Syndication

News

The autoMedia Auto News Blog covers the latest pricing, new cars, future cars, performance upgrades, restoration tips, and car review highlights.

Archives

autoMedia Auto News Blog

Browse by Tags

All Tags » Wagons (RSS)
  • Sneak peek: 2009 Audi A4 Avant

    The countdown is on for the 2008 Geneva Motor Show and some kindly manufacturers are providing an early peek at things to come. Following up the redesigned Audi A4 sedan is the wagon edition, the A4 Avant. Audi has teased us with the promise of a new high-powered, four-cylinder turbocharged engine to be unveiled next month that promises an increase in performance and fuel economy. In Europe, the A4 already boasts a tempting array of powerplants: 1.8 TFSI – 164 hp, 184 lb.-ft. 3.2 FSI – 265 hp, 243 lb.-ft. 2.0 TDI – 143 hp, 236 lb.-ft. 2.0 TDI – 170 hp, 258 lb.-ft. 3.0 TDI – 240 hp, 367 lb.-ft. The Avant gives the sedan a straightforward wagon treatment, benefiting from the new platform and its longer wheelbase. A shift in proportions over the previous generation gives the Avant a sleeker, sportier look while gaining handling acumen from the revised suspension. Likewise, the latest A4 range boast a more sophisticated, feature-rich interior that sees the entire car line inch up in the luxury-car ranks. Raise the powered hatch on the Avant and you’ll find a carpet-lined cargo area with features such as a reversible cargo floor and a retractable cargo cover. Naturally, the rear seat is...
    Posted Feb 21 2008, 04:07 AM by admin with | with no comments
  • 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring

    Hyundai had a busy booth at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show , with the freshened Sonata sedan and i-Blue fuel-cell vehicle capturing much of the spotlight. However, the compact Hyundai Elantra Touring is worth a closer look. More than just a hatchback variation of the Elantra sedan, the Touring is based on a European model with a longer wheelbase and a more sporting character. Think better-equipped Mazda3 with a lower price and longer warranty... The powertrain will be shared with the sedan, meaning a 2.0-liter, 138-horsepower four-cylinder with decent power and fuel economy. An interesting novelty: the manual transmission is a short-shifting B&M Racing unit. The car's character comes from the handling dynamics. The front springs are 24 percent stiffer than those on the sedan, and the rear springs are 39 percent stiffer. (Of course, part of the difference addresses the additional weight and cargo capacity for the Touring.) Both front and rear stabilizer bars are also significantly firmer. In the sporting spirit, this small car has 11.8-inch front disc brakes and 10.3-inch rear discs. ABS and electronic stability control are standard, along with traction control and six air bags....