2011 Toyota Corolla

With the discontinuation of the sporty XRS model, the 2011 Toyota Corolla is all vanilla. While the current Corolla is much more attractive than previous generations, one of the car's biggest drawbacks remains its inability to excite the visual senses; Toyota has given the Corolla a refresh this year, but it's rather minor and mainly just brings this sedan in line with the Camry's look. Overall, the Corolla still lacks the sporty and modern panache of many of its rivals, but this may be ideal for those who don't want to stand out from the crowd.

Across the lineup, there are three trim levels: base, LE, and S. The LE model is offered only with a four-speed automatic transmission, while base and S models can be had with either an automatic or a five-speed manual. All Corollas come with a 132-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Compared to most other models in this class (like the Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, or Honda Civic), the Corolla feels slightly down on power—especially at highway speeds. The four-speed automatic isn't too bad, although its gears feel widely spaced, but the five-speed manual is pleasant to use. Although our editors hadn't yet driven the 2011 Corolla at the time we published this update, we have found former—and virtually identical, mechanically—models to be too softly sprung and lacking a handling and ride sophistication that many rivals now have. The power steering—a newer electric system—is dull and overly light, and the Corolla resists quick changes in motions; it's not at all tuned for enthusiastic or responsive handling.

The interior of the 2011 Corolla is well designed, but rather stark and basic. In its LE and S trim levels, the Corolla gets a little more dressed-up, but even then its materials and execution feel subpar compared to rivals in the same price range. Seating in the Corolla is quite good overall, with plenty of headroom and legroom in front, and even decent space for average-sized adults in the back seat. But front seats are a bit short and spongy; they're not so comfortable for longer trips. Storage-wise, there's a double glovebox, along with a few cubbies, a console box, and large door pockets, but the trunk is on the small side, even among cars in this class, and has intrusive hinges.

Since the Corolla is quite softly sprung, ride comfort is good on most types of roads, though it can become bouncy on broken freeway surfaces. The one area where the Corolla is a standout, however, is in interior quietness and refinement. There isn't a lot of engine noise, and the powertrain is smooth. The Corolla's cabin is also well-isolated from wind and road noise, and feels up to the standards of a mid-size car in this respect.

Safety is a bright spot for the 2011 Toyota Corolla; it performs very well in most crash tests and has a good set of features. For 2011, it's an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Anti-lock brakes; stability and traction control; front-seat side airbags; full-length side curtain airbags; and active front head restraints remain standard on the Corolla.

The 2011 Toyota Corolla comes well equipped, even in 

base form. Air conditioning, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and a CD player are standard, in addition to a new trip computer. Optional features include a navigation system and XM Satellite Radio—rare features in this segment. However, if you choose a base model, you're going basic in a way you might not suspect; there are no power windows, locks, or even mirrors available; you have to step up to the higher trims for that. Major options on the Corolla are limited to a moonroof, an upgraded sound system with Bluetooth, and a Premium package that brings the S wheels, the moonroof, and 

Bluetooth/sound upgrades to the LE

Range Rover Evoque goes to Dakar Rally with BMW 3.0 liter diesel

The new Range Rover Evoque, a competitor to the BMW X3, will enter the Dakar Rally with a 3.0 liter turbocharged straight-six diesel engine from BMW.

With more than 9,000 km in 14 days and through extremely demanding conditions, the Dakar Rally is one of the most challenging motorsport competition in the entire world. Every year hundreds of competitors strive not just for the championship crown, but also for a lifetime opportunity to test themselves and the vehicles in some of the most challenging racing environments.

The British Excite Rally Raid Team will race three cars commissioned by RaBe Race Cars and driven by an all-British line-up consisting of Martin Rowe, Andrew Coley and John Hardy. Their T3 race car’s body shell is based on the new Range Rover Evoque.

Along with the BMW diesel engine that produces 275 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, the British team will use the ZF 6-speed transmission to transfer power to the wheel that are dressed in BF Goodrich desert tires.

“We’ve been working on this project for a long time”, said the team’s business manager David Jones. “We were approached by a manufacturer, RaBe Race Cars, whose staff has been around the sport for a long time. Seeing our professional approach, they asked if we could work together. We have goals we can assist each other with, so we have now set our sights a bit higher.”

The 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque will enter the Dakar Rally in 2013, which takes place in South America.

2012 BMW X6

What's New for 2012

For 2012, the BMW X6 gains an optional rear center seat that increases passenger capacity to five. Otherwise, it sees no significant changes apart from a minor shuffling of standard and optional features.

Introduction

Sleek "coupelike" styling is all the rage lately. Four-door sedans with downwardly sweeping roof lines started it off a few years back, and the coupe concept now has been adopted by crossover SUVs, of which the BMW X6 is a prime example.

From the beltline down, the 2012 BMW X6 has all the expected characteristics of a crossover ute -- rugged styling, elevated ride height and all-wheel drive. But all this has been capped by a sloped roof line that suggests speed. Three inches shorter than the traditional X5 sport-utility with which it shares a platform, the X6 does indeed handle a bit better when you're driving fast. But just as with any coupe, there are compromises in the overall package, notably rear seat space and cargo capacity in this case.

Of course, the X6 still provides an enjoyable driving experience in the BMW manner and even the less powerful of the two versions offered is impressively quick. A buttoned-down suspension and communicative steering further attest to its lineage. But there's just no escaping how big and heavy the X6 is, and you'll never confuse it with a sport sedan. As advertised, it drives like a really sporty SUV, only one without much practicality.

If it seems as if we think the 2012 BMW X6 makes about as much sense as putting MTV's reality programming staff in charge of the State Department, then you get the picture. There's just no reason we can see to buy an X6 instead of any number of more conventional luxury vehicles, many of which are available with all-wheel drive. Among luxury SUVs, the BMW X5 doesn't have the same flashy styling as its X6 sibling, but it offers virtually the same driving dynamics along with a full backseat and a sizable cargo area. The Porsche Cayenne is another sport-tuned SUV with greater practicality, while even the oddly styled BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo makes more sense to us.

But we have a hunch that practicality won't matter to someone who purchases the 2012 BMW X6. What will matter is that they love the styling and that it's a BMW. The former is a matter of taste, while the latter speaks to the brand's enduring quality, engineering excellence and desirability.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 BMW X6 is a four-passenger SUV (an optional center seat for the rear increases capacity to five) available in two trim styles that correspond to engine choice: the xDrive35i and xDrive50i. The term xDrive refers to an all-wheel-drive system as standard equipment. There is also the  which is covered in a separate model review.

Standard equipment on the X6 xDrive35i includes 19-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, power tailgate, sunroof, automatic and adaptive bi-xenon headlights, foglights, automatic wipers, cruise control, 10-way power front seats, heated front seats, driver memory functions, leather upholstery, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, the iDrive electronics interface and a 10-speaker sound system with CD player, iPod/USB adapter and HD radio. Aside from its twin-turbo V8, the xDrive50i adds 14-way-adjustable front seats, BMW Assist emergency telematics, Bluetooth and a navigation system with voice controls and real-time traffic. These extra items are available as options on the xDrive35i.

The optional Premium Sound package adds a 16-speaker surround-sound system with satellite radio. The Cold Weather package adds heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and retractable headlight washers. The Active Ventilated Seat package adds automatically adjusting driver seat bolsters, ventilated seats and perforated leather upholstery. The Premium package adds four-zone climate control, a navigation system, keyless ignition/entry, a rearview camera (with top view) and manual rear side window shades. The Sport package adds a choice of 19- or 20-inch wheels, the Active Drive enhanced suspension and darker interior and exterior trim. The version of this package known as Sport Activity deletes Active Drive. A Technology package provides automatic high beams, a sideview camera and a head-up display.

Several of the above items are available as stand-alone options, as are active steering, a lane departure warning system, adaptive cruise control, soft-close automatic doors, running boards, extended leather upholstery, a rear center seat and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 BMW X6 xDrive35i is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. As with the xDrive50i, an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. BMW estimates that the X6 35i will go from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined.

The xDrive50i gets a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that cranks out 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Its estimated 0-60 time is 5.3 seconds, while fuel economy estimates stand at 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined.

Safety

Standard safety features on the 2012 BMW X6 include antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, hill descent control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. Also included is BMW's advanced Dynamic Performance Control (DPC), which greatly enhances directional stability and traction by redirecting power to individual wheels. BMW Assist emergency telematics are optional.

In Edmunds brake testing, an X6 xDrive35i came to a stop from 60 mph in a very short 111 feet.

Interior Design and Special Features

From the front seats, the BMW X6 is nearly identical to the X5 upon which it is based, though sportier seats and a cushioned design for the center console (protecting knees during aggressive cornering) are unique to the X6. In BMW fashion, the materials are top-notch and the whole thing is put together beautifully.

The big changes happen behind the front seats, mostly due to the sloping roof line that reduces rear headroom by about 2 inches. In standard form, the rear seat accommodates just two passengers, since the large rear center console is not removable. A new center seat option can accommodate an additional passenger. The outboard rear seats are reasonably comfortable, but they lack any sort of adjustment.

The dramatic roof line also cuts into the cargo area. Cargo capacity is sufficient for occasional hauling, with a decent 25 cubic feet with the seats up, but with the rear seats stowed, the X6 holds only 60 cubic feet (compared to the X5's 75 cubes). That's less capacity than you'll get out of a Hyundai Tucson.

Driving Impressions

The 2012 BMW X6 delivers an astonishing amount of performance considering its size and weight. Cornering prowess is impressive thanks to a balanced weight distribution, wide, sticky tires and an all-wheel-drive system with lots of electronic features. The steering is great when going fast, but the effort level is a bit too heavy at low speed.

Acceleration is brisk with either of the available engines (the 300-hp 35i is definitely more than enough). Braking power is remarkably strong and fade-free, especially considering this big Bimmer's heft. And despite the X6's athletic tuning, ride comfort does not suffer. In everyday driving, the cabin keeps road and wind noise to a minimum, while the suspension soaks up road imperfections with ease.

2012 Mercedes Concept A

This is the concept version of the 2012-2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. If you recall, the A-Class is the German carmaker’s smallest model that flopped in the GCC a decade ago, but continued to thrive in the European market. It looks like the A-Class is ditching its dorky height and gaining some length soon.

This concept is an exaggerated version of the front-wheel-drive A-Class that will debut sometime next year. The “Concept A” gets a turbocharged and direct-injected 210 hp “BlueEFFICIENCY” 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, dual-clutch automanual transmission, and accident-prevention gadgets from the S-Class.

We hear that Mercedes-Benz isn’t too keen on playing with the poor crowd in the UAE, so it is likely this model will not come to the GCC anytime soon, if only to not steal sales from the B-Class. Wait, is the B-Class still around?

The Mercedes Benz Conept A seems to have come from another planet. It looks stunning and will surely give a run for money to its competitors. The German car maker will unveilthis car at 2011 Shanghai Motor Show later this month. Technical highlights of the car include a new, turbo charged 4-cylinder petrol engine, a dual clutch transmission and a radar based collision warning system with adaotive brake assist.

Going by the officially released picture, boys at Stuttgart have hit the nail right in the head as far as the design of a sporty compact car is concerned. Note the long bonnet, a low silhouette and slim window areas of this 3-door showcar. Inspiration comes from Mercedes F800 concept.

The Concept A showcar is a front wheel drive car powered by the new generation Mercedes M270 series engines. A two-litre engine of the new engine family, developing 210 hp, sites under its bonnet. We expect smaller and diesel engines to be made available on the car in comeing times as well. Is an AMG hot hatch to rival the RS3 and 1-series M is the pipeline as well, we suspect it could well be.

The cabin features flashy red lit dials and vents, which Mercedes says are inspired by the after burners of a jet engine – hot, we say! The car also happens to feature a world’s first radar based collision warning system in its segment.

The new A class should become available next year, in similar timeslines as the new A3 or 1 series.

Peugeot HX1 Concept

Peugeot has unveiled its latest HX1 concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Continuing Peugeot’s recent trend, the HX1 concept utilizes the automaker’s diesel-electric HYbrid4 drivetrain.

Although Peugeot calls the HX1 concept an MPV, its low stance and wide track give it a look more along the lines of a shooting brake. Peugeot says the HX1’s low-slung look has benefits beyond its sleek appearance, netting a wind-cheating Cd of 0.28.

The HX1 sports a futuristic interior befitting of a high-end concept car, featuring an oak floor with inlaid fiber optics, digital instrumentation and touch-screen displays. Rear seat passengers are also treated to a minibar, coffee machine and a center console covered in Carrare marble.

As previously mentioned, the HX1 receives its motivation from Peugeot’s HYbrid4 diesel-electric hybrid system. That system consists of a 204 horsepower 2.2L diesel driving the front wheels and a 95 horsepower electric motor spinning the rear wheels. The system is coupled together via a six-speed automatic transmission.

The HX1 is also plug-in capable, delivering 18.6 miles of all-electric driving. On the combined cycle, Peugeot says the HX1 is good for 88.2mpg.

Peugeot hasn’t announced any production plans for the HX1, but the company is moving forward with two other HYbrid4-powered vehicles, so a sleek MPV could be next.

The low slung MPV concept car from Peugeot will make its first address at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The concept vehicle is 1.37mts tall, 1.99 wide and 4.95mts long allowing for a Cd of 0.28 and will be able to seat up to 6 people. Access is via four reverse-opening ‘half-scissor’ doors. When in motion, the turbine blade styled 7 spoke wheel open to create a flat disc surface, simultaneously a spoiler and two side skirts located atop the tailgate are deployed above 62.1mph, adapting itself to the environment.  
The front gets a ‘floating’ grille with an LED lighting signature. The HX1 utilizes HYbrid4 technology, with a diesel engine powering the front wheels and an electric motor propelling the rear. The 204 bhp 2.2 litre HDi diesel motor is linked to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. This coupled with the 95 bhp electric motor develops 299bhp. The HX1 achieves a combined fuel consumption of 2.66l/100km with CO₂ emissions of 83 g/km. In ‘Zero Emissions Vehicle’ mode it can be driven at low speeds powered by the electric motor. Did we mention the camera integrated side mirrors…

2011 Volkswagen Touran

The new Volkswagen Touran compact MPV opens for ordering today complete with fresh styling both inside and out, a range of efficient new engines and a starting price of £17,585 RRP on the road.  First deliveries are set to take place on 22 September.

Unveiled at the Leipzig Motor Show in April, the new Touran draws on the design language seen on the Polo and new Sharan with a mix of clean lines and a lower, wider appearance than the model it replaces.  The changes extend to the front wings, bonnet and front bumper which are joined by new wing mirrors, rear lights and a restyled tailgate and bumper.

Inside the new Touran the entertainment and climate functions have all been revised and a new three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of restyled dials.  Fresh trim finishes are also available.

As with the outgoing car, the new Touran’s focus is on versatility, with the ability to carry seven adults with the third row of seats folding flat into the floor.  In addition, air conditioning, alloy wheels, roof rails, a CD stereo system, ABS, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) and six airbags are all fitted as standard.  A five-seat option is also available.

The second generation of Park Assist, a system that will also be available on the new Sharan, is offered.  Not only does the new system require less space to perform parallel parking manoeuvres, it also allows the Touran to be parked in spaces at 90 degrees to the kerb.

Fitted for the first time to the Touran is the advanced new 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine. Despite a modest displacement of 1,197 cc, the turbocharged unit develops 105 PS and 129 lbs ft of torque while returning 44.1 mpg on the combined cycle and emitting 149 g/km of CO₂.  In BlueMotion Technology form, complete with Stop/Start and battery regeneration, the 1.2-litre TSI engine is capable of returning 47.9 mpg while emitting an estimated 139 g/km of CO₂.

A further petrol and four diesel engines will be available, ranging in power from 90 to 170 PS.  Three trim levels – S, SE and Sport – will be available with BlueMotion Technology variants being offered with each.  The full range of engines and prices are detailed on the following page or can be accessed 

For more details, visit your Volkswagen Retailer  to visit the Touran section of the website.

Honda CR-V Concept Comes to California - Gets New Engine

Honda has been generous enough to show us a “concept” version of the 2012 CR-V. If past Honda “concepts” are any indication, however, the word concept is employed loosely. When Honda flaunted the 2012 Civic “concept” at this year’s  it was almost identical to the production model that debuted later. In other words, the production 2012 CR-V should look almost identical to the concept seen here.

The CR-V received a , but the redesign for the 2012 model will be much more significant. The visual transformation begins with an entirely new nose, which incorporates more rectangular headlights, a new grille that mimics that of the Accord, restyled foglight housings, and an upswept skid plate designed to sport up the action. The CR-V’s body sides wear new strakes and creases, while the hatch now bows in a convex shape, as opposed to the flatter rear of the 2011 CR-V. The hatch line is echoed by the C-pillar, which takes on a boomerang shape thanks to a triangular rear side window.

The redesign makes the new CR-V appear sportier and chunkier than the version extant, although we expect that the tinted headlights, gloss-black rocker panels, and big five-spoke wheels are too showy to make it to the production car. No images of an interior have been released as of yet.

Honda is mum on whether the CR-V will receive any mechanical upgrades, although the 2012 model is said to be more fuel-efficient than the current model. That could mean revisions to the CR-V’s 2.4-liter inline-four engine, or perhaps a switch from the standard five-speed automatic to a six-speed unit. The 2011 CR-V is rated at 21/28 mpg (city/highway) in front-wheel-drive configuration, or 21/27 mpg with four driven wheels.

The CR-V doesn’t need any help attracting customers, with healthy sales of 203,714 units in 2010 and 110,916 through the first six months of 2011. Still, an upgrade for the 2012 model year will help Honda’s most popular SUV stay fresh as other manufacturers launch or redesign competing compact crossovers. Expect the new 2012 CR-V to go on sale by the end of 2011.

**UPDATE: Honda has revealed that the production version of the 2012 CR-V will be revealed in September at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim

Honda’s CR-V isn’t quite ready for public consumption, but the CR-V concept — which previews the production model’s look — is: the automaker showed off the concept at the Orange County Auto Show in Anaheim, California, ahead of a production car release.

The CR-V concept is an evolution of the previous model, which is nearing the end of its five year model cycle. The look has been updated with a three-bar grille, vertically wrapped tail lamps, and pointed rear windows next to an angular D-pillar.

A supplier PDF by Automotive News says that the CR-V will now offer two engines: either the old 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 175 hp and 170 lb-ft, or a new 2.5-liter L-4 with 201 hp and 177 lb-ft. Both engines will be mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that carries over from the last CR-V, as well as the same all-wheel drive system.

The CR-V will make its production car debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, at which point it will have already begun production: Honda claims production on the 4^th-generation CR-V starts this month in East Liberty, Ohio, and Honda will formally put the car on sale in December of this year. It expects to sell around 286,000 copies of the CR-V in 2012

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black

The latest in a very short but highly distinguished—and completely nuts—line of Black Series Benzes is here. The C63 AMG Black Series is based on the C63 coupe, which we just droCLK63 Black Series,ve for the first time a few months ago. Following the lead of the not-for-U.S.-sale SLK55 Black Series, the  and the this C63 AMG is amped up visually and dynamically, with a steroidal bump in output to back up the flared nostrils.

In case the 451 hp and 443 lb-ft in the standard-issue C63 AMG or the 481 and 443 offered by that car’s  aren’t quite cutting it, the C63 AMG BS makes 510 hp at 6800 rpm and 457 lb-ft at 5200. Like cars with the Development Pack, the Black Series borrows its pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft from the be-gullwinged  supercar. (And like previous Black Series cars, the C63 will sound downright nasty. Click on the video at the bottom of this page to hear it rev.) Behind the motor lives the same seven-speed automatic found in the regular C63, packing four shift modes and a launch-control function for when you really don’t want to linger at this stupid party one more split second. We ran a Development Pack sedan to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds; with wider rear rubber, figure on the Black Series shaving a couple tenths from that and clearing the quarter-mile in around 12 seconds flat.

I’m Going to Eat You

Like the Black Series cars that came before it, the C63 oozes menace and purpose. Air can’t flow through stuff, so there’s remarkably little material remaining in the front fascia, the bumper that once resided there largely displaced by intakes covered by black mesh. A gaping central intake is flanked by two smaller holes through which cooling air enters, and two nostrils atop the hood give hot air a convenient exit from underhood. As if to emphasize its name and purpose, the front splitter comes to a sharp point in the middle of the nose.

Flared fenders widen the car by 2.2 inches up front and 3.3 out back, covering tracks stretched by 1.6 and 3.1 inches, respectively. Vents behind the front wheels and ahead of the rears are both nonfunctional, which somewhat diminishes their awesomeness. The lightweight wheels at each corner have their movements controlled by adjustable coil-overs, while speed-sensitive steering issues directional orders and Black Series–specific anti-roll bars maintain the contact patches during aggressive driving. The brake rotors measure 15.4 inches in diameter up front and 14.2 inches out back. Red paint is standard on the calipers, which have six pistons up front and four in the rear. The rubber measures 255/35-19 up front and 285/30-19 out back—that’s up from 235/40-18s and 255/35-18s on the basic C63 AMG coupe—and a limited-slip diff is standard, as is a stability-control system that will get entirely out of the way if you want it to.

Flat Bottom Girls

You’ll notice hard-shell sport buckets in the accompanying photos, but those aren’t likely to make it to the U.S. We are likely, however, to at least get red stitching on whatever seats we do end up with. Calm down. The rear seat has been dismissed in the interest of weight savings, but can be reactivated if you’d like to frighten more than just one person at a time. And AMG has flattened both the bottom and top of the steering wheel, which makes it way more serious than all those wheels with just flat bottoms. Lest the screaming V-8 deafen your passenger to the point they can no longer hear the V-8 screaming, a Black Series logo on the dash will remind them why they can’t hear.

Those who feel the flared and vented look of the C63 AMG Black Series isn’t quite enough will be able to crank up the appearance even more with an AMG Aerodynamics package that includes carbon-fiber winglets on the front valance and a fixed carbon-fiber spoiler with an adjustable aerofoil. AMG says these bits are functional and increase downforce, but isn’t saying by how much. It also won’t provide photos of a car so equipped, so we don’t know by how much they make it look more menacing and/or ridiculous. The C63 Black’s other major option package is a Track pack that includes even higher-performance rubber of unspecified Dunlop pedigree, as well as a differential cooler.

All Black Series cars to this point have been low-production affairs, the SLK55 AMG, for example, being limited to just 120 units. The CLK63 and SL65 sold in slightly higher numbers, at 700 and 350, respectively. While Mercedes isn’t saying yet how many C63 AMG Black Series it will build, representatives do tell us the number will be capped. Figure on a sticker edging close to $100,000. While that’s awfully steep for a car that shares its basic shape and structure with a coupe starting in the mid-$30,000 range, it is about $40,000 cheaper than the CLK63 Black Series and a whopping $200K less than the SL65 Black Series. So if you’ve got a spot reserved in your garage for what will certainly be the cheapest U.S.-market Black Series car yet, get on the horn to your dealer now. U.S. distribution will begin early in 2012.