a full-color information display. The CR-V will also receive SMS text messaging capability, which reads incoming text messages over the audio system.

Honda is also very confident that the CR-V will perform extremely well in safety testing, as the automaker proclaimed during its press conference that this new model will achieve IIHS Top Safety Pick status and net a Five-Star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Hit the jump to read over the official press release, but check out our photos first.

Continue reading 2012 CR-V proves that Honda and good looks don't need to be strangers

2012 CR-V proves that Honda and good looks don't need to be strangers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Production 2012 CR-V revealed by JDM Honda website

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Crossover, Honda, Design/Style

The North American-spec 2012 Honda CR-V won't officially debut until the Los Angeles Auto Show in just a couple of weeks, but thanks to the automaker's own Japanese website, we're now getting our first glimpse at the production version of the new crossover - at least the JDM version, which isn't expected to differ much. Honda previously teased us with a shot of a CR-V Concept, which, flashy as it may have been, gave us a good idea of exactly what the final design would look like.

In addition to the CUV's decidedly predictable exterior, Honda's Japanese site gives us a sneak peak inside the CR-V, where things don't appear to change all that much from the current model. Under the hood, Honda will continue to employ its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, though a new six-speed automatic transmission is expected to be on tap for 2012, which should aid fuel economy and performance.

We'll have the full details on the new CR-V in the not-too-distant future, but in the meantime, see it for yourself over on Honda's Japanese site to get a glimpse at what's to come.

Production 2012 CR-V revealed by JDM Honda website originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CR-V Concept debuts in the O.C. [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Videos, Crossover, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows

Proving it's more than just a haven for flat-billed tattoo enthusiasts and Disney-branded tourists, Orange County is hosting the global debut of the 2012 Honda CR-V concept. The slick-looking crossover gets a serious style upgrade, and judging by recent Honda concepts, it's all but certain to be a very thinly disguised version of the production CR-V.

Before it goes on sale later this year, the fourth-generation CR-V that you can buy in stores will be shown to crowds at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. Behind the updated lines, the automaker promises that we'll be getting improved fuel economy and new innovative features, but it isn't talking specifics.

Stay tuned as more news of the updated 2012 Honda CR-V rolls out. For now, if you can't run over to the Orange County Auto Show, check out our high-res gallery of the concept, then click past the jump to watch a new video discussing the concept.

Continue reading Honda CR-V Concept debuts in the O.C. [w/video]

Honda CR-V Concept debuts in the O.C. [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda recalling 2.26M vehicles in U.S., China over gearbox fears

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Honda

Honda has announced a voluntary recall on 2.26 million vehicles around the world, 1.5 million of which reside in the United States. This recall concerns the automatic transmission software of the 2005-2010 Accord (four-cylinder), 2007-2010 CR-V and 2005-2008 Element, where the transmission's secondary shaft can be damaged if quick shifts are made between Reverse, Neutral and Drive (as a driver might do when trying to rock free a stuck vehicle from snow or mud).

The automaker states that, in this scenario, a secondary shaft can be damaged and a bearing can break, causing the engine to stall or lead to difficulty with putting the vehicle in Park. Honda's remedy includes an update to the transmission's control module software, easing the transition between gears to reduce the possibility of damage.

Honda has confirmed that no injuries or deaths have been reported because of the gearbox malady. Owners will be able to take their cars to dealers and have the recall work done free of charge, and Honda will begin its owner notification process starting on August 31. Follow the jump for the automaker's official release.

Continue reading Honda recalling 2.26M vehicles in U.S., China over gearbox fears

Honda recalling 2.26M vehicles in U.S., China over gearbox fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Honda CR-V prototype in crackup on PCH

Noah Joseph — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Honda, Toyota

It's an unfortunate reality of automotive transportation, but accidents are all too common. This one, however, appears to be anything but.

While merging onto California's legendary Pacific Coast Highway, one motorist/blogger was hit by another car. What makes the incident a little more out-of-the-ordinary is the vehicle that hit the blogger: the motorist in question was struck by a test mule for the new 2012 Honda CR-V, still wearing prototype camouflage and everything.

Given that the impacted CUV - which subsequently collided with several more oncoming vehicles - was a Toyota Highlander, and that a Lexus RX (whose platform it incidentally shares) was also part of the pileup, a small part of us can't help wonder if the Toyota vs. Honda rivalry hadn't spilled over from the Japanese boardrooms and dealer lots onto the streets of California. Thankfully, everybody appears to be okay, if a bit shaken up. Follow the link to read and see more of the accident on NOTCOT.

2012 Honda CR-V prototype in crackup on PCH originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Honda CR-V previewed with new concept? [UPDATE]

Noah Joseph — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Honda

With spy shots popping up on our radar at least twice in the past few months, we've been anticipating the arrival of a new Honda CR-V. And now the solitary image above has been circulating around these interwebs, ~~reportedly~~ giving us an advance look at the show car that will preview the new production model.

In typical Honda fashion, the purported concept vehicle pictured above appears to be a slightly jazzed-up version of the production CR-V expected to debut shortly. When it does enter production in Ohio and Ontario, it will likely lose the showy jumbo wheels, smoked headlamps, tinted windows and high-gloss lower body cladding, but otherwise, what you see is likely what you'll get.

Mechanically, the new crossover is expected to pick up largely where the outgoing model leaves off, but with a few important changes. Though the 2.4-liter engine - driving either the front wheels or optionally all four - could get a slight adjustment in output and efficiency, it is tipped to ditch its five-speed mate for a new six-speed automatic. The longer form also looks ready to adopt an extra pair of jump-seats in the back for seven-person capacity, but thus far, that's just a rumor.

~~We'll have to wait for further information from Honda to know for sure, but if the shot above turns out to be legit,~~ we could be looking at a very stylish new CR-V indeed.

UPDATE: Honda has confirmed the image above is the real deal, and it's even confirmed that the CR-V will debut at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim this September. Check out the official press release after the jump for more information.

Continue reading 2012 Honda CR-V previewed with new concept? [UPDATE]

2012 Honda CR-V previewed with new concept? [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Honda CR-V caught testing again

Noah Joseph — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Honda

A couple of months ago, we brought you a solitary spy shot of a virtually undisguised prototype of the next-generation Honda CR-V undergoing testing right here in the U.S. of A. And now, in a solid indication that development is proceeding despite setbacks in Japan, another pair of test mules has popped up.

What we can tell from the full batch of spy shots is that Honda appears to have taken a few pages out of the Volvo design book for the new CR-V - particularly around its rear quarters. And that's no bad thing, seeing as how the XC60 is one of the slickest crossovers on the market right now.

While still unconfirmed, the shape also seems to confirm rumors of a newly instituted third row of seats for seven-passenger capacity, a feature which is being demanded more and more by crossover buyers in order to justify the genre's large form.

Expect the 2.4-liter VTEC four to get a slight bump in both power and efficiency when it goes into production in Ohio and Ontario before the winter sets back in.

2012 Honda CR-V caught testing again originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All-new Honda CR-V coming this fall?

Dan Roth — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Honda, Rumormill

Honda CR-V - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2012 Honda CR-V is coming, and you can expect the successful compact crossover to continue in its current mold despite being an all-new generation. There's virtually no official information on the next iteration of the popular CUV, but since the current formula outsells even the Toyota RAV-4 and is still among the top finishers in comparison tests, we wouldn't expect any wild departures.

Fuel economy is likely to improve from the current CR-V's figure; front-wheel drive models may even hit 30 mpg on the highway, up from the current 28 mpg. C/D suggests that the current CR-V's 180 horsepower output is probably not subject to change. And while it seems odd to be talking about what's staying the same on a new model, the CR-V's massive sales numbers make it a golden goose for Honda that must be handled very carefully, not unlike the conservatively recrafted 2012 Civic that was just revealed at last week's New York Auto Show.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda CR-V

[Source: Car and Driver]

All-new Honda CR-V coming this fall? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Honda finally approves a second act for the Element

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Honda

2010 dog-friendly Honda Element - click above for high-res image gallery

In spite of being functionally outstanding, Honda's odd looking Element crossover has never lived up to sales expectations. The funky box never approached the initial sales target of 75,000 units a year, and this year it's on track for barely more than 15,000 sales. Despite its relative commercial failure, Honda has reportedly given the green light to a second generation model. Despite a couple of modest freshenings, the Element is already seven years into its life cycle - considerably longer than typical for a Japanese branded model.

Given the slow sales, why would Honda bother with a new iteration? Honda's executive vice-president, John Mendel, has informed Automotive News that virtually all Element sales are incremental. The Element shares its platform with the much higher volume CR-V, but apparently almost no buyers cross-shop the two vehicles - Element buyers have no interest in the CR-V and vice-versa. If Honda does proceed with a new model, perhaps unique features like the recently introduced dog friendly package will be the key to increased differentiation and success.

Gallery: New York 2009: Dog Friendly Honda Element Concept

[Source: Automotive News - sub req'd]

REPORT: Honda finally approves a second act for the Element originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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P.S.A. - Facelifted 2010 Honda CR-V coming Sept. 17

Dan Roth — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Japan, Crossover, Honda

You're excused if you look at these images and see little more than the Honda CR-V that we already know and love. According to a corner of its home-market website, the Japanese automaker is debuting what it calls the "new CR-V" on September 17th, possibly at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Already a hot perennial seller, Honda is understandably cautious to mess too much with success, though calling this updating anything other than a mid-cycle refresh is a bit of a stretch.

Subtle grille and fascia changes are about the extent of what we can make out from the limited images, leaving the CR-V a good looking sales workhorse in Honda's stable. We'll all have to hold our breath until mid-September when the whole enchilada will be revealed and we'll find out if there are changes under the skin worth talking about.

[Source: Honda Japan via Carscoop]

P.S.A. - Facelifted 2010 Honda CR-V coming Sept. 17 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda to double North American production of the CR-V

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 17:05:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Honda

Recently, Honda has had issues with keeping supply and demand in check with its newest products. Waiting lists for everything from the Civic Si to the Honda Fit have become bones of contention with consumers, and the recently redesigned Honda CR-V was among them earlier this year. Sales of Honda's cute 'ute have been on an upwards trajectory during 2007, with over 167,000 units sold thus far -- a 44-percent jump over the previous year. Analysts contend that buyers who used to flock to the Ford Explorer are now looking at smaller, more fuel-efficient offerings, bolstering sales of the CR-V along with Toyota's RAV4.

Honda is constantly trying to keep a balance between imported and domestically made products, so it's considering doubling the North American production of the CR-V. The move would come at a perfect time, as CR-V sales have officially eclipsed sales of the Explorer, the U.S.'s best selling SUV for 14 years.

[Source: Detroit News]

Honda to double North American production of the CR-V originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda UK releases e-zine version of 'dream' customer rag

Erin Mays — Mon, 21 May 2007 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Motorsports, Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, SUV, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Hatchback, Honda

Honda has released an electronic version of its popular customer rag, dream. The pretty pictures and interesting articles are still there, but the fun begins when one delves into the interactive sidebars, chock-full of formula one cars, British scientific expeditions to Antarctica, and even a special appearance by an ASIMO. Thanks to the online functionality of the magazine, interactive features, including movies, sound bytes and virtual tours, abound.

The pilot of the magazine went out in January 2007, and Honda reports that readership was high, and a whopping 25 percent of readers provided feedback.

Features of this edition include:

Living at -80°C with the British Antarctic Survey and Honda's All Terrain Vehicles
Jenson Button's test drive of the new Civic Type-R
Review of the FR-V in Copenhagen
Built to Move - getting from A to B with innovation in the 21st century.

360 degree photorealistic views of the Honda Family as it is available in the UK brightens up the standard vehicle lineup page, as well. Check out the full press release after the jump.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda UK releases e-zine version of 'dream' customer rag

Honda UK releases e-zine version of 'dream' customer rag originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2007 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi's Q5 CUV coming to Geneva

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 15 May 2007 09:07:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Audi

As Audi's relentless quest to fill every conceivable automotive niche continues, the folks of the interlocking rings plan to unveil the Q5 at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.

According to AutoExpress, the Q5 will share its underpinnings with the recently released A5 and will draw on the styling cues forged by its big brother, the Q7 and the Cross Coupe quattro unveiled in Shanghai. Naturally, the Q5 will get Audi's trademark goatee, along with LED headlamps, all-wheel-drive and a commanding stance. Inside, Audi's entrant into the highly competitive cute 'ute segment will come complete with seating for five and the multi-rail system, originally employed in the A6 Allroad, that prevents parcels from shifting under load.

Power is expected to come in both diesel and gas-powered flavors, possibly including the 4.2-liter FSI V8. Strap a few turbos onto that mill and we may even get a RSQ5. We doubt it, if for no other reason than that badge may be a bit awkward on the boot.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Audi's Q5 CUV coming to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2007 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn Vue gets a $3k bump in the sticker

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 09:49:00 EST

Well, $3,295 to be exact.

The base price of the new and greatly improved Vue will come in at $21,395 (with shipping), placing it squarely in the same pricing segment as the Honda CR-V ($21,195) and Toyota RAV4 ($21,595).

According to Robert Reuter, GM's chief engineer for compact and crossover vehicles, the price increase is justified, consider that the new model gets a larger, 169 HP 2.4-liter inline four and an automatic transmission, where before a manual used to reside. Additionally, 16-inch wheels are included, along with a bevy of standard safety equipment including ABS, collapsible pedals, side curtain airbags and stability control.

Since the new pricing puts the Vue up against some of the biggest players in the burgeoning crossover segment, it should be interesting to see how well Saturn's second highest selling model will fare when it's thrust into the marketplace.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Saturn Vue gets a $3k bump in the sticker originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW X1 to take on the VW Tiguan

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 08:05:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, BMW

Germany's own Autobild magazine printed the above rendering of what may be BMW's attempt at crashing the ever-competitive small SUV segment. Although Toyota and Honda have been the biggest players over the past several years, Volkswagen obviously saw a niche that needed to be filled with the upcoming Tiguan and it seems that BMW may follow suit with their own luxury SAV.

Predictably named the X1, the new soft-roader will stretch an estimated 170 inches, which compared to its larger sibling the X3, comes in about 10 inches shorter overall. Engine choices are open to speculation, but the smart money is on one of BMW's 3-liter inline sixes, with the possibility of upgrading to their new, turbocharged mill, found in the new 335i.

Whether a business case can be made for the new 'ute is a decision best left to the bean counters at BMW. We just hope that if the X1 finds its way into production, it can compete with the stalwarts of the genre.

BMW X1 to take on the VW Tiguan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Aug 2006 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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