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.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross compact crossover revealed

This was a bit of a surprise not only because it is a compact crossover (the RAV4 ain't no compact), but also that they attached the vehicle to the Corolla family (for marketing/bragging reasons?). Just add an X or Cross, or some other moniker and voilá, you've got a new vehicle. (Ford even considered calling the current Escape the Focus Activ.) But since most of the previously compact SUVs and crossovers have moved up in size, automakers found they had misread the market and are now coming out with new compact crossovers, like VWs new Taos to name one The Corolla Cross shares some underpinnings with its sedan brethren. The engine is a 2.0-liter four that makes 169 hp and gets mated to a higher capacity CVT. Expect about 30 mpg combined with the all-wheel-drive versions and add 2 mpg for the front-wheel-drive only Corolla Crosses. Features include Toyota's safety suite either standard or optional depending on the grade chosen (L, LE, XLE), an available JBL audio system, SofTex-trimmed seating, a 10-way, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and more depending on your needs and wallet. (Check out the media release for more). No word on exactly when the Corolla Cross will hit your local dealer, but they are calling it a 2022 model which would mean deliveries should start this year. One question though...where's the hybrid version?

Source: Toyota - Media Release, pics, and video after the "read more" jump.

Hyundai adds 50+ mpg hybrid model to dramatic 2021 Elantra

 

To say that Hyundai has upgraded the 2021 Elantra is an understatement. The new car has a dramatic styling overhaul that makes the new Elantra appear much larger than its predecessor while the increases in size are less than two inches (length, width, lowered height) the interior volume remains mostly the same. The styling updates are, like all things, subjective and up to your eyes to decide, but the new Elantra is a looker. The big news is the addition of the new hybrid model that is expected to get a 50+ mpg rating by the EPA. Just to show how diminutive the new Elantra really is, just look at the power ratings. The standard car's 2.0-liter four is rated 147 hp and 132 lb./ft of torque while the hybrid makes 139 hp and up to 195 lb./ft of torque which in the past, has moved the car along nicely. If you're interested, drive it and decide for yourself. The hybrid gets a six-speed dual-clutch automatic while the ICE version has to make do with a CVT (continuously-variable transmission) or what I like to call a rubber-band transmission (sound and engine noise/revs don't always match speed). The interior (shown) has an optional 10.25 infotainment screen and 10.25 instrument display along with what you'd expect and can afford. Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto are new additions. For more info on standard and available equipment, check out the media release, intro video (at the end). and pics after the "read more" jump. Expect the 2021 Elantras (Elantri?) to show up at your local dealer soon.

Source: Hyundai - Media release, B-roll video, and pics

Nissan unveils new 2021 Maxima 40th Anniversary Edition

For the 2021 model year, Nissan is releasing the 40th Anniversary Edition of the Maxima "four-door-sports car." This new trim level will feature special touches that are not available on the Platinum model Maxima that the 40th Ann. Ed. is based. For starters, the Maxima 40th will feature two-tone paint in Ruby Slate Grey Pearl and black (roof, trim, 19-inch wheels, exhaust tips, and badging). The interior is fitted with unique Red semi-aniline leather-appointed seating with 40th Anniversary embossing and Red contrast stitching (see pic right and dash pic after the "read more" jump). So for the most part, the 40th Anniversary Edition 2021 Maxima is an appearance package, but what an appearance. Surprisingly (to me), I really like the look especially the red interior which on most cars today, the red choice is usually burn-my-retinas red. Like the Platinum model on which it is based the Maxima 40th will feature Nissan's 300-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine and Xtronic transmission (CVT). I wish Nissan would go back to using geared transmissions like other automakers have, abandoning what I call "rubber-band transmissions." Not everyone will notice the "buzzing" difference, but since the Maxima is Nisssan's "Four-door-sports car" shouldn't the transmission reflect that? Steal some from Infiniti. This a nice-looking package that should include just about everything Nissan offers and a few "special touches." Pricing will be announced closer to the Maxima 40th Anniversary Edition's intro later in the fall. More to come...

Source: Nissan - Pics and media release