The latest in auto news
This week, Envision a new Buick, Mitsubishi shows off the new Outlander, Microsoft joins GM in the self-driving car game, Mercedes-Benz and Chevrolet have new electric crossovers, and Ford rewards shoppers.
Buick has just launched the 2021 Envision compact crossover. An all-new model for the second generation of the nameplate, this one gets a much more car-like nose than before, with broad-shouldered styling front and rear. Inside is also new, though it will still look familiar to Buick buyers. Avenir is added to the model for the first time with special seats, finishes, and wheels. A Sport Touring package is available on non-Avenir models with darkened exterior detailing. All Envisions get LED head and taillights, while inside is a new 10-inch screen, Buick’s largest yet. A 2.0-litre turbo-four is the only engine option, making 228 hp paired with a nine-speed auto. All-wheel drive is optional. Driver assistance tech includes emergency braking, parking and cross traffic assist and the usual suspects, with automatic parking and radar cruise control optional. The 2021 Envision is set to start arriving at dealers now, and from $37,598.
Mitsubishi has teased the 2022 Outlander crossover as it finished up testing in the water, snow, and dirt. The camouflage-clad new Outlander looks to have a much higher greenhouse than before and is set to have a more prominent version of the Mitsubishi corporate grille. It also gets a new version of Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control AWD system. The vehicle debuts February 16th and is set to hit dealers later the same month.
Microsoft has announced it is partnering with General Motors and autonomous vehicle developers Cruise. The deal will make Microsoft the preferred cloud service of GM and Cruise, and will let Cruise use Microsoft cloud platform Azure to help it process the amount of data needed to bring self driving cars to a commercially viable scale. GM will also work with Microsoft to help enhance supply chain operations and mobility services.
Mercedes-Benz revealed the EQA, it’s latest compact crossover coming solely as an electric and offering some styling changes compared with the gas-powered GLA that it will sit beside in showrooms. The compact crossover offers an estimated 430 km of range with a single motor, while inside the driver will find either dual 7-inch or 10.25-inch screens to show them the future of motoring. Mercedes-Benz hasn’t yet confirmed the EQA for our shores, but it seems possible.
The all-new Chevrolet Bolt EUV, the brand’s first electric crossover, is set to launch February 14th in a partnership with Walt Disney World. Chevrolet gave us a glimpse of the EUV that shows a vehicle similar in shape to the Bolt EV hatchback but taller, longer, and wider to offer a more crossover-like experience and size. The 2022 Bolt EUV is set to hit dealers this summer.
The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada has revealed category finalists for the 2021 Canadian Car and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards. The car and utility award winners will be presented next month as part of the virtual Montreal auto show. The class finalists are as follows Mid-Size Car: Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla. Large Car: Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, Toyota Camry. Mid-Size Premium Car: Cadillac CT5, Genesis G70, Genesis G80. Small Utility: Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Subaru Crosstrek. Mid-Size Utility: Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue Toyota Venza. Large Utility: Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Kia Telluride. Mid-Size Premium Utility: Genesis GV80, Land Rover Defender, Lincoln Corsair. Full-Size Pick-up: Chevrolet Silverado, Nissan Titan, Ram 1500.
Ford has rolled out FordPass Rewards to Canadian shoppers. The new loyalty program lets customers get Ford points when they buy or lease a new or CPO vehicle or service their vehicle at a Ford dealer. The FordPass app is already used to access vehicle monitoring and remote vehicle features, the same app will allow customers to earn points that can be used toward parts, service, or put toward the purchase or lease of a new Ford vehicle.