Archive for November, 2018
Test Drive: 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid
2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid in Ruby Red Tinted Clearcoat (a $395 option)
2018 Ford Fusion Platinum Hybrid
Class: Midsize Car
Miles driven: 176
Fuel used: 4.4 gallons
2003 Volkswagen EuroVan
There are limitations to the marketing power of heritage and quirkiness, and it’s possible that no car manufacturer is more aware of this reality than Volkswagen. Case in point: VW recently made known its intentions to drop the retro-themed Beetle from its lineup. Both the soon-to-depart current-generation Beetle (2011-2019) and New Beetle before it (1998-2011) drew heavily on shopper nostalgia. Though they were quite conventional mechanically, these “homage” Beetles obviously borrowed their “throwback” styling inspiration from the legendary original Beetle, which was first produced in 1938.
Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept
At the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, Mitsubishi unveiled a concept vehicle the company says, gives “a peek into the strategic vision of the brand.”
That “peek” was of the e-Evolution, an all-electric, high-performance crossover, what Mitsubishi indicates will be “the type of vehicles we will bring to our customers in the very near future.”
2020 Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai’s revamped midsize-SUV strategy comes into sharper focus with the introduction of its all-new 3-row flagship SUV—called Palisade—at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show.
2020 Kia Soul
Kia unveiled the all-new third generation of its spunky, boxy subcompact hatchback at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. The redesigned 2020 Kia Soul maintains the signature “tall box” profile of its predecessors, but its styling cues—particularly its aggressive front and rear fasciae—are a bit less “cute” than before.
2019 Nissan Murano
Nissan took the wraps off a mildly refreshed version of its 5-passenger midsize crossover SUV at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2019 Murano receives a styling facelift, a freshened interior, and the availability of the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety technologies.
2019 Nissan Mazima
Nissan showed off a 2019 Maxima with revised styling and a number of new features at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Exterior styling changes include a freshened front fascia with enlarged V-Motion grille and standard LED headlights, while in back there are redesigned taillights and a revised rear fascia with quad-tip exhaust finishers. All five grade levels — S, SV, SL, sporty SR, and line-topping Platinum — also get new wheel designs.
2019 Mazda 3 hatchback
Mazda took the opportunity to introduce the next generation of its compact sedan and hatchback at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The redesigned Mazda 3 will go on sale early next year as a 2019 model, and it will again be offered in both 4-door sedan and 4-door hatchback body styles. Aside from new styling, the biggest news is that the 3 will be offered with Mazda’s i-ACTIV all-wheel-drive system.
2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e
It would seem more fitting for the Chicago or Detroit Auto Show, but Toyota chose the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show to introduce a Prius with more “snow” appeal.
2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Toyota is known for its hybrids, and the company introduced yet another one at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Actually, this was kind of a “two-fer”: Not only is it a new hybrid model, but it’s based on the new-for-2020 Corolla sedan (which itself is based on the redesigned 2019 Corolla Hatchback) that is not due to go on sale until March of next year — which is about the same timeframe Toyota is announcing for this hybrid version.
