2005 Hyundai Gl on 2040-cars

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2018 Nissan Kicks vs other tiny crossovers: How they compare on paper

Update: As we now have now driven the 2018 Nissan Kicks and have all the specs and figures available, we thought it was time to update this comparison post. The data chart has been updated with final Kicks information as well as changes to competitors made for 2019. Anyone else have "Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People stuck in their heads? Well, you do now. I couldn't be the only one. Anyway, the 2018 Nissan Kicks is a thing. It replaces the Nissan Juke, which Mr. Stocksdale thought was a bad idea and Mr. Myself thought was a smart idea. Nevertheless, neither of us were especially pumped up by the Kicks. However, the majority of car buyers are all about SUVs, and this littlest segment of them has been multiplying like Tribbles in the past few years. The Juke was one of the first of these subcompact crossovers, but it was probably too oddball for a mainstream audience (not to mention inefficient) and never really caught on. Newer competitors certainly didn't help. Well, to see how the Kicks compares to those very competitors, lets fire up the Autoblog Comparo Generator 3000 (TM). Specifically, we'll be looking at those subcompact crossovers with similarly small dimensions, especially low prices and/or a disinclination to offering all-wheel drive. We're talking about the Nissan Kicks vs the Toyota C-HR, Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul, Honda HR-V and Jeep Renegade. Now, if you're interested in literally the exact opposite SUV segment, check out our recent Mercedes G-Class comparo. Otherwise, on to the spreadsheet: Dimensions and passenger space In terms of exterior dimensions, the new Kicks is right smack in the middle of the segment. It's virtually the same as the Honda HR-V, yet manages to eek out a few extra cubic feet of cargo space behind its raised back seat. The Honda and its "Magic Seat" still beats it in terms of maximum capacity, but it sure is close. The Kia Soul has the biggest maximum number, but that's largely the result of being a box. Its small behind-the-back-seat cargo number is likely a better indicator of how much you'll be dealing with on a day-to-day basis. And in that day-to-day way, the Kicks is excellent. Backseat legroom seems to be a Kicks downside, as all but the C-HR surpass it. (Seriously, it's almost impressive how large the C-HR is on the outside but cramped inside.) However, the Kicks' tall greenhouse not only allows for ample headroom, but seats that are mounted high off the ground.

Hyundai releases more Ioniq images, hybrid powertrain details

It doesn't look like Hyundai is tiring of releasing teasers for its upcoming Ioniq electrified vehicle. It's already released three batches of 'em, and now here's more – plus powertrain details. The vehicle pairs a 1.6-liter version of the company's Kappa engine – boasting thermal efficiency of 40 percent and good for 104 horsepower to an electric motor making another 43 hp. It's juiced by a lithium-ion polymer battery pack and transmitted by a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Hyundai promises the Ioniq will be more engaging to drive than its rivals. It's designed around a lightweight chassis with 53 percent high-strength steel. Non-structural body panels made of aluminum trim nearly 30 pounds off the curb weight. The South Korean automaker has also placed the batteries low in the body to drop the center of gravity and forward to optimize handling along with the multi-link rear suspension. For those who haven't been following the story, the Ioniq will be Korea's challenger to the likes of the Chevy Volt, Toyota Prius, and Nissan Leaf. Instead of offering one or two forms of electric propulsion, the Ioniq will offer three: gasoline-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or full EV. More images and details are sure to follow as Hyundai prepares to introduce the new model later this month back home in Korea. After that, we should be seeing it at the Geneva Motor Show in March. IONIQ: A Leap Forward for Hybrid Vehicles - Hyundai Motor reveals technical innovations underpinning its evolved hybrid system - Lightweight, high-strength architecture delivers a fun, responsive drive - Next generation drivetrain efficiencies achieve class-leading fuel economy - Electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains available in a single body type, a world first January 7, 2015 – Following its unveiling to domestic media at Hyundai Motor's Namyang R&D Center in South Korea, details have been confirmed of the IONIQ - the next generation of hybrid vehicles. Rag Jung, Head of Project Management Division at Hyundai Motor R&D Center said, "IONIQ embodies Hyundai Motor's new thinking and bold ambitions for the future. This world-class dedicated hybrid will be the starting point of our future mobility." Lightweight engineering from a dedicated design Built on a chassis created specifically to carry the world's first choice of three efficient and ultra-low emission powertrains, the IONIQ boasts 53% Advanced High Strength Steel combined cleverly with lightweight aluminum.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

The Crossover For The Kardashians Of 1895
My wife and I are holdouts among our friends and family in the offspring department. Our heir-free lifestyle, however, affords us the opportunity to travel this great land, and road trips are our favorite. So while I'm unqualified to remark on how well the new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport will swallow an infant son and stroller, I can pass judgment on this two-row crossover's talents for carrying people and cargo over great distances.
The lady and I recently drove a new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport to one of this country's national treasures: the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. The Biltmore was built between 1889 and 1895 by George Vanderbuilt, grandson of Cornelius Vanderbuilt who was one of this country's earliest captains of industry. Despite the Biltmore being the largest privately owned home in the United States, which it remains to this day with a footprint of 178,926 square feet, George and his wife, Edith, only ever had one child. A family of two parents plus one child would have made the Vanderbuilts exactly the type of people Hyundai hopes to attract with this two-row Santa Fe Sport - George's eldest brother, Cornelius II, had seven children and would've had better luck fitting his brood in the larger three-row Santa Fe (sans the "Sport" suffix).