Land Rover LR4

Following a substantial transformation that gave it an all-new powertrain, a more luxurious interior and chassis refinements for 2010, the Land Rover LR4 enters the 2011 model year with additional dynamic control features and a new available Vision Assist Package.

The 2011 Land Rover LR4 has a base MSRP of $48,500 (includes $850 destination and delivery charge) and is again available with the HSE and HSE LUX upgrade packages. New for 2011, enhancements to the Terrain Response system bolster the LR4’s already considerable off-road capability, while new and reconfigured option packages enhance luxury and value.

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Full Test Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

When the Cobalt replaced the Cavalier a few years ago, I remember having enjoyed the car for its development against its predecessor. The future was going to lie, since the Cobalt was not entirely the point that even if there was an improvement. That's what scares me about the Cruze. Especially since General Motors has put the package on advertising. Is it because the product is not worth the trouble? I hope I am wrong because, in general, I liked that little car that marks the revival of GM.

Note that, unlike the Jumper Cobalt and its predecessor, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is sold in several countries around the world. And before being sold here, it was sold elsewhere where people have tested. So we should arrive well developed and free of major problems. Indeed, before being marketed in Canada, the Chevrolet Cruze has traveled more than 6 million miles in test quality and durability in the world. In Canada, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is available in three trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ Turbo Turbo. LT is the Turbo, which was the subject of my essay, the central model which should represent a good share of sales due to its level of equipment well studied.

When taking place in the driver's seat, there is no surprise. We are in a pure product GM of recent design. Three recessed dials into each other we are faced with green display not very dynamic. At the bottom of the central dial, a small screen to the onboard computer that displays more information about the operation of the vehicle. For the central block is also the latest design with a V-shape and several buttons easy enough to find and use. I do not like the fact that we have put the fabric on the dashboard on the passenger side. With the dust that may accumulate, it will be difficult to clean. A rectangular screen for the audio system information overlooks the central block. Like all screens of this type, it is sensitive to sunlight and it is really time for manufacturers to find a trick to avoid losing any information on this screen because of Galarneau. Speaking of audio, it is very good both in terms of XM Satellite Radio as the CD playback. The iPod interface is also appreciated for its detailed and USB relatively well placed in the small central trunk. The only downside is the Bluetooth connectivity which despite simple operation only accepts voice commands in English. I do not know if this is the case for most drivers, but I when I drive, I often right hand on the knob shifter. That's why I like the steering wheel of cellular and radio are on the left. This is not the case here as they are right. This is the cruise control is on the left. This is the same for ventilation knobs that appear to reverse as the temperature level is left and the right fan speed. These are details, but when you live six or more years with the same car, it can become important. What is even more important is to be comfortable in his car and it is in the Chevrolet Cruze. The front seats are also equipped with good lateral support. It's different at the back where the seat is flatter and where the legroom is more accurate. In fact, the legroom is dependent on the goodwill of the front passengers who decide to have mercy or not your knees. The trunk is a good size despite a loading threshold too high. The rear seat can be folded into 1/3-2/3 section in position but not perfectly flat.

This is the mechanism that represents the true novelty of the Chevrolet Cruze since 2011 is facing two new engines. First, a 1.8-liter version LS team atmosphere. Then, a 1.4-liter turbo for the LT and LTZ. Both produce 138 horsepower and the difference is in torque is 125 lb.-ft. and 148 respectively. The beauty of the 1.4 liter that produces its torque at low rpm (1850 rev / min. 3800 against the 1.8 liter). To make overtaking, is ideal. Two transmissions are available: first, a six-speed manual. Then, a gearbox six-speed automatic, which manages much engine power. The manual transmission is attached to this rather disappointing because the gearshift is too long to be enjoyable. But as is the fashion ... Nothing very exciting in handling but it must be said that the Cruze is as good as many other models in this area. The suspension is independent front and torsion beam rear. It gives a comfortable, but if the road is bumpy curves, the back tends to slip away. So caution on small country roads! Steering is electrically assisted rack and pinion. The brakes are front discs and rear drums. Disc brakes on all four wheels are optional. No particular criticism at the brake except that I wish the four discs are standard.

In terms of safety, GM made an effort. First, anti-lock brakes, the system stability control and rollover sensor are standard. In widely publicized, GM is proud to offer 10 standard airbags: front, other-seat, curtains and cushions for even the knees. The pedals are also retractable in a collision.

If reliability is the appointment this time, Chevrolet hands a good car. It is not really on top of the competition but it is not the bottom. It's a good little car with good gas mileage. My only concern is not limited to this Chevrolet: I hope that the sustainability of improved turbochargers because it was not always spotless. Several manufacturers use this trick to lower their average gas mileage. I just hope that consumers will not do the costs. To return to the Cruze, I am confident that this time is good for GM seems to be more careful about the quality of its products since the financial crisis.

2011 Chevrolet Captiva: New design and new engines

New Captiva SUV:

• a sportier look and new engines
• Line showing the redesigned front affirmed Chevrolet
• Indoor and dressed in new high-quality materials
• Seven seats standard, excellent load capacity
• New engine range, powerful and sober
• New six-speed transmissions manual or automatic
• Traction or four-wheel drive
• One of four world premieres of the Chevrolet Mondial de l'Automobile

The new Captiva SUV will be presented for the first time at the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris. He gets a new design of its front face, a series of improvements in and a new range of engines and transmissions. The Captiva will be one of four world premieres of Chevrolet.

The Captiva is a true SUV Chevrolet signed. His style is strong and renewed momentum, and it can have a drive system activated on demand, which distributes power as needed.

The new Captiva, however, retains the advantages of its stadium-style seating system, three rows allow it to comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers.

Since its inception in 2006, the Captiva has won the public through its exterior design: the new version, the line has simply become even more successful. Some changes have an immediate visual impact. They touch the front of the new Captiva and give it a sporty even more evident: the hood contours reshaped receives much more marked, the grille is more imposing with its double opening, proudly bearing the logo Chevrolet at its center, the lights are prismatic repeaters and LED indicators are incorporated in the exterior mirrors.

Following the movement of the front fenders, side air vents now adopt a more angular shape to emphasize the sporty character of the new Captiva. But the line short of the amount of the windshield to the rear has been retained to keep the beautiful Captiva profile, characterized by its simple and shoulder line rising.

To complete the renewal outside the Captiva, it now has a new palette of colors and wheel arches can accommodate wheels from 17 to 19 inches.

It is under the hood of the new Captiva which are also many changes have occurred: no fewer than four new engines arrive, more powerful, associated with new six-speed transmissions, manual or automatic, which will give the Captiva a power line while serene. The new range of engines consisting of a petrol engine (3.0 l) and two turbodiesel variants (2.2 l), has many technical improvements aimed at providing an optimal balance between performance and fuel economy.

With the arrival of a new 3-liter V6 petrol engine of 258 hp with direct injection and a variable valve timing, the Captiva is one of the most powerful compact SUV market. The new turbocharged diesel direct injection common rail 2.2 liter available with 163 or 184 hp. The 2.2-liter turbo-diesels are available in front-wheel drive configuration or all-wheel drive.

The chassis of the new Captiva settings have been revised to improve vehicle dynamics, the benefits of cornering, stability and driving precision. In series with the trajectory control ESC (Electronic Stability Control), traction control TCS (Traction Control System) and Emergency Brake Assist BAS (Assist Braking System), as well as front airbags, side and curtain The Captiva offers a high level of security.

Inside, the new Captiva always welcomes both the driver and passengers in its cabin light and airy. It has a volume among the best in class and offers the opportunity to take up to 7 people.

Reviewed in the sense of quality, the interior of Captiva now offers new skins, with fabrics and decorations that give the car a distinctly more upscale. The designers have used some of the items on other Chevrolet models such as the backlight in blue counters wrapping or design of the instrument panel, which blends in contreportes driver and passenger to draw a double alcove.

The new system receives Captiva Hill Start Assist, which facilitates maneuvering during hill starts, and an electric parking brake which releases space in the center console. It can now accommodate two-door 1 liter bottle.

The audio system of the new Captiva includes auxiliary input and USB and Bluetooth compatible. Passengers will appreciate the better the quality of its engineers have reworked the acoustics by reducing the transmission of road noise and engine. The Captiva can receive a system of touch-screen navigation with backup camera for easy parking.

The Captiva offers a lot of SUV for its price: powerful engines but sober possibility of having an all-wheel drive, generosity and a modular interior that can accommodate up to seven passengers.

2011 Toyota 4Runner, the former used in the modern

In 1985, when the rage of hardcore 4x4 was in its infancy, Toyota unveiled its 4Runner destined to play in the beds of the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Bronco and Jeep Cherokee. The first two are no longer while the Jeep has become more refined to the point that today a reference, both in terms of the sophistication of off-road capabilities. In 2010, Toyota unveiled a new 4Runner. Instead of playing the card of refinement, we have been rather for robustness.



Many people have still not made in style for less beefy 4Runner.This follows the logic of giving Toyota 4x4 all the look very macho.Think of the FJ Cruiser, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra and Lexus GX460 and LX570. Note that the running boards, available in standard equipment, add style while being very helpful ... the summer. In winter, when frozen, they can become more dangerous than anything else if you have the misfortune not to set foot securely.


Far from the virility of Occupation Double ...
In the cockpit as it was done in the "big". The dashboard is massive, the gauges are impressive, the various buttons prove large enough to be handled with gloves and winter storage spaces are plentiful and generous size will be appreciated by all traîneux.To further enhance the robust style of the 4Runner, Toyota has equipped with a mechanical lever to actuate the transfer case of the 4x4 wheel. All manufacturers, or almost, are now using a button connected to an electric motor. It's as reliable, if not more, but a manly handle lever has a stubborn little something that appeals to fans inevitably 4x4.



The seats are showing comfort and can accommodate most of the templates. The interior is vast and people taking place at the back are really not to be pitied. Even the records bow a lot, promoting "little money"! The tailgate opens wide to a chest high threshold but not more than most other SUVs of the same ilk. When records are lowered, the bottom is nearly flat. However, the fact of raising the front seat cushions to lower the records, which are also equipped with a spring so hard that you almost use both hands to do this more disturbing. Also in the field of force, note that the tailgate of at least one of the 4Runner had a tailgate tried very hard to close.


Versions, three trim levels
The marketing department of Toyota was not too broken in the case of coconut 4Runner. So we do not find a version or the SR5.However, it is possible to add a few groups of options, among others, the Trail Edition and Group Limited. The latter is intended, as its name implies, the most luxurious: JBL audio system, gauges backlit Optitron (shared with the Trail), leather seats, third row of seats (hard to access and uncomfortable, by the way) and dual-zone air conditioner. Trail version is distinguished by its load platform can support up to 200 pounds. All variants come automatically with eight airbags and Party Mode. This mode consists of loudspeakers placed in the tailgate which, when raised, becomes a small nightclub.


Oust the V8!
If the style of the 4Runner SUV recalls the hard-line, the mechanical, cons, follows a trend very contemporary. Thus, we can not find but one of V8 V6. This 4.0-liter 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, which is not too much, especially when it comes time to pull a load. This probably explains that this vehicle can tow 5000 pounds that (2268 kg), less than most other vehicles in the same category. The transmission is a five-speed automatic only, which seems in a world of chick boxes six, seven or even eight reports have become commonplace. However, transmission of the 4Runner will be able to "turn" the engine at 1700 revolutions / minute to 100 km / h, with a particularly long fifth report. Toyota advance consumption of 12.6 liters per hundred kilometers in the city and 9.2 on the road. Our average consumption during our test week summer was 11.8 and that for about 80% of driving on roads and highways. Notice that there are only five years before technological advances have been applied, would have been obtained, with such power and such a weight (2111 pounds) a consumption rating of at least 14 l/100 km .



True to its origins, the 4Runner is still a formidable fighter fields, especially in hard Trail, through, inter alia, to its all-wheel drive that offers a low range (4 Low). When this mode is selected, the torque is multiplied but not as much as a Jeep Wrangler. Trail version adds a kinetic KDSS suspension and skid plates under the engine, transfer case and fuel tank. The angle is 33 degrees while the pay is 34 degrees. The ramp angle is 24 degrees, data advantageous compared to the new Grand Cherokee. And as the publicity puts it, there's more! The Multi-Field, based on that already offer by Land Rover, for example, can choose the type of terrain on which you drive, optimizing the operation of the lateral stability system, ABS, engine management and transmission.


Sport Utility Vehicle not sport
On the road, all understand that the 4Runner is not a paragon of sportsmanship. Management is not very strong nor very communicative and less curve taken at high speed shows a significant roll. The suspension is soft but at the same time, they are hard to feel the holes and bumps. After all, the frame of our flagship vehicle is a truck ... and it feels!



Strange as it may seem, and despite the automotive journalists Quebecers who bellowed to say that the crossover, 4x4 who missed their life, Kings and reign as masters, true 4x4 are far from having said its last word. He must believe because Jeep has to review its Grand Cherokee, Ford recently unveiled its new Explorer and Nissan will launch, next year or in 2012, a new generation of Pathfinder. And the Jeep Commander that has murdered over the last three years is still available!



4Runner prices range from $ 36 820 to 49 665 USD. It's not cheap but in any case, much more affordable than a Nissan Pathfinder whose prices start at about $ 38 000 and is returned at the end of its useful life. The real competition comes from Jeep Grand Cherokee, also is available to almost $ 38 000, but is brand new and infinitely more refined than the other two. Its history of reliability, for against, could tip the balance toward the Toyota ...