What's On

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Quick-take 2018-2019


We sit in and preview some new options coming for 2018. New car road tests are coming soon.

BMW concept X2 - Mondial de l'Automobile de Paris 2016 - 001.jpg

BMW X2

Likes: It's a much sleeker looking version of the X1.

Dislikes: It's pretty pointless compared to the X1 and can get as expensive as the X3.

Overall: It's a pretty pointless and pricey way to be different.



BMW 6-series GT

Likes: It's much sleeker looking than the outgoing 5-series GT. The turbocharged six-cylinder is silky smooth and the interior is exquisite to say the least.

Dislikes: The rear spoiler is gimmicky.

Overall: Proof that Saab was ahead of its time.

2018 Volvo XC40 2.jpg

Volvo XC40

Likes: (In our opinion) this is the most stylish crossover in the segment. Typical Volvo interior quality (excellent) and versatility.

Dislikes: Long-term reliability is questionable.

Overall: Volvo is on the right path and we are loving what we are seeing.

2018 Kia Rio EX - Side.jpg

Kia Rio 5-door

Likes: It's surprisingly sophisticated and grownup feeling. The engine has lower running costs and more torque at low revs.

Dislikes: Euro-spec Rios get the fancier headlights and auto-folding exterior mirrors.

Overall: A much needed update in a segment that we well-respect.


2017 Jaguar E-Pace R-Dynamic SE 2.0 Front.jpg

Jaguar E-pace

Likes: The F-pace styling translates well in a smaller package. It's roomy for five with a decent sized boot.

Dislikes: The interior and infotainment screen is still meh.

Overall: It'll sell like hot cakes for style and affordability alone.

 Tesla Model 3 parked, front driver side.jpg

Tesla Model 3

Likes: The most affordable Tesla of the range. It's roomy inside with plenty of charm in the looks and overall driving feel.

Dislikes: The cheapest Model 3 has a disappointing interior. Tesla wants you to add on the options which could push the price near $50k.

Overall: You can buy a Model S and Model X now but you'll have to pay more money for them.



Volkswagen Golf/ GTI/ Golf Sportwagen/ Alltrack/ eGolf

Likes: The new LED headlights look snazzy. The digital display looks amazing and is seamless to operate.

Dislikes: Euro Golf R gets 310hp and GTI gets optional 230hp.

Overall: When does the 2018 Golf/ GTI/ Golf Sportwagen/ Alltrack/ eGolf go on-sale? We've only been told it's coming soon, but that was October 2017.

Porsche Cayenne, IAA 2017 (1Y7A2256).jpg

Porsche Cayenne

Likes: It's lighter and more powerful than previous generation. The interior is drastically improved as well.

Dislikes: Porsche is typically stingy on standard kit and tad on the expensive side.

Overall: The most driver oriented SUV you can buy.

Mini F60 1.jpg

Mini Countryman Plug-in Hybrid

Likes: A quirky way to save a few buck in running costs. It's still fun to drive the way a Mini should be.

Dislikes: Electric-only range is quite limited. You'll have to do tons of driving to make up the premium over the Cooper and Cooper S.

Overall: Plug-in hybrids are slowly becoming the norm and hopefully they are fun as this.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.jpg

Mitsubishi Eclipse-Cross

Likes: The standard kit is generous. The infotainment screen and overall quality of the interior seems to be pretty good.

Dislikes: Overall styling fe11 on mixed opinion.

Overall: This may well be the last 'real' Mitsubishi. We were hoping for more razzle dazzle considering the number of talented options out there.


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