2017 Honda Ridgeline Pickup Truck

Set to debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the new pickup truck is wider and longer than the previous generation, measuring an additional 5.4 inches (13.7 centimeters) in width and 4 inches (10 cm) in length – sporting a four-foot wide flat bed, with a fully flat-floor which can withstand and a maximum payload capacity of 1,600 pounds (725 kilograms).

To top it off, the bed is apparently scratch-resistant and comes with a dual action tailgate, a 400-watt AC power inverter and an in-bed audio system that uses six exciters placed inside the bed wall in order to release sound coming from the truck's audio system for a total output of 540 watts.

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline will be powered exclusively by a 3.5-litre V6 mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, which Honda says it will ensure best-in-class acceleration and fuel economy, and will be available in both front and all-wheel-drive configurations. The AWD system will incorporate Honda's Intelligent Terrain Management, providing several modes: Normal, Sand, Snow, and Mud.

As expected from a brand new model, it will be available with a plethora of safety equipment, including Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist. Moreover, all of the models will get a multi-angle rearview camera as standard.

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2017 GMC Acadia Wheelbase

Arguably the most important development for the new GMC Acadia are it use of high-strength and lightweight steels throughout its construction. All told, the car weighs a considerable 700 pounds less than the outgoing model. That significant weight saving doesn't just help at the fuel pump, but also improves performance and makes the car more agile. Compared to the 2016 Acadia, its successor is smaller in all areas being 7.2-inches shorter, 3.5-inches narrower and 3.9-inches lower. The wheelbase itself has also been decreased in size by 6.4-inches.

Due to the vehicle's reduced size, it is no longer available with eight seats. Instead, the three-row design allows for five, six and seven-seat configurations. Despite being smaller than the 2016 model, the new car actually has more cargo capacity, 79 cubic feet versus 70 cubic feet.

In terms of engines, the entry-level model utilises a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing an undisclosed amount of power. We do know that it returns 22 miles per gallon in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, comes standard with a stop-start feature and is mated as standard with a front-wheel drive system. 2017 GMC Acadia customers also have the option of a 3.6-liter V6 pumping out 310, 19 hp more than the current model. Despite the additional power, towing capacity actually drops from 5,200 pounds to 4,000 pounds.

While both these engine options are offered solely with a six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive is offered both in standard and All Terrain guise. Each drivetrain has its own distinct drive modes. For example, front-wheel drive models include a Snow mode, the standard AWD model has 4x4 and Off Road modes while the All Terrain model appropriately receives an All Terrain mode, particularly helping with climbing steep hills.

Other key developments for the 2017 GMC Acadia include the addition of front pedestrian braking, a following distance indicator, Surround Vision camera system, forward collision alert, lane keep assist and front and rear parking sensors. Inside, customers receive the company's latest IntelliLink system offering support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An OnStar 4G LTE WiFi hotspot is also offered.

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Ford Focus RS Line Models

During discussions with Auto Express just before the Detroit Auto Show, Ford's executive vice president of global marketing, sales and service, Steve Odell, revealed that there is room to expand the RS brand. "The RS brand is really valuable. People race it. People collect it. I believe there is room to expand", he said. Odell remains tight-lipped about what the next RS-badged model from Ford could be. According to reports however, it seems highly likely that it will be a hardcore, performance-focused variant of the Fiesta.

Speculation as recent as late December claims that the Fiesta RS will arrive sometime in 2017 and be powered the same 1.6-liter turbocharged engine as the Fiesta ST. While the ST has 197 hp on tap that's arguably more than enough for a hatchback of the Fiesta's size, that figure could jump to 246 hp for the RS. Unlike the latest Focus RS which requires all-wheel drive, the entry-level RS model will retain front-wheel drive. No need to worry, though: Ford has proven time and again it can tune the chassis and suspension to make powerful FWD cars handle with aplomb.

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2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

Just like the sedan, the Cruze hatchback comes with a class-leading 106.3 inch (2,700 mm) wheelbase, but also a unique roof and rear-end design, which includes wraparound taillights and an integrated spoiler. Design-wise, it's definitely a massive improvement over what we came to know as the 5-door Cruze. Chevrolet didn't skimp on the practicality either, as the Cruze hatchback features 524 liters (18.5 cu ft) of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can become 1,189 liters (42 cu ft) with those very same seats folded.

Alan Batey, president of GM North America said that "With 9 percent market growth in small hatchbacks last year, it’s the perfect time to bring the Cruze Hatchback to America. As Cruze continues to set the tone for Chevrolet globally, it articulates the brand promise of offering cars with the latest technologies, more features and greater efficiency, performance and safety with fresh, distinctive styling."

On the road, the new Cruze hatchback is 91 kg (200 lbs) lighter than the previous generation model, thanks mainly to an all-new, more rigid and lighter architecture - 100 lbs lighter to be exact, whereas the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine itself is also 20 kg (44 lbs) lighter and comes with Stop/Start tech. While these numbers aren't mind-blowing, they will have meaning to customers who are new to Chevrolet as well as to returning customers. In the US, the Cruze is the segment's second-best selling model to people under 25, and 35% of those customers are actually new to the Chevrolet brand.

Spec-wise, the 2017 Cruze hatchback will be offered in LT and Premier trims, as well as with a more expressive RS package which brings unique front & rear fascias, rocker panels, rear spoiler, fog lamps and 18" wheels to the table. Other key features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility via the MyLink system (available 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot), Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alerg, Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Park Assist. Chevrolet also pointed out how neither the Corolla nor the Civic feature these types of safety systems, and that inside the cabin there is more rear legroom then you get in the Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra.

Sticking with the cabin, the Cruze hatchback can be configured with a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, Athens leather-appointed seating surfaces and true French seams. Stepping outside, you'll find halogen projector-beam headlamps with LED signature lighting. On the road behavior will be dictated by the electric power steering and on Premier models, a Z-link rear suspension as well, which is good considering how there are plenty of models in this segment which offer reasonably sporty drives.

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2017 Audi A4 Arrive in US Dealerships

German's rival to the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class will arrive in US dealerships this Spring with a single engine option, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four gasoline mill rated for 252hp and 273 lb-ft of peak torque paired to a standard 7-speed dual-clutch transmission for both the front-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive versions.

Prices start from $37,300 for the FWD Premium trim, not including a $950 destination charge, which compares to $35,900 for the outgoing A4, though Audi says it comes with an expanded list of standard kit that includes keyless start/stop, rearview camera, Audi smartphone interface, LED interior lighting, digital 3-zone automatic climate control and Audi pre sense city. The most expensive model in the launch range is the Prestige with quattro at $48,900.

Later on, Audi will enhance the A4’s lineup with an entry-level 2.0L gasoline and a frugal 2.0L diesel engine, as well as the performance S4 model fitted with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 pumping out 349hp (354PS) and 368 lb-ft of peak torque for a 0-62mph (100km/h) time of 4.7 seconds. It will compete against the BMW 340i and the Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG.

While there are no plans to introduce the regular Avant (station wagon) model in the States, Audi will offer the taller-riding A4 Allroad, while company officials are also discussing the possibility of bringing the next generation of the high-performance RS4 to North America.

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All-New 2016 Kia Sportage Interior

The All-New Kia Sportage is 40mm longer (4,480mm) with a 30mm longer wheelbase (2,670mm), while the width and the height remain unchanged, at 1,855mm and 1,635mm, respectively. The new Sportage also has longer front overhangs (up by 20mm) and shorter rear overhangs (reduced by 10mm) for a more dynamic profile. The new model is the most aerodynamic Sportage to date, with drag reduced from 0.35 to 0.33 Cd.

The cabin is all-new as well and features a wide, driver-oriented dashboard with a simple design, divided into two clear zones – "display" and "control". The "display" zone focuses on delivering information to occupants via the driver's instrument binnacle and optional new 7.0- or 8.0-inch HMI (human-machine interface) systems in the center of the dashboard.

The "control" zone is found below the clear line running the length of the dashboard and offers an ergonomic layout with functions designed to be clearly visible when on the move. Metal accents are combined with more soft-touch materials than before, while greater soundproofing measures have been adopted as well in order to make the cabin quieter.

Kia says the new Sportage offers greater space and improved passenger comfort thanks to the increased dimensions. Headroom has increased for both front and rear passengers, while maximum legroom has expanded as well. Cargo volume has increased too from 465 liters (16.4 cu-ft) to 503 liters (17.7 cu-ft).

As before, the Sportage will be offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines with front- and all-wheel drive.

The model carries over many of the engines found in the current vehicle, with a new addition being the 1.6-liter T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection), offered exclusively for GT Line models. The engine produces 177PS (175hp) and 265Nm (195lb-ft) of torque from 1,500-4,500 rpm. It’s the only engine that can be mated to Kia's new 7-speed DCT gearbox. The only other petrol engine available is the 1.6-liter GDI, rated at 132PS (130hp) and 161Nm (119lb-ft) of torque.

Diesel engines include a 115PS (113hp) 1.7-liter CRDi unit carried over from the previous Sportage and a significantly-upgraded 2.0-liter "R" power unit available with two power outputs – 136PS (134hp) with 373Nm (275lb-ft) of torque and 184PS (181hp) with 400Nm (295lb-ft) of torque.

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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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