When I first saw the Mercedes Benz GLK premier in the Sex and the City movie all I could think was, this is a vehicle strictly intended for females. Although the squared off two box exterior looks like this mini G Wagon should be off-roading, the compact crossover is too small to be anything but cute, and the clean white exterior doesn’t help its cause either. However the 20’s our GLK is riding on are another story.
The interior is nicely finished, everything you would expect from Mercedes, there is the familiar large three spoke steering wheel and beautiful brushed metal trim. The audio system is easy to use audio, that is once you figure out how to control the imitation i drive wheel, I just wish the same could be said for the climate controls, there are simply too many buttons.
It took parking next to a Focus hatchback for me to realize that this would be perfect luxury vehicle for Europeans; the GLK was just slightly bigger than the Ford in every dimension. It’s attractive, easy to drive and especially with BlueTEC power, would make a great car overseas.
Keep following Top Speed for more on our GLK and to see if I change my mind about feeling like I should be wearing stilettos.
General Motors has just announced that the 2010 Cadillac SRX will go on sale later this summer starting at $34,155. The new crossover will come from the factory with a 3.0 Liter V6, featuring fuel saving direct injection, putting out 265 HP. There will also be a turbocharged 2.8 Liter V6 available as an option; the boosted engine will make 300 HP.
No matter which power plant you choose, gears will be shifted via a Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic that lowers the engine’s RPMs when traveling at highway speeds, further increasing fuel mileage.
The all new 2010 Cadillac SRX is a welcome addition of style, performance and fuel economy into the more often than not dull crossover market. According to Steve Shannon, the Executive Director of Marketing for Cadillac, the SRX “offer[s] new dimensions of versatility and fuel efficiency, along with Cadillac’s signature design and technical features…we believe the Cadillac SRX offers emotional appeal to a segment previously devoid of much of that
With fuel prices on the rise and the upcoming CAFE requirement imposed by the U.S. government, fuel efficiency has become a very important aspect of automaker’s vehicle lineups. When it was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox was hailed as the 9th vehicle offered by Chevy to reach an EPA estimated 30 MPG. Just as we like manufacturers that underrate their engines, it is even better when the automakers don’t exaggerate fuel mileage.
The latest tests have revealed that the new Chevrolet Equinox returns an impressive 32 MPG on the highway. This best-in-segment fuel economy results in a range of up to 600 miles for the General Motors CUV. The Equinox’s front-wheel drive power train and direct-injected 2.4 Liter four cylinder engine showed an EPA estimated fuel mileage of 22 MPG in the city and 32 MPG while cruising at highway speeds.
The Equinox’s closest competitors from Japan are nowhere as efficient at speed. The Honda CR-V gets 20/27 MPG and Toyota’s Rav-4 returns an estimated 22/28 MPG (city/highway). American cars are looking better and better every day.
Suzuki has stopped production of its North America only XL7 at the CAMI Ingersoll, Ontario plant it shares with General Motors. The suspension is indefinite, but will almost certainly last through the rest of the year. "It is an America-specific model," says Suzuki spokesman Hideo Kojima. "But since the subprime loan problem, that segment has been hit the hardest. So we decided to suspend it."
CAMI produced 12,407 XL7s last year, but this year has only popped out four (that’s right, four) XL7s through Sunday, May 10.
Positioned at the crossroads between several existing vehicles: the SUV, the MPV and hatchback, the 3008 crossover represents a new and innovative offer, not only in the Peugeot range but also in today’s car market as a whole.
The architecture of the 3008 successfully combines a single-compartment body shape with a forward-positioned front windscreen with elements borrowed from the world of the SUV, such as its lower tailgate (or hobby), its plunging side windows and its raised driving position.
At the front, the Peugeot styling genes have evolved to adapt to the car’s generous size, while at the rear the wide sculpted flanks help to visually attach the car to the road.
The 3008 will be offered with a choice of six power trains featuring two petrol engines and two HDi FAP diesel engines with output between 110 and 156 hp. All the engine are coupled to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed automatic one.
Skoda revealed today the facelift version for the Octavia Scout, the third and the flagship model in the Scout line-up (next to the Roomster Scout and the Fabia Scout).
It features a redesigned radiator mask and bold headlamps, fog lights with the Corner function, a new metallic paint (Rosso Brunello).
It is powered by a choice of two engines: petrol 1.8 TSI/158 hp (EU 5) and diesel 2.0 TDI PD DPF/138 hp[ (EU 4) - combined with a six-speed mechanical transmission provide satisfactory performance levels.
Ford’s high-performance interpretation of their crossover, the Edge Sport is a rolling advertisement for the blue oval brand. The sporty appearance not only turns heads but will leave gawkers jaws glued to the floor. The Sport version is not for everyone, potential Edge Sport owners are looking for the added styling and aggressive attitude associated with a vehicle that rides on stunning 22 inch polished rims and is dressed up with an audacious 8 piece body kit. One thing is for certain, positioned in the front of any showroom, the Sport version is guaranteed to sell a few more regular Edge models.
In Europe and USA it is known as the Infiniti EX, but on the Japanese market it will be sold under the Nissan logo. Sales will begin later this summer.
The Nissan Skyline Crossover is powered by a VQ37VHR engine with VVEL technology mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode.
Acura had something new to show off in New York. It’s the BMW X6 and Infiniti FX fighter, the ZDX.
This SUV/sedan/coupe goes for the idea of making everything smooth. The body has the look of an SUV made out of stretched taffy (Acura’s new front “nose” gets even longer). The rear door handles don’t protrude and are hidden under the c-pillar. The interior has the look of a few flowing waves of black and white. The six-speed automatic transmission is even referred to as “smooth shifting”.
While the design is clear, the mechanical elements are not. We do know that the ZDX will use Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, but all the other parts bin pieces have not been accounted for yet. Acura mentions that it will be using a V6 engine, whether its the 300 hp 3.6-liter V6 from the TL/MDX, or the 280 hp 3.5-liter V6 unit from the TSX V6/Accord V6 has not been announced. We’re not too worried about what’s underneath the skin, because we know no matter what arrives in dealerships this fall, it’s still a good ’ol reliable Honda.
Full details and more pics in the press release after the jump.
A couple of weeks ago dropped a few teaser images of its BMW X6 fighter. Now we have a name to go with the silhouette lurking in the shadows: ZDX.
“The ZDX prototype is unlike anything you have ever seen before from Acura,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president, Acura sales. While that may be true, underneath the skin we expect the mechanical bits to be a mixture from the ’ol reliable Honda/Acura parts bin.
We’ll get our first glimpse of the sedan/coupe/SUV next week at the New York Auto Show.
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