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Handsome Wagon: 2019 Volvo V60

December 18, 2018 by admin 2 Comments

2019 Volvo V60


The V60 is all new and handsomely designed at that.

Just as some manufacturers are distancing themselves from cars, Volvo is embracing them. Further, these car models are not just sedans, but wagons. Indeed, this Swedish automaker offers not one, but two wagon models, including the all-new 2019 V60.

No, Volvo isn’t neglecting SUVs — you’ll find three lines in the brand’s portfolio. Presently, the automaker is also offering two wagons and a pair of sedans, giving it seven model lines. There isn’t a Volvo coupe or sports car to be found, as four-door models comprise the entire lineup.

2019 Volvo V60

2019 Volvo V60 Overview

The 2019 Volvo V60 launches this model’s second generation, replacing the previous model which debuted in 2015. The latest model is based on Volvo’s common modular architecture, which it shares with every other current Volvo model. The V60 wagon is closely aligned with the S60 sedan and the XC60 utility vehicle.

Volvo offers the 2019 V60 in Momentum ($38,900), R-Design ($43,900), and Inscription ($49,400) trims. From there, Volvo divides the product line between T5 FWD (front-wheel drive) and T6 AWD (all-wheel drive) choices, with prices increasing by $4,500 for the latter.

2019 Volvo V60There is a difference in powertrains too as the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is turbocharged with the first choice and both turbocharged and supercharged with the second choice. All models benefit from an eight-speed automatic transmission.

You’ll find ample package offerings with each V60 trim. Base models offer a Heated Front Seats & Heated Steering Wheel Package ($750) and a Premium Package ($2,050, with a rearview mirror compass, automatic dimming mirrors, retractable side mirrors, front & rear park assist, a blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert and autobrake, keyless entry, a hands-free power liftgate, and Homelink. Volvo also bundles these two under an Advanced Package ($2,500).

There is also a Multimedia Package ($2,500, with a 13-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, navigation and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Volvo concludes the Momentum model’s package offerings with a Linear Lime Deco Inlay Package ($600), which adds footwell lights, mood lights and puddle lamps. The cabin is also dressed in eye-popping linear lime deco inlays.

If you select the mid-grade R-Design trim, you’ll find one package choice, the Advanced Package ($2,500). The top-trim Inscription offers a Heated Rear Seats & Heated Steering Wheel Package ($750) and the Advanced Package ($750). You’ll also find an exclusive-to-the-trim Luxury Seat Package ($2,200, backrest massage front seats, power-adjustable side support for the front seats, and ventilated front seats with your choice of one of four Nappa leather colors and patterns).

2019 Volvo V60

Design Highlights

Gone is the boxy look of previous Volvo models. The new V60 matches quite well with the S60 sedan from the front bumper to the C pillar (behind the rear seats). A pronounced grille with Volvo’s trademark insignia kicks things off, but the drama quotient is only raised with the standard LED headlights with Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights. This makes for an eye-catching look and the V60 wears it well.

2019 Volvo V60With the V60, Volvo makes a tremendous effort to not make the V60 look like your typical wagon. Sure, the overall look is just that, but with luscious curves, distinct lines and a robust stance, this isn’t anything like your Ford Country Squire of long ago.

Design elements from other Volvo models are apparent here, including the oversized hooked tail lamps. The look is at once practical as it is elegant, proving that a wagon is a viable option in a market crowded with crossovers.

2019 Volvo V60Inside, the cabin is open, with clean lines and pretty materials evident. As you would expect, driver controls are strategically placed and ergonomic. The front seats are firm, yet supportive and comfortable. The second-row seat offers ample legroom and is ideal for two adults. The driveline hump, however, makes it difficult to justify using the middle position. Storage capacity measures 29 cubic feet behind the second row or 48.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

All models have full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, dual-zone climate control, and a load compartment cover. Upgrades include a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated seats, and a power-folding rear seat.

Safety & Technology

You’re not going to find every conceivable safety feature included with the Volvo V60, but they’re readily available. We already outlined the packages, which complete the safety offerings when chosen.

The standard trim offers lane keeping aid, oncoming lane mitigation, and roadside information. Upgrade to the R-Design trim and you’ll find a blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert and automatic braking, rear collision warning, and front and rear park assist. At the Inscription level, the safety features are unchanged.

2019 Volvo V60

We like that Volvo doesn’t skimp on technologies as even the base model comes well equipped. Here, you’ll find a 9-inch display screen, one that’s far easier to use than the previous layout. You’ll also find a 10-speaker, 220-watt audio system, HD Radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto smartphone integration.

Upgrades include a navigation system and a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

On the Road with the Volvo V60

With Volvo, you get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and nothing else. But it is what Volvo does with the engine that makes all difference. All T5 models have a turbocharger, while T6 models combine a supercharger and a turbocharger. The T8 trim isn’t available with the V60, at least not yet, but it builds on the T6 by adding hybrid technology for the strongest model yet.

Volvo’s powertrain approach isn’t right for everyone, but it is workable. An eight-speed automatic transmission is universal to all contemporary Volvo models.

2019 Volvo V60

Our equipped V60 T6 is an all-wheel-drive model packing 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which supplies more power than most V6 engines have and equal to V8 power from a generation ago. The supercharger-turbocharger combination means there isn’t any turbo lag present. Further, you’ll get ample front- and back-end boost, something no other forced-induction engine supplies.

With ample power at the ready, the only thing missing is the vroom of a robust naturally aspirated motor. Fortunately, Volvo doesn’t fake things with an electronically enhanced exhaust. The engine’s din, though, is noisy. The transmission shoots off gears with precision and steering is weighted. There is some body roll on twisty roads, but not to the level of some crossovers. The available electronically controlled shock absorbers are managed with a dial and four settings.

Parting Thoughts: 2019 Volvo V60

Do you need or want a wagon? Volvo certainly hopes so. There aren’t many manufacturers offering one, which makes a comparison difficult. We drove the Buick Regal TourX model earlier this year, but the Volvo is better equipped and a cut above in materials used.

Overall, the V60 finds an intriguing medium between the XC60 crossover and S60 sedan. Beginning in 2019, you’ll also find a “Cross Country” version, which features a one-inch higher profile and special underbody cladding. It has off-road connotations, but you’ll want to keep it on the road.


2019 Volvo V60

2019 Volvo V60


 

2019 Volvo S60 Specifications

 

    • Sticker price from $39,895 (including a $995 destination charge)
    • Price as tested: $52,350
    • Seats 5 occupants
    • Engine No. 1: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four gas
    • 250 horsepower @ 5,500 RPM
    • 258 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,800 RPM
    • Engine No. 2: 2.0-liter turbo/supercharged inline-four gas
    • 316 horsepower @ 5,700 RPM
    • 295 foot-pounds of torque @ 5,400 RPM
    • 8-speed automatic transmission
    • Wheelbase: 113.1 inches
    • Length: 187.4 inches
    • Width: 80.3 inches (with mirrors)
    • Height: 56.2 inches
    • Passenger volume: NR
    • Storage volume: 29.0/48.2 cubic feet
    • Towing capacity: NR
    • EPA: 24/36 mpg (I4 FWD); 22/31 mpg (CC AWD); 21/31 mpg (AWD)
    • Premium grade gasoline
    • Fuel tank: 15.9/14.5/13.2 gallons (gas)
    • Curb weight: From 3,657 to 3,907 pounds
    • IIHS safety rating: Pending
    • Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
    • Powertrain warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
    • Corrosion warranty: 12 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Ridgeville, South Carolina USA

2019 Volvo V60

2019 Volvo V60


See Also — Compact, Luxury SUV: 2019 Volvo XC40

2019 Volvo S60 photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine or Volvo Cars USA.


Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2019 cars, all-wheel drive, four-cylinder engine, SUPERCHARGER, TURBOCHARGER, VOLVO S60, Volvo V60, Volvo XC60, wagon

Wagon Master: 2018 Buick Regal TourX

May 14, 2018 by admin 5 Comments

Buick overhauls the Regal line, adds TourX and Sportback models.

2018 Buick Regal TourX
The 2018 Regal line expands to include this TourX wagon.

The Buick Regal has taken on many forms across its long history, including a coupe, sedan and briefly as a wagon. Its previous iteration was as a four-door sedan, a model developed in Germany, then built in Canada for the North American market.

Well, sedan sales have been deteriorating for years and after a seven-year run, Buick cancelled most of the sedan line, although the performance GS remains. Beginning in 2018, an updated Regal portfolio is in place, but this time it also includes a hatchback (Regal Sportback) and a wagon (Regal TourX). As of publication, Buick offers the Sportback in the US and Canada, while the GS sedan and wagon are exclusive to the United States.

The two newest Regals are once again built only in Germany and by Opel. Up until last year, Opel was a GM division, but now owned by Groupe PSA, mainly comprising Peugeot and Citroen, the French automaker.

We cannot explain for certain how or why this arrangement continues, other than to say that when the Opel-to-PSA deal became final, certain models were sharing a common platform and will likely do so for years ahead. No matter, the Regal TourX is an Opel (or a Vauxhall) Insignia in some markets, but it is also a Holden Commodore in Australia. Got it?

2018 Buick Regal TourX

2018 Buick Regal TourX

For this review, we shall look primarily at the test model at hand — the 2018 Regal TourX. Where necessary, we will mention a few things about the Sportback, but not much else. There are some differences between the two, therefore we will not take a deep dive into what we have not driven. Just so you know, Buick markets the Sportback as a “Car,” but it lists the TourX under its “SUV & Crossovers” category.

The 2018 Regal TourX comes in three trim levels: TourX ($29,070), Preferred ($32,670) and Essence ($35,070). These prices do not include the $925 destination and handling charge, nor are taxes, fees, tags or discounts factored in. All models have a turbocharged engine, an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Exterior Highlights

The Regal TourX does not attempt to hide its wagon design and that is a good thing. Up front, it shares a fascia common to the brand with the Buick tri-shield insignia and wing-like chrome bands flowing out from the center. Sleek headlamps and pronounced cutouts for the fog lamps add sporty touches.

The wheel wells come wrapped in contrasting trim, while deep sculpting marks the profile. A rising beltline and falling roofline meet to form the liftgate. The rear fascia has sleek wraparound tail lamps and dual exhaust ports.

Although obviously a wagon, this model adds special styling points, including an upswept rear roof pillar. You will also find chrome door trim that runs from the front to the rear pillars, then intersects with the tail lamps. Whoever said a wagon cannot deliver flair? It is a look I found appealing.

Standard equipment includes halogen headlamps, fog lamps and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Available features include LED headlamps with automatic leveling, a panoramic moonroof, power-heated side mirrors, roof rack rails and a power liftgate.

2018 Buick Regal TourX

Interior Highlights

When it comes to passenger space, the TourX compares with any midsize, two-row SUV. Specifically, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Edge and the Nissan Murano are three that come to mind. The main difference, of course, between the Buick and this trio is the high profile of the competitors. Other than that, the Buick compares well here.

The TourX interior reminded me of the Buick Enclave, a three-row SUV with nine more inches between the wheels. Plenty of soft-touch materials, chrome and with the Essence model, leather. It is a look that is at once soothing as it is elegant, one that supplies a fitting parallel to the LaCrosse sedan.

The driver-centric instrument panel is big and clear, the center console smartly ordered and uncluttered. The front seats are plush, yet firm. The rear seat holds two adults with ease and three when needed. My test model had leather seats, although cloth seats are standard. The cabin is very quiet and is up there with Buick’s exacting standards.

Standard equipment includes full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column and air conditioning. Among the upgrades you will find are a heated steering wheel, power front seats with lumbar support, heated front seats, ambient lighting and dual-zone climate control.

Not to leave out of the discussion is the storage space behind the second-row seat. Buick supplies 32.7 cubic feet, which is more than the 23.6 cubic feet in the Enclave. But if you fold the third-row seat in the Enclave you have a generous 58 cubic feet. Back to the TourX and you have 73.3 cubic feet behind the first row — that’s ample room to carry your gear — a bicycle, tent, skis, what have you. And that is why Buick offers a standard 60/40 or an available 40/20/40 second-row bench seat.

2018 Buick Regal TourX

Technology & Safety Features

I have long praised Buick for its tech features and the TourX does not disappoint. The audio package includes a 7-inch color touch screen display, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility.

You will also find a USB port inside the center console and a WiFi system for connecting up to seven devices. Other features include keyless entry and push-button start, remote panic alarm and OnStar connected vehicle services.

Upgrades include HD and satellite radio, navigation, an 8-speaker Bose audio system and remote start. Wireless charging is an option.

Among safety items you will find a rear vision camera. Move up through the trim levels and multiple driver-assist features roll out, including lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert and rear park assist. Other features include lane keep assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, and adaptive cruise control with forward automatic braking. My top-of-the-line Essence trim had all such features present.

(See Also — Swift Sportback: 2018 Buick Regal GS)

2018 Buick Regal TourX

On the Road: 2018 Buick Regal TourX

A station wagon has a V8 engine, right? Or at least a powerful V6. Well, in this case it has neither.

How about a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine? That is exactly what motivates the Regal TourX, delivering 250 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Buick pairs this engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Do these numbers seem underpowered? Well, consider how they stack up with the Buick Lucerne, a full-size model last offered in 2011: that sedan’s 3.9-liter V6 earned 227 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque. Further, there was a V8 available as well, delivering 292 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque. Thus, the torque number on the TourX beat the old V8 and that is something to keep in mind when considering this model.

Off-the-mark acceleration with the TourX is quite good. When you need extra power, the turbo kicks in with only minimal lag detected. A willing transmission works unnoticed in the background and that is what we like. Direct and weighted steering imbue driver confidence, while the smooth ride should please everyone.

Although not a curve carver, the TourX stays planted. The all-wheel drive system is a big help on wet roads as well as when you pull out of a corner. That’s the main difference between the Sportback and the TourX — the hatchback offers standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. I think Buick made the right decision by making the TourX all-wheel drive only.

As for off-roading, this wagon is strictly designed for light-duty work — traveling on gravelly roads or dusty paths. Its 6-inch ground clearance means you won’t be following the Outback across a shallow creek or to a sandy beach.

2018 Buick Regal TourX

Parting Thoughts

There is a revival taking place in the wagon market. Besides the TourX, you will find the Subaru Outback, Audi A4 AllRoad, Volkswagen Golf Alltrack and the Volvo V60 and V90 Cross Country models. We must not leave out the Jaguar XF Sportbrake and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon, although both aim squarely at the luxury market.

I found myself almost giddy with the TourX, especially when I showed the vehicle to crossover and minivan owners. For the most part, there was a distinct love it/hate it reaction by some, but then I could see others carefully taking it in. That alone is a good thing as wagons fell out of grace long ago, especially by those who left one for a minivan.

But the market is cyclical and what was once out of favor could very well catch on again. With Buick, there is no need to wait as the 2018 Regal TourX delivers. Choose the well-equipped Essence and you will come away with a loaded model for under $40,000. This represents an important price point for similar crossover SUVs.


2018 Buick Regal TourX


2018 Buick Regal TourX Specifications

Buick 2018 Regal TourX
Segment Small Station Wagon
Base Sticker Price $29,070 ( plus $925 destination charge)
Price as tested $41,550
Standard Engine 2.0-liter, turbo inline-four
Horsepower 250 @ 5,400 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.) 295 @ 3,000 to 4,000 RPMs
Transmission Eight-speed automatic
Seating 5
Curb Weight (pounds) 3,708
Wheelbase (inches) 111.4
Length (inches) 196.4
Width (inches) 73.1
Height (inches) 59.1
Head room (f,r…inches) 38.8; 39.0
Leg room (f,r…inches) 42.1, 36.9
Shoulder room (f,r…inches) 56.9, 55.4
Hip room (f,r…inches) 55.2, 54.1
Storage (cubic feet) 32.7; 73.5
Gross vehicle weight (pounds) NR
Towing (pounds) NR
Payload (pounds) NR
Fuel Premium
Fuel Tank (gallons) 16.3
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway) 21/29
Manufacturing Plant Ruesselsheim, Germany

See Also — 4 California Art Museums

2018 Buick Regal TourX photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2018 cars, all-wheel drive, BUICK REGAL, BUICK REGAL GS, Buick Regal Sportback, Buick Regal TourX, GERMANY, GM, OPEL, Peugeot, STATION WAGON, turbo, wagon

Is the 2018 Volvo V90 the World’s Most Glamorous Wagon?

September 7, 2017 by admin 2 Comments

After a 20-year hiatus, the Volvo V90 returns.

2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country.
2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country.

Station wagons dominated the American scene from the 1950s to 1970s, serving as the people hauler of choice for large families. By the 1980s, wagons (as they were by then commonly called) began to disappear. Once the 1990s arrived, even fewer models were available. Minivans became the new vehicle of choice, essentially ending the wagon phenomenon.

Apparently, Volvo never got the message as they continued to build wagons for years after. Models such as the V40, V50, and V70 came and went, with the Swedish automaker curtailing its US models for several years in the early 2010s.

In 2015, the Volvo V60 rolled out, restarting Volvo’s wagon quest. Beginning with the 2018 model year, the V90 itself returns after a 20-year break. While the V60 is handsome in its own right, the V90 just may be the world’s most glamorous wagon.

Yes, that’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it! And judging by some of the comments I’ve received from colleagues, friends, and neighbors, Volvo hit all the right buttons with the V90, especially from its design standpoint.

2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country

2018 Volvo V90

There are two lines of V90 models offered. One is the standard model, the other is the Cross Country, best known for its one-inch higher ground clearance. My test model was a 2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country T6 AWD, so that’ll serve as the focus of my review. That said, I’ll share price information for both, before diving deep into all things test model.

The 2018 V90 comes in two trims: R-Design ($49,950) and Inscription ($51,950). At present, the V90 Cross Country is a T6 AWD-only model ($55,300). Add $995 for destination and handling.

The sticker price for my Cross Country test model was $69,440 and it had the following packages and upgrades: Luxury ($4,500); Convenience ($1,950); Metallic Paint ($595); 20-inch alloy wheels ($800); rear air suspension ($1,200); Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System ($3,200); and a head-up display ($900). There are a few other accessories available, including a built-in child seat and tow package. In all, your price might top $72,000.

2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country

Exterior: A Matter of Style

What may be the V90’s strongest suit is its style — inside and out. What you have here is a large wagon, but it doesn’t feature the bland or boxy styling of past models. The same elegant grille found on the S90 sedan and XC90 SUV marks the front fascia, with striking “hammer of Thor” LED lighting elements amplifying the look.

The wagon’s profile is at once elegant and sporty, benefiting from a one-inch raised ground clearance. A sweeping roofline, rising beltline and much sculpting and character lines set this wagon apart from models of old.

But it is at the rear where the V90 makes a clean departure from the pack with its oversized L-shaped combination lamps, notched liftgate with a spoiler, and dual exhaust ports. Front to back this model is perhaps the most handsome wagon design you’ll find anywhere today as well as down through the ages.

Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, rear tinted windows, and a power moonroof with sun blind. Options include integrated split end pipes ($220), side scuff plates ($845), and 20-inch wheels.

On Cross Country models you’ll find underbody cladding, but don’t mistake these for skid plates as they consist of some undetermined lightweight material, not the usual steels and alloys you’ll find on SUVs, such as from Jeep. Notably, Volvo advertising materials suggest doing nothing more than driving the Cross Country on wet roads and packed down trails — this wagon simply isn’t designed for serious off-roading.

2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country

2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country

Interior: Elegance Matching German Rivals

The top German luxury brands — Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz — are the measuring stick for evaluating luxury cars. The 2018 Volvo V90 is a match for all three, delivering a clean, upscale and altogether pleasing environment to behold.

You’ll find leather and wood (or optional metal mesh) generously apportioned throughout the cabin. The electronic dashboard offers a clean interface on an uncluttered center stack and is visually pleasing. Volvo wrote the book on ergonomics, thus all controls are sensibly placed.

Up front are a pair of firm, but comfortable bucket seats topped by headrests with a “space age” look. The second row 40:20:40 bench seat is also comfortable, with sufficient room for three. Volvo could have added a third row, but be glad that they did not as there is a generous 53.9 cubic feet of standard storage space available. Yard sale finds, anyone?

A long list of standard equipment includes keyless entry with toggle start, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, full power accessories, power-adjusted front seats, and multi-zone climate control.

The available luxury package adds heated outboard rear seats, rear and rear side window sun shades, additional leather and sill trim, backrest massage for the front seats, and expanded leather choices.

2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country

V90 Cross Country Performance Matters

When it comes to today’s Volvo, you’ll find just one engine choice across the entire model line. A 2.0-liter four cylinder is it, but what Volvo chooses to do with said engine makes all the difference in the world. Or at least on the road.

No, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill engine. It is a modern powerplant with forced induction at work. For this reason, Volvo offers the engine in two variants. The first option is a direct-injected turbocharged (T5) engine generating 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. These numbers are within the ballpark of what some naturally aspirated V6 engines produce.

The second option keeps the turbocharger and adds a supercharger. It is a highly unusual arrangement for a vehicle and, to my knowledge, Volvo is the only manufacturer using both forms of forced induction in the same engine. As a result, performance jumps to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque for this so-called T6 engine. That’s within the range of what some small V8s produce. By the way, both engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission supplied by Aisin.

My test model had the more powerful engine, which automatically adds all-wheel drive. The beauty of this dual forced-induction system is that the supercharger supplies upfront power, while the turbocharger kicks in up the power band curve to extend boost. The engine feels more powerful than its size, but make no mistake about it: it sounds like a four-cylinder engine. Also, the exhaust note is quite tame — you don’t buy a Volvo for raucous performance, but for fuel economy — my test model makes an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Choose the T5 FWD model and you’ll find an outstanding 24/34 mpg city/highway rating. You’ll need to fuel your model with premium gasoline.

Steering is crisp and handling offers decent feedback. But there is a weak point with this model even with the air suspension system added and dynamic drive chosen — it has the bouncy feel common to wagons of yore. Further, when tackling washboard surfaces, you’ll feel it. None of this should come as a surprise as the V90 is the largest wagon on the market.

2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country

Safety: Pilot Assist Debuts

Volvo is synonymous with safety and the company’s reputation precedes it. That said, there is almost always something different you’ll find when an updated or all-new Volvo model debuts. The big news this year is standard Pilot Assist, what gives customers their first taste of autonomous driving.

This semi-autonomous system works with adaptive cruise control to keep the car centered in your lane as well as to supply sufficient separation with the vehicle centered immediately in front of you. When activated, Pilot Assist “views” the center line and side marking(s) to ensure your vehicle stays on course, even as the road curves. Gentle steering inputs from the system keep the car centered; braking and acceleration is also controlled, but all three are easily overridden by the driver.

I activated the system just below I-540 on US Route 1 while heading south (Wake County, NC), keeping Pilot Assist active until I exited at Carbonton Road (State Hwy. 42) near Sanford. Heading west on that road, I reactivated the system once I moved past the elementary school.

Unlike Route 1 with its mostly straight shot, this road rises and falls, and has its shares of twists and turns. There were times when I overrode Pilot Assist for one simple reason — I had grown tired of the near constant inputs.

I activated the system once again as I turned left on Hwy. 42 to head south on South Carbonton Road (Lee to Chatham to Moore counties), which eases into Glendon Carthage Road past the Alston House (House in the Horseshoe). I turned Pilot Assist off for good once I approached Carthage’s business district.

Pilot Assist allowed me to drive hands free (fingers just off the steering wheel) for 10 seconds at a time before a “take steering wheel” warning appeared on the head up display, followed by a second notice on the instrument panel. If you ignore the first visual warning, the system allows you to drive another 5 seconds before a warning chime sounds. Ignore that chime and you’ll have an additional 5 seconds of hands-off driving before a follow-up warning and chime occurs. Immediately, Pilot Assist deactivates, requiring you to take full control of the car.

I must have driven at least 30 miles without my hands firmly grasping the steering wheel, although no more than 15 to 20 seconds at a time before I laid hold of the wheel. The sensation of driving without firmly holding onto the steering wheel was an odd one for me. Indeed, there was one time when it seemed as if the Volvo was about to leave the road, so I took firm control of the steering wheel to redirect the wagon. Volvo admits the system isn’t perfect as it may misread things along the side of the road, such as a traffic cone and mistake it for something else.

You should not rest your hands in your lap while using Pilot Assist. Furthermore, I only activated the system where roads were dry per Volvo’s instructions. Cruise control-contributed hydroplaning is a real danger.

2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country

Technology Features and Options

Volvo once offered a dreadful infotainment system interface known as Sensus. Well, the Sensus name continues, but the pain is mercifully gone. The prior system included more than two dozen buttons and knobs, offering an arrangement I found confusing and distracting. Volvo must have figured the system was a hot mess and contrary to all things safety. That’s because what’s now in place is far superior and very easy to use.

The new interface is clean and ruled by a touchscreen evenly divided into four sections. From top to bottom you’ll find the current position (navigation), media, phone connectivity, and car status. At the base of the screen, you can manage climate control as well as seat heating and cooling. For these reasons, I give the updated system two thumbs up.

Standard equipment includes a 224-watt audio system, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity and music streaming, USB ports, and an auxiliary audio input. There is also available for upgrade a Bowers & Wilkins audio system with 19 speakers and a 1,400-watt output. It’s the type of system audiophiles prize; how Volvo integrated the Tweeter on the dashboard is nothing short of a work of art.

2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country

Volvo V90 Parting Thoughts

So Volvo makes the most beautiful wagon on earth. Or at least it does in the eyes of some.

Of course, some shoppers may never see past its body style, preferring an SUV (XC90) or a sedan (S90) instead. Happily, Volvo has you covered in all three categories.

Is the one-inch lift of the Cross Country worth it? Oddly, it is if you want to save money as the standard T6 AWD R-Design model costs $55,950 or $650 more than the Cross Country. Add in the $4,500 luxury package and you’ll pay about $60,000 for a unique wagon with a sporty flair.

 2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country

  • Priced from $55,300 (T6 AWD Cross Country)
  • Price as tested: $69,440
  • Seats 5
  • Engine: 2.0-liter supercharged & turbocharged I4 gas
  • 316 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM
  • 295 foot-pounds of torque @ 2,200 to 5,400 RPM
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 115.8 inches
  • Length: 194.4 inches
  • Width: 75.9 inches
  • Height: 60.7 inches
  • Passenger volume: NR
  • Storage volume: 53.9 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: NR
  • EPA: 22/29 mpg city/highway
  • Premium gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 15.9 gallons
  • Curb weight: 4,180 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: NR
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 12 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Torslanda, Sweden

2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country

2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country

2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country

2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country

2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country


***Check out the feedback from Volvo fans on Reddit***.

See Also — Highlights of the 2018 Volvo Product Reveal

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine or Volvo Cars. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2018 cars, all-wheel drive, Hammer of Thor, IIHS, luxury, SENSUS, SUPERCHARGER, TURBOCHARGER, VOLVO CARS, VOLVO V90, Volvo V90 Cross Country, wagon

On Track With a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

January 5, 2017 by admin 9 Comments

The latest rendition of a SportWagen theme.

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

Take a Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, add lift to its ground clearance and imbue this vehicle with all-wheel drive, and what you have is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, a new model. Lifted wagons are nothing new — the Subaru Outback is a fine example of one. Even Volvo has been getting involved, fielding various lifted “Cross Country” vehicles based on existing sedan and wagon models.

The 2017 Golf Alltrack is available in three trims — S, SE, and SEL. The Alltrack S with a manual transmission retails for $25,850 and the SE manual starts at $29,430. Add $1,100 for the automatic transmission. The SEL edition ($32,890) rounds out the model line.

My test model was the Alltrack S with a DSG. Its lone option was an $845 driver assist package with adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and park assist. The total price, including the $820 destination charge was $28,615.

Now that “lift” is only slight — 0.6 inches to be exact, giving the Alltrack a ground clearance of 6.9 inches. On the other hand, the Subaru Outback delivers a ground clearance of 8.7 inches. For further reference, both the Volvo V60 Cross Country and Volkswagen Tiguan 4Motion “lift” come in at 7.9 inches.

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

Exterior Highlights

The Golf Alltrack is a small station wagon as categorized by the EPA. That’s a right descriptor too, as It isn’t quite tall enough to be a crossover. Then again, if you were to call the Subaru Outback a wagon, you’d shouldn’t be criticized for considering it one.

The Alltrack may be nearly the same at the Golf SportWagen, but there are some design differences apparent as well. Volkswagen’s trademark narrow upper grille comes in smaller than the lower grille opening, the latter is bedecked with chrome trim. Distinct profile character lines, rocker panel trim, and trimmed wheel arches are present. Every model comes with two-tone side mirrors, 17-or 18-inch alloy wheels, and roof rails.

From the rear, the Golf Alltrack has a tailgate spoiler, wraparound combination lamps, and dual exhaust tips. Chrome touches, reflector lights, and a shark antenna are also present.

All models are equipped with daytime running lights and front fog lights. Power-adjustable, manually folding heated side mirrors are included. A panoramic tilt and slide sunroof is included with the SE and SEL trims. Bi-Xenon headlights with an adaptive front headlight system is an option on the SEL level only.

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

Interior Highlights

Offering room for five, the Golf Alltrack is dressed in imitation leather seats. Bucket seats are up front and a 60-40 split-folding bench seat is in the rear. The rear seat comes with a fold down armrest with a pair of cup holders. A pass-through to the cargo area is reached with the armrest dropped.

High-quality materials are found inside, including carbon fiber trim. That’s just on the base model. The dash is hard to the touch, but textured, and the center stack is surrounded by glossy material — likely plastic, but having a metallic look. The door pockets are covered in fabric and every other surface shows careful attention to detail —metal pedals are standard too. And with a price tag some $13,000 less than the slightly larger Audi A4 Allroad, the Golf Alltrack is a relative bargain amongst VW Group models.

But the Alltrack is seven inches shorter between the wheels than the Audi. Passenger space is tight in the second row, especially legroom. If the driver and front passenger show consideration and adjust their seats accordingly, then legroom is decent. Even so, putting a person in the middle position means sacrificing much, especially with the pronounced drivetrain hump present.

The Golf Alltrack comes well equipped with keyless entry, power windows and door locks, cruise control, heated front seats, and standard LED ambient lighting. Also available is push-button start, power front seats with lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, and automatic wipers.

Another standout feature for this model is the standard storage space, measuring 30.4 cubic feet behind the second-row seat. Your items back there are kept out of sight thanks to a storage compartment cover. Flip down the rear seat and you’ll enjoy a generous 66.5 cubic feet of storage space — that’s larger than what most small SUVs offer and rivals what the midsize Nissan Murano SUV has.

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

Notable Tech Features

Volkswagen no longer supplies a cable to attach to your cell phone or other devices in an effort to connect. Like all other manufacturers, you now have the expected USB port available. Still, space is tight for making that connection and it usually requires adjusting the transmission shifter to provide ease of access. We can only hope that Volkswagen has a better design coming, preferably with two USB ports instead of just one.

To acquire a navigation system you have to choose the SEL model. But there is another option: choose one of the other two trims and rely upon Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity to supply you with directions. Why pay for something that is available as part of VW’s included App-Net system? The Alltrack also provides Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, HD radio, and an auxiliary audio port. A 6.5-inch touchscreen is standard across the model line.

Choose the base model and your Alltrack comes with a generous eight-speaker audio system. But if you opt for the SE or SEL, you’ll have a Fender premium audio system instead.

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

All Things Safety

On the safety front, the VW Golf Alltrack received much praise. Although the Alltrack hasn’t been tested yet by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the very similar SportWagen has and earned a top five-star crash test rating from this federal agency.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), representing the nation’s insurance companies, assigned the Alltrack with a Top Safety Pick rating, its second-highest score. The Alltrack notched top grades in all five crashworthiness testing categories: small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints & seats. The IIHS also recognized the Alltrack for its available front crash prevention system. The only issue the institute had with the Golf Alltrack was its headlights, finding that it provided poor illumination as do most other new car models.

All trims come with a suite of airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, an automatic post-collision braking system, a rearview camera, and a crash response system. Driver assist features available across all trims include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking, and parking assistance, part of an $845 driver assistance package. Only the top-trim SEL adds lane departure warning and high beam control, these features are part of a $1,995 lighting package.

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

On the Road

Upon its roll out, you’ll find one powertrain combination with the Golf Alltrack. A 1.8-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine making 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A six-speed manual gearbox arrives later in the model year.

My week long test time with most any vehicle involves as much as 90 percent highway driving. It is skewed that way as I’m better able to gauge how well a vehicle handles, especially on twisty roads. That highway driving goes beyond state roads and the interstate — two-lane back roads with a speed limit of at least 45 mph are my favorite haunts. My main preference is to drive for miles without passing through a town. Horse and cattle country rock my driving world.

From the onset, I knew I liked the 2017 VW Golf Alltrack. And very little of that “like” has to do with its elevated ground clearance, although it certainly is helpful from a sight perspective. Rather, the powertrain combination and all-wheel drive system are both winners and for the following reasons:

First, the powertrain. Here, you have a capable performer with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Happily, Volkswagen went with one displacing at 1.8 liters instead of the usual 1.4-liter engine found elsewhere. It provides the necessary punch when you need it and is ideally paired with the dual-clutch transmission. The transmission shifts smoothly and rarely hunts for cogs when traversing rolling roads.

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

Second, I’m an admitted fan of Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Just two weeks earlier, a VW Tiguan with 4Motion was my weekly driver. The Tiguan provided me with a first-time sampler of the system, which is a lot like Audi’s famous quattro AWD system. In the Alltrack you also benefit from three drive modes — standard, sport and off-road, with throttle response, steering, and traction and stability control effected. Switch to off-road model and hill descent kicks in.

Hang the curves with the Alltrack and you’ll enjoy the taller suspension and modified spring rates. This model stays poised and under control — I learned just how well it does this when I made a 60-mile journey early one rainy morning, plowing through my share of puddles. Not once did the tires slide nor do I feel the steering wheel jerk — the Alltrack imbues confidence whenever road conditions deteriorate.

Parting Thoughts

So, Volkswagen is taking aim at the Subaru Outback with the Alltrack. Trouble is, the Outback is one segment up from the Alltrack. Further, the Outback starts at $25,645 and that’s $1,305 less than the VW. For Volkswagen’s credit, the Alltrack’s interior is simply nicer.

If the price differential and overall smaller size are detriments to you buying in, then perhaps you’ll consider the Golf SportWagen with 4Motion. With a starting price of $25,750, the cost difference narrows to $105. Certainly, you can’t do anything about the dimensions and you’ll trade away the added height as well as the drive mode selector. The Outback’s performance is better, but the Alltrack beats the smaller Subaru Crosstrek in this same category.

What Volkswagen has done with the Golf Alltrack is to shoot an arrow across Subaru’s bow, giving shoppers another model to consider in a very narrow segment. If VW succeeds here, we could very well see the Passat Alltrack, a Eurocentric model not currently destined for the US. Such an expanded approach to the market could rejuvenate Volkswagen and give Subaru serious competition in a niche segment.

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack


See Also — Turbo Driven: 2016 Volkswagen Golf R

All photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 4MOTION, all-wheel drive, Audi Allroad, DSG, four-cylinder engine, Subaru Outback, turbo, Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, Volkswagen SportWagen, Volvo V60 Cross Country, wagon

Volvo V90 Wagon is US Bound

February 19, 2016 by admin 1 Comment

The market for premium wagons continues to shrink in the US, but that isn’t stopping Volvo from introducing a second model in 2017.

Volvo V90 Wagon.
Coming to America: Volvo V90 wagon.

Consumer interest in all things SUV puts the Swedish automaker, Volvo, in a peculiar position. The automaker has its share of crossover-like models, but the company also produces a wagon-like V60 model.

The Volvo V60 will continue to be offered in the US market where demand for such vehicles is quite low. Further, it will be joined by another wagon in 2017, when the Volvo V90 takes a bow.

2017 Volvo V90

The Volvo V90 was introduced in advance of the Geneva International Motor Show (March 3-13, 2016). The wagon is underpinned by the same platform supporting the S90 sedan and the XC90 crossover. All three vehicles are new models for Volvo, representing an important product line expansion for this niche automaker.

Revealed at a press conference in Stockholm, Sweden, on Wednesday, the Volvo V90 enters a segment where large, premium wagons (estates) are popular in Europe, but not so much in North America. Yet, Volvo has a long history of supplying wagons to the US market and now counts wagons based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5 Series as its top competitors.

“We have a very strong position in the wagon segment,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars. “In many people’s minds we are known as the definitive wagon brand. While the Volvo brand today stands for more than wagons, we are proud to carry forward this rich heritage with the V90.”

Scalable Product Architecture (SPA)

All three large Volvo models —V90, S90 and XC90 — will offer plug-in variants. PHEVs are another segment of the market where demand is very low, thanks in part to low fuel prices as well as the high cost of purchasing these vehicles.

However, Volvo is able to manage its costs as all three models are based on the company’s fully modular Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), what enables the automaker to build multiple types of vehicles and model sizes.

“The modern luxury wagon is all about the intriguing combination of a luxurious experience with the functional origins of the wagon silhouette. The sophisticated ambience of our new Volvo Interiors is combined with a great cargo space, providing the right kind of functionality – whether through connectivity or cargo and storage solutions,” said Thomas Ingenlath senior vice president for design at Volvo Cars.

Volvo, Safety Innovator

Volvo has long been a pioneer in all things safety related. The V90 will uphold that pursuit and go beyond. Indeed, the automaker says that the wagon will offer its innovative Pilot Assist semi-autonomous drive technology. Volvo claims that it is the most advanced standard safety package available, featuring large animal detection and run-off road mitigation, as well as market-leading connectivity such as Apple CarPlay for smartphone integration.

Technical details for the Volvo V90 have not been released yet. However, we do know that the PHEV version will produce upwards of 410 horsepower and have an electric-only range of approximately 31 miles.

Volvo Market Growth

Volvo was previously owned by the Ford Motor Company and is now owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, a Chinese concern. US sales have declined since peaking at near 140,000 units in 2004, but are on the rebound. Volvo projects it will top 100,000 units in 2016, representing about one in five vehicles its sells. The automaker plans to sell 800,000 units per year globally by 2020 according to Automotive News.


See Also — Ford Announces Winter Tire Package for Upcoming Focus RS


Photo copyright Volvo Motors.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: 2017 cars, Apple CarPlay, crossover, GEELY, SCALABLE PRODUCT ARCHITECTURE, VOLVO V90, wagon

True Minivan: 2016 Ram Promaster City Wagon

November 24, 2015 by admin 1 Comment

2016 Ram Promaster City

Think “minivan” and the Dodge Grand Caravan and Toyota Sienna are a few of the models that may come to mind. Before the advent of the crossover sport utility vehicle, these small vans served as the primary people movers for more than two decades, stepping in where station wagons left off.

But an odd thing has happened over the years — even as the minivan segment has shrunk, the vehicles represented by them have grown larger and heavier. Thus, models such as the Nissan Quest, Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona, and the Chrysler Town & Country are more “midi” than they are mini. Tipping the scales at around 4,500 pounds, today’s family vans are among the heaviest vehicles on the market.

The pendulum may be swinging back to smaller vans or at least may be better represented by an emerging category of true minivans. Both Ford and Fiat Chrysler produce such models, vehicles built in Turkey and sent to the United States for upfitting. The Ford Transit Connect and the Ram Promaster City are both available in cargo and wagon versions. Furthermore, Nissan has its NV200 cargo van (also sold as the Chevrolet City Express); the passenger version is sold only for taxi fleets.

2016 Ram Promaster City

Sales in the small commercial/passenger van segment are nearly nominal, but are growing, averaging more than 7,000 units sold monthly through September 2015, according to GoodCarBadCar.net. That number includes the Ram Cargo Van, a model based on Fiat Chrysler’s traditional minivan models. Sales in this category are up a robust 35.1 percent over last year — the segment is one of the fastest growing in the industry. Whoever said that vans are dead?

This past week I received a 2016 Ram Promaster City Wagon to put through the paces. This model is based on the Fiat Doblo, a panel van or wagon introduced in 2000. The second-generation model was released in 2009 — the Ram Promaster City is based on that vehicle and arrived in North America for the 2015 model year.

Last year, I had the cargo version in my fleet, not expecting a wagon variant to follow. The two models are nearly identical with sliding doors on the sides and 60-40 fold out doors at the rear (an ideal layout for the driver to peer out the back). The difference between cargo and passenger models goes a bit further — where sheet metal covers the second set of rear side windows in the van, they’re exposed in the wagon. Moreover, a 60-40 split folding and tumbling second-row bench seat is added, increasing the standard occupant capacity from two to five.

2016 Ram Promaster City

The model at hand is marked by a long, sloping hood with wrap around headlamps, a horizontal upper grille opening, and a larger lower grille or air intake. Embrasures on both sides of the lower grille house the fog lamps.

The Promaster City has slab sides with a long roof that begins to slope after the C pillars, a rising belt line, character lines and trim molding. Vertical handles pivot open the front doors as you find in most any vehicle. Pull the vertical handles on the rear doors and they slide open and move on tracks to the rear of the vehicle. The very last side window panels of the van are covered in sheet metal — unlike the Fiat Doblo and the Ford Transit Connect where they are exposed. Then again, both competing models offer a third-row seat — the rear of the van offers excellent storage room.

To the rear of the Promaster City are pivoting doors augmented by oversized vertical combination lamps. The doors open at a 90-degree angle, then pivots to 180 degrees when the hinge latches are released. This is an ideal design, what enables ease of loading.

2016 Ram Promaster City

Inside, the cabin seems large on account of the oversized, canted windshield. Trailer type side mirrors with convex lower mirrors make this vehicle seem larger than it is — those mirrors can be hand folded in, as desired.

The instrument panel is composed of a four-analog display — two large dials (tachometer and speedometer) and two smaller dials (oil pressure and fuel gauges) are present. A digital driver’s information center is located underneath the two middle gauges.

Hard plastics are everywhere — across the dashboard, around the center console, and covering the doors. The Promaster City has a utilitarian feel about it — this is no plush minivan. At the same time it offers several interesting attributes, including an open storage recess on the dashboard above the center console and an open storage area above the glove box. That’s where you can place your smartphone and connect it to the USB port in the center console.

Keyless entry, front power windows, a tilt and telescoping steering column, and a basic UConnect telematics system with navigation is present. A tiny 5-inch screen is present and surrounded by switches and knobs to operate the system. Beneath that are driver controls followed by dials and switches to manage climate control.

2016 Ram Promaster City
2016 Ram Promaster City

The 2016 Ram Promaster City Wagon is offered in standard ($24,445) and SLT editions ($25,970). Choose the SLT model and you get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted controls, the UConnect system, and manual driver lumbar support. You also have superior quality seat covers up front, and power-heated side mirrors. Pay the extra $1,525 and you’ll have a better equipped, front-wheel drive van/wagon to show for it.

As tested, the total price for the SLT edition came in at $29,255. Such extras as a trailer tow group ($435), rear wiper group ($235), a rear backup camera ($565), and a lights (fog lamps) and wheels (aluminum) package ($495), and the UConnect GPS system ($860) were also added. Opt for the camera to help navigate the blind spots.

Beneath the climate control dials are the USB and auxiliary input ports. A small change compartment is also present. The transmission stick follows — you can operate it in automatic or manual mode.

Splitting the front seats is an open storage area not nearly large enough to house your smartphone — or at least keep it in place as you drive around. Cup holders at the front and rear of the compartment are separated by a pair of 12-volt outlets and yet another storage area for change. The rear cup holder seems easier to access for rear seating passengers, although the driver’s movable armrest may get in the way.

All four passenger doors have storage pockets and come with drink holders. But the storage I like best is the overhead compartment that is fixed above the dashboard and runs from side to side. Just like the compartments found in commercial vans, it can hold stacks of files. To keep everything from plunging down upon you while you’re driving, a net is also in place. Reading lamps and oversized visors are also present, the latter with a pull out feature to block sunlight.

2016 Ram Promaster City

The best feature of the 60-40 split folding rear seat is that they fold and tumble forward. You already have about four feet of cargo room behind the rear seat. When folded, that space expands to nearly six feet. Other than that the rear seats are stiff and lack padding — something your kids probably won’t mind, but something adults may decide isn’t for them, particularly on long trips. The front seats, by the way are only fairly comfortable too — they don’t nail the snugness quotient and may not provide soothing support for long trips.

But for the family that wants a combination of people and an enclosed cargo hauler, the Promaster City wagon does have an appeal. Those rear covered windows mean you can haul items in secret — the rear privacy glass aids in that endeavor. Stack your boxes, arrange your suitcases or bring along your camping gear with no worries. Additional and oversized storage compartments embedded in the sides of the interior along with four tie down rings and a 12-volt outlet are also present.

Under the hood of all Promaster City models is a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine making 178 horsepower. It is a motor common to numerous Fiat Chrysler products, including the Dodge Dart, Fiat 500L, Chrysler 200, and the Jeep Compass, just to name a few. It comes paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, supplied by ZF.

Power is routed to the front wheels and this van/wagon moves forward at a steady clip. There is nothing to wow anyone here, but happily a previous issue with this transmission is no longer present as it shifts through all forward gears without drama. It may take a high rate of speed to finally hit ninth gear, but there is none of the gear hunting found in earlier FCA products equipped with this transmission.

2016 Ram Promaster City

Steering is firm and precise, and you can make tight turns with ease. The ride is comfortable, braking is firm and not once did I feel that the Promaster City was top heavy. Certainly, you won’t look for this model to provide optimum handling on the twisty roads. At the same time the powertrain is up to the task — a 1,883-pound payload and 2,000-pound towing capacity are welcome attributes for this diminutive cargo-cum-people mover.

To sum up, if you’re looking for an affordable people mover with excellent cargo carrying capacity, the Ram Promaster City may be worth a look. At the same time, for nearly an identical price as the small van’s near $30,000 cost, you can find a well-equipped and larger Dodge Grand Caravan with additional convenience features. Furthermore, with the appropriate seats folded flat, the Grand Caravan also offers generous interior storage room along with a more comfortable passenger compartment. On the other hand, the Promaster City’s smaller overall footprint and a 4 mpg edge are two of the most notable reasons for considering the shorter model.


2016 Ram Promaster City Wagon SLT

  • Sticker price from $25,655
  • Price as tested: $29,225
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine
  • 178 horsepower @ 6,400 RPM
  • 174 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,800 RPM
  • 3.46 inches bore by 3.82 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 10.0-to-1
  • 9-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 122.4 inches
  • Length: 187.5 inches
  • Width: 72.1 inches
  • Height: 74.1 inches
  • Passenger volume: 131.7 cubic feet (cargo van)
  • Storage volume: 64.3 cubic feet (cargo van)
  • Towing capacity: 2,000 pounds
  • EPA: 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 16 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,512 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Not rated
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 5 years/Unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Bursa, Turkey

See Also — Big Thrift: 2016 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2016 cars, cargo van, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, front-wheel drive, PASSENGER VAN, RAM PROMASTER CITY, TURKEY, UCONNECT, VAN, wagon

Contractor Special: 2015 Ram ProMaster City

February 13, 2015 by admin 3 Comments

2015 Ram ProMaster City

Over the past few years, the van market has been getting a much-needed makeover. You have seen the Mercedes-Benz (formerly Dodge) Sprinter and may have noticed the Nissan NV and the Ford Transit. Big models each, but by no means the only changes when it comes to all things vans.

On the compact side of the sector, the market now reflects several model choices, including the Ford Transit Connect and Nissan’s NV200. Earlier this year, the Ram ProMaster City made its debut, a compact cargo van that can also be had as a five-passenger people-moving wagon.

2015 Ram ProMaster City

A 2015 Ram ProMaster City, with the colloquial Tradesman Cargo Van appellation, was a mid-winter surprise visitor and weekly driver. It arrived nine months after my brief tenure with the Nissan NV200 and will likely be followed by a Ford Transit Connect in the near future. The NV200, by the way, is also New York City’s “Taxi of Tomorrow” what will be deployed across the city to replace, in part, its current medallion fleet.

As for the Ram, it is built in Turkey at a Tofas manufacturing plant, and upfitted at the Chrysler Group Transformation Center in Baltimore, Maryland. In other markets it is sold as the Fiat Doblo, but in the United States it is marketed by the Ram brand only. It joins a larger ProMaster van to complete Ram’s market offerings.

The 2015 Ram ProMaster City is priced from $23,150 for the standard Tradesman Cargo Van and $24,695 for the Tradesman SLT Cargo Van. Choose the wagon and you add just $1,000 to the corresponding trim level. That’s it. Moreover, the ProMaster City is a long wheelbase model — you pay extra for that feature with the standard short wheelbase Ford Transit Connect.

Ram dropped off a Tradesman SLT Cargo Van on a recent winter’s day. In my opinion, the SLT edition is the better looking of the two as it loses the blacked out trim found on the standard model. That dark visage covers much of the front fascia and is also found on the side mirror caps and the rear bumper. Better wheels are included with the SLT.

2015 Ram ProMaster City


2015 Ram ProMaster City Cargo Van

View manufacturer details and pricing


In the City: Five Winning Traits

The ProMaster City does its best to advance Ram brand aesthetics, particularly with the trademark grille. However, everything else about this model says “Fiat” with its short hood, rakish windshield, quadrate profile and its expansive rear doors. Where the side cargo area windows are located, they have been replaced with body color coordinated sheet metal. Accordingly, the only other glass you are dealing with beyond the windshield are the driver and front passenger windows.

Besides its competitive price — about $27,000 as equipped — the “City” has a few other things of note going for it.

First, it has a 1,883-pound payload capacity. That’s nearly 300 pounds more than what its competitors are offering, a consequential deal for contractors. If you are considering downsizing from a larger van to something in this segment, payload is the “be all and the end all.” Thus, a larger payload can work wonders.

Second, the doors provide ease of access on both sides of the vehicle there are sliding doors that pull out and slide back. At the rear, the doors open at 180 degrees, but can protract to 270 degrees when the hinge clip is pinched. Now go ahead and maneuver that impossibly large pallet into place without crushing one or both doors.

Third, you have room to transport what you want. If you were of the mind to place a queen-sized bed in the back of the ProMaster City, it would fit. Likely, you will look to upfit the van to match your needs, by installing shelving, making use of the tie downs, and more. There is ample room behind the front seats for storage.

Fourth, nooks and crannies are in abundance. The passenger compartment is small, but it makes good use of restricted space. You get a deep glove box and above that an in-dash cut out large enough to hold a smart phone or your lunch for that matter. Further, each door has a storage compartment, including a section that is concealed and fairly hard to reach — just do not leave your water bottle back there as you will have a hard time digging it out. Above all, it may be what is located above it all that is most welcome — a roof console storage area, large enough to sustain your important files. A net holds it all in place.

Fifth, the powertrain is up to the task. The ProMaster City offers just one powertrain combination, but it is hard to make the argument that a second choice is needed. It is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine making 178 horsepower and 174 foot-pounds of torque. It is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission — unique to this segment. The pairing provides ample performance, smooth shifting through all nine forward gears and satisfactory fuel economy too. Specifically, this cargo hauler is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

2015 Ram ProMaster City

Simple, But Functional Van

If you are looking for an opulent interior, the ProMaster City will disappoint you. No Corinthian leather, just standard cloth seats. Burl wood trim? No, you have brightwork trim with plastic molding. You do have a tilt and telescoping steering column at your disposal, an adjustable driver’s seat, and a four-analog instrument panel with a digital driver’s information center. Incidentally, this model also came equipped with a rear backup camera group ($495) — very helpful — and a navigation upgrade to the standard UConnect infotainment system. The five-inch screen is the smallest I have seen for a Fiat Chrysler (FCA) product, but it is legible and entirely useful.

Additional available updates can bring in a trailer tow group package ($435), what allows this van to tap its 2,000-pound towing capacity; a popular equipment package ($465), bringing in heated front seats, six audio speakers, and second-row power windows; and various lighting and wheel upgrades. Yes, the test model did bring in a roof cargo management system ($455), what every contractor must have.

Without benefit of cargo to put this model through its full paces, you will need to indulge me here. And yet, my previous review of the Nissan NV200 offered an effectual demonstration on hauling yard waste, what this little van accomplished with aplomb. Likewise, I am sure that the ProMaster City can match the Nissan and its own cargo competency.

2015 Ram ProMaster City

On the Road

The Ram’s four-cylinder engine is a small, but effective workhorse in the ProMaster City. It offers satisfactory off-the-line acceleration and moves up to highway speed with authority. The engine strains under a hard acceleration, but the transmission accommodates by shifting smoothing through each forward gear. In contrast, some of the earliest applications for this gearbox were choppy. Notably, I detected no such trepidation as I pressed the pedal to the metal.

Certainly, this model is designed around its cargo carrying proficiency, thus any deficiency in steering and handling is idiosyncratic to all vans, big and small. Happily, on a windy day I did not find myself engaging in white knuckle driving in a bid to keep the steering straight. I could feel the wind buffeting the sides, but the power-assisted rack and pinion steering performed with equanimity.

It will be interesting to discover just how well Americans embrace these smaller vans. With a dearth of truly small pickup trucks available, these commercial vans could very well fill a significant market void.

You get front-wheel drive, a fuel efficient four-cylinder engine, excellent payload proficiency and a price point that no other type of vehicle can match. That all three models come from abroad should not surprise, as these vehicles have long been tried and tested elsewhere. That experience benefits the American buyer, too, as all three have the pedigree and staying power to get the job done.

2015 Ram ProMaster City


***Additional photos are at the end of this page.***

2015 Ram ProMaster City

  • Sticker price from $24,665
  • Price as tested: from $27,000
  • Seats 2 occupants
  • 2.4-liter 16-valve in-line four-cylinder gasoline engine
  • 178 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
  • 174 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,900 rpm
  • 3.46 inches bore by 3.82 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 10.0-to-1
  • 9-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 122.4 inches
  • Length: 187.5 inches
  • Width: 72.1 inches
  • Height: 74 inches
  • Passenger volume: 64.3 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 131.7 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 2,000 pounds
  • Payload capacity: 1,883 pounds
  • EPA: 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 16 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,512 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Not rated
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 5 years/Unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Bursa, Turkey

2015 Ram ProMaster City photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.


2015 Ram ProMaster City

2015 Ram ProMaster City

2015 Ram ProMaster City

2015 Ram ProMaster City

2015 Ram ProMaster City

2015 Ram ProMaster City

2015 Ram ProMaster City

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2015 CARS, FIAT DOBLO, FORD TRANSIT CONNECT, Nissan NV200, RAM PROMASTER CITY, UCONNECT, VAN, wagon

Ram Expands Product Line With ProMaster City

July 3, 2014 by admin 2 Comments

Third van model for Ram brand arrives in 2015.

Ram Promaster City
The Ram ProMaster City is a small Fiat in disguise.

With Chrysler separated Ram from Dodge, the move was deemed by some as a curious one. Especially with a line up that consisted solely of midsize, large and heavy duty pickup trucks.

The Ram Dakota occupied the midsize segment, but was canceled in 2011. The next year the Ram Cargo Van, based on the automaker’s minivans, made its debut. Still, the product line was a thin one until Fiat-supplied models began to appear for the 2014 model year.

That first model, the Ram ProMaster is based on the Fiat Ducato, a larger van that competes with the Nissan NV, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and the upcoming Ford Transit. By early next year a second model, the Fiat ProMaster City, will debut and serve as Ram’s small commercial van. Based on the Fiat Doblo, the latest Ram offering will compete with the Ford Transit Connect and the Nissan NV200.

2015 Ram ProMaster City

The 2015 Ram ProMaster City will be available in eight different configurations including cargo and wagon variants. Security panels, rear and side windows are among the differences between each model. Commercial versions will seat two people, while the passenger models will seat five.

Under the hood, each model is powered by a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine and paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It is rated at 178 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and makes 174 foot-pounds of torque at 3,900 rpm. The van is built in Bursa, Turkey, and then sent to the Chrysler Group Transformation Center in Baltimore, Maryland for final upfitting.

The Ram ProMaster City will give this model several important edges over its competitors. Although fuel mileage projections have yet to be announced, the ProMaster City is expected to beat out the combined 24 mpg of the Nissan NV200.

Other areas where it will lead include its wheelbase measuring 112.4 inches, the distance between its wheel wells at 48.4 inches, 131.7 cubic feet of cargo volume and 1,883 pounds of payload capacity. Ram also claims wider and taller cargo doors than its competitors.

International Van of the Year

The Fiat Doblo model that the Ram van is based on is not a new one. Indeed, Fiat has sold more than 1.3 million units for a van that has also won International Van of the Year honors twice. Now in its third generation, the front-wheel drive Doblo is a proven scheme that should work well in North America.

Even so, the ProMaster City will provide a number of changes over its Fiat equivalent. Due to the rougher road surfaces in North America, ride height will be raised slightly by 0.4 inches. Chassis components and anchor points will also be upgraded.

To accommodate the TigerShark engine and the transmission, the engine box and front track are widened. A number of structural upgrades will help this vehicle comply with stiffer US safety regulations. All models will be equipped with 16-inch all-season tires to manage increased weight loads.

Front-Wheel Drive and UConnect

The ProMaster City is of unibody construction and front-wheel drive. This layout helps to reduce weigh, lower maintenance costs and improve efficiency. The Ram also benefits from optimal cab and cargo space, very good handling, enhanced traction and greater payload capacity. The City will also have a 2,000-pound towing capacity.

A number of features found in other Chrysler Group models will be offered in the Ram as well. For instance, the automaker’s UConnect interface is available, what allows for hands-free calling by way of Bluetooth technology. A five-inch color display with navigation, an available backup camera and a ParkSense audible warning system are other attributes of this new-to-Ram van.


Additional Van News

Hauled It: 2014 Nissan NV200 Cargo Van

Ford Transit Production is Now Underway

Fiat Chrysler Weights Its Minivan Options


Photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, N.V.

Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: 2015 MODELS, COMMERCIAL VAN, FIAT DOBLO, front-wheel drive, PAYLOAD, RAM PROMASTER CITY, TIGERSHARK ENGINE, wagon

Ford Transit Production is Now Underway

May 1, 2014 by admin 2 Comments

Ford expands its product line yet again.

Ford Transit

With much fanfare, Ford production workers at the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri, started production of the 2015 Ford Transit on Wednesday. The Ford Transit is a large van, one that the automaker expects will help Ford claim a larger slice of the expanding commercial market. Ford invested approximately $1.1 billion and hired 2,000 workers to aid it in that endeavor.

Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas, noted: “Producing our Built Ford Tough Transit lineup in Kansas City is a big deal for the local community. Our investment in Kansas City Assembly Plant for Transit production is about delivering world-class commercial vans for a new generation of commercial customers – while building on our decades of leadership in the market and supporting new jobs throughout the region and across America.”

Ford Transit: New to America

The Kansas City plant was opened in 1951 and recently retooled. A new stamping facility was added in 2012 and its paint shop expanded for the installation of a three-wet paint and two-wet mono coat process. Ford says that the new painting process is just as efficient as the previous method with improved environmental benefits too.

Although new to America, the Ford Transit has been in production since 1965. Its earlier models were built and sold in Europe. More recently, the automaker has launched production in Vietnam, Russia and China.

The Ford Transit will replace the Ford E-Series (formerly Econoline), a model introduced in 1961. Like the E-Series, the Transit is rear-wheel drive although in Europe you can choose front- and four-wheel drive models. Ford says that the new van will have 300 pounds greater hauling capacity than the E-Series while delivering a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy.

2015 Ford Transit

2015 Ford Transit.

Multiple Configurations Available

Ford will offer the Transit in three body lengths; two wheelbases; three roof heights; and in van, wagon, chassis cab and cutaway body styles. Wagon buyers will be offered both XL and XLT trim levels.

What won’t be offered (or missed) are the larger engines powering the Ford E-Series, including a pair of V-8s and one V-10 engine. The new model will offer a standard 3.7-liter V-6 gas engine, an available 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 gas engine, and the first US application for its 3.2-liter five cylinder common-rail, turbo-diesel engine.

Like owners of the Ford F-150 (also built at the Kansas City plant), Ford Transit shoppers should find the EcoBoost engine provides V-8 equivalent power. All three engines will be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Expanded Cargo Capacity

Another people pleaser should be the varying available roof heights. The high roof Ford Transit will provide 81 inches of cargo height to 72 inches for the medium height version. A standard 56-inch height is also available. Ford says that cargo capacity will range from 256 cubic feet to more than 550 cubic feet, the latter giving it a 75 percent edge over the competing Chevrolet Express. Ford is also touting the Transit’s rear doors, what will open at 270 degrees for ease of access.

The 2015 Ford Transit goes on sale this summer. Priced from $29,565 for the Van, it will retail from $32,100 for the Wagon XL and $33,600 for the Wagon XLT.

Online Configurator Available

Ford now offers a combinator to help shoppers build their vehicles, by choosing the body style, wheelbase and height for their vehicle.

For instance, wagon shoppers would choose either the 130- or the 148-inch wheelbase and a low or medium roof version. They also can choose an extended body version based on the longer wheelbase.

For van shoppers, the same configurations are presented with one important addition: a high roof model comes in. Wheelbase measurements for the chassis and cutaway models will come in at 138-, 156- and 178-inches respectively. A single 87.3-inch roof height is available with both models.

Handling and Suspension

Ford says that the Transit will offer improved handling, steering and ride qualities over the current E-Series. It will come outfitted with a power rack-and-pinion steering system for improved communicative steering feel for the driver.

The Transit’s front suspension is composed of subframe-mounted MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar, what Ford says will deliver “smoother, flatter cornering.” To the rear, the Transit is outfitted with leaf springs and heavy-duty gas-charged dampers to aid ride quality, load status notwithstanding.

Ford shoppers will find many of the same amenities available in the automaker’s other commercial vehicle products with the Transit. These include a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power accessories, LED lighting, audio system options, SYNC with MyFord Touch, and numerous safety features.

When the Ford Transit goes on sale this summer, it will compete with a host of newer offerings including the Dodge Promaster, Nissan’s NV, and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Ford hopes that its diesel option, passenger configurations, and proven durability will combine to convince shoppers to go with the new Transit.


See Also — Meet VinFast, an Emerging Automaker From Vietnam

Photos courtesy of the Ford Motor Company.

Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: 2015 MODELS, DIESEL ENGINE, EcoBoost, FORD E SERIES, FORD ECONOLINE, FORD TRANSIT, VAN, wagon

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