Mini Hardtop 4-door 2015

On a mission to attract new buyers, the 2015 Mini Cooper Hardtop 4-door and its Cooper S sibling will go on sale in January

At 157.4 inches (158.0 for the Cooper S) the Mini Hardtop 4-door is 6.3 inches longer than its 2-portal counterpart and has 2.9 inches of additional wheelbase. While no wider, the 4-door also is 0.4-inch taller. Although much of its exterior styling has been directly lifted from the Cooper/Cooper S 2-door, the 4-door does sport a more pronounced "tail" treatment in addition to it elevated roof. The Hardtop designation is a bit of a misnomer in the traditional sense since it is not a B-pillarless design. Dedicated styling flourishes on the Cooper Hardtop 4-door include a White Aluminum finish on its grille ribs and tailgate handle, gloss black front bumper trim and chrome exhaust tips with the Cooper S boasts more the requisite bolder front/rear fascia treatments and wheel/tire upgrades as well as its share of red "S" badges

Room for five

Inside, the new Cooper and Cooper S Hardtop 4-door models reprise the upgraded look and feel of their 2-door counterparts but feature a 60/40 folding rear seat with belts for three instead of two. In addition to providing back benchers with an additional 1.5 inches of legroom, headroom in the aft quarters is up by 0.6 inch and shoulder room grows by 1.8 inches in all locations. Cargo space in the Hardtop 4-door also gets a boost, rising from 8.7 to 9.2 cu ft, which, like its upgraded head and leg room --  Mini claims are best-in-class stats

Like the current front-drive Mini Hardtop, the new 4-door will offer two engines and two transmissions at launch. The Cooper Hardtop 4-door will come with the BMW-designed 1.5-liter/134-horsepower TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder while the Cooper S variant will pack the familiar 2.0-liter/189-horse turbocharged 4-cylinder. Both engines can be backed by either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed Steptronic automatic. Dynamic Damper Control also will be available on the new Hardtop 4-door as will the full array of driver assist, creature comfort and personalization touches currently offered on the 2-door

While official pricing has yet to be released, Mini expects the new 4-door models to start at $1,000 above their 2-door counterparts. Barring any last-minute surprises, that should see a 2015 Mini Cooper Hardtop 4-door base price of $22,300 and the 2015 Cooper S Hardtop 4-door starting near $25,385

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Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class unveiled 2015

The wraps have just come off the all-new 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class prior to its public debut next month at the Frankfurt Auto Show

The production version of the 2015 GLA-Class retains most of the basic styling cues seen in the GLA Concept that was unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show in April. In creating the package, M-B design chief Gorden Wagener aimed to create a look that was both traditional and progressive but also embodied a uniquely youthful character. The GLA's boldly contoured yet aerodynamically efficient bodywork is complemented by edgy but elegantly rendered front/rear fascias, a low greenhouse, and prominently flared fender arches filled with a standard 18-inch wheel/tire package or optional 19-inch upgrade. In addition to numerous visible wind-cheating details -- from the shape of its mirror housings and taillamp lenses to a subtle but effective liftgate spoiler and rear diffuser -- the profile of the GLA-Class has been further streamlined through the use of various hidden air-channeling devices that include an array of underbody fairings

The young-and-cool persona of this new compact SUV carries over to its passenger compartment, starting with a dash design that, save for GLA-specific wood or aluminum trim finishes, is a virtual clone of the one in the new CLA-Class. Beyond the GLA's leather-wrapped, 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel is an instrument cluster that matches analog main gauges with digital ancillary readouts, while a large multimedia display screen positioned high in the center of the dash works in concert with the GLA's various infotainment systems, including the standard mbrace2 connectivity services and optional COMAND telematics. Like other Mercedes offerings, the GLA-Class will be available with M-B-Tex or optional leather upholstery in a variety of colors, with standard buckets or more aggressively bolstered sport seats up front. The GLA's aft quarters feature a belted-for-three split rear bench with flat-folding seatbacks. At the rear, its large liftgate teams with a low sill height to ease cargo loading chores

The 2015 GLA-Class will share all of its key powertrain elements with the A-Class/CLA-Class. That includes the CLA 250's 2.0-liter turbocharged/direct-injected 4-cylinder engine that cranks out 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and a 7-speed (DCT) dual-clutch automatic transmission. In addition to standard front-wheel drive, the GLA also will offer M-B's all-new lightweight and super-efficient 4Matic system specifically designed for vehicles with a transversely-mounted engine. Opting for this sophisticated all-wheel-drive setup also nets Downhill Speed Regulation control that uses a variety of engine/transmission/brake inputs to maintain a safe pace on challenging grades as well as a dedicated "off-road" transmission mode that tweaks the throttle and shiftpoint mapping to optimize the GLA's traction and handling on loose surfaces

Like all M-B vehicles, the new GLA-Class will come with a comprehensive array of standard safety systems highlighted by Attention Assist drowsiness detection and M-B's radar-based Collision Prevention Assist with adaptive Brake Assist that can help protect against impacts from as low as 4 mph. Other available safety upgrades include Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control, Collision Prevention Assist Plus all-speed autonomous braking capability, Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist and Parktronic with optional Park Assist. In addition to Sport and Driver Assistance Packages, the new GLA-Class also will be available with a power liftgate and Panorama sunroof

While Mercedes has not yet released pricing for any GLA-Class model, it has confirmed that the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic will be the first to reach showrooms here when it goes on sale in fall 2014 and takes on rivals like the Acura RDX, BMW X1 and upcoming Lincoln MKC. The front-drive 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is set to make U.S. debut in early 2015. No word yet on any arrival date for a performance version of this classy crossover, although it's believed that a CLA45 AMG powered by the same 355-horse engine used in the CLA45 AMG Sedan is in the pipeline

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Mercedes-Benz C-Class is bigger, bolder and more upscale 2015

Making its public debut in Detroit and arriving here in early fall, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan reflects a comprehensive recasting of the automaker's top-selling model intended to further distance it from the new entry-level CLA-Class. As indicated in our 2015 C-Class preview story, beyond a modest but meaningful growth spurt, the fourth-generation of this popular 4-door benefits from a host of upgrades that endow it with more sophisticated appearance, better performance, state-of-the-art technology culled from its pricier E-Class and S-Class siblings and an even longer list of premium creature comforts. Those enhancements are destined to make it even more competitive against natural rivals like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti Q50 and Lexus IS

Here in the U.S., this new C-Class Sedan will be available in two distinct all-wheel drive variants. The C300 4Matic will be fitted with the firm's 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that carries preliminary 235 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque output ratings while the C400 4Matic gets M-B's 3.0-liter turbocharged direct-injected V6 that makes 329 horses and 354 lb-ft of peak twist. Both engines will be backed by an upgraded version of the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission that's been tweaked to deliver even smoother shifts with enhanced environmental friendliness

A similar kind of comprehensive upgrading is clearly evident inside of the roomier - and now even quieter -- cabin of the 2015 C-Class. To briefly reprise what we told you back in October, the design melds S-Class and CLA-Class design elements into a unique variation on the themes that includes an elegantly sculpted dash and one-piece console, fine wood and leather accents, a new 12-button multifunction steering wheel, M-B's embrace2 connected-car technology plus a standard 7.0-inch central display that increases in size to 8.4 inches if the car is fitted with the optional Multimedia Package. Topping the options list is a new iteration of the automaker's Comand telematics system with Navigation that features a multifunction touchpad controller with supplemental handwriting recognition functionality that allows it to operate all of the car's infotainment functions as well as a new head-up display

Despite being larger and even better equipped, the 2015 C-Class is about 220 pounds lighter than the current car thanks to a new hybrid structure that's more robust and rigid. It mixes various types of conventional and high-strength steel that ensures excellent passenger protection with a far greater percentage of aluminum - up from about 10 percent now to nearly 50 percent in the new car. Virtually all of the body panels in the 2015 C-Class are made of this mass-reducing alloy as are a number of its suspension components. While offering no EPA specs just yet, Mercedes says the car's trim-down program should help generate fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent while making the new C-Class even more fun to drive

As for the underpinnings, the 2015 C-Class features an all-new chassis that M-B says will deliver superior ride and handling. In addition to its standard conventional underpinnings with selective damping, the car will come with a lowered sport suspension on versions with the optional Sport Package. For the first time, the C-Class also will be available with a full Airmatic air suspension system that provides four different driver-selectable modes and also features a self-leveling function. A new electromechanical Direct Steer system with speed-sensitive variable ratio and on-demand assist is standard across the lineup

The 2015 C-Class also will be a leader in the active and passive safety arena thanks to a host of new standard and optional technologies, several recently introduced on the new the S-Class and E-Class. In addition to seven airbags, all models come with Attention Assist that can warn of drowsiness, low-speed Adaptive Brake Assist and Collision Prevention Assist Plus that can perform autonomous braking functions at speeds up to 124 mph. Other available features include Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, intelligent BAS Plus Brake Assist that can now detect cross traffic and Pre-Safe Braking as well as Enhanced Active Lane Keeping Assist. Buyers of the new C-Class also can add Active Parking Assist that works for both parallel and end-on spaces, a 360-degree bird's-eye surround camera and Traffic Sign Assist with Wrong Way Alert

Pricing and EPA numbers for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan will be announced closer to its actual on-sale date. Between now and then, we anticipate hearing a good deal more about other upcoming members of the family, including the next-gen C63 AMG Sedan and a C-Class Coupe

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Lincoln Navigator 2015

On sale later this year,will start at $62,475. Lincoln's full-size/3-row SUV features a new and more contemporary nose and tail treatment and replaces the veteran 310-horsepower/5.4-liter V8 with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 that turns out 380 horses and develops 460 lb-ft of peak torque - 95 more of those critical twist units than the engine it replaces. Lincoln says that extra muscle should give properly-equipped Navigators a projected best-in-class 9,000-pound tow rating. The EcoBoost V6 is backed by a new 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission

To complement its more sophisticated exterior detailing and underhood upgrade, the 2015 Navigator also sports cabin enhancements including standard leather upholstery, push-button start, SYNC with MyLincoln Touch connectivity and an LED-backlit instrument cluster with tachometer, trip odometer, compass, a message center plus a Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert

Improved ride and handling

As part of its recasting, the 2015 Navigator will offer a new Lincoln Drive Control system to improve ride and handling. Standard issue on all 4-wheel drive versions or models with optional 22-inch wheel/tire package, it also brings electric power steering assist. All 4WD Navigators also get Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. As with the current lineup, the 2015 Navigator will be available in standard (119.0-inch) and long-wheelbase (131.0-inch) Navigator L models. The former opens at $64,640, the latter at $68,215

or those seeking the ultimate Navigator experience, Lincoln also is introducing a new Reserve Package for 2015. Beyond Lincoln Drive Control, and 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, is features ultra-lux leather in all three rows of seats and premium Ziricote wood trim plus additional leather-accented trim. Price of entry here commences at $69,975 with a 4WD version starting at $72,900

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Lincoln MKC First Review: Right place, right time, right on 2015

Lincoln is stepping into a new arena this month

Ready to mix it up with the likes of upscale class rivals like the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, the MKC brings it own sense of premium style and character to what's currently the hottest segment in the auto market. Revealed last November, the 5-passenger MKC is positioned as younger-looking/younger-thinking model which will play a pivotal role in its brand renaissance. We headed up the coast to Santa Barbara for a chance to slip behind the wheel

Most of our formal drive was spent in a pair of fully equipped range-topping Lincoln MKC Reserve Package models, each fitted with the new 285-horsepower/2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. However, we also had the opportunity to take a quick spin in a mid-level, front-drive MKC Select variant with the standard 240-horse/2.0-liter EcoBoost engine

Even at a glance, the MKC looks the part of a serious player. As the first vehicle to emerge from the dedicated Lincoln Design Studio, its modern appearance reflects the most effective integration of the division's new styling language to date. With sleek contours and a low, flowing roofline, the MKC sports a signature split-wing grille flanked by HID headlamps and a full-width tail lamp that spans its unique "clamshell" liftgate. This new model has plenty of up-market curb appeal

This new luxury design philosophy carries over to the MKC's cabin, where supple Bridge of Weir Deepsoft leather replaces Lincoln Luxury Soft Touch leatherette in all but the base Premier Package and open-pore wood supplants the standard aluminum accent trim. In addition to SYNC with the latest MyLincoln Touch setup, an 8.0-inch LED touchscreen and nicely contoured power front bucket seats, all MKC variants - Premiere, Select and Reserve -- boast a huge roster of standard equipment that include unexpected items like active noise cancellation, an acoustic laminate windshield and dash-mounted pushbutton-style controls for the 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission assisted by steering-wheel-mounted paddles. In Reserve trim, the MKC's creature-comforts include things like a 12 sq-ft Panoramic Vista Roof, voice-activated navigation and the Blind Spot Information System, the latter two items also optional on the MKC Select

While there's plenty to praise in this well-finished realm, the MKC does have its downsides. Virtually all of them can be found aft of the B-pillar. Rear-seat legroom is at best mid-pack relative to its would-be peers - great for kids, but not so swell for adults. The same holds true for cargo capacity. Although the MKC's large hatch, low lift-over height, flat-folding 60/40 second-row bench and available hands-free power up/down hatch activation ease loading and unloading, its merely respectable 25.2 cu ft of base space only rises to 53.1 cu-ft in full-open configuration. That's less than any of its key rivals - and over 10 cu ft less than what's offered by the class-topping Acura RDX and BMW X3

Moving a step - or three -- beyond the handling basics

Sharing Ford's Global C1 architecture also used on the Escape, Focus and C-MAX, the MKC benefits from a comprehensive platform revamp that gives this new compact crossover Lincoln-specific dynamic characteristics. Revised suspension geometry broadened track dimensions by an inch at each axle and the rework also includes unique chassis tuning for the electrically-assisted power steering and ABS braking systems. The MKC also benefits from computer controlled damping (CCD) that comes standard on models with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and as an option on front-driver versions

The CCD setup also brings Lincoln Drive Control that offers selectable Comfort/Normal/Sport modes that tweak the steering and shift programming. Regardless of drivetrain, all MKC models are fitted with Torque Vectoring Control that optimizes stability when cornering or on uneven road surfaces as well as AdvanceTrak with Roll Stability Control and hill start assist

Carving corners and ratcheting-up respect 

Encompassing nearly 200 miles of serpentine California state highways, our driving route presented a great opportunity to check out the touring side of the MKC's personality as well as to evaluate its at-the-limit responsiveness -- qualities benchmarked against the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. We came away quite impressed. Although far from a sports car, the MKC displayed a laudable combination of confidence and capability through even the twistiest bits while its active noise control and a host of other sound-attenuation tricks kept the cabin commendably quiet

Weighing in at nearly 4,000 pounds, the MKC with a 2.3-liter and AWD displayed roughly the same level of acceleration as the front-drive 2.0-liter variant that tips the scales closer to 3,800. While lacking the lightness and absolute agility of a base model, the top spec Reserve Package MKC we drove leveraged its superior traction by swapping the standard 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/50 all-season rubber for optional 19-inch rims wearing 245/45 Michelin Latitude Tour tires. Surprisingly grippy, they added a welcome dimension to the MKC's inherently stable personality that comes from its wide stance and low center of gravity. The CCD suspension also did its part to sweeten the behind-the-wheel experience, sharpening or softening response on demand using the Lincoln Drive Control and the Drive/Sport buttons on the dash

In addition to polished road manners, the 2015 Lincoln MKC also has a solid value story. Opening at $33,995, a 2.0-liter front-drive MKC Premiere Package is the lowest-priced vehicle in the segment. The MKC Select starts at $37,225, while  top line MKC Reserve is $40,930. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine bumps the price $1,140 and all-wheel drive adds $2,495. Options ranging from a Technology Package (adaptive cruise control, active park assist, Forward Sensing System and Lane-Keeping System) and THX II Certified Audio System to a Climate Package (heated rear seats/steering wheel, rain-sensing front wipers and auto high-beam headlamps) and 20-inch wheels/tires can send the bottom line on an MKC Reserve past $50K. Late this year, an MKC Black Label variant promises to take things even further on the exclusive-luxury front

It's too soon to tell how the 2015 Lincoln MKC will ultimately fare here in the U.S. as well as in China where it goes on sale this fall. But we do know this much about the MKC: There is much to like and little to fault

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