Toyota USA has announced the official pricing for certain models expected to come out in 2010. The list of models under the Toyota brand included (together with pricing):

• 2010 Avalon Full-Size Sedan (XL-$27,945; Limited-$35,285)
• Yaris Subcompact (3 Door Model-$12,355; Four Door Sedan-$13, 915)
• FJ Cruiser Off-Road Sport Utility Vehicle (2WD-$23,680; 4WD-$25,270)
• Highlander Mid-Size SUV (2WD-$25,705; 4WD-$41,020)
• RAV4 Compact SUV (2WD-$21,500; 4WD-$27,810)
• Tacoma Pickup Truck (Regular Cab-$15,170; V6 4×4-$27,075)

The new 2010 Toyota models are expected to arrive in dealerships by August except for the Highlander which is scheduled to be out by September.

(Source) Press

Tags: 4x4, avalon, compact suv, highlander, mid size suv, pickup truck, rav4, sport utility vehicle, toyota models, toyota usa, xl

Continue reading...

For the people who are looking for the wise investment in SUVs, your best bet is to check out the Land Rover LR2. This luxury Crossover Sport Utility Vehicle has been awarded the 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Award, voted as the most preferred SUV that would most likely be recommended to others.

There is no doubt that the Land Rover has been around for some time now. The brand is familiar and has been known to come with a proven track record. And to this day, that tradition has not faltered one bit and perhaps one of the prime reasons why the Land Rover LR2 is the obvious motorist’s choice.

The Land Rover LR2 HSE offers permanent all-wheel drive with a 230 bhp In-line 6 engine, and features 19-inch alloy wheels, seven airbags (SRS), power tilt-and-slide dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and Land Rover’s patented Terrain Response System – Standard. It is this level of premium standard features that allows LR2 to provide tremendous value in its class, while demonstrating the refined on-road performance and off-road aptitudes for which the Land Rover brand is known.

(Source) Press

Tags: 19 inch alloy wheels, aptitudes, dual panel, land rover lr2, panoramic sunroof, premium standard, proven track record, response system, sport utility vehicle

Continue reading...

Toyota USA has announced today the pricing for two more vehicles it is scheduled to unveil, the 2010 Tundra full-size pickup truck and Sequoia full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV).

Prices for the 2010 Tundra will range from $22,960 for the Regular Cab 4×2 standard bed with a V6 engine and equipped with a Work Truck Package to $42,155 for the CrewMax Limited 4×4 with a 5.7-liter V8 engine. The new MSRP’s reflect an average overall increase of $557. Value is enhanced on all 2010 Tundra models with the addition of standard and optional exterior, mechanical, safety and convenience features including an all-new 4.6-liter i-FORCE V8 engine.

The 2010 Tundra, assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas in San Antonio, will begin arriving at dealerships in late April.

With the addition of popular standard equipment, including safety features, the base MSRP for Sequoia will range from $38,530 for the SR5 4×2 with a new 4.6-liter V8 engine to $58,905 for the Platinum 4×4 with a 5.7-liter V8. The new MSRPs reflect an average overall increase of $3,361 for all Sequoia models.

The 2010 Sequoia, assembled at Toyota’s manufacturing facility in Princeton, Indiana, will begin arriving at Toyota dealers in late April.

(Source) Press

Tags: base msrp, convenience features, liter, mechanical safety, models, pickup truck, platinum, safety features, san antonio, Sequoia, sport utility vehicle, Toyota, toyota dealers, toyota motor, tundra pickup

Continue reading...

Volkswagen of America’s contribution to the green effort is now officially available in the market as the all-new Touareg TDI will be available in dealer showrooms in all 50 states this May. Value priced at $42,800, the Touareg TDI is the lowest priced diesel SUV currently available in the marketplace.

Purchasers of the 2009 Touareg TDI are eligible for a $1,150 Federal Income Tax Credit. The Internal Revenue Service has issued a certification letter affirming that the Touareg TDI qualifies for the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Federal Income Tax Credit.

“The $1,150 tax credit provides an even greater value to the upcoming Touareg TDI,” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “All of our clean diesel vehicles offer consumers the fuel efficiency they’re looking for while providing power, utility, performance, safety and excellent value. The Touareg TDI is an excellent addition to our clean diesel model line.”

The Touareg TDI showcases the best of both worlds, an alternative fuel Sport Utility Vehicle that provides fuel efficiency and go anywhere driving capability. Touareg TDI meets the most stringent emissions standards of all 50 states.

EPA estimates the Touareg TDI’s fuel economy at 17 city and 25 highway. At 25 miles per gallon on the highway the Touareg TDI provides better fuel efficiency than many hybrid SUVs.

Also standard for 2009 is Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance Program. With this program there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty — three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

(Source) Press

Tags: best of both worlds, better fuel efficiency, clean diesel, dealer showrooms, diesel vehicles, federal income tax, first source, fuel economy, hybrid suvs, income tax credit, lean burn, maintenance booklet, mark barnes, model line, sport utility vehicle, volkswagen of america, volkswagen of america inc, volkswagen touareg

Continue reading...

A prototype of the Acura DZX debuted at the New York Auto Show, boasting of provocative luxury four door sports coupe which is scheduled to on sale in the fall of 2009. The segment bending ZDX features stunning coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility.

The ZDX is designed to break new ground for Acura in the areas of provocative styling, contemporary luxury and meticulous refinement. With its sensuous curves, sharply raked roofline and bold fender flares, the ZDX blurs the distinction between coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle.

In keeping with the coupe-inspired styling, the rear door handles are cleverly concealed in the C-pillar. The all-glass tailgate opens wide to reveal a highly functional cargo space with integrated under-floor storage. The prototype is finished off with stylish dual chrome exhaust outlets and 9-spoke machined wheels fitted with 20-inch Michelin tires.

“From the very first sketch of the ZDX, I wanted to create an emotional vehicle that challenged conventional thinking of what a sports coupe should be,” said Michelle Christensen, ZDX exterior designer. “My goal was to create a strikingly beautiful exterior, and use that attraction to help draw you into the rich interior.”

(Source) Press

Tags: Acura, chrome exhaust, michelin, michelin tires, new york auto, new york auto show, Prototype, sport utility vehicle, sports coupe

Continue reading...

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

Continue reading...

No one ever paid attention to the Kia Borrego and apparently with this new citation, car onlookers will finally take notice. Kia Motors America today announced the 2009 Kia Borrego has been given the “Best-in-Class Sport Utility Vehicle $25,000-$35,000″ award as part of the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) 2009 Winter Vehicle Awards competition.

“Having Borrego recognized by NEMPA as a top winter vehicle is a testament to the vehicle’s true capabilities,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. “Characteristics including ample passenger and cargo space, towing capacity and impressive fuel economy make it a viable option for those who live in a cold-weather region without having to sacrifice price or comfort.”

Borrego is offered with a DOHC, all-aluminum 3.8-liter V6 as well as Kia’s first-ever DOHC 4.6-liter V8 engine, also all-aluminum; both engines are more powerful than any in Kia’s line to date. While the V6 produces a competitive 276 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with 267 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm, the V8 generates a class-leading(1) 337 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with 323 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm – more powerful than the Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and GMC Acadia.

Borrego runs on regular unleaded fuel compared to some other competitors that require premium unleaded, and achieves best-in-class(2) fuel economy of 15/22 city/highway for its V8 with two-wheel drive, and a respectable 15/20 city/highway for its V8 with four-wheel drive.

(Source) Press

Tags: Borrego, chevrolet trailblazer, cold weather, gmc acadia, honda pilot, jeep grand cherokee, kia motors america, new england motor press, nissan pathfinder, pound feet, sport utility vehicle, toyota 4runner

Continue reading...