Auto News 5

Acquisitions aren't on the front burner at Sonic Automotive Inc. in 2014.

The fourth-generation Toyota Prius, the car that made "hybrid" a household word, won't arrive for at least another year. But emerging details paint a picture of a car that could be a breakthrough on multiple fronts.

General Motors CEO Mary Barra doesn't seem eager to discuss the glass ceiling that shattered with her elevation to GM's top job this month or whether her appointment can help transform the company's stodgy image.

At Proctor Honda in Tallahassee, Fla., salespeople are expected to respond to Internet leads within 20 minutes.

Retailer Lithia Motors and supplier Plastic Omnium returned the most value to shareholders in their categories last year and over the past three years, according to the Automotive News/PwC Shareholder Value Index.

To Andy Palmer, a British high school dropout who was anointed Nissan's global No. 3 executive on Nov. 1, it's an immutable mathematical truth: Brand matters.

Auto dealers are longing for another outspoken advocate like Ron Tonkin, the Oregon dealer who crusaded against what he considered overbearing factories while president of NADA 25 years ago. Tonkin died Jan. 17 at age 82.

BMW of North America is rolling out new dealership standards, patterning changes on what has happened to retail outside the automotive world.

British motorsport magazine Racecar Engineering recently posted a feature about Cosworth's V6 turbo hybrid engine that will not be raced this season.

British engine maker Cosworth left the Formula 1 scene at the end of last year with their last race with Marussia with the 2.4L V8 engine.

Sources at Cosworth told Racecar Engineering founder Ian Bamsey, now editor of Race Engine Technology magazine, that work on the initial 4-inline turbo engine started as early as 2010.

The magazine claims that the work was a request of German car manufacturer Volkswagen.

Cosworth V6 power unit (Photo: Racecar Engineering)

In June 2011, the rules were changed and the 4-inline configuration was changed to a V6 at 90 degrees. This decision from the FIA made the board of Volkswagen change its mind and drop the project.

Cosworth engineers continued to work on the V6 power unit so the British company will be ready to return to F1 when the required financial support is found.

The Cosworth V6 turbo hybrid will not be raced this year but Racecar Engineering says it would be ready for next season.

Pro: A bargain Porsche from Volkswagen is what the Touareg is. It is a pretty decent performance vehicle as well as designed to do what you need off road.

Con: Many consumers have trouble getting rid of the Volkswagen “economy car” image and the thought of paying between $50,000 and $70,000 for a Volkswagen that you don't see often or hear much about makes the buying decision even more difficult.

Price:

• MSRP for Gasoline Engine: Comfortline; $50,975, Highline; 57,175, Execline; $60,975.
• MSRP for Diesel Engine: Comfortline; $55,275, Highline; $61,475; Execline; $65,275

Fuel Economy (city/highway in l/100 km):
3.6 liter gasoline engine: 12.3/8.8
3.0 liter diesel engine; 10.8/6.7

Improvements and changes: There are a few changes to the standard equipment of the Touareg. Automatic door lock and unlock, depending on gear shift position and speed, is now standard on all trim levels. A tow hitch, minus the adaptor, ball mount and ball is standard on all Touaregs. The new easy Open power tailgate is standard on Highline and Execline, but not available on Comfortline. Wheel locks are no longer available on any line. The Sports package is still available on the Comfortline, but Highline and Execline get a new “R” package option instead.

Exterior styling: The similarities in design between the Cayenne and the Touareg cannot be ignored. Volkswagen has made minor changes to the sheet metal, front fascia and grille to put the Volkswagen image on the Touareg. Tail lights, accent crease in the sides all help provide an image of competence, which the Touareg really has.

Inside: Style wise the interior is definitely Volkswagen and very comfortable. Able to seat five in comfort, the Touareg uses trim to top up a pretty plush vehicle. Heated power adjustable leather seats up front are standard, but you need to step up to the Execline to get a heated rear seat.

Photo: Volkswagen

Cargo/towing/payload capacity: Maximum trailer towing capacity is 3,493 kg (7,700 lb). Maximum payload is 584 kg (1,287 lb). cargo volume behind the rear seat is 909 liters.

Powertrain: The standard engine is a 3.6 liter direct injected V6 that puts out 280 horsepower and 266 ft.lb. of torque. A 3.0 direct injected diesel that puts out 240 horsepower and 406 ft.lb of torque is optional. Both engines utilize an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. 4motion AWD is standard on the Touareg as well.

Safety: Front, front mounted side impact and full length side curtain air bags are standard. Three point lap belts are standard in all five seating positions. Rear door child proof locks and LATCH system of anchoring child seats as well as tire pressure monitoring system is standard. Four wheel disc brakes with ABS, traction control, stability control roll mitigation, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist are standard. Hill decent assist is standard as well.

Comparables: Lexus RX, Acura MDX, Mercedes Benz M-Class, BMW X5, Infiniti QX70, Toyota Highlander, Cadillac SRX.

From press release

The next eight drivers to join Formula E's new Drivers' Club have been revealed.

Bruno Senna, Sebastien Bourdais (photo), Oriol Servia, Daniel Abt, Narain Karthikeyan, Christijan Albers, Franck Montagny and J. R. Hildebrand Jr. showed their support for the new global electric racing series.

Unveiled earlier this month, the new scheme features a pool of top, international names that all officially endorse the new FIA Formula E Championship and have expressed a willingness to race in the future.

Those drivers join those previously announced bringing the total to 16 with further names to be released over the coming.

In addition, the Formula E Drivers' Club will allow each member to experience the new fully-electric Spark-Renault SRT_01E Formula E car which recently made its public debut driving along the iconic Las Vegas Strip.

FIA Formula E Championship - Drivers' Club line-up (to date):


Daniel Abt (GER)

Christijan Albers (NLD)

Marco Andretti (USA)

Sébastien Bourdais (FRA)

Sebastien Buemi (CHE)

Karun Chandhok (IND)

Lucas di Grassi (BRA)

J.R. Hildebrand (USA)

Ma Qing Hua (CHN)

Narain Karthikeyan (IND)

Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA)

Franck Montagny (FRA)

Takuma Sato (JPN)

Bruno Senna (BRA)

Oriol Servia (ESP)

Adrien Tambay (FRA)

Pros: The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible benefits from a rigid chassis that improves steering and handling, making the car very pleasant to drive on a daily basis. The fully independent suspension contributes to a smooth ride. Prepare to enjoy wind-in-the-hair motoring in a neatly finished cockpit with comfortable seats and lots of storage.

Cons: Both the rear seats and trunk are pretty tight, and rearward visibility is a concern with the top up. The base 2.5L 5-cylinder engine is getting seriously old by now, but a new 1.8L turbo could be on the table. Stay tuned...


2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Price: The entry point to the Beetle Convertible lineup is the Comfortline at $29,075. Next is the Highline at $32,390, and the Sportline at $36,850.

2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Fuel Economy: The 2.5L/6-speed combo burns 9.8L/100km in the city and 7.3L/100km on the highway, while 2.0T models achieve 9.4L and 6.4L/100km, respectively.

Improvements and Changes: Gone is the torsion beam rear suspension; say hello to a multilink setup. New colours and amenities have been added. The 2.0L TSI engine's output has been increased.

2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Powertrain: Volkswagen offers a standard 2.5L inline 5-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower through a 6-speed automatic transmission. In Sportline trim, you get a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine rated at 210 horsepower with the choice of a 6-speed manual or DSG.

Photo: Volkswagen

Cargo Capacity: The small trunk of the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible can only fit 200 litres worth of gear.

Safety: ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, and traction control all come standard. In the event of a collision, the automatic rollover bars and 4 airbags will protect Beetle Convertible occupants.

Comparing the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible: VW's own Eos poses a threat to the Beetle Convertible. Also, check out the Chrysler 200 Convertible, Fiat 500 Cabrio, and MINI Cooper Cabriolet.

Pros: Introduced in 2009, the Volkswagen Tiguan wasted little time making a good impression. Based on the Golf platform, it proves solid, yet nimble, and generally fun to drive on the road. There's also a fantastic engine under the hood.

Cons: The firm suspension may not please comfort-obsessed drivers. The Tiguan doesn't pack as much value as some of its competitors, and the price exceeds $40,000 (tax included) for a top-of-the-line model without any options.


2014 Volkswagen Tiguan Price: You can buy any of 6 Tiguan models for 2014, starting with the Trendline at $24,990 and climbing all the way to the Highline 4MOTION with automatic transmission at $37,440.

2014 Volkswagen Tiguan Fuel Economy: Front-wheel drive Tiguans average 10.0L/100km with a manual transmission and 9.1L/100km with an automatic transmission. Expect a similar figure when choosing a 4MOTION (AWD) model.

Improvements and Changes: Nothing major. The manual gearbox is no longer available in Comfortline trim, and a Convenience Package is offered with the base Trendline.

2014 Volkswagen Tiguan Powertrain: The German manufacturer soldiers on with a single engine option for 2014, but it's a great one, namely a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged mill that produces 200 horsepower. It can be mated to a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels only or to all four (hence the ''4MOTION'' moniker).

Photo: Volkswagen

Cargo Capacity: The Tiguan's cargo area can hold up to 700 litres of gear. The split-folding rear seats maximize versatility with up to 1,600 litres of room.

Safety: ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, and traction control all come standard. In the event of a collision, the Intelligent Crash Response System and 6 airbags will protect Tiguan occupants.

Comparing the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan: The compact SUV/CUV segment is loaded with great models such as the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass/Patriot, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4.

Efficient performance an Eos priority

Price Range: $39,875 to $45,000-plus

Description: Volkswagen's convertible-only Eos model hits 2013 after a refresh and packs more features and styling than ever before. Offering seating for four, a decent trunk and plenty of on-board storage, Eos is ideal for the shopper after the magic of a convertible motoring experience and room for some friends and family. It's a drop-top big on safety and refinement, and carries a price-tag to match.

Feature content includes push-button start, steering-wheel mounted controls, automatic climate control, heated leather, a touch-screen navigation system and adaptive xenon headlights with LED running lights. All Eos models get a power-operated convertible roof that stores neatly into the trunk at the touch of a button.


Helping set Eos apart, designers created a body that's upscale and sophisticated, but without excessive ornamentation or attention-grabbing add-ons. It's a clean, discreet and low-key look that's also street smart and sporty.

On board, contrast generated by available beige leather, black accents and aluminum trim gives the Eos a relaxing atmosphere that's conducive to relaxation and socialization amongst passengers. A multi-function driver computer keeps vital information a mere glance away at all times.

Consider this one alongside models like the Chrysler 200 Convertible and Ford Mustang Convertible.

Drivetrain: VW's acclaimed ‘2.0T' engine powers all models, generating 200 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft of torque for pleasing performance. Designed for maximum efficiency, the powerplant utilizes direct injection and an intercooled turbocharger for maximum extraction of energy from every molecule of fuel it burns.

All models get a 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) and are front-wheel drive.

Consider it if: your priorities in a convertible centre around efficiency, luxury and refinement more than all-out style or performance firepower. Eos will make a great year-round, everyday convertible that's great on fuel. The heavily-insulated roof and numerous winter-busting features make it a true year-round drop-top that doesn't have to spend winters in the garage.

Skip it if: you want a manual transmission (one isn't available), or if you don't need a convertible top, as the Eos isn't available as a fixed-roof coupe. Also, skip this one if you're after maximum sports-car bang-for-your-buck in terms of power and performance.

Photo: Volkswagen

Don't Miss: Eos is the only convertible on the road to also offer a sunroof—thanks to the unique design of its folding hard-top. Translation? Drivers can take in the sunshine, even if it's too cold to go totally topless.

Rain-sensing wipers automatically engage and adjust their intermittence based on precipitation.

The snorty, high-torque 2.0T engine is a favorite amongst enthusiasts, too—and has been named to Wards ‘Top Ten Engines' list numerous times.

Eos's lightning-fast DSG gearbox can complete a gearchange in four tenths of a second, and with no break in power delivery.

Pros: Despite being more American than ever (it's built in the U.S., too), the 2014 Volkswagen Passat remains one of the most compelling midsize sedans on the market. It's longer, wider, and roomier not only for passengers but also their luggage. The dashboard is very clean and ergonomic. What's more, Volkswagen offers a nice selection of engines including a fuel-efficient turbodiesel.

Cons: Sure, the Passat is larger, but it's also cheaper. With a lower base price comes a significant amount of plastic inside. However, designers managed to tie it all together in a refined way, so interior fit and finish looks and feels more upscale than the Jetta's. Some reliability issues remain.


2014 Volkswagen Passat Price: There are six trim levels to choose from this year, ranging from the base Passat Trendline at $23,975 all the way to the top-of-the-line Passat Highline TDI at $33,475.

2014 Volkswagen Passat Fuel Economy: The 5-cylinder engine burns 10.1L and 6.5L/100km (city/highway) with the manual transmission and 9.6/6.7L/100km with the automatic. When choosing the 4-cylinder TDI, these numbers drop to 6.8/4.4L/100km and 6.9/4.9L/100km, respectively. As for the V6, expect 10.9/7.4L/100km.

Improvements and Changes: Not much beyond a new back-up camera and navigation system for Highline models. All-wheel drive is no longer available.

2014 Volkswagen Passat Powertrain: The German automaker offers 3 different engines with the 2014 Passat. The base 2.5L inline 5-cylinder produces 170 horsepower through a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic with manual mode. Next is a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbodiesel unit whose modest 140 horsepower are backed by 236 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the 3.6L V6 engine generates up to 280 horsepower by way of a 6-speed direct-shift gearbox (DSG).

Photo: Volkswagen

Cargo Capacity: The Passat's trunk can hold up to 430 litres of cargo. Folding the rear seats obviously increases that number.

Safety: ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, and traction control all come standard. In the event of a collision, the Intelligent Crash Response System and 6 airbags will protect Passat occupants.

Comparing the 2014 Volkswagen Passat: Interested in buying an entry-level midsize sedan like the Passat? Plenty of alternatives exist out there including the Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Dodge Avenger, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, Suzuki Kizashi, and Toyota Camry.

Pro: Extreme size provides comfort for 5 to 8 passengers with excellent luggage space behind the third row of seats. Think of the Expedition as a full size do-it-all SUV.

Con: The physical size of the Expedition makes it difficult to park and move about in cities. It still uses the 5.4L, 3-valve V8 which is not renowned for frugality or for being excessively powerful.

Price: XLT: $48,099,
Limited: $59,999,
Limited Max: $62,499.


Improvements and Changes: A new mechanical load leveling suspension is available as an option. The advantages over the old air system are that the new system is quieter and it will not leak down.

Exterior Styling: The outside of the Expedition has not changed; it still has plenty of bling on the sides and the front. Lower body cladding extends over the wheel arches emphasizing the size of the Expedition. Wheel sizes range from 17 inch to 20 inch depending on the trim level. One of the interesting available features is the power operated running boards that slide out when you open a door.

Inside: Choose to accommodate between 5 and 8 people by using the power operated third row seat. With the length of the Expedition, all of the passengers will have adequate leg, hip and shoulder room. Limited trim provides a leather interior while Sync™ handles the basic communications needs of everyone. DVD entertainment systems are available as is a voice activated navigation system.

Photo: Ford

Cargo/towing/payload capacity: Maximum trailer towing capacity when equipped with the trailer towing package is 4,173 kg (9,200 lb.) with the third row seat folded down there are 3,703.8 litres of storage space. Translate that to five hockey bags and room left over for the cooler.

Powertrain: An SOHC 3-vlave 5.4L V8 hooked to a six-speed overdriven automatic is the only power train offered. In addition, Canadian models all come with Advance Trac AWD while in the USA a 2WD version can be ordered.

Safety: Dual front, side impact and full length side curtain air bags are standard. ABS brakes, stability control, trailer sway control, Electronic Brake for Distribution, roll over mitigation, traction control are all standard. A post-crash alert system called appropriately “SOS” is also standard. Keyless remote entry is standard. Rear camera with driver assist is available as an option on some models.

Comparables: Lincoln Navigator, Nissan Armada, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80, Audi Q7.

Pros: In addition to extra cargo room, the 2014 Volkswagen Golf Wagon impresses with a solid construction and refined interior that's largely free of exterior noises. In typical German fashion, this car strikes a near-perfect balance of ride and handling.

Cons: Once again, rear passengers enjoy limited room, and the price can get pretty high when you start adding options and packages.

2014 Volkswagen Golf Wagon Price: The base Trendline model starts at $23,575, while the more upscale Comfortline retails from $25,275. The range-topping Highline TDI costs $31,785.


2014 Volkswagen Golf Wagon Fuel Economy: Look for the Golf Wagon to achieve anywhere between 4.6-9.9L/100km depending on the model, powertrain, and driving environment.

Improvements and Changes: Heated front seats, LED taillights, and automatic door locks now come standard.

2014 Volkswagen Golf Wagon Powertrain: Volkswagen offers a choice of 2 engines, starting with a 2.5L inline 5-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower through a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual mode. On the other hand, you have a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that develops 140 horsepower backed by 236 lb-ft of torque. It partners with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed DSG with Tiptronic manual mode.

Photo: Volkswagen

Cargo Capacity: The Golf Wagon's cargo area can hold up to 930 litres of gear. The split-folding rear seats maximize versatility with as much as 1,890 litres of room.

Safety: ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, and traction control all come standard. In the event of a collision, the Intelligent Crash Response System and 6 airbags will protect Golf Wagon occupants.

Comparing the 2014 Volkswagen Golf Wagon: Interested in purchasing a family-friendly hatchback or wagon? Consider the Ford Focus Hatchback, Hyundai Elantra GT, Kia Forte 5-Door, Mazda3 Sport, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, Subaru Impreza 5 Doors, Scion xB, and Toyota Matrix.

From Pirelli

After a short winter break of just over two months, Formula 1 is back in action at Jerez in Spain this week, for the first of three four-day pre-season tests (with the following two tests scheduled for Bahrain, from 19-22 February and 27 February-2 March).

This will be the first appearance for many of the 2014 cars, as F1 undergoes a technical revolution with 1.6-litre turbocharged engines and multiple energy recovery systems powering the 2014 challengers, which will have to operate within a drastically reduced fuel allocation and revised aerodynamic rules.

These important changes present a completely different set of vehicle dynamics, so Pirelli has developed a brand new 2014 tire range to cater for these unique demands. All the 2014 slick tires have a new construction and new compounds, with slightly increased weight. The wet tire has a new tread pattern and a different compound.

Jerez, which has the roughest tarmac of any circuit visited by F1, will be the first opportunity for the teams to start integrating their new cars with the 2014 tires, while the final day will be devoted to wet weather tire testing on an artificially-watered track (unless it rains at any of the previous test days, in which case this will become the dedicated wet-weather test day).

2014 F1 Pirelli tires range. (Photo: Pirelli)

Testing Facts:

* Teams are allowed an overall maximum total of 135 sets of tires for testing this year, including the in-season tests. The maximum total for the three pre-season tests is 85 sets of tires: 25 sets for Jerez and 30 each for the two Bahrain tests.

* All four slick P Zero compounds plus the Cinturato intermediate and full wet will be available for pre-season testing. Pirelli is also bringing a special one-off ‘winter' compound to Jerez, in order to minimise the effect of potentially low ambient temperatures on track time. This is a hard compound that has been optimised to work well even in low temperatures, reducing the risk of graining (which is a common characteristic of cold weather running).

* Teams will have a certain number of fixed compound choices totalling 18 sets per car, listed on the table below, which are best suited to the Jerez circuit. Included in that total are three sets of intermediates and three sets of wets. On top of that each team was also able to choose in advance seven more sets to try in Jerez, up to the maximum of 25 sets per car in total. The ‘base' slick compounds - ‘winter', hard and medium - have been selected by Pirelli in collaboration with the teams to reflect the characteristics of Jerez.

* The 2014 regulations state that one of the 12 pre-season test days will be dedicated to wet-weather tire testing, with Pirelli arranging for the track to be watered. This is scheduled to take place on the final day of the Jerez test (January 31).

What's new for the 2014 tires:

* Pirelli has developed its new 2014 tire range using simulation technology and data supplied by teams, as well as real on-track testing results. On top of new compounds and new constructions, each rear tire now weighs 250 grams more and each front tire 200 grams more than last year.

* The front tires have a new profile, while the rear profile remains largely unaltered.

* The new compounds are generally slightly harder than their 2013 equivalents to optimise grip.

* The full wet tire has a new rear tread pattern in order to reduce aquaplaning by increasing how much water can be dispersed at full speed - now up to 65 litres per second from 60 litres per second previously. It also has a new compound that is able to work well in damp and/or drying conditions, in order to increase the crossover point to the intermediate tire.

Pros: The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan is arguably the ultimate family vehicle. With numerous configurations available, tons of interior room for your passengers and cargo, and a perfectly matched engine/transmission combo, it's one of the most versatile and flexible people-haulers in Canada, not to mention a relatively affordable one.

Cons: Reliability issues continue to affect the Dodge Grand Caravan, particularly in the braking department. Chrysler should keep working on improving build quality and material selection, too.


2014 Dodge Grand Caravan Price: Pick one of eight trim levels that best suits your needs and budget, from the entry-level Canada Value Package ($27,995) to the sporty R/T ($40,995).

2014 Dodge Grand Caravan Fuel Economy: Don't expect record-breaking numbers from the Grand Caravan, which weighs nearly two full tons. An average fuel consumption in the 10L/100km range is par for the course, here.

Improvements and Changes: No significant changes.

2014 Dodge Grand Caravan Powertrain: Chrysler's lone powertrain option for this vehicle is a 3.6L V6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. Output is rated at 283 horsepower, while peak torque amounts to 260 lb-ft.

Cargo Capacity: This is one of the strengths of the 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan. With all the rear seats up, there are 934 litres available for your gear. Once you fold the third-row seats, cargo room increases to 2,340 litres. Drop the second-row seats as well, and you'll wind up with 4,072 litres.

Photo: Dodge

Safety: The Grand Caravan features ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability and traction control, along with seven airbags including one for the driver's knees and side-curtain airbags that blanket outboard positions in all three rows of seating. Buyers can add a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-path detection, the Park-Sense rear park assist system, as well as rain-sensitive wipers and automatic headlamps.

Comparing the 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan: Minivans are a dying breed, but you should take a look at the Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, and Toyota Sienna before you go out and buy a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Pros: Nissan does a nice job of holding its ground in the hotly contested North American midsize sedan market segment. Build quality and soundproofing are both strengths of this car, which also pleases with two competent engines, a smooth ride, numerous safety features, as well as superior fuel economy and reliability.

Cons: While engine selection is interesting, you can't say the same about transmissions. No manual or conventional automatic are available; only a CVT appears on the spec sheet, so that doesn't bode well for driving excitement, especially since handling is not as sharp as the previous generation. Also, other than uniquely shaped headlights and taillights, the Altima's styling is rather bland.


2014 Nissan Altima Price:
There are five trim levels to choose from:

• 2.5 at $25,373;
• 2.5 S at $26,573;
• 2.5 SV at $27,873;
• 2.5 SL at $30,573;
• 3.5 SL at $34,673.

*Freight and delivery charges are included.

2014 Nissan Altima Fuel Economy: The official ratings for the 4-cylinder Altima are 5.1L/100km on the highway and 7.5L/100km in the city. The V6-powered Altima increases those numbers to 6.2 and 9.4L/100km, respectively.

Improvements and Changes: Nothing major beyond the elimination of the Altima coupe. The 4-cylinder engine gains a variable induction system, and NissanConnect Apps are now available.

2014 Nissan Altima Powertrain: There are two engines on the menu, each one targeting a different type of driver. First, the 2.5L 4-cylinder produces 182 horsepower -- a great choice for those after fuel economy. On the other hand, you have a 3.5L V6 rated at 270 horsepower. Believe it or not, Nissan's Xtronic CVT is the only transmission available, here.

Photo: Nissan

Cargo Capacity: The trunk in the Altima can fit up to 436 litres of cargo, which is about average for a midsize sedan.

Safety: The 2014 Nissan Altima comes with six airbags, ABS, brake assist, as well as stability and traction control. Blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning systems can be had with SV and SL models to boost safety.

Comparing the 2014 Nissan Altima: The midsize segment is by far one of the most competitive and also includes the Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat.