Back To OpenRoad

AJAC EcoRun 2018 showcases latest green vehicles

Benjamin Yong on July 17, 2018

 

AJAC EcoRun sign This year’s EcoRun featured 19 green vehicles and several hundred kilometres of driving through New Brunswick. Photos by Benjamin Yong.

The wave of pure electric, hybrid and other fuel efficient vehicles continues to get bigger, as evidenced by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada seventh annual EcoRun event held in June.

Taking place for the first time in Atlantic Canada, the intention of EcoRun is to showcase the newest green wheels on sale in dealerships, as well as comparing real-world fuel consumption to statistics published by manufacturers and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).

AJAC EcoRun 2018 opening ceremony

“It’s a true joy to be in Moncton today, as this event wouldn’t have been possible a few years ago. New Brunswick has obviously embraced eco-friendly vehicles with a lot of charging infrastructure throughout — it’s been the fastest growing electric vehicle market in the country, and one that’s fully connected,” says co-chair David Miller, referencing the availability of not only Level 2 but also Level 3 fast chargers capable of bringing battery energy level from zero to 80 per cent in 30 minutes.

“But this event isn’t just about pure electrics and plug in hybrids. Automakers are doing an admirable job in lowering fuel economy throughout their product lineups, and that’s despite a lot more SUVs and trucks.”

Indeed, the segments represented ran the gamut and included a total of 19 entries comprised of subcompacts, full-size sedans, crossovers and even a minivan. Journalists were assigned six models each, one for every leg of the 570-kilometre journey taking participants from the starting point in Moncton, through several cities, and eventually to Fredericton. Below are three standout examples I had a chance to drive over two days.

2018 Lexus LS 500h

2018 Lexus LS 500h

Lexus’ flagship entered its fifth generation this year, more luxurious than any iteration previous. The hybrid version is especially cutting edge, using a powertrain derived from the LC 500h coupe combining a 3.5-litre V6 gasoline mill and two electric motors to produce a net 354 horsepower.

NRCan rates the LS 500h at 9.1 L/100 km in mixed city and highway conditions, and drivers cumulatively managed 8.0 L/100 km.

2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid

2018 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Plus

The plug-in was the third and final piece to arrive in Hyundai’s trio of Ioniq cars that also feature standard hybrid and pure electric offerings. The 1.6-litre internal combustion engine and electric motor are mated to a sporty six-speed double-clutch transmission with optional paddle shifters, giving a bit of an extra kick to the combined 104 horsepower and 109 lb-ft of torque output. In zero emissions mode, this Ioniq can travel nearly 50 kilometres on a full charge.

NRCan rates the plug-in at 3.35 Le/100 km in mixed city and highway conditions, and drivers cumulatively managed 3.0 Le/100 km.

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Transformed from sensibly styled to sexy new four-door for 2018, the Camry is lower and wider than before and highlighted by a fresh lower grille dominating most of the front fascia. The next-gen Toyota Hybrid System and 2.5-litre four-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine work together to generate 208 total horsepower, and a continuously variable transmission boasts a sport setting that can use battery reserves to boost performance.

NRCan rates the Camry Hybrid at 5.1 L/100 km in mixed city and highway conditions, and drivers cumulatively managed 4.8 L/100 km.

Overall, among all the vehicles journalists managed to achieve an average of 1.59 L/100 km better than NRCan’s official numbers.

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.

OpenRoad's favourite reveals from Chicago Auto Show 2018

Benjamin Yong on February 19, 2018

 

The largest auto show in North America is underway right now in the Windy City. The 2018 year marks the Chicago Auto Show’s 110th anniversary, and here is what’s in store for visitors this time around.

2019 Toyota TRD Pro Series

Toyota TRD Pro Series trucks

The next-generation 4Runner, Tacoma and Tundra Pro were revealed at CAS as 2019 models. The trio have been given new suspension featuring Fox aluminum Internal Bypass Shocks that resist bottoming out regardless of the driving environment, from pothole-ridden roads to off-road rock crawling. The 4Runner and Taco are each lifted one-inch higher on the front than before, the Tacoma two inches, to give additional clearance for more accessible adventuring.

2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Hyundai Sonata hybrids

The refreshed 2018 electrified Sonata siblings made their debut looking quite a bit more refined than the previous version. The LED headlight housings are reshaped, flanking a curvier front grille and more prominent corner air intakes. Under the skin, the suspension is slightly stiffer and, combined with retuned steering assistance, provide better road feel. The standard hybrid features a net 193 horsepower and 1046 kilometres of total driving range, while the plug-in has a total 202 horsepower and a range of 950 kilometres.

2019 Volkswagen Arteon

Volkswagen Arteon

People first got a glimpse of this premium mid-size sedan in Geneva back in March, and the Arteon now makes its North American introduction. The full spec sheet is out, and things are looking good: 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, generated by VW’s famous 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI engine; available 4Motion all-wheel drive; optional Digital Cockpit; and a standard Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive damping system that is capable of managing each corner individually, to respond to changing road conditions and offer the most dynamic ride possible.

2018 Chicago Auto Show

 

Big model redesigns announced at 2018 Detroit Auto Show

Benjamin Yong on January 15, 2018

There is nothing quite like auto show season. One of the industry’s biggest spectacles, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, starts up this week and manufacturers made headlines revealing some complete redesigns of staple models.

2019 Volkswagen Jetta

2019 Volkswagen Jetta

VW announced the arrival of the anticipated seventh-generation Jetta, built on the company’s proven Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform shared with products such as the current Golf, Tiguan and Atlas. Like the new Tiguan, the Mk7 Jetta is all grown up, literally, now longer, wider and taller than the outgoing car. Everything from the front fascia to interior looks and feels more premium than before, and all trim levels include Driver Personalization remembering up to four user settings for seat memory, radio presets and ambient lighting colour. Power is provided by the same 1.4-litre turbocharged TSI engine and buyers have a choice of either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

2019 Toyota Avalon

2019 Toyota Avalon

Toyota’s full-size flagship sedan undergoes a well-deserved makeover, and going against the common theme of growing larger, has actually slimmed down some in size. The North American-built vehicle is 25 millimetres lower in height with a 50 millimetre shorter wheelbase, although width increases slightly, by 20 millimetres, to give a planted, performance-oriented appearance. Two grades will be offered: the sporty XSE boasting a piano black mesh grille, 19-inch gloss black wheels and black side mirror housings; and a luxurious Limited wearing a chrome-trimmed grille, silver LED headlight bezels and a chrome-tipped dual exit exhaust system. A newly designed efficient 3.5-litre V6 Atkinson-cycle powerplant can be found beneath the hood, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

2019 Hyundai Veloster

The result of a partnership between Hyundai main headquarters and the U.S. design center in Irvine, California, the Veloster goes version 2.0 later this year. The quirky five-passenger hatch returns with an asymmetrical two-plus-one door configuration and shows off a bold 3-D interpretation of the Hyundai cascading grille, similar to the one seen on the 2018 Sonata. The A-pillar has been pushed further back, the roofline lowered and 18-inch alloy wheels made standard to emphasize an aggressive, coupe-like silhouette. The regular Veloster gets a 147-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine while the top-of-the-line Turbo receives a boosted 201-horsepower 1.6-litre mill.    

2019 Hyundai Veloster

 

 

Hyundai teases next-generation hydrogen vehicle ahead of launch

Benjamin Yong on November 24, 2017

It’s only been three years since Hyundai showed Canadians that a production hydrogen-powered passenger vehicle is viable with the Tucson FCEV crossover, but the Korean automaker has already shared some details of its next attempt at the genre.  

The gasoline-free SUV doesn’t yet have a name, as the launch won’t be until a few months into 2018. The styling has clearly been influenced by the smooth and organic-looking FE concept shown last March during the Geneva Motor Show. The same understated and flowing organic body lines are there, and indeed Hyundai says the “pure and serene” design is inspired by nature, or more specifically, water, the model’s only by-product. Unique styling elements like the flush door handles and contoured two-piece wheels are all purposeful to minimize drag and increase aerodynamics.

Powertrain specifics aren’t yet available, but we know the fuel cell efficiency has been increased nine per cent now yielding an estimated driving range of over 580 kilometres. Output gains a boost by an impressive 20 per cent, to 161 horsepower. Cold start capability is improved as well, and this forthcoming example can fire up at temperatures as low as -30 C.

“With exceptional efficiency, serene styling, and uncompromised performance, our next generation fuel cell SUV is the true epitome of an eco-friendly vehicle of the future,” said Lee Ki-sang, senior vice president of Hyundai Motor Group’s Eco Technology Center. “Hyundai Motor will take the lead in developing and producing green energy vehicles that would ultimately complement a near-zero emission society.”

The clean crossover is part of the manufacturer’s plan of releasing a total of 31 eco-friendly products (electric, hybrid and fuel cell) — between itself and Kia — to market by 2020. For example, the compact Kona SUV will be offered in EV form next year featuring a range of 390 kilometres.

More information, including the offical name, is expected to be revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show in January.

Canadian EV sales surge ahead

Benjamin Yong on February 10, 2017

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid
Plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles experienced a significant year of growth in 2016. Photo by Benjamin Yong.

The results are in: electric vehicle sales are up. Way up in fact — as of Q3 in 2016, EV sales in Canada rose by 60 per cent compared to the year previous.

Ontario led the way, followed by Quebec and then British Columbia. B.C.’s numbers (+13 per cent) were good, but nothing compared to the +126 per cent explosion during the same period in 2015 thanks to the reinstatement of Clean Energy Vehicle Program following a one-year hiatus.

Canada_EV_sales_chart

Regardless, 2016 was clearly a banner year for EVs here. Before the mid-way mark, the country had already surpassed 20,000 registered plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles milestone. There were over 1,000 EVs sold in June alone.

Part of the reason for the electric interest is that there are simply more choices offered across nearly all segments, by a range of automobile manufacturers from Toyota to Porsche, than ever before. Additional entries are on the horizon as well, like the Honda Clarity that’s coming to North America for the first time.

bmw i8

BMW has been somewhat of a trailblazer in the EV space, with the development of the i3 hatchback and i8 sports car. In addition, the German marque now has the distinction of having the most plug-ins available in Canada with four, recently and somewhat quietly releasing two new models.

In the summer, the first BMW 330e was delivered: a green take on the iconic 3 Series. Utilizing the brand’s eDrive and EfficientDynamics technologies, the compact sedan pairs an 88-horsepower electric motor with a 184 hp four-cylinder engine sending a total of 252 hp to the rear wheels. Drivers can travel up to 40 kilometres on electric power alone, at speeds up to an impressive 120 km/h.

BMW X5 xDrive40e

For all the crossover fans, the company also debuted the X5 xDrive40e, its debut plug-in Sports Activity Vehicle. The SAV has all-wheel drive, net 308 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, an eight-speed transmission and a fuel consumption rating of 4.2 Le/100 km.