Auto News 5

The EU launched a case against Brazil at the World Trade Organization to challenge Brazil's taxes on imports ranging from cars to computers.

Brembo and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have signed a financing contract for EUR55m (US$75m) aimed at supporting the Bergamo-based company's research and development activity in the fields of control of the environmental impact and further reduction of braking systems weight.

UK car production rose 4.5% in first 11 months of year to 1,424,023 units according to data issued by the SMMT.

News 19 Dec, 2013

Honda Jazz-based SUV arrives in showrooms in Japan ahead of 2015 UK launch

Honda has begun sales in Japan of its Vezel small SUV. The model is due to be launched in Europe in 2015, so details on specifications, engine options and naming of the model are still to be confirmed for the European market.

Pictures See all 5 pictures 19 Dec, 2013

Johnson Controls says it expects to post year-on-year segment income improvement of around 15% and consolidated net sales of US43.8bn in 2014.

Japan's Nissan Motor has established a new national sales joint venture in the Philippines with its long-standing local partner Universal Motors Corporation and its Nissan Motor Philippines manufacturing subsidiary.

Daimler will own as much as 5 percent of Aston Martin as part of an agreement to supply the British sports-car maker with technology.

Daimler will take a 5 percent non-voting stake in Aston Martin, the Financial Times reported, completing a deal between the German and British car makers.

Daimler will own as much as 5 percent of Aston Martin as part of a deeper agreement to share technology with the British sports-car maker.

Schaeffler has appointed Norbert Indlekofer and Peter Pleus, currently business division heads of Schaeffler Automotive, to its executive board.

American Honda is counting on two new-generation cars debuting next month at the Detroit auto show to boost U.S. sales in 2014. Honda will unveil the third-generation 2015 Fit subcompact at the show, the company said today.

Honda will join Europe's booming subcompact SUV/crossover segment by launching a European-version of its new Vezel, which is based on the Jazz/Fit.

The Toyota Camry, headed for its 12th consecutive year as the best-selling car in the U.S., returned to Consumer Reports' recommended list after showing improvement on an insurance-industry crash test.

Honda is ready to take a run at one of the auto industry's fastest-growing segments in the United States: compact, sporty crossovers.

Audi confirmed that its chief designer, Wolfgang Egger, will move to Italdesign Giugiaro, where he will become the design house's styling director on Feb. 1, 2014.

Audi confirmed that its chief designer, Wolfgang Egger, will move to Italdesign Giugiaro, where he will become the design house's styling director on Feb. 1, 2014.

Ucluelet, British Columbia -- The new-generation 2014 Subaru Forester is a pragmatic evolution of a pragmatic vehicle. So, why are we smiling so much behind the wheel?

Well, for starters, this piece of tarmac on Vancouver Island is a zinger of a driving road -- and not too shabby to look at either, snaking as it does around mountains, lakes and big trees, and such.


Secondly, at this particular moment we happen to be piloting a Forester XT which means there is a 2.0L direct-injection twin-scroll turbocharged “four” under the hood, good for a very lusty 250 horses and 258 torques.

New XT transmission
There is only one transmission option for the 2014 Subaru Forester XT, a “High Torque” CVT (that means no manual). The CVT features paddle shifters, and three driver-selectable modes (SI-DRIVE): Intelligent (default mode); Sport (for higher engine revs, easier “kickdowns” and six “simulated” gears); and Sport Sharp (for even sharper throttle response and 8 “simulated” gears).

The all-new 2014 Subaru Forester XT sports a different front and rear fascia with blackened headlights that make it visually stand apart from its brethren. And no turbo hood scoop this time around.

The Forester's new body design was constructed with driving in mind, and the top-end model furthers the body's handling potential with upgraded suspension tuning, 18” wheels, and bigger brakes.

And no turbo hood scoop this time around. (Photo: Michael Goetz)

New XT turbocharged engine
The other 2014 Subaru Forester models feature the carryover 170-hp 2.5L “four” mated to a CVT (however, not the “High Torque” one used in XT) or a new 6-speed manual transmission.

Subaru Canada's Ted Lalka, VP Marketing and Product Planning, noted that offering a manual transmission is a bit part of the Forester's DNA.

“Forester owners are not choosing the manual transmission because it is less expensive,” says Lalka. “They're buying it because that's what they want. They enjoy a manual transmission.”

We found said transmission in the 2014 Subaru Forester to be excellent. It's easy to shift and well matched to the 2.5L engine.

The 2.5's CVT works perfectly fine, as well, even though I would probably prefer a conventional automatic. Throttle tip-in was a touch abrupt.

Subaru said journalists always complain about CVTs, even though consumers seem happy with them. Well, if we do complain, it's usually about how slowly engine revs build under mild acceleration (creating a droning, unpleasant sound), and their inability to inspire a lively driving feel.

Well, the Sport Sharp mode in the 2014 Subaru Forester XT's CVT is particularly good at being un-CVT-like -- and good, clean fun to boot.

All 2014 Forester models had no problem being hustled through fast sweepers and tight apexes. They have a comfortable, unflappable feel, with little body lean. Some credit has to go to an enhanced symmetrical AWD system, which now adjusts to more inputs, including steering wheel angle, yaw rate, and throttle positioning.

Adding to the driving experience is a new higher hip height for the front seats, and great outward visibility.

The 2.0L direct-injection twin-scroll turbocharged “four” under the hood is good for a very lusty 250 horses and 258 torques. (Photo: Subaru)

More SUV, less crossover
Owners apparently dig the bigger, SUV-like vibe of the current generation Forester versus the more wagon-ish look of the original model. So, we get more SUV overtones with this 2014 model, including a higher front hood (which is kind of ironic, considering Subaru's flat-four engine sits nice and low in the engine bay).

Lalka noted that the 2014 Subaru Forester is committed to the hardy disposition of an old-school SUV, while most competitors are “getting soft” and more car-like.

To that end, Subaru has given us “X-mode.” Working on speeds below 40 km/h, X-mode optimizes throttle and AWD settings to make the Forester one of the more capable off-roaders in its segment. For one thing, you get a hill descent feature which we tried and can attest to its effectiveness.

Owners apparently dig the bigger, SUV-like vibe of the current generation Forester versus the more wagon-ish look of the original model. (Photo: Michael Goetz)

Cabin corrections
As we mentioned earlier, Subaru created this generation Forester by refining the formula, not reinventing it. Engineers focused on things consumers said needed improving. For example, the interior is more spacious and upgraded, especially in the rear where you will find better egress, more knee room, and more child-friendly centre cup holders.

Cargo utility is furthered by rear seats that fold forward with the flick of a switch, and there is a new optional power tailgate.

There's more to the 2014 Subaru Forester story than we have time and room for here, but we'll get our hands on test vehicles soon enough. In the meantime, consider the Forester's excellent projected fuel economy numbers: 8.8L/100km (highway-city combined) for 2.5i models, and 9.8L/100km for the XT.

The base Forester starts at $25,995. XT models start at $32,495.

Pros: Cadillac's smash hit, the ATS, enters 2014 on an award-winning rampage that combines lightweight engineering and advanced powertrain technologies into a striking package targeted towards driving enthusiasts. Plenty of selection, world-class features and highly acclaimed ride and handling characteristics continue to define Cadillac's entry-level luxury sports sedan that takes a place beneath the all-new CTS in the model range.

Cons: The size of the ATS isn't conducive to travel with 4 or 5 adults on board, and is likely best-suited to a young family or couple. The high-tech systems and interfaces may pose a learning curve for some drivers, too.


2014 Cadillac ATS Price: For 2014, the ATS starts at $35,195 although numerous options exist to increase that figure by moving up through various powertrain combinations, trim grades, options, and equipment packages.

2014 Cadillac ATS Fuel Economy: Combined fuel efficiency ratings range from 7.8L/100km to 9.8L/100km, depending on the powertrain selected.

Improvements and Changes: Other than a few minor changes to colour options, equipment and trim levels, and a new rearview mirror, the ATS enters 2014 unchanged from last year's launch model.

Don't Miss: The CUE infotainment system. By combining numerous functions related to entertainment, navigation, and communication onto a vivid touchscreen with an easy-to-use interface, Cadillac has advanced connected driving to the next level. The ATS even allows owners to use their Smartphones to capitalize on various functionalities including remote start, vehicle service scheduling, and GPS locating in busy parking lots.

2014 Cadillac ATS Powertrain: The ATS is available with two 4-cylinder engine options, and a single V6. Standard is a high-efficiency 2.5L 4-cylinder tuned for 202 horsepower. A celebrated 2.0L turbo engine turns in 272 horsepower and robust low-end torque. Finally, the line-topping 3.6L V6, which was recently reworked for lighter weight and more power, turns out 321 horsepower. Shoppers can specify rear- or all-wheel drive (AWD), and manual or automatic transmissions, depending on the selected model.

Safety: ATS ships with the latest hazard-detection systems as available or standard, depending on the model. Look for blind spot, lane-departure and pre-collision warning systems, as well as the new Safety Alert seat that discreetly alerts drivers of potential hazards with subtle seat vibrations. OnStar, xenon lighting and a powerful braking system add further confidence.

Comparables: The ATS competes with other luxury sports sedans like the Acura TSX, BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, and Mercedes C-Class, to name a few.

Photo: Cadillac