Seven of the ugliest cars according to MotorTrend

On October 3, 2013 I posted in my opinion three of the ugliest cars ever produced. As well on October 28, 2013 blog the Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet, mentioned that it would be an ugliest car ever contender.
Now the pros at MotorTrend weigh in with their opinion.

2001-2006 Pontiac Aztek (agreement)
 

1958-1960 Ford Edsel
 

2002-2005 Honda Civic Si











 1982-1988 Cadillac Cimarron (agreement)
 










 2009-2011 Lexus HS 250h (agreement)



1995-1999 BMW 318ti











2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR


2011-Present Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet (Honorable Mention) (agreement)


As you can see beauty is in the eye of the beholder but when several car enthusiasts find a car ugly then it is a consensus. The Potiac Aztec, Cadillac Cimarron, Lexus HS250h and Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet I am in agreement with but not the others. This is not to say that they are good looking cars but average looking at least, the decision is yours.
To see the entire Motortrend article click here: http://www.motortrend.com/features/mt_hot_list/1310_subaru_tribeca_is_gone_7_other_ugly_cars_that_didnt_catch_on/

Automobile Insurance Rates - Equality is finally coming, end to sex discrimination

 

YES (if you are male), change is coming on December 21, 2013 an end to sex discrimination on the part of automobile insurance companies. Unfortunately only to male European drivers, *#@*.
For European drivers this means that women's premiums could go up as much as 24% and male rates will go down, decline percentage not disclosed.
No luck for us North American drivers, males will continue to pay more for auto insurance. (US statistics below although similar in Canada as well);

• "The survey concluded that the greatest disparity between genders occurs under the age of 20. Male drivers age 16 to 20 pay an average annual premium of $1226.48 compared to the $965.78 paid by females."
• "Male drivers age 21 to 24 pay an average premium of $1071.04. Female drivers in the same age group pay $1001.32 for coverage."
• "Once male and female drivers reach the magic age of 25, this is when men can breathe a sigh of relief in terms of the amount paid. According to the survey, male and female drivers pay $825.61 and $826.43 for coverage each year, respectively. In other words, drivers over the age of 25 shouldn't be too worried about discrimination on the basis of gender."

If you would like to read the entire article click on the link to Automobile.com site  http://www.automobile.com/2012-12-comparing-male-female-premiums.html

2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet AWD

2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet -- what is that thing? 2 door convertible AWD SUV for $42000, is there a market for this vehicle and who will buy it?

 


My buddy has been talking about this vehicle for a while, how it looks great. Personally I think it's OK at best, a cabriolet SUV come on Nissan what were you thinking? Remember a few years back the flop that Suzuki put out the X90, AWD 2 door convertible, sounds familiar.





The Murano CrossCabriolet may also become as popular as the Dodge Prowler. Not really a volume car but possibly a collectors item in the future.



Now back to the Murano CrossCabriolet, it's is an AWD (all wheel drive) vehicle powered by a 265-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg (12.3L/100km) combined, 17 mpg (13.8 L/100km) in the city and 22 mpg (10.7 L/100km) on the highway.
No matter which direction the CrossCabriolet will take this will be a niche car and not a volume based vehicle for Nissan.
Murano CrossCabriolet photos and specs are provided by TheCarConnection, if you would like to read more about the Murano CrossCabriolet you may follow this link for the full review http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/nissan_murano-crosscabriolet_2014