2014 Nissan Versa Note pricing starts at $13,990 in U.S.

The 2014 Nissan Versa Note, which goes on sale in U.S.  this month, is more than just the fourth all-new product to appear in Nissan showrooms in recent months - following the redesigns of Altima, Pathfinder and Sentra. It is also the dynamic next-generation of the vehicle that, combined with Versa Sedan, held the entry segment sales leadership for 20 consecutive months and 38 of the last 44 months.

The dynamic new styling, interior versatility and advanced technology of the Versa Note hatchback are expected to strengthen Nissan's leadership in this critical segment of the U.S. car market. The all-new Versa Note offers a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of just $13,990 USD for the 2014 Nissan Versa Note S - which is $680 USD less than the outgoing Versa Hatch S M/T.

The all-new Versa Note joins the second-generation Versa Sedan (introduced in 2012) in the Nissan lineup, bringing its own distinct look, feel and hatchback utility. It adds the global Note designation for the new generation design, along with an extensive list of key features such as:

• Class-exclusive Around View Monitor
• Energetic new exterior styling with steeply sloped windshield and sculpted body panels
• Available Active Grille Shutter for enhanced fuel economy
• Best-in-class 31 mpg city and 35 mpg combined fuel economy (CVT-equipped models)
• Smart packaging and class-leading cargo space, with available Divide-N-Hide Adjustable Floor (adjustable rear load floor height)
• Available NissanConnect with Navigation System with Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, Google Services, Pandora compatibility and Bluetooth Streaming Audio

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the 2014 Nissan Versa Note models include:

Model/Engine/Transmission
Versa Note 1.6 S 5MT	$13,990 USD
Versa Note 1.6 S Plus CVT	$15,240 USD
Versa Note 1.6 SV CVT	$15,990 USD
Destination and handling $790

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How to make your kid the coolest in the neighborhood: Porsche go-kart

I wonder if these come in adult sizes. This would probably be my only chance ever owning a real Porsche.

Buying a Porsche for your kid... something not many parents can do. Now its (kinda) possible for us mere mortals.

The newest item from the Porsche Driver's Selection is a Go-Kart which puts children from the age of five behind the wheel of a sporty Porsche machine. The Go-Kart, which is about 5 feet long, is a new highlight in the children's program of the Porsche Lifestyle Collection and impresses because of its lightness: thanks to its unique construction, based on Porsche Intelligence Performance, the children's pedal-powered vehicle weighs a mere 55 pounds.

In addition to its exclusive design, another attractive feature of the Porsche Go-Kart is its use of high-quality drive components typically used for constructing bicycles. The composite wheel rims, with simulated center locks, are fitted with low-profile, inflatable tires with inner tubes. Other equipment includes a sport seat, plus both a back-pedal brake and a handbrake which ensure optimal deceleration. With its tubular steel frame, the Porsche Driver's Selection Go-Kart is suitable for children weighing up to 110 pounds with a height of up to 5 feet.

Asking price for this go-kart is $900.

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Artists gave Volvo XC60s completely new looks

These people really can see a car in a different light! For the third consecutive year, Volvo Car Switzerland organised the Volvo Art Session at the central train station in Zurich, Switzerland. Over the weekend of June 7-9, both emerging and established artists took part by giving a 2014 Volvo XC60 a completely new look. 

The theme of this year's Volvo Art Session in Zurich was "Designed Around You". On stage stood a white XC60 in front of a white dropback canvas. The international artists where invited to paint, spray and design to make their imaginations come alive. At the end of each session they created a three-dimensional work of art that only existed for a short while until the next artist painted over it. The final results of the constant transformation - pictures and clips - can be found at http://www.volvoartsession.com/.

"With the Art Session we want to demonstrate that Volvo Cars is a creative and innovative brand which places people at its heart. This unique art happening also enables us to reach new potential customers who hadn't considered Volvo previously," explains Anouk Poelmann, President of Volvo Car Switzerland.

The first Volvo Art Session was organised with contributing Swiss artists. Last year, the invited artists came from China. This year's event was an exhibition of international artists. "The diversity this year was immense, and this was really noticeable. Positive and creative energy flowed throughout the stage where the artists were working. Passers-by were constantly stopping and taking photographs of the work. Many stayed long enough to see the transformation of the car," explains Anouk Poelmann. Volvo Art Session was held at Zurich's central train station, one of the busiest covered public places in Europe.

This year's artists were the renowned German 3-D graffiti artist DAIM, the French-American duo Koralie & Supakitch, the rising street art stars Etam Cru from Poland, the Swiss graphic designer Blanda Eggenschwiler, the Canadian couple Lexr & Evoke, as well as the half-Chinese artist Daniel Man who is based in Germany.

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2014 Cadillac CTS sedan

When the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan arrives in dealerships this fall, it will offer more interior space, power and technology with more than 20 new standard features compared with the current model.

Inside and out, the third-generation CTS sedan grows, ascending into the heart of the midsize luxury market, with an all-new design that is longer, lower and leaner. The new CTS is five inches longer, expanding interior space, but also 244 pounds lighter than the previous model. It is expected to be the lightest car in its segment.

“CTS has always been Cadillac’s centerpiece, and as our brand expands and elevates the car properly grows to its true place” said David Leone, CTS executive chief engineer. “With last year’s addition of the award-winning ATS compact luxury sedan, CTS will directly challenge the luxury midsize competition with uncompromised performance, luxury and technology.”

The 2014 CTS standard model will start at $46,025, including $925 destination. Three Collections of option packages – Luxury, Performance and Premium – will be offered with either the 2.0T turbocharged four cylinder or 3.6L naturally aspirated V6 engine in either rear- or all-wheel drive.

CTS will be offered with a choice of three powertrains, including a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 272 horsepower and goes from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds – 1.5 seconds faster than the outgoing model. Standard front Brembo brakes with ferritic-nitro carburizing, or FNC, anti-corrosion rotors give CTS braking performance that Cadillac expects to be best in the segment. Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension and a hallmark of V-Series models, is now standard on base models with 18-inch wheels.

Selectable drive modes will allow drivers to adjust the vehicle’s performance dynamics for touring, ice and snow, or sport driving. The CTS Vsport model features the new Cadillac Twin-Turbo 3.6L V6 engine with an SAE-certified 420 horsepower and a “track” drive mode with specific Magnetic Ride Control calibration and enhanced throttle progression for greater track performance.

The Vsport model contains the highest-performing components, led by the all-new Twin Turbo V6. The CTS Vsport model starts at $59,995, including $925 destination, and comes equipped with an electronic limited slip differential and eight-speed automatic transmission in RWD only.

Inside, all CTS models are equipped with CUE, Cadillac’s system for connectivity and control featuring an eight-inch fully reconfigurable touch screen. CUE brings tablet-like functionality into the CTS with functions such as haptic feedback to confirm selections, proximity sensing to reveal hidden icons, gesture recognition and capacitive touch. A 5.7-inch display in the instrument cluster allows the driver to control radio, phone and navigation functions through steering wheel controls without having to take his eyes off the road.

CTS will come with an 11-speaker Bose premium audio system with HD radio capability. Users will have several options for streaming portable media devices with three USB ports and one auxiliary and SD card port.

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VW Passat Estate again a class winner at Tow Car Awards

Volkswagen’s Passat Estate has once again affirmed its place at the top of the towing tree, having retained its class title at the Tow Car Awards for the third year running.

The Tow Car Awards are a joint venture between Practical Caravan, What Car? and The Camping and Caravanning Club, with caravans and technical support supplied by the Swift Group. The awards were judged this year by a team which included the editor of Practical Caravan magazine, the tow car editor ofPractical Caravan, the deputy road test editor of What Car? and the technical department at The Camping and Caravanning Club.

Each car goes through a series of towing tests at the MIRA proving ground, including 30-60 mph acceleration, 30-0 mph braking, a hill start and an emergency lane-change test.  Cars aren’t just rated for their towing ability; What Car?’s expert road test team score each car for regular driving, safety, running costs and value for money.  The Camping and Caravanning Club’s technical team check practical details such as boot space, how easily extension mirrors can be fitted, and whether the spare wheel provision is suitable for towing.

The aim is to find cars which are great to tow with, but which are also good value and easy to live with in everyday driving. A total of 46 cars were tested this year at the MIRA testing ground in Warwickshire.

Following judging, the Passat Estate Sport 2.0-litre 177 PS TDI BlueMotion Technology, won the ‘1425-1579 kg’ class, beating stiff competition from Mazda, Hyundai and Volvo.  Commenting on the vehicle’s performance, David Motton, tow car editor at Practical Caravan said: ‘This is the third year in a row the Passat Estate has topped the second weight category.  As a tow car, a daily commuter, or the family taxi, the Volkswagen quietly and efficiently gets on with the job.

‘The Passat’s towing credentials are what we’ll concentrate on here, and after two years at the top of the class, they were never in doubt.  Stability at speed is excellent. In everyday driving the Volkswagen continues to unobtrusively make your life easy, thanks to a comfortable ride and excellent refinement.  It’s very quiet at speed, and a sound driving position means long journeys are no chore.  A very capable all-rounder with no major flaws.’

Remarking on the wins, Robert Hazelwood, Director of Volkswagen UK, said: ‘I’m delighted that the Passat Estate has once again been awarded this important accolade. For the third year running this car has proved itself not only as a highly capable tow car but also a top all-rounder.  The towing market is a significant one for us and we’re grateful for the recognition we’ve received from the judges.’ 

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Discovery 4 winner of 2013 Tow Car Awards’ 1,900kg+ category

The Land Rover Discovery 4 has secured an exceptional fourth successive victory in the annual Tow Car Awards. Every year since its launch, the model has proved itself the class of the field in the 1,900kg+ category in the UK’s most prestigious towing honours.

Announcing the success for the Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 XS, David Motton, Tow Car Editor of Practical Caravan magazine praised Discovery 4’s all-round qualities and enduring status as the best in its class.

Motton said: “As an all-rounder, the Discovery remains the best big tow car you can buy. No car this big and tall should handle the lane-change test with such confidence, but the Discovery stays firmly in control, however lively the caravan gets behind it.

“The Discovery is one of the most practical tow cars you can buy at any price, thanks to plentiful luggage space, load adaptive suspension, trailer stability control and a well-installed tow bar.”

He added that towing ability was just one aspect of the Land Rover’s all-round capability and appeal: “It’s a fine car to drive without a caravan too, thanks to effortless performance, a commanding driving position and a supremely smooth ride.”

The Tow Car Awards are a joint venture between Practical Caravan and What Car? magazines and the Camping and Caravanning Club. Cars are put through a series of towing tests and are further assessed on regular driving quality, safety, running costs and value for money. The Camping and Caravanning Club’s technical team check practical details, such as boot space and the ease with which towing accessories can be fitted.

The Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 XS has at its heart Land Rover’s twin-turbocharged, direct injection 24-valve V6 diesel engine, matched to a smooth and efficient eight speed automatic transmission. With 256 PS and an impressive 600Nm of torque available from just 2,000rpm, it is perfectly equipped to excel as a tow car.

Powertrain performance is supported by the added benefit of features such as the standard-fit Trailer Stability Assist, which monitors trailer behaviour and applies selective wheel braking to correct any potential problem, and Tow Assist, a reversing aid that is included in the optional Surround Camera System.

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Dacia Duster hauls in award at budget 4x4 class

Dacia continues to pull in fans after striking gold at the Towcar Awards last night. Its flagship Duster was named Best Budget 4x4 at the ceremony at The Sculpture Gallery in Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire, UK.

Judges, including the editor of Practical Caravan magazine, described the shockingly affordable multi-award winner as “a lot of tow car for very little money”.

The champion model, the Duster dCi 110 Ambiance 4x4, costs just £13,495 and is the perfect match for happy campers and caravanners who like to keep a close eye on their spending.

Judges added: “That price isn’t a misprint. For less than you’d pay for the tiny Kia Rio three-door, Dacia will sell you a five-seat 4x4…the Duster is undeniably a bargain.

“It makes a decent tow car, too…In fact, we’d be happy to tow on long motorway journeys with the Duster.”

The Towcar Awards is a joint venture between Practical Caravan, What Car? and The Camping and Caravanning Club, with caravans and technical support supplied by the Swift Group. Each car goes through a series of towing tests at the MIRA proving ground in the Midlands, including 30-60mph acceleration, 30-0mph braking, a hill start and an emergency lane-change test.

Cars, however, are not just rated for their towing ability. What Car?’s expert road test team score each for regular driving, safety, running costs and value for money. The Camping and Caravanning Club’s technical team check practical details such as boot space, how easily extension mirrors can be fitted, and whether the spare wheel provision is suitable for towing. Judges also included the deputy road test editor of What Car? and the technical department at The Camping and Caravanning Club. 

Romanian smart buy brand Dacia, a subsidiary of the French carmaker Renault, has made an enemy of the unnecessary and makes a simple range of cleverly designed, high quality vehicles which unashamedly favouring function over frivolity.

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