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PREVIEW 2012 THE OKANAGAN SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011 Fusion


While the Fusion will probably be replaced with an all-new “world car,” the current 2012 model still features a bold, aggressive attitude with well-judged suspension, braking and steer- ing systems. Much of the interior features a soft-touch “skin” that looks and feels upscale; the seats have plenty of side support and the coverings are also richer in appearance. Six- cylinder Fusions can also be had with all-wheel- drive, a feature not currently offered on any of the company’s direct competitors. The Hybrid combines a 156-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylin- der engine with a 106-horsepower electric mo- tor for a net output of 191 horses. The Hybrid combo is mated to a continuously variable transmission and can travel up to 75 km-h on battery power alone. Base price (incl. destination): $21,500 Base engine (hp): 2.5-litre DOHC I6 (175 hp) Optional engines (hp): 3.0-litre DOHC V6 (240 hp); 3.5-litre DOHC V6 (263 hp); 2.5-litre DOHC I4 (156) with 275-volt electric motor (191 combined)


l/100 km (city/highway): 9.5/6.2 (2.5, MT) Mustang Ford is slowly turning the Mustang into the


pony-car version of the Porsche 911.The mid- range 412-horsepower V8-powered GT is like the plain Carrera: simple and effective. The Shelby GT500 is a forced-induction, 550-horse- power cruise missile, like the 911 Turbo. The new-for-2012 Boss 302 is like the 911 GT3: it sits midway between the previous two, but is shocking in both its speed and its ability to carve up a road.The Boss gets the usual pow- er upgrades with the 5.0 spinning up to 7,400 rpm to deliver 444 horsepower, while torque- sensing limited-slip differential and Recaro front seats are options. In a unique throw to the orig- inal Boss, every owner can adjust the suspen- sion settings and shock adjustments with a screwdriver.To finish off the package, there are aggressive body pieces, a free-breathing ex- haust and unique 19-inch wheels with stickier rubber. If that’s not enough, you can also step into a Boss 302 Laguna Seca package, which is like the 911 GT3 RS:more raw, with a delet- ed rear seat and cross-car bracing in its place. It also comes with R-compound tires, a lower front splitter (air dam), and a functional rear spoiler. It’s essentially a track-ready car deliv- ered right from the factory. Base price (incl. destination): $23,000 Base engine (hp): 3.7-litre DOHC V6 (305) Optional engine (hp): 5.0-litre DOHC V8 (412, GT; 444, Boss)


l/100 km (city/highway): 11.1/6.9 (V6, MT)


Shelby GT500 Still the big daddy of Mustangs even with the


track-ready Boss 302 now sharing showroom space. All-aluminum supercharged 550-horse- power 5.4-litre V8; the silky smooth six-speed gearbox will corral the serious performance ad- dict. In addition, a new performance package includes a stiffer suspension, limited-slip dif- ferential, more front and rear downforce, slight- ly lowered ride height and unique Goodyear Eagle tires mounted on lightweight 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels.For 2012, Ford is mak- ing its electric power steering adjustable to three settings to better suit your driving style. Base price (incl. destination): $60,500 Base engine (hp): 5.4-litre DOHC V8 (550) l/100 km (city/highway): 14.8/9.1


Taurus


With a facelifted Taurus coming next year, other than a new paint hue, the company is leaving well enough alone for 2012. Ubiquitous would describe the widely used 263-horsepow- er 3.5-litre V6 engine that drives the front wheels via a standard six-speed automatic transmission; the “raging bull” SHO adds twin turbochargers and other performance upgrades to the V6, causing 365 horses to enervate all four wheels. Interior highlights include a Mustang-inspired dashboard and control-pan- el layout that smoothly flows into a sizeable floor console. Base price (incl. destination): $29,350 Base engine (hp): 3.5-litre DOHC V6 (263) Optional engine (hp): 3.5-litre DOHC V6, twin- turbocharged (365) l/100 km (city/highway): 11.6/7.2 (base, FWD)


FORD TRUCK/SUV Escape


With more than a decade using essentially the same shell, the Escape is one of Ford’s most reliable hits.The Escape still hits the right mix of tall-wagon utility and off-road ability; fi- nally due for replacement in 2013 with a “world” model, which means it will likely be smaller. Gasoline four- and six-cylinder powerplants carry over, as does the fuel-frugal gas-electric Hybrid.


Base price (incl. destination): $21,400; $39,800 (Hybrid) Base engine (hp): 2.5-litre DOHC I4 (171) Optional engine (hp): 3.0-litre DOHC V6 (240); 2.5-litre DOHC I4 plus a 94-horsepow- er electric motor (177, Hybrid) l/100 km (city/highway): 9.2/7.2 (2.5, FWD,


MT) Expedition With the Explorer moved to a car-based plat-


form, the Expedition is the only burly sport util- ity left in Ford’s line; available in regular or ex- tended EL.It’s big, and the 5.4-litre V8 was de- signed in a era where gas was much cheaper, so dial back any fuel-economy expectations. Available in regular length, or longer-by-38- centimetres extended-length Max.This chunki- er machine allows the Expedition to go toe-to- toe with the Chevrolet Tahoe and extended- length Suburban duo. Base price (incl. destination): $45,000 Base engine (hp): 5.4-litre SOHC V8 (310) L/100km (city/hwy): 17.3/11.6


Explorer


After reinventing itself as a car-based tall wagon that is both refined and technological-


Honda Civic Si coupe Yukon/Yukon XL The “Mama Bear” in GM’s full-size sport-util-


ity offerings, the GMC Yukon offers more op- tions and luxury than the Chevrolet Tahoe, but not as flashy as the music-video-star Cadillac Escalade. From a cost-effective 5.3-litre V8 to a hybrid powertrain to a lusty 6.2-litre Chevrolet Corvette-based V8 . . . the Tahoe/Suburban can’t possibly touch this.Yukon Denali and XL Denali available for those of you who want a Cadillac Escalade without the baggage. Base price (incl. destination): $51,000 Base engine (hp): 5.3-litre OHV V8 (320) Optional engines (hp): 6.0-litre OHV V8 (352-


362); 6.0-litre OHV V8 and an electric motor (332, Hybrid); 6.2-litre OHV V8 (403) l/100 km(city/highway): 14.4/9.6 (Hybrid)


HONDA GMC Sierra


ly advanced, the Explorer ratchets up the effi- ciency. No more V8, but instead a 290-horse- power V6 and a fuel-sipping turbo four-cylin- der available on front-wheel-drive models. It’s still rugged enough to tackle all but the rough- est terrain and trailer up to 2,300 kilograms in the process. The interior (also car-like) pro- vides room for up to seven passengers, or six when the second-row bench is replaced by op- tional lounge chairs. Base price (incl. destination): $31,400 Base engine (hp): 3.5-litre DOHC V6 (290) Optional engine (hp): 2.0-litre DOHC I4, tur- bocharged (240) l/100 km(city/highway): 11.1/7.8 (3.5)


F-150 Ford swung for the fences with its full line of


new engines, and it’s reaping the benefits:more than half of F-150’s sold in 2011 came equipped with six-cylinder engines, whether the base 3.7-litre or the optional 3.5-litre EcoBoost turbo. Those wanting traditional V8 power were spoiled too, with 5.0-litre or 6.2- litre options readily available. Ford is keeping up the momentum for 2012 as all EcoBoost models will have gigantic 136-litre fuel tanks standard, meaning a theoretical maximum range of more than 1,200 kilometres. Off-road enthusiasts will be happy to learn that more models will gain electronic locking rear axles, and a new four-wheel-drive system on Lariat trims and higher will now allow for a computer to send power to the front wheels if the rears are spinning. Base price (incl. destination): $20,450 (2011); $54,700 (SVT Raptor) Base engine (hp): 3.7-litre DOHC V6 (302) Optional engine (hp): 3.5-litre DOHC V6, tur- bocharged (365); 5.0-litre DOHC V8 (360), 6.2- litre SOHC V8 (411) l/100 km (city/hwy): 14.4/10.4 (3.7)


F-Series SD


There were few sheetmetal changes during the refresh for 2011, but the one area that dif- ferentiates new from old is a more prominent “power dome” hood along with a bolder grille and front bumper. Combined with a set of ex- tra-large headlamps, the SD imparts a dominat- ing sense of robust strength. Backing up that statement is a new 6.2-litre gasoline V8 that rules the roost with 385 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. Optional is an equally fresh Ford-developed 6.7-litre V8 turbo-diesel that generates 400 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque, which, if you just go by the peak numbers, outguns the competing Chevrolet Silverado HD. The result is a pay- load capacity of up to 2,960 kilograms and a fifth-wheel towing capacity of up to 11,060 kilo- grams.


Base price (incl. destination): $37,000 Base engine (hp): 6.2-litre SOHC V8 (385) Optional engine (hp): 6.7-litre OHV V8, turbo- diesel (400)


l/100 km (city/hwy): n/a Transit Connect


After sufficient demand, Ford now offers a personal-use version of its small utility Transit Connect van with five seats.A 136-horsepow- er four-cylinder engine is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and drives the front wheels; an all-electric version now available. More than six feet of unobstructed floor space sits behind the front seats and the 1.6-metre- tall cargo hold can be accessed through dual sliding side doors or twin rear cargo doors. Also, after a long lead-up, an all-electric Transit Connect debuts that’s able to go 130 kilometres on a full charge, recharge in six to eight hours and hit a top speed of 120 km-h. Base price (incl. destination): $28,200 Engine (hp): 2.0-litre DOHC I4 (136 hp) l/100 km (city/hwy): 9.5/7.9


GMC Acadia


GMC’s fancy Denali sub-brand has been creeping from big and imposing body-on-frame vehicles such as the Sierra pickup and Yukon


sport utility vehicle to more sophisticated vehi- cles such as the Acadia tall wagon. How long before we see a Terrain Denali? Front- and all- wheel-drive models get the same 288-horse- power V6; surprisingly thrifty operation for the vehicle’s size. Base price (incl. destination): $39,900 Base engine (hp): 3.6-litre DOHC V6 (288) l/100 km(city/highway): 12.7/8.4 (FWD)


Canyon Along with the Toyota Tacoma and the Nissan


Frontier, the Canyon is one of a handful of co- moact competitors left, but with key features such as an optional V8, extended bed lengths and near-full-sized towing capacity, its leaner price of entry is very attractive.For most uses, such as toting a motorcycle or a jet ski and hauling drywall, the Canyon’s five- and six-foot box choices will work just fine. Select from a wide variety of cab styles (regular, extended and four-door crew), drive systems (rear or 4x4), suspension setups (heavy-duty and off- road) and several trim levels. Base price (incl. destination): $25,500 Base engine (hp): 2.9-litre DOHC I4 (185) Optional engines (hp): 3.7-litre DOHC I5 (242); 5.3-litre OHV V8 (300) l/100 km(city/highway): 11.3/7.8 (2.9 MT,


RWD) Sierra


GMC’s iconic Sierra pickup runs the gamut from basic work truck to Cadillac levels of lux with the Denali. The Sierra also offers up General Motors’hy-


brid system, which is available in two- or four- wheel-drive 1500-series (half-ton) crew-cab short-box models. It operates at up to 50 km- h using only its two 60-kilowatt electric motors contained inside an electronically variable four- speed transmission. At higher speeds, a 322- horsepower 6.0-litre gasoline engine works in conjunction with the electric motors.The Hybrid pickup is rated at 9.7/9.1 (city/highway) l/100 km for the 4x2 model, or 9.8/9.1 for 4x4 units. For drivers who want to burn fewer dollars, there’s the (Xtra Fuel Efficient) XFE, a non-hy- brid Sierra with equipment that has been opti- mized for maximum fuel economy. Base price (incl. destination): $27,800 Base engine (hp): 4.3-litre OHV V6 (195) Optional engines (hp): 4.8-litre OHV V8 (295); 5.3-litre OHV V8 (315); 6.0-litre OHV V8 (367, 322 on Hybrid); 6.2-litre OHV V8 (403) l/100 km(city/highway): 14.1/10.0 (4.3, RWD)


Sierra HD From $35,000 for a stripped-down regular-


cab Work Truck, to nearly 80 large for a highly decorated 3500-series Denali Crew Cab, the Sierra HD can really pack a payload at any price. Carryover base 360-horsepower 6.0-litre gasoline V8; optional 6.6-litre turbo-diesel packs a real wallop with 765 pound-feet of torque; six-speed transmissions for all; base 360-horse- power 6.0-litre gasoline V8; optional 6.6-litre turbo-diesel spools out 765 pound-feet of torque; six-speed transmissions all around. Base price (incl. destination): $37,200 Base engine (hp): 6.0-litre OHV V8 (360) Optional engine (hp): 6.6-litre OHV V8, turbo- diesel (397)


l/100 km(city/highway): n/a Terrain


While most small wagons are aiming for or- ganic and swoopy shapes, the only curves you’ll find on the squared-off Terrain are the four tires. The five-passenger GMC shares its platform and powertrains with the second-gen- eration Chevrolet Equinox that arrived for the 2010 model year, though you would never guess these two are in any way related. An ef- ficient 2.4-litre four-cylinder drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic trans- mission, which does double duty to deliver pow- er from the optional 3.0-litre V6. The best ef- fort yet to expand GMC beyond heavy-duty trucks and sport-utilities. Base price (incl. destination): $28,900 Base engine (hp): 2.4-litre DOHC I4 (182) Optional engine (hp): 3.0-litre DOHC V6 (264) l/100 km(city/highway): 9.2/6.1 (I4, FWD)


Accord In the largest, most competitive car class out


there, sitting idle for long periods of time can make you irrelevant. Both the Accord sedan and coupe received front and rear re-sculpting for the 2011 model year, which Honda obvi- ously thinks is enough to hold off the likes of the Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, the latter two being the newest and closest rivals so far.It cannot be good when all of those competitors happen to be available with class-leading hybrid models.For 2012, the only change to equipment is having a USB au- dio input standard in every model. Base price (incl. destination): $26,350 (sedan); $28,350 (coupe) Base engine (hp): 2.4-litre DOHC I4 (177) Optional engines (hp): 2.4-litre DOHC I4 (190); 3.5-litre SOHC V6 (271) l/100 km (city/hwy): 9.2/6.0 (2.4, AT)


Civic (New for 2012!)


Both Civic coupes and sedans have evolved only modestly when compared to their previ- ous-gen counterparts. The rooflines are a bit more sweeping and the front roof pillars are now thinner for improved visibility. The sheet- metal on the sedan and slightly shorter coupe is attached to a stiffer platform that reduces the distance between the front and rear wheels by a couple of centimetres. Despite this, inside, Honda has increased shoulder and legroom for front- and rear-seat passengers and mod- estly enlarged trunk space.The automaker also restyled the two-tier instrument panel into a slightly more formal layout. Returning for 2012 is the significantly changed Civic Hybrid sedan with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder combined with an electric motor that together make 110 horse- power.The system now employs a lighter and more advanced lithium-ion battery, replacing the previous nickel-metal-hydride unit. Honda claims the Hybrid will achieve 4.4 l/100 km rat- ing in city driving and 4.2 on the highway (com- pared with last year’s 4.7/4.3). Meanwhile, you can bank on 7.2 l/100 km city and 5.0 highway for standard-issue Civics equipped with auto- matic transmissions. Base price (incl. destination): $16,500 (sedan); $19,500 (coupe); $27,500 (Si); $28,750 (Hybrid) Base engine (hp): 1.8-litre SOHC I4 (140) Optional engines (hp): 2.4-litre DOHC (201); 1.5-litre SOHC I4 with 23-horsepower electric motor (110, combined) l/100 km (city/hwy): 7.2/5.0 (1.8, AT); 4.4/4.2


(Hybrid) Crosstour


Honda hopes the uniquely styled Crosstour will fly on its own after dropping Accord from its name; offers a high degree of utility. For what- ever reason, there’s no four-cylinder engine available, which means a 271-horsepower V6; optional four-wheel drive. Raising the hatch re- veals a cargo hold with nearly double the vol- ume of an Accord sedan. Additional stowage can be realized by flipping the twin levers po- sitioned next to the inside fender wells. Another neat feature is the cover that conceals a brief- case-sized rear storage bin. Base price (incl. destination): $36,500 Base engine (hp): 3.5-litre SOHC V6 (271) l/100 km (city/hwy): 11.5/7.2 (FWD)


CR-V (New for 2012)


All-new fourth-generation compact ute fea- tures more aggressive styling, added interior space and a wider array of standard and option- al features. Rumour has it that a more fuel-ef- ficient 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine will make an appearance, along with an equally new six- speed automatic transmission that’s an alterna- tive to the base five-speed manual.Four-wheel- drive remains optional.The forthcoming mod- el will be larger inside and out and the interior has been reconfigured to maximize the five- passenger seating room and provide for a larg- er and more versatile cargo hold. Base price (incl. destination): $27,500 (est.) Base engine (hp): 2.4-litre DOHC I4 (190,


est.) l/100 km (city/hwy): 9.4/6.8 (FWD, est.) CR-Z


Are hybrids supposed to be about fun and games? Honda thinks so, and the eco-friend- ly and still-practical CR-Z is the proof. A 122- horsepower gas-electric powerplant motivates this 1,200-kilogram runabout; Six-speed man- ual transmission (heralded for its smooth pre- cision) is unique to hybrid class; optional CVT; Rumours persist that a gasoline-only option might soon surface. Manual transmission makes the CR-Z way more fun to drive. Base price (incl. destination): $24,900 Base engine (hp): 1.5-litre SOHC I4, with 13- hp electric motor (122, net) l/100 km (city/hwy): 5.6/5.0 (CVT)


Fit


Between the current financial troubles and increasing fuel prices, more of us are demand- ing smaller cars.For Honda, the Fit is definite- ly the right car at the right time. The wedge- shaped body looks modern and muscular and the large front glass makes the car appear sleeker while providing excellent forward visi-


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