New 2016 Honda Civic Coupe

The announcement that the Civic Coupe would be revealed in LA was made no more than a week ago, which meant that it was only a matter of time before we got to see the production version of that surprisingly sporty Civic Coupe Concept shown in New York earlier this year.

Before we get into any specifics, let's talk about what we see and don't see. For starters, the car isn't as aggressive as the NY concept, that much is obvious. Gone are the tiny mirrors, the body kit, the blacked out grille (though there's still room for these things to make their way onto sportier versions), as is the massive rear wing and the central exhaust tip.

Now, what Honda does want us to know is that the 2016 Civic Coupe will be launched officially in March 2016, boasting a sporty new chassis, a more spacious and quieter cabin and according to the Japanese manufacturer, even class-leading crash safety ratings.

Just like its sedan sibling, the 2016 Civic Coupe will feature two engines, one of which is the first-ever turbocharged engine of the Coupe, with more power, better performance as well as fuel efficiency. Lower spec models will be powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine, good for 158 HP and 138 lb-ft (187 Nm) of torque with anticipated fuel-economy ratings of 31/41/35 mpg (city/highway/combined), or 7.5/5.7/6.7 liters/100 km.

This engine will also be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission on these lower spec cars. Mid and high spec models are powered by a new 1.5-liter DOHC direct-injected turbocharged engine (a first for the Civic Coupe), good for 174 HP and 162 lb-ft (219 Nm) of torque. Anticipated EPA ratings sit at 31/42/35 mpg, basically identical to 2.0-liter i-VTEC unit.

In terms of styling, Honda made sure to produce significant upgrades for the new Civic Coupe, where the exterior does share a lot of the concept's sporty and premium character thanks to the bold front fascia, fastback profile and the aggressive detailing.

Inside, the overall room has grown by 8.4 cubic feet (237 liters) while the rear seat legroom is increased by more than 5 inches (12.7 cm), compared to the outgoing Coupe model. Throughout the cabin, you'll notice a soft-touch instrument panel with molded stitching, more premium seat fabrics and a new TFT center meter.

All new Civic Coupes, starting with the LX version and moving to the top of the line Touring model, feature upgraded interiors with solid standard equipment levels that include auto on/off headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, acoustic glass windshield, automatic climate control (dual-zone in upper trims), Electric Parking Brake with Brake Hold and Walk-Away auto door locks.

New features such as the LED headlights, remote engine start, heated front seats and side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, full-color TFT center meter and seven-inch Display Audio touchscreen are also available.

As for audio and connectivity features, the new Civic Coupe comes with a new Android OS-based 7" Display Audio touch screen interface, and a whole bunch of streaming audio options such as Pandora, SiriusXM and HD Radio. Versions with Display Audio are also compatible with both Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay platforms, while the highest spec models will feature Honda's new Satellite-Linked navigation system, developed together with Garmin.

Since Honda is also bragging about the 2016 Civic Coupe's safety characteristics, it's important to note that the car has a next-gen Advanced Compatibility Body Structure and the available new Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety tech. Thanks to these features, Honda is targeting the highest available US safety rating from the NHTSA and a top safety pick rating from the IIHS.

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New BMW 330e Plug-In Hybrid

An MPV like the 2-Series Active Tourer would previously been unthinkable – front-wheel drive, a heresy, a betrayal against the brand's core values. The powers that be in BMW, of course, know very well that the 3-Series is their bread-and-butter model and their best-seller, so they make sure they don't meddle much with its successful recipe.

Nevertheless, electrification has become inevitable in order to meet the stringent norms concerning fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This does not necessarily imply that driving pleasure has been compromised. According to BMW, the new 330e "adds to the 3-Series model range a plug-in hybrid variant that meets the highest standards of dynamics and efficiency".

The engineers might have used the know-how gained by the i-Series, but unlike the i3 and i8, as well as the 225xe Active Tourer that will also debut at the IAA, the 65kW/88 PS electric motor that's positioned in front of the eight-speed auto gearbox is mated not to the 1.5-liter three-cylinder, but the 184 PS, 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

Thus, the 330e has a total combined output of 252 PS and a peak torque of 420 Nm (310 lb-feat), with 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) – and, for small bursts, up to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) - being available at all times by the eDrive system.

This enables the 330e to accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill in just 6.1 seconds and top out at 225 km/h (140 mph). Not bad for a premium compact saloon, especially when you factor in the 1.9-2.1 lt/100 km (148.7-134.5 mpg) average fuel consumption and its CO2 emissions that are just 44-49 g/km.

BMW claims that, in all-electric mode, the hybrid 3-Series has a range of 40 km (25 miles) at speeds up to 120 km/h (75 mph) before the petrol engine kicks in and the total range in everyday driving can reach 600 km (373 miles).

The 7.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is situated under the boot, reducing its 480 lt capacity by 90 lt, though the company says that it has managed to keep the 50/50 weight balance and, anyway, the 370 lt that's available is still more than enough – plus, one can always fold the 40/20/40 split rear seat.

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BMW 225xe Active Tourer AWD Plug-in Hybrid

BMW is bringing the 225xe to the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show for its world premiere on September 15 where it will be joined by another plug-in hybrid addition to the firm's range with the dedicated "e" moniker, the 330e sedan. While aimed at the masses, the new 225xe takes inspiration from the i8 sports car, since it uses the same 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline unit (though positioned on the front this time) and electric motor configuration.

In the Active Tourer, the 1.5L mill produces 136PS (134hp) and 220Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque, driving the front wheels via a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, while an 88PS (87hp) electric motor is integrated into the rear axle. Together, the two drive systems produce a combined 224PS (221hp) and 385Nm (284 lb-ft) of peak torque.

The cool thing about BMW's system is that it can power the front, rear or all four wheels, depending on the drive mode. When using both, the 225xe can accelerate to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.7 seconds and top out at 202km/h (126mph).

There are three pure electric modes named "AUTO eDRIVE", "MAX eDRIVE" and SAVE BATTERY. The 225xe has a top speed of up to 125km/h (78mph) in MAX eDrive mode and 80km/h (50mph) in AUTO eDRIVE. BMW quotes an electric range of up to 41 kilometers (25 miles). Electric power comes from a lithium-ion battery positioned under the rear seat bench, with BMW claiming that "primary" boot capacity remains unchanged over the conventional 2-Series Active Tourer models at 400 liters.

The battery can be charged either by means of brake energy recuperation or by plugging into a domestic socket, which takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes from empty, or via the optional BMW iWallbox that cuts that time by an hour. According to the Germans, the 225xe's combined fuel economy that includes use of the battery, is 2.0l/100km or 117.6mpg US / 141.2mpg UK.

The 225xe will go on sale in Europe towards the end of the year with prices in Germany starting from €37,800 ($42,400), which is slightly less than the 192PS 2.0-liter turbo 225i that begins from €38,000. You probably already suspected this, but the 225xe will not be offered in the States.

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2016 Ford Explorer Platinum Series

The 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum is a combination of the performance-oriented Explorer Sport and comfort-focused Limited trim levels. The vehicle's interior is described by Ford Explorer chief designer Mike Arbaugh as "most upscale, high-quality interior we’ve ever offered on a Ford vehicle in North America."

That's because the cabin employs real aluminum and real ash wood multi-piece accents on door panels and instrument panel, as well as a wood and leather-wrapped heated steering wheel with unique stitching.

The cabin is wrapped in Nirvana leather, with interior color options including Soft Ceramic or a new Ebony with Anthracite headliner combination. Other details include the 10-inch digital display in the instrument cluster and the brushed-aluminum Ford oval on the steering wheel.

In addition, the 2016 Explorer Platinum is the first Ford vehicle to get the all-new 500-watt Sony Audio with Live Acoustics and Clear Phase technology. Other standard technologies include enhanced active park assist, lane-keeping system and rain-sensing wipers.

Styling-wise, Platinum models stand out from regular 2016 Explorers thanks to the headlights with LED signature lighting, dual-panel moon roof, silver-painted front and rear skid plate elements, as well as 20-inch wheels with bright machined face and tarnished dark painted pockets.

The 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum is offered with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 that produces 365hp at 5,500 rpm and 350lb-ft (474Nm) of torque at 3,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission.

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Citroen DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback Facelift

The makeover consists of a new front end which sports the "DS Wings" grille design as well as new DS LED Vision headlights. Besides these, the new DS 4 Crossback adds a 30mm higher ride height and black alloy wheels, black wheel arch and bumper trims as well as grey roof bars for a more rugged appearance. Inside, the DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback feature door panels upholstered in Nappa leather and semi-aniline leather upholstery with the brand’s signature "watch strap" design.

Another update for the DS 4 is the introduction of a two-tone paint option with a choice of four colors for the roof and rear spoiler, the door mirrors and hub caps. The optional Perla Nera Black, Whisper Purple, Virtual Blue or Tourmaline Orange finish on the roof mean that up to 38 color combinations are possible. There are nine body colors available, including three new hues: Tourmaline Orange, Artense Grey and Platinum Grey.

The facelifted DS 4 will be the first DS vehicle in the PSA Group to offer CarPlay compatibility with the most recent Apple iPhones. The function will be accessed via a new 7-inch color touch screen which controls all vehicle functions, from navigation to music. In addition, thanks to the new touch screen the center console requires 12 fewer buttons. Other available features include a reversing camera, keyless entry and start, as well as blind spot monitoring.

The engine lineup for the refreshed DS 4 includes six engines (three petrol and three diesel units) with outputs ranging from 120PS to 210PS. The most powerful engine is a new THP 210 S&S 6-speed manual fitted for the first time to a DS vehicle. The engine delivers 210PS (208hp) at 6,000rpm and 285Nm (210lb-ft) of torque from 1,750rpm to 4,000rpm. The DS 4 Crossback will launch with two engines – a 130PS petrol unit and a 120PS diesel.

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