Drew Dowdell

The Tiguan starts at $24,295, and a Golf (which this is closely related to) is $21,845, so maybe they can't price the T-Roc low enough to fit under Tiguan and still make a profit on it.

It depends on how they went about it. If they just used Prius as a name for their Hybrids, that probably would have been fine. "Toyota Highlander Prius" rolls off the tongue easier than Toyota Highlander with Hybrid Synergy Drive. If they created a whole separate model lineup for Prius like they did for Scion, then no, I don't think that would have worked out, especially now with everyone introducing hybrid versions of everything.

And the lease rates on it aren't pretty either... I can't get into the build and price site at the moment, but last I looked it was something like 6.5% when the XT5 is like 0.75%

What's wrong with them? Do they suit the purpose of the truck? Not everything needs to go to a 2.0T thanks.

Type-R is usually delayed by a year after the new model comes out, so there may be a gap.

Yeah. Civic sales were down 13.9% last year. I'm surprised though that 1/3 of them were hatchbacks.

A Golf R starts at $40,395 here in the US. The T-Roc would likely be at least that.

What do you mean... quality issues?

Very... this is a sharp lil crossover... and with that powertrain it might even coax me into a VW showroom.

There was talk about turning Prius into its own sub-brand under Toyota (Toyota Highlander Prius anyone?)... but now with the Prius C and Prius V going away/gone, that doesn't seem to be panning out.

I like the removable roof. The smaller engine might be slow, but it's surprisingly smooth and has a good manual transmission. Where they fall down for me is on the interior. I want something more luxury oriented even if it is small. I'll stick with my slow but more luxury Encore for that.

Good old Olds! Ford had an Ad spot addressing this for the Ford Escape Hybrid years ago. The problem is the Pruis C is small. Even with the seats down you don't get a lot of cargo room.

Audi is showing its expanded range of plug-in hybrids at the Geneva Auto Show next month in Switzerland. The models gaining the new plug-in variant are the A6, A7, A8, and Q5. The heart of the new Plug-In hybrids is a new 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery that offers up to 40 KM (25 miles) of electric only range. When battery power is exhausted, the turbo direct-injected gasoline engine kicks on. Energy recuperation is split into 3 modes. Light deceleration is managed by the electric motor, medium deceleration is a combination of electric motor and the hydraulic brake system, heavy deceleration over 0.4 g is handled entirely by the brakes. The hybrid side of the braking system can recover up to 80 kw of electricity. Charging one of these new Audi Plug-Ins is done via a compact charging system. At a 7.2 kW charger, a full battery charge happens in about 2 hours. Audi's e-tron charging service grants drivers access to charging stations in 16 European countries, and Audi will support customers in getting an electrician to install a power station in their garage. The myAudi app will allow owners to manage their car charging from their phone. The app will show charge status, range status, program a charging timer, and view consumption statistics. A further convenience function is being able to remotely control the heating and air conditioning system to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin before departure while the vehicle is being charged. The vehicle's HVAC system runs off the high voltage battery pack. The A6, A7, and Q5 will be available in two power output levels depending on trim line. No specs have been released yet. The Audi A6, A7, A8, and Q5 Plug-In hybrids will be available for ordering in Europe later in 2019. No word yet if they will be released in the U.S. Audi Press Release on Page 2 Related: Audi Unveils SQ5 TDI for Europe Efficient and Powerful: The New Plug-In Hybrid Models Audi Q5, A6, A7 and A8 Audi A8, A7 Sportback, A6 and Q5 as plug-in hybrids with a strong electric motor, high battery capacity and a new drive strategy An electric range of more than 40 km according to WLTP Convenient and networked charging with myAudi app In electric-only mode not just free of local emissions but also efficient and sporty – Audi is consistently pursuing its electrification strategy with its comprehensive plug-in hybrid offensive. Audi is presenting the hybrid variants of the models A8, A7 Sportback, A6 and Q5 with an electric range of more than 40 kilometers in the WLTP cycle at the Geneva Motor Show. Thanks to different output levels, the customer has the choice between a comfort variant and a performance variant with a sporty design, depending on the model series. The new plug-in hybrid models will be available for order during the course of the year 2019. Wide selection of models: The plug-in hybrid strategy of Audi Plug-in hybrids from medium-size SUV to luxury sedan – with Q5, A6, A7 and A8 TFSI e, Audi is expanding its range of plug-in-hybrids for sustainable mobility. Depending on the model series, there is a choice of two variants with different performance and equipment: A comfort model and a variant with a sporty configuration with S line scopes, a more tightly tuned suspension and drive setup with higher boost performance of the electric motor for more dynamic handling. From now on, the new plug-in hybrid models carry the “TFSI e” signet. In the future, the “e-tron” label will remain reserved exclusively for electrically driven cars. Power from two hearts: the versatile drive concept The plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) create enthusiasm thanks to their versatile character. In electric-only mode, for example, free of local emissions in the city, no range anxiety when driving long distances, sporty and dynamic with the with the power of two hearts from the combustion engine and electric motor: The drive concept offers a wide range. The electric-only range of the PHEVs will account for more than 40 kilometers in the WLTP cycle for every model. The hybrid drive concept is designed so that customers can travel on around a third of their usual routes in electric-only mode during day-to-day driving. All new plug-in-hybrids by Audi use a turbo-charged gasoline engine with direct injection that works together with an electric motor that is integrated in the transmission. A lithium-ion battery beneath the luggage compartment floor supplies the electrical energy. As a result, the electric motor can support the combustion engine during acceleration. The result: high start-off performance and powerful acceleration. At the same time, with regard to recuperation, the drive system resembles that of the new purely electrically driven Audi e-tron*. It is designed for high efficiency and maximum recuperation performance. When breaking, the new Audi PHEV models recover up to 80 kW of energy. The electric motor handles slight decelerations, i.e. the majority in everyday traffic. For medium brake applications, the task is divided between the hydraulic wheel brakes, which perform this task alone only with a deceleration of more than 0.4 g. The lithium-ion battery for the A6, A7 and A8 is made up of 104 pouch cells, which are combined in eight modules. It stores 14.1 kWh of energy at a voltage of 385 V. The lithium-ion battery in the Q5 comprises prismatic cells and has the same capacity. In each case, the cooling circuit of the battery is integrated in the low-temperature circuit, which supplies the electric motor and the power electronics. The power electronics transform the direct current of the high voltage-battery into a three-phase current for the electric motor; when recuperating, it does the opposite. The standard heat pump ensures efficient vehicle climate control and can generate up to 3 kW of heat energy from 1 kW of electrical energy with the waste heat occurring in the vehicle. The powertrain: efficient combustion engine, high-performance electric motor and large lithium-ion battery capacity The A8 with plug-in hybrid drive has a combustion engine and a permanently excited synchronous motor as an electric motor. It is integrated together with the clutch in the eight-gear tiptronic, which passes the torques to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The luxury liner drives as a 5.3-meter long A8 L variant with an extended wheelbase. The Audi A7 and A6 models with plug-in hybrid drive use the same powertrain. The battery capacity is identical to that of the Audi A8 PHEV. Together with the electric motor that is integrated in the dual clutch transmission, a gasoline engine ensures that there is ample output and torque. Both models are available in two output levels with different boost performance. The powertrain in the Audi Q5 PHEV follows the same concept as the Audi A6 and A7. Drive modes and drive control: Maximum comfort and high electric range The hybrid management of the plug-in-models is designed for maximum efficiency and customer comfort and automatically selects the optimum operation strategy. Start takes place electrically in “EV” mode as standard; the combustion engine is switched on depending on the situation. The plug-in hybrid models have the following drive modes: “EV,” “Auto,” and “Hold.” With the operating mode button, the driver can select from these three basic settings: Priority for the electric drive, fully automatic hybrid mode or save power for a later phase of the journey. In “Auto” mode, the PHEVs use the intelligent interaction of the electric motor and the combustion engine for maximum efficiency. In “Hold” mode, the drive management controls the powertrain so that the current charge status of the battery is maintained, e.g. for driving later in electric-only mode in urban areas. The predictive efficiency assist makes an essential contribution to increasing the electric range and ensuring maximum customer comfort. For this purpose, the intelligent drive management integrates the route profile into the control of the powertrain. The predictive operation strategy assesses both the navigation data during active route guidance and the information of the predictive efficiency assist as well as of the vehicle sensor system. Using this information, it creates rough planning for the entire route and fine planning for the upcoming kilometers. As a result, situations are recognized in which the driver should take their foot off the right pedal. The driver receives a corresponding visual indication on the display and haptic feedback via the active accelerator pedal. At the same time, anticipatory recuperation is initiated. Moreover, the driver can select between the “comfort,” “efficiency,” “auto” and “dynamic” drive modes via the familiar switches in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system and thus influence the setup of the drive, suspension and steering. Depending on the setting, the thresholds from which both drives work together or the electric motor supplies the boost and thus the maximum torque change when accelerating. In “dynamic” mode, the electric motor supports the combustion engine more intensively with its electric boost performance for maximum dynamic handling. The active accelerator pedal with variable pressure point for driving in electric-only mode supports the drive with haptic feedback for operation that is as efficient as possible. When the driver removes their foot from the accelerator, the vehicle glides freely in the automatic gear D and in the Audi drive select profiles “auto” and “efficiency” (under 160 km/h), where both the combustion engine and the electric motor are decoupled and switched off. On the other hand, in the S gear and in the “dynamic” profile, the electric motor remains active in deceleration mode and recuperates, i.e. it converts the kinetic energy into electrical energy. The optional Audi virtual cockpit and the MMI display present all important notifications concerning electric driving: a power meter, the range and all energy flows. Versatile – not only with regard to the drive: Model strategy and equipment lines Audi offers the A6, A7, and Q5 each as comfort models and sporty and dynamic variants. The latter are being launched with particularly sporty equipment: Apart from the increased boost of the electric motor, they have an S line exterior package as standard. In addition, the A6 and A7 have a black styling package with darkened trims, brake calipers painted in red, and privacy window glazing in the rear compartment. The performance hybrids also place sporty touches in the interior. The A6 and A7 have a sport suspension as standard. Convenient: Charging with the e-tron Charging Service The compact charging system is also part of the standard equipment of the new Audi plug-in hybrids. It comprises cables for the domestic and industrial sockets and a control panel. As an option, Audi supplies the wall-holder clip and a mode 3 cable for public charging stations. At a charge connector with an output of 7.2 kW, a full charge of the battery takes a good two hours. While on the go, customers can charge the new plug-in hybrid models conveniently. A charging service owned by Audi, the e-tron Charging Service, grants access to a large number of public charging stations in 16 European countries on request. Preparations are being made to introduce this in other countries. Just one card is sufficient to begin charging with numerous providers. Customers have to register one time on the myAudi portal and conclude a charging contract that is subject to a fee. Invoicing always takes place at the end of the month using the stored method of payment. At the market launch of the Audi e-tron*, Audi customers can supply their house and their garage with eco-electricity, generated free of CO2 emissions, from the “Volkswagen Naturstrom” brand. It is generated 100% from renewable sources, such as hydroelectric power plants, and its origin is certified by TÜV every year. In addition, if necessary, Audi supports customers in getting them in contact with an electrician for implementing a suitable charging solution in their own garage. Charge Management from the Couch: The myAudi app The myAudi app is also a practical tool for dealing with the vehicle. The app brings services from the Audi connect portfolio to the customer’s smartphone. Using the app, the customer can remotely check the battery and range status, start the charging process, program the charge timer and view the charge and consumption statistics. Another function of the myAudi app is the pre-entry climate control even before setting off. It is made possible because the compressor of the air conditioning and the auxiliary heater in the vehicle work on a high-voltage basis. The customer can determine exactly how the interior should be heated or cooled while the vehicle is parked or the battery is being charged. Depending on the respective vehicle equipment, heating of the steering wheel, seats, mirror, windshield and rear window as well as the seat ventilation can be activated via the pre-entry climate control. Rapid start of the climate components is also possible when unlocking the vehicle with the key. View full article

I've never had one for any distance. In fact, I've mostly had them off-road rather than on-road. The Colorado and Canyon ride and drive nice, I just can't seem to get comfortable in the seats.

Last week we reported that Honda would be closing their UK manufacturing plant in Swindon. That plant produces Honda Civics and CR-Vs mostly for the European market. However, in addition to European production, the Swindon plant also produces the Civic Hatchback and Civic Type-R for North America. Production in Swindon is to finish out the model run into 2021. Automotive News reports that Honda CEO Takahir Hachigo said "Given out efforts to optimize production allocation and production capacity on a global scale, we have concluded that we will produce the Civic for North America in North America." The North American sourced Honda Civic is built in Alliston, Ontario and Greensburgh Indiana. The Honda Civic hatchback makes up about one third of Civic's 325,760 US sales for 2018. View full article

Ahead of the Geneva Auto Show, Volkswagen has unveiled the R version of their T-Roc crossover. The T-Roc is a small crossover not (yet?) sold in the U.S. that slots below the Tiguan and most directly related to the Volkswagen Golf. Standard models went into production for the European market in 2017. That brings us to 2019 and the unveiling of the 2020 Volkswagen T-Roc R. The T-Roc R is the new top of the line for the T-Roc range. Shown above as a nearly production ready concept, the T-Roc R gets many of the upgrades the Golf R gets. That includes a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed to the standard 4Motion Haldex all-wheel drive via a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. That will hustle the T-Roc from 0-62 mph in 4.9 second with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Keeping all that power on the ground is a Golf R sports suspension that is lower to the ground and a standard progressive steering system. Drive modes help keep control and include a race mode and launch control that manages and maximized torque. The electronic stability control can be switched off for driving at the limit and 17-inch brakes help to bring it all to a stop. For now, the entire T-Roc line remains Forbidden Fruit in the U.S., but with crossover sales increasing rapidly, perhaps Volkswagen can be persuaded to send it over. Volkswagen Press Release on Page 2 New T-Roc R combines performance and lifestyle Volkswagen is set to present the T-Roc R, new top model for the successfully launched crossover product line, at the Geneva International Motor Show (7– 17 March 2019). Developed by Volkswagen R, this powerful vehicle boasts some impressive performance data: its four-cylinder TSI engine with 2.0 litre capacity and an output of 221 kW/300 PS as well as torque of 400 Nm. The standard combination with 7-gear DSG and 4Motion all-wheel drive ensures excellent acceleration without any loss of traction. The Volkswagen T-Roc R can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h. The sports running gear (with lowered suspension) ensures ideal road holding. Progressive steering comes as standard and plays a part in ensuring agile driving behaviour; the 17-inch brake system provides effective braking. The driving modes include a special race mode, which guarantees an especially sporty driving experience. These measures are supplemented by the launch control feature, which provides optimal traction during acceleration while offering maximum drive torque and a corresponding stability management program. The ESC Electronic Stability Control feature can be manually switched off to ensure particularly dynamic driving at the limit. The sporty characteristics of the T-Roc R are underscored by the unmistakable design on the exterior and in the interior. The redesigned radiator grille has a polished silver band of anodised aluminium on the underside that runs the entire width of the vehicle. The bumper’s model-specific design is painted the same colour as the car. The light units in the vertically arranged daytime running lights are integrated into the front. The rear bumpers include visual air outlets in the upper part and an “R” diffuser in a contrasting colour. The double-ended exhaust system on both the left and right are specific to the “R” model. The T-Roc R is equipped with 18-inch Spielberg alloy wheels as standard. The 19-inch Pretoria Dark Graphite matte alloy wheels and 235/40 R19 tyres are available as an optional extra. The sill panel trims sport a stainless steel design and have the “R” logo, which can also be seen on the radiator grille and on the sides of the vehicle. The “R” logo is also displayed on the backs of the seats. The leather multifunction sports steering wheel with paddle levers and decorative stitching in Crystal Grey also shows its sporty side with the “R” logo, as does the black headliner and the greeting on the start screen. The pedals shimmer in stainless steel. The new crossover model for performance and lifestyle is based on the harmonious concept of the T-Roc, 200,000 units of which have already been sold. The new T-Roc R expands the broad range of the compact crossover with an emphatically sporty model for individualists who attach as much importance to a stylish appearance as to outstanding driving performance. View full article