Burning Snow: the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti – Making Gelato out of Snow and Ice [Op/Ed]

February 3, 2018

TFLcar was recently invited by Rocky Mountain Redline to attend their inaugural winter driving event in Winter Park, Colorado. They brought several all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles, including the Acura TLX A-Spec and the Mercedes-Benz AMG C43. Then came time to drive this: the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti.

I have a weakness for anything Italian. Food, art, music, geography, people – cars… if it’s Italian, chances are I like it. They still know how to make a car feel like an artist had something to do with the design, both internally and externally. When I first saw the Giulia on the internet, I thought it looked too much like a BMW. Up close, it’s totally different. It’s beautiful.

The interior’s looks and feel are exquisite. Given the amount of options you can use for your very own Giulia, it’s also customizable to your personal tastes. It’s as nice as anything built by Germans without anything too garish or overwrought. The seats, front and rear, are extremely comfortable. Again, beautiful.

Performance to match its looks

Then we have to talk about its slick little engine. Yep, it too is a beauty. At full boil, the turbocharged inline-4 sounds amazing. It also makes 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque, which is damn good from just two liters. Unfortunately, the only transmission available is an eight-speed automatic – no manual is available. That said, the automatic is quite smooth and snaps off manual shifts quickly.

Equipped with “Q4” all-wheel drive, an Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti like the one I drove starts at $43,135. It’s fairly efficient – rated at 23 MPG city and 31 MPG highway. According to Alfa Romeo, “The Q4 all-wheel-drive system delivers all-season traction and optimizes performance by transferring up to 60% of engine torque to the front axle.” This system works with engine control, traction control and mechanical control seamlessly.

The system works well; perhaps even too well. You see, this was my only issue with the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti. I could not defeat the Q4’s traction control system, no matter how hard I tried. This is good news for a majority of people who want AWD for performance and safety reasons. However, it’s not so great if you want to hoon around on slippery surfaces.

**The performance is safe…perhaps a bit too safe**

As a result of this safety system, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti refused to lose control. It simply would not let me be an idiot and drift through any of the corners. Sure, it was quick and grip was much better than I expected, but I also expected it to allow me to go ape. I deliberately overpowered corners to make it over and understeer – no dice. It would only slide a hair and then, based on electronic voodoo that my primitive brain could not fully comprehend, it would go exactly where the steering told it to.

Nope, all wheels must grip, thank you. “Devi essere sicuro in ogni momento” or ” You must be safe at all times.” I get it and I respect the car for being so competent on slippery surfaces. In the end, though, I was left feeling a bit let down. It was the same feeling I had when I found out that Alfa Romeo will not equip the Alfa Romeo Giulia with a manual transmission. Where’s the fun in that?

Oh well. At least we know they build an excellent AWD system and Alfa Romeo truly cares about safety. It’s so accurate in snow, I felt like I could eat a gelato with one hand while piloting through the snowy and icy agility course at speed. I’ve driven this same vehicle on normal roads and it’s a hoot. It’s an especially fun machine on twisty turns (minus snow) and it makes you feel special. On that basis, it’s hard not to like it. My only regret from the Rocky Mountain Redline winter driving event was not spending more time with the Alfa Romeo Giulia.

Despite it being logical and safe, it’s still beautiful and has a ton of personality. I wanted to stay inside of it all day long. I wish I spent more time getting to know it in other environments as well.

Yet another thing to long for that’s Italian. Check out the Giulia’s North American debut at the LA International Auto Show below. Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for more news, views, and real-world reviews!

Mercedes-Benz Outsold Jaguar 24-to-1 Last Month: Here are January 2018’s Best-Selling Midsize Luxury Sedans

Zach Butler

February 2, 2018

This January, Jaguar Sold Just 183 XF models. Mercedes-Benz sold 24 times as many examples of the E-Class.

While luxury crossovers are a hot market, some luxury midsize sedans also saw their sales pick up in January 2018. The Mercedes E-Class remained a strong seller, edging out a slightly increased sales pace over last year. Sales of other models, like the Jaguar XF, have fallen to near zero. Where do the other models stack up? Check out the list below for January 2018’s best-selling midsize luxury sedans. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more sales updates! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for the latest videos on your favorite new models.

1) Mercedes-Benz E-Class

January 2018's best-selling midsize luxury sedans: Mercedes-Benz E-Class — [Photo: Mercedes-Benz]

January 2018 Sales: 4,099 units

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class was the second best-selling model, behind the GLC crossover. Sales were so good for the E-Class this month, in fact, that its sales were 55% higher than the next model on this list. While that number is significant, it represents just a slight increase over January 2017. Mercedes sold 4,022 examples of the E-Class at this point last year – a 1.9% increase.

2) Lexus ES

January 2018's best-selling midsize luxury sedans: Lexus ES — [Photo: Lexus]

January 2018 Sales: 2,640 units

Lexus’ ES models sold well last month. This midsize sedan bridges the gap between the larger LS and the smaller IS executive cars. Lexus moved 2,640 units in January 2018. That represents a 21.6% increase over the 2,171 units the company sold at the same point last year.

3) BMW 5 Series

January 2018's best-selling midsize luxury sedans: BMW 5 Series — [Photo: BMW]

January 2018 Sales: 2,456 units

BMW revamped the 5 Series in 2017, starting the new G30 generation. Based on the G11 platform that underpins the 7 Series, BMW’s midsize offering got a fresh new face and advanced driver assist systems in the redesign. BMW moved 2,456 units in January 2018. Now, at the same point last year, they moved just 749 units. If that 328% increase in sales over this point last year sounds weird to you, that’s just because the latest 5 Series went on sale in February 2017.

4) Acura TLX

January 2018's best-selling midsize luxury sedans: Acura TLX — [Photo: Acura]

January 2018 Sales: 2,155 units

We’ve tested the TLX on the road. We’ve tested it on the track. Recently, we took the TLX out for a thrashing in the snow. We thought it was good, and the car-buying public must agree. Sales of the Acura TLX picked up 8.7% over January 2017, when the company sold 1,903 units.

5) Lincoln MKZ

January 2018's best-selling midsize luxury sedans: Lincoln MKZ — [Photo: Lincoln]

January 2018 Sales: 1,176 units

Lincoln’s MKZ sedan received a major facelift in 2017 to bring the model more into line with the larger Continental’s styling. This year, the MKZ sales have fallen substantially. The company shifted just 1,176 units – a 43.7% drop on the 2,090 units they sold in January 2017.

6) Audi A6

January 2018's best-selling midsize luxury sedans: Audi A6 — [Photo: Audi]

January 2018 Sales: 751 units

As with most companies, Audi’s sedan sales are flagging while their crossover sales are booming. The Audi A6, one a powerhouse in the brand’s lineup, is experiencing slow sales at the moment. In January 2018, Audi sold 751 examples of the A6. That’s a 26% drop compared to the 1,o08 units the company sold in 2017. However, sales of their Q5 and Q7 are up 12.4% and 19.3%, respectively.

7) Cadillac CTS

January 2018 Sales: 662 units

The Cadillac CTS isn’t a huge seller, but it is moving at a steady pace. Cadillac managed to sell 662 units in January 2018. That’s a 4.2% drop from the 691 units the company managed to shift at the same point last year.

8) Buick Regal

January 2018's best-selling midsize luxury sedans: Buick Regal Sportback — [Photo: Buick]

January 2018 Sales: 568 units

Buick’s Regal underwent a drastic transformation for the 2018 model year. As such, only certain models are on sale right now, such as the FWD version of the Sportback, as well as the AWD version with the Sights & Sounds package and the GS. Other models will be available this month, according to Buick’s website. Buick sold 568 Regals in January 2018, a 40.3% drop from its pace this time last year. But that should pick up when the rest of the range goes on sale.

9) Volvo S90

January 2018's best-selling midsize luxury sedans: Volvo S90 — [Photo: TFLcar]

January 2018 Sales: 590 units

Volvo’s S90 looks and feels like a high-class car. Buyers must be taking to Volvo’s appeal with the S90, since its sales have shot up 145.1% over the same point last year. Mind you, 2017 was the first model year of the new S90.

10) Infiniti Q70

January 2018's best-selling midsize luxury sedans: Infiniti Q70 — [Photo: Infiniti]

January 2018 Sales: 386 units

Infiniti’s Q70 is a bit older than the rest of its competition. That may be one of the reasons its sales are falling off, as the company moved 386 units in January 2018. Contrast that to the same point last year, where Infiniti sold 476 Q70s. That represents a 18.9% decline from January 2017.

11) Jaguar XF

January 2018's Best-Selling Midsize Luxury Sedans: Jaguar XF — [Photo: Jaguar]

January 2018 Sales: 183 units

If you come across a new Jaguar XF on the road, take note – it’s an increasingly rare sight. In January 2018, Jaguar sold just 183 XF units. That’s a 36.9% drop from the 290 units they sold in January 2017. If the sedan is a becoming a rare sight, the XF Sportbrake is a unicorn among Jaguars in the U.S.

Forbidden European Fruit: New Mercedes-Benz A-Class Unveiled in Amsterdam [News]

Zach Butler

February 2, 2018

2019 New Mercedes-Benz A-Class — 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. [Photo: Mercedes-Benz]

Mercedes-Benz revealed what may be one of its most technology-laden cars to date. The drawback? They’re not selling it in the U.S.

Meet the latest iterations of Mercedes’ European hatchback, the 2019 A-Class. Mercedes-Benz officially unveiled the A-Class in Amsterdam today, carrying more sophisticated tech than ever before. It’s definitely a sharp-looking car, with a more aggressive face to match the new CLS unveiled last month. The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class also sports an interior to match its larger, more expensive siblings.

What really sets the new A-Class apart, however, is the tech. The new model is the first to introduce the company’s new MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. It features Artificial Intelligence, which gives it the ability to learn the more you interact with it. A dual 10.5-inch touchscreen interface with integrated voice controls, on top of the AI, may make this one of the most advanced infotainment systems out there.

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class [Photo: Mercedes-Benz]

Performance

European buyers will get a choice of three engine choices at launch. There’s a 1.5-liter diesel making 114 horsepower. If gas is your fuel of choice, there’s a 1.4-liter, 160 horsepower unit, or the top-of-the-line 221 horsepower, 2.0-liter A250. The fastest A250 can sprint from 6.2 seconds. A hot-hatch A45 version will not be available at launch, but may reach production next year.

Dimensions

The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class has grown up, in every aspect of the word. It’s wider and longer, and taller than the previous generation. That helps make for more headroom, legroom, and elbow room, thanks to a wider track and longer wheelbase.

Want one? You can’t buy one (at least for now)

Here’s the rub, ladies and gentlemen: the A-Class isn’t coming to our shores. At least not at time of writing. The car was launched in Amsterdam to a European audience. However, there’s no official word on whether the company’s smallest model will make it over here.

So why bring up the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class at all? Well, given historical precedent, it’s more likely we’ll see this car as a new GLA model. Mercedes is making a calculated move here, since we much prefer crossovers rather than ordinary hatchbacks. There’s a sedan version of this car coming as well, so perhaps we’ll see that one as the new CLA.

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for more news, views, and real-world reviews.

GLC You Later: Mercedes-Benz Clinches January’s Best-Selling Compact Luxury Crossover Title

Zach Butler

February 2, 2018

4,743 people made a New Year’s resolution to buy a Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. What were this month’s best-selling compact luxury crossovers?

What was the best-selling compact luxury crossover in January 2018? That would be the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. While more people went for the three-pointed star than any other model in this segment, perennial favorites like the Lexus NX and Audi Q5 also fared well. Check out the list below to find out last month’s best-selling compact luxury crossover. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more sales updates! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for the latest videos on your favorite new models.

1) Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

January 2018 Best-selling Luxury Crossovers — [Photo: Mercedes-Benz]

January 2018 Sales: 4,743 units

The GLC-Class wasn’t just the best-selling compact luxury crossover this month – it was the best-selling Mercedes model. So many more people bought one, in fact, that the model’s sales increased 54.7% over January 2017. That’s also the biggest leap among the contenders on this list compared to the same point last year. In January 2017, Mercedes moved just 3,065 GLC models.

2) Lexus NX

January 2018 Best-selling Luxury Crossovers: 2018 Lexus NX300 — [Photo: Lexus]

January 2018 Sales: 4,205 units

Lexus practically invented the luxury crossover back in the late 90s with the RX, so it’s only natural its smaller sibling would end up here. As with the Mercedes, the Lexus NX also had a great month over January 2017. Sales of this model increased 41.9% from 2,964 units sold at the same point last year.

3) Audi Q5

January 2018 Sales: 4,088 units

The Q5 was, by considerable margin, Audi’s best-selling vehicle. Crossovers are hot, and within this market, the Q5 was the brand’s bread and butter. In January 2018, Audi moved 4,088 Q5s, 12% more than they sold at the same time last year.

4) Acura RDX

January 2018 Best-Selling Luxury Crossovers: Acura RDX — [Photo: Acura]

January 2018 Sales: 2,961 units

The Acura RDX has been a good, steady seller for the brand these past few years. That trend continues into the new year, as the RDX was the fourth best-selling luxury compact crossover. While its sales, on the whole, have been steady, January 2018 saw a 7.5% drop versus the same time last year.

5) BMW X3

January 2018 Best-Selling Compact Luxury Crossovers: — [Photo: BMW]

January 2018 Sales: 2,954 units

BMW’s X3 has long held a reputation as what’s arguably the most “driver-focused” compact luxury SAV. For those unfamiliar with the BMW nomenclature, they refer to their X series as “Sports Activity Vehicles”. A new version was just launched in November. It’s sales are down slightly compared to January 2017 (2,954 versus 3,154 last January). That amounts to a 6.3% drop from the same point last year.

6) Buick Envision

January 2018 Best-Selling Compact Luxury Crossovers: Buick Envision — [Photo: Buick]

January 2018 Sales: 2,487 units

While Buick’s subcompact crossover sells it at a rate of two to one, the Envision stands as the brand’s third best-selling model in January 2018. Buick moved 2,487 Envisions last month, up 13.7% from the same point last year.

7) Porsche Macan

January 2018 Best-Selling Compact Luxury Crossovers: Porsche Macan — [Photo: Porsche]

January 2018 Sales: 1,636 units

Porsche’s entry-level model is also its best-seller, just edging out its bigger brother, the Cayenne. Despite that status, Macan sales still took a hit compared to January 2017. Back then, Porsche shifted 1,960 units. Now, they’ve moved 1,636 units, a 16.6% drop.

8) Volvo XC60

January 2018 Best-Selling Compact Luxury Crossovers: Volvo XC60 — [Photo: Volvo]

January 2018 Sales: 1,620 units

Volvo has been on a roll when it comes to styling. Their XC90 was a success for the brand, and now comes the new, smaller XC60. Now built on the brand’s Scalable Product Architecture platform, the XC60 matches its bigger sibling on looks. So far, Volvo has moved 1,620 units in 2018. That’s twice as many cars as Volvo managed to sell of the old model in January 2017.

9) Lincoln MKC

January 2018 Best-Selling Compact Luxury Crossovers: Lincoln MKC — [Photo: TFLcar]

January 2018 Sales: 1,197 units

Lincoln rolled out its smallest crossover, the MKC, as a 2015 model year. Since then, it’s been chugging along as a steady seller, but hasn’t seen any major updates. That may be starting to affect its sales, as the MKC sold 28.2% fewer units than it had in January of last year.

13) Jaguar F-PACE – TBD

January 2018 Sales: 1,186 units

Jaguar sold 1,458 examples of the F-Pace in January 2017. As the marque’s first crossover, the F-Pace has been one of Jaguar’s best-selling models. That distinction remains true now, but F-Pace sales did drop to 1,186 units in January 2018. That represents an 18.7% fall from this point last year. Sales across the entire Jaguar brand were down 11.9% from 2,939 units sold in January 2017.

10) Range Rover Evoque

January 2018 Best-Selling Compact Luxury Crossovers: Range Rover Evoque — [Photo: Land Rover]

January 2018 Sales: 1,161 units

The Range Rover Evoque serves the marque’s entry-level model. The most affordable Range Rover model found 1,161 driveways in January 2018. That does represent a good month for the model, as Land Rover only moved 916 units in January 2017 (a 26.7% increase).

11) Infiniti QX50 (outgoing model)

January 2018 Sales: 1,051 units

Infiniti is replacing its QX50 crossover this spring. It first debuted in LA, and gets updated styling and features akin to the brand’s sedan models. As the new QX50 just debuted in LA, people may be holding out for the new model to arrive. As a result, QX50 sales were down 12.9%, from 1,206 units sold in January 2017.

12) Alfa Romeo Stelvio

January 2018 Best-Selling Compact Luxury Crossovers: Alfa Romeo Stelvio — [Photo: FCA]

January 2018 Sales: 688 units

Alfa Romeo brought out the Stelvio as an all-new model last year. This crossover, and it’s Giulia sedan sibling, represent a reintroduction of the brand into the U.S. on a more mainstream basis. FCA moved 688 Stelvios in January 2018.

How Does The Jeep Wrangler JL Perform In the Snow? Find Out Right Here! [Video]

Zach Butler

February 2, 2018

TFLcar has partnered with Rugged Radios, who provide dual band radios we take on our filming trips. Enter promo code FASTLANE to get 20% off brand new radios!

Can Jeep’s Newest version of an off-road icon conquer winter?

If you’ve been missing some news and videos on the new Jeep Wrangler JL, we have some good news for you! Recently, we took the brand new Sahara on an epic, 900-mile road trip from Phoenix to our home base in Boulder, Colorado. On the way, we had to take the Wrangler to one of the Jeep’s stomping grounds – Moab, Utah. On the Fins & Things trail, we learned just how well the street-biased Sahara performed on dirt.

It did well there, but how does it perform in the snow? This is Colorado in winter time, so why don’t we find out? In this TFLcar exclusive, Nathan and Andre take the Wrangler out to show you how it handles the powder. En route, they settled in to the new, yet familiar atmosphere of the Wrangler JL. We have plenty of experience behind the wheel out the outgoing JK model, but how is the new JL different?

Jeep Wrangler JL Snow Test — Having some fun in the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Sahara. [Photo: TFLcar]

The Wrangler JL is new, yet familiar

For a start, the exterior sports the distinctive appearance you’d expect. You look at it, and you immediately know it’s a Wrangler. In fact, you may struggle to tell it apart from the JK at first glance. There are subtle differences: Jeep fitted a new headlight assembly and moved the signal markers out to the fenders. They also raked the grille back slightly, a throwback to old YJ models. The folding windshield has been heavily revised, and so have the available tops.

The interior features some major changes over the outgoing JK model. Jeep employed better materials throughout, and the instruments have been updated as well. On better-equipped models, you can get an 8.4-inch version of FCA’s 4th-generation Uconnect infotainment system. On top-spec Rubicon models, Jeep fitted more off-road focused tires, front and rear locking differentials and an electronic sway bar disconnect.

Jeep Wrangler JL Snow Test

Does the new Jeep Wrangler Sahara pass the snow test? Despite the lack of locking differentials, it actually performs quite well. The four-wheel drive system splits power 50/50 in 4-high, which helps with traction. Even sporting more street-biased Bridgestone Dueler all-seasons, the Jeep handled itself in winter conditions.

For this and more Jeep Wrangler JL videos, subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube!

Burning Snow: the Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 Screams at the Cold [Op/Ed]

Nathan Adlen

February 2, 2018

Burning Snow: Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 — [Photo: Nathan Leach-Proffe]

Cutting Loose in the Mercedes-Benz AMG C43

Out of a dozen or so cars that participated at the Rocky Mountain Redline winter driving event, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 was one of my favorites. Granted, I drove it only on snow and ice, it was rewarding nonetheless. This event, which consisted of various cone-based ice and snow-covered courses, took place in Winter Park, Colorado.

Out of all of the TFLcar team to drive this vehicle, I considered myself the least likely to enjoy my time behind the wheel of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43. I was mistaken. Other than the Acura NSX, the little C43 was the most enjoyable. Part of that enjoyment comes from its 3.0-liter biturbo V6 which makes 362 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission available is a paddle-shifted (9G-TRONIC) 9-speed automatic. The power is fed to all four wheels via Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

Fortunately, you can defeat the traction control system to the point that the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 will allow you to go hog-wild in the snow. That way, you can send plenty of power to the rear wheels. It will let you drift and sends out a visceral scream as you cut loose. It might just be one of the best sounding German V6 engines that I’ve tested in years.

Slam the accelerator down and it takes a few moments for the traction control system to realize that you want to spin the rear tires. Normally, the 4MATIC system operations to get the C43 AMG’s torque to the ground to make the car as agile as possible.

A 31/69 rear-bias quickens takeoffs and clings to corners. That means up to 69% of the power goes to the rear wheels. Now, when you shut everything down and go to Sport + mode, the Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 lets you really have some fun.

[Photos: Nathan Leach-Proffe]

The C43 can calm down when you want it to

I was able to control side-to-side drifts easier than any other vehicle I tested at the event. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 seemed to want more. When you’re serious about not sliding, the C43 immediately sobered up and eliminated unwanted movements.

After several runs on various courses, I was able to steer (mostly) using the accelerator. When not drifting, the Mercedes-Benz went where I wanted, rarely losing any traction. Once all the traction-control functions were turned back on, that is. I went full out with the TC systems on and found the control to be good while the systems kept me from sliding. Even at full boil, the brakes hauled me to a stop with no drama.

I cannot wait to drive this vehicle on regular roads in the future. For an MSRP of $53,400, this C43 felt like a much more expensive ride.

If you want some AMG performance but need more space, check out the video below. We pitch the Mercedes-Benz GLC AMG against its main rival, the Audi SQ5. Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for more videos featuring your favorite new models.

No Surprises Here: Camry Takes Top Spot in January 2018 Midsize Sedan Sales Report

Zach Butler

February 1, 2018

The Toyota Camry is still king among its peers in the world of midsize sedans, according to January 2018 sales

Are we already entering February of 2018? It seems like the year just began, and here we are, already crunching the sales data for the first month of the new year. In the midsize sedan segment, there aren’t too many surprises. Toyota’s Camry came out on top thanks to a fresh redesign and its already stalwart reputation as one of the best-selling cars in the country. But how did its competitors fare this past month? We’ve compiled a list of the best-selling non-luxury midsize sedans below:

1) Toyota Camry

2018 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ — [Photo: Toyota]

January 2018 Sales: 24,638 units

No surprises here – the Camry has long stood as one of America’s best-selling sedans, and it’s not giving up its crown anytime soon. Toyota redesigned the Camry for 2018, from the base LE all the way up to the V6-powered XSE and its hybrid models. Thanks to the update, the Camry was one of the few sedans in the segment to actually see its sales increase over January 2017. This month, Toyota Camry sales grew by 16.4% over last year.

2) Nissan Altima

January 2018 Sales: 20,185 units

The Nissan Altima is a car that just works. It looks fine, it’s safe and its efficient. If you want good, reliable transport, the Altima is a sensible option. Other than the addition of an SR model for the 2016 model year, it hasn’t changed much recently. That may be what endears it to consumers, however. Nissan Altima sales were up 6.6% in January 2018 over the same time last year.

3) Honda Accord

January 2018 Sales: 17,677 units

The new Honda Accord is possibly all the car you could ever need. It’s striking, has a gutsy 2.0-liter turbo engine, and it’s spacious inside. You can even still get it (in some trims) with a manual! Unfortunately, it seems that wasn’t enough to stem the flow of buyers’ exodus toward crossovers. The Accord’s January 2018 sales fell 13.1% over the same period last year.

4) Ford Fusion

January 2018 Sales: 10,352 units

Ford’s Fusion sedan is hanging on, but its sales have slipped by a third over the past year. Compared to January 2017, this past month’s sales decline of 33.3% to 10,352 units is a sharp one. It’s a good-looking car with several powertrain options and good handling. However, like the Accord, it seems the Fusion’s suffering some attrition as the market sways toward crossovers.

5) Chevrolet Malibu

January 2018 Sales: 7,553 units

With its latest redesign, the Chevrolet Malibu is a sedan that wants to buck the trend of the boring family sedan. It’s handsomely styled, and looks like its as much car as you’d likely ever need. You can get it with a 160 horsepower 1.5-liter turbo, a 250 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo, or as a hybrid. Even with all that, the Malibu’s sales slipped 9.8% over January 2017 as folks migrate away from sedans. It’s by no means the worse rate of attrition on this list.

6) Hyundai Sonata

2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited — [Photo: Hyundai]

January 2018 Sales: 6,027 units

Hyundai redesigned the Sonata for 2018, featuring the brand’s now-signature cascade grille, a good amount of tech, and reasonable value. The Sonata, among the company’s other models, is a more mature offering now than it ever has been. That being said, it’s sales were down 23.7% compared to January 2017. Perhaps the refresh will invigorate the model’s sales.

7) Kia Optima

January 2018 Sales: 5,198 units

While Hyundai just redesigned the Sonata, the Kia Optima’s last revamp came in 2016. That’s not too long ago, so the car still looks fresh. There’s lots of tech on offer for your money, plus the Kia is backed by a 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. 5,198 took Kia up on their offer with the Optima in January 2018. That’s a 33.8% decrease over the same time last year.

8) Subaru Legacy

January 2018 Sales: 3,288 units

Legacy, indeed. When you see a Subaru these days, odds are its an Outback, a Forester, or a Crosstrek. Maybe you’ll see the new Impreza out and about. But you may not see a Legacy sedan all that often. It’s been around since 1989, and is now chugging along through its sixth-generation. January 2018 Legacy sales capped out at 3,288 units, a 15.3% drop from the same point last year.

9) Volkswagen Passat

2018 Volkswagen Passat GT — [Photo: Volkswagen]

January 2018 Sales: 2,434 units

Ouch. When you look at the Passat’s sales figures, you’re quickly made aware of the current state of sedans in the U.S. marketplace. With a few exceptions, midsize sedan sales are down across the board. As far as year-on-year changes, the Passat suffered the worst of any car on the list. Volkswagen shifted 2,434 units in January 2018 – a 58.7% drop over the same time last year. However, a new Passat is on the horizon, so maybe that will improve the model’s outlook. Volkswagen also introduced a sportier Passat GT earlier this year.

10) Mazda6

January 2018 Sales: 1,552 units

While the Passat took the biggest hit on its sales, it did manage to move more than the Mazda6. Despite its handsome appearance, driving dynamics, and upscale interior, the Mazda6 saw its sales halved in the first month of 2018. From the same point last year, sales are down 53.0%. That hasn’t compelled Mazda to give up on the 6, however. In fact, they’ve only made it better by introducing new styling and a new heart – a turbocharged 2.5-liter SkyActiv engine. Folks might well be sitting on their decision to purchase a Mazda6 until the new model arrives this spring.

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more sales updates! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for the latest videos on your favorite new models.

The Nissan Rogue is No Scoundrel, It’s a Best-Seller: January 2018 Compact Crossover Sales Report

Zach Butler

February 1, 2018

As we kick off 2018, almost all non-luxury compact crossovers saw a boom in sales.

January 2018 has drawn to a close. And when the month draws to a close, the sales figures roll in. This month was a great month for almost every compact crossover model. The Volkswagen Tiguan, Jeep Compass, and Chevy Equinox all underwent significant redesigns for the 2018 model year. Other sales heavy hitters, like the Nissan Rogue, also received big tech updates.

Check out the list below for this month’s sales figures for non-luxury compact crossovers. These models include those mentioned above, plus models such as the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, and Ford Escape. Luxury compact crossover sales figures are coming soon!

1) Nissan Rogue

January 2018 Sales: 36,184 units

Nissan’s Rogue received a major tech update for 2018 in the form of ProPilot Assist. Nissan had no trouble selling the Rogue in the first place – even in 2017, they sold more than the second best-selling car on this list. However, with a good range of standard equipment and a starting price of $24,800 for the base S model, the Rogue is an appealing option for a wide range of buyers. As a result, January 2018 Rogue sales are up 25.8% over the same time in 2017. The Rogue set its own sales record, and it was the best-seller in the compact crossover segment in January, by a wide margin.

2) Toyota RAV4

January 2018 Sales: 26,655 units

Toyotas are some of the best-selling cars on the roads, and for good reason. They’re solid, reliable, spacious, and efficient. From $24,510 and up, there are options from a base LE all the way up to a fully-loaded platinum model. Buyers are going for the RAV4, as sales are up 20.3% over January 2017.

3) Chevy Equinox

2018 Chevrolet Equinox — [Photo: Derek Mau]

January 2018 Sales: 26,405 units

The redesigned 2018 Equinox is Chevrolet’s best-selling vehicle, after it’s Silverado line of trucks. They’ve sold over 2 million models to date, and sales aren’t slowing anytime soon. In fact, the Equinox has managed to unseat a major Japanese automaker’s compact crossover offering this month – the Honda CR-V. Sales for the model are up 50.3% from the same time in 2017, prior to the redesign.

4) Honda CR-V

January 2018 Sales: 24,326 units

Like the Toyota RAV4, Honda’s CR-V has long been a crossover that appeals to a wide audience. It’s good-looking, spacious, practical, and efficient. Just what most families who buy crossovers are looking for. However, as we move into the second month of 2018, CR-V sales slid. Coincidentally, sales of the CR-V fell by 20.3%, while RAV4 sales increased by 20.3%.

5) Ford Escape

January 2018 Sales: 19,847 units

In what’s arguably the hottest automotive segment right now, the Ford Escape has usually been among the top five best sellers. This month, the Escape hangs on to that distinction, but it is lagging behind its major Japanese rivals. This is still one of Ford’s best-selling cars, but sales have fallen off by 8.0% compared to January 2017.

6) Mazda CX-5

January 2018 Sales: 13,463 units

To say the CX-5 is Mazda’s bread-and-butter model is an understatement. As the market has shifted toward crossovers, sales of Mazda’s CX-5 have increased significantly. The Japanese automaker revamped the model for 2017, and boy, are people taking to the facelift nicely. Sales for the CX-5 are up a whopping 67% over this time in 2017.

7) Subaru Forester

January 2018 Sales: 10,848 units

Subaru’s Forester has long been a strong, steady seller, reliably selling between 12,000 and 18,000 units a month for the past two years. The Forester is one of the blockier crossovers, which makes it great for practicality. This month, however, sales seem to be a bit slow. At 10,848 units, the Forester’s down 16.6% on this time in 2017.

8) Jeep Compass

2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk — [Photo: TFLcar]

January 2018 Sales: 10,192 units

In January 2017, sales of the Compass and its smaller sibling, the Patriot, were flagging. FCA replaced both models with the all-new Compass last year. With the Compass, you can buy an entry-level Sport, a nicer, street-focused Limited, or the off-road capable Trailhawk. As of January 2018, Compass sales have doubled over last year (Up 222% over the 3,164 Compass units sold in 2017).

9) Hyundai Tucson

2016 Hyundai Tucson — [Photo: Hyundai Tucson]

January 2018 Sales: 7,638 units

Recent Hyundai models have enjoyed a reputation of attractive styling, high-quality interiors, and plenty of features in the higher trim levels. That’s no exception with its compact crossover offering, the Tucson. Plus, it helps that the cars are backed by one of the best warranties in the business, at 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain. Sales for the Tucson are up by 33.3% over this time in 2017.

10) GMC Terrain

January 2018 Sales: 7,130 units

The brand new GMC Terrain sports attractive styling, and it comes in at just under $25,000. GMC also slotted in a new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The brand isn’t a titanic seller like Chevrolet is, but sales in January 2018 picked up 14.2% over the same time in 2017.

11) Volkswagen Tiguan

Great American Road Trip Through Yellowstone National Park: Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan Double Feature — [Photo: Volkswagen]

January 2018 Sales: 6,336 units

The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan represents a step up in terms of size over the outgoing model. This 2018 redesign closes the gap left by the departure of the Touareg and the emergence of the larger Atlas. At this time in 2017, Volkswagen moved 3,516 old Tiguans. Right now, they’ve shifted 6,336 examples of the 2018 model.

12) Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage SX Turbo 2WD — [Photo: Kia]

January 2018 Sales: 5,712 units

Kia’s Sportage presents a potentially polarizing face to buyers in the market for a new compact crossover. However, as has been the way with Kia lately, it offers up an attractive interior. Also, like its cousin the Hyundai Tucson, the Sportage offers a 10 year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Sales of the Sportage are up this month over January 2017 by 23.5%.

13) Mitsubishi Outlander

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander — [Photo: Mitsubishi]

January 2018 Sales: 3,320 units (including PHEV)

Mitbushi’s Outlander received some new styling details for 2018. There’s also some interior improvements and a useful amount of standard equipment to keep it on par with its competition. The Outlander does feature modern safety tech, such as Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Change Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring. Sales are improving as of January 2018. Mitsubishi actually sold 3,320 units, including their new plug-in hybrid model – nearly double the units they moved in January 2017 (Up 96.6%).

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more sales updates! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for the latest videos on your favorite new models.

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