Geneva, Switzerland –The second largest auto show on the European calendar is staged in scenic and historic city on the lake bearing the same name.

Typically, many cars are unveiled here that just don’t make it to our side of the pond but this year was different – several notable reveals will make it here.

Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek has been a huge hit for Subaru with the highest satisfaction among Subaru owners ever since the original arrived in 2013. The all-new Crosstrek is built on the same Global Platform as the recent Impreza. The goal was to make a much more sophisticated driving car with world class safety. Another major selling feature of Subaru cars is the advanced safety suit called Eye Sight which is available, plus the introduction of dynamic headlamps with auto high beam and low beam. The goal was to achieve the IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus with these new features. The new platform is much more rigid and with a 2.0L direct injection 4-cylinder, standard all-wheel drive and an impressive 220mm of ground clearance, this go anywhere crossover is targeted for city dwellers who like to head out of town on the weekend. The new Crosstrek arrives this summer.

VW Arteon

VW is back in the big car market with a stylish GT sedan with impressive design and a practical layout. The Arteon is a mid-to-full-size four-door sedan with a coupe-like roofline and hatchback layout; like Audi’s A7. Built on an elongated platform shared with the Golf and upcoming Atlas SUV, the Arteon is a foray into the premium space. The Arteon will go on sale in Europe later this year with standard AWD and six available engines. For the Canadian market expect to see the Arteon arrive next year. Engines have not been announced for the Canadian market but a good bet would be a turbo 4-cylinder base engine and an optional V6, as has been announced in the Atlas SUV.

Range Rover Velar

The Velar is based on the same platform as the F-Pace Jaguar cousin but has a design that is all Range Rover. This stunning SUV is placed between the Evoque compact SUV and the Range Rover Sport. For the Canadian market it will be priced, starting at $62,300, which is $12,000 more than the F-Pace. It will be available with a turbo 4-cylinder diesel or a 380hp supercharged V6. Unlike the F-Pace the Velar will be available with an adjustable air suspension for off-road duties. The interior is much more polished than the F-Pace featuring two 10-inch centre screens for car controls and infotainment readouts. The rather sparse interior of the F-Pace is replaced with cloth and quilted accents that do look more upscale. The exterior of the Velar is like the Range Rover Sport and due to the popularity of that vehicle, this smaller option will be a massive hit for Range Rover. The Velar will be available this summer

Volvo XC60

Volvo has been on a vehicle renaissance lately with the highly successful XC90 crossover winning the North American SUV of the Year award last year. For 2017 Volvo hopes to capture lightning in a bottle twice with the smaller XC60. This new version will be available before the end of the year and should be a hit because it looks and shares many of the same components with the award winning larger sibling. The same turbo and supercharged 4-cylinder engine is standard with an available plug-in hybrid model. The interior features the same layout and the same level of finish is present. With a smaller and more agile footprint, plus Volvo’s reputation for advanced safety features will help accelerate the rented interest in the Volvo brand.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Some might remember the Mitsubishi Eclipse name on a car but the trend these days is to crossovers, so the name has been resurrected on the latest model called Mitsubishi Cross. This all-new crossover will sit between the RVR and Outlander models in size. With a turbocharged 1.5L 4-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission, the target might be the Honda CR-V with similar tech. The design is sharp and looks like a fastback from some angles. The rear styling is edgy and might be a bit polarizing. The interior is a major step forward with a touch-pad controller for the new centre screen and the materials look fresh and upscale. The Eclipse Cross will arrive towards the end of this year.

zack [dot] spencer [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

“Range Rover is a luxurious vehicle that is right at home off-road or on...”

The 2015 Range Rover Sport offers reliability and good looks along with exceptional comfort.

In The Cab:

There’s a great level of comfort in this vehicle. The rear seats had plenty of room for adults and the cargo area was adequate. The heated leather wrapped steering wheel featured all the controls one needs to operate the equipment without distraction. The front and rear seats are heated.

Power tilt/slide front sunroof and a large glass roof over the rear seats allow plenty of natural light in. It is top shelf quality thru and thru. The only problem I had is with the touchscreen. There is a big delay when you select a feature and the placement of buttons on the centre stack is positioned in such a way that you can accidentally press a button as you rest your arm on the console.

From the driver’s perspective, the sight lines are amazing and the blind spot was almost non-existent

Safety-First:

Range Rover has a long history of making safe vehicles, and the Sport model is no exception. Driver and passenger front airbags are designed to provide head and chest protection, and the front seat side airbags protect against side impacts. There is also a full length curtain airbag to help reduce potential of head injury and roll over ejection for front and rear passengers. Inflatable knee bolster helps protect the driver against leg injury from the steering column.

Roadworthy:

Driving the Ranger Rover Sport is a smooth driving experience and the Supercharged V6 engine can really packs a punch when you need to. The impressive power plant and 8 speed transmission makes for a flawless transition from slow to fast all the while keeping the ride comfortable.

Power:

The engine is a 340 horsepower, supercharged 3.0 litre V6 that puts out 332 lb-ft of torque @2500 RPM with a 8 speed automatic transmission. This transmission features Command Shift that actively responds to your driving habits and road conditions by reconfiguring the shift patterns for optimum drivability in all situations and is mated with a two-speed electronically controlled transfer case. Four-wheel electronic traction control, hill descent control, and four corner air suspension with terrain response not only makes this vehicle manouevre well on the road but can take you on some of the roughest back roads British Columbia has to offer.

The terrain response system gives the Range Rover outstanding off-road capabilities; it adapts the response of the vehicles engine, transmission, centre coupling and chassis system to the terrain you’re driving on. It also maintains driver comfort as well as maximizing traction. Terrain response works continuously, but the driver can change the setting depending on the terrain conditions, for example: mud and ruts, snow, or sand. Hill descent control automatically controls and restricts the speed downhill, using anti-lock brake system, and improves driver control on slippery descents.

Verdict:

Range Rover is a luxurious vehicle that is right at home off-road or on.

---

 

Pump frequency:

14.0/10.5 L/100km (City/highway)

Warranty support:

4 year/ 80,000 km

Sticker price: $77,640

---

 

Contact: ian [dot] harwood [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

“The Evoque is not just all show and no go but a fun vehicle to drive.”

The 2015 Range Rover Evoque is like a finally tailored suit that fits comfortably in any situation.

Looks

It is one of the nicest crossovers out there, available in a 5-door, or a 3-door coupe. The Evoque has a streamlined body and a beautiful roof line that tapers towards the back. The front end takes its styling cues from its big brother the Range Rover.

In The Cab

A well-appointed interior featuring leather seats, driver adjustment including recline, height, lumbar support and memory, 60/40 split rear with centre head restraint, oxford leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. Central 8-inch touch screen display in the central hub for features such as audio, video, phone and navigation. It also provides a screen for the backup camera and a unique 360fdegree, real time view of the surrounding area via the five discreetly placed cameras. All controls and knobs found on the centre dash area are well placed and easy to operate by the driver without being distracted. The sound system is provided by Meridian and features a 380-watt 11-speaker system that is standard and an optional 825-watt, 17-speaker system. The auto dimming rear view mirror is a nice feature and accent lighting around the centre console, footwell, glove box, and load compartment are a nice touch. A tire pressure monitoring system monitors your air pressure.

My tester was the 3-door coupe with lots of room inside although I did find it a bit difficult getting in and out of the back seats. With the position of the rear seats, I didn’t notice the lower roof angle being an problem. Leg room was at a bit of a premium, but it is the case in most coupes.

Safety First

A high level of safety features are provided including driver and passenger airbags, knee airbags, side curtain and thorax airbags. Four wheel disc brakes, traction control and stability control are all standard equipment.

Roadworthy

I found the push button terrain response selection buttons are in an area that can easily be pushed by accident. Place your hand the wrong way on the centre console and you find yourself in off-road mode. Once the terrain setting has been chosen (purposefully), the Range Rover takes on a completely new personality. Hill control graphics show up on the instrument panel and it can crawl like a snake down any steep terrain. If only they added height adjustment then you could really go four-wheeling.

Power

The Evoque power plant is a turbo charged 2.0-litre Si4 direct injection engine that produces 240 horsepower and can achieve 0-100 km in 7.1 seconds. The engine is mated with a six speed automatic transmission with rally style paddle shift controls mounted on the steering wheel. The engine provides plenty of power and if not for the turbo lag, it would be amazingly quick at passing. I always get a kick from the Range Rover shifters. When the vehicle starts up the rotary gearshift rises up so you can turn it to select the position you require.

Verdict

The Evoque is a very well thought out vehicle. I love the shape and stance. It is not just all show and no go but a fun vehicle to drive.

---

Pump frequency:

11.3 / 7.9 L/100 km (City/highway)

Warranty support:

4 year/80,000 km   Limited warranty

6 year/ unlimited mileage Corrosion perforation warranty

Sticker price:

Evoque Pure $47,695

Evoque Pure City $49,895

Evoque Pure Plus $52,195

Evoque Dynamic $60,895

Evoque Prestige $61,295

Evoque Autobiography $64,595

---

Contact: ian [dot] harwood [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

With the Vancouver International Auto Show just around the corner, I thought I would share my list of exciting new SUVs that are available.

Tough to nail down just one but I am sure one of these would spark some interest…

2014 Ford Explorer Sport is a performance version of its popular SUV. The headlights and taillights have been blacked out to give it a sporty appearance.  20-inch painted and machined wheels allow room for the larger brakes that help it stop faster and improve performance when towing.  The engine is an impressive 3.5 litre, twin turbocharged EcoBoost V6, producing a whopping 365 horsepower and 350 pound feet of torque with a 6 speed automatic transmission. To say this is quick off the line is an understatement. The Explorer also features a terrain management system that lets you select between sand, snow, mud, or hill descent.

$46,999

**********

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit equipped with a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine putting out 240 hp and 420 lb ft of torque with an 8 speed transmission delivers excellent millage while provide exceptional comfort. Natura-Plus leather faced seating, wood trim with copper accents, and a 19 speaker, 825 watt Harmon/Kardon audio system keep you relaxed and alert. Up to date safety features such as enhanced accident response system, blind spot monitoring system, back up camera, engine immobilizer, hill start assist, and all speed traction control are just some of the many features this vehicle has to offer to keep you safe. Excellent value.

Starting at $60,895

**********

2014 Jeep Cherokee is a completely redesigned five passenger SUV that has a front end that will stand out from the crowd. A seven-slotted grille and razor thin headlights makes the Jeep truly unique. The engine is a 2.4L Tigershark Multiair straight 4 cylinder delivering 184 hp and 171 lb ft of torque mated to a 9 speed automatic transmission. It can tow up to 2000lbs. The trail rated Trailhawk version has an active drive lock 4×4 system with 4 low gear and a rear-locking differential. It also features a neutral mode for flat towing behind an RV.

Sport 4×4: $25,895

TrailHawk: $30,895

**********

2014 Range Rover Sport is not just another luxury SUV; it is a fully capable off-road vehicle. The engine is a 510 horsepower, supercharged 5.0 litre V8 that puts out 461 lb-ft of torque @2500 RPM with a 6 speed automatic transmission. This transmission features Command Shift that actively responds to your driving habits and road conditions by reconfiguring the shift patterns for optimum drivability in all situations and is mated with a 2 speed electronically controlled transfer case. Four wheel electronic traction control, hill descent control, and four corner air suspension with terrain response not only makes this vehicle maneuver well on the road but can take you on some of the roughest back roads British Columbia has to offer.

$125,575

**********

2014 Toyota 4Runner is as rugged and bold as they come. A legend in the off-road community, this 4runner does not disappoint.  Powering this truck is a 4.0 Litre V6 dual valve timing V6 engine that produces an impressive 270 hp and 278 lb ft of torque. The 4Runner has 2 rows of seats, with an optional 3rd row, available on the upgrade and limited packages. An available sliding rear cargo tray holds up to 200 kg and comes in very handy when camping. The Toyota 4runner hugs the road and the bucket seats hug you. It is very comfortable to drive and you feel safe driving it.

Standard package: $37,900

Contact: ian [dot] harwood [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

After seeing many old Range Rovers around, navigating the back roads and how bulky and cumbersome they look as they spin out rocks, attempting a hill climb, or how the passengers seem to be bouncing around uncontrollably on what appears to be a very basic interior, I found myself thinking there must be some kind of special group of people that are attracted to this vehicle.

Well, fast forward to today’s version of the Range Rover and you will find an outstanding front end that is easily recognized with the signature grille and projector style headlights.

The trend-setting side vents on the front fenders that’s is found on other vehicles and copied by the aftermarket. The large rear glass panels that extend up into the roof line making the overall appearance very clean looking and unique.

The engine is a 510 horsepower, supercharged 5.0 litre V8 that puts out 461 lb-ft of torque @2500 RPM with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This transmission features Command Shift that actively responds to your driving habits and road conditions by reconfiguring the shift patterns for optimum drivability in all situations and is mated with a 2-speed electronically controlled transfer case.

Four wheel electronic traction control, hill descent control, and four corner air suspension with terrain response not only makes this vehicle maneuver well on the road but can take you on some of the roughest back roads British Columbia has to offer.

The terrain response system gives the Range Rover outstanding off-road capabilities, it adapts the response of the vehicles engine, transmission, centre coupling and chassis system to the terrain you’re driving on. It also maintains driver comfort as well as maximizing traction. Terrain response works continuously, but the driver can change the setting depending on the terrain conditions, for example: mud and ruts, snow, or sand. Hill descent control automatically controls and restricts the speed downhill, using anti-lock brake system, and improves driver control on slippery descents.

My first impression after climbing into the cab was of disbelief… I did not expect that level of comfort.

The sight lines are amazing and the blind spot was almost non-existent. The rear seats had plenty of room for adults and the cargo area was adequate. The heated leather wrapped steering wheel featured all the controls one needed to operate the equipment without distraction. The front and rear seats are heated. Power tilt/slide front sunroof and a large glass roof over the rear seats allow plenty of natural light in.

It is top shelf quality thru and thru.

Range Rover has a long history of making safe vehicles, and the Sport model is no exception. Driver and passenger front airbags are designed to provide head and chest protection, and the front seat side airbags protect against side impacts. There is also a full length curtain airbag to help reduce potential of head injury and roll over ejection for front and rear passengers. Inflatable knee bolster helps protect the driver against leg injury from the steering column.

Fuel economy is 16.2/10.4 L/100km (City/highway)

Warranty 4 year/ 80,000 km

Price as tested $125,575

Email: ian [dot] harwood [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca