2022 Honda Civic Hatchback goes on sale

When the 2022 Honda Civic Sedan was first shown I was a bit underwhelmed. The then current Civic sedan with its fastback shape was sportier and better-looking than the 22 Sedan that has the vestiges of a trunk. Now the new '22 Civic Hatchback shares the fastback shape with the current Civic (and the rear liftgate, see photo after the jump) and is much better-looking than the sedan. At least now you can tell them apart even if you don't have a sharp eye for those things. I wonder if the more "wagon-like" two-box shape will be shown when the Si and R versions are introduced. For now, the '22 Civic Hatchback comes in LX ($22,900+ $1,015 destination, taxes, license, fees, and options, CVT), Sport ($24,100+ either CVT or 6-speed manual), EX-L ($26,600+ CVT), and Sport Touring ($29,400+ CVT or manual) trim levels. The LX and Sport models get Honda's 2.0-liter four that makes 158 hp while the EX-L and Sport Touring models get the 1.5-liter turbo four that makes 180 hp. Surprisingly, the EX-L model gets the highest EPA fuel economy rating of 31 city, 39 highway and 35 combined. Check out the EPA numbers and pricing chart after the media release. This should sell well and it's built in the US. Click on "read more" below to view the media release, pics, and an intro video. With the release of the Civic Hatchback for 2022, Honda has another fuel-efficient winner on their hands. 

Source: Honda - Media release, pics, and video. Sedan Post.

Subaru debuts new 2022 WRX rally/sports sedan featuring new GT model

Subaru has released the all-new WRX sports/rally sedan into the wild for 2022 (23 MY?). The new sportster now sits on Subaru's global platform which should yield a better ride, rigidity, and improved handling. And handling is what sets rally cars apart from the rest versus straight-line performance, although the new WRX's 271-hp boxer engine is no slouch in that department. The look is more mature with a muscular wide body stance that subtly lets one know that this is no ordinary Subaru. The front is familiar with a smaller grille and sleek headlamps but the large hood says WRX. The rear is updated and the bumpers feature dark grey inserts to match the wheel arches and lower body accents. Looks good. The interior is a big update with an 11.6 inch, tablet-style screen and gauges and all the infotainment features and equipment you could want. Using the global platform means an upgrade in safety features as well such as EyeSight Driver Assist. A new top-of-the-line GT trim comes with a new automatic transmission, the Subaru Performance Transmission, as standard. The new WRX GT offers a first-ever for WRX, new electronically-controlled suspension dampers that can tailor the dynamic performance to the driver’s preferences with Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings. The Drive Mode Select also offers additional options to configure steering feel, damper settings, SI-Drive settings, and more, with up to 430 different customization options. Also standard on the GT trim is EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (including Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control and new Automatic Emergency Steering), 18=inch alloy wheels, Recaro seats, and more. The new 2022 Subaru WRX is a nicely balanced package that is good-looking and provides many driving smiles per mile. Click on "read more" to view the extensive media release, a pic and a video outlining features with driving footage. Enjoy! Subie's WRX will hit dealers in 2022. Oh and let's not forget Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard as well.

Source: Subaru - Media release, pics, and video

2023 Nissan Z sports car revealed

Nissan introduced a car in New York that everyone has been waiting for, the New Nissan Z. No numbers, just Z. From the pics, you can see that this is a nice update of the traditional Z styling with a clean more modern appearance. Unfortunately, no electrification was announced at this time, but the new Z will come with a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6 that puts out 400 hp. A six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic will be available. The Z will be offered in Sport and Performance (blue car) grade levels and a special "Proto Spec” edition (yellow car), which will be limited to 240 units. The driver-centric cockpit includes a 12.3-inch customizable racing-inspired meter display, available leather-appointed sports seats and 8-speaker Bose® audio system. And yes, there's still a a hatch for entry to the cargo area. "When we introduced the Z in 1969, the Z was a revolution. Since then, for more than 50 years, Nissan has brought style, speed, reliability and so much more to millions of enthusiasts around the world,” said Ashwani Gupta, representative executive officer and chief operating officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "The Z has always been an accessible sports car – always placed at the intersection of aspiration and attainability – of dreams and reality. This latest iteration is now ready to thrill Z enthusiasts, and create a whole new generation of Z fans as well, when it comes to market here in the U.S. early next year.” Expect lots of tech with the first deliveries in the Spring of 2022. If this looks like your next car, get in line now. Click on "read more" below to view the media release, B-roll video and reveal video. Enjoy!

Source: Nissan - Media release, pics, and videos (2)

Volkswagen shows updated 2022 Golf R and GTI

For those of you that still imbibe the dino juice, there are still a few interesting cars available today to whet your whistle. Volkswagen just released two of those cars, the 2022 Golf R and GTI. Available this Fall, the performance pair got numerous updates including engines, interiors, and more. The turbocharged I-4 now resides under both hoods with the GTI now rated at 241-hp and the R jumps that up to 315-hp mated to a six-speed manual or seven=speed DSG dual clutch automatic. Both models have improved power numbers with the new R beating previous model's six-cylinder engine. Inside an all-new electronic architecture enhances the interior with standard 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, touch interfaces, and 30-color ambient lighting, New vehicle dynamics settings improve handling, along with standard VAQ torque-sensing limited-slip differential on GTI and torque-vectoring AWD on R. New wheels, colors, and options complete the update. The pics shown on this page are of the R model while comparable GTI images appear after the jump. The GTI has three flavors, S, SE, and Autobahn with prices starting at $29,545 (plus taxes, license, fees, destination) for the S trim and the R starts at $43,645+. Destination is $995 for both. What your money gets you is one of the quickest, best handling, and well-balanced hot hatches. What will these two be like when they convert to electric drive? For more information about the new performance VW Golfs and Golf R intro video, click on "read more." The release even details the equipment by model and trim level.

Source: Volkswagen - media release, pics, and videos