Ford announced recently that its souped up, all-wheel drive sport compact hatchback is now being delivered to dealerships across the U.S.
The vehicle will start at $36,605. This is the first generation of the Focus RS that will be sold in America.
The Focus RS will compete for a piece of the sport compact segment along with the Subaru WRX STI, Mitsubishi Evo, and the Volkswagen Golf R. The Evo is essentially gone, so it’s good to have another rally-inspired sport compact on the market.
Although the Focus RS is in its third generation, this is the first time consumers in the U.S. will have easy access to the hatchback.
Ford is touting the Focus RS as one of the fastest compact cars in its class, going from 0-62 mph in about 4.7 seconds, and tops out at a maximum speed of 165 mph. It comes equipped with Ford’s new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that makes 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
Motorists who want an automatic, however, won’t be able to buy a Focus RS as the hatchback only comes with a manual transmission.
Some of the new features with the new RS is that it comes with four drive modes drivers can select – normal, sport, track and drift mode, which is a first for a regular consumer vehicle that allows drivers to perform controlled oversteer drifts. The different modes tell the all-wheel drive system to adjust based on what the driver selects. For example, if a driver selects drift mode, the car essentially turns into a rear-wheel drive vehicle and puts most of the power to the rear wheels, allowing for tire-smoke-inducing fun.
The new Focus RS also comes with an engine stall feature, which allows a driver to just push in the clutch after a stall to restart the engine instead of manually restarting the engine.
Check out this related TFLcar video of everything you want to know about the 2016 Ford Focus RS:
Following updates made to the 2016 model year Accord, the 2017 Accord Hybrid returns with updated styling, enhanced performance, and improved fuel economy. Honda estimates it will sell double the number of Accord Hybrids it did in 2014, or about 30,000. Will the changes be enough to keep up with the ever-growing lineup of midsize hybrid sedans? Honda recently brought me out to Napa, CA, to take a first drive and learn more about the car.
The powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine that alone puts out 143 hp at 6,200 rpm and 129 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Under moderate acceleration this gasoline engine is not used, however, as the car relies on the electric hybrid motor to get under way. It produces a maximum of 181 hp from 5,000 to 6,000 rpm and 232 lb-ft of torque instantly until 2,000 rpm. Combined, the system produces a maximum of 212 hp at 6,200 rpm.
Power is fed to the wheels via Honda’s E-CVT, which is not a traditional CVT but more of a direct-drive system. During the drive I conducted an unofficial 0-60 mph test and achieved a time of 8.3 seconds, not whiplash-inducing speed but not to shabby for a car that can get nearly 50 mpg in the city according to the EPA. This was with the use of a stopwatch but nonetheless, the car is quick to get up to speed, thanks to the instant torque from the electrons.
In addition to the gas engine there are two electric motors, one for actual propulsion and another that serves as a generator to produce electricity. In Hybrid Drive mode the gasoline engine drives the generator motor which then supplies electricity to the propulsion motor. Switch to EV mode and the car can drive up to a claimed 40 miles on stored energy from the 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack alone. For those who crave more spirited acceleration there’s a Sport mode that provides a more aggressive throttle response. By putting the battery in the trunk, the Accord Hybrid is well balanced. Steering feel is non-communicative and the weight is fine, but owners will likely not care about either of these things. There is mostly just one thing on shoppers’ minds when looking at this car.
EPA ratings are 49/47/48 mpg city/highway/combined. Honda was targeting the magic number of 50 mpg city but, due to revised methodology from the EPA, slightly missed it. The Accord Hybrid does manage to best fuel economy estimates for the hybrid versions of the Chevy Malibu, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata, though.
The Accord Hybrid maintains the interior look and feel of the gas-only Accord with a long list of safety, comfort, and infotainment features. Steering wheel mounted controls to control the audio and cruise control systems are standard. A 7.7-inch upper display unit shows trip and audio information, time, and turn-by-turn instructions. Below that is an available seven-inch touchscreen display to control the audio system as well as other functions, such as phone pairing and vehicle settings. There is also wireless charging and a USB port under the display units. Android Auto and Apply CarPlay can also be had on the upgraded EX-L trim level and top-of-the-line Touring models.
Among the list of safety features are lane departure warning with lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with emergency braking. The company’s Lane Watch system – a camera mounted in the passenger side mirror that comes one when the right turn signal is used – is meant to eliminate blind spots when turning right or moving into a slower lane.
All in all, the 2017 Accord Hybrid is a strong contender in its class and should sit well with customers who shy away from the polarizing styling of the new Toyota Prius. Check out the video above to see more of the 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid, which is hitting dealerships as we speak.
The 2016 Kia K900 rear-drive sedan is the company’s answer to the premium car market, which has gone a little crazy with pricing, especially when costly luxury options are ordered.
That’s not the case with the K900. It offers most of the stuff costlier luxury models offer for thousands of dollars less. Moreover, Kia recently was rated the number one brand in J.D. Power’s annual survey of new vehicle quality.
However, many remember when Kia only produced plain, low-priced economy cars. The K900 thus doesn’t enter the buying thoughts of a lot of premium car buyers. There are various trim levels, but sales aren’t setting any houses on fire.
One problem is that those who know that the K900 is a top-notch premium car feel they won’t impress neighbors or associates if they tell them they bought a top-line Kia. Why not a BMW, Mercedes, Audi or Jaguar?
Snob appeal is a big factor when it comes to high-line cars.
“That car looks like a Jaguar,” a middle-aged neighbor said when I stopped to show him the car. “But you say it’s a Kia?”
He sounded more than a little surprised.
But he’d likely end up spending $20,000-$30,000 more for a “name brand” premium car, such as an Audi, BMW or Mercedes. Many other uninformed or status-conscious premium car buyers are likely to do the same.
As for me, I was flat impressed after driving the test K900 during a mix of city and highway driving with the car’s new, standard 311-horsepower V-6.
The K900 also offers a carryover five-liter, 420-horsepower V-8, but the V-6 K900 models cost $49,000 and $54,900, while the V-8 version stickers at $61,900. The V-8 version isn’t really needed unless you want really neck-snapping acceleration or do something like mountain driving.
Power is transmitted through a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission with effective paddle shifters.
As for fuel economy, the new, sophisticated V-6 provides an estimated 17 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on highways. The V-8 delivers an estimated 15 and 23.
The city figures are so-so, but not much more should be expected. After all, the fast K900 is a 200-inch-long car with a 120-inch wheelbase that weights 4,376 pounds with the V-6 and 4,610 pounds with the V-8. Still, a 20-gallon fuel tank assures a long highway driving range.
New for 2016 are are a revised grille and rear-end design with updated chrome trim and revised exhaust pipes. There’s also a revised taillight design and a new bumper.
New features include a “Smart Power Trunk” that opens the trunk automatically when the key fob is sensed near the trunk lid more than three seconds.
As for safety, the car’s front camera and an “Advanced Smart Cruise Control” system adjusts vehicle speed to help maintain a set distance to the vehicle ahead and has the ability to bring the K900 to a full stop.
This isn’t a sports sedan, although it has nicely weighted steering, adroit handling and strong brakes. Standard are electronic stability and traction controls, anti-lock brakes and hill-start assist control.
The K900 isn’t designed to tackle curving roads at high speeds, but it’s a great cruiser for American roads with a suspension that occasionally gets a bit soft over irregular road surfaces.
The V-6 models have 18-inch wheels, while the V8 version has new 19-inch chrome wheels.
There’s plenty of room in the quiet, nicely designed upscale interior,which has an improved navigation system with a 9.2-inch touchscreen. The rear seat has almost limo-style roominess. And the trunk is huge.
Then there’s the usual premium-car stuff. My test $54,900 K900 Luxury V-6 had a panoramic sunroof with a power shade, three-zone automatic climate control, Lexicon Logic 7 surround sound audio system, pushbutton start, front/rear camera display, front/rear parking sensors, Nappa leather seat and interior trim, wood accent trim, push-button start and power folding auto-dimming outside mirrors.
While sleek, the styling results in rather a high beltline, which is where body sides meet the lower part of the side windows. Some smaller rear occupants may feel somewhat submerged. The driver has a power seat to raise him (or her) and a power tilt/telescopic steering column to further adjust to different body heights.
While my K900 Luxury V-6 was well-equipped, it had a $5,000 VIP Package that contained a head-up display, blind spot detection, lane-departure warning system, advanced Smart Cruise Control and surround view monitor.
On the TFLcar scale of:
Buy It,
Lease It,
Rent It,
or Forget It,
The 2016 Kia K900 gets a Buy It!
You can get a $6,000 VIP Plus package that contains such things as power reclining rear seats, but enough is enough. A major advantage the K900 has over better-known rivals is a lower list price.
Check out this related TFLcar video of the 2015 version of the Kia K900 mashing up with a 2015 Lexus LS460:
This first question comes from a reader who wants the 411 on the next Honda Odyssey.
Nathan,
I am probably the only person on earth eagerly anticipating the 2017 Honda Odyssey.
I’ve seen “spy shots” and heard speculation but Honda has not announced the 2017 (2018) model yet. Most rumors say it will be out by the end of this year which, if true, seems odd that they haven’t announced it yet. Do you have any scoop on when Honda will announce and release this beast?
Thanks,
Brian
A: Hi Brian!
No, you’re not the only one looking for information about the next Honda Odyssey, and you might be surprised at what Honda has in store for our market. Honda released a new Odyssey in Japan this past February. Not only was there significant upgrades with the regular model, a hybrid and a 4WD version will hit the Japanese market as well.
Here’s a piece of the press release for the 2016 Honda Odyssey in Japan:
“The newly-added Odyssey Hybrid and Odyssey Hybrid Absolute are the first Honda premium minivan models equipped with the revolutionary Honda-developed powertrain Sport Hybrid i-MMD and realize class-topping fuel economy of 26.0 km/L (JC08 mode). In the thorough pursuit of system efficiency, Honda developed a new motor that features an innovative winding method and structure. This newly-developed motor is approximately 23% smaller and lighter than the previous version and yet realizes high torque and high output. Moreover, by compactly emplacing the lithium-ion battery underneath the floor of the first-row seats, these hybrid models realize outstanding fuel economy as well as high-quality and powerful driving without compromising the unique features of the Odyssey such as a spacious cabin and ease of use.”
It’s a pretty good bet that many of the changes and upgrades of the Japanese-market Honda Odyssey could find their way to the North American version in a year or so. There’s lots of speculation that the regular model will get the nine-speed, push-button automatic transmission that’s available in the Honda Pilot.
N
—
This next question is from a fan who Tweeted me (@NathanAdlen) about the possible demise of the Fiat 500L.
Nathan! Is FIAT killing the 500L this year?
I never see them around anymore.
Ken
A: Hi Ken.
As far as I know, the Fiat 500L will stick around for a little while longer. Fiat’s combined sales numbers are poor and there will be a few additions to the Fiat stable soon. As for discontinuations? Nothing has been announced yet.
N
P.S. Fiat dealers are willing to cut a good deal. If you must go for a four-door Fiat, consider the Fiat 500X, it’s much better than the 500L.
The last question comes from a video fan who’s choosing between a 2008 Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Nathan, 2008 Honda Accord, Nissan Altima or Toyota Camry
I think the Accord is the sportiest and the Toyota is the most comfortable, Nissan in the middle, (2008-2010 models) I’m buying used.
Cole
Hi Cole!
There are a lot of variables like: V6 or I4, trim and mileage.
Still, I have some experience with all of the cars you mentioned.
I like the Honda Accord V6 for its power and handling. Some people don’t like the design, but I find it fairly attractive. It’s a great car even by today’s standards.
All three are good, and the Toyota Camry is very reliable. The Toyota and Honda will hold their value far longer than the Nissan. There are four-cylinder options that you may want to look at too.
Hope that helps!
N
Here’s the next video episode of “Ask Nathan!”
Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.
From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.
The all-new 2017 Infiniti QX30 is about to be released to the public, and TFLcar’s Roman Mica was there at the first press drive.
Roman spoke with Mark Snyder, deputy chief engineer at Infiniti, about the styling and performance of the latest crossover from Nissan’s luxury division.
Although the QX30 is all new, it shares much of its DNA with the Mercedes-Benz GLA250. It rides on the same chassis, has the same powertrain, and shares a lot of the interior bits with its German counterpart.
Infiniti styling elements set it apart form the GLA, but the GLA is still visible in the shape and proportions. Both cars, unsurprisingly, have the same wheelbase, but differences in exterior and interior styling gives the QX30 two more cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which is a good thing as the GLA is pretty space-challenged back there.
Inside, some of the switchgear is identical or nearly identical to the GLA, but Infiniti designers styled the dash to have more of the swooping, curvaceous lines of other Infiniti models. The GLA’s iPod-stuck-on-the-dash touchscreen has been replaced with an integrated screen set deep in the dash. The GLA’s rotary controller carries over, but it has a new name, Infiniti Controller. Either way, the GLA’s controller is much more intuitive than the ones in higher-end Benzes and a lot more on par with those in Mazda products, so the GX30’s system should have the same level of intuitiveness.
Same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as the GLA. It makes 208 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque from 1,200 to 4,000 rpm. Infiniti says that the throttle was tuned by Infiniti engineers, so it may feel different from the GLA, or it may not. Power goes to either the front wheels or all the wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, just like the GLA.
On thing the GX30 has that’s better than the GLA is the price. Pricing is embargoed for now, but the QX30 does undercut the GLA in both front- and all-wheel-drive trims. The QX30 comes with a lot of standard features, too, so each trim level has a lot to offer.
So is the Infiniti QX30 a worthy contender in the luxury compact crossover segment, or is it just a cheaper GLA? TFLcar will have all the information, including pricing and a driving impression on Sunday night (or is it Monday morning?) at midnight. For now, check out the full TFLnow everything you want to know video above.
Jaguar launched into the rapidly growing and highly competitive luxury SUV marketplace with their all-new, first ever SUV entry – the 2017 Jaguar F-Pace, which was inspired by the acclaimed CX17 concept show vehicle.
The Jaguar F-Pace serves up a tempting menu, with three engine variants and five models to choose from: Luxury; Premium; Prestige; R-Sport; and S.
The engine choices include a 2.0-liter diesel, inline four-cylinder and two 3.0-liter V-6s with Roots-type twin-vortex superchargers, one that delivers 340 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 352 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, while the other is tweaked to crank out 40 additional horses (380), but with the same torque output as the 340-horse version. The two petrol or gasoline engines gear their motive force to Jaguar’s intelligent AWD system through an 8-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. All engines come with auto stop/start technology.
The exterior styling of the new F-Pace is influenced by Jaguar’s F-Type series, from its adaptive LED headlamps, hood (bonnet) bulge to the pronounced rear haunches and tail light assemblies. The F-Pace displays the same athleticism, strength and energetic purity of form as the F-Type, exuding a sense of motion, even when standing still. The stance of the Jaguar F-Pace is low for reduced drag and increased stability, while still managing to deliver a 25.5 degree approach angle and a departure angle ranging from 25.7 to 26 degrees depending on spare tire size and towing equipment. The ramp breakover angle is 20.8 degrees. The F-Pace features 80 percent lightweight aluminum architecture for both strength and rigidity.
The cabin is comfortable and luxurious providing a sports command driving position along with an impressively versatile seating capability and the ability to adapt to a variety of cargo requirements. Switchgear and controls are logically and conveniently placed for optimum user-friendliness, and the F-Pace is loaded with connected technologies and infotainment through Jaguar’s InControl Touch with an 8-inch touch-screen and InControl Touch Pro with a 10.2-inch touch-screen featuring multi-touch gestures and a customizable home screen. A virtual 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster is provided with full-screen navigation display.
Other InControl options include SD navigation, apps, WiFi and SiriusXM satellite radio. An optional wearable Activity Key is available for $400 that is a robust, waterproof, pliable and secure wristband that replaces the key fob. The Activity Key locks and unlocks the vehicle by making contact with the tailgate lock. The conventional key fob may left in the car when locked, and is deactivated, and even should the vehicle be broken into, it will not start without the Activity Key.
Advanced driver assistance features include: autonomous emergency braking; lane keep assist and driver condition monitor; traffic sign recognition with intelligent speed limiter; blind spot monitor and reverse traffic detection; park assist; surround camera system; and adaptive cruise control with queue assist.
During the national press introduction, my driving partner and I experienced both wheel and seat time in two versions of the 2017 Jaguar F-Pace: an F-Pace S priced at $61,895 with an exterior finish of glacier white metallic and a brogue and jet toned interior with light oyster stitching; and an F-Pace 35t R-Sport with a dark sapphire metallic exterior and a jet interior with light oyster stitching. Its price tag as equipped was $63,095.
The 2017 Jaguar F-Pace SUV is an ideal vehicle in any of its trim levels for individuals and families with active lifestyles and impeccable taste. It is off road capable, but is certainly not intended for serious rock crawling maneuvers – after all, why risk damage to a beautifully designed SUV? Base pricing ranges from $40,990 to $56,700 But of course you can up the ante by adding optional equipment and features. A fully loaded limited first year production First Edition F-Pace is priced at $69,700.
The new F-Pace drives, handles and rides like a luxury sport sedan, with comfortable seating for five adults and room for their gear. The F-Type derived chassis technologies including torque vectoring, adaptive dynamics and configurable dynamics allow for a tunable and rewarding driving experience. The AWD system delivers a varying of grip levels in a variety of scenarios, which may be further enhanced by an available adaptive surface response feature. Intelligent driveline dynamics provides all-wheel drivability with rear-wheel drive character. Another feature, all-surface progress control, allows the driver to set and monitor uphill and downhill speed during off-road excursions.
In the final analysis, the 2017 Jaguar F-Pace ranks as a highly desirable and stylish SUV. Jaguar has hit a home run in their first at bat in this category.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 Jaguar F-Pace S and 35t R-Sport AWD
Base Price: $56,700. – S / $55,300. – 35t R-Sport
Price as Tested: $61,895. – S / $63,095. – R-Sport
Engine Type and Size: 3.0-liter DOHC, 24 valve, Roots-type twin vortex supercharged V6 with dual independent variable cam timing and Direct injection.
Horsepower (bhp): 380 @ 6,500 rpm – S / 340 @ 6,500 35t R-Sport
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 332 @ 4,500 rpm – S and 35t R-Sport
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / AWD
Suspension: Front – Double wishbone with Adaptive Dynamics.
Rear – Integral Link with Adaptive Dynamics.
Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs with ABS, Torque Vectoring, DSC, TC, RSC and ADSR.
Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 AT 255/50 R20 mounted on 5-double-spoke silver painted alloy wheels.
The 2016 BMW X1 is the latest proof that the crossover segment is red hot and continues to give family sedans a run for their money. Why else would a company known for making the ultimate driving machine raise the center of gravity and add heft while developing a new vehicle? I took the X1 to the mountains, around the city, and on flat highways. After spending a week with the X1 xDrive28i it started to make sense as the Bavarian utility knife of BMW’s arsenal.
Powered by the same 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbo 4-cylinder that can be found in other BMWs, as well as some MINIs, the X1 xDrive28i has a manufacturer-claimed 0-60 of 6.3 seconds. The engine is rated at 228 hp at 5,000 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque from 1,450-4,500 rpm and feeds the wheels via an 8-speed auto with manual and Sport modes. EPA fuel economy estimates for the vehicle 22/32/26 mpg city/hwy/combined.
While we did not conduct an official acceleration test of the vehicle, I can say that I capitalized on smaller gaps between cars than I normally do when pulling out in traffic. The turbo spools up quickly so as to inspire confidence in such situations, even in Comfort mode. ECO mode, while noticeably slower, is adequate for most daily driving situations but unless you’re looking to save a few pennies at the pump I wouldn’t recommend it. Switch to Sport mode and the X1 comes to life. Throttle response is more aggressive and the revs are held higher. It’s as if the car got an injection of creatine and coffee and is ready to do another set of suicides.
Sitting higher than the typical family sedan, the X1 has enough ground clearance to make the transition from suburban street to driveway head-on instead of requiring the usual angled approach traditional cars sometimes need. The car has also grown in size versus previous X1. It is now roughly one inch wider, two inches taller, but one inch shorter. The car wears its new dimensions well as it is visually more appealing than the frumpy X1 of yore.
BMW X1. [Photo: BMW]
Inside, the X1 is unmistakably BMW. The bulbous steering wheel, greeting chimes, and display units would make it hard to determine exactly which BMW you’re in if you were blindfolded upon entry. With a base price of $34,800, our tester came in $46,395 including $995 for destination. Surprisingly absent from our vehicle were adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane keep assist, especially considering the car was equipped with the Driver Assistance Package ($1,150), Driver Assistance Plus ($700), Premium Package ($3,250), and the Technology Package ($2,550). What’s a guy gotta do to get adaptive cruise control these days!?
Although the X1 is missing some features found on cars costing much less and in much lower socio-economic ballparks, the crossover plays the role of daily grocery getter, family hauler, and status symbol well, all while satisfying those with inner speed demons. On the TFL scale of Buy It, Lease It, Rent It, or Forget It, the X1 xDrive28i earns a rating of Buy It! due to its practicality as an everyday driver, good looks, and relatively reasonable price for a luxury crossover.
Until we can bring you video of the X1, check out this hyper-luxo Bentley Bentayga playing in the sand.
For Steve Becker, building his custom motorcycle is more than just a hobby.
After losing his wife to cancer 25 years ago and finding himself having to raise two sons on his own, Becker decided that he would start building his bike as a way to heal and cope with the adversity instead of possibly giving in to alcohol or drugs.
The bike he created, which he calls the Reaper, is one of the craziest custom bikes on the planet, and represents not only his creativity but also his life.
The engine is a 115 V-twin, but that’s probably the only ordinary part of the bike. It has an auto clutch for easy starting. The seat is Becker’s first baseball glove. The foot pegs are piston rods from an old Ford, and the handlebars are a welded chain from a John Deere combine. It even has a flamethrower.
The gas tank is flanked with two cylinder heads connected to a real, if ornamental, distributor cap. License plates from Nebraska, North Carolina and Oklahoma make up a lot of the bodywork, and an old sign that says “Danger: Do Not Start This Machine” finishes off the huge rear fender.
The Reaper is a true original. Watch the full TFLcar video above to find out how Becker built the bike and find out more about the bits and pieces that make up this cool custom motorcycle.
Some exciting potential news for hot hatch fans: VW could be working on a more powerful Golf R with the Audi RS3's five-cylinder engine to launch in 2027.
On the TFLcar scale of:
