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The Honda Civic Tourer is sleek, spacious and not coming to the USA

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Gerrr, this cool looking Honda Civic Tourer will not be coming to North America and it makes me sad. We live in a nation based on homogenisation when it comes to Honda automobiles. Sometimes we get a bone – but it’s rare at best.

This car looks too good to keep away from our greedy paws!

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It’s not just the sleek and unique wagon design that gets me. It’s the Adaptive Damper System (ADS) that can go from a comfy ride to a sporty ride in a snap. It’s also the 1.6-liter diesel which makes 118 horsepower and 221 lbs-feet of torque – as there are no plans to bring it to our shores. We do get a similar 1.8-liter VTEC gas engine, but the VETC 2.4-liter in the Civic Si is the only one that will tingle the spine.

Imagine: That big VTEC in this Honda Civic Tourer would be awesome!

We’ll call it an Acura TRX-AXL or something like that.

Ain’t gonna happen. No way. Not here anyway.

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I know… lots of complaints about Honda today. I think the Honda Civic Tourer looks like a million bucks, as did the European Civics and I’m bent because we keep getting watered-down Civics. I mean, aren’t you bugged that the good stuff is withheld from us?

There will be an official unveiling of the Honda Civic Tourer at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show in September, but these photos are pretty much what the Honda Civic Tourer will look like. The platform is shared with the Honda Civic five-door. Honda stretched the wagon a bit and squared-off the rear end to hold more cargo.

2014-Honda-Civic-Tourer-14[2]Cargo is what it’s all about, or else people would stick with the five-door hatchback. The Honda Civic Tourer can hold 24 cubic-feet (624 liters) with the rear seats down and an impressive 58.8 cu-ft (1,668 liters) with the rear seats down. According to Honda, it can hold two full-size mountain bikes.

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No mention of prices, but I know that the base model Honda Civic costs £16,995 – my guess is that the base price of the Honda Civic Tourer might be over £19,995. We’ll find out as it is revealed next month. Sales officially begin in 2014. In Europe.

Speaking of Honda, here’s a fun video that compares the Honda Accord Sport 6-speed manual to the Accord Sport CVT!

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum.  His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.

Come on Honda, how about a little love in this direction!?

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Ford Working To Increase Capacity At Its North American Plants

2014 Ford Fusion

Ford is opting to squeeze every last bit of capacity out of its plants in North America rather than build new factories. There are a total of 30 North American plants and Ford plans to increase capacity at every one of them as vehicle demand approaches levels not seen since before the recession.

They plan calls for additional workers and additional shifts as well as new equipment and processes that will increase line speed. Ford has already increased its capacity by 400,000 from last year and an additional 200,000 for the current year giving them 600,000 total additional units.

Despite these increases in capacity, sales of some vehicles have been limited. In July, both the Ford Focus and the Fusion were light on inventory. Their plant in Flat Rock will be adding Fusion production alongside the Mustang, but is still only operating at two shifts. If volume dictates, they will add a third in order to meet consumer demand.

There is no company mandate not to build a new plant, it’s just that there are no plans in the works for one right now. Instead, they’re focusing on increasing production at existing plants. This doesn’t negate the possibility of a new plant somewhere further down the line.

Ford is aiming for improvements in efficiency at the plants they’ve got already. The manufacturing team is working on identifying bottlenecks at plants and with its suppliers all with the goal of squeezing out an extra vehicle an hour however possible.

They’ve also been on a bit of a hiring spree with 8,000 hourly and 3,000 salaried workers added to the payroll in the last 15 months. Ford is working to make the environment for those workers better than before with modified work stations and better health programs. They’re coming to look at their workers as assets that need to be taken care so that they can be a part of Ford’s future.

Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.

Is this concept the look of a future KIA Soul?

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KIA is about to release their newest KIA Soul. This image is not necessarily a future KIA Soul. In fact, KIA says: “Although there are no current plans for production the vehicle’s unveiling in Frankfurt will be used to gauge potential customer response for future showroom models.”

Absolutely no details about the future KIA Soul, or whatever it is, are available. I’m pretty sure the vehicle is based on a current platform with a four-cylinder engine. Some speculate it reminds them of a Nissan Juke considering its height and rounded lines. I can see that, but I can also see a vehicle that could compete with the Volkswagen Beetle.

“Accepting any challenge that the assured modern motorist may throw at it, this concept car combines a mischievous character in a clearly robust and substantial yet stylish bodyshape featuring a mix of contrasting materials in compact, purposeful dimensions.

Born out of Kia’s determination to seek new compact-car options for the individualistic and demanding driver for whom size is an issue, the concept features intriguing elements not always associated with smaller cars and has been created in Europe with European tastes and expectations very much in mind.” – – KIA Media

Not much to go on –

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I’m a little disappointed with KIA as there is no mention of anything technical in their press release. Only that this B-segment car was designed in Europe by Europeans.

KIA has had a bunch of impressive concepts of late and I think the KIA CUB Concept is one of the best overall. You can read about the KIA CUB Concept (here). Perhaps, when the future KIA Soul Concept, or whatever they call it, is unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show in September, we’ll get more details.

Is this a future KIA Soul? Meh, probably not. Maybe it’s a future design language for the whole brand. Maybe…

Speaking of Korean cars, check out this new TFLCar video segment featuring the Hyundai Genesis Coupe!

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum.  His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.

New 2014 BMW 328d Set to Return 45 MPG Highway

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In a world where driving dynamics often take a back seat to fuel economy, BMW has fused the best of both worlds: the fabulous F30 chassis 3-series is now available in diesel trim. The 2014 BMW 328d has added a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine to their most popular vehicle by volume, a much anticipated move for those who want to spend more time taking corners than visiting the pump.

The EPA has rated the 328d at 32 MPG city and an impressive 45 MPG highway, numbers that were right on par with BMW’s predictions that mileage, “could well exceed 40 MPG.” Despite this, the little 2-liter turbo returns a respectable 180 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, plenty of power for passing and for curve-hugging shenanigans. Both the BMW’s horsepower and fuel economy numbers far surpass those of the competing VW Jetta TDI, meaning that the 328d is sure to be carving itself a market even before its release.

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The 328d will be available in both wagon and sedan configurations, replacing the larger, more expensive 335d sedan and wagon. Both a rear-wheel drive 328d and 328d xDrive AWD will be available, with the AWD model only ceding 1 MPG in city and highway driving to the rear-wheel drive model. Pricing is reasonable as well: the RWD 328d is set to start at $39,525, while the xDrive sedan will start at $43,525.

And don’t forget about BMW’s impressive 8-speed automatic, a unit that will be available on the incoming 328d and will put its 0-60 time somewhere around 7 seconds. Expect the 328d to hit dealer lots later this fall.

Please enjoy this TFLcar.com video of another 3-series variant, the 2012 BMW 335i.  Could it be the ultimate father’s car?

2013 Nissan Xterra PRO-4X Muddy Off-Road Colorado Mountain Review

2013 Nissan Xterra PRO-4X Muddy Off-Road Colorado Mountain Review
2013 Nissan Xterra PRO-4X Muddy Off-Road Colorado Mountain Review

2013 Nissan Xterra PRO-4X is a very off-road worthy traditional SUV. In other words it is not one of those new age crossovers.

Instead it has a traditional body on frame design with a normally aspirated powerful V6 engine.

And since we are testing the top of the line PRO-4X Xterra, we also get all of the good off-road bits like stiffer shocks and under body protection.

In another fun and informative TFLcar off-road review we take the 2013 Nissan Xterra PRO-4X up to the top of our off-road trail deep in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

How does the 2013 Nissan Xterra PRO-4X do when the road turns rocky muddy and steep?

Just watch this video to find out.

FIAT 500 Watercraft invade San Francisco Bay Today!

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At 10:30 Pacific time, (August 10th, 2013) the San Francisco Bay will be invaded by ocean-going FIAT 500s. That’s right, floating FIAT 500’s will begin swarming at McCovey Cove at AT&T Park and begin their cruise past many San Francisco Bay landmarks.

Don’t worry San Francisco, they come in peace and you might temp one to come closer with a cannoli or by singing That’s Amore. No, not really. Only a water-bound Ferrari has a chance to alter these little Cinquecentos from their publicity jaunt.

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Here’s the info for you – – – and, if you get some good photos, send them our way!

“WHAT: Fiat Vehicle Watercraft

WHERE: San Francisco Bay

WHEN: Saturday, August 10, 2013: *All times and locations are approximate:

10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.: All four (4) FIAT Vehicle Watercraft to “drive” within McCovey Cove @ AT&T Park (San Francisco Giants vs. Baltimore Orioles; Game start time: 1:05 p.m. PT)

2:30 p.m.: Two (2) FIAT Vehicle Watercraft anchor in McCovey Cove; Two (2) Fiats depart to San Francisco Bay

2:45 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Two (2) FIAT Vehicle Watercraft will “drive” San Francisco Bay past landmarks and local areas, including: *Depending on conditions:

– Pier 17
– Fisherman’s Wharf
– Ghirardelli Square
– Fort Mason Great Meadow
– Golden Gate Park
– (depends on tides) Area around Golden Gate Bridge

4:40 p.m.: Two (2) FIAT Vehicle Watercraft to leave McCovey Cove and “drive” into San Francisco Bay areas (Pier 50 TBD)

6:30 p.m.: All four (4) FIAT Vehicles Watercraft out of water” – – FIAT Media

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Now, if FIAT actually made real amphibians like these for public consumption, I would rename myself to Giuseppe and relocate to Turin!

No, not really.

Check out this fun jaunt in this FIAT 500L video!

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum.  His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.

Which car we’d buy our Mom: 2013 VW Passat vs Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Mashup Review

2013 VW Passat vs Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Mashup Review
2013 VW Passat vs Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Mashup Review

The 2013 Volkswagen Passat and the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid are two very different sedans yet we feel that both would appeal to Mom.

In this fun and informative TFLcar Mashup Review Nathan and Roman set out to pick the best sedan for their moms.

Is it the traditional German Autobahn burner or is it the the fuel efficient  hybrid challenger?

That’s a question that the boys will answer in this Mashup review as they drive, compare and test two of the best sedans that you can buy today for mom.

BTW: You can also read and watch a complete First Drive Review of the new American-made VW Passat HERE.

2011 ZERO DS Test Ride

   “ZERO: The electric alternative to fun on two wheels”

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ZERO motorcycles was founded by Neal Saiki, who holds a masters degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, and who formerly worked as a project manager at NASA developing high altitude research vehicles. Prior to that while in college, he set a World Aviation Record by creating the first successful human-powered helicopter. Saiki spent years designing award-winning, world-class mountain bikes for Santa Cruz Mountain Cycle.  The soft-spoken innovator introduced the first ZERO electric motorcycle prototypes in 2006, and from there went on to develop the 2008 ZERO X model, which was designed primarily for off-road use. Next came the street version ZERO S, which bowed as a 2009 model. Now, the Scotts Valley, CA-based company offers five different ZERO electric motorcycle models, including: the ZERO S street version; the ZERO DS dual sport model; a ZERO XU urban cross bike; the ZERO X trail bike; and the ZERO MX electric motocross machine. Both the ZERO X and ZERO MX may be ordered as strictly a dirt model or as a street legal model. We will review here the 2011 ZERO DS.

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