BMW shows all-new 2023 X1 compact SAV

When you read through the extensive media release after the jump, the first thing that grabs you is the plethora of standard and optional equipment. In other words, this "little" puppy ain't gonna be cheap (inexpensive). With pretty much all of BMW's grab bag of safety, performance, anf tech equipment available on BMW's little sports activity vehicle (SAV), you know that you won't be missing out on anything by not buying a larger vehicle (automakers used to save the best "stuff" for the bigger models). While it's not listed in the media release, I believe that this new X1 is based on a front-wheel-drive platform (that is shared with the Mini Countryman) but for the US all models will have xDrive all-wheel drive as standard. Interestingly, the xDrive system is mechanical in nature and not an electric device which is sometimes easier to place in a smaller vehicle while maintaining interior room. A 2.0-liter, turbocharged four (241 hp) is the only engine option and comes mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. The equipment list goes on and on so I won't list it here, so click on "read more" below to view all the info. There is also a brief video after the jump as well. I was disappointed when I read the release that no mention was made about rumored upcoming hybrid and EV (iX1) versions of the X1. It has been reported that the next Mini Countryman, that shares this platform and underpinnings, will be EV only. We should be getting more details over the next few months. Until then, enjoy BMW's newest SAV...

Source: Media release, pics, video, and specification chart

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.

Mini Countryman goes to the "Boardwalk"

Few car companies do special editions better (or as many) as the Mini brand and this is the latest, The Countryman Boardwalk. The Boardwalk edition (I keep hearing the song "Under the Boardwalk" as I type this) comes outfitted with special Deep Laguna Metallic blue paint with black accents and a stripe pattern in Deep Laguna metallic and black metallic with the lettering “BOARDWALK” on the frame of the side trims known as "Side Scuttles." Patterns and inscriptions can also be found on the entry bars. In addition, the side flanks of the roof at the rear side windows and the interior bar on the passenger side each bear a logo with the name of the edition model. The Boardwalk edition will come in three Countryman flavors: Cooper, Cooper S, and Cooper S All4 (with all-wheel drive). A six-speed manual is standard and a seven-speed automatic is optional. All4 models step up to the eight-speed Steptronic automatic. Cooper S and Cooper S All4 models get the turbocharged four (178 hp). Options are available to further enhance your Mini special. Personally, I like the Deep Laguna Metallic paint and the overall look. Now if it was available in the hybrid SE version... For more, check out the media release, general Countryman video, and additional pic after the "read more" jump. Check with your dealer regarding availability.

Source: Mini - Media release and pics

Volkswagen announces sub-Tiguan compact crossover, the 2022 Taos

What you see here is Volkswagen's latest entry into the compact SUV/crossover market, the Taos. Anyone who watches closely would know that this was inevitable from VW.  They listened to dealers, who always want bigger and better (aka more profitable), instead of looking at the marketplace itself and future trends. The Tiguan became a large compact that was just inches away from becoming a mid-sized entry. Some of you may remember the original Tiguan. A smallish, boxy crossover that was loved by their owners due to their style, size, and zipability. Volkswagen "updated" the Tiguan (read make it like everyone else's compact crossovers) with bland non-threatening styling and less zip. Let's admit that the Tiguan has been relatively successful but it left behind all those who liked the car before not to mention the millions of folks that were buying sub-compact CUVs.  Dealers spoke again (due to lost sales) and Volkswagen rushed the Taos (market mid-range) compact into production. The size and specs read like a somewhat de-contented Tiguan that isn't really that much smaller. It has the 158 hp 1.5-liter turbocharged engine from the base Jetta mated to an eight-speed automatic (seven-speed dual-clutch transmission when fitted with all-wheel drive), but VW's 2.0-liter four would be a better choice for more zip and to overcome the extra weight that comes with the crossover body style. The Taos is attractive in a VW-sort-of way, but looking at the pics, it screams down-market. Which is okay, cuz not everybody wants glam to the max. I'm sure that numerous options and upgrades will be available especially for those attracted to the Taos' somewhat smaller size. For more info, check out the media release after the "read more" jump and watch the reveal video in the next post. The Taos will not be available until some time next year, so more to come. I think a Taos GTI would be nice, you?

Source: Volkswagen - Media release, video (next post), and pics

 

BMW releases X2 (s or x)Drive 28i Edition M Mesh trim level

The BMW X2 is one of my favorites in their line up. It's the right size, looks great, and has decent performance with the 2.8-liter turbo four mated to an eight-speed automatic. 0 to 60 times are in the low to mid-range 6s depending on whether you choose the sDrive or xDrive (all-wheel drive) option. If you want more go, step up to the X2 with the 3.5-liter engine. What the M Edition Mesh gets you is trim from the M Sport X exterior package like the M Mesh kidney grille, choice of metallic paint including, for the first time on the X2, Brooklyn Grey Metallic, new 19-inch M Aerodynamic Style 919M wheels with orange or black highlights, 8-Speed Sport automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters, specially selected interior appointments including Edition badging, and M Sport Seats with leather upholstery. 20-inch wheels are optional. You can get your X2 Edition M Mesh in any color as long as it's one of these choices - Alpine White, Brooklyn Grey Metallic, Phytonic Blue Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic, and Sunset Orange Metallic. The Shadowline trim is nice as are the leather seats. Luckily for US customers, the Orange stripes are not included (which is the one thing I don't like). All this goodness will set you back about $3,550 on top of the X2 xDrive28i's $36,600 plus taxes. fees, destination ($995), and options and the X2 xDrive28i's $38,600 plus. EPA-rated fuel economy is 24 city, 31 highway, and 27 combined. (The xDrive model gets 1 mpg more on the highway - go figure.)  The X2 Edition M Mesh models will be available starting November 2020. If this looks like your thang, let your local dealer know. For more info, check out the media release, one pic, and spec chart after the "read more" jump. Now, where are the hybrids and EV models...

Source: BMW - Pics, spec chart, and media release

Mazda adds power to the 2021 CX-30 with the 2.5-liter Turbo engine

Mazda's CX-30 crossover is a capable vehicle that has styling that is a breed apart from the others. In a good way. The CX-30's styling mimics that of the New Mazda3 but in a raised, crossover form. I personally like it a lot and no one does deep metallic red better than Mazda. For 2021, Mazda decided to make things more interesting by throwing in the 2.5-liter turbochargesd engine and standard all-wheel drive to create the CX-30 2.5 Turbo. The turbo engine creates 250 hp on premium (less with regular) and 320 lb./ft of torque which will move the new CX-30 Turbo down the road much faster than the "regular" CX-30 and its 187 hp. No transmission was listed but expect an automatic. Special black wheels and trim round out the Turbo model which should sit at the top of the model line-up (with prices to match). The dash pic is of a 2020 model since no pic was available for the new version. Might still be tweaking things. Don't rush down to your dealer yet (except to order maybe) since the Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo will not be released until late 2020. Looks good and should be fun. More to come. Check out the brief media release (with some additional info) and one pic after the "read more" jump.

Source: Mazda/NewsPress - Pics and media release