[Photo: Volvo]Polestar is a significant name to the Volvo brand. But many people may not know what it is, and what they do to Volvos. Polestar was a Swedish racing team, then named Flash Engineering, that got started in the 1990’s racing Volvo 850’s in the Swedish Touring Car Championship (STCC). After a re-brand and a slew of successful racecars, Polestar was offered the opportunity to develop performance tunes for Volvo’s road cars. More or less, they were Volvo’s AMG or M Division. However, now they have become more independent, developing electric road cars under Volvo’s supervision. There have been many a Polestar-tuned Volvos over the past few years. Volvo has just announced that Polestar will be tuning three new models: the S60 sedan, V60 wagon and XC60 crossover.
[Photo: Volvo]
The looks
The tuning package, called Polestar Engineered, is only available for the hybrid T8 powertrain. Visually, Volvo’s spinoff company designed the Polestar Engineered package’s lightweight wheels to show off the trademark gold 6-piston Brembo brake kit. Polestar also adorned the cars with their emblems, a tradition that harks back to previous high-performance Volvo models. They’ve also fitted chrome exhaust tips and gold seatbelts.
[Photo: Volvo]
Performance
Polestar gave the suspension a thorough going over as well. It features a set of Öhlins shock absorbers with dual-flow valves. Plus, a strut bar and adjustable shock absorber design from the Polestar 1, Polestar’s upcoming fully-electric road car.
Of course, Polestar hasn’t left the engine alone either. The T8 twin engine setup utilizes a 2.0-liter turbocharged & supercharged inline-four. If that wasn’t enough, Volvo also mated that engine to an electric motor. The total combined output, as a result, stands at 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. The Polestar Engineering trim bumps that power output up to 415 horsepower and 494 lb-ft of torque. Better yet, Volvo states the ECU flash helps improve fuel consumption.
[Photo: Volvo]
Coming Very Soon
The Polestar Engineered trim will first debut on the upcoming S60 sedan, set to be revealed next week. Volvo has not yet announced pricing for the Polestar Engineered package yet, but we will give an update when that information becomes available. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more news, views and real-world, electrified Volvo reviews.
Volkswagen AG owns several car brands, including Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, Scania, MAN Trucks and Ducati. [Photo: Volkswagen]
A recent 1 billion euro fine comes on top of Volkswagen’s $4.7 billion settlement with the U.S. government in connection to the Dieselgate scandal.
German prosecutors hit Volkswagen with a 1 billion euro (~$1.2 billion) fine, one of the highest ever imposed against a company in the country’s history. In doing so, the prosecutor’s office in Braunschweig, just outside Volkswagen’s headquarters in Wolfsburg, “ascertained a violation of supervisory duties”, according to a Reuters report. The latest fine comes after Volkswagen agreed to settle with U.S. authorities for $4.3 billion to settle outstanding civil and criminal offenses for installing emissions defeat devices in their diesel cars.
Between 2007 and 2015, the Braunschweig Prosecutor’s Office contends 10.7 million cars had these devices installed. More specifically, U.S. and Canadian-spec EA 288 and global EA 189 diesel engines were affected. The fine seeks to punish Volkswagen for its lack of oversight which failed to prevent “impermissible software functions” from being installed in their cars.
Volkswagen also issued its own statement: “Following thorough examination, Volkswagen AG accepted the fine and it will not lodge an appeal against it.” In accepting the fine, Volkswagen went on to state it accepts responsibility for the diesel crisis and considers the settlement a step toward overcoming the Dieselgate scandal.
The EA288 diesel engine, as used in the Golf, Jetta and Passat, is at the heart of the diesel scandal.
The fine may bring criminal investigations in Europe to an end, but…
While the fine likely ends criminal investigations of regulatory offenses in Europe, it would not settle lawsuits lodged by Volkswagen’s shareholders. Evercore ISI, a reserach firm mentioned in the Reuters report, mentions that Volkswagen AG has already set aside 28.5 billion euros of provisions to deal with the crisis. However, Volkswagen didn’t include this fine in their provisions, so it will impact their bottom line.
What does this mean for the consumer? Volkswagen’s new CEO Herbert Diess stated the company needed to take further steps to restore consumer trust. German prosecutors in Munich also widened their probe into Audi CEO Rupert Stadler’s alleged fraud and false advertising related to the Dieselgate scandal.
Will this be the end of the major fines levied on Volkswagen? We’ll have to wait and see. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more news, views and real-world reviews.
The Hyundai Kona is a small, funky crossover that’s great for the urban beat, but can you take it off-road?
Let’s face it – most small crossovers don’t have an off-roading bone in their bodies. While most subcompact crossovers, apart from the Toyota C-HR, offer all-wheel drive, it’s only meant for tacking slightly slippery conditions. Wet pavement? Yes. Rocky off-road trails? Forget it. However, some of these cars actually offer a lockable center differential, which allows 50/50 torque distribution to the front and rear. Does that make them more off-road worthy? We take the all-new 2018 Hyundai Kona up Gold Mine Hill to find out.
The 2018 Hyundai Kona sports an interesting look, but can it handle itself off-road? [Photo: Hyundai]On the up side, the 2018 Hyundai Kona Ultimate AWD we tested has a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. It puts out 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. That means good performance on the road, given its size. Its short front and rear overhangs and modest ground clearance of 6.7 inches, it should also be decent off-road.
[Photo: TFLcar]Up the first stage of Gold Mine Hill, loose rocks and a steep grade make traction, power and momentum crucial. If a car makes it to the second stage – a tight, banked corner – its articulation and ability to split torque to the wheels still on the ground will be tested. Finally, the third stage is a narrow climb between two trees with a large hole that will test approach and break-over angles. Will the Kona make it to the top? Watch the video above to find out! The results may surprise you.
Stick around for “Cool Tech with Mike” as well, as our own Michael Curtis recounts some of the neat tech features in the 2018 Hyundai Kona.
[Photo: Hyundai]Check back to TFLcar.com for more news, views and real-world, off-road reviews. Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more videos published throughout the week!
The BMW X4 crossover/coupe was born back in 2014 as a 2015 model. Just four short years later, it is being completely redesigned for 2019. It may have a familiar four-door sleek roof shape, but most of the car is changed. What is the new X4 all about? Spoiler alert: it’s larger, quicker, and more efficient than before.
Check out this TFL Expert Buyer’s Guide for all the details. After all, the 2019 BMW X4 will be reaching your local dealer in July 2018, which is just several weeks away.
Chassis
The all-new X4 grew in all dimensions with the exception of one. It’s 3.0 inches longer, rides on a 2.1 inch longer wheelbase, it’s 1.4 inches wider in the back, but the roof is 0.1 inches lower than before.
What does it all mean? Rear passengers get just 0.7 inches more legroom, and there is approximately one more cubic-foot of cargo volume in the back. Yep, you can now fit a standard-sized microwave oven back there. Unfortunately, there is now also 0.2-inches less headroom for the rear passengers. Rear-seat headroom is not a high priority for the sleek X4, but this is the cost of style and athletic appearance.
There is another penalty for the larger size of the new X4. It’s the increased curb weight that goes up a little by 88 pounds to 4,323 lbs overall.
Power & Performance
The new X4 is available with two engine options: 2.0-liter turbo-four in the xDrive30i, and a 3.0-liter turbo-six in the M40i xDrive. Although, these engines are already available in some other BMWs, they are the latest versions.
2.0L turbo I4 (B46)
248 hp @ 5,200 rpm
258 lb-ft @ 1,450 rpm
3.0L turbo I6 (B58)
355 hp @ 5,500 rpm
365 lb-ft @ 1,520 rpm
What’s the big deal? The older generation four-cylinder made about the same power, and the straight-six makes the exact same 355 horsepower. Well, the new I6 has a 22 lb-ft torque advantage over the outgoing engine in the M40i.
The increased torque allows the X4 M40i to shave 0.1 seconds for the sprint to 60 MPH, which now registers at 4.6 seconds (according to BMW). The 30i does the 0-60 MPH in six seconds flat.
Increased performance does come at a cost of fuel economy. It’s quiet the opposite. The M40i boost EPA rating significantly from 19/26/21 to 20/27/23 MPG. Fuel efficiency is helped by a 10% improved in the coefficient of drag. Both available engines are paired to the same 8-speed automatic transmission.
[Note: Driving impressions for the 2019 BMW X4 are embargoed until July 1, 2018.]
M Performance Goodies
Those looking for maximum performance and aggressive appearance from their X4 can add several M Performance options. There is an M Sport Design appearance package that adds $3,000 to the price of an xDrive30i. There is a Dynamic Handling Package that offers a slightly different suspension setup for less body roll in corners at an additional $1,450. Another noteworthy item is the M Sport Differential in the rear, which is a limited slip differential – not a true torque-vectoring setup. When it senses slip on one side, it transfers power to the other side.
Naturally, there is also variable ratio Sport steering and variable damper control that adjusts behavior in accordance to speed or the selected drive mode. There are still the Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual driving modes.
Pricing & Options
The U.S-spec 2019 X4 is only available with xDrive all-wheel-drive, and it starts at $50,450. If you are also considering a new BMW X3, then the X4 boasts a heafty $8,000 premium over its SUV counterpart.
There are Premier and Executive tiers that add optional equipment ranging from heated seats and steering wheel, heads-up display, gesture control, surround-view camera system, adaptive full LED headlights and more. When combined together these two package will boost the price of the X4 by about $4,850.
The xDrive30i has a choice of seven exterior colors, four wheel choices in 19 and 20-inch sizes, eight interior themes, and four interior trim options.
The M40i starts at $60,450. The six-cylinder offers five wheel choices with an option to go to 21-inch rims. Then there are several more levels of driver assistance technologies. If you want wireless charging and a WiFi hotspot – this is a $400 option. The Harmon Kardon surround stereo system comes in at a reasonable $875 price increase.
A fully loaded X4 M40i xDrive will ring the bell at over $71,000.
Competition
Why buy a BMW X4? BMW has several options for a four-door coupe in the $50K-70K range. For example, you could get an AWD 4-Series GranCoupe in the similar price range. BMW says that the X4 is more of an emotional choice for their customers. It offers some of the conveniences of a traditional high-performance crossover/SUV in a more aggressive package.
Other competitors include a Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, Audi Q5, Porsche Macan, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and Jaguar F-Pace. It’s difficult to come up with an apples-to-apples competitor as the GLC Coupe has a slightly lower starting price, and a Macan can be optioned with a lot more power and a much higher price tag.
Verdict
If I was shopping for a 2019 X4 right now, I would configure an M40i xDrive in white, with the red interior option, 21-inch rims, and I would add every M-performance optional part available. Yes, this would make it the most expensive X4 out there, but if it is an emotional purchase in the first place – then just go all the way for maximum performance and style.
2019 BMW X4 M40i (source: TFLcar.com)
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The BMW i3 bowed as the company’s first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2014. It featured the first-ever mass produced Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) passenger cell in the automotive business, which played a major role in the car’s overall efficiency. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic is equally as strong as steel, while being 50% lighter, and 30% lighter than aluminum. While BMW’s major focus has been efficiency, there’s now a sportier BMW i3s model for 2018.
Visually, the 2018 BMW i3s has an exterior that continues to display a tall, narrow futuristic design. In profile, it features short front and rear overhangs and a shoulder line that dips just aft of the front door and rising again on the rear door. Those doors are also hinged at the rear for ease of entry and exit for both rows of seats.
The 2018 BMW i3s offers the same cockpit layout as the standard i3. [Photo: BMW]
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
The BMW i3s has a comfortable and accommodating interior, but takes a little getting used to. For instance, the gear selector is mounted on the steering column. That’s not all too unusual, but it comes in the form of a large rotary knob. On top of that, the 2018 BMW i3s features modest styling enhancements that emphasize the car’s width and sportier persona.
The 2018 BMW i3s also features new sports suspension, with specially developed springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. Drivers are also able to select different modes using the Driving Dynamics Control switch. Switching to Sport mode initiates a more direct accelerator response and tighter steering characteristics. Other modes include Comfort, ECO PRO and ECO PRO+. The last two modes limit the car’s speed to between 50 and 56 MPH to maximize battery life.
The Technology and Driving Assist package adds a host of convenience and safety technologies. There’s BMW Assist with Bluetooth connectivity, USB support and BMW Apps. Safety features include Forward Collision Warning, Pedestrian Protection and City Collision Mitigation. The Parking Assist package includes a rearview camera, Park Assistant, which helps take advantage of tight parallel parking opportunities, and Park Distance Control.
For added practicality, a two-cylinder gasoline range extender is available for all BMW i3 models. The generator produces power as required to feed electricity to the high-voltage battery when you’re running low on electric charge. When it kicks in, the range extender draws out the car’s overall range in everyday use by 87 miles, to a maximum of 180 miles.
2018 BMW i3s. [Photo: BMW]
PERFORMANCE
Just 6.8 seconds is enough to see the BMW i3s burst past 60 mph on its way to a top speed of 100 mph. The 2018 BMW i3s provides a sportier interpretation of silent mobility – range extender notwithstanding – featuring a 184 horsepower electric motor that also generates up to 199 lb-ft of torque.
The car is particularly enjoyable to drive, exhibiting a sporting character in terms of handling and acceleration. Its instantly available torque off the line is hugely appealing, and the steering gives the i3 a nice degree of agility. The ride is on the firm side over rough road surfaces, but things smoothen out on better pavement. The i3s’ Sport mode proved to be enjoyable, if not the most efficient.
The 2018 BMW i3s has a range figure between 80 and 100 miles in most circumstances. Under ideal conditions, you can eke 120 miles out of the battery. That’s a decent amount of range for a city runabout, but that figure nearly doubles with the optional Range Extender and 2.4 gallon fuel tank. When the battery reaches about five percent, the Range Extender starts and maintains the battery’s current state of charge. The 2018 BMW i3s is able to recharge in about 3 hours using a 220V AC charger. However, with 50 kW DC Combo Fast Charging, the i3 charges up to 80% in about 30 minutes, and 100% in about 45 minutes.
Fortunately, you don’t have to completely rely on plugging in thanks to regenerative braking, which feeds power back into battery. Lifting off the accelerator automatically applies the brakes, providing the same effect as engine braking in a conventional vehicle. At lower speeds, the 2018 BMW i3s will actually come to a complete stop on its own. It makes the car a bit more efficient, and can be fun once you get used to it.
[Photo: BMW]
TFLCAR’S TAKE
The 2018 BMW i3s is a capable, four passenger commuter vehicle for most people, albeit it is a bit pricey. It’s one of the most well-rounded electric cars available in its class in today’s marketplace. Since it is an electric car, you can also get a range of federal, state and local tax credits for buying one. For those worried about battery degradation over time, BMW offers an 8 Year/100,000 mile warranty on its battery packs, in line with other EV manufacturers.
The base price for the i3 with the range extender starts at $51,500. Optional features and equipment boosted the final total to $58,695. Options included the $1,800 Giga World trim and the $2,500 Tech & Driving Assist Package with navigation and Active Drive Assist for a start. BMW also charges $300 for a bright blue seatbelt strap and $750 for Park Distance Control. Finally, you also have to pay $300 for Apple CarPlay compatibility. Features like DC fast charging, a 1-year SiriusXM subscription, a universal garage door opener and keyless entry are no-cost options.
Watch our Colorado test of the BMW i3s, as we take it on a mountain commute to the 12,000-feet summit of Loveland Pass! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more news, views and real-world electric car reviews.
You can only get a manual transmission with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, though.
Late last year, we had the opportunity to test the brand new Kia Stinger. Breaking from what we normally expect of the company, they went and designed a turbocharged, rear-wheel drive performance sedan aimed squarely at the Germans. Now, we’re on the eve of another turbocharged, rear-wheel drive performance sedan aimed squarely at the Germans, in the form on the 2019 Genesis G70.
Built alongside its larger G80 and G90 cousins, the new Genesis G70 will emerge this summer with the same powerplants found in the Kia Stinger: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6. However, while the Kia Stinger relegates its drivers to an eight-speed automatic, the Genesis G70 is a sedan with a difference. It comes with an increasingly rare feature, particularly in sedans: a six-speed manual transmission.
You’re probably about to say, “Wait! I bet there’s a catch!” And you’d be right. There is a six-speed manual option on the new G70, but it’s only available with the 2.0-liter engine. Mind you, the engine is actually more powerful – at 255 horsepower – with the manual than it is with the eight-speed automatic. The automatic version only makes 252 horsepower.
The G70 makes extensive use of high-strength steel and aluminum. [Photo: Genesis]
Appealing to enthusiasts
The G70 doesn’t just stop at a manual transmission, either. Both engines – both the 2.0-liter and the 365 horsepower twin-turbo V6 – come with launch control. On the manual version, you can also spec a mechanical limited slip differential and high-performance Brembo brakes.
While the Genesis G70 will come with a six-speed manual, it’s only available on the 2.0-liter turbo model. [Photo: Genesis]So, to recap: Genesis is actually offering a sedan with a turbocharged engine in front, a six-speed manual transmission in the middle, and rear-wheel drive? Sign us up. Genesis also focused on making their newest sedan lighter and stiffer through the use of high-strength steel and aluminum.
Genesis hasn’t announced pricing on the new G70 yet, but we should hear more about it soon as the car edges closer to launch. Stay tuned to TFLcar for more updates. Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow below. In the meantime, check out TFL’s resident racing driver tossing the Kia Stinger GT2 around the track:
How does Jaguar’s first all-electric crossover stack up? Here’s what you need to know.
After years of anticipation, including some Arctic testing in Sweden, Jaguar’s first fully-electric vehicle is finally here: the all-new I-Pace. And yes, technically it’s pronounced “Jag-u-ar”, rather than the “Jag-war” we Americans are used to. While the argument as to how to say the company name may not be settled here, what about the argument of an all-electric Jag? Since 1935, Jaguar has produced some of the world’s most rakish and desirable cars. Charismatic cars for genteel types, cars for scoundrels, cars for the jet set: Jaguar has long had pedigree and style to spare. How well has all that translated to their first electric crossover?
Jaguar brought TFL’s Roman Mica out to Portugal to try out the all-new I-Pace. Here are the top 10 things you need to know!
2019 Jaguar I-Pace. [Photo: Jaguar]
10) It looks (and goes) like a Jaguar should
From the signature grille and headlights to the arching side profile, the I-Pace is unmistakable as a Jaguar. More specifically, lead designer Ian Callum was responsible for bringing the attractive styling of this electric crossover to life. He was responsible for cars such as the Aston Martin DB7 and DB9, the Jaguar XF and XJ, as well as the F-Type and F-Pace. Basically, he’s responsible for how all modern Jaguars look.
But what about how this Jaguar goes? In addition to its looks, the I-Pace also has the performance pedigree of a modern Jaguar, both on and off the road. Oh, yes, this Jaguar I-Pace can go off-road, at least on light to moderate tracks.
9) It has a 90 kWh battery pack
The new Jaguar I-Pace has a 90 kWh battery pack nestled nice and low for better handling performance. It provides up to 240 miles of range depending on your driving style. The Tesla Model S, by comparison, gives up to 335 miles of range with its 100 kWh battery. However, the Tesla also costs significantly more for that level of range and performance.
2019 Jaguar I-Pace. [Photo: Jaguar]
8) 0-60 in 4.5 seconds
Despite being a crossover, the Jaguar I-Pace is no slouch when it comes to speed. It will hit 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, which isn’t bad considering its mass. It’s not as fast as the top-dog Tesla Model S P100D with Ludicrous mode. Then again, there are few cars – electric or otherwise – that can touch that sort of performance. There’s also the price gap to consider once again.
7) Nearly 400 horsepower and over 500 lb-ft of torque
394 horespower and 512 lb-ft of torque. That’s a respectable level of power for this size of car, which allows for that 4.5 second 0-60 time. Also helping the Jaguar I-Pace along is the fact that it has an all-aluminum body, another Jaguar staple. Thanks to its construction and Jaguar’s placement of the battery pack, the I-Pace has a perfect 50/50 weight distribution, which is good for handling.
6) Enough amps to make Tesla (the inventor, that is) proud
On the track, the I-Pace can put down some serious power. No, we’re not talking about horsepower here – we’re talking about current. The car can put out up to 1,000 amps when pushed hard, and it can also regenerate up to 450 amps through hard braking.
The 2019 Jaguar I-Pace can do a bit of light off-roading. [Photo: Jaguar]
5) All-wheel drive
The Jaguar I-Pace is all-wheel drive, as you’d expect from a modern crossover. However, unlike a conventional crossover, it doesn’t send its power through a central transfer case. Instead, it uses its two electric motors to split power where necessary. One electric motor is nestled between the front wheels, while the other one sits between the rear wheels.
Each electric motor fits around a single-speed transmission and open differential, so it can distribute torque as necessary to all four wheels.
4) A top speed to get you into trouble
The new Jaguar I-Pace tops out at 200 kilometers per hour, or about 124 MPH. That’s not lightning fast compared to other sporty models. However, thanks to instantaneous torque via the electric motors, it won’t take you long to reach that speed.
3) Torque vectoring via braking (applies brake on inside wheel); open differentials
In addition to its all-wheel drive system, the Jaguar I-Pace also has torque vectoring to improve its handling. As you push hard into a corner, the car applies the brakes on the inside wheels to pull harder into the corner. That’s a useful feature to have, as the I-Pace has open differentials, which means an equal amount of torque is sent to both rear wheels.
2) Charge up in 40 minutes on a DC fast charger
There are a few different options for charging the Jaguar I-Pace back up after blasting around the track or tossing it around country roads. The slowest option is using an AC home charger. The car comes with a 7 kW on-board charger with a universal cable, where customers will be able to charge on a 110V or 230V socket. Taking that option, it will take approximately 12-1/2 hours to charge up from empty.
Jaguar customers can also have a Level 2 230V charger set up in their home. To facilitate that process, Jaguar Land rover is developing a network of electricians to support setting up those chargers.
On a 50 kW DC fast charger, you can charge the I-Pace up to 80 percent in about an hour and a half. If a 100 kW charger is available, you can charge up in just 40 minutes.
2019 Jaguar I-Pace interior. [Photo: Jaguar]
1) It can get a bit pricey
The Jaguar I-Pace will go on sale later this year, priced from $69,500. However, since it is an electric vehicle, there are some federal and state incentives out there for those who buy this car new.
Will Jaguar’s first electric crossover’s style, performance and price be enough to draw some adopters away from Tesla? We’ll have to wait and see. Let us know what you think about the all-new I-Pace in the comments! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more news, views and real-world, electric Jaguar reviews.
The IIHS subjects new cars, including the 2018 Ford Explorer, to passenger-side small frontal overlap crash tests. [Photo: IIHS]
New IIHS Midsize SUV crash testing reveals design flaws in models like the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Top Safety Pick – these are three words automakers love to use in advertising their cars. Safety sells, particularly with SUVs, and if you can show your vehicle is safer than everyone else’s on the roads, you’re likely to win some points with folks shopping for a new car. However, cars like the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee earned “Poor” ratings in a new, critical crash testing, which raises new concerns about their safety.
The 2019 Kia Sorento is the only current model so far to achieve the IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” rating this year. [Photo: Kia]On the flip side, the 2019 Kia Sorento earned top marks – a feat which Kia quickly advertised on their website. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) just released a new batch of results for midsize SUVs. And by “just announced”, we mean they published a release today about it. Already, Kia is advertising the new Sorento as a “Top Safety Pick+”. Currently, it’s the only car in its class to score that mark. Other vehicles in the segment, like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, scored an Acceptable rating. The Volkswagen Atlas and GMC Acadia did well, earning overall Good ratings in most of their crash tests. The scale IIHS uses runs from Good as the best possible rating, and marks down to Acceptable, Marginal and Poor.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. [Photo: FCA]
New tests necessitate design changes
Recently, the IIHS introduced a new test into the mix: a “passenger-side small frontal overlap test”. The organization crashes new vehicles on the passenger side as well as the driver’s side to see how they perform. Unfortunately, the 2018 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee scored badly in the newer test. Hitting a immovable barrier at 40 MPH using 25 percent of the car’s front passenger-side area, both SUVs showed serious intrusion. The Jeep had 10 inches of intrusion into the passenger area, while the Ford had 15 inches of intrusion at the upper door hinge pillar. That’s not just inconvenient – it could lead to serious injury.
Taking the brunt of the force from an accident after structural points have failed is no good. However, the likelihood for serious injury for the passenger and their inability to escape by opening the door is even worse. Suffering a crash like the Grand Cherokee or Explorer, with their current design, may cause major leg and hip injuries to front passengers.
Recent midsize SUV crash test results. [Photo: IIHS]
Aging platforms
Now, both SUVs are pretty long in the tooth by now. On that front, it’s not too surprising they didn’t fare well in the new tests. Jeep last redesigned the Grand Cherokee in 2010, while the current-generation Ford Explorer went on sale in 2011. What’s important to note here, though, is how the new testing sheds new light on both cars. In their first years on sale, both scored well in crash tests. New tests, however, are starting to reveal flaws in their design. If automakers are driven to focus to excel on a narrow range of crash testing, they can neglect safety in other areas of the car.
As the IIHS testing becomes more elaborate, manufacturers will have to figure the new testing into their designs. Fiat-Chrysler and Ford are redesigning the Grand Cherokee and Explorer soon. With these new crash tests to consider, both should be much more resilient in passenger side crashes than today’s results show.
Roman just bought one of the most hated modern Land Rovers to prove a point: Even this SUV doesn't suck! Or maybe it does...that's what we're going to find out in our latest project series.
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