March 2018

2019 Yaris sedan takes place of Toyota Yaris iA

(March 27, 2018) PLANO, Texas — The 2019 Toyota Yaris sedan offers an exceptional blend of efficiency, fun, comfort and safety all at a reasonable price. Is this combination too much to ask of an entry subcompact vehicle? The new Yaris answers with a resounding, “No!”
 
The Yaris sedan, previously the Yaris iA, will be offered in three grades for 2019, including the sporty L, the well-equipped LE grade, and the new premium XLE grade. Premium, on a Yaris? That’s right. The XLE takes Yaris up a notch with sporty leatherette-trimmed front seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake, an HVAC system with Automatic Climate Control, automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers and illuminated entry.

All-new Lexus UX crossover to make debut in New York

(March 27, 2018) NEW YORK — Following recent launches of its LS flagship sedan and three-row RXL luxury utility vehicle, Lexus is opening a new gateway into the brand with the all-new UX compact luxury crossover. Making its North American debut at the 2018 New York Auto Show this week, the UX introduces "a bold new design, ultra-efficient new powertrains and innovative luxury features."

The all-new Navigator: Spectacular styling, dreamy to drive

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 26, 2018) The Navigator was the original large, luxury SUV, coming on the scene way back in 1989. It was an instant hit and the ride of choice for the rich and famous. But its glory faded as Land Rover, Lexus, Cadillac and others moved decidedly upscale. But with a complete redesign for 2018 — its first in more than a decade — Navigator leapfrogs competitors and reclaims its spot at the top of the segment with gorgeous new style, advanced technology and countless best-in-class notables.

Production version of 2019 Honda Insight to make global debut in N.Y.

(March 26, 2018) NEW YORK — The all-new, production version of the 2019 Insight will make its global production debut on Wednesday, March 28, at the 2018 New York International Auto Show providing a first look at the latest entry in Honda's expanding lineup of electrified vehicles.

The new Insight, launching at Honda dealerships nationally in early summer, joins the Clarity series and just-launched 2018 Accord Hybrid as the fifth new Honda electrified vehicle introduced over the past year.

First fully electric Audi to be built at CO2-neutral plant

(March 26, 2018) BRUSSELS — The world's first certified CO2-neutral high-volume production plant in the premium segment will shortly begin production of the first fully electric series production Audi. Audi Brussels has been awarded a "CO2-neutral site" certificate by the Belgian testing company Vinçotte. The site covers all production processes and all other emissions generated at the plant either by renewable energies (approximately 95 percent) or compensates for them with environmental projects (approximately 5 percent).

North America premiere of new Bugatti Chiron Sport in New York

(March 26, 2018) NEW YORK — Following the successful world premiere of the Chiron Sport1 at the Geneva International Motor Show three weeks ago, the new Sport version of the 1,479 horsepower super sports car Chiron2 is now visiting the Big Apple. At the New York International Auto Show, which is being held from March 30 to April 8, Bugatti is showing the Chiron Sport in North America for the first time.

Pirelli Cyber Car tire system — Coming to a car near you

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(March 26, 2018) Pirelli calls it “Cyber Car,” a technology that enables a vehicle’s tires to gather information and transmit the data to the on-board computers, particularly the driver assistance systems. The first applications of this technology will be on sale in OEM vehicles by the end of the year.

2018 Kia Rio — An excellent car for most people

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 25, 2018) Kia’s product offering in the subcompact car segment is the Rio sedan and hatchback. For 2018, Kia introduces the fourth-generation Rio with an entirely new look, a roomier cabin, improved fuel economy and a value proposition that’s tough to beat.

2018 Ford Fiesta ST: Gone but not forgotten

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(March 25, 2018) Unfortunately buyers in the U.S. can’t buy the latest Fiesta. Which means the Fiesta ST, one of the most fun-loving Ford cars ever made, goes away as well. So what are we missing? As it turns out, a lot.

Volkswagen steps up model and innovation offensive in China

(March 23, 2018) Volkswagen intends to strengthen its leading position in China and is therefore stepping up its major model and innovation offensive. The first step is the launch of the new Volkswagen Touareg, which is today celebrating its world premiere at the "SUV Brand Day" in Beijing before an audience of about 1,000 guests.

By 2020, at least 12 further SUV models for the Chinese market are to follow. Volkswagen has also given the green light for its nationwide communications campaign "Move Forward."