Category Archives: AutoPilot

2022 Audi Q3
October 25, 2021

Overview

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Story Intro

The size-small Q3 first appeared for 2015, while the second-generation Q3 showed up in mid-2019. It’s built using the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform that’s common to many VW and Audi vehicles. The company says the modular architecture’s lighter weight, increased rigidity and advanced suspension improve ride comfort and driving response when compared with the previous version.

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2022 Mazda MX-30
October 4, 2021

Overview

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Story Intro

After 40-million-plus vehicles sold around the world, the Corolla remains at the top of its game with both sedan and hatchback variants. And the 2022 Corolla Cross will join in later this year.
What’s unique about the MX-30 is a pair of unconventional rear doors. Actually they’re not doors in the usual sense, but rather partial-door-size openings. They latch clamshell-style from the inside and make access to the rear seat much easier than a traditional two-door coupe design, but obviously not like full-size doors would.

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2022 Toyota Corolla Cross
August 30, 2021

Overview

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Story Intro

After 40-million-plus vehicles sold around the world, the Corolla remains at the top of its game with both sedan and hatchback variants. And the 2022 Corolla Cross will join in later this year.
With the public gobbling up tall wagons like never before, developing a Corolla-branded version spared Toyota from introducing a fresh new name and spending untold gobs of money promoting it to prospective purchasers.

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2021 Lexus IS
August 2, 2021

Overview

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Story Intro

The first IS arrived in North America two decades ago as a competitor to the BMW 3 series and has been on a constant path of updating ever since. The 2021 version underwent subtle (but visually enhancing) changes that included a slightly enlarged “spindle” grille, narrower headlight pods, widened fenders and more prominent rocker panels. The trunk lid was lowered and a thin light bar now connects the tail lamps.

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2021 Chevrolet Suburban
July 5, 2021

Overview

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Story Intro

Chevrolet has cooked up a sharp-looking body that belies its increased dimensions. The curved front end and grille are neatly rendered, and the creases extending along the doors, quarter panels and around the fender openings effectively break up what would otherwise have been acres of shapeless sheetmetal.
Uniquely shaped LED taillights in translucent cases add to the Suburban’s modern look.

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2022 Kia Carnival
June 7, 2021

Overview

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Story Intro

The Carnival represents the latest hybrid model from Kia. No, we’re not talking about the power system, which is gasoline only, but this division of Hyundai Group has successfully merged minivan and utility vehicle designs to create a unique transportation class.
The name Carnival might seem a rather odd one for an automobile (Carnival ride, anyone?), but considering its many unique touches, that somewhat questionable branding decision can be overlooked.

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2021 Hyundai Kona Electric
May 3, 2021

Overview

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Story Intro

The Kona arrived for 2018 and was joined by the electric version the following model year. It has remained mostly unchanged since then, although the upcoming 2022 model receives minor design changes. Compared with the gasoline-powered Kona, the Electric’s most noticeable visual difference is the absence of a grille, which has been replaced by a dimpled panel. The door for the battery charge port is camouflaged by those dimples.

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2021 Dodge Durango
April 5, 2021

Overview

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Story Intro

For 2021, a limited number of Durango SRT Hellcat models are being produced as a one-year-only extravagance. Under the hood is a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 that punches out 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. It’s the one to get if you require 8,700 pounds of towing capacity, or relish the thought of sprinting to 60 mph from rest in 3.5 seconds. That’s pretty good for 5,700-pound family hauler.
The V-6 models can tow a respectable 6,200 pounds and function without undue strain or coarseness.

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FIRST DRIVE: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
March 8, 2021

Overview

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Story Intro

The Bronco Sport is considered a crossover since it uses the same car-based platform as the Ford Escape. The Bronco Sport is about eight inches shorter (but two inches wider) and slots between the Escape and the much smaller EcoSport. The bigger Bronco is more of a rowdy off-roader as it gets its body-on-frame chassis from the Ranger pickup.
But just because the Bronco is more beefed-up doesn’t mean the Sport cowers in the face of uncharted terrain. Ford says the vehicle’s suspension has been thoroughly tested over the rough stuff and can stand up to plenty of abuse.

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2021 Cadillac XT6
February 1, 2021

Overview

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Story Intro

Slotted between the five-passenger XT5 and the eight-passenger Escalade, the XT6 has room for up to seven souls spread across three rows of seats (or six people with the optional second-row bucket seats).
The XT6 is built on the XT5’s platform and comes from the same Tennessee plant, along with the GMC Acadia. Although the distance between the front and rear wheels is identical for both Caddys, the XT6 is about nine inches longer, 2.3 inches wider and three inches taller.
The XT6 even looks like the XT5, with an understated front-end design.

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