The Mazda 2 is being updated for 2020 to bring it into line with newer rivals, and it’s available to order now with the first examples landing in dealers. The entry level SE-L model will cost £15,795, and includes rear parking sensors, 15in alloy wheels and climate control. As well a more powerful engine, SE-L Nav models and above gain the Mazda Connect navigation system, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and driver assistance features including brake assist and lane-keeping assist. SE-L Nav models start from £16,610. For £17,310, Sport Nav models add 16in alloy wheels, a gloss black grille, rear privacy glass, chrome exhausts and keyless entry. The top-rung GT Sport Nav models feature a reversing camera, leather seats, a head-up display, and heated front seats and steering wheel. Such models start from £18,110 for manual models, and £19,370 with an automatic gearbox. The Japanese firm’s Ford Fiesta and Hyundai i20 rival will retain the 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine, but is now boosted by a belt-integrated starter/generator on all manual models. It will be offered in two stages of tune, with a 74bhp version on entry level SE-L models, and a 89bhp powertrain for SE-L Nav, Sport Nav and GT Sport Nav trims. The manual versions produce 94-95g/km of CO2, depending on trim level, with a WLTP-certified combined fuel economy of 53.4mpg. Mazda cites a number of tweaks to improve the handling of its supermini, including a new urethane top mount in the rear dampers, revised power steering and the introduction of a G-Vectoring Control Plus system, which subtly uses the brakes to aid cornering stability and smoothen your chosen line. The design changes include a revised grille with a new design closer to the Mazda 3, a wider wing, new bumper and revised LED headlights. Inside, the dashboard trim, air vents and other features have been tweaked, with new-shape seats designed to offer more comfort. Mazda also claims the use of new damping materials and the reduction in the gap around the B-pillar reduce noise and improve refinement for those
Origin: New Mazda 2: prices and specs revealed for redesigned supermini
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Subaru’s redesigned Levorg could hint at the upcoming WRX
2021 Subaru LevorgGraeme Fletcher / Driving What is it?The Subaru Levorg is a performance-oriented wagon thats just a prototype at this point, but sitting on stage at the Tokyo Motor Show, it sure looks ready to go. Hopefully, the Star Trek-like name will disappear before it makes it to market, although some say the name resonates with Trekkies.Why does it matter?The companys new global architecture, which underpins the current Impreza and Forester, is the basis for the new wagon. Key among the new Levorgs attributes is the next generation of Subarus EyeSight technology it has a new stereo camera system with a wider viewing angle, and four radars to pick up on a potential collision. It also uses a new high-definition mapping system and a GPS locator to allow semi-autonomous driving. Also new is a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Boxer engine. No mention of power output, but think back to the just-launched 2020 Outback and its 2.4L turbo-four, and you have two-thirds of that engines displacement. This should mean around 175 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque in the Levorg, which should make it pretty brisk when compared to the current Imprezas 152-horsepower naturally-aspirated engine.When is it coming?The production version of the Levorg goes on sale in the Japanese market in the second half of 2020. No word on a Canadian launch date; given the outgoing Levorg wasnt sold here, we wouldnt hold our breath but there is some hope.Check out all of our latest auto show coverageShould you buy it?The outgoing Levorg was, in a way, a WRX wagon. Given its compact dimensions, 2020 release date, and the fact that the WRX is currently the oldest model in Subarus lineup, the latest Levorg could be a subtle tease of the next-gen WRX. Its certainly sharper and swankier-looking than the current
Origin: Subaru’s redesigned Levorg could hint at the upcoming WRX
The redesigned Genesis G90 will start at $90,000 in Canada
The Genesis G90 has been redesigned for the 2020 model year, taking a bold turn in styling thats soon to be present on every Genesis model.Only one trim is available, but it includes everything — all safety features, all technology and destination and delivery fees for $89,750 in Canada, the automaker said early August.That price also includes Genesis at Home concierge service, complimentary scheduled maintenance, Genesis Connected Services, map updates and more, for five years or 100,000 km.The standard engine for Canadian G90s is now a 5.0-litre V8 that produces 420 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. The 3.3-litre turbocharged V6 is also available through special order; it makes 365 horsepower and 376 lb.-ft. of torque, and drops the price to $86,750.Both engines send the power through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. That all-wheel-drive system is smart, too; the electronic transfer case can vary the torque from front to rear in response to driving demands.As for the styling, the flagship sedan will debut the latest generation of Genesis Athletic Elegance design language, featuring new Quad Lamp styling and a more prominent diamond grille with G-MATRIX crosshatch pattern. The technology we talked about encompasses a 12.3-inch central display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Lane Follow Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist and Rear Safe Exit Assist are all standard on the G90, as are 10 airbags.The rest of the interior is obviously luxurious, with touches of copper and black all over. Quilted Nappa leather seating, leather-wrapped dashboard with contrast piping, leather-wrapped centre console and natural wood trim with exposed grain texture also add to the luxurious
Origin: The redesigned Genesis G90 will start at $90,000 in Canada
Android Auto redesigned to be more user-friendly
Google is rolling out its first major update for Android Auto since the app was introduced five years ago. The first and most noticeable change is the darker colour palette, which makes it easier to look at during nighttime and keeps it from being too distracting while driving. As soon as you get into your car, all you have to do is start the vehicle and Android Auto will remember the media you were listening to, and immediately return to the spot you left off. Hey, Google, voice commands can now be used for navigation and other functions. The redesigned bar along the bottom of the screen can also be customized to view your next direction. Vehicles with wider screens will also be able to take advantage of more controls, including music playback and directions. More information will also be available on the same screen; for example, turn-by-turn directions and incoming calls can be viewed without changing screens. Google wants it to be easier to accomplish more by using fewer taps, and we think this is a great design ethos. Navigate over to the new notification centre and you’ll find that your calls and messages have been grouped together to bring you the most up-to-date information available. Other subtle changes include the fonts, and the new round icons (they used to be square). Android Auto has expanded to be available on more than 500 vehicles from 50 different brands, and Google is committed to introducing it on as many as they can. The update will hit vehicles in the
Origin: Android Auto redesigned to be more user-friendly
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