The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

The second-generation of Volkswagen’s mid-size crossover line, the Touareg, starts worldwide sales this April. Let’s see how the 2011 VW Touareg shapes up.

Exterior-wise, the second-gen Touareg reflects the new brand-wide styling cues–the wider grille, flashier LED headlights, and generally some of the more recent elements we’ve seen in such models as the latest Golf GTI. Additionally, this baby packs a milestone: it’s the first car ever to sport a high beam that’s totally glare-free, something the folks over at VW call Dynamic Light Assist.

The new Touareg also sheds a lot of weight (to the tune of around 400 lbs.), which should be a lot of help for improved mileage. Of course, that means the Touareg sacrifices some of its other technological comforts. Of course, it’s still loaded with a ton of advanced features, such as adaptive cruise control and a blind spot monitor.

The 2011 model is available with a Diesel V6 setup. Owners can also opt for a hybrid system. Both have eight-speed automatic transmission systems.

We here at Crossomotive really like the redesign for the second-gen Volkswagen Touareg, and it could probably be heads over the competition like the Acura RDX and the Lexus RX 350.

The Upcoming VW Touareg

Volkswagen has unveiled the next-generation Touareg mid-size crossover SUV, and the car manufacturer has said that it will be ready at dealerships in the UK by August this year. The new model boasts of a lighter body, higher power, and improved fuel efficiency—thanks largely to a new hybrid-electric powertrain.

The hybrid powertrain is a first on UK Volkswagens. The vehicle will be 200 kilograms lighter across the board on all trims, and this helps contribute to what VW claims to be a 20-percent improvement on fuel efficiency.

Upon the UK release, the Touareg will be available in 4 trim levels, including options for 3 powertrain variants. This starts with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 good for 238bhp and coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission plus stop-start technology.

VW says that an entry-level version will be released in November, sporting a 202bhp variant of the aforementioned V6 engine.

The Kumho Fortis SUV Concept

It’s not exactly something you would expect from a company that manufactures tires for SUVs worldwide. Kumho Tires, part of the multifaceted Kumho Asian Group, has released its Fortis SUV concept, with unique takes on how SUVs of the future should help environmental initiatives.

The concept SUV makes extensive use of recycled tire rubber. The bumper sections, hood, doors, front wings, and the hatch in the rear all make use of the reused material. The Fortis concept runs on a lithium-ion battery pack.

Of course, innovative tire technology is also present–after all, Kumho makes millions of tires for SUVs. There are metal biters along the treads of the tires so that off-road capability is maximized, acting as a hook that will grip the terrain. The tire’s cavity is inflated when the car rolls on-road so that the biters will be covered.

That sure is something. Those measures, coupled with the Fortis’ high-tech looks, should be something to watch. There’s probably a miniscule chance of it getting produced, since this is a tire company we’re talking about here. Still, it would be nice to see a unit go on and off the road.

The Upcoming Saab 9-4X CUV

Despite all the uncertainty over at Saab, the company’s new 9-4X crossover has been seen testing and the company says that the new model is still good to go for a launch sometime in 2010.

The 9-4X will share components with the Cadillac SRX, and the 9-4X will be manufactured in the same plant where the SRX is assembled.
The 9-4X is set to replace the 9-7X, a slow-selling model.

The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

To hike up sales, Chevrolet will be banking on the efficiency of the new 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The mid-size crossover SUV is expected to reach EPA ratings of 22 mpg on city traffic and 32 mpg on highway traffic.

The CUV is powered by a 182-horsepower 2.4-liter Ecotec engine with direct-injection technology, the tools that help the vehicle achieve its heightened mileage.

There’s an option for a more powerful but less efficient engine, namely the 255-horsepower 3.0-liter direct-injected V-6 engine.

GM further expects its upcoming GMC Terrain to achieve similar efficiency figures.

Source: Car and Driver

The new Subaru Outback range starts at $22,995.

Subaru has revealed the pricing for its upcoming Outback range of crossovers. The range starts at $22,995, which is no different from the entry-level trim of the current range.

The entry level for the new range is a 2.5L 170hp four-cylinder Boxer engine with a six-speed manual transmission. Keyless entry, electronic parking brake with a ‘Hill Holder’ system and four-speaker audio system are all standard features. For the automatic variant, it’ll cost buyers another $1,000.

The Outback 2.5i ‘Premium’ has some extra features, and starts at $24,995 for the manual edition. Fog lights, privacy glass, an electric driver’s seat, leather steering-wheel and 16in alloys are the added features. This one has a more upmarket trim called the Outback 2.5i ‘Limited’, which costs $27,995. The following pics are included: automatic transmission, dual-zone climate-control, paddle shifters, all-season tires wrapped around 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-trimmed upholstery and a Harman/Kardon audio system.

The range-topping Outback is the 3.6R, equipped with a 256hp six-cylinder engine with a 5-speed automatic as standard. It starts at $27,995 and gets all-season tires, 17-inch alloy wheels, paddle shifters, fog lights and privacy glass.

The 3.6R also has Premium and Limited trims, with the same add-on features included as in the 2.5i. Premium starts at $28,995, and the 3.6R Limited at $30,995.

The Tiguan

Volkswagen is currently planning a new R-Line for its Tiguan compact SUV. While the new car won’t be getting considerable performance upgrades, the car will get premium performance accessories for both the interior and the exterior.

It is not yet known whether VW will market the Tiguan R-Line to the US market.

The Hyundai Nuvis concept

A new crossover concept joins the ranks of Hyundai’s recent concept vehicles such as the HED-6 and the Blue Will. Designated as the Nuvis, this new concept is designed to make the most of the urban lifestyle.

“Our goal was to create a living machine, constantly moving, that the driver and passengers could be part of,” said Hyundai Design Manager John Krsteski. “There are no lines on or in this car that are standing still.”

It is clearly a sleek design, with an interesting mix of coupe, hatch, and SUV design elements. We look forward to more news about the new Hyundai Nuvis crossover concept.

The Ssangyong C200 Aero Concept

We’ve already tackled the new Ssangyong C200 crossover compact SUV, which will hit the Seoul Motor Show in April. Now, the Korean car manufacturer has released a new teaser image for an aero variant of the vehicle, and what we’re seeing could be a preview of a trim that could be released alongside the production version.

The car features extensive body aerodynamic styling, along with a new set of wheels.

We’ll let you in on the details as more information becomes available.

2009 Rav4, in Limited trim

This right here is the 2009 Toyota Rav4, and it’s got styling upgrades and updated features, along with three trim levels that should suit potential buyers’ needs. Of course, my favorite is still the compact first-gen Rav4 in the 3-door frame, but this baby doesn’t look too shabby itself.

Trim levels are in Base ($21,500), Sport ($23,200), and Limited ($24,490)*. The Sport variant has color-keyed fender flares, fog lamps, and an exclusive “dark charcoal” interior. The Limited trim’s features include a smartkey system and leather interior components.

* prices are MSRP.

Source: Rav4 minisite