SUVs, crossovers and sports activity vehicles of all sizes are heading to market over the next two years – and we mean all sizes, from the 2014 Range Rover to the MINI and Fiat 500X.
Following the launch of the all-new Range Rover last year, the Range Rover Sport made its global debut on the streets of Manhattan on March 26, watched all over the world on its microsite, newrangeroversport.com
This promises to be the fastest, most agile and responsive Land Rover ever, with the bonus of improved fuel economy and reduced emissions (partly thanks to technology). Buyers can choose between the 340-hp supercharged V6 or a 510-hp supercharged V8, with a standard eight-speed automatic by ZF. New options include a new fully automatic Terrain Response® 2 system and a third-row seat for occasional use. It arrives in showrooms in the summer with a price of around $85,000.
Acura’s all-new 2014 MDX will be unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Based on a new platform with a longer wheelbase, the seven-seater will offer enhanced ride comfort, a more versatile cabin and increased fuel efficiency, and Acura promises it will be better to drive.
The styling is described as Aero Sculpture, and it looks smart, compact and upmarket. It’s powered by a highly efficient direct-injected 3.5-liter i-VTEC® V-6 engine that will be offered in all-wheel drive and, for the first time, two-wheel drive. The current model retails for $43,280, and this should cost close to that.
At the other end of the scale, the 2013 Buick Encore has hit our screen driving around a city infested with dinosaurs (a reference to gas-guzzling larger beasts). This compact SUV offers luxury spec at an affordable $24,950 and hopes to draw younger buyers. It’s roomy and nimble, but probably couldn’t outrun the beasts in the ad.
MINI seems to have ambitions of challenging Heinz with its 57 varieties. The super-sized MINI Countryman SUV has been given a roof-chop to become the Paceman Coupé — the seventh vehicle in the current MINI line-up. It’s proud to announce that it is the first sports activity coupé in the premium small and compact vehicle segment.
It has lower suspension and firmer steering than the Countryman for a sportier drive, two doors plus rear hatch, and four individual seats. The base car costs from $23,200, rising to $28,500 for the ALL4 all-wheel-drive version. There will also be a turbocharged 218-hp John Cooper Works Paceman for around $36,000.
There are, however, some scene-stealing SUVs currently in the works. For Christmas 2012, Lincoln gave itself the new name Lincoln Motor Company — part of its campaign to re-establish itself as a luxury brand. The MKC concept aims squarely at the growing small SUV segment of the market, and (like the Encore) hopes to appeal to younger buyers. It aims to offer these buyers a balance between comfort and an engaging drive, and adds quirky Lincoln experiences such as push-button transmission, programmable ride control, personalized lighting, and more customizable functions to be set for each driver. (Or more things for couples to argue about.)
Nissan’s Resonance concept gives a preview of the next Murano, expected in about a year. It’s handsome and edgy with a dramatic slash down the side. The real scene-stealer, though, is its holographic centre stack display, projected from the rear. That probably won’t make it into the production Murano, but its “one-motor, two-clutch” hybrid electric powertrain probably will.
Moving down in size, the funky Honda Urban SUV concept is nine inches shorter than the Honda CR-V, having been based on its Fit city car. The new Mexican-built Fit arrives next year, with the production version of this concept expected in 2015. They didn’t call it the Urban for nothing — it’s an ideal size for navigating crowded city streets and slotting into small parking spaces while still giving an elevated driving position. The production vehicle would sip fuel, too, and will certainly give the Nissan Juke a run for its money.
BACK IN THE LAB
Subaru sets new standards for pet car safety
Your unrestrained pet is not the only one at risk in an accident — a small dog in the back-seat could hit the back of your head with the force of a baby elephant. That’s why lawmakers in New Jersey are considering requiring the use of pet harnesses; failure to do so could lead to hefty fines.
In response, Subaru is funding research by the Center for Pet Safety to identify the top-performing pet-safety restraints, since there are currently no performance standards or test protocols in the U.S. for pet travel products. The Center recently conducted tests using a 55lb. crash test dummy dog to see how the seat belts would hold up in a collision at 30 mph. Of the four popular dog car harness brands, none held up.
Michael McHale, Subaru’s director of corporate communications, says, “As many of our owners have dogs, we feel it’s our responsibility to help them keep their pets as safe as possible when they journey with us.”
Gulliver’s SUVs
Some truly tiny SUVs and crossovers are heading our way, following the success of the MINI Countryman. The Fiat 500X will be a head-on rival, and according to reports out of the UK, both Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz have already started work on their own subcompact SUVs.
Mercedes-Benz will be launching a crossover later this year based on the A-class, to be called the GLA class. Car magazine reckons an even smaller vehicle based on the Smart ForFour will appear.