2023 Volkswagen ID.4
It would be an understatement to call the Volkswagen ID.4 popular, as VW had to stop taking Canadian orders last spring as demand far outstripped supply. The good news is North American production of the 2023 model year vehicle is finally starting up this month at the automaker’s Chattanooga assembly facility in Tennessee.
The all-electric SUV available in either rear or all-wheel drive and powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery, with a starting MSRP of $47,995 CAD for the former and $52,995, the latter. A lower capacity 62-kilowatt-hour variant, priced at $43,995, will also be sold in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Buyers can look forward to refreshed exterior and interior, for example gloss-black front bumper highlights, three fresh aluminum wheel designs up to 20 inches and a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Subaru Outback Safety
Subaru’s rugged crossover was just awarded The Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest honour for its updated side crash test, the only entrant among six other competitors to receive such a rating.
The new test utilizes a heavier 4,200-pound barrier — similar to the weight of a modern mid-size utility vehicle — travelling at a higher speed of 37 miles-per-hour to simulate a collision. Previously, the weight and speed was 3,300 pounds and 31 miles-per-hour, respectively.
In addition, a long list of safety equipment is standard on the current Outback including EyeSight driver assistance technology, high beam assist and steering responsive LED headlights that automatically angle into a corner for better illumination during nighttime driving.
Ford Maverick Tremor Off-Road Package
With Ford’s legacy of building trail-ready machines, the arrival of a tougher Maverick was inevitable. And now the brand is launching a Maverick Tremor Off-Road version for its compact pickup designed as “an entry-level option for buyers seeking greater off-road capability and bold styling.”
Offered on the XLT and Lariat trims, it builds upon the FX4 package with an all-wheel drive system not yet seen on the truck, adding a twin-clutch rear axle differential lock capable of diverting torque to either back wheel, unique suspension, one-inch factory lift, heavy-duty transmission cooler, exclusive colour accents and more.
Five different selectable drive modes optimize the vehicle for various types of environments like mud, sand or snow. For propulsion, the Tremor utilize the turbocharged 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine.