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Mazda introduces Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to refreshed 2019 CX-9

Benjamin Yong on October 1, 2018

The Apple CarPlay homescreen is a familiar sight to many users, and is now available in the 2019 Mazda CX-9.

Only a couple of years have passed since the award-winning second generation CX-9 was released, but the hard-working folks at Mazda have already endowed the mid-size crossover with additional functionality to its Mazda Connect infotainment system.

During an informal briefing session in Vancouver, the brand says the updates are in part a response to an overwhelming number of customer requests for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility. Both services have now been seamlessly integrated, and all users need to do to get started is to plug their mobile devices into a more powerful 2.1-amp USB port, which has the extra bonus of providing quicker charging.              

What’s unique about the setup in the CX-9 is, once connected, not only can you navigate the CarPlay or Android Auto menus using conventional touch inputs on the central display, but via the commander control knob comfortably located beneath the transmission lever as well. Rotate to highlight a different onscreen icon and push to select, or pressing the surrounding Entertainment, NAV and Home buttons will also execute the respective commands. This is part of an overall strategy to minimize manual distractions while on the road.  

What else is new, you ask? SiriusXM Travel Link (five year trial subscription included with vehicle purchase) adds live traffic and incident reports directly to the built-in map, and offers weather, fuel prices, parking availability and sporting event information all at your fingertips.

Aside from the tech upgrades, the crossover benefits from suspension and steering tuning to improve ride quality and handling; better sound absorption materials to reduce noise, vibration and handling; optional ventilated front seats for greater passenger comfort; and the introduction of a 360˚ View Monitor that uses four cameras to give a birds-eye view of the driver’s surroundings.

The 2019 Mazda CX-9 is available in four trim levels and starts at $36,700.

Looking for a new Mazda dealership? Visit us at OpenRoad Mazda Port Moody today – we’re located in Port Moody, BC near Coquitlam and Burnaby.

All-new 2019 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid to arrive early next year

Benjamin Yong on June 19, 2018

2019 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid front three quarter

The SUV enters its third generation for 2019, which includes another S E-Hybrid model with a higher output gasoline engine and electric motor.

Porsche recently announced early next year, a new partially electrified version of its best-selling SUV will be rolling off the assembly line: the 2019 Cayenne S E-hybrid. And the best part? It’s a whole lot more powerful.

The powertrain is composed of a 3.0-litre V6 gasoline engine and a significantly upgraded electric motor together generating a net 462 horsepower — an additional 43 horses compared to before — and 516 lb-ft of torque. That’s good for a 0 to 100 km/h time in a scant 5 seconds, not bad considering the mid-size crossover weighs 2,295 kilograms. As with the rest of the model range, a Tiptronic S eight-speed transmission has been adopted.

2019 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybridrear

Borrowing technology from the 918 Spyder hypercar, the S E-Hybrid can use virtually all of the now larger 14.1 kilowatt-hour onboard battery’s stored energy to provide extra acceleration boost in Sport and Sport Plus modes. Comprised of eight cell modules mounted beneath the floor of the rear cargo area, the battery is fluid-cooled to optimize performance.

Using the standard 3.6-kilowatt charger and a 230-volt, 10-amp connection, a full charge takes approximately eight hours. A 7.2-kilowatt unit is available for use with a 230-volt, 32-amp power source reducing the top-up time to 2.3 hours. Similar to other products in the segment, the process is remotely manageable through the Porsche Connect smartphone app allowing the use to pre-set climate control, turn the car on or off and find nearby charging stations.

2019 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid interior

Drivers looking to tow recreational equipment or a trailer, this Cayenne has an add-on trailer connection and is rated for loads up to 3.5 tonnes. Like the 911 range, an “active hang-on” all-wheel drive system is employed whereby power is permanently distributed to the rear wheels while the front is variable depending on load and road conditions.

Also optional are Porsche Active Suspension Management, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control roll stabilization, and a couple of firsts for the brand, a head-up display projected to the front windscreen showing pertinent driving information and lightweight 22-inch alloy wheels.

Lexus to usher in new era of ES this fall

Benjamin Yong on June 13, 2018

Pair of 2019 Lexus ES

The 2019 Lexus ES is bigger, lower and improved in almost every way compared to the outgoing model.

The Lexus ES, short for Executive Sedan, has long been admired for its comfort, elegant looks and luxury. Performance and cutting edge style, however, aren’t usually in the conversation when talking about the vehicle. Lexus aims to change this when the sixth iteration of the model is ushered in during the fall, complete with the addition of, for the first time, an F SPORT variant in the lineup.

2019 lexus es side view

Built on an all-new global GA-K platform, the mid-size four door sizes up growing 65 millimetres longer and 45 millimetres wider, while dropping five millimetres in height and gaining a wider track front and rear. The hood is lower and the roofline significantly raked, altogether resulting is a silhouette that is much more vibrant and youthful than the one it replaces.

2019 lexus es grille

The front end is characterized by thin, sharply designed headlamps and a choice of two different spindle grilles depending on the trim level. The 350 and 300h hybrid models receive a vertical-slatted unit, the F SPORTs a blacked out mesh grille made up of a repeating pattern of “L” shapes instead. The latter also adds a rear spoiler, lower diffuser, 19-inch wheels and an exclusive Ultra Sonic Blue Mica paint colour.

2019 lexus es f sport interior

The cabin of the 2019 ES is purposefully driver focused, the central display, instrument panel and head-up display all placed in a way to promote easy viewing without having to shift attention away from the road. F SPORT interiors feature special “Hadori” metallic trim, influenced by traditional Japanese sword making. The alloy has a wavy, 3-D appearance to it highlighting the premium level of detail applied to the car.

Compared to the outgoing chassis, the GA-K is stiffer and lighter yielding a better feel of the road and a quieter ride as well. An Adaptive Variable Suspension, like the one on the LC coupe, is offered as optional equipment.

2019 lexus es driver

“We knew that this ES had to feel responsive and easy to drive, no matter what kind of road it was on and that can only be achieved with a solid foundation,” said chief engineer Yashuhiro Sakakibara.

2019 lexus es 300h badge

Two powerplants are available. The ES 350 utilizes a 3.5-litre V6 producing 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, and the ES 300h takes advantage of a fourth-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system delivering 215 net horsepower and a combined city/highway fuel economy rating of approximately 5.3 L/100 km.

Be on the lookout for the 2019 Lexus ES in dealerships come September.

2019 Lexus ES rear

Hyundai Tucson receives significant refresh for 2019 model year

Benjamin Yong on April 30, 2018

As part of Hyundai’s mandate to introduce eight new or significantly updated CUVs by 2020, the Tucson is the fifth example to debut following the recently announced Kona range of subcompacts. The popular small crossover receives a fresh face and rear fascia, lighting and numerous cabin upgrades.

“From a design perspective, onlookers will recognize a generational harmony between Hyundai’s new 2019 Santa Fe and the refreshed Tucson,” said Steve Flamand, director of product and corporate strategy at Hyundai Auto Canada.

“The signature elements of the Hyundai cascading grille and modern-day surfacing found in the rear view create shadowy, dramatic impressions and represent the Hyundai DNA.”

2019 Hyundai Tucson rear

The cascading grille in question embodies the brand’s current signature styling featuring a hexagonal shape, outlined in chrome and reaching deep down into the front bumper. The headlights’ edges have been softened, and the tail lamps at the back slimmed and stretched for a more aerodynamic appearance.

Inside the vehicle, the remodelled centre stack layout has a seven-inch central display that is now a freestanding style, moved above the HVAC vents. Tech-saavy rear passengers should be happy to find the addition of USB inputs and wireless charging capability to the second row. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone interfacing capability is standard.

The small SUV can be ordered housing one of two engine flavours: a 2.0-litre four cylinder producing 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.4-litre four-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Both motors are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission offering a SHIFTRONIC manual-shifting mode.

2019 Hyundai Tucson interior

Consumers may also bundle in a long list of available safety technologies such as forward collision mitigation, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, radar cruise control and more. Look for the 2019 Hyundai Tucson to arrive in stores soon.

Welcoming the 2019 Genesis G70

Benjamin Yong on April 19, 2018

Genesis’ first true luxury sport sedan has finally touched down on our side of the pond, joining bigger brothers the G80 and G90. The G70 is offered in no less than six variations, ranging from an Advanced trim featuring the model’s base turbocharged 2.0-litre 252-horsepower engine to the top-of-the-line Sport boasting a 3.3-litre twin-turbo 365 horsepower mill.

Driver-focused

The car was first announced last fall and now as the delivery date draws near, additional information has been made available. Genesis says the G70 will deliver “confidence-inspiring agility” thanks to multi-link independent suspension set up to balance comfort and handling. The hood and other components are also crafted out of aluminum to cut the weight down (1,673 kilograms for Canadian spec) and increase nimbleness.

Stepping into the cabin, occupants will notice a deep seating position designed to keep a low centre of gravity. An optional mechanical limited-slip differential distributes torque to the appropriate wheel when built-in sensors detect a loss of traction.  All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission with launch control are standard, and customers of the 2.0Ts can opt for a slick six-speed manual gearbox and rear rear-wheel drive.

Tailored performance

Once on the road, drivers have at their disposal control over various vehicle dynamics to suit various moods and/or whatever environment they may be facing. Powertrain response, steering feel, engine sound, front/rear bias, and even suspension dampening and automatic side bolster adjustment (3.3T Sport only) are all customizable.

The higher grades benefit from additional performance and cosmetic upgrades such as large 350-millimetre vented brake rotors and Brembo calipers, 19-inch alloy wheels and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.

Like the other products in the lineup, the Genesis G70 may be ordered through the brand’s online purchase platform and home delivered via the Genesis at Home concierge service.