2020 Nissan Frontier Starts at $27,885 In July

The 2020 Nissan Frontier pickup, with an all-new 310 horsepower 3.8-liter direct injection V6 engine and all-new 9-speed automatic transmission, gets standard push button start for the new model year when it goes go on sale in July. The starting MSRP is $27,885 (including $1,095 destination and handling charge) for the King Cab 4x2 S model and tops out at $38,585 for the Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab 4x4.

2021 Subaru Crosstrek With More Powerful Engine Late Summer

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek compact SUV gets a new Sport model for 2021 powered by a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER® engine mated to the standard Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission), a boost over the Base and Premium trims with the 152-horsepower 2.0-liter engine with either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or optional Lineartronic CVT.  The CVT models achieve EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 city / 33 highway / 30 combined MPG while the 6-speed manual models are rated at 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG. The Limited trim also adds the 2.5-liter engine for 2021. The new Crosstrek Sport is the only Crosstrek model to feature the dual-function X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control with SNOW/DIRT and DEEP SNOW/MUD selectable settings to optimize AWD performance for difficult weather or road conditions. The 2021 Crosstrek will arrive into retailers late Summer.

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Starts At $39,220 Before Credits This Summer

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, the quickest four-door model in the Toyota lineup, is a 302 horsepower plug-in that gets a manufacturer-estimated 42 miles on battery alone on a single charge and a manufacturer-estimated 94 combined MPGe. Available in SE trim starting at $39,220 (including the delivery, processing and handling fee of $1,120) and XSE starting at $42,545. RAV4 Prime customers also may qualify for an $7,500 federal tax credit. Individual states have additional incentives that can be either be applied at time of purchase or via a rebate program, depending on the state. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime hits dealerships this summer

2021 Buick Envision Coming Early Next Year

The all-new 2021 Buick Envision, powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine connected to a nine-speed transmission, arrives early next year.

2021 BMW 5 Series Sedan Starts At $55,195 In July

2021 BMW 5 Series Sedan, the updated 7th generation, includes the 248 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo 530i starting at $55,195 (including $995 destination) and the 530i xDrive starting at $57,495, the 288 horsepower (with 181 horsepower 2.0-liter gasoline engine complemented by a 107 hp electric drive unit) 530e starting at $58,195 and the 530e xDrive PHEV starting at $60,495, the 335 horsepower 3.0-liter six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo 540i starting at $60,445 and the 540i xDrive starting at $62,745 and the 523 horsepower 4.4-liter V8 TwinPower Turbo M550i xDrive Sedan starting at $77,795. All with the standard 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The 2021 5 Series Sedan is highlighted by the standard Live Cockpit Professional with iDrive 7, a 12.3” digital instrument display and a 12.3” digital central touchscreen control display (up from previous 10.25”). Ordering has started with first deliveries scheduled for July.

Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe and Cabriolet

The new Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe and Cabriolet, with restyled front bumper and revised new interior, are powered by a 429 horsepower 3.0L inline-6 turbo engine with electric auxiliary compressor and mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and the variable all-wheel drive system, AMG Performance 4MATIC+. The five DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs "Slippery", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport+" and "Individual", the characteristics of the new 53-series models can be influenced with the tap of a finger.

2021 MINI Countryman Arrives Late Summer

The new 2021 MINI Countryman featuring a newly updated design, along with enhancements in technology and equipment offerings.  The new MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 is fitted with a hybrid-specific 224 horsepower all-wheel drive system combining a 3-cylinder gas engine for the front wheels and an electric synchronous motor on the rear wheels. The new MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 comes with a 6-speed Steptronic transmission standard.  Meanwhile the MINI Cooper Countryman ALL4 now features an 8-speed Steptronic transmission as standard, as does the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 and the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4. The MINI Cooper Countryman with front wheel drive comes standard with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, while the MINI Cooper S Countryman with front wheel drive gets a 7-speed Sport DCT. The new 2021 MINI Countryman models are expected to arrive in US showrooms nationwide later this summer.  More information on US-specific pricing, options and packages, and EPA fuel efficiency ratings will be made available closer to market launch.

2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Starts At $28,275 This Month

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, equipped with a Smartstream 2.0 GDi HEV engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivers an EPA estimated 52 MPG combined fuel economy rating and 686 miles of driving range on Blue trim level which starts at $28,725 (including $975 freight charges). The new range-topping Sonata Hybrid Limited starts at $36,275. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid’s solar-panel roof directly charges the 12-volt or hybrid batteries and outputs 205 watts of electricity. The optional Hyundai Digital Key allows a Sonata Hybrid to be unlocked, started and driven without a physical key, via Android smartphone or NFC card.  Sonata Hybrid will be available at U.S. dealerships this month.

2021 Genesis G80 Starts At $48,725 This Summer

The all-new 2021 Genesis G80 executive luxury sedan powered by either a 304 horsepower 2.5T inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine or a 380 horsepower 3.5T V-6 twin-turbocharged engine mated to an 8-speed AT (Shift-by-Wire) w/Paddle-Shifters, in rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. Safety technology features include: Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist w/Pedestrian & Cyclist, Lane Oncoming, Junction Turning, Junction Crossing, Lane Side, Evasive Steering Torque Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Machine Learning, Highway Driving Assist II, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance-Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist and Safe Exit Assist w/Power Child Lock. The G80 2.5T rear-wheel drive starts at $48,725 (including  $1,025 freight charges) and the 3.5T starts at $60,125 when they go on sale this Summer.

2021 Toyota Venza Arrives This Summer

The all-new 2021 Toyota Venza is powered by the new-generation Toyota Hybrid System combining a 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with three electric motors to deliver 219 total system horsepower and a projected preliminary manufacturer-estimated 40 combined MPG in LE trim. Audio Plus is standard on LE and XLE and includes an 8-inch touchscreen. Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation and JBL is optional on XLE and standard on Limited and features a stunning 12.3-inch touchscreen display with controls that can be switched between driver or front passenger operation. The 2021 Venza arrives in Toyota dealerships this Summer.

2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4, 4S Coming Late This Year

2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4 all-wheel drive model is powered by a 379 horsepower six-cylinder, three-liter twin-turbo boxer engine while the 911 Targa 4S all-wheel drive puts out 443 horsepower. Both models are fitted with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and the 911 Targa 4S can be ordered with a seven-speed manual transmission at no charge, which includes the Sport Chrono package as standard. The new 2021 911 Targa models are available to order now and are expected to reach U.S. dealers in late 2020. MSRP is $120,650 for the 2021 911 Targa 4 and $136,550 for the 2021 911 Targa 4S (including a $1,350 delivery, processing and handling fee).

Lamborghini Huracán EVO Rear-Wheel Drive Spyder This Summer

Lamborghini Huracán EVO Rear-Wheel Drive Spyder, powered by a 610 horsepower naturally aspirated V10 Lamborghini engine mated to a 7-speed LDF dual-clutch transmission, starts at $229,428 (suggested retail price taxes/GST excluded). The Spyder’s soft-top roof stows within 17 seconds under the rear hood, even while driving up to a speed of 31 mph. The first customers will take delivery of the new Lamborghini Huracán EVO RWD Spyder this Summer.

Hyundai concept EV “Prophecy”

Hyundai concept EV “Prophecy”, revealed in March, offers an intuitive driver interface, zero-emissions powertrain, and unique air filtration system.

2020 Audi e-tron Sportback Arrives Soon

The 2020 Audi e-tron Sportback, Audi's second fully electric model joining the e-tron SUV, has 355 horsepower, and with Boost Mode engaged 402 horsepower delivering an EPA-estimated range of 218 miles. The 2020 Audi e-tron Sportback MPGe EPA estimates 76 city/78 highway/77 and offers a towing capacity up to 4,000 pounds when equipped with an available towing package.combined. Starting MSRP is $77,400 before any federal, municipal & state tax credits.

Test Drive: 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Starts At $25,965

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is considered a compact SUV, though, at 185.1 inches, has the longest overall length compared to its dozen rivals in the segment, and is a significant 8.7 inches longer than its shortest competitor. The Tiguan's length enables space for a third row seat which only one other vehicle in the class offers, giving it an added benefit for those needing to accommodate 2 more smaller passengers. Three rows of seating are standard in front-wheel-drive Tiguans with a second-row bench that can recline, slide seven inches fore and aft, fold down, and be split 40/20/40. The 4Motion all-wheel-drive Tiguan comes standard with two rows and an optional third row. The flexible configurations give the Tiguan an edge.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is powered by a 184 horsepower four-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection engine delivering an impressive high maximum torque of 221 lb-ft and mated to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan has the third most horsepower of the thirteen vehicles in the segment but is also the heaviest compact SUV at 3,757 pounds.

The driving experience was excellent, especially the confident feel at fast highway speeds, and overall sporty road feel, nice stiff ride and precise German-style handling, which, for my motion sickness prone family, is a must. The Tiguan is one of five turbos among the compact SUV class and does have some brief turbo lag from a standing stop and it's engine feels like it has to work harder than some others but the Tiguan's highest-in-class torque output may   satisfy you. After all, its a Sports Utility Vehicle and does well to provide more than most.

The top-of-the-line R-line 4motion 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, (starting at $39,815, including $1,020 destination charge), was provided by the manufacturer for a week test drive, and, in addition, I made four dealer visits to evaluate the base Tiguan S, (starting $25,965), as it was narrowed down to one of two compact SUVs I was considering to purchase. Your personal tastes and requirements will dictate which trim level suits your needs and price range but as you climb the price ladder other vehicle comparisons will enter the picture. For example, Keyless access w/push-button start, Dual-zone Climatronic, Rain-sensing wipers, Auto-dimming rearview mirror, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist), Park Distance Control, High Beam Control (Light Assist) and Overhead view camera (Area View) are available on more expensive Tiguan trims.

The Tiguan S has many standard features like Forward Collision Warning w/ Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor (Side Assist), Rear Traffic Alert, the expected Rearview camera and even a tire pressure monitoring system. What more do you really need? The Tiguan S also has a nicely integrated, intuitive-to-use 6.5-inch color touchscreen, smaller than the 8-inch found on the more expensive trim levels, but not the protruding from the dash tablet-look found in many vehicles. The large, highly visible, yellow blind spot warning light on the side mirror is a big plus.

The Tiguan comes in S, SE, SE R-Line Black, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line models, all equipped with the next-generation Car-Net® telematics system, in-car Wi-Fi capability (when you subscribe to a data plan) and wireless charging starting on the SE trim.

The 2020 Tiguan has four-year/50,000-mile (whichever comes first), which Volkswagen reduced from its 2019 five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. A bonus is the 2 year or 20,000 mile transferable Carefree Maintenance Program that sets the Tiguan apart, though its Korean rivals still boast the longest warranties.

SUMMARY: The quality interior workmanship, clear driver visibility, spaciousness, driving experience, included features, slightly longer than most warranty, make the 2020 Tiguan S a great value and a finalist on your compact SUV shopping list.

First Quarter 2020 U.S. Auto Sales Hit Hard By Covid-19 Virus Impact

The impact of the Covid-19 virus on the country that started in the second half of March slammed U.S. auto sales:

General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac) delivered 618,335 vehicles in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of 7.1 percent compared to a year ago.

Ford Motor Company first quarter U.S. sales of 516,330 is a 12.5 percent drop from a year ago. Ford division sales of 490,769 represents a 13.2 percent decline from 2019 while Lincoln sales of 25,561 was a 2.3 increase fom the year quarter.

Toyota Motor North America reported March 2020 sales of 135,730 vehicles, a decrease of 36.9 percent versus March 2019. For the first quarter, TMNA reported sales of 495,747 vehicles, an 8.8 percent decrease. For the quarter, Lexus reported sales of 56,345 vehicles, down 15.6 percent.

FCA US LLC (Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo) reported 2020 first quarter sales of 446,768 down 10.4 percent from a year ago.

American Honda reported March sales of 77,153, a 48 percent drop from March 2019 contributing to first quarter 2020 sales of 298,785, a 19.2 percent drop from 2019's first quarter.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. first-quarter (January-March) sales for the calendar year 2020 of 257,606, a decrease of 29.6 percent versus the prior year.

Hyundai Motor America reported total March sales of 35,118, a 43 percent decrease in comparison with March 2019. Hyundai sold a total of 130,875 units in Q1, a decrease of 11 percent compared with Q1 2019. Genesis Motor America reported sales of 969 in March 2020, a 33.2 percent decrease compared with the prior year. For the first quarter of 2020, Genesis Motor America sold 3,955 vehicles, a 5.9 percent decrease for the calendar year thus far.

Kia Motors America March sales of 45,413 vehicles was an 18.6 percent drop from March 2019, while year-to-date sales of 137,945 is a one percent gain over the first quarter of 2019.

Subaru of America reported 32,611 vehicle sales for March 2020, a 47 percent decrease compared to March 2019. Following eleven consecutive years of sales records, Subaru reported year-to-date sales of 130,591, a 16.7 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2019.

Volkswagen of America March sales were down 42 percent bringing first quarter 2020 sales to 75,075, a 13 percent drop year-to-date. Audi of America March sales fell 52 percent bringing first quarter 2020 sales to 41,367, a 14 percent drop from first quarter of 2019.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported Q1 sales of 67,746 Mercedes-Benz models. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz Vans recorded Q1 sales of 7,520, bringing MBUSA to a grand total of 75,266 vehicles for the quarter, a decrease of 4.3 percent over the comparable period last year.

BMW of North America announced Q1 2020 sales for the BMW and MINI brands in the U.S. of 59,455 vehicles, a decrease of 15.3 percent vs the same time period last year. MINI brand sales totaled 5,237 vehicles, a decrease of 35.1 percent vs the first quarter of 2019.

Mazda North American Operations reported total March sales of 15,664 vehicles, a decrease of 41.8 percent compared to March 2019. Year-to-date sales totaled 67,670 vehicles, a decrease of 4.5 percent.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported March sales of 9,394 vehicles, down 52 percent over March of 2019. Calendar year-to-date sales through the end of March totaled 35,563 vehicles, a decrease of 15.5 percent compared with the same period in 2019.

Porsche Cars North America announced first quarter U.S. retail deliveries of 11,994 from January through March, down 20.2 percent from a year ago.

Tesla, in the first quarter, produced almost 103,000 vehicles and delivered approximately 88,400 vehicles globally for their best ever first quarter performance. Tesla delivered 12,200 Model S and X and 76,200 Model 3 and Y vehicles.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid Starts At $28,870

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, available in  LX, EX, EX-L and Touring trims all with Honda’s Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ is powered by the third-generation of Honda’s two-motor hybrid system combining a 143 horsepower 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine with 40-percent thermal efficiency and two electric motors with flat wire technology, a generator/starter motor and a 181-horsepower propulsion motor for a total system output of 212 horsepower. The all-electric EV Drive operation occurs when starting from a stop, during light cruising and acceleration, and when braking. The gasoline engine is off when in EV Drive mode and is decoupled from the drivetrain to reduce friction, and power is supplied by the 1.4 kWh battery pack. The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid starts at $28,870 (including $1,120 Destination Charge). 

2021 Hyundai Elantra, All-New, Goes On Sale In 4th Quarter

The all-new seventh-generation 2021 Hyundai Elantra and Elantra Hybrid compact sedan, with a new vehicle platform, gains 2.2 inches in overall length, 0.8 inch in its wheelbase, and one inch in width while overall height dropped 0.8 inch. The Elantra SE, SEL, and Limited are powered by a 147 horsepower 2.0L MPI Atkinson Cycle engine mated to an Intelligent Variable Transmission. For the first time ever, a hybrid powertrain has been added to the Elantra lineup featuring a 139 horsepower 1.6-liter GDI Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine combined with a permanent-magnet electric motor that delivers 32 kW powered by a lithium-ion-polymer battery with 1.32 kWh of capacity positioned under the rear seats. Projected combined EPA estimated fuel economy rating is more than 50 MPG. The 2021 Elantra has two 10.25-inch screens all under one piece of glass with standard features that include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, High Beam Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. Optional SmartSense features include Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist. The 2021 Elantra sales begin in the fourth quarter.

2021 Chevrolet Traverse Coming Late In 2020

The refreshed 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, powered by a 310 horsepower 3.6L V6 engine mated to a 9 speed transmission, gets restyled front and rear fascias, an available Dual SkyScape sunroof with a new rear power sunscreen, 4 new wheel designs, new LED headlamps and taillamps, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, IntelliBeam, and Following Distance Indicator. 2021 refreshed Chevrolet Traverse will be available late this year.

2020 Audi RS Q8 SUV Starts At $113,995

The 2020 Audi RS Q8 SUV, powered by a 591 horsepower 4.0-liter V8 turbocharged engine mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic® transmission, offers active torque distribution to both axles and features standard adaptive air suspension with controlled damping for on or off paved roads. The RS Q8 large SUV accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds to a top track speed of 155 mph or 190 mph when equipped with the RS ceramic brakes. The 2020 Audi RS Q8 starts at $113,995 (includes $995 destination charge).