WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2018 · 7
From the editors of
WHEELBASE MEDIA
wheelbasemedia.com More electricity,
more utilities and a
new design mashup
of grilles, fenders,
bumpers and
headlights
It’s the first Jaguar to take a complete pass on fuel pumps. The
I-Pace actually looks like a Jaguar with a nose that directs airflow to cool
the batteries. A narrow channel just above the grille directs incoming air through the
hood vent, then over the roof and down between the hatchback’s window and roof spoiler. The I-Pace’s twin electric
motors, one at each end of the vehicle, produce a combined 394 horsepower. Below 30 mph, only the rear motor is
working, which conserves power. Jaguar claims a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.5 seconds, which is quick considering
the I-Pace’s 4,800-pound weight. Range is estimated at 240 miles (similar to a base Tesla Model S). A full charge
takes about 13 hours with a 240-volt outlet. A commercial fast-charger cuts that to about 85 minutes for an 80
percent top-up. The base I-Pace S comes with dual-zone climate control, navigation, panoramic sunroof and a
number of crash-avoiding dynamic-safety technologies, such as emergency braking.
Technically a late arrival for 2018, the Kicks is new enough to be considered a 2019 model.
Visually, Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille design is in play, as are “floating” rear roof pillars that look
to be scaled-down versions of those designed for the larger Murano wagon and Maxima sedan. Cargo
capacity meets or exceeds similar models in the small-wagon class. The Kicks’ four-cylinder engine
produces a modest 125 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque. The sole transmission is a continu-ously
variable unit (CVT). Using the same platform as the Nissan Versa sedan, the Kicks does not offer
all-wheel-drive. The base model is decently equipped, with a seven-inch touchscreen, heated front
seats, push-button start, roof rails, automatic emergency braking and forward-collision warning.
The Blazer label hasn’t been attached to any Chevrolet utility model for some time, but it now graces
a completely new five-passenger vehicle. In terms of size and price, it’s positioned between the Equinox
and Traverse in Chevy’s lineup. The bodywork is clearly the sleekest of the trio, despite the blunted nose and
oversized grille. Chevrolet has added a number of standard and optional features, including a rear camera
with hitch guidance to help drivers properly line up with up to 4,500 pounds of trailer. There’s an electronically
locking glove compartment for securing valuables, and you can get a heated steering wheel and heated-and-cooled
front seats that automatically vary according to cabin temperature. Both the 193-horsepower four-cylinder
and optional 305-horsepower V-6 powerplants are connected to nine-speed automatic transmissions.
All-wheel-drive is also on the menu. When not needed, the unit completely disconnects from the rear axle,
which saves fuel.
The dramatic redesign for 2019 features a new grille, aluminum hood and a more steeply raked windshield
that improves aerodynamics. But that’s just on the outside. Maximum payload and towing capacities have
increased to 2,300 and 12,750 pounds, respectively (previously 1,880 and 10,620). An optional air-suspension
system can raise or lower ride height and also keep the truck level when loaded. The extended-length Quad Cab
and four-full-door Crew Cab bodies are the only offerings, but Ram will offer a regular-cab version for fleet
customers. Engine availability consists of a 305-horsepower V-6 and a 395-horsepower V-8. Both use eight-speed
automatic transmissions. The V-6’s torque temporarily increases by up to 90 pound-feet with a belt-driven 48-volt
“eTorque” motor/generator. This mild-hybrid system replaces the traditional alternator and uses a lithium-ion battery
to add power under hard acceleration. The same system adds up to 130 pound-feet more torque for the V-8, but
it’s optional. The previous turbo-diesel V-6 is expected to return later in the model year.
Acura has infused the new RDX with a strong dose of passion to enhance its practical nature and stellar
performance. The interior is as radically different as the outside, with a dashboard full of swoops and swirls. Standard is
a 272-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission directs power
to the front or, optionally, to Acura’s Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). In normal traction conditions, it sends 70
percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels but can direct up to 100 percent of that amount to the outside rear
wheel when turning. This yaw control increases cornering precision and stability. The stiffer platform and sport-tuned
suspension are also new and contribute to the vehicle’s exceptional ride and handling qualities, especially over choppy
roads. The base RDX comes with dual-zone climate control, panoramic moonroof, 12-way power-operated and heated
front seats, power tailgate and 19-inch wheels. The sporty A-Spec adds a navigation system, parking sensors, 20-inch
wheels and unique interior and exterior styling.
From the front, the new compact XC40 bears a strong resemblance to other Volvos,
while the interior is the epitome of understated Swedish modern, with a bare
minimum of switches and knobs. A 187-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
is standard in the front-wheel-drive T4, while the all-wheel-drive T5 comes with a 248-horse
version. The base XC40 comes with climate control, power tailgate and a power driver’s
seat. At the top end, the T5 R-Design adds dual-zone climate control, premium leather seat
covers and voice-activated navigation, among other features.
Cadillac is fleshing out its utility-vehicle lineup that until now consisted only of the five-passenger XT5 and the truck-based Escalade. Next to arrive is the entry-level
five-passenger XT4, while a larger seven-passenger XT6 is expected for the 2020 model year. The XT4 will come up against the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3, as well as
the new 2019 Lexus UX. The only available XT4 powertrain is a turbocharged 237-horsepower four-cylinder that’s attached to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The
optional all-wheel-drive unit has a decoupling feature that allows the rear axle to freewheel when road conditions warrant, thus improving fuel efficiency. All trim levels —
Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport — come with dual-zone climate control, power-operated front seats, eight-inch information screen (operated using a controller on the
center console), exterior front and rear LED lighting and 18-inch alloy wheels. At the top end, the Sport gets you a sport (naturally) suspension plus a complete array of
active-safety technologies.
The funky three-door Veloster undergoes a
complete transformation, yet still looks like a
Veloster. Even better, there’s 30 percent more
stowage space. A new multi-link independent
rear suspension improves ride and road-holding
qualities compared to the previous torsion-beam
(solid) rear axle. For 2019, a new base 2.0-liter
four-cylinder engine makes 147 horsepower, while
the returning turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder
produces 201. A six-speed manual transmission
and available six-speed automatic are offered with
the base engine, while the turbo can also be had
with a six-speed stick or available seven-speed
paddle-shift automatic. For big-time performance,
the new Veloster N’s four-cylinder turbo engine
delivers 275 horsepower. It’s matched to a six-speed
manual gearbox with rev-matching downshifts. A rear
high-mount spoiler, aero body cladding, electronically
controlled dampers, sport bucket seats and sport
exhaust system are also Veloster N items.
+CADILLAC XT4
+CHEVROLET BLAZER
+VOLVO XC40
+RAM 1500
+ACURA RDX
+JAGUAR I-PACE
+NISSAN KICKS
+HYUNDAI VELOSTER