The Lexus UX gets a refresh for 2020, ups the tech quotient

Lexus is updating its UX for the 2020 model year, to cram in more tech and better connectivity.There are two powertrain choices, the standard being a 2.0-litre four-cylinder that produces 168 horsepower, sending power to the front wheels via a CVT transmission. The second option is a hybrid powertrain built around a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder, coupled to Lexus fourth-generation self-charging gasoline-electric system.The hybrid option makes 181 horsepower, sending gasoline power to the front wheels via a CVT and using an electric motor for the rear wheels to make the vehicle all-wheel-drive. Lexus says more than 95 per cent of customers choose the hybrid.Taking a page from Tesla, the Lexus UX can now be unlocked with an included key card when specced in the Luxury trim options. Android Auto and Apple Carplay are now available as standard.The base model UX starts well-optioned at $37,450, featuring heated and ventilated front seats and 17-inch alloy wheels. Stepping up to the Sport Series 1 at $39,750 adds a heated steering wheel, LED fog lamps, F SPORT appearance package and 18-inch alloys.Hybrid models feature the same standard equipment, as well as all-wheel-drive, starting at $40,000. The luxury package is $45,300, and adds a 10.3-inch display screen with embedded navigation, head-up display, a drivers seat memory system, intuitive parking assist with auto-braking, hands-free rear hatch and a wireless charging system.The UX 250h F Sport Series 1 ($42,100) and Series 2 ($48,900) both add the same features as the gasoline versions.Both models are available
Origin: The Lexus UX gets a refresh for 2020, ups the tech quotient

Honda Civic Hatchback gets a refresh for 2020

The 2020 Honda Civic hatchback.Honda The Honda Civic Hatchback is getting a refresh for 2020, keeping up with its sedan and coupe siblings that were updated last year. The new hatchback is now on sale starting at $24,190.Exterior changes include revised front and rear lower bumpers, grille crossbar and blackout treatment on the headlights. The Sport Touring trim level gets improved LED headlamps, and all trim levels get new wheel designs.Inside, interior accents differentiate the trim levels, with Sport trims getting geometrical patterns, and Sport Touring using brushed black trim. The Sport gets an eight-way power drivers seat, and all trims get more sound insulation.While the styling changes are new for 2020, the Civic Hatchback received some new features for 2019, including standard safety and driver-assist systems, larger cupholders and some much-needed simplicity makeovers for the controls including real buttons for the stereo volume, and for the fan speed on models with automatic climate control.The 2020 Civic Hatchback comes in three trim levels, with six-speed manual or CVT offered in each one, priced from $24,190 to
Origin: Honda Civic Hatchback gets a refresh for 2020

Kia’s 2020 Cadenza refresh goes bolder, more high-tech

The 2020 Kia K7 (Cadenza)Kia Kia took the covers off the refreshed 2020 Cadenza sedan it teased last week, confirming the production sedan will wear a much more aggressive face and hindquarters. More specifically, it revealed the Korean-market K7, which is basically the exact same car we get here with a different nameplate on it. The new Cadenza-K7’s front end is dominated by a larger, concave chrome grille, flanked by thinner, sleeker headlights; while out back the taillights now reach across the full width of the car, joined by a sort of dashed-line bar that will make for one interesting light signature. The 2020 Kia K7 (Cadenza) Kia The interior sees updates in the form of a new 12.3-inch touchscreen and re-positioned venting; the gear shift lever and button layout below the center stack has been refreshed as well. A digital gauge cluster lends the car a more premium feel than its predecessor. Available drivetrains are a mystery for now, since North American and Korean engine offerings aren’t always the same. The 2020 Kia K7 (Cadenza) Kia The 2019 Cadenza comes with a 290-horsepower 3.3-litre V6 with an 8-speed automatic in Canada, but we should get fuller details by year’s end. Expect the 2020 Kia Cadenza to wind up in Canadian showrooms late in 2019 or early next
Origin: Kia’s 2020 Cadenza refresh goes bolder, more high-tech