2020-Lincoln-Aviator-Cover

2020 Lincoln Aviator – Automotive Review

2020-Lincoln-Aviator-Cover

2020 Lincoln Aviator – Automotive Review

Refined luxury and top performance elevate this SUV to new heights over the competition

Taking some styling cues from its big brother, this sibling is ready to impress. The three-row SUV has plenty of room inside and small enough to be agile in tight places.

Aviator grille has the Lincoln logo prominently in the center with a field of repeating Lincoln logo like shapes. Brilliant design and adds class to an already classy vehicle.

The Aviator is equipped with Co-Pilot360, which is a technology that has your back while driving. It includes evasive steering assist, reverse braking assist, active parking assist, lane centering, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. Pixel LED adaptive headlights to shine further while driving on the highway and at slower speeds the ability to cast a larger light pool helping to illuminate potential hazards. The adaptive dynamic bending lighting uses camera technology to read road signs and lane markings to pre-illuminate the direction the road is heading. I drove by a sign that said Cliff, and I was worried about what it might do! You can sync your smartphone with the Lincoln app and utilize your phone as a key. As you approach the vehicle, the headlights, taillights, and a welcome mat is projected under the doors, all done in sequence, gradually reaching full illumination. The interior is well laid out and very comfortable, typical of what you would expect from a high-end SUV, but wait, there is more. The warning chimes are musical notes by the Detroit Symphony orchestra. You can smell the luxury as you drive down the road. I was so wrapped up in it. I rolled down the window and asked the car next to me if he had any gray Poupon. Ok, maybe not. A lot of thought went into the design of the interior, excellent use of wood styling and easy to use buttons are well placed, except the touch screen. At first, I thought someone left their iPad in the dash, but no, it’s the infotainment system. That’s about the only thing that looked out of place. Everything else looked great.

Mileage numbers are 13.7 L/100km City / 9.7 L/100km Highway

The Aviator comes standard with a Twin-turbo 3.0L V6 engine that creates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Touring model comes with the same twin-turbo 3.0L V6 but adds an advanced electric powertrain that combines to produce 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque.

If you are looking for luxury without sacrificing performance, then take a test flight; I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

2 models to choose from. Lincoln Aviator reserve with a starting price of $63,821 and the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring. $75,083.

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Automotive Reviews SUV
2020 Toyota Supra - Cover

2020 Toyota Supra – Video Review

2020 Toyota Supra - Cover

2020 Toyota Supra – Video Review

Introducing the all-new BMW Supra... Wait, I meant to say Toyota! Check out our video review below!

Since the end of the fourth-generation Supra in 2002, fans have been begging for a return of the Supra. While in between, we were given a severely insufficient Toyota 86 to hold our tongues; finally, the Supra has made its return. An exoskeleton of the BMW Z4, Toyota has built upon that along with a little Toyota flare to become the by-product of the next great sports car.

Underneath, the Supra shares a platform, running gear, engine, gearbox, and large chunks of the interior with the latest Z4. Not being the first example of Toyota partnering with others to collaborate on a version with a Toyota badge. (Subaru BRZ/Scion FRS/Toyota 86).

But this partnership is different because the Supra is a huge deal. It’s not a run of the mill newly introduced small coupe. The Supra badge has a history as a staple in Japanese car culture alongside the greats like the Honda NSX, Nissan Skyline, and Nissan GT-R.

While the DNA is the same, The Supra, in my opinion, is better looking than the Z4, no doubt about it. It’s well proportioned, striking, and eye-catching throughout.

Under the hood sits BMW’s B58 single turbo 3.0-liter straight six, developing identical power figures (335bhp and 369lb ft of torque) to the Z4 M40i. This is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. 0-100km takes 4.3 seconds. The body is more rigid than the Lexus LFA’s, weight distribution is 50:50. Leaving aside the BMW controversy, you’ve got to admit it looks good on paper.

It’s excellent to drive. The Supra is crisp, responsive, well connected, confidence-inspiring, and quick. The fact that Toyota has been able to take the same mechanicals as BMW and shape them into a proper sports car that’s perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Supra. But it is not all entirely successful, so let’s start there. The paddle downshifts can be a fraction delayed and upshifts can surge on you.

Similarly, the engine has plenty of mid-range shove, but at higher RPM’s there’s not much point. The brakes do fade, but it does have bigger brakes, using 13.7-inch vented discs in front and 13.6-inch vented discs in the rear, 1.0 inch and 0.8 inches larger than the old car (which also had vented discs). But it’s the good stuff that dominates the experience. The front wheels unfailingly go where you aim them, and the rear axle is communicative and well supported. What this means is that the Supra moves into corners well, and it gets out of them well, too. The steering set-up – especially in Sport (that or Normal are your only choices) – is lovely, well-weighted, and responsive. It’s too light in Normal. Turning is decisive, and it feels agile, thanks to its short 2,470mm wheelbase.

Here is the thing; we can forgive the non-Toyota engine, but it’s hard to forgive the lack of innovation in the cabin. The Supra is a BMW inside. Of course, this means it’s got the material quality and tactility it wouldn’t have had otherwise, and some people will see that as a plus. And once again, if you aren’t familiar with BMW, it’s not going to offend you. But here’s Toyota, the world’s largest car company, having slapped a body on top of a BMW, It’s just an odd thing to do with a brand with such history for Toyota.

The rev counter is Toyota’s own, but the steering wheel definitely isn’t. The same goes for the heating controls, graphics, USB slots, switchgear, door handles, etc. Ignoring the BMW influences then: the driving position is excellent. You sit low, the standard seats wrap around your back as bucket seats do, however over the shoulder visibility is horrible. Two seats and two people have adequate space inside. The infotainment is intuitive as BMW’s go. No complaints as the rotary are easy to manage and operate.

After all is said and done, it’s like BMW built a better Toyota. It’s impossible to separate the new Supra from its underpinnings – not least because they are always staring you in the face when you get in. But in the end, Toyota has built a very talented driver’s car. It’s a very complete coupe. Big enough inside, well equipped, handsome, rapid, and good-natured. It’s grown-up yet compact, agile, and smooth. It’s a smart piece of engineering. A car you’d enjoy driving anywhere, a car that probably strikes the best compromise of GT and sportiness of any car in its class. 

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Automotive Reviews Car Video
2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 - Sedan Cover

2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 – Automotive Review

2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 - Sedan Cover

2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 – Automotive Review

With over 14 million cars sold globally since 1946, the E-Class represents the best-selling model series in the history of Mercedes-Benz.

Overview/Summary

The Mercedes E-Class is available in Coupe, Sedan, Convertible, and Wagon… you want it; they got it! While this car does sit on the higher end of the price tag with a starting MSRP of $72,300 CND if you are in the market for a high-end luxury sedan, the E 450 is certainly worth checking out.

(+) – When one wants comfort, style, speed and luxury the E 450 Sedan easily fits the bill

(-) – Jack of all trades often means the master of none

Highlights

Only slight modifications from the last years refresh. Maintaining the 2019 name change from the E 400 sedan to the E 450, accounting for the larger V6

Comparisons

  1. 2020 BMW 540i xDrive Sedan – $74,499.26 CND
    1. 335 hp
    2. 9.5 l/100 km.
    3. 4.7 s 0-100km/hr
  2. 2020 A6 Sedan – 55 TFSI Quattro Technik S Tronic – $ 76,750.00 CND
    1. 335 hp
    2. 9.7 l/100 km.
    3. 5.2 s 0-100km/hr
  3. 2020 Genesis – G80 3.3T SPORT AWD – $62,000 CND
    1. 365 hp
    2. 11.9 l/100 km.

Options

  1. Technology Package ($2700) – HUD, 360 Camera, Active LED system
  2. Premium Package ($5000) – Panoramic Sunroof, Burmester Surround Sound system, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Added Comforts and Conveniences
  3. Comfort Package ($3900) – Climate Comfort/Drive-Dynamic multi-contour front seats, ENERGIZING Comfort, Air Balance cabin air purification and fragrance system

Driving

The 3.0L V6 Biturbo engine generates 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, which in the larger E 450 sedan allows you to still feel the acceleration when hammering it to pass someone on the freeway. The drive feel on this car is exceptional with minimal negative feedback like noise, bumps, and over/understeer, providing you the ability to entirely focus on the pleasures of driving a luxury automobile. For example, technologies like the Electromechanical Direct-steer feature automatically varies the ratio based on how aggressive you are on the wheel, providing tight, responsive feedback at higher speeds and minimal effort in low-speed activities like parking.

Styling

The Mercedes E-Class Sedan features the standard wide grille with the iconic logo front and centre. While style is always something of a personal taste, I like the direction Mercedes has taken in recent years. Even without the dinner plate-sized logos manufacturers are using these days, the car looks like a Mercedes from every angle. Even better is the changes to the grille in the Luxury Package, as remove the logo cleaning up the lines, and add the famous Three-Pointed Star on the crown of the hood, where it rightfully belongs

Tech & Safety

As expected at this price point, the Mercedes E 450 comes loaded with options and tech features. Starting front and centre with a standard 12.3-inch central display, and an available second 12.3-inch screen as a customizable instrument cluster. The available Head-Up Display projects a 21x7cm full-colour graphical display showing information like navigation, driving speed, cruise-control settings, and more. Upgrade to the Burmester® 3D system for a 1,450-watt amp powering 23 speakers, including a trunk-mounted subwoofer with its own 400-watt amp. The E 450 is fully equipped with a slew of safety technology and features noteworthy available options like Route-based Speed Adaptation. This feature automatically adjusts the car’s speed in anticipation of curves, traffic circles, and highway interchanges, then resume up to the posted speed limit afterward.

Key Features

  • Starting at $72,300 CND
  • 3.0L V6 Biturbo with 9-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission
    • 362 hp and 369 lb-ft torque
    • TBD l/100 km.
    • 5.0 s 0-100km/hr
  • 4MATIC all-wheel drive
  • 5 Passenger capacity
  • 530 L Cargo capacity
  • 3-inch high-resolution central display
    • Apple CarPlay / Andriod Auto
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Automotive Reviews Car
2020 Toyota Corolla - Cover

2020 Toyota Corolla – Automotive Review

2020 Toyota Corolla - Cover

2020 Toyota Corolla – Automotive Review

Regarded as the best selling car of all time, the 2020 Toyota Corolla gets its most dramatic transformation in recent years.

The Toyota Corolla has always been an easy choice for compact vehicles. It’s the highest selling vehicle of all-time. The reliability, affordability, and efficiency easily have people knowing what they are investing in when purchasing a Corolla. This new 2020 segment has left nothing to suggest that will ever change; even after undergoing the most dramatic transformation in recent memory.

The transformation began with a bit of cosmetic work to the shape and under belly of the new Corolla. New underpinnings to the body as part of Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) helps deliver that smooth drivability. Notably the new 2020 Corolla will offer a new engine option and Hybrid-engine capability. This giving users the optimum fuel efficiency whilst reducing carbon emissions. Ever evolving the Corolla will always deliver to get you from place to place, efficiently and reliably.

The exterior as I mentioned got the sharp feature treatment as opposed to last year. The outside features provide a competitive design finally that seemed to be lacking within the Corollas of years past. Boasted as longer, lower, and wider; the Corolla measures out to be 182.3 inches which is in fact .7 inches shorter then it’s predecessor. The width is increased by .2 inches to 70.1, and lower stance by more than an inch and a half. The Nightshade Edition has that marvel villain name to go along with its dark side. Flairs of black features include 18” black alloy wheels, mirror caps, door handles, front and rear spoilers, skirt, and badging. Complete with availability as a sedan or hatchback to fit your need, the Corolla has more glamour than ever before.

The interior remains rather unchanged from the previous year. Inside, the Corolla hatchback and sedan share a streamlined dashboard and soft-touch materials. Every model has passive entry and push-button start, but certain Corollas can be upgraded with ambient interior lighting, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats. Those who regularly have back-seat passengers should consider the sedan over the hatchback since it has considerably more legroom behind the front seats.

Every Corolla has a touchscreen infotainment system with a mobile hotspot, Apple CarPlay capability however Android Auto is shockingly absent. The rather large 7-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, but its numerous buttons, rotary volume, and tuning knobs help keep the driver’s eyes on the road during use. Top options include wireless charging and an upgraded JBL audio system.

 

Prices starting at

  • L sedan: $18 990
  • LE sedan: $21 790
  • SE: $22 290
  • Hybrid: $24 790
  • XLE sedan: $26 990
  • XSE sedan/hatchback: $28 490

 

With a plethora of selection, each model has noteworthy safety features and options to suit your needs best. Leaving the choice for the best suited Corolla totally up to your own presences. While the hatchback has tighter rear capacity and less cargo space; the hatchback look feels sportier and drives as such. The luxury XSE has all the glitz and glamor but, with the extra cost. The phenomenal fuel efficiency of the Hybrid LE sedan is tough to ignore as well.

Besides the sportier options like the SE and XSE, the 2020 Corolla is equipped with a 139-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Front wheel drive power is delivered through the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) which provides smooth operation. However, with any sudden pressure to the gas pedal you will find the Corolla bellowing a loud hum throughout the cabin. The for-mentioned sport options boast a 169-horsepower 2-liter four-cylinder to pair with the CVT or optional six-speed manual. While the hatchbacks do have the larger engine, the hybrid powertrain is strictly limited to the sedan. Which ever your mood and style, Toyota has it covered with its multiple models, personally my eyes are drawn to the hatchback XSE.

Fuel efficiency in the 2020 Toyota Corolla is varied throughout the engine selections. The Hybrid will net you a combined 4.5L/100km. The L and LE model will give you about 7.1L/100km, XLE sitting around 7.3L/100km, SE being a little less at 6.7L/100km, and the XSE possessing 7L/100km.

Safety features included in the Toyota Corolla continues to be its namesake. For years the Corolla has been synonymous for reliability and safety. The 2020 Corolla sedan has earned a five-star crash-test rating. Driver-assistance features include pre-collision pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition.

The all-new 2020 ToyotaCorolla attempts to enhance its reputation with flashier styling inside and out, more desirable features, and an improved driving experience. While it’s left to the eyes of the beholder; Toyota – more specifically the Corolla will continue to always see success amongst those who simply want a safe, well equipped and competitively priced car; one with a name synonymous with reliability.

 

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Automotive Reviews Compact
2020 Kia Telluride

2020 Kia Telluride – Automotive Review

2020 Kia Telluride

2020 Kia Telluride – Automotive Review

What’s in a name? The KIA Telluride is an SUV that is new to the market. The question is what is Telluride?

Is it

  1. Motorcycle slang for I can tell you ride
  2. A new attraction at Disneyland
  3. Lyrics in a Rap Song
  4. A small town in Colorado

If you answered 4, you are correct.

Telluride is located in the Southwest portion of Colorado and was once a silver mining camp. It is now known as a popular ski destination. 

What better vehicle to take the family on a ski trip, than the 2020 KIA Telluride with available seating for eight and a very well-appointed interior. Now KIA could have just extended the length of the Sorento and given it a new name, but no, KIA has reinvented the SUV and given it some unique features and modern tech that sets it apart from others.  The interior features wood grain trim with soft-touch material throughout. The center dash features a 10.25” multimedia screen with navigation, easily reached by both driver and passenger. Select the quite mode, and the system mutes the sound in the second and third-row seats; anybody with young children will appreciate this feature. There is also a grandparent mode, it alerts the grandchild’s parents when the child is crying and informs them that they need to come a deal with it, ok maybe that last one isn’t available, but one can hope. Available heated and cooled premium leather seats, one-touch walk in side access slides the second row forward to enter the third row. Driving the Telluride over different road conditions is a breeze by activating Drive/Terrain Mode and lets you comfortably navigate mud, snow, rain or any other challenges you’ll meet on the road with the integrated all-wheel drive.  There are four different drive modes; Smart, Eco, Sport, and Comfort. Snow, mud and sand terrain modes increase traction control to handle any road conditions. The standard all-wheel-drive adds two additional drive moves. AWD Lock that transfers the power evenly to all four wheels, giving you total control on off-road conditions.

Looks

The moment you first look at the Telluride, the front grille and badging stand out giving the frontend an aggressive look. LED headlights are surrounded by an amber led light strip that creates day time running lights. The rest of the body has smooth sweeping lines to the back where it meets the LED taillights and the contoured rear spoiler.

Engine

A 3.8L V6 GDI engine produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination of power, size, and weight have given this vehicle a tow rating of 5000lbs.

Safety

A total of 7 airbags including dual front, dual side, and dual front side seat are standard. Blindspot collision avoidance, lane follow assist, driver attention warning, advance forward collision avoidance assist are also included

 

The Drive

Everything about this SUV screams comfort, from the moment you enter the cabin, the seats are comfortable and supportive while all the functions a laid out in front of you. The heads up display keeps your eye on the road while quickly glancing at speed and navigation. Driving down the street feels like you are driving your living room couch, smooth and comfortable, lots of power to accelerate up hills and very responsive brakes. Overall I would have to say “a very enjoyable ride.”

Fuel Economy

  • 12.5L/100km City
  • 9.5L/100KM Highway

MSRP CND

  • EX   $44,995
  • SX   $49,995
  • SX Limited   $52,995
  • SX Limited with Nappa  $53,995
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