After several years of lackluster sales, Volkswagen’s small, car-based SUV has finally taken off. With sales up nearly 30% over last summer’s sales, it seems customers have found the Tiguan endearing...finally.
With their mid-cycle refresh coming up for the 2012 Tiguan, it features a few upgrades. Things like park assist, ride control, and start/stop functions are a welcome (and frankly overdue) addition. The downside? Virtually none of the sweet tech upgrades will make it to U.S. shores citing cost reasons.
While the Tiguan is a great car, we think that when the complete model refresh happens (production should move the U.S. by that point), that will be the time to jump and snatch it up at a possible lower price.
Hit the jump to read the full review and thumb through the hi-res gallery.
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The current generation Toyota Tacoma has been in production since 2005 and it’s about time the truck got some changes. For the 2012 model year, the Tacoma has been updated with a restyled exterior look and a redesigned and modernized interior, with some technological goodies to boot. What hasn’t changed is the power source: the Toyota Tacoma will still be running on either a 2.7 liter four-cylinder engine producing 159 HP and 180 lb-ft of torque or the 4.0 liter V6 delivering 236 hp and 266 lb-ft.
Some of the highlights for the 2012 Tacoma include a redesigned hood, new grille, new headlamps, and a new front bumper. The inside is where Toyota got real schnazzy, sprucing up the truck with a new six-speaker system with an AM/FM/ Satellite Radio-capable head unit and a single-disc CD player for the Access Cabin model and the new Entune infotainment system with seven speakers for the Double Cab model.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
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The Toyota Camry first debuted back in 1982 and after thirty years on the market, the sedan will now be entering its seventh generation. The new Camry has received a bold, sophisticated new design with a more spacious interior, improved driving dynamics, and an even quieter ride than before. Also, both of the vehicle’s engines have been improved to deliver more HP and improved fuel economy.
"The all-new 2012 Camry blends an evolution of the car’s values – such as comfort, efficiency, reliability and safety – with a more appealing design and engaging driving experience," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "Competition in the midsize sedan segment is the strongest it’s ever been, and the all-new Camry is designed to maintain its long-standing leadership while also broadening its appeal."
For 2012, the Camry will be offered in four different model grades: entry-level L, value-driven LE, premium XLE, and sporty SE. Prices start from $21,955.
Hit the jump to read more about the seventh generation Toyota Camry.
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The year 2011 marked a new time for the Jeep Wrangler after Chrysler introduced a facelifted version of the off-road vehicle. A year later, the 2012 model has been released and while it looks pretty much the same as that of the 2011 model, Jeep is introducing a new powertrain that is significantly more powerful than the last model.
With the new engine, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler now produces an output of 285 horsepower and 260 lb/ft of torque, an improvement of 83 horsepower and 23 lb/ft of torque from the 2011 model, while also carrying an improved fuel efficiency rating of 21 mph. This comes as an improvement from the 15 mpg city / 19 mpg highway rating of the facelifted 2011 version.
“Our new 3.6-liter V6 engine gives the ever-capable Wrangler a completely new, more refined on-road driving experience – complete with more fuel efficiency, power and torque," said Mike Manley, President and CEO of the Jeep brand.
Find out more about the 2012 Jeep Wrangler after the jump.
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The Toyota Highlander entered production in 2000 and, in 2007, Toyota was already offering the second generation of the SUV. Being the first car-based midsize SUV or midsize crossover offered in North America, the Highlander soon became one of the most successful models on the market, setting the industry standard for car-based SUVs in innovation, comfort, and sales.
The second generation revealed in 2007 was significantly larger, roomier, and more powerful than the previous Toyota Highlander. It is noticeably quieter, smarter, and more spacious with improved unprecedented versatility and ride comfort. It is powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 with dual independent variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that delivers a total of 270 HP - a 55 HP increase over the previous generation. This engine delivers an impressive fuel economy of 31 city and 27 highway, making the Highlander the most-fuel efficient mid-size SUV.
Hit the jump to read more about the second generation Toyota Highlander.
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