Buick Cascada and Envision: Buick Keeps Getting Busy!

Cascada: It Means "Waterfall"

2016 Buick Cascada at this year's North American International Auto Show.

Behold the first Buick convertible in over 25 years! The last time Buick had a convertible in their lineup was the 1991 Buick Reatta. I'm continuously impressed by Buick. They keep rolling out new models that allow them to defy expectations and win over younger buyers. The soft-top Cascada convertible is actually a rebadged Opel that is imported to North America, as are some other Buick models. This was a trend that was started by Saturn before that brand went under back in 2010. The Cascada has already been on sale in Europe for several years now. will come standard with a 1.6 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 168 horsepower paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission, Buick's Intellilink infotainment system, rear park assist, and 20-inch (yes, standard 20s on a Buick) rims on both the base and uplevel models. Base models start at $33,065, where uplevel Premium trim models start at $36,065. The Premium trim level adds forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and rain sensing wipers among other features. Of all of the recent Buicks to have come out recently, this is the one I'm looking forward to test driving the most. Although, Buick has stated that the Cascada will only be available in certain parts of the United States starting out, such as Florida. This makes sense, as this is where most convertibles are sold at anyways. Expect the Cascada to release this coming spring.

The Reatta, last sold in 1991, is pretty rare these days. It hold the distinction of being the last Buick convertible since the upcoming Cascada. Its quite the departure design-wise, even from other Buicks produced in the same era! (Late 80s & Early 90s)

Envision the Future

The 2016 Buick Envision crossover. I've seen these in testing on the road several times over the last year.

Buick's third crossover vehicle in the last 8 years, the Envision, is a little late to the game. Competitors such as Acura, Audi and Lexus have successfully capitalized on this segment for nearly the better part of a decade now, and Buick's past offerings - the Rendezvous, Rainier, and Terraza minivan - all certainly left something to be desired among buyers. The Enclave, which launched in 2008 as a replacement for those vehicles, has been a much better attempt at a luxury crossover. But yet, it is too big to truly compete with some of those mid-sized crossover vehicles since it offers third row seating coupled with more cargo capacity than even some of its immediate competition (i.e. Dodge Durango, Acura MDX, Honda Pilot Elite, Hyundai Sante Fe, etc.)! The Encore, while thus far being a strong seller for Buick, is too small to fill that role. Therefore: Enter the Envision, which is a model that is new to us, but has been on sale in China for a few years now. It'll be manufactured there and imported to North America. The model unveiled at the auto show this year was developed specifically for the United States market however, and features innovative seating and cargo arrangements, and undeniable Buick presence inside and out.

Powering the Vision

The Envision will only be available with one engine choice: a familiar GM 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 252 horsepower while paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. This engine is tested and true, being used in some of GM's more performance oriented vehicles such as the Cadillac ATS and Buick Regal GS. My mother's 2013 Regal turbo also uses a version of this engine that makes 220 horsepower, and I can report it works well. How it will feel in a vehicle this large with standard all wheel drive is an unknown. But like I said, it's a solid engine overall. I am curious as to why only a 6-speed automatic is offered, as this somewhat dates the design of this car. Most competitors offer an 8 or 9-speed transmission now, but I'm sure we will see that and possibly front wheel drive on the Envision in the future.

2016 Buick Envision Interior

You can expect all of the latest safety gear will be present on the Envision, such as blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, etc. Additionally, other standard or available features will include heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, Bose premium audio, a 360-degree camera system for parking purposes, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, and OnStar with 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity. Overall interior styling is modern and follows Buick's current and future design languages, which is also on display in the new 2017 LaCrosse. LED running lights are standard on the exterior and a power rear liftgate is available.

The Future Is Near

Overall, the Envision is quite nice. Its styling is a little on the conservative side, and I'm not entirely sure the rear and the front mesh 100%, but I doubt that this will deter buyers much. Its likely one of those things where once you see it in person, you become an instant fan. The Envision is scheduled to launch mid-year as a late 2016 model, with pricing and fuel economy figures to be released closer to the launch date as well. Given how well both the Enclave and Encore have performed for Buick, this new crossover has big shoes to fill. But Buick has been on an absolute roll lately, and I'm sure that both the Cascada and Envision will continue to give Buick all the added momentum it needs to become a distinct leader in its segment.

Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2017 Lincoln Continental: A Historic Nameplate Reborn

2017 Lincoln Continental

First introduced in 1939, Lincoln hopes to win back some of their fanbase by reviving an old nameplate with a new mission and design language. The Continental concept debuted last year, and now we get an in-depth look at the production version this year at the 2016 North American International Auto Show. This is a very pivotal model in Lincoln's lineup, as it carries a lot of nostalgia in its name and has big implications for the future Lincoln models to come.

The last version of the Lincoln Continental was sold in 2002.

Content Heavy

Lincoln's new Continental rides on what's essentially a stretched CD4 Ford Fusion platform, but is certainly more luxurious than its smaller sibling vehicle. Its suspension has been specifically re-engineered to be more unique to this vehicle, and the the car will be available as a front or all-wheel-drive vehicle. The exterior design is strikingly similar to the concept, and I find it interesting how the door handles are integrated into the window sills and aren't standalone on the doors. Lincoln did away with their "split-wing" grille that strangely reminded of some Oldsmobiles. I expect to see that grille making its way across the entire Lincoln lineup over the next several years as models reach their mid-production cycle updates. And of course: What's a proper luxury car without chrome, chrome, and more... You guessed it: Chrome. Oh, and LED headlights everywhere. The overall combination is nicely done. Under the hood, three engines will be available. A 2.7 liter turbo 4-cylinder, an all-new 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque 3.0 liter turbo V6, and finally a 3.7 liter naturally aspirated V6 engine. The 3.0 can only be had with AWD. All engines will use a six-speed automatic transmission (weird, given that many competitors offer 8-speed transmissions these days), and selectable drive modes of Normal, Sport, and Comfort will be available as well.

Comfort is a first-class affair in both rows of seating in the new Continental.

The interior is just as glorified as the exterior, and features 30-way power front seats with adjustable multicontour support, massaging, heating, cooling, and whatever else Lincoln decided to throw in to ensure they're as soft as a cloud. I must say, I really want to sit in them myself just looking at them! And you likely won't hear many complaints from back seat passengers, as those seats are heated, cooled, have massaging features, and recline as well. The huge rear center armrest can also be folded down when no one is sitting there to reveal rear seat climate controls and seating controls. What will curiously be omitted from the list of fancy features is "hands off the wheel" autonomous driving features. However, regular driver's assistance tech such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, and parallel and perpendicular parking assist, among other features, will all be included. Basically, Lincoln doesn't want you getting TOO comfortable in this large, cushy sedan. Ford's new SYNC 3 system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will also come standard. Check out my previous post to read up on SYNC 3 and its latest features.

Dawn of a New Day?

The Continental will be available in three trim levels: Premiere, Select, Reserve, and Lincoln's exclusive Black Label. It is set to compete with the likes of Cadillac's equally new CT6 sedan, Audi's A6, various Lexus models, and other mid-sized and large luxury vehicles of similar size and price. Expect it to release later this year. 

Lincoln's slow selling MKS sedan bows out in favor of this new model, and honestly, it comes not a moment too soon. Lincoln has been lost amongst a sea of not necessarily "better" luxury competitors, but a sea of competitors who actually knew who they were. In other words, their brand had an actual identity that attracted buyers for one reason or another. Lincoln recognizes its still viewed as a little too "old school" for today's "new school" buyers, and they need a fresh halo vehicle in order to breathe some new life into the brand. For now, there's no vehicle more poised to do so than this new Continental (...or perhaps a new Town Car).

Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Ford's Sync 3 Infotainment System: More Tech, Less Fuss

Ford's new SYNC 3 user interface will be implemented into new 2016 and 2017 models soon. The layout, voice commands, responsiveness, and content are all much improved over the outgoing MyFord Touch system.

Prior to the 2016 NAIAS, we got word that Ford's replacement for their often panned MyFord Touch system was in the works and would be dubbed "SYNC 3". Originally debuting back in the 2007 timeframe, you could say that SYNC was one of the first in-car systems to usher in the modern age of drivers becoming more "connected" with their vehicles. It featured bluetooth calling, voice prompts for radio commands, and a host of other modern features for the time. 

Now almost 10 years later, all upcoming Ford and Lincoln models will offer Sync 3, which hopes to usher in a new era of in-car connectivity, offering enhanced features such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and SYNC Connect. SYNC Connect is powered by 4G LTE Wi-Fi and allows owners to check key information, such as the vehicle's fuel level and temperature, from their smartphone or other similar electronic devices. SYNC 3 can also connect to an in-home Wi-Fi connection and update its software similar to how a video game console or smartphone would. Rest assured: Your personal data is secure when using SYNC 3's wireless capabilities. Overall, I feel SYNC 3 is a solid and VERY much needed upgrade from the previous system. I'm looking forward to trying it out myself in the near future.

While SYNC 3 is already available on a couple new Ford models that are currently out, such as the Escape, it will be available later this year on ALL late-2016 and 2017 Ford and Lincoln models. Ford says owners who buy a 2016 model still equipped with MyFord Touch will have the opportunity to upgrade to SYNC 3 for free at a later date.

Below, I've provided some links to articles where you can learn more about all of the improvements and feature highlights of the new SYNC 3 infotainment system:

• http://www.autoblog.com/2016/01/04/ford-sync-3-apple-carplay-android-auto/
• http://www.popsci.com/2015-detroit-auto-show-ford-sync-3-system-wants-your-trust
• https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2015/06/02/all-new-ford-sync-3-connectivity-system-launching-on-2016-ford-e.html

Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2017 Ford Fusion: More Sport for Your Buck

2017 Ford Fusion Sport

Since its introduction back in 2007, the Fusion has been one of Ford's most profitable and valuable vehicles in their lineup. I mean after all, it does compete in the mid-sized sedan segment, which is undoubtedly one of the most competitive segments in the auto industry today. And the original Fusion gave something Ford at the time desperately needed to stay up with rapidly changing consumer tastes: a viable contender. Fast forward to 2013, and Ford shocked the world with its new redesigned Fusion sedan, which featured cutting edge technology and suave styling to boot, demonstrating that midsized sedans could be practical AND appealing. Now let's fast forward again now to the upcoming 2017 model year, and while not an entirely new model, we do get a refreshed Fusion sedan that ushers in Ford's latest suite of advanced features, all while retaining its same sleek profile from before.

Before we dive deeper under this revised Fusion's skin, let me just say that I wasn't really a fan of the 2013-2016 models. There was something about them that just seemed... Off to me, honestly. Perhaps Ford's "Aston Martin inspired" styling on the sedan just didn't cut it for me. It works well on some designs they've had, but it just never won me over too much with the Fusion. I never cared much for the mini front window near the A-pillar either. NOW... With all of that out of the way, let me mention that this 2017 Fusion is one handsome sedan. With its now standard or optional (depending on the trim level) LED headlights, fog lights, and taillights among other exterior styling revisions, it's quite amazing how a few tweaks can go a long way. Although I'm sure some fans of the Fusion will say that the changes are a bit too mild for them. But remember! Beauty can be more than skin deep.

Pedal to the Metal!
One of the biggest revisions to the current Ford Fusion outside of styling comes in the form of what's under its hood. A new Ford Fusion Sport model is now available (or available again may be the more appropriate wording, as a Sport model was available before the 2013 redesign) and is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo Ecoboost engine making 325 horsepower while paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission with all wheel drive. While only the Sport will get the 3.5 Ecoboost V6, the 8-speed transmission is standard on all Fusions, including the lower powered engines, which actually get a nice power boost for 2017 due to dual-scroll technology being applied to the 1.5 and 2.0 turbocharged 4-cylinders now. The 1.5 turbo is expected to make about 200 horsepower now, while the 2.0 turbo should make in the neighborhood of 250 horsepower. A naturally aspirated (meaning non-turbocharged) 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is the most basic engine available, and makes 175 horsepower. Fusion's gas hybrid and plug-in electric hybrid Energi models will still be available as well, although they are largely unchanged aside from some minor recalibrations.

2017 Ford Fusion Titanium

Opulence Is a MUST
Inside, the Fusion's cabin and dashboard layout are now revised. The overall interior looks to feel much more substantial overall, and features diamond quilting on the leather in top-end Titanium models, an electronic parking brake, an electronic shifter, as well as Ford's new Sync 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity. Sync 3 promises to be more refined and intuitive than Ford's older MyFord Touch system, which frequently got mixed reviews despite constant improvements. The latest suite of modern safety and convenience features are available too, such as blind spot monitoring, parallel and perpendicular park assist, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, a drowsy driver alert feature, and engine auto stop-start technology that shuts off the engine under idling conditions to save fuel. Overall, it's safe to say this new Fusion is LOADED.

Coming Soon
Pricing for the 2017 Ford Fusion shouldn't change drastically. All midsized cars now are more expensive than they used to be due to the amount of feature content they contain now, so remember that if you're in the market. 2016 Fusion models start out at $22,110 for an S model. For 2017, the Ford Fusion Sport starts at $34,350 and the Titanium starts at $37,495. I expect that with options, the Fusion may reach the low $40,000 price range, especially in the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models due to the increased amount of technology and features in those models. Given the performance aspirations of the Sport model, I feel that its pricing is justified given the engine in it. It ought to be a blast to drive! How do you feel about the new 2017 Fusion? Drop a comment below or on Adam's Autos on Facebook to let me know!

The Fusion certainly has its work cut out for it given that Nissan, Honda, Chevrolet, and Kia all recently updated their mid-sized sedan offerings in substantial ways as well to remain competitive. But given the Fusion's new performance and technology offerings, its competitors are going to have to keep their eyes on the prize as well if they hope to earn a nice sized chunk of the mid-sized pie. Time will tell, and consumers will decide who will reign atop of the class. I look forward to seeing the new Fusion hit dealer lots and roadways this coming spring! 

ROLL ON READERS!

Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Buick Avista Concept: THAT'S A BUICK!?

"...I thought you said they bought a Buick???"

"THAT'S NOT A BUICK!"

"THAT'S WHAT I TOLD HIM!"

The Buick Avista concept. Yep, you read it right. This is a Buick.

These lines come from the frequently run Buick commercials we've all seen lately. And at first glance, one may have a hard time believing that the vehicle they're looking at on stage comes from Buick! Because after all, isn't Buick only for "old people?" Don't they make "land yachts" with enormous back seats that are only good for cross-country road trips and other things... perhaps better left unsaid? Boy oh boy, we all know perception and stereotypes are a pain sometimes. As brands such as Kia and Buick have learned and struggled to overcome the hard way: By completely going back to the drawing board. Right now, I'm going to impress upon you a few quick reasons as to why you SHOULD NOT be surprised this Avista concept came from Buick.

Redefining Luxury AND Themselves

Over the past several years, Buick has been working hard to completely redefine themselves in a new light with American buyers. The brand is already immensely popular in China (part of the reason Buick survived the recent recession, but that's another story entirely), and now as a result of their efforts, is one of the fastest growing brands in America. They're now appealing to a much younger audience with models like the Regal and Encore. And with the upcoming Cascada convertible, I don't see that trend slowing down anytime soon. But in the meantime, Buick has given us some more eye candy that has everyone drooling. First the Avenir, and now the Avista. If they're names weren't intriguing enough, then their styling will certainly keep your attention. Especially when it comes to the Avista. It shares the same wheelbase with the new 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS, and it makes a solid 400 horsepower coming from its new 3.0 liter twin-turbo Cadillac-supplied V6 paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Now mind you, Buick hasn't had a coupe in their lineup since the 90s! As hard as it might be to believe, that was nearly 20 years ago now! The last Rivera rolled off the line in 1999. So when everyone saw this concept wearing Buick's new corporate interpretation on their classic "waterfall" grille, and also adorning the classic tri-color tri-shield emblem, you bet people got to talking! Many are calling for a production version of the Avista right now, and I honestly must agree with them. I mean, a Buick coupe? Buick? In 2016? That's rear wheel drive??? AND it has a twin-turbo V6 engine in it??? Seriously!!?!? And those rims on it...

The last version of the Buick Riviera, produced from 1995-1999, was also the last Buick coupe as of late. It shared its architecture with the 1995-1999 Oldsmobile Aurora, and was often considered as sleeper due to its conspicuous styling, but world-renowned reliability and performance of its 3.8 liter V6 engines make it somewhat of a gem.

Sign Me Up!

Comment and let me know what you think! Is the Avista a step in the right direction for Buick? How well do you think they've overcome their "stodgy, old-timer" stigma?

As we've seen first-hand, Buick is already on a roll, and will continue to turn heads and defy perceptions if they can actually turn concepts such as this into a reality. And given a rumor I heard, GM is now considering doing something at least with the Avista name since the auto show demand was so strong! That's good news for die-hard Buick fans, which I've almost become myself recently. My mother's 2013 Buick Regal turbo is one of the most enjoyable cars to drive we've ever owned I'd say. And given that a new Regal is surely on the horizon now, a redesigned Verano is coming, the Cascada is due to be on lots soon, AND now we have murmurs of this Avista concept either working its way into production or, at the bear minimum, different styling elements from this vehicle working its way into newer Buick models, I wouldn't dare underestimate Buick's potential in the marketplace and at General Motors right now. 

You shouldn't either. Because I assure you things are just heating up.

Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2016 Honda Civic Sedan & Coupe - Presenting the 2016 North American Car of the Year!

Greetings readers! It's my favorite time of year: AUTO SHOW TIME! And that means we get a more in-depth look at some of the latest models that'll be hitting roadways soon. Many exciting concepts and production models were unveiled at this year's 2016 North American International Auto Show, and we'll be taking a look at some here on Adam's Autos! The first of which is none other than the new Honda Civic!

The 2016 Honda Civic sedan: 2016 North American Car of the Year Recipient

YAY! An all new Civic for only the... How many times now???

The answer to that question is 10. There have now been 10 generations of Honda's Civic now, dating back to 1973 in Japan. I'm choosing to highlight this model not because it was unveiled at this auto show (because it wasn't, it's already on sale), but because it marks such a huge leap forward for the compact car segment and the Civic name! The previous Civic was rather... ho-hum in its ratings by agencies such as Consumer Reports, and while maintaining relatively above average quality overall, still had a sense of "cheapness" to it that was lacking from past Civics. Well no more! This new model was so much improved, it won the prestigious North American Car of the Year award! Why is that you ask?

Substance Is the Word

Substance. That is why the Civic won car of the year. Substance is the rave these days in the auto industry! Higher quality materials, more fuel economy, more value at less cost for consumers, and the list goes on. Automakers are actually putting their best efforts into making even their "lesser" models competitive on a global scale. And it shows in designs like the Civic. 

Throughout the interior, the attention to detail and technology is just phenomenal. Especially when compared to the prior generation Civic. As part of a project for a marketing group I was in on campus at Michigan State University, we had to market the 2012 Honda Civic sedan to Gen. Y college students. At that time, the Civic came standard with features such as Bluetooth integration for music and phones, USB connection ports, satellite radio, among other features. These features being standard was considered HUGE back in the 2012 timeframe, and Honda really pushed us to put emphasis on those features and what its competitors (Chevy Cruze, Ford Focus, Kia Forte, etc.) lacked to aid in our appeal to younger buyers. Admittedly, it was a tough sell. Both due to the fact that not everyone was interested in cars as opposed to their grades and mounting student debt, but also because the Civic example Honda provided us with was just so dull-feeling...

Fast forward just 4 years, and the leap in technology both standard and available is staggering! All models still have Bluetooth streaming audio and USB connectivity standard, however, EX and above models enter into a whole new realm of advanced! Featuring the latest in-car connectivity systems, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, on equipped models, you can seamlessly integrate your cellphone into your Civic's touchscreen and operate it as though it never left your hands and thorough voice commands! Its really something to behold when you look up all of the different features included in those packages and how it functions overall. In addition to these features, several other modern technologies and conveniences such as XM and HD radio, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert for when you're backing up, forward collision warning, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, an extra fancy "floating" front storage console under the dashboard, and so much more are all available or standard on several trims of the new Civic. As I mentioned before: substance. There's certainly no lack of it here!

When Will We See It?

The 2016 Civic is already on sale. Pricing starts at $18,640 in the sedan, the only bodystyle currently available. However, it certainly wouldn't be characteristic of Honda to not offer a coupe version of the Civic, as they have in the past. And for that audience, Honda unveiled a coupe concept that looks pretty convincing to me. I already like the sedan's styling. Although I must say, I do see a hint of Honda Accord Crosstour styling in it, which is one of my least favorite Honda vehicles. 

The Honda Crosstour (previously called the "Honda Accord Crosstour", until Honda realized they didn't want to risk tainting their legendary "Accord" nameplate) was sold from the 2010 to 2015 model year. It was QUITE the slow seller to say the least... I certainly see some family resemblance between the new Civic and the Crosstour in the Civic's rear end, however.

Also from what I hear, not having any actual volume knobs on the radio on the inside can prove to be more of an annoyance than you think (Honda's new infotainment system in some models relies heavily on capacitive touch buttons and tablet-style swiping instead of physical buttons).

10th Generation variant of the popular Honda Civic Coupe

Overall, I greatly approve of this new Civic design, as it definitely makes up for ground lost by the previous generation. Let's hope we do see an Si model of both the sedan and upcoming coupe in the future, as the new 1.5 turbo 4 cylinder, while regarded as pretty decent overall, won't satisfy Civic lovers as the only uplevel engine choice. Let's also hope the upcoming Si and Type-R models get conventional transmissions and not a controversial CVT (continuously variable transmissions), such as the one found in most 2016 Civic trim levels now.

The Verdict: The Honda Civic is certainly worthy of any sedan buyer's consideration and a test drive. An in-depth review in the near future is a must for this model!

Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze HATCHBACK! REVEALED!

Hello readers! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! I hope everyone's 2016 is off to a successful start!

We're only one week into this new year, and already we have some exciting, long anticipated news! After many years of wishful thinking, fans of Chevy and the Cruze will be excited to learn that GM unveiled the all-new 2017 Chevy Cruze Hatchback model earlier! And I must say, it's QUITE handsome. 

Now, I don't normally care for bright colors on cars such as orange or yellow, but it is hard to deny that this new bodystyle of the Cruze certainly looks quite sporty and stands out from the sea of other compact vehicles currently on the market. That said, I think this is an interesting time to choose to bring this type vehicle into production. As post-90's/post mid-2000's America is known for not being so fond of wagon/hatchback/"mommy-mobile" looking vehicles (*cough* Cadillac CTS Wagon *cough* and minivans *cough cough*). However, there is a niche market for small, maneuverable, edgy vehicles that is steadily gaining momentum around the world, especially in North America. Even as EPA regulations continue getting more strict, while people's love for SUV's/crossovers remains undying. Thus, we have this vehicle here, and an ENTIRE SEGMENT of mini-SUVs, dubbed subcompact crossover SUVs, now entering production to attempt to capitalize on this growing trend.

So Who's All a Player In This League?

As for similar competition, one of its closest competitors, the Kia Forte5 hatchback, is already a few years old now, and will likely need to be updated soon in order to keep pace with the competition. That being said, it is a solidly built machine that recently earned improved IIHS crash test results. The Mazda 3 hatchback surely benefits from Mazda's "Zoom-Zoom" personality and new Skyactiv engine and chassis enhancements. All plusses in my book! However, the 3 hatchback appears to be slightly smaller than the new Cruze hatchback (Chevy has promised this new Cruze model is larger overall than the outgoing model), and Mazda is somewhat of an anomaly to some. The brand makes FANTASTIC, solidly reliable vehicles now, but they don't sell in the volume that many Chevrolet vehicles do. Speaking of Chevrolet: The smaller Sonic in their vehicle portfolio does offer a hatchback model that I hear has decent handling and engine performance. It uses the same turbocharged 4-cylinder engine setup as the 2011-2015 Chevy Cruze. Although, it is definitely down on size, and thus practicality, compared to something such as this new Cruze hatchback and some small SUVs. Regular small SUV's could be considered competition to these emerging subcompacts. But Honda's Fit and new CR-V are possibly the most well rounded, imminent threats to the upcoming Cruze hatchback, with the Fit's go-kart like agility, CR-V's practicality, and both having Honda's famous reputation for reliability to boot. We'll have to see how the new Cruze holds up when it is released later this year.

Other Thoughts

As mentioned, this is an interesting time we're seeing this new Cruze hatchback bodystyle finally come out. Many have been mentioning almost since the Cruze's introduction back in 2011 that a hatch model and a higher horsepower model were both MUCH needed to liven up its portfolio. Well, here's one of those two things here now! Now, as far as I can tell, the hatchback Cruze will still use the same 1.4 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine the sedan uses. Practicality is assured, given that in general, hatchbacks offer more cubic feet of storage and passenger space in their interiors than their sedan counterparts. It will also have all of the same technology as the Cruze sedan, including Chevy's latest version of their MyLink infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, OnStar with a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and the latest array of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision alert, and rear cross-traffic alert.

With the continuing growth of the subcompact crossover SUV market, below $2 a gallon gas prices, and already relatively low American interest in hatchback and wagon-like vehicles, I'm not sure anyone can accurately predict how well (or poorly) the new Chevy Cruze hatchback will perform on the market just yet. Time almost always reveals the answer to life's biggest mysteries, however. I'm certainly interested to try out this new model myself and see what all it has to offer us that's different from past and present hatchback models. I do sincerely hope GM releases an SS or higher-powered RS version of this hatch though, NOT just some appearance package dubbed "sport"-something. It truly is a needed addition in the Cruze's lineup, and would be appropriate given the car's more sporty profile. If this happens, I may just end up getting myself one eventually!

Pricing hasn't been announced for the hatchback yet as of this publication, however, the redesigned 2016 Cruze sedan starts at $16,620. Expect the Cruze hatchback to be released this coming fall, and the new 2016 sedan any day now.

Check back again in the near future for more auto news and reviews!

ROLL ON!

Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.