A new way for families to get around
Automakers refresh the looks of a handful of familiar vehicles
Here are some of the highlights from the family cars that debuted refreshed looks at the New York International Auto Show:
2016 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID
David Booth
What is it? Toyota’s first Hybrid Synergy Drive version of the popular RAV4. Assuming it’s powered by the same 2.5- litre, 154- horsepower four- cylinder/ electric motor combination as the Lexus NX 300h, the RAV4 Hybrid should have around 194 ponies. Toyota will only say that it has more power than the standard 176- h. p. RAV4. The gas and electric motors also combine to give the RAV4 what Toyota is calling Electronic On- Demand All- Wheel- Drive ( AWD- i). Essentially, the gas motor drives the front wheels and when wheel slippage occurs, the electric motor kicks in to generate four- wheel traction.
When is it coming? The RAV4 Hybrid will be in Toyota dealerships this fall.
2016 NISSAN MAXIMA
John LeBlanc
What is it? The “4- Door Sports Car” is back. At least that’s what Nissan is calling its new 2016 Maxima mid- size sedan. Riffing off last year’s Nissan Sport Sedan Concept, the five- passenger, four- door sedan is lower and longer than the previous generation. Nissan says the Maxima is also lighter, apparently to help Maxima “push the performance envelope in its segment.”
To ramp up the new Maxima’s “4- Door Sports Car” claim, a new sporty SR trimline gets unique suspension tuning with what Nissan calls a “segment- first Performance Chassis Damper.” As well, a new Integrated Dynamic- control Module electronic chassis management includes Active Ride Control — a feature that uses “targeted brake applications” to immediately improve the level of the sedan’s body movement, allowing the Maxima SR to “offer a ride quality that defies its sporting intention.”
When is it coming? The new 2016 Maxima goes on sale this summer. Standard kit will include NissanConnect with navigation, 8.0- inch touch screen display, remote engine start, rear- view monitor and more.
2017 VW SPORTWAGON ALLTRACK
John LeBlanc
What is it? The forthcoming allwheeldrive version of the new 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagon. In addition to the German automaker’s signature 4Motion AWD system, the Alltrack gets the standard “Subaru Outback” treatment: higher ground clearance, wheel arch mouldings, and flared side sills that offer body protection. VW is also saying the Alltrack will come with an even more upscale interior that beats the already premiumfeeling seventh generation Golf. No word yet on what powertrain options will be available on the new AWD VW compact wagon.
When is it coming? The Subaruchasing Volkswagen arrives sometime next year as a 2017 model.
2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
David Booth
A very thorough refresh of the previously staid Outlander, the 2016 model sees some muchneeded style added to its versatility. Thanks to the revisions, especially to the front fascia, the Outlander now boasts looks equal to anything else in the budget mid- size segment. There’s a little of Lexus’ trapezoidal spindle grille to the Outlander’s “Dynamic Shield” front end, albeit with a little more Lincoln- like chrome. Whatever the inspiration, it works, the Mitsu moving from the moribund to the modish.
When is it coming? The restyled Outlander will be in dealerships by mid summer.
2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU
Graeme Fletcher
What is it? Three short years after its last rework, the Chevrolet Malibu has been completely reengineered to deliver what it was lacking: some semblance of style, rear- seat room and a true hybrid model. The previous generations used a simple mild hybrid system that really only helped to spin the engine up to speed. The reworked 2016 Malibu earns a sharp new style and now rides on a revised version of GM’s Epsilon platform.
When is it coming? The new Malibu is due in Chevrolet showrooms late this year, with the hybrid joining the ranks early next year.
2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON
David Booth
What is it? The third- generation Tucson is Hyundai’s compact sport ute revitalized with massive infusions of style and technology. Peter Schreyer, formerly chief stylist for Audi, now oversees all Kia and Hyundai designs and it’s reflected in the new Tucson’s exterior. What was once bland is now almost daring, sharp creases replacing formerly plain slab sides, and particularly aggressive fascias, front and rear, making bolder statements.
When is it coming? The 2016 will be in Hyundai dealerships by late summer.
2016 KIA OPTIMA
John LeBlanc
What is it? The second- generation of the Korean automaker’s mid- size, front- wheel- drive, fivepassenger Optima family sedan. Although not the Sportspace wagon concept we saw earlier this year in Geneva, Kia says the 2016 Optima sedan is longer and wider for a more spacious cabin, built on a chassis that is lighter and stiffer, with improved steering response, high- speed stability and handling. In addition to the returning 184h. p. 2.4- L four- cylinder gas engine, and turbocharged 247- h. p. 2.0L gas four, the 2016 Optima will gain a 178- h. p. 1.6- L turbo gas four mated to a seven- speed dual- clutch automatic as a third power- plant option.
When is it coming? Kia says sales of the new 2016 Optima will begin in the fourth quarter of 2015.