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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2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle

The North American version in LAthat makes its debut at the LA Auto Show is all but identical to its Japanese counterpart and it has an aerodynamic body with clean character lines, LED exterior lighting and 18-inch alloy wheels. Customers can choose between three colors, namely red, white and black. Standard equipment includes Honda's comprehensive array of driver assist systems. The cabin can seat five in its leather-wrapped seats and the infotainment system comes with a large touchscreen and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.

Compared to the original FCX, the Clarity features a fuel cell stack that's 33 percent more compact and its power density is up by 60 percent. The fuel cell powertrain is comparable to a 3.5-liter V6 in size and it fits entirely under the hood, making room for a spacious cabin.

The automaker didn't release any output figures on the Clarity FCV, but from previous releases we know that the fuel cell stack has a total capacity of 100kW and the electric motor generates 174hp (177 PS). Filling its tank with hydrogen takes approximately three minutes and the total driving range is estimated to exceed 300 miles (483 km).

Honda will use the platform underpinning the Clarity Fuel Cell as the foundation for the next PHEV, which will launch in the United States by 2018. This will get the two-motor hybrid plug-in system with improvements in battery capacity and power, offering "more than triple the 13-mile all-electric range of the Accord Sedan".

The hydrogen-powered model will be available at select fuel cell dealers in California, at first in Los Angeles and Orange County and then San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento. As hydrogen fueling networks expand, Honda will introduce it to other states, too.

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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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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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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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