Quick-take 2018-2019

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



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.



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.



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.




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

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

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 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

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.

Crossovers we can't wait to test drive (Part one)

Volvo XC40 

The XC40 is just a smaller version of the XC90 and we absolutely love the way it looks from every angle. The engine that will be offered at launch will be a T5 pumping out 248hp and standard all-wheel-drive. We haven't heard much information about whether or not front-wheel-drive will be the standard form, but the starting price is very attractive ($35k) and competitive towards the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. 

Jaguar E-Pace 

Jaguar/ Land Rover have been on a bit of a design home run marathon. The new Disco and Velar are both outstanding looking 4x4s. What we loved the most is the F-Pace which took elements of the F-Type and made it work in the form of a crossover. The E-Pace, which will compete with cars like the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40 will have a very heavily competitive segment to fight in, but the 2-liter turbo four standard with 248hp and 296hp should have no trouble luring buyers who seek performance and still care about style. 

BMW X3 

The next generation of the X3 has finally made an appearance. It's been quite literally seven-years since the second generation appeared and it's been long overdue despite the few updates the X3 has received over the years. The new X3 will use the updated 2-liter turbo four pumping out 248hp (this seems to be the average horsepower) and an optional 3-liter turbo six-cylinder pumping out 355hp which will be dubbed the M version of the X3. We love the way the M-package looks on the new X3 and can't wait to test drive one when it goes on-sale. 

Maserati Levante S

We still haven't had the opportunity to test drive this crossover. We are working with someone (sources we can't name) to get our hands on the Levante. We've been told to wait for the new 3.8 twin-turbo eight-cylinder that should be arriving sometime next year. However, our goal is to test drive the more mainstream versions first prior to the high performance so we can see what buying a cheaper Levante would be like. We love the sleek styling and the interior seems to be a hit and miss on quality (we've only been able to sit in one). 

Porsche Cayenne Turbo/ Turbo S/ GT-S 

We'd love the opportunity to test drive one of the high-performance versions of the Cayenne. We've only managed to get our hands on a entry-level Cayenne with a 3.6 six-cylinder pumping out 300hp. It seems very hard to find places willing to let us test drive one, even if it's just around the corner and back. The next generation of the Cayenne is around the corner, and it looks light years better inside out. We hope that it lives up to the hype that we've read about in several reviews. 

Ford Eco Sport 

We know that it's just a crossover version of the Fiesta, but we do find the styling rather cute. The 1-liter ecoboost three-cylinder engine is the one that sparks our curiosity the most. It has less horsepower than an HRV but running costs should be lower also thanks to a turbo and high torque at low revs. This pint sized crossover should be urban friendly and has a very attractive starting price under $20k. (Sourced from Ford USA website.)