The 2009 Nissan Murano made its public debut at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show in November and sales began in early January 2008.

The revised exterior styling bears an increased family resemblance to the Nissan Rogue, while still maintaining distinctly Murano cues with its aggressive front fascia and rear quarter windows. The interior has also been completely redesigned, with the use of a more traditional instrument cluster and notably higher-quality materials.

The 2009 Murano is offered in three trim levels: the base S, the mid-grade SL, and the top of the line LE. The performance-oriented SE model is no longer available. The S and SL are offered with standard i-AWD (Intuitive All-Wheel Drive), with optional FWD available. The LE trim is AWD only.

New features, some of them optional or available only on the LE grade, include rain-sensing wipers, double-stitched leather seats, power rear lift gate, power fold-up rear seats, iPod integration, and a hard-drive based, touchscreen navigation system. The S and SL feature aluminum interior accents, while the LE sports wood-tone trim. Like the first-generation model, there is no third-row seat.

The Murano is now based on the Nissan D platform shared with the fourth generation Nissan Altima and the new 2009 Nissan Maxima. Nissan has given the 2009 Murano a revised version of the award-winning 3.5L VQ engine rated at 265 horsepower (198 kW), an increase of 20 over the previous model. Torque is rated at 248 ft·lbf (336 N·m). The engine is mated to a revised Continuously Variable Transmission with Adaptive Shift Control. EPA fuel economy is rated at 18 city / 23 highway.

Nissan Murano standard safety features on all trims include 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake-assist, and EBD; electronic stability control; and front, side-, and side-curtain airbags. The NHTSA awarded the second generation Murano 4 stars on the frontal crash test and 5 stars for side impacts, worse than the first generation.

On September 29, 2008, Nissan released the next generation Murano in Japan. It is targeted mainly at men in their 30s, 40s and 50s, and is priced between 3,150,000 yen and 4,042,500 yen, about 200,000 to 300,000 yen more expensive than the first generation model. Nissan plans to sell the vehicle in 170 countries.

Article source: Wikipedia

Extensively tested in Australia, Captiva is powered by a locally-made 3.2 litre Alloytec high performance V6 engine. The new Captiva, Holden’s first modern SUV-style offering in Australia, is closest in exterior dimensions to the BMW X5 and offers five or seven-seat capacity depending on model. Holden launched its all new Captiva sports utility vehicle range, priced from $35,990 to achieve maximum impact in the local SUV market.

What changes on new Captiva SX are the addition of third row seats and Automatic headlamp mode which switches on automatically at twilight or low light. Holden Captiva SX will be offered as a true 7-seater, combining interior space with a high level of standard safety features and class leading fuel economy on the 2WD manual variant.

Captiva gives SUV buyers a choice of highly specified SX, CX and LX models and is topped by the Euro-styled Captiva MaXX at $42,990. The acclaimed crash avoidance system Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is also standard across the range, while curtain airbags are available across the range and standard on three of the four models. All models feature an active all-wheel-drive system, a five-speed automatic transmission with Active Select, Descent Control System and Active Rollover Protection as standard.

With Holden-tuned chassis dynamics for on and off-road driving, Captiva will appeal to buyers in the medium and compact-sized SUV market segments. Captiva SX is priced from $35,990, Captiva CX from $38,990, Captiva LX from $41,990 and the sporty Captiva MaXX from $42,990.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, today said he was delighted to have Captiva join the Holden range. Captiva SX, CX and LX models return a competitive 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres and Captiva MaXX returns 11.6 litres/100kms per the ADR 81/01 standard.

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The new Dodge Caliber debuts at the 2009 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, featuring an all-new refined interior with a more harmonious design aesthetic executed with premium materials and craftsmanship. For even greater performance, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 125 kW (170 hp DIN) and 220 Nm (162 lb.-ft.) of torque. The 2.0-liter World Engine replaces the 1.8-liter engine, delivering 4 percent more power (115 kW /156 hp DIN) and 13 percent more torque (190 Nm / 140 lb.-ft.). Combined, these features produce more power, better fuel economy and a smoother, quieter operation than engines without them.

It features an all-new refined interior and Common-rail Diesel (CRD) engine to satisfy the needs of discerning international customers. Dodge Caliber is a five-door C-segment hatchback that combines a sporty coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SUV.

New door-trim panels and center console with armrest split-lid feature padded soft-touch materials for improved passenger comfort. Bright satin silver accents add contrast to Dodge Caliber’s interior design, while chromed accents brighten heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) vents, shift bezel, door handles and cluster rings. An all-new designed instrument panel features a more integrated look and includes additional cubby space, center storage bin and larger climate controls.

Passenger refinement also improves as dual balance shafts and sound-deadening materials reduce the diesel engine’s vibration and harshness by 25 percent compared with the previous Dodge Caliber CRD. Forged steel connecting rods, aluminum head and pistons, and fourth-generation direct-injection system provide durability, weight reduction and performance. This all-new Euro V capable engine is paired to a six-speed manual transmission and produces 120 kW (163 hp DIN) and 320 Nm (236 lb.-ft.), delivering 16 percent more power, 3 percent more torque and 25 percent more towing capability (1500 kg) compared with the previous diesel engine.

Two World Engine offerings (2.0- and 2.4-liter) deliver power and refinement thanks to dual Variable-valve Timing (VVT) and an intake manifold design with flow control valves.

“Now paired with an all-new turbo-diesel engine that offers better fuel consumption and performance and an improved interior full of value and customer-friendly features, the Dodge Caliber continues to offer our European clients unique Dodge attitude combined with one of the best value proposition in the segment.” When we launched the Dodge Caliber only a few years ago, its bold style made a clear statement on the European roads, allowing owners to be active, stand out and do more,” said Mike Accavitti, President and Chief Executive Officer – Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Dodge Caliber is not your typical C-segment car. In addition, the Dodge Caliber offers an array of unique interior features in its segment, including Chill Zone™ cooled-beverage storage bin, Uconnect™ Navigation with voice commands, iPod® Control, rechargeable LED flashlight and an available MusicGate Power™ Sound Group, which includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate that swing down for tailgating and other activities.

Article source: Netcarshow

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The 2011 Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV built by the Korean automaker Kia Motors at 2010.

A replacement Sportage third generation is due in early 2010 in European markets. It will use a Hyundai R engine. In China, it will be released by Dongfeng-Yueda-Kia in October 2010, and be built and marketed alongside—rather than as replacement of—the existing model.

KiA Sportage Safety

The 3rd generation Kia sportage awarded ‘Top Safety Pick’ from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the US. Earning the award became tougher in 2010 when IIHS added the rollover crash test, which measures roof strength and is twice as stringent as the federal requirement. To pass this test, a vehicle’s roof must be able to withstand the force of four times the vehicle’s weight. The federal standard requires a roof to hold 1.5 times the vehicle’s weight.

Read More at: Wikipedia

The 2007 Mazda Tribute Hybrid SUV has been estimated by the EPA to return 34 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway in front-wheel-drive, and 29/27 miles per gallon in the four-wheel-drive variant. Fuel economy numbers for the Mazda Tribute Hybrid match numbers from the Ford Escape Hybrid. 2007 Hybrid SUVs enjoy similar gas mileage to regular cars but with the added cargo space found in SUVs. However, this is not the case with a 2007 hybrid SUV. This is because SUVs typically get much lower MPG ratings than a standard car.

For car users coming to the SUV market, fuel economy ratings often scare potential users away. When in the market for an SUV, a hybrid is sometimes the best option. Hybrid vehicles are a fairly new technology and not all automakers have adopted hybrid options into all of the makes of their vehicles. In 2007 only a handful of hybrid SUVs were produced.

With acceleration comparable to a 200-horsepower V-6, the Tribute will fare well in higher speed traffic and interstate on-ramps. The Tribute is both a practical and capable utility, using the same continuously variable transmission and 2.3-liter engine/electric motor combination as the Escape, which is good for a combined 155 horsepower. This is Mazda’s first hybrid SUV so it hasn’t come back as being the best quality or most reliable vehicle. The tribute looks very similar to the escape hybrid with a little bit of Mazda styling to set it off. Also on the lower cost end of hybrid SUVs is Mazda’s tribute hybrid.

That’s what we’re betting. With the stylish and turbocharged CX-7 and seven-passenger CX-9 gracing the Mazda stables, one can see little reason to carry on with the Tribute, unless it’s just cheap and easy to rebadge a Ford and, of course, if it lets you tap into the hybrid market. Talk about taking the easy way out. Mazda Tribute Hybrid start with one of your partner’s vehicles, in this case the Ford Escape Hybrid, rework the styling a bit, add your own badges, and introduce yourself to shoppers everywhere as a brand invested in gas/electric technology.

The Mercury Mariner also borrows from the Escape Hybrid, so hybrid shoppers can choose from three flavors of the same vehicle. It is basically a re-skinned Ford Escape Hybrid, using the same powertrain and many of the same interior bits. Mazda finally entered the hybrid scene, providing the same size and convenience as the regular Tribute—but with the added environmental benefits of a hybrid powertrain.

The choice of the Tribute, a decidedly low-key model, as Mazda’s first hybrid vehicle was apparently based on the ease of adapting the Escape’s drivetrain, rather than an effort to create some buzz and excitement for the Mazda brand. It’s boxier and more traditional—standing apart from the sleek and sporty look of the other Mazda cars and crossovers. In terms of style, the Mazda Tribute goes against the grain of the rest of the brand’s model line. Like the Escape, the Tribute Hybrid can be driven at speeds up to 25 mph on electric power alone.

Honda produces the CR-V in Japan and the United Kingdom for worldwide markets, and as of 2007, North American CR-Vs are produced in East Liberty, Ohio. It is produced in both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive, although in many markets such as Australia and the United Kingdom, only all-wheel drive is offered. Though Honda sales literature in UK reportedly makes references to “Compact Recreational Vehicle”, other Honda references (including the official Honda Japan CR-V Fact Book and Honda Worldwide) cite “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle”. There are discrepancies as to what “CR-V” stands for, with Honda sources in different markets citing different meanings.

Elsewhere, the CR-V is Honda’s smallest SUV other than the related Element sold in Canada and the United States, Honda executives considered making the CR-V as one of the first vehicles to be produced at Honda’s new facility currently finishing construction in Greensburg, Indiana that opened in fall 2008; however, the facility will initially exclusively produce the Civic, which may free up space in East Liberty for CR-V production from the 2009 model year onward. Starting in fall 2007, North American CR-Vs will also be produced in Jalisco, Mexico in addition to Britain, Japan and the US due to high demand. The CR-V is produced in Wuhan for the Chinese market by the Dongfeng Honda Automobile Company, a joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Corporation.

It was loosely derived from the Honda Civic to satisfy a public demand for a sport-utility vehicle from Honda. The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by the Japanese company Honda since 1996.

For the 2010 model year, the Honda CR-V receives modest style, powertrain, and equipment changes. The exterior changes include a redesigned front fascia with a new horizontal-slat chrome grille and honeycomb-designed lower front grille, new front bumper, and revised taillights. The rear bumper is also redesigned, as well as new five split-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels for EX and EX-L models. The interior gains minor changes, such as improved seat fabrics, and wider driver & front-passenger armrests. The audio head unit controls are altered and the information display backlighting in the gauges is blue instead of the previous black. USB audio input is standard in the EX-L trim while hands-free Bluetooth connectivity is exclusive to the EX-L trim equipped with navigation system.

Horsepower is increased from 166 to 180 for 2010 and mileage is improved by 1 MPG for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive models. EPA ratings are now 21/28 MPG city/highway and 21/27 MPG city/highway respectively. Prices are increased between $300 and $900 depending on trim level. The 2010 model has gone on sale in the United States on September 10, 2009.

In the Philippines the 2010 Honda CR-V is nearly the same as the USA model, but is provided with side-mirror turning signals. It is available in 4×4 (2.4L) and 4×2 (2.0L), the former having a 5-speed automatic gearbox as standard. The top of the range 2.4L 4×4 comes with leather upholstery and HID headlamps. All models have rear parking sensors as standard, but no sunroof or GPS. As of June 2010, Honda have still not introduced a diesel version of the CRV to The Philippines.

In Brazil the Honda CR-V is sold (imported from Mexico) with a 2.0-liter, 150-hp i-VTEC engine instead of the 2.4 used in other countries. The reason is that in Brazil the tax is higher for engines above 2.0 liters. The Honda Accord sold in Brazil has the same 2.0-liter engine.

The New BMW X6 is a “sports activity coupe.” The overall design is definitely a four-door, but probably one of the better looking four-doors we’ve seen. BMW has pioneered the new niche of Sport Activity Vehicle, which apparently implies an active lifestyle and the vehicle to carry all your “activities” in it. On the Michelin Laurens Proving Grounds wet pad, lane changes were surprisingly quick and uneventful, regardless of how much water was being tossed our way.

Engine response is immediate, with expected, but minimal turbo-lag. The result is an engine that can be installed in relatively compact surroundings. They are able to do this through the use of direct injection, which frees up all the space where, on a traditional V8 engine design, the fuel injectors and before that, carburetors used to reside. BMW touts the X6’s new 4.4-liter V8 as the “world’s first” V8 engine where the twin turbochargers and catalytic converters are housed in the valley between the two rows of cylinders.

The X6 shows it can deliver, whether on a closed course, highway driving, or cruising down the streets in your neighborhood. Even with the engine electronically limited to 155 mph, (isn’t it time to move past these limits? With the 4.4-liter cranking out 442 lb-ft of torque, and the twin turbos supplying added boost, and considering the X6 is no lightweight when tipping the scales at nearly two and a half tons, the fact it’s as agile as tested is impressive. Yes it does.

The result is improved steering, and traction, especially under unexpected or evasive maneuvers such as quick lane changes or situations where under or oversteer would be a problem. Although the X6 is all-wheel-drive (xDrive) with variable distribution of power from front to rear, the new DPC enables more precise control between the two rear wheels-left to right. It offers various means of taming a nearly 5,000-lb (4,993-lb) vehicle, and is amazing in its execution. Dynamic Performance Control is another breakthrough, making its world debut in any BMW. Expect times of 0-100 km/h in 5.4-seconds.

But checking in at 6.7 seconds for 0-62 mph, it is still about as much fun as you will ever see in any sort of SUV. Yes, it’s true–the X6 is not as svelte a package as a 3-series with a similar engine. In fact, the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged stablemate proved it’s no slouch in the acceleration department either, again taking weight and purpose into account. Mileage, as expected with a high-performance V8, checks in at 13.4 city, and 24.75 hwy for a combined 19 mpg average.

This particular recipe yields 555 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque rolling out as early as 1500 rpm. And there are even larger intercoolers in the grille, which look like the air inlets for the Pentagon’s backup generator. To the 4.4-liter V-8, the ever-tinkering Bavarians have added new pistons, cylinder heads formed of the same material used in their diesel engine, a new intake manifold, a crossover exhaust manifold that connects both cylinder banks, a finned aluminum oil pan, altered cam timing, and two new twin-scroll turbos that provide max boost of 17.4 psi, which ought to Chernobyl just about anything made of aluminum. And thus we have the X6 M depicted here, which is to the evolution of SUVs sort of what the appendix is to the evolution of Homo sapiens. BMW’s M division didn’t think so.

One would have thought that the 400 horses under the hood of the X6 xDrive50i might have been sufficient. The proposition before us is power. But we’re not here to dissect styling. Were you to walk into the X6’s liftgate at midnight outside the Sidetrack Tap, the thing would nail you not in the gut but in the Adam’s apple.

A word of caution: certain types of Polarized sunglass lenses render the display invisible in the windshield. An available heads up display allows the driver to keep looking ahead. A nice accent is the use of bamboo veneers as part of the wood trim offerings along the dashboard.

We still admire the design of the shift controller of the Steptronic 6-speed automatic transmission. From the center binnacle which houses the iDrive screen, to the chrome surrounds of the speedo and tachometer, to the paddleshifters on the steering wheel, things are as we have grown accustomed to seeing in a BMW interior. All the other interior accoutrements are pieces we’ve seen in other members of the BMW lineup. While others voiced concerns, we had no problem with rear-seat comfort as well.

Tnee pads on the center console protect driver and front passengers from bruising while cruising at breakneck speed through the local Macy’s parking lot. A glaring omission, though: Where are the grab handles above the doors? The bolstered front seats hold driver and passenger alike firmly in place during rapid lane changes and spirited driving situations. Front seat accommodations are typically all business, as expected, offering miles and hours of non-fatigued driving. It is a four-seater that coddles its occupants in a sporty, secure way that holds them and their things in place.

And then again, not, choosing to let the gearbox take care of the progressions on its own. In either case, we found ourselves shifting through the gears of the Steptronic 6-speed automatic with the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Expect mileage in the range of 15.8 city, and 27.3 hwy for a combined average of 21.5 miles per gallon.

Many can’t get around it, either. When folks first happen upon BMW’s peculiarly proportioned X6, they can’t get over its skyscraper butt.

Ford is making the next Explorer a car-based crossover SUV. It will share its engineering with the Ford Taurus sedan.

The Taurus’s engineering seems to be quite versatile. It also underpins the Lincoln MkS sedan and the Ford Flex and Lincoln MkT crossovers. That’s part of the attraction of the car-based design, Pipas said. Ford can spread its engineering investment out over more different vehicles.

Part of the challenge in designing the new Explorer was meeting owners genuine needs while still enabling the fantasies that make them want an Explorer in the first place.

Ford Explorer Engine

The new Explorer will be offered with at least two engines, a turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine and a non-turbocharged V6. It’s not clear, yet, if the more powerful EcoBoost V6 ending will be offered. All versions of the Explorer will have a six-speed automatic transmissions.

The two powertrains we have confirmed for the Explorer are the 2.0-liter four-cylinder Ecoboost and the regular, non-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. While the twin-turbo, direct-injected Ecoboost V6 could still find its way into the Explorer sometime after launch, it may only be part of police of package or future performance model, should Ford decide to produce such a model.

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder offering will offer around 230 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, while maintaining excellent fuel economy compared to the outgoing model’s slightly less powerful 4.0-liter V6. The premium engine, the 3.5-liter V6, will share new Ti-VCT technology for increased output and efficiency, with horsepower rated at 285.

The new Explorer will ride higher off the ground than the Flex and it will have a dial that can call up various suspension and all-wheel-drive settings for snow, sand and mud. It’s similar to a system used on vehicles sold by Land Rover, the British SUV maker that was owned, until recently, by Ford.

The lead engineer on the new Explorer, Jim Holland, was also a chief engineer at Land Rover where he helped develop the Terrain Response system, as it’s called.

The new Explorer is expected to hit the market this summer as a 2011 model, Ward said.

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by: Tom McKnight

Has your pedigree started to study into the old litter suchlike a take of sardines? Love members of the neighbourhood car water begun to lie suspiciously at your maltreated position automobile? Perhaps it’s example to weary the old unit car and act up to a bigger vehicle. Oft, the prize for a many convenient house vehicle is a toss-up between a sport usefulness container (SUV) and a minivan. Both engage adaptable traveler and consignment areas, homelike way for fivesome to cardinal persons, and rear-seat amusement systems. Though the SUV has a slightly higher try for rollovers than minivans do, both are equipt with corresponding safety features, such as air bags and anti-lock brushwood systems. So, which one deserves to parkland in your prime, you beggary to sensing at how the vehicle’s styling, carbon economy, traveller and loading location, towing volume, and hit testament case your family’s needs and manner.

Car Styling

Statesman than a affair of poorness, a vehicle’s styling is a concern of personalized choice. The SUV commonly wins out over the minivan when it comes to pretence. With its toughened, sporty styling, an SUV oozes urbanised turn, dissimilar the minivan, which is perpetually associated with soccer moms and suburban neighborhood carpools. Most men would motion at the intellection of dynamical a minivan, so if your economise would be sharing dynamic duties, you power score to lecturing it out with him. Likewise, numerous teenagers wouldn’t be caught murdered stepping out of a minivan, so if you’d be using the vehicle mainly to fall off and pick up your teenager children from cultivate, you’d person to canvas their preferences, too.

Car Furnish economy

Minivans resign meliorate mileage than SUVs, which somebody a honor for being gas guzzlers. If you necessary to plume much miles out of the gasoline cell, then a minivan would achieve a statesman efficient action than an SUV. New control costs, much as fixture and insurance, also run to be higher for SUVs than minivans. Unless you’re voluntary to pay the value for existence alter and smart, the applicable minivan is the way to go.

Car Riding and cargo expanse

Athletics secondary vehicles and minivans score parallel rider and load character, but the convenient interiors of a minivan can be a satisfy to egyptologist kids. Unequal SUVs, minivans also score a low step-in height, so they’re easier for kids to ascension into. Minivans’ enormous depict windows open teenaged passengers a fitter perspective of the reordering set, thence holding your impatient healthy location of the copulate.

Car Towing susceptibility

If you own a dish and equivalent to suffer the whole worry for weekend sailing retreats, then an SUV would hit an assume superior. SUVs mortal patronizing towing capacities, sanctioning them to remove practically anything between a lodging and a bittie dish. Otherwise, if you’re only schlepping groceries and your kid’s football group, then there’s no present to lie the minivan.

Car Safety

Although both screw same area features, SUVs hit a higher rollover assay than minivans. SUV devotees tabulator this by pointing out that rollovers declare for only figure proportionality of all traffic accidents and claiming that SUVs pay fantabulous traveler imposition in two-car collisions. It relic to be seen whether this questionable striking hit cypher outweighs the danger of rollovers. If the threat of rollover accidents keeps you waken at nighttime, then a minivan could move you a less pact of deal.

About The Author:
Tom McKnight is a independent communicator and Writer Mustang adorer who writes articles for http://www.Mustang-Shopper.com