Expert Reviews
Vehicle Overview
The five-seat Suzuki SX4 is derived from an established overseas model, the Swift. It's available as a front-drive sedan and SportBack hatchback, and the Crossover hatchback comes with standard all-wheel drive. All compete with other small cars like the Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Mazda3.
New for 2012
An electronic stability system is standard for 2012. The available navigation system has also been upgraded.
Exterior
From the center roof pillar forward, the SX4 Sport sedan is a dead ringer for the SX4 Crossover, featuring the same stylishly assertive face with creased bodywork. The SportBack ditches the Crossover's roof rack for a cleaner profile. The SportBack and Sport sedan also have a lower ride height and firmer suspension than the Crossover. Exterior features include:
- Four-door sedan or hatchback
- Standard 15-inch steel wheels; 16- and 17-inch wheels available
- Standard power windows, side mirrors and locks
- Available body kit
Interior
The backseat is workable for adults, both in terms of headroom and legroom. The backseat is split 60/40 and can be folded to free more cargo space. Interior features include:
- Standard driver and front-passenger armrests
- Standard tilt steering wheel
- Available CD stereo
- Available air conditioning
- Available cruise control
- Available navigation system
- Available Bluetooth connectivity
- Available heated front seats
Under the Hood
All SX4 models use the same engine and transmissions, though the Crossover has standard all-wheel drive and the others come with front-wheel drive. Mechanical features include:
- Standard six-speed manual transmission
- Available continuously variable automatic transmission
- 150-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder (148 hp with the CVT)
Safety
Standard safety features include:
- Electronic stability system
- Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
- Side-impact airbags for front and rear rows
- Side curtain airbags
2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
Vehicle Overview
Volkswagen's answer to the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 compact SUVs, the five-seat Tiguan is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and is available with front- or all-wheel drive. It's offered in S, SE and SEL trim levels.
Despite a lower starting price for 2012, high-end Tiguans can still get pricey. A loaded SEL with the optional navigation system is nearly $39,000, putting it in competition with compact luxury SUVs like the Acura RDX and Land Rover LR2.
New for 2012
The Tiguan gains new front and rear styling that help align its appearance with Volkswagen's recently redesigned models. Newly available bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights incorporate LED daytime running lamps. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are available as well.
EPA-estimated gas mileage has improved by 2 mpg in combined driving on automatic-transmission Tiguans. The six-speed automatic gains a second overdrive gear to lower engine speed when cruising. It also shifts sooner when not in Sport mode, and the engine idle speed is lower.
EPA-estimated gas mileage has improved by 2 mpg in combined driving on automatic-transmission Tiguans. The six-speed automatic gains a second overdrive gear to lower engine speed when cruising. It also shifts sooner when not in Sport mode, and the engine idle speed is lower.
Exterior
The Tiguan looks like a smaller version of VW's Touareg midsize SUV until you step around back, where it more closely resembles the rear end of a Golf hatchback. Exterior features include:
- Standard 16-inch steel wheels; 16-, 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels available
- Standard rear spoiler
- Available fog lights
- Available panoramic sunroof
Interior
The Tiguan has a well-designed interior with high-quality materials, including brushed-metal-style trim around the gear selector and air vents. The rear seat can slide up to 6 inches to increase cargo room, and the seatback also reclines. S models feature new black-colored cloth seat fabric; the SE has simulated leather upholstery; and the SEL gets real leather. Interior features include:
- Standard 60/40-split backseat with fore/aft and backrest angle adjustments
- Standard Bluetooth connectivity
- Standard flat-folding front-passenger seat
- Available heated front seats
- Available iPod connectivity
- Available push-button start
- Available navigation system
- Available Dynaudio premium stereo
Under the Hood
A 200-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is standard. A six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission are offered. Mechanical features include:
- Premium gas recommended
- Front- or 4Motion all-wheel drive
- Four-wheel independent suspension
- 2,200-pound towing capacity
Safety
Standard safety features include:
- Six airbags, including side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows
- Electronic stability system and traction control
- All-disc antilock brakes
Ford C Max
Ford C Max, sometimes also referred as Ford Focus C-Max is a compact MPV manufactured by Ford.
It has been under production since 2003 for European market and from 2011 for North American market.
The model releases as second generation model in North America. C-Max is arguably the smallest multi-purpose model from the house of Ford.
Let us take a look at the various generations of Ford C Max.
Mk I was the first model ever to adapt the Ford C1 platform. Other models which used the same platform were Ford Focus Mk II and Mazda 5.
The five seater model was also equipped with huge cargo space which could be enhanced further by rolling down the back bench. The first generation C-Max also shared the control blade independent rear suspension with Ford Focus.
The various engine options included 1.6 liter Duratec, 1.8 liter Duratec HE and 2.0 liter Duratorq. The maximum horsepower of 136hp @4000rpm was produced by the 2.0 liter Duratorq engine.
The fresh styling done on C-Max was inspired from Ford’s “Kinetic Design”; however as the body shell of the model was not officially designed on the design language, Ford claimed that C-Max had only the elements of “Kinetic Design”. The model received fresh twin trapezoidal grilles, angular headlights and larger wheel arches, as part of its facelift.
The latest second generation C-Max is getting built on Ford’s new Global C Platform. The outlook and the basic theme of the model is inspired from losis Max concept, which was previewed at 2009 Geneva Motor Show. The new C Max comes with 7 seat and is also being referred as Ford Grand C-Max.
The new C-Max was showcased in the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The model entered European markets first as a 7 seat MVP and it enters North America in 2011.
The new platform on which the model is built is one of its kind, that supports Torque Vectoring Control (TVC). Other special features of the second generation C-Max include flat folding third row bench, a rear view camera, panoramic sunroof and park assist. Entertainment and comfort features include HD Radio, dual-zone climate control, Sirius XM and navigation unit which are either standard or optional depending on the trim levels.
Like the first generation even the second generation features a variety of petrol and diesel engines. We see 1.6 liter Duratec Ti-VCT, 1.6 liter EcoBoost and 1.6liter/2.0 liter Duartorq diesel engines as the different variants available in this generation.
With the 2012 model of C-Max Ford consciously enters the sensibly sized minivan segment and is expected to make a strong statement. It features a wide range of traditional and latest tech and non-tech features. The buyers can opt for either a 2.5 liter inline 4 cylinder engine or a turbocharged 1.6 liter EcoBoost inline-4 cylinder engine.
As the model’s release date comes closer, we keep calm and wait for more official announcements and test drive results.
The new edition features a stylish dashboard design, following the Fiesta car and its edgier looks make it look more expressive than before.
It has a very small main screen with too many controls on the center console, but the glass roof and large windscreen make the car’s interior feel airy, light, and spacious.
It has an excellent, elevated driving position with supportive steering wheel adjustment to make it more comfy. The head- and leg- room for 3 individuals is fine, and can be removed completely or folded forwards.
It has been under production since 2003 for European market and from 2011 for North American market.
The model releases as second generation model in North America. C-Max is arguably the smallest multi-purpose model from the house of Ford.
Let us take a look at the various generations of Ford C Max.
First Generation – Ford C Max (2003-2010) Mk I
Mk I was the first model ever to adapt the Ford C1 platform. Other models which used the same platform were Ford Focus Mk II and Mazda 5.
The five seater model was also equipped with huge cargo space which could be enhanced further by rolling down the back bench. The first generation C-Max also shared the control blade independent rear suspension with Ford Focus.
The various engine options included 1.6 liter Duratec, 1.8 liter Duratec HE and 2.0 liter Duratorq. The maximum horsepower of 136hp @4000rpm was produced by the 2.0 liter Duratorq engine.
2006 C Max – The Facelift
At 2006 Bologna Motor Show, the revamped and facelifted version of C-Max was showcased. The model then went ahead to hit the sales charts in the spring of 2007. The models before this one were called as Ford Focus C-Max; but after the facelift the model got renamed as Ford C-Max.The fresh styling done on C-Max was inspired from Ford’s “Kinetic Design”; however as the body shell of the model was not officially designed on the design language, Ford claimed that C-Max had only the elements of “Kinetic Design”. The model received fresh twin trapezoidal grilles, angular headlights and larger wheel arches, as part of its facelift.
Second Generation – Ford C Max (2010-Present)
The latest second generation C-Max is getting built on Ford’s new Global C Platform. The outlook and the basic theme of the model is inspired from losis Max concept, which was previewed at 2009 Geneva Motor Show. The new C Max comes with 7 seat and is also being referred as Ford Grand C-Max.
The new C-Max was showcased in the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The model entered European markets first as a 7 seat MVP and it enters North America in 2011.
The new platform on which the model is built is one of its kind, that supports Torque Vectoring Control (TVC). Other special features of the second generation C-Max include flat folding third row bench, a rear view camera, panoramic sunroof and park assist. Entertainment and comfort features include HD Radio, dual-zone climate control, Sirius XM and navigation unit which are either standard or optional depending on the trim levels.
Like the first generation even the second generation features a variety of petrol and diesel engines. We see 1.6 liter Duratec Ti-VCT, 1.6 liter EcoBoost and 1.6liter/2.0 liter Duartorq diesel engines as the different variants available in this generation.
Hybrid C-Max
Ford showcased Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid and the C-Max hybrid at the 2011 North American Auto Show. The models are set to hit the sales chart in 2012 in North America and in 2013 in Europe. Energi has driving range of more than 500 miles and it comes only as a five seater.2012 Ford Grand C-Max
With the 2012 model of C-Max Ford consciously enters the sensibly sized minivan segment and is expected to make a strong statement. It features a wide range of traditional and latest tech and non-tech features. The buyers can opt for either a 2.5 liter inline 4 cylinder engine or a turbocharged 1.6 liter EcoBoost inline-4 cylinder engine.
As the model’s release date comes closer, we keep calm and wait for more official announcements and test drive results.
Looks Inside
The C Max MPV is one of the best handling cars in its class, and looks like a scaled version of its big brother S-Max.The new edition features a stylish dashboard design, following the Fiesta car and its edgier looks make it look more expressive than before.
It has a very small main screen with too many controls on the center console, but the glass roof and large windscreen make the car’s interior feel airy, light, and spacious.
It has an excellent, elevated driving position with supportive steering wheel adjustment to make it more comfy. The head- and leg- room for 3 individuals is fine, and can be removed completely or folded forwards.
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