Automotive

Thursday, July 9, 2020

2020 Toyota Camry Review

Overview

The 2020 Toyota Camry and its distinction for unsullied reliability allow it to be a strong contender in the fading family-sedan segment. Its three power-train options cover a diversified range: there's a fuel-efficient four-cylinder, a potent V-6, and an eco-friendly hybrid. 

Though the Toyota Camry has a compliant ride and proficient handling, it trails in performance behind the sportier and turbocharged rivals such as the acclaimed Honda Accord or the elegant Mazda 6. There’s also plentiful standard driver-assistance technology, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. 

The Camry may be plagued by small imperfections, but even so, it is the best-executed Camry that Toyota has ever produced.


2020 Toyota Camry Mid-size Car | Peace of Mind Standard
2020 Toyota Camry


What’s New for 2020?


The big change for 2020 is the performance-oriented Camry outfitted by Toyota Racing Development (TRD). This racier Camry rides on retuned dampers supported by stiffer springs that lower the ride height by 0.6 inch. Beefier anti-roll bars, additional chassis bracing, and wider lightweight wheels wrapped in summer rubber prepare the Camry TRD for the Old Country Buffet 500. 

The front brake rotors increase in diameter by 0.9 inch and are clamped by dual-piston calipers, and there’s a TRD-specific exhaust system to sound the part. The exterior is complemented by a unique aerodynamic body kit, and the interior is dressed in red to complete the look. Previously unavailable, Android Auto capability is now standard in all Camry models.

2020 Toyota Camry


Which One to Buy?

  • The fuel-efficient four-cylinder is alluring, but our brains need stimulation and driving a refrigerator isn’t going to cut it. Our inner Kyle Busch says to try the new Camry TRD, so that’s exactly what we’d do. Not only is it the cheapest way to get the 301-hp V-6, it bundles the lengthy list of performance-enhancing options mentioned above. 
  • Though it forgoes creature comforts such as a leather interior, navigation, and driver-assistance features, it undercuts the V-6–powered Camry XSE by almost $4000. All-wheel drive is optional on LE, SE, XLE, and XSE models and costs $1400.
  • 2020 Toyota Camry

Engine, Transmission, and Performance


The standard four-cylinder engine pairs with a silky eight-speed automatic, but its acceleration numbers are disappointing. A less powerful version of that engine works with a battery and two electric motors to power the Camry hybrid, which is no more exciting to drive than the base powertrain. The real gem of this lineup is the velvety 301-hp V-6 that's available in the XLE and XSE models.


2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE | Land cruiser, Sedan, Melbourne
2020 Toyota Camry


Finally, a Camry we don't hate driving. It has a controlled ride and surprisingly responsive handling. The steering is pleasantly weighted and feels substantial when cornering and light when maneuvering in parking lots. We found the Camry's brake pedal responsive and not too soft, even in the hybrid, in which it must meld friction with regenerative braking (where the energy from braking is used to recharge the hybrid's battery pack). At lower speeds, however, the hybrid's brake pedal is hypersensitive.


2020 Toyota Camry


Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG


The whole Camry lineup performed extremely well in the EPA's tests, and a four-cylinder model did brilliantly in our real-world highway testing. The hybrid's upper trims sacrifice some efficiency at the altar of luxury, however. A four-cylinder Camry SE returned 45 mpg in our highway test, beating its own EPA rating by 6 mpg—and making it the most economical non-hybrid car we've ever tested. It even beat the Camry XLE hybrid tested by 1 mpg.

2020 Toyota Camry: 244 Interior Photos | U.S. News & World Report
2020 Toyota Camry


Interior, Comfort, and Cargo


We've driven the Camry in both top-level XLE guise and in its more plebeian SE trim. Both are spacious and comfortable, and the XLE is downright luxurious. However, there's a serious gap in material quality between the entry-level models and the more expensive versions, and the center part of the dashboard left some of us cold with its uninspired design.

2020 Toyota Camry


Infotainment and Connectivity


Toyota's touchscreen infotainment system—called Entune 3.0—is standard across the Camry lineup, with an enhanced version available as an option. Entune has loads of features and responded reasonably well to user inputs in our tests, and—new for 2020—both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are now standard.

2020 Toyota Camry


Safety and Driver-Assistance Features


The Camry earned impressive marks from the country's two safety agencies, with a five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ for 2018. We continue to applaud Toyota's decision to make driver-assistance technology standard across its lineup. Key safety features include:

  •  Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
  •  Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
  •  Standard adaptive cruise control

  • 2020 Toyota Camry

    Warranty and Maintenance Coverage


    While rivals such as the Hyundai Sonata and the Kia Optima have longer warranty periods in this class, Toyota holds its own with two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

    •  Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
    •  Power-train warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
    •  Complimentary maintenance is covered for 2 years or 25,000 miles.

    • 2020 Toyota Camry




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    2020 Honda Activa 6G Review

    2020 Honda Activa 6G


    The Honda Activa needs no introduction. It is the king of scooters and more often the highest-selling two-wheeler in India. But, the Activa has been in a dire need of an upgrade for a while. Yes, we've seen changes over the years, but it is only now, in 2020, that the sixth-generation Activa gets its most comprehensive upgrades ever with a new engine that meets the upcoming BS6 emission regulations. Honda has also gone ahead and given a complete update on features and styling as well. Is the new Honda Activa 6G six times better though? Let's find out.


    New Design

    The new Honda Activa 6G gets subtle changes over the older model... The all-metal body shell looks identical but you get a new front fender and twin slats with chrome accents on the front apron. The side panels now have a single air intake instead of two, The headlamp cluster remains the same, but the LED light is now restricted to the range-topping Deluxe variant, as opposed to the 5G that received the LED unit as standard on all variants. The scooter also gets an elongated tail section and a revised design for the grab rail, bringing in a refreshed look.

    2020 Honda Activa 6G

    But those are just styling changes, come closer and you will notice that this, is in fact, a larger model that the older version. The new Activa 110 shares its platform with the Activa 125 and is now longer by 72 mm over the current version. The wheelbase has gone up by 22 mm and the ground clearance has gone up by 18 mm, without sacrificing on the seat height. The floor space too has increased by 23 mm, which brings more knee room for the rider and that's a big plus. The big update on the Activa 6G is the inclusion of the larger 12-inch front wheel as compared to the 10-inch unit on the older version and that makes for better ride quality and high-speed stability. The seat itself is now longer and more comfortable for the rider and pillion.

    2020 Honda Activa 6G


    New Power-train

    The 2020 Honda Activa 6G gets a heavily updated 109.51 cc single-cylinder engine that meets the new Bharat Stage 6 emission norms. The motor now gets fuel-injection, while power delivery has been improved with the addition of Enhanced Smart Power technology and friction reduction technology. The result is a lighter scooter, and Honda claims fuel efficiency has in fact improved by 10 per cent. Just how light you ask? The 6G has dropped two kilos off its overall weight at 107 kg. 

    The BS6 Activa 6G makes less power than the BS4 version with the new fuel-injected motor producing 7.68 bhp at 8000 rpm and 8.79 Nm of peak torque at 5250 rpm. In contrast, the older carburetted motor churned out 8 bhp at 7500 rpm and 9 Nm of peak torque at 5500 rpm. Refinement levels on the new engine though have improved by a good margin. Power delivery has been worked up for more low-end acceleration. The Activa 6G feels quicker than the older model and overtaking is easier... Quite the boon when manoeuvring city traffic. Speeds build up quickly up to 60 km/h and the scooter can pull up to 80 km/h without breaking a sweat.

    Honda Activa 6G Images, Activa 6G Photos & 360 View
    2020 Honda Activa 6G

    Ride & Handling

    The new Activa calmly glides over bad roads thanks to the new suspension, and that's thanks to the new telescopic front forks. That, along with the 12-inch front wheel and the 3-step pre-load adjustable shocks at the rear makes for a big difference in terms of ride quality. This is the most comfortable Activa we've ridden in a while and the upgrade was a long-desired one on the scooter. We also like that this is a better handling scooter than it used to be. It's a lot more confidence-inspiring at high speeds, and high-speed stability itself is much better than the older version.

    Honda Activa 6G – 6 Things To Know
    2020 Honda Activa 6G


    Brakes

    Having said that, the Activa 6G misses out on a front disc brake and that's a big minus. This would've been a good opportunity to bring a front disc brake option on the scooter. The scooter gets 130 mm drum brakes at either end with Combi-Braking System (CBS) as standard, but the braking set-up is just adequate. It lacks the bite that you would've liked with the improved power delivery and ride quality, and would've made the Activa a well-packaged offering.

    Honda Activa 6G Price in India: Honda Activa 6G Price List 2020 ...
    2020 Honda Activa 6G

    Features

    The Activa 6G finally gets a comprehensive set of new features that customers were asking for a long time. The archaic-looking instrument console now comes with the engine malfunction light and an Eco mode indicator. The numbers are larger and easily readable, but the digital display that was previously offered on the Deluxe variant has now been removed to better differentiate the model from the Activa 125. The scooter also gets the ACG starter that brings in the one-touch, silent start feature and the addition of an engine kill switch.

    2020 Honda Activa 6G

    The multi-function ignition key has also been updated and gives you to the seat opener and the new external fuel filler. The under-seat storage remains the same at 18 litres and is good for groceries, knick-knacks and a bike cover. It still cannot fit a full-size helmet. However, the big takeaway is the external fuel-filler and that's a big addition on the Activa 6G. There's an external cover that's discreetly integrated into the design and is very convenient to use. The double-layer also adds a sense of security for the owner. Something, a lot of Activa buyers will appreciate.

    2020 Honda Activa 6G





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    Wednesday, July 8, 2020

    2020 Harley-Davidson Review


    2020 Harley-Davidson
     
    The biggest news to come out of Milwaukee for the 2020 model year is the all-new Live-wire electric motorcycle, which we’ve already ridden and reviewed. Harley-Davidson has announced the wider availability of technological features that debuted on the Live-wire, as well as several new or updated models, including the Low Rider S, Road Glide Limited, Heritage Classic and three CVO models.


    First seen on the Live-wire, H-D Connect is a subscription-based cellular service that allows riders to connect with their motorcycle using their smartphone and the Harley-Davidson app. H-D Connect provides key vehicle information (e.g., battery voltage, fuel level, available range, riding statistics and more) as well as remote security monitoring, including tamper alerts and stolen vehicle assistance. H-D Connect is a standard feature on 2020 Touring (except Road King/S and Electra Glide Standard models), Tri Glide Ultra, CVO models and Live-wire, and it includes free service for one year.


    Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS)

    Also seen on the Live-wire, Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS) is a suite of electronic riding assistance features, including cornering enhanced linked braking, ABS, traction control and drag-torque slip control; hill hold control; and tire-pressure monitoring. All RDRS features are standard on CVO models (though on the CVO Tri Glide, nothing is “cornering enhanced”), and they are available as options on all Touring models except the Electra Glide Standard.

    2020 Harley-Davidson

    2020 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S

    2020 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
    2020 Harley-Davidson

    Chopper-style, Dyna-chassis Low Rider models have been in Harley-Davidson’s lineup since the late ’70s. The Low Rider S, a dark, bare-knuckled version that entered the ring for 2016, was built around a 110-cubic-inch Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam V-twin. When Dyna models were rolled into the Softail family for 2018, the standard Low Rider got a new chassis and the Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-twin while the S took early retirement.

    The Low Rider S is throwing punches again for 2020, and it packs a wallop with a Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin good for 119 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm (claimed), up from 114 lb-ft at 3,750 rpm on the previous model. Its Gloss Black Ventilator air intake with exposed filter is said to improve airflow and its 2-into-2 offset shotgun mufflers look menacing in black but their sound is family friendly. Now rolling on the updated Softail chassis, the LRS has a shorter wheelbase, less rake and more trail, and claimed curb weight is 679 pounds, seven more than its predecessor. 


    Its premium Showa suspension includes a 43mm USD single-cartridge fork and a coil-over, free-piston rear shock with adjustable preload; front travel is unchanged at 5.1 inches, but rear travel has more than doubled at 4.4 inches. Radiate cast wheels, with a 19-inch front and a 16-inch rear, are finished in Matte Dark Bronze and they carry triple-disc brakes with standard ABS.

    2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire e-bike - from RM123k | AutoMoto Tale
    2020 Harley-Davidson

    Inspired by the West Coast style, the Low Rider S has a 1-inch diameter motocross-style handlebar perched atop 4-inch straight risers, a color-matched mini fairing, a high-back solo seat and black finishes on nearly every surface. At 6 feet tall with long limbs, I had some trouble folding myself into the LRS’ cockpit. 

    The pegs are high and set back, which put my knees well above my hips. Fortunately the seat is well padded, but an hour of riding was about all I could handle before needing to stop and stretch. Such a locked-in seating position can leave a rider’s lower back vulnerable to bumps, but the rear shock did an excellent job of softening hard impacts with no bottoming-out or jolts to the spine. 

    With serious grunt, a responsive chassis and 30 degrees of cornering clearance, the Low Rider S is just as happy on a back road as it is cruising around town. It’s available in Vivid Black and Barracuda Silver; pricing starts at $17,999.

    2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited
    2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited
    2020 Harley-Davidson


    Replacing the Road Glide Ultra for 2020 is the new Road Glide Limited, which is mechanically identical but offers premium features such as painted pin-striping, a gloss-finish inner fairing, heated grips, Slicer II Contrast Bright wheels and new tank, front and rear fender medallions. With its frame-mounted shark-nose fairing contributing to light steering feel, we’ve always been impressed by the handling of Road Glides, and its triple Split-stream vents create smooth airflow around the rider with minimal buffeting.


    Powered by the Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114, which belted out 101 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel at 3,000 rpm in the RG Ultra we strapped to Jett Tuning’s dyno last year, I cruised along with minimal vibration and heat, always plenty of grunt available to make a pass or pull me out of a deep bend. The Road Glide Limited has premium suspension, linked Brembo brakes with ABS, a Boom! Box GTS infotainment system with color touchscreen, H-D Connect and dual Daymaker LED headlamps.

    The Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations lineup is made up of models from other Harley-Davidson lines. CVO models aren’t in stock, because the CVO team customizes these bikes to offer more power, more performance, and more premium style. They also generally get more standard equipment, including upgraded infotainment, navigation, and more.

    New Harley-Davidson Models for 2020
    2020 Harley-Davidson





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    2020 Honda CBR600RR Review


    The legendary Honda CBR600RR returns for 2020. Ever since the CBR600RR rolled onto the scene back in 2003, it has become the standard for 600cc super-sports motorcycles. Featuring top of the range technology, MotoGP inspired aerodynamics, and the perfect blend of performance and handling, the CBR600RR is a true racing replica to dominate the streets on.

    All-new Honda CBR600RR to be introduced at Malaysian MotoGP 2020 ...
    2020 Honda CBR600RR


    Powered by a tried and tested 599cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine that produces 113 horsepower and 48.7 lb-ft of peak torque, the CBR600RR offers exceptional performance in a package that’s light and nimble on the roads. The secret to the CBR600RR’s success isn’t the engine performance; it’s down to the handling.

    Built on top of a lightweight twin-spar aluminum chassis, the CBR600RR features top-notch Showa Big Piston forks and a Unit Pro-Link single-shock, combined with Honda’s incredible HESD (Honda Electric Steering Damper) technology that offers optimum damping force, courtesy of the ECU.

    It’s no wonder that the CBR600RR platform has chalked up plenty of victories in the World Super-sport Championships over the years. It offers ample firepower wrapped in a compact and nimble package. Today’s CBR600RR takes engineering and styling cues directly from the MotoGP winning RC213V, making it more fearsome than ever before!

    For 2020, the CBR600RR is available with or without ABS, both in Matte Black Metallic finishes.

    2020 Honda® CBR600RR ABS | Alamo Cycle Plex
    2020 Honda CBR600RR

    High-level sport-bike performance needn’t always come in large packages, as proven by the popular CBR600RR, which is equally at home on twisty back roads and dedicated race circuits. 

    The model that has earned eight World Super-sport titles a strong engine and front suspension featuring Honda’s 41mm Big Piston Fork for exceptional handling and supple action.


    2020 Honda® CBR600RR | Maxey's Motorsports
    2020 Honda CBR600RR


    CHASSIS


    Suspension Front: 41mm inverted Big Piston Fork with spring preload, 4.3 inches of travel

    Suspension Rear: Unit Pro-Link® HMAS™ single shock with spring preload; 5.6 inches of travel

    Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.17 L (4.8 US gal.).

    Warranty:

    12-month Transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty.





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    2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Review

    Overview


    With its diminutive size and nimble demeanor, the GLA-class feels more like a hatchback than many of its crossover competitors. As the smallest and cheapest of Mercedes-Benz's SUVs, its interior is neither as luxurious nor as spacious as you might expect for a vehicle with the prestigious three-pointed-star badge. 

    Plenty of high-end technology features are on offer, but the GLA has gone a while without updates. That means it's less appealing than the newer A-class sedan, which boasts a more attractive design inside and out. A new, fully modernized version of the GLA-class should arrive sometime within the next year.

    2020 MercedesBenz GLA Class News and Information - .com
    2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class


    What's New for 2020?


    We think that the 2020 model year will be the last for the current-generation GLA before a new model arrives for 2021. As such, Mercedes-Benz did not make any changes for the 2020 model year.

    2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class


    Which One to Buy

    The base GLA250 comes with front-wheel drive, while the 4Matic comes with all-wheel drive. Among its many option packages, we’d choose the $1900 Premium package, the $350 Smartphone Integration package, and the $1650 leather upholstery to make the interior feel a bit more plush.

    Engine, Transmission, and Performance


    The GLA250's turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 208 horsepower and mates to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive (4Matic) is optional. While that doesn't sound like meaningful muscle, the power-train does a remarkable job of pulling the GLA250 around so long as you keep up the revs. During light-footed, around-town driving, the GLA feels sluggish. 

    At our test track, our all-wheel-drive test vehicle managed a quick 5.8-second blast from zero to 60 mph thanks to its launch-control feature—a rarity in this segment of SUV wannabes. For comparison, the X1's quickest time was recorded as 6.3 seconds.


    39 Mercedes 200d Photos - Free & Royalty-Free Stock Photos from ...
    2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class


    Due to the GLA250's raised ride height, there is body roll when cornering, but otherwise the handling is sharp and athletic. The chassis is competent and lively during spirited driving, but when pushed to its limit, the GLA250 is quick to remind you that you're not behind the wheel of a sports car. The effects of the firm suspension are a rough ride over uneven roads and the odd choppy highway ride. The steering is light but precise; however, extra heft in the wheel would be appreciated. Around town, the light steering aids maneuverability, so the compromise is acceptable.

    2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class


    Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG


    The GLA compares very favorably with the competition in fuel economy. It's important to note that the GLA250's turbocharged engine requires premium gasoline, but so, too, do the X1, the Infiniti QX30, and the NX. Over our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route, the GLA250 4Matic managed an impressive 34 mpg, outpacing the aforementioned rivals including the hybrid version of the NX.

    2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class


    Interior, Comfort, and Cargo


    Overall, the GLA250's design is stylish and sophisticated, although some of the material finishes are less refined than what we'd expect from a Mercedes-Benz. Panel fit and finish doesn't match the rest of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, either. The manual tilting-and-telescoping column makes it easy for the driver to find a comfortable position, but power-adjustable controls would be nice at this price point.

    The GLA250's cabin is on the small side. The front row is roomy enough for two adults, but the back seat is cramped to the point that rear head- and legroom are the worst in the class. For those with small children, this may not pose a problem, but if you're expecting to take the GLA250 on a long trip with four adults, it will be a tight squeeze.

    The GLA250's rear cargo area is one of the smallest in the segment. If carting bulky items is part of your daily routine, be sure to do a test run to ensure your items will stow. We fit five carry-on cases behind the rear seats and 16 in total with the seats folded flat, but the X1 managed to fit seven behind its rear seats and the Volvo XC40 swallowed an impressive 23 carry-ons with its seats folded.


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    2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class


    Infotainment and Connectivity


    An 8.0-inch infotainment screen is standard and perches atop the GLA250's dashboard. Navigation is optional, as is Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and onboard Wi-Fi. A small rotary knob on the center console controls the infotainment system, but there are still a few menus that can cause frustration. 

    One example is that you must unplug your Apple CarPlay– or Android Auto–enabled phone to access the built-in navigation. Connecting with Bluetooth is easy, and audio quality for both phone calls and streaming music is very good.

    2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class


    Safety and Driver-Assistance Features


    No crash-test results are available for the GLA-class from U.S. agencies, but Mercedes-Benz does offer a comprehensive list of standard safety gear. Driver-assistance technologies are available, but mainly as pricey options that drive up the bottom line. Key safety features include:

    •  Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
    •  Available lane-keeping assist
    •  Available adaptive cruise control

    • 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

      Warranty and Maintenance Coverage


      The GLA250 features a four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty with trip-interruption protection and roadside assistance. Both BMW and Lexus offer the same coverage, but Lexus adds a six-year or 70,000-mile powertrain warranty to the mix. No manufacturer in the class tops BMW's three-years or 36,000-miles complimentary scheduled maintenance coverage.

      •  Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
      •  Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
      •  No complimentary scheduled maintenance

      • 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class


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