Road Test: Honda Accord

There is no need to tell you that midsize sedans are not what they used to be. In fact, I find them to be better than they were in the past, but since almost no one buys them anymore, they have completely fallen into oblivion. The Honda Accord may be one of the biggest losers in all of this, as not only has it been overshadowed by the massive shift in the market towards SUVs, it has also always been in the shadow of the Toyota Camry.

Honda Canada has recently decided to simplify its offering by offering its midsize sedan. While there are more than a dozen variations on the Civic side, the Accord is only available in one model, offered in three versions: base, Sport hybrid, and Touring Hybrid.

No Accord Coupe, obviously, nor a V6 engine version, which goes back several years. Instead, there is a base turbo 4-cylinder and a hybrid 4-cylinder for the other two variants.

It’s the same strategy, and these are actually the same engines found under the hood of the CR-V, which is a sign of the times. In the past, the CR-V was often referred to as the “Civic of SUVs,” but clearly, it has risen in status while the Accord has remained relatively unchanged.

Under the hood, you have the choice between a 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine producing 192 horsepower, or a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor that delivers a peak power of 204 horsepower. All of this power is transmitted to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that, let’s be honest, is configured to behave much like an automatic transmission with eight or nine speeds. When accelerating, you can feel slight jerks resembling gear shifts. It’s very smooth and subtle, but it may appeal to those who dislike CVT transmissions.

And this allows for maintaining an average fuel consumption of just under 7 liters per 100 kilometers.

All of this combined results in an extremely smooth behavior, reminiscent of the Accord in its heyday: a Japanese midsize sedan that isn’t exactly luxurious, but very refined. The steering is just light enough and the suspension just cushioned enough to create a sense of comfort and security which, even today, despite all that is said about midsize sedans, make the Accord one of the most enjoyable vehicles to drive on the market.

Which, of course, would be wonderful if that were the end of the story. But it’s not.

Because there are a few drawbacks that come with all of this. Starting with the price. This is the same issue for the CR-V: the hybrid version is too expensive. It’s probably a sign of the times, but justifying a hybrid Accord at $44,000 or $47,000 compared to a regular Accord at $39,500 is tough.

Especially since on the inside, it’s slightly better finished and slightly more elegantly adorned, but the experience is not significantly enhanced by the multimedia system and trim to justify the premium.

Everything is comfortable, even the rear bench seat, capable of accommodating three tall teenagers. The trunk is quite useful, despite the sloping roof which slightly reduces its cargo volume.

But for that price, one can find vehicles that are either more practical, less thirsty, or more modern elsewhere in the market.

It’s sad for the Honda Accord, a model that deserves better than being relegated to the shadows of SUVs and the Camry…again and again.

The text Road Test: Honda Accord is from Automobile Yearbook – Automotive News

Possible delays in the delivery of cars from Halifax

Members of Unifor at the Halifax port have rejected a tentative work agreement reached last month by the union negotiating team and management, reigniting the possibility of a strike at the East Coast vehicle import center.

The union did not share the results of the vote, but stated that the tentative agreement with Autoport Eastern Passage, a subsidiary of Canadian National Railway Company, was “overwhelmingly rejected” by the members.

Both parties began the negotiation process at the end of September and reached the tentative agreement on January 25 after discussions with a conciliator two days earlier.

The union negotiation team did not disclose the terms of the agreement, but stated at the time that the agreement “reflects the hard work and dedication of our workforce”. As with all such work agreements, the tentative agreement had to be approved by the rank-and-file members.

However, with the majority of the approximately 200 Unifor members working at the marine automobile terminal rejecting the contract, the union and management negotiating teams will be forced to reassess their positions.

“As we move forward, it is essential that we remain united and prepared for all eventualities, including the possibility of a strike or facing a lockout,” said Unifor’s Local 100 negotiating team on February 8.

Autoport processes approximately 185,000 vehicles per year, with European imports making up a significant portion of this total. It is part of the Halifax port, although located in the suburb of Eastern Passage at the southeast end of the Halifax port.

Like the port strikes on the west coast of Canada last summer, labor action at Autoport would likely disrupt vehicle imports into Canada.

The union and the employer will have until the end of February to decide on their next steps.

A conciliation report filed on February 12 initiated a two-week cooling-off period, placing Unifor members in a legal strike position as of 12:01 a.m. on February 27.

A 48-hour notice is also required if workers choose to set up picket lines, or if the employer plans to initiate a lockout.

“This period will be used to strengthen our strategies and ensure that our collective voice is heard, strong, and clear,” said the union negotiating team to its members.

CN did not specify the next steps, but in a statement, it said that it “remains committed to working with the union to reach an agreement.”

With information from Automotive News Canada

The text Possible delays in car deliveries from Halifax comes from The Automotive Annual – Automotive News

“BMW wants to continue offering multiple mobility solutions.”

Cascais, Portugal- Many car manufacturers are rushing to announce a deadline for combustion engines, but BMW is not in such a hurry. We had the privilege of speaking with a board member of BMW, Frank Weber, who is responsible for the brand’s development. While many manufacturers are setting a deadline of 2035 for the end of gasoline models, Mr. Weber is much less categorical. We cannot rush such a decision.

During the presentation of the new BMW X2, iX2, and MINI Countryman, Mr. Weber emphasized a transition period that will last longer than expected. Before making a complete electric shift, all the necessary ingredients must be in place, such as a charging network capable of supporting this shift, stabilized prices for electric models, and finding ingredients available long term for batteries. “BMW will continue to offer a choice of powertrains, including hydrogen as we believe that 2035 is an unrealistic date,” Mr. Weber points out.

“naturally, we need to regularly review our goals. At the moment, purely electric models are not viable because they cost too much. We believe that a better hybrid strategy will appeal to a wider audience if the range is appealing. Many people in the world cannot afford to pay a high price for an electric model.

“This does not mean that BMW favors combustion engines over EVs,” adds Mr. Weber. This year, the company has set a target for zero-emission vehicles to represent 15% of total deliveries. By the end of the decade, the Munich-based brand expects half of the cars it sells will not be equipped with an internal combustion engine.

While reduction is the buzzword in the automotive industry, BMW still has many models with inline six-cylinder and V8 engines. The brand will also be one of the last manufacturers to abandon combustion engines. It is also one of the last brands to offer a manual transmission, although this will not last very long.

In conclusion, Mr. Weber mentioned that people cannot be forced to switch to all-electric vehicles. “We are preparing seriously at BMW with the Neue Klasse and Neue Klasse X which will soon hit the road with reduced weight, increased range, and technology that breaks new boundaries, but we want the driver to still have a choice and we believe it is still too early to make such a radical decision. The solution lies in a variety of offerings.

Stellantis, like all automotive manufacturers, has no choice but to reinvent itself in this electric era. It is now introducing a high-end car based on Stellantis’ STLA platform.

Eight models in the next two years

The Halcyon is based on the STLA Large platform, which will serve as the basis for eight production cars by 2026, including a new Chrysler scheduled for 2025, although its exact position has not yet been confirmed.

Little information available at this time

Chrysler has not confirmed the specific technical specifications of the Halcyon, but the STLA Large platform is designed to accommodate batteries with a range of 800 kilometers and “extreme” powertrains that enable acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 2.0 seconds.

A flagship model

For this model, the 800V batteries of the Halcyon, claiming to have a 60% lower carbon footprint than the best current batteries, offer wireless charging on specially equipped “dedicated lanes”. This theoretically allows the Halcyon to have “unlimited range”, although this technology is not yet commercially available.

A model of the brand’s ambitions

The Halcyon aims to showcase Chrysler’s design and sustainability ambitions as it aims for a fully electric range by 2028. Its low and sleek silhouette is clearly focused on aerodynamic efficiency, accentuated by a large air intake at the front to optimize airflow.

A sexy style

Another futuristic feature is the wraparound LED light bar at the front, adorned with a new illuminated Chrysler logo. The Elemental Silver paint is designed to give the aesthetic illusion that the car is entirely made from recycled metals, echoing the brand’s sustainability ambitions.

Durable materials

Chrysler highlights that the interior is made up of 95% sustainable materials, using recycled CDs for various trim elements. The Halcyon also features hinged glass roof panels reminiscent of a skylight to offer an immersive experience and improve ease of access, although these features are likely not intended for production.

Ready for autonomy

Other conceptual features include collapsible steering wheel and pedals in a joystick style, as well as fully reclining front seats, hinting at the autonomous capabilities of future Chryslers enabled by Stellantis’ new STLA Brain software architecture.

Practical space

Ultimately, this system will enable Level Four autonomous driving functionality. More realistic are the 15.6-inch rotating central touchscreen, augmented reality head-up display, glass central console, and biometrically activated Stow ‘n’ Go rear foldable bench, evolving from a hallmark feature of Chrysler minivans.

The text Chrysler présente le concept Halcyon is from L’annuel de l’automobile – Actualité automobile

The Kia EV8 electric vehicle will replace the Stinger.

Scheduled to enter production in 2026, the successor to the Kia Stinger, codenamed GT1, will be based on the brand’s upcoming electric vehicle platform. The Hyundai and Kia group continues to unveil new models based on their e-GMP platform.

A modular platform

However, automotive manufacturers are already planning their next-generation vehicles, as suggested by a leaked production schedule. For Kia, this will start with a high-performance successor to the Stinger, codenamed GT1 and called EV8, although the name has not been confirmed yet.

A base for other models

Around mid-2023, Hyundai introduced the platform under the name Integrated Modular Platform (IMA), but in these documents, it is simply referred to as the eM platform. It is expected to debut with the new Genesis GV90 in 2025, after which Hyundai and Kia will release their own models based on this architecture. Several specifications regarding the platform and, in particular, the replacement of the Stinger by Kia, have been revealed through a leaked document found by the Korean Car Blog.

603 horsepower and two engines

It indicates that the car will have a dual-motor powertrain capable of reaching 603 horsepower. This would make the most powerful iteration of the GT1/EV8 more powerful than the EV6 GT, which generates 577 horsepower. Meanwhile, other variants of the GT1 are expected to produce between 215 horsepower and 429 horsepower. These engines will be powered by a 113.2 kWh battery pack. To put this into perspective, the EV9 battery pack is only 99.8 kWh.

700 to 800 km of range

According to the leaked Kia document, this configuration should allow the GT1 to achieve a range between 700-800 km per charge. This range compares favorably even to that of the Mercedes EQS, which, with its 107.8 kWh battery pack, can travel up to 750 km on a single charge according to the WLTP test cycle. Production of the GT1 is expected to begin in 2026 at Kia’s Hwaseong 3 plant. This launch will be part of a broader product offensive by the Hyundai group, starting with the Genesis GV90 in 2025 and including new vehicles from the Kia and Hyundai brands.

With information from Carscoops

The text “La Kia EV8 électrique remplacera la Stinger” comes from “L’annuel de l’automobile – Actualité automobile”

Hyundai is preparing two electric pick-up trucks

Hyundai may name its future electric truck the Ioniq T10, according to a recent trademark application filed in Australia. The application, registered on December 27, 2023, covers various automotive applications, including “cars,” “electric cars,” and “parts and accessories for automobiles.” The presence of the term ‘Ioniq’ indicates that the vehicle will follow Hyundai’s branding strategy for electric vehicles, similar to its existing Ioniq models.

It is assumed that the number ’10’ suggests that the truck will be positioned, at least in terms of size, at the top of the brand’s electric vehicle range, above the upcoming Ioniq 7, Hyundai’s version of the Kia EV9 SUV.

Although the trademark application was filed in Australia, it is expected that this market will not be the primary one for the vehicle. The truck is expected to also be available in North America, although it is unclear whether it will be the size of full-size models like the Ford F-150 and GMC Sierra, or if it will be smaller, similar to mid-size trucks like the Chevy Colorado.

There is little information available about the truck at the moment. It can be reasonably assumed that its design will be just as striking as the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 models. It will likely share mechanical components with other Hyundai electric vehicles, including electric motors and the battery pack. It is likely to be offered in a dual-motor version with all-wheel drive, although a single-motor rear-wheel-drive version is also possible.

Hyundai also appears to be working on a second electric truck, filing a separate trademark application for the name Ioniq T7. This model could be smaller than the Ioniq T10 and perhaps be similar in size to the Santa Cruz, or slightly larger. According to current reports, Hyundai could be ready to launch the new model in 2025 or 2026. Kia is also reportedly developing a diesel truck called ‘Tasman,’ which could eventually lead to a fully electric version.

Source: Carscoops

The text “Hyundai prépare deux pick-ups électrique” comes from L’annuel de l’automobile – Actualité automobile.

Nissan’s stocks experience their biggest drop in twenty years.

Nissan’s shares dropped by 12% on Friday, their largest decline in over twenty years, after quarterly profits fell well below expectations and the company reduced its car sales estimates due to intense competition in China.

Big competition from China

The emergence of rapidly growing Chinese brands, such as BYD, which have launched affordable electric cars designed for young Chinese drivers, has led to a constant loss of market share for foreign rivals in the world’s largest automotive market.

Two billion loss

The 11.6% drop on Friday wiped out $1.8 billion from Nissan’s market value. The day before, Nissan reported an operating profit of 141.6 billion yen ($948 million USD) for the third quarter, which was one fifth less than analysts’ (LSEG) consensus estimate, and reduced its global sales forecast by 150,000 vehicles, bringing it down to 3.55 million for 2024.

Expected losses in the Chinese market

Chief Financial Officer Stephen Ma told reporters that sales forecasts were revised downward due to the automaker’s performance in China, where Nissan’s sales declined by a quarter in the nine months leading up to December 31, and also cited stronger competition in other key markets, including the United States.

Revisiting products

Chinese buyers, especially younger ones, are attracted to technological features like driving aids, automated parking, and voice recognition, which are becoming increasingly common among Chinese automakers but have been slower to be offered by international brands.

A strategy that Japanese automakers could adopt would be to launch models that cater to local tastes, then use the excess capacity of Chinese factories to build models for export.

This text is sourced from Reuters.

How does Mitsubishi’s S-AWC system work?

i-Car Circuit, Mirabel- On a mild winter day at -5 degrees, Mitsubishi invited a few waves of journalists to test drive its S-AWC system, offered as standard on Outlander models. Inspired by the rallying successes of the 90s, this system, which made the EVO models famous, is now found in more mainstream models.

Evolution of 4WD Systems

Today, Mitsubishi’s all-wheel drive (AWD) systems are exclusively found in its SUVs, which make up the majority of its lineup. The brand still maintains that its top-of-the-line 4WD system, called Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), is the most advanced in the world. But is this still true? And does it have anything in common with the dominant systems of the 90s?

Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)

The S-AWC is Mitsubishi’s flagship 4WD system. It comes as standard on the Eclipse Cross, Outlander, and Outlander PHEV models. Offering permanent 4WD, it manages not only the distribution of torque from front to rear, but also from left to right on each axle. Two key components come into play: active stability control and active yaw control.

Active Stability Control

This system stabilizes the vehicle’s behavior while maintaining optimal grip by regulating engine power and overall braking force.

Active Yaw Control

Inherited from rallying, this system analyzes sensor data in real time, applying brakes individually to manage wheel speeds and maximize traction, thus improving steering control and maneuverability.

Driving Modes

In Canada, the S-AWC is standard on the Eclipse Cross, Outlander, and Outlander PHEV. Each offers specific driving modes, such as Normal, Snow, Gravel, Eco, Tarmac, Mud, and Power, tailored to different road conditions.

An advanced system on realistically priced models

While many manufacturers have caught up in terms of innovation in their 4WD systems, Mitsubishi continues to integrate these technologies precisely. Whether it remains the most advanced is hard to quantify, but it remains competitive.

Conclusion:

Alongside Subaru, Mitsubishi maintains its leadership position with the S-AWC, a technological feat in the world of off-road systems. It remains one of the best affordable 4WD systems on the market, and our test day showed us that with good tires, in this case Yokohama Geolander, and an effective all-wheel drive, you are putting all the odds in your favor.

The text How does the Mitsubishi S-AWC system work is from Auto Yearbook – Automotive News

Jaguar F-Type 2024: Some goodbyes are harder than others

Every year, some models leave the market. It’s the nature of the automotive world. In many cases, we see these models go without much thought. Often, the model reaching the end of its cycle is no longer relevant, or it is simply replaced by another model that is more current. The departure of the Dodge Nitro after 2012 did not make anyone cry, nor did the removal of the Hyundai Equus from the lineup at the end of 2016.

However, with some models, farewells are harder to swallow. This is the case for the upcoming goodbye to the Jaguar F-Type at the end of this year.

Why say goodbye? And why sacrifice the model? It’s simple; Jaguar has been announcing for several years now that by 2025, it will be all-electric. There was no longer room for the sports car powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine. Its journey will have lasted just over 10 years. It was introduced in 2013 as a 2014 model. Over the years, we have seen a variety of versions, sometimes with a 6-cylinder engine, sometimes with a V8, and always with the choice of a coupe or convertible body style.

Apart from these characteristics, what made the F-Type stand out to everyone were its spectacular lines. While Jaguar has always struggled to offer reliable models, the British company has the secret to offering us cars with incredible designs.

And this is not just recent. If we go back in time to think about the sedans of the 80s, the beautiful XJS coupe (produced from 1975 to 1996), the incredible XJ from the 70s, not to mention the amazing creation that was the E-Type, sold from 1961 to 1974 and often identified as the most beautiful car in history. Even in the 50s, the company had a unique touch. And let’s not forget the legendary XK120, launched in 1948. The departing F-Type is a worthy successor to this legacy.

A collector’s item? The question to ask about the F-Type is whether it truly represents a future collector’s item. Its less than stellar reliability rating certainly does not work in its favor. However, remember that time heals all wounds. Today, many highly sought-after collectible cars were not popular during their initial sales period.

The same fate awaits the F-Type. Because it is disappearing, and moreover, because gasoline models are being phased out, the F-Type will become a highly sought-after piece in time.

For those looking to enjoy a model, I tend to recommend the used market to save a few thousand dollars. If, on the other hand, you want an F-Type as a collectible item for a potential investment, then a 2024 edition is the way to go.

On the menu
For its final lap, the Jaguar F-Type comes in four versions: 75 coupé, 75 convertible, R75 coupé, R75 convertible. Looking at the nomenclature a bit closer, you will see that we are referring to the P450 and P575 models. The first ones designate the 75 versions, with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine a bit less powerful at 444 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque. With the P575 variants (R75), the performance of the same engine increases to 575 horsepower (thematically) and 516 pound-feet of torque. This allows for a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.7 seconds, rather than 4.6 seconds with the “base” engine. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels, regardless of the variant.

Needless to say, any acceleration in the P575 is literally exhilarating. Moreover, the sound that reaches our ears makes the hair stand on end, causing a general thrill. And that’s the main reason we will miss the F-Type, why it’s hard to bid farewell. This car offers remarkable performance, exquisite design for the eyes, and gives us very beautiful emotions. Experiencing emotions behind the wheel of modern vehicles is increasingly rare. Certainly, the products offered to us today are of better quality than before but sometimes, everything is too perfect. The F-Type is not, but we don’t care.

Farewell, F-Type.

The text “Jaguar F-Type 2024: certains au revoir sont plus difficiles que d’autres” comes from L’Annuel de l’automobile – Actualité automobile.

The Kia Carnival offers a hybrid version for 2025.

The Carnival 2025 retains the standard V6 engine but offers a hybrid option.

The exterior design is closely related to the new Sorento.

The Carnival also includes Highway Driving Assist 2 and a new entertainment system for rear seats.

Kia unveiled the new Carnival 2025 at the Chicago Auto Show, adding an available hybrid powertrain, more technology, and a more modern design to its only minivan in North America.

The Carnival 2025 is the latest model from the manufacturer to receive an update, following the 3-row SUV Sorento in terms of design. At the front, the new Carnival features different headlights, vertically installed with a large amber turn signal/daytime running light element. The grille has also been revised to better match the brand’s SUVs and crossovers.

The side profile of the minivan remains mostly unchanged, and the rear receives new taillights adding a vertical element to the previously used horizontal light bar. New alloy wheel designs from 17 to 19 inches and paint colors complete the main exterior aesthetic changes of the Carnival 2025.

New technologies

Inside, the new minivan benefits from a completely redesigned dashboard that better integrates the panel including driver information and infotainment screens. Additionally, the entire center console has been reworked to include a new touch button bank under the central screen and a rotary shift lever, both inspired by the EV6.

The Carnival also receives the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, Kia’s new embedded operating system capable of receiving updates over the Internet. This technology is said to be faster than what it replaces and allows drivers to access important controls with a simple screen swipe.

Passengers in the back will benefit from the new Connected Car Rear Cockpit entertainment system, featuring two 14.6-inch screens and the ability to stream content from online platforms.

Following the footsteps of other recent Kia models, the Carnival 2025 will also offer the Digital Key 2.0 system, allowing using a phone as a vehicle key and sending temporary keys via SMS.

To complement the infotainment and comfort technologies, the new “Hey Kia” voice command assistant system is added. According to Kia, this system is more advanced than most, allowing the driver and passengers to control features such as side windows or second-row VIP Lounge seats with an extendable footrest, solely with their voice.

Two powertrains

The biggest change for the Carnival 2025 is the addition of an available hybrid powertrain. The Carnival HEV will be equipped with a 1.6 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 54 kW electric motor. This combination will produce a total output of 242 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, transmitted through a six-speed automatic transmission. Kia has not yet announced fuel consumption figures for this model.

The current 3.5 L V6 engine will remain the standard engine in the Carnival lineup, where it will be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels.

In addition to its electrified powertrain, the Carnival HEV will be equipped with unique aerodynamic 17-inch alloy wheels, a three-level regenerative braking system, as well as E-Handling, E-Ride, and E-Evasive Steering Assist systems aimed at improving the hybrid model’s dynamic qualities.

Advanced driving assistance features

Kia has also included or made available several new driving assistance features in the Carnival 2025, such as the Highway Driving Assist 2 system, initially introduced by the EV6. This technology adds semi-autonomous lane change capabilities to the previous HDA system, which already combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist on marked highways. Forward collision avoidance has also been enhanced with the addition of intersection crossing, approaching lane change, side lane change, and evasive steering support to help drivers avoid more types of collisions.

Pricing and final specifications for the Kia Carnival 2025 in Canada are expected to be available later this year, before the model’s launch in our market.

This text is from L’annuel de l’automobile – Actualité automobile