2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 (a B class rip-off?)

Sweet looking ride you say, well you may be paying about $9000 more above the B-class version price for those looks. The bonus here is you get the 4Matic AWD system standard.



The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 apart from the 4Matic AWD is actually mechanically identical to the Mercedes-Benz B-class. They both have the same engine, same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 2699 mm wheelbase. Although the B-class weighs 30 kg less and offers more front and rear head room. The B-class has a larger cargo area with the rear seats up 488 L versus the GLA’s 421, and with them folded down 1,547 versus the GLA’s 1,235. Even with the smaller interior volume the GLA is still 58 mm longer than a B-class.The GLA 250 0-100 km/h time comes in at 7.2-seconds, respectable for around 200 horsepower.
The extra 30kg could be attributed to the standard AWD system on the GLA. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is estimated to cost you around $38,975 Canadian dollars versus the entry level B-class price of $30,500 Canadian dollars. That's around $9000 extra to get the look and 4Matic AWD system, a pretty hefty price indeed.



You can read more about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 and the GLA45 AMG (355-hp) on the autos.ca website by following this link: http://www.autos.ca/first-drives/first-drive-2015-mercedes-benz-gla-class-gla-250-gla-45-amg/?all=1

2015 Subaru WRX (All New including the engine)

2015 Subaru WRX is all new, but no hatchback so far, the sedan version is the only version currently available. Before talking more about how great this new car is mechanically I will voice my only complaint the styling. Yawn, very average any way you look at it, even the huge rear wing can't make this car look sporty although it most certainly is.



Now to the good stuff.
The 2015 WRX is using a new direct injection 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with an intercooled twin-scroll turbocharger. Engine output is 268 horsepower, with peak torque of 258 pound-feet from 2,000 rpm to 5,200 rpm.

Either a manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT automatic) can be fitted on the 2015 WRX. Subaru's all-wheel drive system is one of the best if not the best in the world, especially at this price point. Depending on your choice in transmission there are different versions of Subaru's all-wheel drive. The six-speed manual gearbox gets you an all-wheel-drive system that has a viscous coupling at the center differential. It splits power 50/50 front and rear, it can also shuffle torque side to side as required.
The CVT automatic gets a set of eight pre-selected transmission ratios the all-wheel-drive system distribution is set to 45/55 front and rear respectively. Also has the variable torque distribution, adjusting side to side with the ability to reroute torque as required.

The 2015 WRX is now using electric power steering and a rear view camera. It will be riding on a set of 17 inch 45 aspect rubber.

Crash safety just as in all Subaru models is excellent according to IIHS and very good according to the NHTSA.

The base manual 2015 WRX starts at just $27,090 US, an incredible value for the money mechanically, that is if you don't mind the bland styling.



If you would like to read the full article as well as get more information on interior features and the overall professional rating click on thecarconnection link: http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/subaru_wrx_2015 (224 pictures are posted there)

2015 BMW M4 coupe -- "worth the wait"

2015 BMW M4 coupe -- "Worth the wait" is the headline on the Car&Driver article and this is why;

The M4 uses a 3.0-liter straight six it can rev up to 7600 rpm and is fitted with a pair of Mitsubishi sourced turbochargers. The twin-turbo six cylinder is rated at 425 hp from 5500 to 7300 rpm, with a maximum torque of 406 lb-ft starting from 1800 rpm.



Standard transmission is a six speed manual (yeah!), which automatically revs on downshifts. There is an optional transmission, a seven speed dual-clutch automatic.

BMW says that the M4 can do 0-60-mph (97 km/h) in roughly 4.1 seconds with the six speed manual, and the dual-clutch automatic drops that number to 3.9!
Top speed is limited at 155 mph, there may be an option to raise the limiter to 174 mph.

For the first time the M4 coupe will have it's own dedicated chassis called the F82. It comes with an electronically controlled rear differential called Active M Differential which is borrowed from the M5 and the M6. 18 and 19 inch wheels will be offered using 255/35 in the front and 275/35 in the rear. It will use an entirely new electric steering system which will offer the driver selectable modes of  comfort / sport / sport plus (adaptive suspension options are available).  Brakes are carbon-ceramic, same as those found on the M5 and M6.



Interested? The 2015 BMW M4 coupe can be yours for an estimated price-tag in the mid $60K US.
All photos and full article on Car&Driver: http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2015-bmw-m4-coupe-photos-and-info-news

TOYOTA 2014 massive recall - PRIUS, RAV4, TACOMA, LEXUS RX350

Photo from google images

Toyota today is recalling 1.9 million hybrid Prius cars around the world due to a software glitch. Vehicles recalled were produced between March 2009 and February 2014.
Recalls by regions; Japan 997,000 vehicles, North America 713,000 vehicles, Europe 130,000 vehicles, other regions are also affected.
The software glitch could cause transistors to become damaged thus causing warning lights to go off reducing the vehicle's power causing the car to stall and stop.

Other Toyota recalls:
Additional recalls were announced for the 2012 RAV4, 2012-2013 Tacoma as well as the 2012-2013 Lexus RX350. The above vehicles are being recalled due to an electric circuit issue that can cause the vehicle stability control, anti lock brakes, and traction control functions to occasionally turn off.

Toyota said that recall notices have been sent to owners of vehicles.

Source - CTV news article: http://www.ctvnews.ca/autos/toyota-recall-includes-prius-rav4-tacoma-rx350-in-canada-1.1682158

2015 BMW X3 -- now with diesel engine option

The new 2015 BMW X3 will finally be available with a 180-hp turbo diesel 2.0 L four cylinder producing 280 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration from 0-60 mph (0-97 kph) will take under eight seconds with the standard  AWD system. The new base rear drive X3 sDrive28i, which is powered by a 240 hp turbocharged 2.0 L four cylinder is said to do 0-60mph in a quicker 6.2-seconds. Last but not least the X3 xDrive35i with 300 hp turbocharged inline six produced a 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds.
All three engine choices are mated to an eight speed automatic transmission, no standard transmission option here. 
Starting MSRP in the US will be around $40,000 for the rear drive version.

A new feature of the 2015 BMW X3 is the xDrive display (AWD display) which shows the amount of body roll and pitch of the SUV. The xDrive system sends 80% of the power to the rear wheels even with the AWD. (Unlike the Subaru AWD which typically has a power distribution of 50-50 front-rear for the manual transmission and 60-40 for the automatic.)

There are various options available under the x Line and M Sport options upgrade. 
"xLine adds metallic trim in the bumpers, satin aluminum side cladding in the air intakes, and the appearance of an under guard in the front and rear. The X3 xLine also offers different leather interior options, plus other 19 inch wheel designs."
"The X3 M Sport bumps up the curb appeal with exclusive 19 and 20 inch wheel options and includes a few other visual upgrades, but also offers paddle shifters and revised transmission, steering, and suspension settings."
All photos are from google.com images.
To read the full article in MotorTrend on the 2015 BMW X3 click on this link: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1402_2015_bmw_x3_first_look/

Best All-Season Tires from 2013

 
 Coninental ExtremeContact DWS image from TireRack.com

There are several all-season tire test results available, I have accumulated the various data and scored points for first to tenth place. (Tire ratings are accumulated and scored differently by each test and website.)
The basis of this review is to see which tires are being rated in the same order more than once. Consistency is the basis, basically the higher the rank of the tire in more tests the higher it's overall score will be.
Ratings in the brackets are (PMC + TireRack) other tires mentioned were based on consumer reports testing results or insufficient test data. (n/r = not rated) All data was accumulated from 2013 tire test results, as soon as the 2014 versions are available they will be posted.

Best Standard All-Season

1) Michelin - Primacy MXV4 (9+7.35(9)) = 18
2) Michelin - Defender (10+7.02(7)) = 17
3) Bridgestone - Turanza Serenity Plus (6+7.39(10)) = 16
4) Yokohama - Avid Ascend (7+6.49(4)) = 11
4) Continental PureContact with ecoplus (3+7.33(8)) = 11
5) Michelin HydroEdge (5+6.88(5)) = 10
6) Pirelli P4 Four-Seasons (4+6.24(3)) = 7
6) Goodyear Assurance TripleTred (1+6.93(6)) = 7

Other tires mentioned insufficient data:
Hankook Optimo H727 (n/r+6.66)
Continental ProContact EcoPlus+ (n/r+7.02)
Michelin Energy Saver A/S (n/r)
Nokian - Entyre (8+n/r)
I) Michelin Harmony (2+n/r)

The winner is Michelin, top 2 well done. Although Michelin tends to be a little more expensive than the competition. Any of the above eight tires mentioned would be a great choice. Make sure to check the warranty as well as the price that each manufacturer requests. Although sometimes you get what you pay for.

Best High Performance All-Season

1) Michelin - Pilot Sport A/S Plus (10+7.88(10)) = 20
2) Coninental - ExtremeContact DWS (9+7.57(8)) = 17
3) Bridgestone - Potenza RE970AS Pole Position (8+7.67(9)) = 17
4) Bfgoodrich - g-Force Super Sport A/S (7+7.29(5)) = 12
5) Bridgestone - Potenza RE960AS Pole Position (6+7.53(6)) = 12
6) Pirelli - PZero Nero All Season (5+6.99(3) ) = 8
7) Yokohama Avid ENVigor (2+7.05(4)) = 6

Other tires mentioned insufficient data:
Michelin Primacy HP (4+n/r)
Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S (3+n/r)
Continental PureContact (1+n/r)
Goodyear - Eagle F1 Asymmetric All Season (n/r+(7.55)(7))
Nokian WR G2 (n/r)
Cooper Zeon RS3-A (n/r)
Sumitomo HTR A/S PO1 (n/r+(6.97)(2))

The winner again Michelin, this time it's a clear win, the Pilot Sport A/S. Although number two and three Continental and Bridgestone were very close. Hopefully one of these three great tires are available in your tire size at your price.

LINKS:

PMC tire full all-season test results PDF format: http://tires.pmctire.com/x-stuff/docs/en/eval-summer/PMC-en-2013-4s-auto-evaluations.pdf
PMC tire full performance all-season test results PDF format: http://tires.pmctire.com/x-stuff/docs/en/eval-summer/PMC-en-2013-4s-Perfo-auto-evaluations.pdf

TireRack.com full all-season test results:http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=166

TireRack.com full test results on performance all-season tires: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests
Autoguide.com link to consumer reports test results: http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/03/best-tires-to-buy-list-released-by-consumer-reports.html

1010tires.com full consumer test results: https://www.1010tires.com/Tires/Reviews/All+Season