2021 JAGUAR E-PACE 300 SPORT TEST DRIVE

Did you know that you can buy a brand new Jaguar SUV for as little as $42,000? I bet you didn’t. It’s this one here…the E-PACE. Based on its minuscule sales it’s been largely ignored with shoppers choosing the bigger and much more expensive F-PACE at a ratio of nearly 4 to 1. But it’s been refreshed this year and looks especially sharp as this Caldera Red E-PACE 300 Sport.
for what may be its final refresh the body receives a nip and tuck for a more assertive stance, the chassis has been updated, aiming to deliver enhanced dynamics and comfort, and the cabin gets an infusion of fresh tech and a more premium touch. Previously called the R-Dynamic this here is the range-topping 300 Sport model riding atop optional 21” gloss black wheels framing optional red brake calipers. With the black badges leaping off of the solid red paint, this little guy grabs its share of attention for sure. So what is the 300 Sport and why would you choose it over the lesser 2 trims? Well, mainly it comes down to the P300 engine which is a 296 horsepower mild-hybrid turbo-4 producing 295 pound-feet of torque. That’s 50 more horses, nearly a half second quicker to 60mph and 1mpg more fuel efficient in city driving than the P250 engine. And then equally as important are the Adaptive and Configurable Dynamics with Comfort and Dynamic settings that adjust the ride stiffness automatically or to suit your chosen preference. There’s also torque vectoring on the rear wheels so this all-wheel drive system works from front to back as well as side to side for more responsive handling. And then goodies like a head-up display, sport seats and soft leather touch-points make this the E-Pace to have. The starting MSRP is $51,000 with this fully stocked and accessorized tester checking in at nearly $60 grand. Is that a lot when compared to its competitors? Well, it depends on who you think they are. A similarly spec’d BMW X4 xDrive30i is almost identically priced with similar metrics though it’s rear-wheel based and considerably longer with more cargo volume. If you look at an X2 xDrive28i which is even larger inside, much more fuel efficient and not that much slower than the E-Pace, it’s about $15,000 less.

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2022 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER TEST DRIVE

Unlike Isuzu and Suzuki who pulled out of the US market years ago, Mitsubishi has somehow been able to hang on as a small Japanese automaker with vacillating interest in selling cars here. But now that they are part of the Renault Nissan alliance we should expect to see more competitive products in Mitsu showrooms starting with this Nissan Rogue-based, all-new 2022 Outlander. The 10-year old compact-sized Outlander Sport is still far and away Mitsu’s best-seller but it’s this bigger Outlander – which has nothing in common with the Sport – that wears the flagship mantle, even available as plug-in hybrid way before that sort of thing was fashionable. It’s done very well for Mitsubishi and for its next act it leans on Alliance partner Nissan for its bones and just about everything else. For all intents and purposes, this is the Nissan Rogue with cooler styling and a minuscule 3rd row. This fully loaded SEL Touring trim with all-wheel drive is priced about $1,500 less than the Rogue Platinum I tested and comes with a better warranty. And while the Rogue did away with its Slid-N-Recline 2nd row seat, the Outlander does both of those things. There’s more people space in here than before as this Outlander is 2” wider than the previous model. Though the engine is slightly larger than the 2020 model’s standard 4-cylinder motor, gas mileage remains the same at 26mpg though with a smaller driving range of 377 miles. But this Outlander’s story is really about improved quality, greater breadth of features and its newfound appeal. The design is a grand slam for Mitsu, here in the upcharge Diamond White paint looking tough yet elegant, sporty yet functional.

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2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Quick Takes

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Quick Takes. Volkswagen brand’s best-seller will now not only feature a sharper exterior design, the vehicle will also come with a host of technical innovations: The different powertrain options have an array of sustainable innovations. New control and assist systems guarantee even more convenience and the Tiguan brings a wide range of online-based services and functions on board thanks to the next generation of Infotainment system (MIB3). Four engine and gearbox combinations are initially available to order for the new Tiguan.
• The 2020 Tiguan is offered in five trims—S, SE, SE R-Line Black, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line.
• In a modest value realignment, Tiguan models have standard Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert on all models.
• In addition to the newly standard driver-assistance features, all models are equipped with the next-generation Car-Net® telematics system as well as in-car Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan. Wireless charging is available, starting on the SE trim.
• The new Tiguan SE R-Line Black trim features 20-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels, black-accented R-Line® bumpers and badging, fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear Park Distance Control, and a black headliner.
• The Tiguan SEL model adds upscale features like a heated steering wheel, auto- dimming rearview mirror, and rain-sensing wipers.
• The SEL Premium R-Line adds a new heated wiper park, standard R-Line content, and 20-inch wheels.

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2020 Lexus UX 250h F Sport

2020 Lexus UX 250h F Sport Quick Takes.
From its inception, Lexus has drawn on Japanese traditions in craftsmanship and hospitality to infuse its vehicles with a unique sense of contemporary luxury. Lexus adapted this approach to the 2020 UX to appeal especially to younger customers experiencing their first luxury vehicle.
Infused with dynamic attitude, the 2020 Lexus UX is engineered to deliver quick and engaging driving with a Lexus-smooth demeanor, making it a unique entry in the luxury compact crossover segment.The 2020 UX is the first Lexus constructed on the Global Architecture Compact (GA-C) platform. A lightweight yet super-rigid structure, extremely low center of gravity and refined suspension tuning endow the UX with exemplary handling agility and ride comfort, along with a distinctive driving personality.The 2020 Lexus UX is available in two versions: the front-wheel drive UX 200 is powered by a high-efficiency 2.0?liter, four-cylinder engine coupled with a 10-speed Direct Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (DCVT), while the all-wheel drive UX 250h pairs an even higher-efficiency version of the 2.0?liter gas engine with a fourth-generation hybrid drive system engineered specifically for this platform.

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2020 Jeep Compass Trailhawk Review

2020 Jeep Compass Trailhawk Review by TestDriveNow Auto Critic Steve Hammes.
Small SUVs are a dime a dozen but try and find one that can really get after it when the pavement ends and your choices dwindle to only a few. And it’s no surprise that Jeep offers one of the most capable with the Compass. It’s not perfect but it possesses a unique skillset that I like with a healthy dose of creature comforts – a fun alternative in the small SUV segment.  

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