Volkswagens new Atlas has been selling very well for the brand, and the large three-row SUV also wins points for being an unapologetically boxy truck, which we like.However, despite the fact it hasnt been on the market very long, the automakers preemptively planning a mild facelift for the thing for 2021, adding more sporty elements to the family-hauler.The front end treatment takes the traditional square styling of the Atlas, and injects it with some cues from the Jetta that is to say, it gets slimmer headlights and a wider, more triangular grille.The rear end remains almost exactly the same, save for the internals of the taillights. The boxy flares are, thankfully, still present, helping retain the Atlas signature look.Currently, the Atlas is powered by either a 2.0-lire turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.6-liter V-6. The engines make 235 and 276 horsepower, respectively, and are both sent to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.It isnt clear whether or not VW would change, or add any other powerplants for the 2021 model year. The interior is also an unknown at this point, but thats one element were sure will be updated when the time comes. The automaker has said that new electronic driver-assistance features will be added, so well keep an eye out for those.The 2021 Atlas could debut at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show in February, but its also possible that it
Origin: VW proactively preps the Atlas for a 2021 styling update
update
Jaguar software update may net better range for I-Pace SUV
Christmas is coming early for Jaguar customers, with a complimentary software update to its I-Pace SUV likely to bring more range to the already impressive luxury EV.The earliest buyers of the I-Pace have logged more than 80 million kilometres in their utility vehicles, and the automakers logged tonnes of data from those trips. Its also taken in data gleaned from the I-Pace racing series, such as battery management, thermal systems and all-wheel-drive torque improvements.The result is a software update that should offer 20 more kilometres of range, for a total of 470 in real-world driving.The Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY has generated a huge amount of data for us to analyse and those marginal gains, derived from competition on the track, are now being applied to customers cars to further enhance their driving experience, says I-Pace vehicle engineer Stephen Boulter.The new software updates optimise the powertrain control systems to improve efficiency and allow I-PACE drivers to travel even further on a single charge without any hardware changes it really is a case of the vehicle getting better with age.Instead of an over-the-air update like a Tesla, however, youll actually have to take your I-Pace into a dealership to have it installed. However, the software that will be installed at the dealership will allow future updates to be made
Origin: Jaguar software update may net better range for I-Pace SUV
Long-Term Test Update: 2020 Hyundai Palisade
Is it wrong to confess how brilliant I am for picking my long-term test vehicle?Hockey season is in full swing, and between my sons experiment with the goalie position while coaching his team and my own beer league excursions, the Hyundai Palisade is the large crossover I never knew I wanted. The best thing about it, however, is that despite being large and accommodating in terms of passenger and cargo space, it doesnt feel large to drive the seating position is high and commanding, but the turning circle is nice and tight, the steering is linear and quick, and best of all, the excellent outward visibility, 360-degree cameras, and parking sensors make parking easy and stress-free. Even with the third row up, theres room for a couple of kids hockey bags and my coaching gear, so its carpool friendly even for hockey excursions. After enjoying the Palisade myself for a few weeks, I sent resident crank David Booth off with the Palisade for the weekend and the most criticism he could come up with was: The engine is not as smooth or as powerful as I expected. When hauling, theres more noise than expected and not as much fury as the cacophony promises. This criticism isnt even unanimous both my wife and I find the power level is entirely reasonable, and the throttle appropriately responsive in every mode. For example, even in Eco which I use frequently on my commute there is good jump off the line when you plant the throttle, while in ordinary situations it prioritizes smooth, tepid acceleration. Comfort and Smart both provide mildly different balances, and Sport is always ready with quicker throttle tip-in, holding gears longer and quicker downshifts when getting on the go-pedal at most speeds. Booth did agree on that point: I like the modes. There seems to be more differentiation between modes than in most vehicles.The transmission has also been nearly flawless, and only the most severe changes from cruising to braking and then acceleration have generated any hiccups. It doesnt hurt that the 3.8L V6 makes up to 291 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, which doesnt sound like a lot these days, but between the eight-speed automatic and the throttle tuning, I dont feel that it struggles at all with the 2,022 kilogram-plus the weight of the family and gear were carrying around.Booth actually had many more positives to list from his short time, and speaking of transmissions, he noted, I find this the best push button control for an automatic transmission yet. Intuitive and easily deciphered even without looking, the separate park function works well. Here were in agreement, and even when making seven-point parking maneuvers (yes, Im a bit parking-challenged), the Reverse button on top and Drive button on the bottom have become second nature and I barely need to look.As mentioned, we wanted to answer any questions you had, and we had a few on our Driving Youtube channel that Ill share here. Our first question was about refinement: How is the comfort and the cabin noise compared to (the) MDX or GLE? I know these cars expensive to convert to. Just curious. Another viewer also was interested in the noise: Have read comments about some wind noise at front pillar and window, any thoughts? I can confirm the comments about noise: There is some wind noise from the front A-pillars, and as Booth points out, the sound of the engine is unrefined, but the comfort is just right, absorbing rough bumps erasing them without being soft and wallowing in turns. However, it is interesting to see that people are more than willing to compare the Hyundai to well-established luxury brands like Acura and Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes GLE only starts at $64,000, while the Palisade tops out at $53,999 for this fully loaded Ultimate.The base Acura MDX, which starts at $54,390, is a fairer comparison, but youre trading brand reputation (and likely some refinement) for features like the 360-degree camera system, perforated leather seats that are cooled in addition to being heated (if you have the second row captains chairs, those are also ventilated), various driving aids like blind-spot warning and rear-cross-traffic alert, and the MDX is showing its age as it does not even offer head-up display in any trim, though it does counter with a built-in widescreen in top trim to keep the kids zoned out on long trips.The next question we had was about the technology: How customizable is the digital display? How does the ACC and lane centre work compared to others?” At this point, I have used adaptive cruise quite a bit, and it’s been very good at maintaining the pace of traffic and smoothing changes of speed, without leaving huge gaps or lurching forward when a car moves out of the way. Lane keep assist has also been good, but it does sometimes react a bit late and give a bit of a jerky tug rather than smoothly getting the Palisade back to centred. The digital instrument cluster’s customization is a little disappointing, as I was hoping
Origin: Long-Term Test Update: 2020 Hyundai Palisade
News Roundup: Tesla’s flatulent update, Quebec’s winter tire celebration and Kia’s alleged muck-up
Welcome to our weekly round-up of the biggest breaking stories on Driving.ca from this past week. Get caught up and ready to get on with the weekend, because it’s hard keeping pace in a digital traffic jam.Here’s what you missed while you were away.EV regulations prompt Tesla to release fart noise featureU.S. authorities recently implemented regulations stating all electric vehicles travelling under 30 km/h must make some sort of noise to help pedestrians identify there’s a massive chunk of metal moving nearby. Now, over in Europe, that “noise” is by law supposed to sound basically like a traditional car. Boring! In America, however, automakers were allowed to get a little more creative, and Elon Musk seemed to take that as a challenge. He recently Tweet-announced that Teslas will soon come with the ability to emit all sorts of clever sounds, from a cute little goat’s bleat to the clip-clop of coconuts to one of the all-time greatest sound effects: the fart. Winter tire deadline change prompts CAA-Quebec’s Winter Tire Appointment Week pushAfter the legal deadline for winter tires was bumped up to December 1 this year, the Quebec division of CAA took it upon itself to remind residents what that means. You’ve got to, um, change your tires to winters. OK?Winter Tire Appointment Week is indeed a real thing, and probably a good thing, too, even if incredibly dull-sounding. Because with 5.2 million passenger vehicles on Quebec’s roads and less than two months to go before the big day, there’s no time like the present to call your tire shop. Besides, how else are you going to celebrate Winter Tire Appointment Week?Striking U.S. auto union calls for end to imports, including Canada’sThe United Automobile Workers has been on strike against General Motors for almost a month and are now calling for the company to put a stop to the import of all cars from foreign assembly plants, including those in Canada and Mexico. Union reps also apparently expressing qualms about the move toward automation and electric power. Negotiation talks are ongoing, but this recent argument isn’t great news for GM’s Oshawa plant, which was recently made the beneficiary of a $170-million injection from GM.2020 Subaru Crosstrek’s $100 price bump earns it a stack of perks The most capable crossover in its segment is getting an extra dose of convenience, with the 2020 Crosstrek offering new standard and available features at a competitive price. (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.) Subaru It’ll cost a bit more to get into Subaru’s Crosstrek this year than it did last year, but if you’re someone who needs to pile a little bit of everything on their buffet plate – not the Jello, for the love of God, not the Jello – then you might want to consider it. The base 2020 Crosstrek starts at $23,795 and comes standard with a six-speed manual and all-wheel-drive, an Apple CarPlay/Android Auto-ready infotainment system, plus the brand’s EyeSight driver-assist system and X-Mode’s torque-splitting features in the CVT models. Now you can spend that $100 on something important, like that diet coach you obviously need. Canadian drivers sue Kia over alleged service schedule hoodwinkEveryone knows there’s no better way to care for a car than to follow exactly what it says in the owner’s manual. Right? Apparently not if you drive a Kia and live in Canada. A class-action suit alleges Canadian drivers are being misled by Kia in terms of how often they’re told to seek routine service. The book says 12,000 km, but if you live in Canada – most of it, anyway – the brand recommends a visit to the shop every 6,000 km. It’s just too bad you can’t sue
Origin: News Roundup: Tesla’s flatulent update, Quebec’s winter tire celebration and Kia’s alleged muck-up
The 2020 Nissan Titan just got an update to its styling and performance
The Nissan Titan full-size pickup undergoes an extensive redesign for the 2020 model year.Nissan Nissan has updated its Titan pickup truck with better looks and a host of new technological and performance updates.Styling has been improved Nissan calls the new exterior design Powerful Warrior, and we can see why. The grille has been revised to look more aggressive, but its not ridiculous like some other trucks; and the LED headlights provide much more illumination.There are more LEDs hiding in the bed, as well, to light up your cargo; theyre activated by opening the tailgate.Inside the Titan is a much more luxurious interior, with a wood-grain steering wheel and real wood touches available, which should stand up to the more expensive truck interiors were seeing these days. Speaking of seeing, you can now peer up through the panoramic sunroof when the crew cab is specced, and 8.0- or 9.0-inch touchscreens are available for when you arent stargazing. Under the hood is Nissans trusty 5.6-litre V8 engine, now producing 400 horsepower and 413 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is connected to a new nine-speed automatic transmission two more gears than previous. A 3.69:1 axle ratio also gives the truck a little more leverage when the going gets tough. Its also helped to knock almost a second off the 80-to-110 km/h time.Safety is a big concern with any vehicle, and Nissan is stepping its game up in the 2020 Titan. Eight airbags now come standard, as well as Safety Shield 360, which includes forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and automatic high-beam headlights. Surround-view camera, traffic-sign-recognition, and adaptive cruise control are also available.The truck was unveiled at a state fair in Texas, a place that knows a thing or two about trucks. It will be made available to customers in early
Origin: The 2020 Nissan Titan just got an update to its styling and performance
Audi Q7 SUV mid-life update brings new engines and styling
Audi has given the Q7 a major makeover with new styling and upgraded kit to bring it in line with the rest of its SUV range – with every engine featuring electrified technology. The five or seven-seat SUV will go on sale in September with a choice of two 3.0-litre diesel engines, producing 228bhp and 282bhp respectively, and a 335bhp 3.0-litre petrol engine. All three units are mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a 48V mild-hybrid electrical system, which allows coasting for up to 40 seconds with the engine switched off. Those will be followed soon after by a plug-in hybrid petrol version – technical details of which are yet to be disclosed – and the hot SQ7, which features the same 429bhp 664lb ft 4.0-litre twin-turbo mild-hybrid TDI engine used in the new SQ8. The revamped Q7 features an updated design to bring it in line with Audi’s other SUV range, including a new-look grille and new standard LED headlights. The rear features a new chrome strip that runs between the rear lights. While it sits on the same platform as before, the new Q7 is 11mm longer at 5063mm, although its wheelbase of 2994mm remains unchanged. Audi has put a major focus into the car’s interior to match the rest of the range, including the latest version of Audi’s twin touchscreen MMI infotainment system, featuring a main screen of up to 10.1in. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit system is standard, with an optional head-up display available. In five-door form the Q7 has 865 litres of boot space, rising to 2050 litres with the seats folded. The new Q7 is available with optional electromechanical active roll stabilisation and all-wheel steering to boost handling, along with standard steel spring or optional air suspension. The SQ7 version has gained unique design touches including a revamped grille and chrome exhaust pipes, along with 20in wheels and upgraded brakes measuring 400mm at the front and 370mm at the rear. Carbon fibre-ceramic brake discs are available as an option. The revamped Q7 is due on sale in the UK in October, priced at around
Origin: Audi Q7 SUV mid-life update brings new engines and styling
BMW reveals Vision M Next as part of EV update
BMW reveals Vision M Next as part of EV update The concept comes as BMW announces it is two years ahead of schedule BMW has unveiled a new concept – the Vision M Next – as part of a range of announcements that include it is currently two years ahead of schedule for its electric vehicle plans. The BMW Vision M Next is a plug-in hybrid concept clearly inspired by the current i8, and emphasises BMW’s focus on driver’s cars at a time when autonomous driving concepts are popular. The 600hp (441 kW) PHEV is powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit, supported by an electric motor. All-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive modes feature, and the Vision M Next will complete the 0-62mph sprint in three seconds before reaching a top speed of 186mph. Despite the performance potential, the concept will still cover up to 62 miles on a single charge, and there are two driving settings – Ease and Boost. Ease offers complete autonomous driving, while Boost allows the driver to take charge. Other technology featured includes facial recognition to unlock the car, an AR heads-up display, and Laser Wire lighting technology. No word has been given as to plans for whether it will go into production or not, though it is expected that many of the design elements and PHEV systems will be brought forward onto forthcoming models. In more tangible news, BMW has confirmed that it plans to have 25 electrified models available in 2024, two years ahead of its initial target of 2025. A steep sales curve is predicted, seeing electrified models climb more than 30% per year up to 2025, and sales are expected to double between 2019 and 2021. BMW will also introduce eDrive Zones as standard in plug-in hybrids from next year, which allow geo-fencing technology to automatically recognise these models within green zones, designed for emissions-free driving. Here the BMW PHEVs will switch to pure-electric mode automatically, so they have the same access rights in zones as pure-electric models.
Origin: BMW reveals Vision M Next as part of EV update
Hot Wheels get a modern update with two new digital offerings
In 2018, Hot Wheels celebrated its 50th anniversary. Sales of the toy increased by nine per cent that year, despite the basic design of the miniature diecast cars hardly changing at all in five decades. This year, however, Hot Wheels is taking a leap into the future with a fresh new product: Hot Wheels id. The toys themselves look familiar at first glance, but flip them over and you’ll notice the difference. Each Hot Wheels id car has been outfitted with wireless tech, including a 4-MB memory card that gives each one a unique identification number. The cars have the ability to store performance data, like speed and lap info. There’s an app available on both iPhone and Android that needs to be downloaded and then the bottom of the car can be scanned on a smartphone to display and user data. Digital versions of the real life toy cars can also be raced in games built into the smartphone apps. Introducing #HotWheelsid, a completely new way to collect your favorite die-casts. Complete with a Spectraflame paint job, new wheels, and an NFC chip, your #HotWheels can now be digitized! Available at Apple and https://t.co/wMrq6pnNQP. https://t.co/fa4BN3Cjca pic.twitter.com/uv3iD4l3wW Hot Wheels (@Hot_Wheels) June 14, 2019 The cars work specifically with the new Hot Wheels Smart Track and its Race Portal, a digital surface outfitted with wireless tech that registers course information like speed and number of laps. While Hot Wheels id cars are sure to be a success, the toy giant has another digital play in the works. The brand is raising funds and interest for its new TechMods Accelo GT Gaming RC Car, which can be used both digitally and in real life, on an Indiegogo page. As the brand explains, its TechMods can lets you “experience physical and digital gaming with a buildable remote-control car that’s also a video game.” The physical toy car, which you build yourself, connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, which then controls it. But the TechMods toy itself also transforms into a controller that can be used to control an online avatar.
Origin: Hot Wheels get a modern update with two new digital offerings
Nissan Navara update brings new gearbox and added kit
Nissan has updated its Navara NP300 pick-up for 2020, with increased connectivity and a new six-speed gearbox among the chief changes. On sale from 1 July in the UK, the refreshed Navara range is available from £21,850 excluding VAT for the entry-level King Chassis Cab Visia, rising to £31,125 for the Double Cab N-Guard with an optional seven-speed automatic gearbox. Multi-link rear suspension, previously equipped on top-spec models, is now fitted as standard to all variants, raising the pick-up’s rear by 25mm and increasing the payload capacity by up to 46kg. Nissan also says the suspension revisions promote a more “comfortable and dynamic ‘car-like’ driving feel”. The Navara’s entry-level 2.3-litre diesel engine has been given a second turbocharger, taking total power output from 158bhp to 161bhp, and good for a torque figure of 313lb ft. The engine now conforms to impending Euro 6d-temp emissions regulations, which will apply to all new cars registered in Europe from 1 September 2019. The Navara’s six-speed manual gearbox now features longer gear ratios and a shorter shift pattern, allowing for quicker changes and enhanced efficiency. Nissan has also upgraded the Navara’s brakes, claiming that 4mm larger front brake discs and bigger brake boosters have increased braking force by 40% and reduced the model’s overall stopping distance. Styling has been largely unchanged, but the addition of new 17in and 18in alloy wheel designs to the range, alongside new black headlight trim, sets the model apart from pre-facelift examples. Changes inside are subtle, but fitted as standard from mid-range N-Connecta trim upwards is Nissan’s latest connectivity system, an 8in touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and the ability to lock/unlock the Navara, configure the sat-nav and check fluid levels via an associated smartphone app. The Navara was Nissan’s best-selling pick up in 2018, with 231,435 units sold worldwide – a 6% increase on 2017’s sales
Origin: Nissan Navara update brings new gearbox and added kit
Nissan Navara 2019 update brings new gearbox and added kit
Nissan has updated its Navara NP300 pick-up for 2020, with increased connectivity and a new six-speed gearbox among the chief changes. On sale from 1 July in the UK, the refreshed Navara range is available from £21,850 exc. VAT for the entry-level King Chassis Cab Visia rising to £31,125 for the Double Cab N-Guard with an optional seven-speed automatic gearbox. Multi-link rear suspension, previously equipped on top-spec models, is now fitted as standard to all variants, raising the pick-up’s rear by 25mm and increasing payload capacity by up to 46kg. The company also says the suspension revisions promote a more “comfortable and dynamic ‘car-like’ driving feel”. The Navara’s entry-level 2.3-litre diesel engine has been given a second turbocharger, taking total power output from 158bhp to 161bhp, and good for a torque figure of 313lb ft. The engine now conforms to impending Euro6d-temp emissions regulations, which will apply to all new cars registered in Europe from 1 September 2019. The Navara’s six-speed manual gearbox now features longer gear ratios and a shorter shift pattern, allowing for quicker changes and enhanced efficiency. Nissan has also upgraded the Navara’s brakes, claiming that 4mm+ larger front brake discs and larger brake boosters have increased braking force by 40% and reduced the model’s overall stopping distance. Styling has been largely unchanged, but the addition of new 17” and 18” alloy wheel designs to the range, alongside new black headlamp trim, sets the model apart from pre-facelift examples. Changes inside are subtle, but fitted as standard from mid-range N-Connecta trim upwards is Nissan’s latest connectivity system, an 8” touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and the ability to lock/unlock the Navara, configure the satnav and check fluid levels via an associated smartphone app. The Navara was Nissan’s best selling pick up in 2018, with 231,435 units sold worldwide, a 6% increase on 2017’s sales
Origin: Nissan Navara 2019 update brings new gearbox and added kit
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