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Infiniti could arguably be credited with creating the sporty crossover coupe sector way back in 2002 with the introduction of its mid-size FX35 and FX45. The performance-oriented V6- and V8-powered SUV,…

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Sporty QX55 brings crossover coupe mix to Infiniti’s compact SUV lineup

2022 Infiniti QX55 — Infiniti will soon enter the 2022 model year with a brand new compact crossover coupe dubbed QX55.

Infiniti could arguably be credited with creating the sporty crossover coupe sector way back in 2002 with the introduction of its mid-size FX35 and FX45. The performance-oriented V6- and V8-powered SUV, which would eventually receive the QX70 nameplate two years after the redesigned second-generation FX appeared in 2011, paved the way for a follow-up, so therefore the Japanese luxury brand will re-enter this surprisingly popular niche market segment with something altogether new based on its bestselling QX50 compact luxury SUV.

The appropriately named QX55 makes perfect sense for those who want something sportier than the more upright, family-oriented Q50, or for that matter one of the brand’s even more utilitarian mid-size or full-size SUVs, yet still need greater functionality than a Q50 sedan or Q60 sports coupe can provide. The idea is to combine coupe-like styling and SUV practicality into one, with the compromise being a bit less rear seat headroom and reduced cargo volume for a more aesthetically pleasing design.

The latter measurement drops 134 litres from QX50 to QX55, resulting in 761 litres in the new crossover coupe compared to 895 in the regular SUV. Of note, dedicated cargo space can be increased by sliding the rear seats forward, but versatility is lessened by only having 60/40-split rear seatbacks, compared to all rivals that feature the more convenient 40/20/40 configuration, so that long items, such as skis, can be placed down the middle.

Those rivals include some well-established contenders, like BMW’s X4 that was the compact SUV segment initiator way back in 2014, followed four years later by Mercedes-Benz’ GLC Coupe that arrived for 2018. Audi’s Q5 Sportback is new for 2021, and now Infiniti becomes the first non-German brand to drive down this charted, albeit less known road.

Some might include Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio, Jaguar’s F-Pace, Range Rover’s Velar, Porsche’s Macan or Tesla’s Model Y in this category due to their sleek shapes and strong performance, but they’re the only compact models offered by their respective brands and provide similar passenger and cargo capacities to more conventional segment rivals, so probably not. We’ll give them honourable mentions just the same, while Genesis’ upcoming GV70 will occupy similar compact luxury SUV territory for the same reasoning.

As far as styling goes, the new QX55 is arguably the best-looking crossover in Infiniti’s lineup, providing a big, bold interpretation of Infiniti’s double-arched grille up front, bookended by a standard set of slender LED headlights that the luxury brand says “mimic the human eye.” Each hover over a gloss-black fog lamp bezel that mimics the appearance of a brake cooling duct, while juxtaposing the grille’s classy character with a more aggressive attitude.

Following the QX55’s muscular flanks and arching roofline rearward, which flow into an abbreviated deck lid, the latter dubbed a “fresh interpretation of the FX silhouette” by Infiniti, results in a tidy back end highlighted by sharply penned “piano key” style taillights infused with 45 separate LEDs for a veritable light show at night. De rigueur matte black cladding trims off the SUV’s lower extremities from the front wheel arches rearward, although it sweeps upwards on the back bumper to outline a body-colour diffuser-style panel filled with a matching set of chromed rectangular tailpipes. It’s an eye-catching design that should find favour from those wanting something a bit more daring from a manufacturer known to be more reliable than its German peers.

Under the sculpted hood is the same variable-compression 2.0-litre turbo-four found in the QX50, in which it makes a generous 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It comes mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, which while highly efficient and dependable, is never a performance enthusiast’s first pick, so therefore a future road test will be required in order to learn if improvements have been made since the QX50 was reviewed on these pages. All-wheel drive will be standard in Canada, with fuel economy most likely near the same as the QX50’s estimated rating of 10.8 L/100km in the city, 8.3 on the highway and 9.7 combined.

Similar to the powertrain, the QX55’s interior doesn’t deviate from its taller sibling, other than the top-line Sensory trimmed model’s lack of top-tier quilted leather upholstery. Appearing to be going for a sportier cabin design, an optional two-tone Monaco Red and Graphite black motif gets joined by yet more red on the centre stack and lower console, this really highlighting the unique form of this tech-filled cabin divider. The swath of bright colour is offset by dark grey, open-pore wood inlays on the dash and doors as well, these sections butting up against satin-finish aluminum trim that joins yet more nicely finished metal throughout the interior.

Infiniti’s InTouch eight- and seven-inch, upper and lower dual digital display design is once again front and centre, sharply contrasting the majority of premium players that house their screens on separate fixed tablet-like protrusions from the dash top. While more traditional, this option allows for touch capacitive use along with smartphone-style tap, swipe and pinch finger gestures, while separate controls can be found on the steering wheel. The QX55 will come standard with all the expected infotainment functions, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G LTE wi-fi connectivity for up to seven devices.

When the 2022 QX55 goes on sale in April, three trim models will be available. The first will be Luxe, which at $51,995 plus freight and fees will include standard all-wheel-drive, 20-inch alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, dark aluminum interior trim, heatable front seats, a power glass sunroof, active noise cancellation, and plenty of advanced driver assistance systems such as predictive forward collision warning, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic rear braking, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and auto high beam assist.

Those wanting more tech can upgraded to $56,998 Essential ProAssist trim, which adds adaptive front LED lights, a 360-degree surround parking monitor with moving object detection, adaptive cruise control, distance control assist, blind spot intervention, and lane departure prevention, while other features include InTouch navigation, 16-speaker Bose audio, and leather upholstery.

As noted earlier, Sensory is the final pinnacle of QX55 trim hierarchy, which at $60,998 adds softer semi-aniline leather upholstery, the aforementioned open-pore maple wood inlays, tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, and a motion-activated liftgate, while this model’s technology systems are further enhanced with a head-up display, traffic sign recognition, full speed range and hold capabilities for the adaptive cruise control, ProPilot Assist semi-self-driving capability with steering assist, and lastly Infiniti’s exclusive drive-by-wire Direct Adaptive Steering system.

The new QX55 is certainly up against some serious competition, particularly because its Infiniti brand name doesn’t quite have the same cachet as Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Still, it offers similar levels of styling, luxury, technology and performance as its three competitors’ entry-level crossover coupes, while the new model’s value proposition should be attractive to those on more of a budget.

Speaking of saving money, CarCostCanada has yet to add a QX55 page to its near complete selection of new Canadian cars, vans, trucks and SUVs (one will soon be published), but take note that Infiniti is currently offering up to $3,000 in additional incentives for 2021 Q50 buyers, and up to $3,500 off of 2020 models, although CarCostCanada members save an average of $5,750 no matter the model year. Learn more about how you can save thousands when purchasing your next vehicle by becoming a CarCostCanada member, and make sure to download the free CarCostCanada app as well, so you can take advantage of the latest manufacturer rebates, factory financing and leasing deals, plus dealer invoice pricing that can make a massive difference when negotiation your best deal.

Additionally, be sure to check out our full 2022 Infiniti QX55 photo gallery above, plus enjoy the following video as well (showing the new QX55 speeding away from an original FX, which would easily be possible if only an FX35).

Introducing the All-New INFINITI QX55 (1:12):

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Infiniti

Let’s be clear, mid-size family sedans aren’t exactly selling as well as they used to. Nevertheless, this category still represents one of the largest market segments in the auto industry, so it hardly…

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Nissan Canada puts price on all-new 2019 Altima

The new 2019 Nissan Altima’s frontal design won’t go unnoticed. (Photo: Nissan)

Let’s be clear, mid-size family sedans aren’t exactly selling as well as they used to. Nevertheless, this category still represents one of the largest market segments in the auto industry, so it hardly make sense to abandon it despite falling sales.

Then again, such is what Ford recently announced with the upcoming cancellation of its Fusion sedan, a car that was once a thorn in the side of key rivals that still include the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and yes this Nissan Altima, amongst others.

The Altima sits third in the U.S., yet placed only sixth in Canada at the close of 2017, beaten by that Fusion despite it being on death row, plus the Chevrolet Malibu and Hyundai Sonata. For reasons having nothing to do with this fully redesigned sixth-generation 2019 Altima, as the new car hasn’t gone on sale yet, the current model’s year-to-date Canadian sales as of August 2018 have boosted it to fifth out of 11 mid-size family sedan competitors, and its 4,323 deliveries are getting mighty close to the Malibu’s 5,054 and Fusion’s 5,622. Could this new redesign push Altima sales into third here too?

The new 2019 Altima certainly has a lot going for it. First off, Nissan just announced a competitive price of $27,998 plus freight and fees for the base Altima S, which while a tiny bit more expensive than the Camry’s $27,850 retail sticker, and somewhat more than the Accord’s $26,590 MSRP, the 2019 Altima comes standard with all-wheel drive, a feature that’s only otherwise standard with the Subaru Legacy and rarely even optional with mid-size sedan rivals—AWD is only optional with the aforementioned Fusion, and therefore we should now appreciate that its availability will hardly be permanent. Nevertheless, standard all-wheel drive makes a great deal of sense in most of Canada, as it combines the safety of all-weather traction with improved performance.

Named Intelligent AWD, the Altima system utilizes an advanced torque split design that automatically distributes power from 100 percent up front and zero at the rear, all the way to an even division of 50 percent front to rear. The bias depends on road conditions and resulting wheel slippage, with the default system being front-wheel drive to save on fuel and reduce emissions. Nissan claims its new Intelligent AWD works seamlessly with the Altima’s standard limited-slip differential too, as well as its Hill Start Assist system.

Performance in mind, the 2019 Altima comes standard with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine good for 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, which is a 9 horsepower and 3 lb-ft increase over the engine it replaces. Reportedly it’s smoother, quieter, and more efficient than the outgoing four-cylinder too, while the revised Xtronic CVT gets an expanded lock-up area for improved fuel economy, plus paddle shifters are available.

Speaking of available, the new Altima comes in three trims, starting with the aforementioned S model, which is followed by the SV for $31,498, and the Platinum for $34,998. Additionally, a 250-example limited-production launch version dubbed Edition ONE gets unique design elements such as special 19-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, an Edition ONE exterior badge, illuminated kick plates, and floor mats with the Edition ONE logo, along with Platinum model’s standard feature set, and will be available for the 2019 model year only at a price of $35,998, while freight and PDI will be $1,795 for all Altima trims. To find out all the 2019 Altima pricing details, including dealer invoice pricing and rebate info that could save you thousands, check out CarCostCanada.com.

Despite being a base model, standard Altima S features are plentiful and include the aforementioned automatic Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), an electromechanical parking brake, advanced LED headlamps, LED taillights, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a backup camera, Bluetooth hands-free smartphone connectivity with streaming audio, hands-free text messaging, Siri Eyes Free voice recognition, and more, while the standard menu continues with heated front seats, an eight-way powered driver’s seat, and advanced driver assistance systems such as Intelligent Emergency Braking (IEB), Rear Door Alert (that reminds you of anything/anybody left in back), Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW), and Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA).

We can expect the usual improvements in upper trims too, such as proximity-sensing access, pushbutton ignition, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation, nine-speaker Bose audio, an Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) (standard with Platinum trim), a powered moonroof, SiriusXM-powered NissanConnect Services featuring compatible smartphone and smartwatch access to functions like remote engine start/stop, remote door lock/unlock, valet alert, etcetera, and ProPILOT Assist semi-automated driving, an exclusive Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology that will be standard on Altima SV and Platinum trims.

ProPILOT Assist is now available on a number of new Nissan models, but the Altima will only be second behind the new 2019 Rogue to receive the Japanese brand’s new Nissan Safety Shield 360, which is a suite of six advanced driver assistance systems including Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Intelligent Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), radar-based Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and High Beam Assist (HBA).

As for styling, the new 2019 Altima’s exterior design speaks for itself, and most should find its assertive new face to their liking. Its predominant feature is a go-big-or-go-home version of the brand’s Vmotion 2.0 grille, surrounded by those sleek new LED headlamps mentioned earlier, while the rest of the car portrays an athletic stance from front to back.

Inside, the look is clean and contemporary, while Nissan promises more premium materials used throughout. A highlight feature includes what the automaker calls a “wide ‘gliding wing’ instrument panel – which accentuates the exterior’s low cowl and hood, helping create an open, airy environment.”

The 2019 Altima will go on sale this coming November at Nissan dealers across Canada.

News that Acura would be making a sporty A-Spec version of its four-cylinder powered, front-wheel drive TLX should be well accepted now that it’s available, as the new variant costs thousands less than…

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Acura TLX sport-luxury sedan gets four-cylinder A-Spec trim for 2019

2019 Acura TLX A-Spec — Acura is offering a new four-cylinder-powered TLX A-Spec for 2019, which saves thousands initially and plenty at the pump too. (Photo: Acura)

News that Acura would be making a sporty A-Spec version of its four-cylinder powered, front-wheel drive TLX should be well accepted now that it’s available, as the new variant costs thousands less than the V6-powered model and reduces ongoing costs by achieving better fuel economy.

The new four-cylinder TLX A-Spec looks identical to the V6 version, including its matte-black grille, sportier front fascia design with larger air intakes, dark chrome internal headlights, fog lamps, extended side sills, gloss black rear trunk lid spoiler, dark tinted taillights, special glossy black 19-inch alloy wheels on 245/40 R19 all-season tires, A-Spec branded door sill garnish, red LED ambient interior lighting, thicker-rimmed leather-wrapped A-Spec sport steering wheel, red-accented primary instruments, metallic driver’s foot rest pedal, brushed aluminum inlays, unique heavily bolstered A-Spec leather sport seats, and black roofliner. The four-cylinder-powered TLX A-Spec starts at $39,400 plus freight and fees, which is a $4,365 savings compared to the V6-powered TLX A-Spec.

To be clear, the 2.4-litre inline-four may be the base engine, but it’s still a sporty alternative to the 3.5-litre V6 thanks to 206 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque, an ultra-quick shifting eight-speed dual-clutch automated transmission with standard steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, rear-wheel steering, and a reduction of 123 kilograms in curb weight.

According to Acura, strong customer demand prompted the addition of four-cylinder A-Spec model, which incidentally is otherwise outfitted in well-equipped Tech trim. Therefore, along with the aforementioned styling modifications, the front-wheel drive model gets rain-sensing wipers, power-folding side mirrors, a heatable steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, powered front thigh extensions, perforated leather upholstery, navigation, AcuraLink connectivity, a 10-speaker ELS audio system with AM/FM/CD/ MP3/WMA/satellite radio, hard disk drive (HDD) media storage, Blind Spot Information System with Rear Cross Traffic Monitor System, and more.

Additionally, highlights pulled up from the $36,190 base TLX include LED headlights with automatic high beams, passive keyless entry with pushbutton ignition, adaptive cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, a large infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a multi-angle backup camera, a powered glass sunroof, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a four-way powered front passenger seat, heated front seats, and the list goes on.

Also standard, the TLX features a bevy of AcuraWatch advanced driver assistance systems including Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with autonomous Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) with steering wheel haptic feedback, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), and more.

Of course, another bonus that comes with ownership of the four-cylinder powered 2019 TLX A-Spec that shouldn’t be overlooked when comparing it to the 3.5-litre version is fuel-efficiency, the new model rated at 10.2 L/100km in the city, 7.4 on the highway and 8.9 combined, which is only 0.2 L/100km more city/highway combined fuel consumption than the base TLX due to its larger wheels and tires, yet it’s also 1.4 L/100km combined city/highway more efficient than the V6-powered car.

That V6 makes a substantive 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, and couples that performance to a sophisticated nine-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s renowned torque-vectoring Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). While the nine-speed autobox doesn’t shift as quickly as the four-cylinder model’s eight-speed unit, the former includes faster reacting quick-ratio steering, stiffer springs, and an upgraded rear anti-roll bar, enhancing high-speed handling.

With the recent announcement of the redesigned 2019 ILX sedan, and the all-new 2019 RDX A-Spec and updated 2019 MDX A-Spec, all of which come with A-Spec variants, the only models left in the lineup to receive the sporty trim level are RLX flagship sedan, which may not receive it, and the NSX mid-engine sport car, which surely doesn’t need it.

The 2019 Acura TLX A-Spec is available now, along with mostly carryover versions of the TLX Tech, TLX Elite, and top-of-the-line TLX SH-AWD A-Spec Elite.

For complete pricing information on all 2019 Acura TLX trims, plus important dealer invoice pricing and model rebate program information that could save you thousands off your next car purchase, make sure to check out CarCostCanada.com.

Mid-size sedan sales may be on a downward trend, but the once dominant market segment still makes up a significant portion of most mainstream brands’ sales volumes, so therefore they remain a critically…

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New 2019 Nissan Altima adds standard AWD to Canadian mid-size sedan segment

Mid-size sedan sales may be on a downward trend, but the once dominant market segment still makes up a significant portion of most mainstream brands’ sales volumes, so therefore they remain a critically important ingredient for overall success.

To put this in perspective, Nissan sold 16.7 percent more Altima mid-size sedans than Sentra compact four-doors in the U.S. last year, with 254,996 examples of the former and 218,451 of the latter delivered. Here in Canada the numbers are reversed at 6,626 for the Altima and 13,883 for the Sentra, but the larger, pricier car is more profitable, so it nevertheless remains an important model in the lineup.

Like many in this segment, Altima numbers have taken a hit in recent years. In fact, they’ve been steadily sliding for decades, the mid-size Nissan having lost 64.2 percent in sales volume over the past decade and a half, 36.8 percent of which was only in the last five years.

That’s almost as long as the current fifth-generation Altima has been with us, its production starting in May of 2012. The mid-size four-door received a dramatic facelift for the 2016 model year, adapting the brand’s new Vmotion grille and other stylish improvements, but three more years of availability means the time for change has come once again.

Enter the 2019 Nissan Altima, a much bolder looking mid-size four-door sedan that should please fans of the nameplate that have been looking forward to an update. It now wears Nissan’s Vmotion 2.0 grille, which is a reshaped version of the now trademark Nissan grille design. Basically the “V” shape of the new Altima’s grille has been flattened on the bottom to form more of a “U”, just like other recent Nissan redesigns. Also, following current trends that grille has grown to epic proportions, giving the car a grander, more premium look.

Additionally, new LED headlamps and taillights look sharper and more sophisticated, while the rear C-pillars feature a narrow glossy black strip for a floating roof effect, similar to that on the brand’s flagship Maxima luxury sedan. From front to back the new look is hardly subtle, but it was tastefully penned so should be widely accepted by Altima owners and newcomers alike.

The updated model is 25 mm (1.0 in) longer, 23 mm (0.9 in) wider and 28 mm (1.1 in) lower than the car it replaces, giving it a sportier stance all-round, while its wheelbase has grown by 48 mm (1.9 in). The sleek sheetmetal helps Nissan achieve a slippery 0.26 coefficient of drag, improving highway fuel economy while reducing wind noise, plus its larger dimensions provide more interior room all-round. Additionally, the wheels have been pushed farther to each corner, adding to its athletic appearance while theoretically providing more stability at high speed and a better ride, but we’ll have to wait for a test drive before confirmation.

That should happen shortly after the updated Altima arrives this fall, at which point we’ll also be able to advise on its reportedly quieter, smoother and more efficient 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, now 9 horsepower and 3 lb-ft of torque stronger than the outgoing engine at 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft; its revised Xtronic CVT that gets an expanded lock-up area for improved fuel economy, plus available paddle shifters; and its standard all-wheel drive.

Yes, for the first time ever the 2019 Altima won’t be available with front-wheel drive, at least not in Canada. This is a bold move for the brand’s Canadian division, but it certainly separates it from most competitors that don’t offer AWD at all.

Dubbed Intelligent AWD, it features an advanced torque split design that automatically distributes power from 100 percent up front and zero at the rear, all the way to an even division of 50 percent front to rear. The bias depends on road conditions and resulting wheel slippage, with the default being front-wheel drive to save fuel. Nissan says the new AWD system works seamlessly with the Altima’s standard limited-slip differential too, plus its Hill Start Assist system.

Currently, Ford offers AWD with its 2.0-litre Ecoboost engine, found optionally in its near-premium trimmed Titanium and Platinum non-hybrid models, plus standard on its performance-oriented Fusion Sport, a 325 horsepower beast that’s a bit of an anomaly in this mostly fuel-efficiency focused segment, while the Subaru Legacy is the only mid-size sedan entrant to provide standard AWD, and it’s a minor player in Canada’s market with last year’s volume sitting at just 2,451 units compared to the Altima’s 6,626, let alone the Honda Accord’s 13,504 deliveries and the Toyota Camry’s 14,574.

The Subie actually brings up the rear in this 10 model strong segment, but Nissan no doubt isn’t feeling too proud about besting its fellow countryman, because it only sits sixth in sales, with the (soon to be cancelled) Ford Fusion in third with 9,736 deliveries in 2017, the Chevrolet Malibu in fourth with 8,152, and the Hyundai Sonata in fifth with 7,827. Amongst the stragglers is the Kia Optima with 4,496 down the road last year, Volkswagen Passat (and CC) with 4,145, Chrysler 200 (no longer available) with 2,842, and Mazda 6 with 2,541. Time will tell if all the changes made to the new Altima will push it further up the sales chart, but a quick tour of the interior makes its prospects look promising.

Nissan promises a sporty yet sophisticated cabin that replaces traditional chrome embellishment with matte chrome accents and satin finishes, while there’s a bit less of each than with previous Altima models for a more modern look. This said it’s not a breakthrough design, but instead features a lower dash top resulting in an airier, more open ambience, the entire instrument panel tastefully minimalist, seeming to naturally flow from one element to the next.

Likewise it’s almost completely devoid of clutter, with most centre stack controls housed in a large 8.0-inch fixed tablet-style infotainment touchscreen protruding upward from the dash top, this complete with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a rearview camera, and more. A nicely sorted dual-zone automatic climate control interface sits on its own just below, while the driver gets a dedicated full-colour 7.0-inch TFT multi-information display within the gauge cluster.

Nissan says it put special emphasis on giving all of the Altima’s switches and controls “an intuitive, effortless feel and natural operation,” so we’re looking forward to experiencing the result of this concentrated effort, while the NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats have our curiosity piqued as well. Nissan claims these are especially good at providing long driving range comfort thanks to dual-density foam, plus some extra bolstering is said to improve support while driving around town.

Something else that sets the Altima apart from key rivals is Nissan’s ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving technology. To be clear, ProPilot Assist doesn’t turn your Altima into a self-driving autonomous vehicle, but instead helps to keep drivers in the middle of a chosen lane by adjusting the steering automatically, has the ability to navigate stop-and-go traffic, and maintains set speeds and distances to vehicles ahead, simply by pressing two buttons. Basically, all you need to do is activate the system and then set the adaptive cruise control, at which point the Altima will steer itself as long as your hands are still touching the wheel.

Of note, Canadian Altima buyers won’t yet have the option of Nissan’s new variable compression turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, or VC-Turbo that can vary its compression ratio from 8:1 to 14:1 through an innovative system that can alter the piston throw inside the cylinder, resulting in 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque when fuel with premium unleaded. Why the negative news? Because this highly advanced engine is only mated to the model’s front-wheel drivetrain, and so far no AWD option is available outside of Infiniti’s new QX50. As you may have guessed it’s available as an Altima option south of the 49th, as is AWD, their base model being our 2.5-litre four mated to FWD.

Both markets will receive the same standard front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension setup, plus identical electric power steering systems, featuring new dual steering pinions for improved precision, while an upscale set of monotube rear shocks improves damping.

We won’t know about standard features, trims and pricing until closer to launch, or for that matter anything to do with options and packages, but we can expect the same eight-way powered driver’s seat as offered to our American friends, plus standard fabric and optional leather upholstery, heated front seats, LED headlights, a Bose audio upgrade, available navigation, a powered moonroof, and more, while a bevy of advanced driver assistance systems will likely include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blindspot monitoring, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, and more.

Stay tuned for a more detailed report as the fall of 2018 draws near.

When your head spins and eyes peel to catch a glimpse of the fabulous looking new Jaguar F-Pace sport utility driving by, you can be forgiven for not knowing whether it’s a 2017 or 2018 model. After…

New Car Reviews

2018 Jaguar F-Pace 25t AWD R-Sport Road Test

When your head spins and eyes peel to catch a glimpse of the fabulous looking new Jaguar F-Pace sport utility driving by, you can be forgiven for not knowing whether it’s a 2017 or 2018 model. After all, the larger than average compact luxury SUV has only been around since the former model year, so therefore its styling remains the same. Then again, if you hear the unique sound of a performance-tuned turbocharged four-cylinder engine, take note, as you’ve just witnessed a brand new 2018 F-Pace 25t or 30t blast past.

The new gasoline-powered, turbocharged and direct-injected Ingenium 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine was first introduced to the 2018 Jaguar F-Type sports car last year, providing a new more affordable entry-level trim for attracting more sports car fans to the beautiful two-place coupe and convertible. Since then, both the F-Pace and the XE compact sport-luxury sedan have been given the same value-added treatment, which Jaguar hopes will make them more appealing in their respective market segments.

Specifically to the SUV being reviewed here, the already popular F-Pace receives a $650 price drop from $50,900 last year to $50,250 this year, while the 20d turbo-diesel, last year’s base engine, gets a minor $350 price increase to $51,250.

Along with the reduced pricing comes dramatically improved performance in base trim, the 20d being highly efficient yet not as quick as the new gasoline-powered turbo-four. By the numbers, the new F-Pace 25t AWD model’s zero to 100km/h sprint time drops to just 6.8 seconds from 8.7, while its top speed increases from 208 to 217 km/h.

This newfound energy is due to differences in the way gasoline and diesel engines make their power and torque, in this case the 25t good for 247 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque from 1,200 to 4,500 rpm, while the 20d makes 180 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 318 lb-ft of torque from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm.

As noted the tradeoff is fuel-efficiency, with the F-Pace 25t AWD estimated to achieve a Transport Canada five-cycle fuel economy rating of 10.7 L/100km in the city, 8.8 on the highway and 9.9 combined, and the F-Pace 20d AWD good for a claimed 8.9 city, 7.2 highway and 8.1 combined, a considerable savings even before factoring in the price of diesel fuel, which is less expensive in most jurisdictions. Your choice will come down to priorities. The performance option is now standard, while a mere $1,000 bump upwards for the turbo-diesel makes it a viable option for those wanting to eke as much distance as possible out of a tank of fuel.

The new 2.0-litre turbo-four comes standard with aforementioned base Premium trim, as well as mid-range Prestige trim that starts at $54,750, and my test model’s performance-oriented R-Sport trim that can be had for $60,000.

Earlier in this review I mentioned the F-Pace 30t, which is an even more potent version of the 2.0-litre Ingenium turbo-four. It starts at $52,750 and can be had in all of the above trims, while it also becomes the new base engine for the more feature-filled $67,200 Portfolio model, this engine putting out 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque for a 6.0-second sprint from zero to 100km/h and a top speed of 233 km/h. Despite the much-improved performance, fuel economy is only minimally affected at just 10.9 L/100km city, 8.7 city and 9.9 combined.

Lastly, the F-Pace can also be had with a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 that’s good for 380 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, making the so-named F-Pace S AWD a full half-second faster from zero to 100km/h than the F-Pace 30t AWD, with a quickest time of 5.5 seconds and higher terminal velocity of 250 km/h.

As part of Jaguar’s overall value proposition, the F-Pace receives standard all-wheel drive, while this four-season advantage is also joined up to a highly efficient, quick-shifting eight-speed ZF automatic that includes auto start/stop, which shuts the engine off when it would otherwise be idling in order to save fuel and reduce emissions. Also included is the brand’s trademark space-saving rotating dial gear selector that wows passengers by powering upwards at startup, plus shift paddles on the steering wheel come standard.

Like most Jaguars, the F-Pace is built using lightweight, recyclable aluminum body panels, internal framework and chassis components, which sets it apart from the majority of its competitors. Of course, such significant mass reduction not only minimizes fuel usage, but also helps the F-Pace achieve all the straight-line acceleration numbers mentioned earlier, while benefiting braking and handling as well.

My tester’s 255/50R20 Michelin Latitude Tour HPs on twinned five-spoke alloys were a step up from the base 19s, the wheel and tire upgrade part of R-Sport trim that also adds uprated 350-mm front brake rotors for improved stopping power if you opt for the more formidable 30t engine, while less potent models like my loaner rely on 325-mm front discs that still provided strong, linear braking capability with minimal fade after repeated stomps on the pedal.

And there really is a need for better braking, as the combination of a lighter engine with stronger performance makes for a much sportier base F-Pace. When not trying to make the most of my tank of fuel by tapping the console-mounted JaguarDrive Control rocker switch into Eco mode, I kept it north of Normal in Dynamic sport mode, which stiffened the steering and energized the throttle mapping for a more exciting drive, the 25t AWD feeling even more athletically inclined than the 20d through the curves due to its ability to get more power down to the wheels mid-corner, while the note of the higher revving engine sounds more spirited as well.

Jaguar also includes a Rain/Ice/Snow mode, important for the ever colder winters we’ve been experiencing lately, not to mention jaunts up the ski hill during that cold season or mucking ones way out of a muddy back road after a rainy summer weekend away at the cottage. Together with the all-wheel drive system, All Surface Progress Control for even more grip in slippery conditions, plus brake-system applied torque vectoring to improve handling and stability at higher speeds, the F-Pace is one of the more confidence inspiring SUVs in its class.

Good visibility is as important a confidence builder as anything else, and to that end the R-Sport creates more day-like light at night than the base model’s halogen headlights with daytime running lights (DRLs), as well as the Prestige model’s bi-function Xenon headlights with signature “J” blade LED DRLs by adding full LED headlamps with adaptive corning capability and auto high beam assist, these also adding a more sophisticated look.

Along with the LED headlamps the R-Sport gains visual impact via an exclusive body styling and exterior trim kit comprised of a sportier front bumper design, satin-chrome front fender “power vents” with R-Sport badges, body-colour R-Sport door claddings with grained matte black finishers, and more, which makes the addition of standard blindspot monitoring with reverse traffic detection all the more important—we wouldn’t want to scratch all that sporty bodywork now, would we?

The front and rear parking sensors pulled up from Prestige trim help in this respect too, that mid-range model also providing the R-Sport with headlight power washers, a powered steering column with memory, cool soft glowing mood lighting, a very accurate and easy to program navigation system, and more.

All F-Pace R-Sport models get the most important advanced driver assistance systems too, including collision warning with autonomous emergency braking and lane monitoring with lane keeping assist, while a driver condition monitor makes sure you’re not falling asleep at the wheel.

Additionally, you’ll be stepping over R-Sport branded metal treadplates to get inside, where you’ll also find exclusive bright sport pedals, a satin chrome console storage surround to go along with the satin chrome touchscreen surround that also gets pulled up from Prestige trim, perforated grained leather upholstery, and more.

Lastly, some highlights from base Premium trim that remain part of this R-Sport model include proximity access and ignition, an electromechanical parking brake, a garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, touch-sensitive JaguarSense switchgear for the LED overhead lights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, auto-dimming and power-folding heatable side mirrors with approach lights and memory, driver’s seat memory, dual-zone auto climate control, a large 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with attractive graphics and an easy-to-use layout, an excellent backup camera with dynamic guidelines, great sounding 11-speaker 380-watt Meridian audio, satellite radio, Bluetooth audio streaming, a massive panoramic sunroof, a powered liftgate, a reversible load floor that switches from luxury carpeting to a more washable rubberized surface, more convenient 40/20/40 split-folding rear seatbacks that allow longer items like skis down the middle while rear occupants enjoy the more comfortable window seats, a commodious 648-litre (22.9 cubic-foot) cargo compartment (948 litres or 33.5 cubic feet by U.S. EPA standards) that expands to a generous 1,798 litres (63.5 cubic feet), etcetera.

Incidentally, the fully configurable 12.3-inch HD TFT Virtual Instrument Display you may have already seen in a photo as part of this review isn’t standard with the F-Pace or this R-Sport trim, but rather it’s an upgrade (from a regular analogue gauge cluster with a 5.0-inch colour multi-info display) that comes as part of the $3,320 Technology Pack, which also includes an enhanced InControl Touch Pro Navigation system on a larger 10.2-inch widescreen display; InControl Pro Services featuring a door-to-door route planner companion app, the ability to share your ETA, a Commute Mode that learns your regular route and automatically advises of traffic problems and possible detours, plus an Arrival Mode that displays an interactive 360-degree street view of your destination; and a sensational Meridian surround sound system with Trifield Technology, 825 watts of power through 16 amplifier channels, 17 speakers including a sub, Advanced DSP, Audyssey MultEQ equalization, and dynamic volume control.

Jaguar also added a $440 heated front windshield, a factory-installed $720 tow hitch receiver, and finished the outer panels in no-cost Fuji White paint (one of 12 colour choices), while its complete lack of exterior chrome trim meant that a $510 Black Pack R-Sport trim package replaced the metal brightwork surrounding the grille, side power vents and side window surrounds with Gloss Black, while the mesh grille itself was also glossy black, as were the otherwise body-colour door cladding finishers.

My tester also featured no-cost Oyster medium grey leather with cool looking light green contrast stitching (Ebony with white stitching, two-tone Ebony/Pimento with red stitching, and two-tone Ebony/Light Oyster with light grey stitching are no-cost options too), this found across the dash, down the sides of the centre stack/console, on the door panels, the armrests and the seat upholstery, while the R-Sport model’s standard piano black lacquered instrument and door panel inlays were replaced with $260 Etched Aluminum ($410 worth of Satin Burr Ash hardwood is also available).

While the F-Pace 25t AWD R-Sport that Jaguar loaned to me for my weeklong test was nicely outfitted, there were many more features that could have been added to this specific trim, such as an $1,130 Adaptive Dynamics Pack featuring configurable electronically controlled dampers and Adaptive Surface Response (ASR); a $2,040 Comfort and Convenience Pack with cooled front seats, heatable rear outboard seats, power-reclining rear seatbacks, rear seat remote release levers, and a gesture liftgate; a $2,350 Luxury Interior Pack with illuminated treadplates, a Suedecloth headliner, four-zone climate control, an air quality sensor, a cooled glove box, configurable mood lighting, premium carpet mats, and two 12-volt power sockets in the second row; a $3,320 Driver Assist Pack including a surround parking camera, a 360-degree Parking Aid, semi-autonomous Park Assist self-parking, traffic sign recognition, an Adaptive Speed Limiter, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist and Intelligent Emergency Braking.

Finally, standalone features not yet mentioned include $160 cargo storage rails, $360 InControl WiFi, a $410 waterproof Activity Key that wears like a bracelet while swimming or doing other outdoor activities, a $490 full size spare tire on a matching alloy wheel, a $1,020 head-up display, and myriad wheel and tire options.

If I could find a weakness it’s the use of subgrade hard plastics in unusually visual areas, such as the shroud above the primary gauge cluster. Bizarrely, the Toyota Corolla I was testing during the same week featured a much more upscale surface treatment in the same area, but like the F-Pace its glove box lid and lower door plastics were also made from hard shell plastic, something you’d never find in a competitive BMW X3. Such blatant cost cutting is obviously not an issue for the thousands of luxury buyers that have stepped up to Jaguar’s largest and priciest SUV, but plenty of others may have been turned off, so the British brand may want to address this issue by upgrading key areas done better by competitors.

Speaking of market growth, before the F-Pace arrived Jaguar had zero SUV sales, but after just seven months on the market it had found 1,289 buyers, while after a full 12 months of sales ending on December 31, 2017 the F-Pace managed 2,612 deliveries, placing it eighth out of 14 competitors. What’s more, the F-Pace clearly leads all other Jaguar models in sales, proving once again how important sport utilities are to a brand’s bottom line.

While the F-Pace is up against some serious competitors, the market segment led by Audi’s all-new Q5, Acura’s completely redesigned RDX, Mercedes’ still fresh GLC, Lexus’ edgy NX, and BMW’s fully reworked X3, just to name a handful, it’s easily one of the sportiest of its ilk, arguably one of the best looking, and no doubt one of the most practical due to its larger than average size. Its newfound increase in base performance and slight decrease in price should only help it gain more traction in its segment, which bodes well for a positive future. Now the question remains whether you’ll be part of its success story.

You can be forgiven for not noticing the mild changes made to Jaguar’s beautiful F-Type sports car as part of its 2018 mid-cycle update, but the sound emanating from the new base model’s tailpipes…

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2018 Jaguar F-Type gets 296-hp turbo-four and $10k price cut

You can be forgiven for not noticing the mild changes made to Jaguar’s beautiful F-Type sports car as part of its 2018 mid-cycle update, but the sound emanating from the new base model’s tailpipes should cause your head to spin when one passes by.

Under its long, elegant hood is a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged “Ingenium” engine making a very healthy 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, that when combined with its standard eight-speed Quickshift automatic transmission results in a very spirited 5.7-second sprint to 100km/h before attaining a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

“Introducing our advanced four-cylinder engine to the F-Type has created a vehicle with its own distinct character,” said Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar F-Type. “Performance from an engine of this size is remarkable and is balanced with improved fuel efficiency and affordability, making the F-Type experience more accessible than ever before.”

The turbo four-cylinder F-Type should provide more than enough performance for many sports car enthusiasts, especially when considering that key competitors Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Alfa Romeo don’t offer anywhere near as much output from their entry-level four-cylinder sports models, with 220 horsepower for the TT, 241 for the SLC, 241 for the Z4, and 237 for the 4C, while the aforementioned numbers line up right alongside Porsche’s dynamic duo, the 718 Cayman and Boxster that are good for 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque apiece.

In case you’re thinking the all-aluminum F-Type is more of a 911 fighter, or for that matter a good match for the larger R8, SL, i8, etcetera, you’re right in one respect. It can match or beat all of the above when powered by one of its more potent supercharged V6 or V8 engines, the new for 2018 F-Type 400 Sport special edition capable of 400 horsepower and a 4.9-second sprint to 100km/h, and F-Type SVR putting a cool 575 horsepower down to all four wheels for a 3.7-second dash to 100km/h, but more importantly the F-Type’s new $68,500 starting point, which is an even $10k less than last year’s base Coupe, makes it more affordable than all of the above except the little Audi when each competitor is upgraded to match the Jag’s standard features.

A Porsche 911, on the other hand, starts at $104,000, which is $35,500 more than the entry-level F-Type. Again, Jaguar has a full range of F-Type trims to go head-to-head with that 911 and almost any sports car currently available, which is a highly efficient way of taking on larger less exclusive brands and simultaneously delivering big value to its clientele.

No wonder the F-Type was Canada’s third most popular premium sports car last year, a position it’s carried forward throughout the first half of 2017 and could possibly surpass in Q3 and Q4 due to greater affordability of the new 2018 model. Of note, its sales already rank second in the 10 times larger U.S. market.

As noted, part of that value equation comes down to everything you get for your money, a shortlist of standard F-Type features including LED headlights with signature J-Blade DRLs, 18-inch alloy wheels, proximity-sensing keyless access with pushbutton ignition, power-folding heatable side mirrors with memory, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a colour multi-information display, a powered steering column with memory, 12-way powered sport seats with memory, leather and Suedecloth upholstery, auto climate control, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with a rearview camera, navigation, InControl apps (Spotify, Stitcher, Audiobooks, Accuweather, Tile, Glympse, and more, including new Jaguar ReRun developed with GoPro for creating your own video content with real-time on-board telemetry overlays such as speed, throttle position, gear selection, braking force, and g-force data, downloadable to your smartphone and therefore sharable on social media—beware of self-incrimination) and Pro Services (real-time traffic, door-to-door routing, etc), 380-watt 10-speaker Meridian audio, satellite and HD radio, rear parking sensors, an electromechanical parking brake, a performance-tuned eight-speed Quickshift automatic transmission with paddles, brake-sourced torque vectoring, auto engine start/stop, an active sport exhaust system, lane departure warning, and much more.

To be totally fair to those aforementioned competitors, most include heatable front seats and dual-zone auto climate control, both of which will cost F-Type buyers an extra $1,530 for the Climate package that also includes a heatable steering wheel and heated windshield, while a universal garage door opener is on the standard list of some rivals too, a $260 standalone option with the F-Type. Even with these options added it’s a better deal than average, however, while the ability to add auto high beams for $260 as well as lane keep assist, blindspot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, an adaptive speed limiter (a.k.a. dynamic cruise control), and a driver condition monitor for just $870 when upgrading to the Drive Pack is excellent value in this class or any.

Of note, Jaguar offers a number of other option groups and features with the base F-Type too, including a $1,180 Black package that replaces chrome and body-colour exterior elements with glossy black; a $1,130 Interior Black package that adds a flat-bottom sport steering wheel with black spokes, gloss black instrument cluster dial rings, and black vent surrounds; a $2,250 Extended Leather package that adds leather-clad sunvisors and a leather headliner (the stitched leather dash top and instrument panel others charge you more for is already standard); $1,020 770-watt 12-speaker Meridian surround audio; $210 auto-dimming side mirrors; $260 configurable multi-colour ambient lighting; a $110 air quality sensor; $620 illuminated aluminum treadplates with “JAGUAR” script; a $510 powered liftgate; $290 front parking sensors; and $260 switchable active exhaust; while some of the otherwise packaged features can alternatively be purchased as standalone items. Of course, many more standard and optional features can be had when moving up through the F-Type range, semi-autonomous self-parking even available with automatic equipped models.

While the 2018 F-Type’s mid-cycle makeover is subtle, the changes make a big difference up front where new bumpers and air intakes make it easy to decipher new from old, while also allowing greater model-to-model differentiation throughout the F-Type range, with pricier more potent F-Type trims getting more aggressive, sportier front fascia designs. As noted earlier, LED headlamps are standard now, which makes sure all F-Types receive a premium-level, high-tech appearance when they pass by, while simultaneously improving nighttime visibility and therefore safety. The only noted changes to the 2018 F-Type’s rear design are slightly modified LED taillights featuring darker lenses.

“Great sports car design is about proportion and purity,” said Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar. “The most challenging element of the process for designers is to focus on and maintain an exciting silhouette that promises performance. For the 2018 model year F-Type, we looked at how we could fine-tune key details to deliver even more clarity of purpose in the overall design – for the driver, the passenger and onlookers.”

While most sports car fans will be glad Jaguar kept exterior design mods to a minimum, all should be happy the interior introduces “new material options that give the car a more exotic feel,” said Jaguar in a press release. Those purchasing an entry-level model should also be glad to hear the brand’s 8.0-inch InControl Touch Pro infotainment system is now standard, its large screen, faster processing speeds and tablet-style tap, pinch and swipe gesture controls making most in-car functions work smoother, while Jaguar also promises its new slimline seats, with pressure diecast magnesium alloy frames, improve ergonomics and add comfort despite being 7.7 kilos (17 lbs) lighter. Additionally, Jaguar has added new chrome and aluminum trim inside, which “heighten the driver-focused feel of the interior and perfectly complement the enhanced interior color options,” added Jaguar in the same press release, the latter now including a Siena Tan leather option in standard models and above.

The 400 Sport special edition noted earlier uses Jaguar’s 3.0-litre supercharged V6, firms up the chassis and adds Configurable Dynamics, upgrades the brakes to larger 380-mm front and 376-mm rear rotors, bolts on a unique set of satin dark grey 20-inch alloys, gets painted in Indus Silver, Santorini Black or Yulong White metallic, and finally gets special “400 SPORT” badges on the front splitter, rear deck lid, treadplates, steering wheel, centre console, and embroidered into the headrests in yellow thread, the latter stitching used elsewhere within the interior as well. Final 400 Sport interior touches include a flat-bottomed steering wheel, anodized aluminum gearshift paddles, and 12-way powered performance seats boasting greater detail and more pronounced wings at shoulder height. All this can be had for just $97,500, which as you may recall is still less than the previously noted base 911.

Just below this model is a new $88,000 R-Dynamic trim level that builds on the 380 horsepower supercharged V6 model by adding gloss black to the front air intake bezels, front splitter, hood vents and side sills, plus a set of 20-inch dark grey diamond turned alloys.

To be clear, while the new four-cylinder comes only with an eight-speed automatic in rear-wheel drive, Jaguar will continue offering 340 and 380 horsepower versions of its supercharged V6 for 2018, the former with the choice of six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions and rear-wheel drive, and the latter with the option of the automatic and all-wheel drive. The new Sport 400 is automatic-only, but can be had with either rear- or all-wheel drive, whereas all V8-powered models get the auto with all-wheel drive, the only powertrain not yet mentioned being the carryover 550 horsepower supercharged V8. What’s more, all of the above configurations are available in two-door Coupe or Convertible body styles.

Also notable, a number of other F-Type trims receive price cuts too, including the top-line SVR that’s now $2,500 more affordable than last year’s equivalent at $139,500.

Much more has gone into the 2018 F-Type than initially meets the eye or can be covered in this story, such as extensive chassis tuning to take advantage of the lighter weight base engine, plus critically important to any new model, a comprehensive suite of available electronic driver assistance features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and more.

News & Reviews- Tag: four-cylinder