New Honda HR-V helps define subcompact crossover SUV segment
Never heard of a subcompact crossover? Think of it as the “Mini Me” of the SUV world.
Hyundai Sonata PHEV adds to growing segment of plug-in hybrid cars
The Hyundai Sonata PHEV is the latest entry in the rapidly growing segment of plug-in hybrid cars, spurred by new incentives and more charging stations.
Bose, Lexicon, Mark Levinson: comparing premium car stereo systems
The 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo in the Lexus RC 350 is an example of hi-end audio found in today’s vehicles. Photos by Benjamin Yong.
With the overall fit and finish of new models produced by automakers at an all-time high, it’s easy to take the audio systems in vehicles for granted. It wasn’t so long ago that swapping out a lackluster OEM head unit and speakers for aftermarket replacements was almost a no-brainer — but now, many manufacturers across the board are partnering with high-end sound specialists to bring you a premium auditory experience straight from the factory. These are some of the best examples out right now.
Hyundai Genesis
The 2015 Genesis debuted in Canada at this year’s Toronto Auto Show, and one of the highlights is a standard 14-speaker Lexicon surround sound system. Buyers opting for the 5.0-litre Ultimate trim receive an upgrade to 17 speakers and 900 watts. If you don’t recognize the name Lexicon, it is part of Harman International Industries — often known for its Harman/Kardon product line — that provides OEM audio technology for multiple automotive brands.
Lexus RC
A car as visually stunning as the Lexus RC luxury coupe needs an equally sexy stereo. That’s provided in the form of a 10-speaker in-house Lexus system, or an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson package. Both use Class-D amplifiers and a centre-rear mounted subwoofer for deep bass.
High-end audio guru Mark Levinson founded the company in 1972, which is also now run by Harman. The equipment, possessing a signature exterior black anodized finish, is used in several Lexus vehicles including the IS, ES, GS and RX, to name a few.
Mazda6
Mazda is proving you don’t need to drive a luxury car in order to enjoy a luxury listening experience. Going with the American-based Bose Corporation as the provider of its audio hardware, the 11-speaker system in the Mazda6 GT is more powerful and 20 per cent lighter than the one found in the previous generation, fitting perfectly with the brand’s SKYACTIV philosophy of increasing both performance and efficiency.
A new low-energy-consumption amplifier drives the setup, featuring Centerpoint digital signal processing and AudioPilot 2 that utilizes a microphone in the cabin to monitor ambient noise, automatically compensating for unwanted sound coming from the road or engine.
MINI John Cooper Works then and now
A new MINI John Cooper Works car may have just been released, but its heritage stretches back decades. We take a trip back in time to the 1960s.
Regular or synthetic engine oil: which one should you use?
We shed some light on questions revolving around engine oil in general, as well as regular and synthetic varieties.
What's the difference between a sunroof and a moonroof?
I let in light, but I’m not a window. I used to be rare, but now I’m almost as common as a radio. What am I?
The answer is a sunroof — or a moonroof, depending on whom you talk to.
Before we get specific, let’s get into a little history. The sunroof has been around in some form or another since the early days of the automobile, and the name moonroof wasn’t thrown around until the 1970s. The two terms today are, for the most part, interchangeable.
The former is a retractable roof panel that lets light and air into a vehicle, and sometimes made from an opaque material. The latter serves the same function, but is fully glass and lets in light even when closed. Modern manufacturer-offered units are fully electric and feature manual or motorized sunshades that slide underneath to keep out the sun when unwanted.
Now that that’s cleared up (is it?), here are three varieties of sun/moonroofs you will most likely run into.
Built-in
The built-in sunroof is arguably the most ubiquitous of all the different types. The panel slides inside the metal roof of the car and out of view, affording a generous opening at the cost of some headroom. It only fits vehicles that have a large roof to accommodate the full panel, and usually also includes a one-touch open/close button, and a tilt operation that props up the rear half to allow air ventilation. This can be found on cars like the Honda Civic and the Mazda6.
Spoiler
For smaller vehicles that can’t accommodate a built-in sunroof, the solution is a spoiler. I’m not talking about an aerodynamic wing, but a sunroof that slides up and overtop of, rather than into, the metal roof. It still normally has the same functions as the built-in, like rear tilt. This type works perfectly for two-door sport cars like the Porsche Cayman and Lexus RC 350.
Panoramic
Found more and more on newer models, a panoramic moonroof features multiple glass panels spanning much of the roof area. Often the forward-most panel will open, while the rearward sections remain fixed. An advantage of this system is that it lets in a lot of ambient light, and can provide a particularly magnificent view on a clear night. Examples of vehicles with available panoramic moonroofs include the Hyundai Santa Fe and MINI Cooper.
Hydraulic vs. electric power steering systems explained
While the switch from conventional (hydraulic) power steering to electric is a more subtle change for the average driver than, say, a gasoline to electric motor, it is nonetheless a big step in automotive evolution. You’ll find this technology in modern offerings from Hyundais to Porsches, and some brands like Infiniti take it one step further with the introduction of a steer-by-wire system. Here’s how it all works.
Hydraulic power steering
Most cars sold a few years ago use this type of a steering setup. A hydraulic piston connected to the steering gear uses pressurized fluid to provide assistance when turning the wheel. The fluid moves via a pump that is driven by the engine — The issue is the pump is always using energy even when the steering wheel isn’t touched. The amount of assistance can also feel different depending on how fast the vehicle is moving.
Electric power steering
An electric power steering (EPS) system deletes the piston and pump altogether and instead utilizes a small, independent motor and torque sensor mounted directly to the steering column or gear. The sensor monitors force being applied to the wheel and gives the appropriate amount of help to the driver. The benefit is less energy drag from the engine, resulting in slightly better fuel economy, as well as fewer moving parts and lighter weight.
Steer-by-wire
Infiniti was the first to introduce steer-by-wire to the market with the launch of the Infiniti Q50 luxury sedan a couple years ago. Calling it Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS), it largely eliminates any mechanical connection between the driver and the wheels. So where as EPS removes hydraulics, DAS goes one step further and takes away the traditional steering linkage as well (although there is a mechanical backup system in case the electronics fail), using actuators instead that turn the wheels directly.
Steer-by-wire is definitely the wave of the future as more and more traditional car functions are digitized. DAS is already showing what is possible with its ability to tailor steering feel to accommodate the user’s preference, and features like Active Lane Control where the computer can automatically keep the car in its lane to compensate for environmental changes such as heavy crosswinds or uneven road surfaces.
Here’s a short video of Active Lane Control in action:
Used vehicle buying checklist
Avoid common pitfalls associated with purchasing pre-owned by following along with our used vehicle buying checklist.
Clean Energy Vehicle incentive program returns to B.C.
St. Paddy’s day may have been a couple of weeks ago, but folks in B.C. have another reason to go green again with the start of phase two of B.C.’s Clean Energy Vehicle (CEV) program on April 1.
About $7.5 million in electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicle sale incentives will be available from now until March 31, 2018, or until the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
“With the Clean Energy Vehicle program, we’re providing incentives that will make electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles more affordable for British Columbians, and expanding the charging and fuelling infrastructure to make it easier to ‘fill the tank,” says Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines.
Consumers thinking about purchasing or leasing a new battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle are eligible to receive up to a $5,000 rebate, and up to $6,000 if the power is provided by a hydrogen fuel cell, like the new Hyundai Tucson FCEV.
Bennett says phase one of the CEV program — that expired last spring — encouraged over 900 electric cars to find new homes and also spurred the installation of more than 1,000 charging stations across B.C., resulting in the reduction of approximately 57,000 tonnes of vehicle emissions.
Some quick stats: vehicles are responsible for nearly half of the province’s household greenhouse gas emissions; a CEV reduces emissions by 5.6 tonnes per year when compared to a conventional 2000 model year or older vehicle; a CEV reduces emissions by 3 tonnes per year when compared to a new gasoline-powered vehicle, according to a news release by the provincial government.
For drivers who hadn’t considered an alternative-energy automobile previously for whatever reason, manufacturers now offer several options that would appeal to even the most die-hard fan of traditional internal combustion. Here are some examples of what’s available.
BMW i3
Type: battery electric vehicle (with optional gasoline Range Extender)
Form factor: five-passenger hatchback
Base MSRP: $45,000
Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid
Type: plug-in electric hybrid vehicle
Form factor: five-passenger mid-size crossover SUV
Base MSRP: $86,600
Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid
Type: plug-in electric hybrid vehicle
Form factor: five-passenger sedan
Base MSRP: $110,000
Toyota Prius Plug-in
Type: plug-in electric hybrid vehicle
Form factor: five-passenger hatchback
Base MSRP: $35,905
Read more about the CEV phase 2 program on the website.
2015 AJAC EcoRun practices green driving on Vancouver Island
The 2015 AJAC EcoRun took place on Vancouver Island for the first time in its four year history. The event evaluates the newest alternative-energy vehicles promotes green driving habits.