William Maley

Hyundai finally decided to spill the beans on the 2018 Accent for the U.S. by debuting it yesterday at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, California. Let's get to the most important news for the U.S.; the 2018 Accent will only be available as a sedan. Everywhere else will get a hatchback variant. Boo! Everything else pretty much is the same as our report when the Accent debuted at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. The 2018 Accent is more upscale in its design with a larger grille, new headlights, optional 17-inch alloy wheels, and rear-end styling borrowed from the Elantra. The interior is nothing too special to look at, but Hyundai has equipped all models with a 5-inch touchscreen with a backup camera as standard equipment. A 7-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability is optional. Interior space has increased thanks to a slightly longer length and width. Power comes from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 130 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual will come standard, with a six-speed automatic available as an option. Pricing hasn't been announced, but Hyundai says the 2018 Accent will arrive at dealers later this fall. Source: Hyundai Press Release is on Page 2 HYUNDAI INTRODUCES ALL-NEW 2018 ACCENT AT THE ORANGE COUNTY INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW Fifth-generation Hyundai Accent demonstrates Hyundai’s engineering expertise with improved driving dynamics and an efficient powertrain Upscale exterior design, sophisticated interior and signature Hyundai design cues are central to Accent’s striking appeal Advanced connectivity with available Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay™,Hyundai Blue Link and SiriusXM satellite radio Exceptional safety from the available Forward Collision-avoidance Assist Highlights for 2018 Accent Sophisticated Sedan Design Hyundai’s new cascading grille, expressive and upscale design Contemporary and intuitive interior Available premium exterior features: projector headlights with LED DRLs, power sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights and available fog lights Performance and Improved Dynamics Eco-efficient 1.6-liter GDI Dual-CVVT 4-cylinder engine with standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission 130 horsepower and 119 lb.-ft. of torque (estimated) Improved NVH and ride quality Architecture includes 54.5 percent Advanced High Strength Steel Improved Audio, Multimedia and Blue Link Standard 5-inch color touchscreen Available 7-inch display audio system with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ Available Blue Link® Connected Services 3 years with standard complimentary service, including remote start Premium Comfort and Convenience Features Available segment first hands-free smart trunk release and dual USB charging Available heated front seats, proximity push button start and automatic temperature control Class-above total interior volume—a subcompact car with the roominess of a compact Exceptional Level of Safety Features Standard rearview camera with dynamic guidelines Available Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA) Quality and reliability backed by America’s Best Warranty Anaheim, Calif., Sept. 28, 2017 – Hyundai Motor America debuts the all-new 2018 Accent at the 2017 Orange County International Auto Show. The 2018 Accent enters its fifth generation by building on the strengths of its predecessors with Hyundai’s modern engineering prowess. The result is a car with an expressive design, a high-tech interior, a more efficient powertrain, reduced cabin noise and remarkably improved driving dynamics. The company also infused its newest subcompact car with the latest safety and convenience features. The 2018 Accent will arrive in Hyundai dealerships in the fall of 2017. Advanced High Strength Steel at the Core The all-new Accent was developed to be the segment benchmark for driving dynamics and safety while delivering outstanding fuel efficiency and maintaining Hyundai’s unbeatable value position. Key to achieving those goals was the car’s use of Advanced High Strength Steel. Accent is composed of 54.5 percent Advanced High Strength Steel—up 13 percentage points from the fourth generation—from the company’s captive Hyundai Steel plant. In addition, Accent’s torsional rigidity improved by 32 percent. This new, rigid chassis improves noise isolation and overall driving dynamics. The application of Advanced High Strength Steel also improves collision energy management without adding weight, helping to reduce fuel consumption and deliver better driving feel. Improved ride comfort, handling and stability are achieved through key developments in the suspension. Accent’s steering feel has been refined with improvements to steering efficiency, while enhancements to handling and ride comfort have been made by raising the rear roll center and increasing the leverage ratio of the rear shock absorbers. The standard Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system instantly adjusts to changing driving conditions for greater precision and steering feel while improving fuel economy. Striking Exterior Design The design of the new Accent exhibits confidence and sophistication with sculpted body forms and smoothly contoured lines delivering a new interpretation of Hyundai’s signature design language. The car features Hyundai’s cascading grille, a visual signature integral to the company’s identity. The grille is flanked by wraparound headlights and available LED signature daytime running lights. Accent’s sweeping roof profile and sharp character lines run the length of the car. These character lines meet available slim LED wraparound taillights. Features such as 17-inch alloy wheels and side mirror LED turn signal indicators add to the upscale feel of the car. The car’s form is also functional, achieving balance between design and engineering for standout styling with aerodynamic improvements. The underside of the car is also sculpted for aerodynamics, and a new front-lip spoiler, together with a lower ride height, contributes to Accent’s efficient design. All of these attributes allow the 2018 Accent to slip through the wind with a 0.28 coefficient of drag. Compared with the last generation, the 2018 Accent is larger and has more interior room. Accent is wider by 1.2 inches, and the overall length has increased by 0.6 inches, yet its height remains unchanged, giving the car a more grounded stance. The wheelbase has also increased by 0.4 inches, pushing the wheels farther to the corners and improving interior roominess. Specification 2017 Accent Change 2018 Accent Overall Length (in.) 172.0 +0.6 172.6 Overall Width (in.) 66.9 +1.2 68.1 Overall Height (in.) 57.1 - 57.1 Wheelbase (in.) 101.2 +0.4 101.6 Modern Interior Design Accent’s interior continues the modern, confident, sophisticated look seen on the exterior. A driver-oriented layout with intuitive controls combines with improved interior roominess, high-quality materials and premium technology features to raise the standard for subcompacts. Premium, soft-touch materials in key points create an inviting and comfortable environment for the driver and passengers. A wide instrument panel prominently features a standard backup camera system with a 5-inch or optional 7-inch color TFT LCD display. Beneath the screen, the control panel is laid out in a horizontal design with buttons and controls logically grouped by function. The seat frame is engineered to be lightweight but extremely strong, to help keep occupants safe in collisions. For added comfort and convenience, passengers enjoy available heated front seats, while the standard rear seats fold with a 60/40 split. Accent also offers class-above total interior volume. Accent sedan passenger volume has grown to 103.9 cubic feet. With this figure, Accent is actually classified as a compact car, versus a subcompact car, according to the EPA. In fact, Accent has more interior and cargo volume than the Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris. 2018 Accent Interior Volume Interior Volume (cu. ft.) 2018 Accent 2017 Fiesta 2017 Yaris iA Passenger 90.2 85.1 85.9 Cargo 13.7 12.8 13.5 Total 103.9 97.9 99.4 Efficient Powertrain For 2018, the new Accent receives an updated powertrain tuned for better fuel efficiency and drivability. The updated 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) engine produces 130 horsepower and 119 lb.-ft. of torque. Compared with the previous-generation Accent, the engine’s powerband has improved, with increased low-end torque to make drivability easier. The 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder GDI engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency has also been improved by an estimated 7 percent overall. In the engine, components such as low-friction piston rings, a variable fuel pressure module and upgraded software for the engine control module improve overall operation. Further, improvements to the return springs in the braking system have reduced drive friction. The automatic transmission has also been redesigned to reduce the unit’s overall weight by 4 pounds and improve operational efficiency. In addition, Accents with automatic transmissions include the company’s Drive Mode Select feature to adjust both powertrain performance and steering calibration, allowing the driver to customize the driving character by selecting two modes—Normal or Sport—by simply touching a button on the center console. Comprehensive Safety and Convenience Features The 2018 Accent features several improvements to the front side members and inner side sill for improved collision protection. The front crumple zones have been increased, front side airbags have been upgraded and reinforcements have been added to improve the car’s collision energy management performance, especially in small overlap crashes. A six-airbag system is standard, along with Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control and ABS. New for 2018 and for the segment, Accent offers a wide array of advanced safety technologies to provide another layer of protection for passengers. For example, Accent offers available Forward Collision-avoidance Assist that utilizes a front forward facing radar to detect a vehicle and warn the driver of a potential collision. If the driver does not react to avoid the impact, the system will apply emergency braking. Advanced Connectivity and Multimedia Systems Most 2018 Accent trims will feature technologies ahead of the subcompact competition that enhance driver confidence and convenience. For example, Accent offers a proximity key with push button start, so drivers never need to pull out a key from their pocket or purse. Accent offers available dual USB charging and auxiliary input jacks and available SiriusXM satellite radio. New for 2018, Accent has an available advanced infotainment system that includes a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen system and rearview camera. The 7-inch display also has both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ for seamless and intuitive operation of the most commonly used smartphone functions, including app-based navigation, streaming audio and voice-controlled search capabilities. Enhanced Hyundai Blue Link Remote Start and Blue Link Integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Home Hyundai Blue Link customers have performed more than 25 million remote starts since Blue Link its debuted in 2011. Although remote start is a great feature for hot weather, most take place in cold climates during January, February and March. In fact, Blue Link Remote Start with Climate Control is three times more popular in the winter. With this in mind, Hyundai engineers have enhanced the Remote Start with Climate Control feature to include control of the rear defroster and heated side mirrors into the Blue Link mobile app. For the ultimate level of convenience when it comes to remote-starting a car on a bitterly cold winter morning, Hyundai has its new Blue Link integrations for Amazon Alexa and Google Home. These integrations work by a customer simply asking an Alexa-enabled or Google Assistant–enabled device, like an Amazon Echo or Google Home, to start their car. The interaction actually sounds like this: “Alexa, tell Blue Link to start my car at 80 degrees” or: “Okay, Google, ask Blue Link to start my Accent and set the temperature to 72 degrees.” To send commands to Hyundai vehicles via Alexa or Google, users must enable the Blue Link integration in their Alexa or Google Home app, available on iOS and Android devices, and then link their existing Blue Link account within the Alexa or Google Home app. Voice commands will be sent to Hyundai vehicles only after Alexa or Google Home prompts owners for their Blue Link Personal Identification Number (PIN). View full article

Volkswagen's decision to use illegal software on their diesel vehicles has been costing them dearly. Reuters reports that Volkswagen is setting aside an additional 2.5 billion Euros (about $2.95 billion) due to difficulties with fixing the affected diesel models, particularly with the hardware. "The reason is an increase in provisions relating to the buyback/retrofit program for 2.0l TDI vehicles, which is part of the settlements in North America that is proving to be far more technically complex and time consuming," the company said in a statement. This pushes the total bill to $30 billion. The news comes a day after German prosecutors arrested Wolfgang Hatz, former r&d head of Porsche and head of powertrain development for Audi and Volkswagen. Hatz is being questioned by prosecutors for his involvement in the diesel emission scandal. “Investors will understandably worry what else may be next,” said BNP Paribas analyst Stuart Pearson. This news brought the share price of Volkswagen down three percent. Source: Reuters View full article

Chrysler isn’t the first, let alone the tenth automaker you would think of building a hybrid vehicle. Yet, they stunned the world last year as they introduced a plug-in hybrid version of the new Pacifica minivan. It currently holds the title of being the only full-size hybrid minivan sold in the world. On paper, the Pacifica Hybrid makes a good case for itself. Being able to travel up to 33 miles on electric power alone and returning a combined fuel economy figure of 83 MPGe. But how does it fare in the real world? The Pacifica Hybrid’s powertrain is comprised of a modified version of the 3.6L V6 that runs on the Atkinson cycle for improved efficiency; two electric motors and a 16-kW lithium-ion battery pack. Total output stands at 260 horsepower. Even though the Pacifica Hybrid is about 600 pounds more than the standard model, it doesn’t feel like it. The instant torque from the electric motors moves the van at a very brisk rate when leaving a stop. The gas engine will kick on when the battery is depleted or when more power is needed such as merging onto a highway. The transition between electric and hybrid power is barely noticeable. When the gas engine is on, it has more than enough power to get you moving on your way. An odd omission from the Pacifica Hybrid is being able to switch between electric and hybrid modes like you can do in other PHEVs. The van will automatically do it. This is a bit disappointing as some drivers would like to conserve battery when driving on a highway for example. The key numbers to be aware of are 33 miles and 84 MPGe on electric power, and 32 MPG when running on hybrid power. During my week, I was able to go about 34 miles on electric power alone and saw an average of 32 MPG for the week. Considering how big and heavy this van is, these numbers are quite impressive. Recharging times for the Pacifica Hybrid are 2 hours when plugged into a 240V outlet, or 16 hours for a 120V outlet. FCA is right on the money for the 120V time as it took around 16 hours for the van to be fully recharged. There isn’t any difference between how the Pacifica Hybrid rides and handles to the standard Pacifica. Both exhibit a smooth ride, no matter the road surface. Going around a corner is not a big deal as body roll is kept very much in check. There are only a few things that separate the Pacifica Hybrid from the standard model. Aside from the charging door, the hybrid gets a different grille and wheel design. While the Pacifica Hybrid is designed to carry families, you would think differently after sitting inside. Our Platinum tester was kitted out with leather on the seats, contrasting stitching, and an abundance of soft-touch materials. This interior gives certain luxury cars a run for their money. No matter where you’re sitting in the Pacifica Hybrid, there is plenty of head and legroom on offer. Comfort is also a major plus point as all of the seats provide excellent support for long trips. One downside to the hybrid powertrain is the loss of the Stow n’ Go seats for the second row. That space is taken up by the large battery pack. At least you can remove the second-row seats, but be prepared to have another person help you as they are heavy. At least the third-row seats do fold into the floor. There isn’t anything different with the 8.4-inch UConnect system aside from the usual screens you would expect on hybrid such as a power diagram. This system is very simple to operate, but the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto leaves us slightly disappointed. Thankfully, this will be addressed with the 2018 model year as both become standard across the Pacifica lineup. We also had the chance to try out UConnect Access. This smartphone application allows you to check on how much charge is left on the battery, set up a charging schedule, trip information, remote lock and start, and vehicle location. While it is nice to have a key information within easy reach, it takes a long time for the application to pull it. We found on average that it took a good minute or two before updated information would arrive. For all of this tech, it comes at a price. The base Pacifica Hybrid Premium rings up at $41,995. Our Platinum tester came to $47,885 with an optional panoramic sunroof. That’s a lot of cash for a minivan, even one with a hybrid powertrain. But with the Platinum, you’re getting everything - navigation, rear-seat entertainment system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a ton of safety equipment. There is also the $7,500 federal tax credit and other incentives from various states that might sway some folks. But those only come into play when it comes time to do taxes. Disclaimer: Chrysler Provided the Pacifica Hybrid, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2017 Make: Chrysler Model: Pacifica Hybrid Trim: Platinum Engine: 3.6L V6 eHybrid System Driveline: eFlite EVT, Front-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 260 @ N/A (Combined) Torque @ RPM: N/A Fuel Economy: Gas + Electric Combined, Gas Combined - 84 MPGe, 32 MPG Curb Weight: 4,987 lbs Location of Manufacture: Windsor, Ontario Base Price: $44,995 As Tested Price: $47,885 (Includes $1,095.00 Destination Charge) Options: Tri-Pane Panaromic Sunroof - $1,795 View full article