Auto News 5

This year's North American International Auto Show kicked off the auto show calendar, promising the debuts of a number of models from some of the biggest names in the industry.

This year's North American International Auto Show kicked off the auto show calendar, promising the debuts of a number of models from some of the biggest names in the industry.

This year's North American International Auto Show kicked off the auto show calendar, promising the debuts of a number of models from some of the biggest names in the industry.

This year's North American International Auto Show kicked off the auto show calendar, promising the debuts of a number of models from some of the biggest names in the industry.

Audi saw the fastest sales growth among German premium marques in China last month after deliveries rose 13 percent to 38,710 vehicles in China and Hong Kong, the company said today.

BMW stuck to its goal of setting a sales record for the third consecutive year as new models help offset a slump in Europe.

Swedish supplier Autoliv is targeting annual revenue growth of 5 percent or more in the next five years based on an increase in Chinese and U.S. car sales.

Swedish supplier Autoliv is targeting annual revenue growth of 5 percent or more in the next five years based on an increase in Chinese and U.S. car sales.

News 14 May, 2013

Pictures of the revised BMW M5 have been leaked ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show

Autoliv has set out revised long-term growth targets based on its own position in the market and trends in the penetration rate of its core product offerings in automotive passive and active safety systems.

Auction prices for full-size pick-up trucks in the US are up nearly 7% through the first four months of 2013, according to the NADA Used Car Guide (May edition).

Research by the UK-based ICDP shows that the collapse to demand in Western Europe is leading to a decline in the number of main dealer sales networks across the region.

Nissan has gone buttoned-down with a new steel-blue logo that spells out -- literally -- the distinction between Nissan the company and Nissan the brand.

Nissan promises an innovative new look for the next Qashqai #8211; the automaker's top-selling model in Europe #8211; when the replacement debuts early next year.

Andretti Autosport's Marco Andretti set the fastest lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Day 3 of free practice sessions of the Indy 500.

On the busiest day of practice yet for the 97th Running of the Indianapolis 500, 32 driver/car combinations co-mingled on the 2.5-mile oval during the six-hour session under sun and temperatures hovering in the low 60s F.

Andretti, driving the No. 25 Dallara-Chevrolet, posted the quickest lap of the month at 225.100 mph (39.9823 seconds). Helio Castroneves was .0043 of a second behind in the No. 3 Penske car.

Reigning IZOD IndyCar Series' champion, Ryan Hunter-Reay (224.386 mph) was third, 2012 championship runner-up Will Power (223.784) was fourth and JR Hildebrand (223.624) was fifth. Series points' leader Takuma Sato was sixth (223.363) and fastest Honda runner.

Pros and Cons*
Pros
The ergonomic-friendly instrument layout, stylish interior, precise steering, choice of engines, overall driving experience and generous warranty are definitely to the Kia Sportage's advantage.

Cons
Limited rear visibility, smallish trunk and uncomfortable 2nd row seating are definite downers.


Price
The front-wheel drive entry-level LX starts at $23,645 and is equipped with standard 2.4 litre engine, manual transmission, 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, AUX/USB ports, steering mounted controls and heated seats. Automatic transmission brings the total to $26,345 and all-wheel drive to $28,845.

At $29,245 the EX comes equipped with standard 18-inch wheels, leather shifter knob and steering wheel, dual-zone air conditioning, backup sonar and rear spoiler. An all-wheel drive version is available for $31,745.

The EX Luxury, at $35,745 includes standard panoramic roof, leather seating, UVO infotainment system, and backup camera. Additional navigation package brings the total to $37,245.

The SX version is the only turbocharged model, with a MSRP of $39,045. It includes standard EX Luxury options as well as air-conditioned glovebox, iPod cable, navigation system and backup camera as well as a heatable steering wheel.

Fuel Economy
The combination of 2.4 litre engine, front-wheel drive and manual transmission consumes 10.3 L/100 km city and 7.2 L/100 km highway. The automatic decreases consumption to 9.7 L/100 km city and 6.5 L/100 km highway.

The all-wheel drive version with the base 2.4 litre engine consumes 10.2 L/100 km city and 7.4 L/100 km highway.

The turbocharged 2.0 litre engine consumes a reported 10.3 L/100 km city and 8.1 L/100 km highway.

Exterior Styling
This compact SUV is built on the Hyundai Tuscon platform. The elongated LED headlights, enlarged C pillar and curvaceous rear end define this elegant, modern SUV.

Drivetrain
The base engine is a 2.4 litre 4-cylinder unit that produces 176 hp and 168 lb-ft torque. It can be matched to the 6-speed manual or automatic transmission according to the selected model.

The muscular 2.0 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produces 260 hp and 269 lb-ft torque and is matched exclusively to the automatic transmission.

Cargo Capacity
Rear cargo space evolves from a generous 740 litres to a whopping 1,547 litres with lowered rear seats.

Safety
Enhanced braking system, backup sonar, stability control and six airbags are an example of some of the safety features.

Comparable Models
Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Mazda CX-5, MINI Cooper Countryman, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Rav4, Volkswagen Tiguan

Photo: Kia

*References
Aubé Vincent, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.350
Duquet Denis, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.374
http://www.kia.ca

Pros and Cons*

Pros
The combination of superb road handling, precise-quick steering, stiff chassis and fully independent rear suspension make the 2013 Ford Focus ST a fun car to drive.

Cons
On the flipside, its thirsty engine, excess weight and complex infotainment system disappoint. All-wheel drive is conspicuously absent from the options list.

Photo: Ford

Price
The MSRP of the Focus ST starts at $30,649. It comes equipped with standard speed control, SYNC with MyFord, speed sensitive audio volume controls, leather-covered steering, regenerative brakes, distinctive grille and foglights, and rear spoiler.

The option list includes MyFord Touch, power sun roof, dual-zone climate controls, Sony audio system and heated front seats.

Fuel Economy
City/highway fuel economy ratings are a reported 8.9 L/6.2 L 100/km.

New for 2013
New Model

Exterior Styling
This sporty compact is available in hatchback version only. Certain visual items set it apart from its Focus brethren such as specifically-designed front and rear spoilers, 18-inch wheels, side skirts, and centrally-located exhaust. The designer foglights add a distinctive head-turning touch.

Drivetrain
Under the hood, a 2.0 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produces 252 hp and 270 lb-ft torque, which is delivered to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Cargo Capacity
The Focus ST five-door hatchback has a 674 litre trunk-only cargo capacity which expands to 1,269 litres by simply lowering the rear seats.

Safety
The 2013 Ford Focus ST is equipped with 6 standard airbags, including additional safety features such as: stability control, seat belt pretensioners, child safety door locks, and tire pressure monitoring system for peace of mind.

Comparable Models
Mazda3 Speed, Subaru WRX, Volkswagen Golf GTI

Photo: Ford

*References
Joubert Antoine, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.250
Fillion Nadine, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.280
ford.ca

The 2008 Alfa Romeo 8C, 2008 Maserati GranTurismo, and 2005-2008 Maserati Quattroporte may suffer from rear suspension tie rods that corrode and eventually fail. A recall has been issued on 376 units in Canada.

Since this situation could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash, dealers will replace both rear suspension tie rods and perform a wheel alignment.

Source: Transports Canada

Subaru Canada is recalling 401 Legacy sedans and Outback wagons because the steering column may have been assembled incorrectly and could fail.

If this occurs, the driver may suddenly lose the ability to steer the vehicle, which could result in a crash.

Subaru dealers will therefore replace the steering column assembly on all affected units.

Source: Transports Canada

Tesla Motors is on quite a roll: Not only did the small electric car maker sell 4,750 Model S sedans in the first quarter of 2013 (eclipsing the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan LEAF), but it outsold the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (3,077 units), BMW 7 Series (2,338 units), and Audi A8 (1,462 units) as well.

Equally impressive is the fact that Consumer Reports has awarded the Model S 99 out of 100 points, and said it's the best car the magazine has tested since 2007.

Wait, there's more: On May 10th, the day after Tesla reported its $11 million first-quarter profit, the stock price per share exploded from $35 to $76.70.

According to John Casesa, an investment banker with Guggenheim Partners in New York, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has done the impossible: create a profitable automaker from scratch.

The 41-year-old Musk, who co-founded Paypal and SpaceX, seemingly turns everything into gold, which is why Tesla's future looks as bright as Fisker's looks bleak.

Source: Automotive News

Photo: Tesla