Cars have become safer by the day thanks to technology. And if there is one part of technology which deserves recognition, it is that of the safety that cars now carry. We have seen the birth of airbags and Antilock Braking Systems (ABS) and now the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

How does ESC work?

The system detects the point when a car is about to go into a slide and applies precisely measured amounts of braking force to each wheel, so as to correct or prevent the slide.
It should be pointed out, however, that ESC is not a replacement for responsible and safe driving and those sentiments are shared by car insurance companies, including Saga. It will not be able to prevent all potential accidents, although research results are more than encouraging.

And with safer cars, car insurance claims diminish as well. This is because the probability of being caught in accidents have become lower thanks to these safety enhancements. And you can be assured that for the years to come, more safety features for vehicles will be coming out as well as car manufacturing companies vie for safer cars to distribute in the market.

(Source) Press

Tags: Accidents, airbags, braking systems, car insurance claims, car insurance companies, electronic stability control, Insurance, manufacturing companies, market source, probability, safe driving, safer cars, safety enhancements, safety features, saga, sentiments

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The 2010 Forte Koup makes its debut today during a press conference at the New York Auto Show. Joining the Forte family in the KMA lineup, the company’s first-ever two-door coupe embodies the brand’s current bold design direction.

Based on the design styling of the KOUP concept vehicle shown during last year’s show, Forte Koup offers an aggressive stance with swept-back wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air intakes and a low, sleek profile. Available in two trim levels (EX and SX), Forte Koup offers a muscular yet sophisticated design.

Forte Koup EX is driven by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque, more than the Scion tC.

Like the Forte sedan, two transmission options are available for both 2010 Forte Koup models: a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission (EX models). The SX model features a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic.

Forte Koup offers a class-leading level of standard safety equipment, with features such as dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

(Source) Press

Tags: electronic stability control, sx model, tire pressure monitoring system

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Volkswagen garnered another award in the safety category as the Volkswagen Tiguan was rated one of the top small SUVs in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) new Roof Strength safety-test. Roof strength is a key factor in protecting vehicle occupants in a vehicle rollover, rated “Good” must have roofs that are more than twice as strong as minimum federal safety standards require.

Volkswagen’s compact sport utility vehicle previously received the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK award for 2008, the highest rating possible from the non-profit research organization. The annual award recognizes vehicles that perform best in protecting passengers in the Institute’s front, side and rear crash test evaluations, and includes only vehicles with electronic stability control and head protection airbags. The Tiguan has also received top ratings in the IIHS front and side crash testing.

Tiguan, like all current 2009 model year Volkswagen vehicles, is included in the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. Under this program all of Tiguan’s scheduled maintenance, as described in its maintenance booklet, is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty, three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

(Source) Press

Tags: compact sport utility, crash test, electronic stability control, roof safety, safety category, safety test, sport utility vehicle, top small suvs, vehicles with electronic stability control, volkswagen tiguan, volkswagen vehicles

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In what many are comparing to the 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan, the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe promises a lot of new features for car enthusiasts looking for affordable and feature-filled cars in the market. It’s the companion to the Hyundai Genesis sedan, a credible car in its own right that was voted 2009 North American Car of the Year by automotive journalists. But you aren’t apt to get the two mixed up. The sedan is a refined family vehicle.

The two-door, in contrast, is sleekly low slung with race car-like styling and two choices of engines, a 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder generating 218 horsepower and a 3.8-liter V6 churning out 306 hp.

The 2.0-liter model starts at $22,000 and is priced around $25,000 with options. The limited edition 3.8-liter version starts at $29,875 and can run with extras up to $32,000 or so. According to Zarres, it is the lowest priced rear wheel drive car in America with more than 300 hp.

The V6 has a six-speed transmission with clutchless manual feature, paddle shifters on the steering wheel, 18 inch alloy wheels, leather seats, xenon headlights and power locks and windows standard. There’s also a host of accessories and safety features, including backup warning system, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control and Bluetooth-enabled hands free phone.

The Genesis coupe likely will replace the Tiburon, which has been Hyundai’s sportier model.

(Source) The Post and Courier

Tags: american car, car of the year, electronic stability control, hands free phone, leather seats, paddle shifters, power locks, safety features, six speed, speed transmission, steering wheel, xenon headlights

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It may have been a forgotten model as far as Chrysler is concerned but the Chrysler Town & Country Van launches a 2009 version that is expected to help the Chrysler brand as far as improving the sales boost that the company needs today.

The 2009 Chrysler Town & Country van still is a roomy, comfortable vehicle with top government crash test ratings and unique features, such as satellite TV and second-row seats that swivel to face the rear. And with leather-trimmed seats, power sunroof, power sliding doors and rear liftgate, trailer tow package, power folding third-row seat and rear-seat entertainment center, the Town & Country remains a top luxury minivan.

It’s the flagship 2009 Chrysler Town & Country Limited that has a starting retail price, including destination charge, of $37,600 with 251-horsepower V-6. The price includes curtain air bags, antilock brakes and electronic stability control as well as three-zone air conditioning, 115-volt electrical outlet, heated front and second-row seats, power liftgate and shades for the second-row, power sliding doors.

With rear-seat DVD entertainment system, enhanced by dual screens and Sirius back-seat TV, the price is nearly $40,000.

Town & Country prices are competitive with other minivans, including the 2009 Honda Odyssey, which starts at $27,025 and goes to more than $41,000, and the 2009 Toyota Sienna, which starts at $25,285 and goes to more than $41,000.

(Source) KJRH

Tags: air bags, chrysler town, crash test ratings, destination charge, electrical outlet, electronic stability control, entertainment center, entertainment system, government crash test ratings, honda odyssey, minivans, power sunroof, rear seat, row seat, satellite tv, seat entertainment, sliding doors, town country, toyota sienna, trailer tow package

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The Hyundai Genesis, this year’s 2009 North America Car of the year, has placed another feather in its cap as it was chosen as the Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Hyundai’s all-new flagship earned a “good” overall evaluation in side impact, frontal offset and rear crash tests, the highest ranking awarded by the Institute.

Maintaining Hyundai’s emphasis on delivering leading safety technology, Genesis boasts world-class active and passive safety features to help both prevent accidents and maximize the wellbeing of its occupants in the event of a collision.

The Genesis continues the Hyundai tradition of standardizing key life-saving safety technology, and includes standard features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), eight airbags and electronic active head restraints.

(Source) Press

Tags: Accidents, airbags, car of the year, crash tests, electronic stability control, Genesis, Hyundai, insurance institute for highway safety, north america, passive safety features, rear crash, side impact

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If you are among the SUV buffs, here is a great guide you can bank on before making any purchase. Consumer Reports has named the top picks for 2009 that included two new models–the Toyota Highlander and the Chevrolet Avalanche, as top choices for midsized SUVs and pickups.

Having proven reliable in its first year since a major redesign, the top-rated Toyota Highlander dethroned the Hyundai Santa Fe, last year’s winner in the midsized SUVs category, while the improved reliability of the new Chevrolet Avalanche helped it to replace the Chevrolet Silverado as top pickup.

Despite the arrival of more gas/electric hybrids, the Toyota Prius remains Top Pick in the “green” car category for the sixth straight year. The Prius’s 44 overall mpg is the best Consumer Reports measured in any five-passenger car.

Here, by category, are the 2009 Top Picks.

SMALL SEDAN: Hyundai Elantra SE. The Elantra SE ($18,695) is a comfortable, roomy small car that provides good fuel economy, a quiet and nicely finished interior, and plenty of features for the money. Only the SE version comes with standard electronic stability control, which is absent on many other small cars.

MIDSIZED SUV: Toyota Highlander. The Highlander ($26,000 to $41,000) is a very refined and versatile vehicle. It provides a comfortable and quiet ride, a nicely finished interior, three rows of seats, and decent fuel economy for its class. The Highlander Hybrid’s fuel economy, 24 mpg overall, is among the best of any SUV in Consumer Report’s Ratings. First-year reliability has been excellent.

PICKUP TRUCK: Chevrolet Avalanche. The Chevrolet Avalanche full-sized crew cab ($36,000 to $47,000) is one of the most versatile and comfortable pickups that Consumer Reports has tested. Its unified bed and cab helps give it a solid feel and a comfortable, quiet ride. Its innovative partition, between the cab and the bed, can be folded to allow longer cargo to extend into the back of the cab.

BEST OVERALL VEHICLE: Lexus LS 460. With a road test score of 99 out of 100, the Lexus LS 460 ($64,000 to $77,000) is Consumer Reports’ highest-scoring vehicle. It provides a luxurious, uncompromising driving environment, with a supremely comfortable ride and a roomy, well-finished, and exceptionally quiet interior. The LS is brimming with electronic amenities, yet the controls are easy to use. Its 380-hp, 4.6-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission deliver smooth, quick acceleration and relatively good fuel economy.

FAMILY SEDAN: Honda Accord. The Honda Accord ($21,000 to $31,000) is a roomy, well-rounded sedan that’s easy to live with and enjoyable to drive. It offers a comfortable ride, agile handling, and efficient, refined four- and six-cylinder powertrains. Electronic stability control is standard, and crash-test results are impressive.

UPSCALE SEDAN: Infiniti G37. One of the highest-rated sedans tested, the G37 (33,000 to $36,000, formerly G35) combines sportiness and luxury in a very appealing package. It has a very lively powertrain, agile handling, a comfortable ride, and a nicely appointed interior. For 2009, it also has a larger, 328-hp, 3.7-liter engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission, which improves fuel economy.

FUN TO DRIVE: Mazda MX-5 Miata. The Miata ($22,000 to $29,000) is a true sports car at a reasonable price. With quick, precise steering, a crisp-shifting manual transmission, and balanced handling, it virtually tied the Porsche Boxster in test scoring, but it costs about half the price.

SMALL SUV: Toyota RAV4. Thanks to a larger and more powerful four-cylinder engine and other upgrades for 2009, the RAV4 ($23,000 to $30,000) narrowly outscored the Subaru Forester to remain our Top Pick for the third straight year. It provides agile handling, a roomy and quiet interior, a comfortable ride, and an optional third-row seat. The four-cylinder version gets the best fuel economy of any automatic, nonhybrid SUV CR has tested.

MINIVAN: Toyota Sienna. The Sienna ($26,000 to $38,000) offers a spacious, versatile, and comfortable way to carry up to eight people. Consumer Reports found that the quiet, well-finished interior rivals that of some luxury sedans. Electronic stability control is standard. This is the only minivan available with all-wheel drive.

GREEN CAR: Toyota Prius. Despite the arrival of more gas/electric hybrids, the Prius ($22,000 to $24,000) leads this category for the sixth straight year. The base model’s 44 overall mpg is the best Consumer Reports has measured in any five-passenger car. The interior is roomy and versatile, and reliability remains excellent. A redesigned Prius will arrive in early summer.

(Source) Press

Tags: chevrolet avalanche, chevrolet silverado, electric hybrids, electronic stability control, fuel economy, green car, hyundai elantra, hyundai santa fe, lexus ls 460, small cars, top choices, toyota highlander, toyota prius, versatile vehicle

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Known to be among the vehicles that gave American muscle cars a bold name, the 2010 Ford Mustang continues to carry the tradition in the 2010 Ford Mustang, which offers design leadership, performance and technology at an exceptional value.

Available this spring, the new Mustang features a new exterior and interior design, upgraded materials and a long list of must-have technologies and standard safety equipment such as:

Ford’s AdvanceTrac(R) Electronic Stability Control system

All-speed traction control

Anti-lock brakes

Front and side air bags

And you can get all of this for an affordable starting price of $20,995 for the V-6 coupe and $25,995 for the convertible.

The V-8 powered GT coupe base price is $27,995; the GT convertible starts at $32,995. The Shelby GT500 Coupe has a MSRP of $46,325, while the GT500 Convertible starts at $51,225.

Features:

Ford SYNC(R) with 911 AssistTM, Vehicle Health Report (VHR), and new Traffic, Directions, and Information services

Voice-activated Navigation with SIRIUS(R) Travel LinkTM

Next-generation ambient interior lighting

Reverse Camera System

SOS Post Crash Alert System

(Source) Press

Tags: american muscle cars, camera system, electronic stability control, ford mustang, gt coupe, safety equipment, shelby gt500, sirius, traction control

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Safety and economy is what the 2010 Ford Ranger has to offer to its prospective customers after announcing the use of unique standard safety technologies, including Ford’s AdvanceTrac(R) with RSC(R), the world’s most sophisticated electronic stability control system that helps prevent skidding and rollovers and combination side air bags.Industry-exclusive AdvanceTrac with RSC goes a step beyond stability control systems found on competitive models with a gyroscopic roll sensor that determines both the vehicle’s body roll angle and roll rate.

If it detects the vehicle is about to roll, the system automatically applies additional countermeasures — such as reducing engine power 15 percent and/or applying brakes to one or more wheels — to enhance vehicle rollover resistance. The new Ranger’s head-and-chest combination side air bags provide enhanced head and torso protection in certain side impacts. The side air bag system is designed to cushion the head, minimizing lateral head injuries in case of collision, in addition to acting as a barrier between the occupant and the side of the vehicle.

Adding value to the Ranger is its class-leading fuel economy and low cost of ownership. With EPA-estimated fuel economy at 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for the 2.3-liter I-4 engine, Ranger offers unsurpassed fuel economy for pickups. Plus its 7,500-mile service intervals for routine maintenance, such as oil changes, help Ranger historically rank among the lowest cost of ownership among all compact pickups

(Source) Press

Tags: air bag system, compact pickups, cost of ownership, electronic stability control, ford ranger, fuel economy, safety technologies, side air bags, torso protection

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For budding teenagers aching to get their hands on new cars, a lot of them are bound to be pleased once the 2010 Kia Soul makes its debut in stores this Spring.

Scheduled for March, Kia will showcase 50,000 units aimed at the U.S. market, finally unveiling a brand that can compete with the likes of the Honda Element and the Nissan Cube.

These new lines are aimed at the college-aged drivers. It comes with a sleek design and the Soul’s interiors are certain to fascinate buyers looking for a reasonable vehicle to invest in.

And it is all coming this Spring!

According to published reports, the base model Soul will retail for just $13,995, a price that includes destination charges. That base model will be well equipped, and will feature a 122 horsepower 1.6L four-cylinder engine, ABS, electronic stability control, six airbags, air conditioning, an audio system featuring CD, MP3 (USB and AUX inputs) and Sirius Satellite radio, as well as power windows and locks.

(Source) SayCampusLife

Tags: air conditioning, airbags, cylinder engine, electronic stability control, honda element, KIA, new cars, Nissan, nissan cube, power windows, showcase, sleek design

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