Three Land Rover Freelander Versions Offered in Africa

Land Rover recently announced it has released three limited edition versions of the LandRover Freelander to its African markets. They are the Land Rover Freelander Kalahari for the sporty and adventurous, Freelander Kilimanjaro for the busy go-getter executive and the Freelander Serengheti for the outdoor-loving family.

"The African theme was chosen to inject excitement and freshness to the Freelander, which occupied the premium segment in the 4X4 lifestyle vehicle category," said Land Rover Malaysia managing director Ali Shuib in a prepared statement. He added that Land Rover will be producing just 100 units of each to maintain exclusivity. The SUVs are to be powered by either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel or a 2.5-liter V6 gas engine combined with a five-speed automatic transmission featuring 'CommandShift' that provides a choice of sport, fully automatic or manual operation. "Each version comes with its own special colour and is packaged with its own distinctive set of premium accessories that results in at least 30% savings compared to if purchased separately," Mr. Shuib said.

The Freelander Kalahari, finished in Kalahari Orange, is specially accessorised for the sporty. It comes with a set of 18-inch sports rims and wheels, body styling kit, A-frame and stainless steel protection tubes that enable the vehicle to be taken off-road. The Land Rover Freelander Kilimanjaro, finished in Kilimanjaro Green, comes with luxurious and sophisticated features such as a Bluetooth-enabled mobile communication system, burr walnut finish, reverse sensors equipped with camera, and a premium high fidelity entertainment system with 10-disc CD changer, sub-woofer and amplifier. The Freelander Serengheti, which comes in Serengheti Grey, is targeted at the family who loves the outdoors and shares the passion for travelling together. Body graphics, lamp guards and safari lamps give the vehicle a rugged outdoor look. A specially designed Land Rover Freelander roof rack, which comes complete with a ladder, offers more luggage space while a premium DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones keeps passengers occupied during long journeys.

2005 Nissan Xterra Pricing Announced

Nissan North America, Inc. recently announced its new pricing on the 2005 Nissan Xterra SUV. The company also stated that the new 2005 Nissan Xterra offers several improvements on functional and user attributes including more roominess, power, and features and enhanced off-road performance systems. The 2005 Xterra arrives in three trim levels – S, Off-Road and SE, with each version equipped with a standard 4.0-liter 265-horsepower V6 engine and available in either 2WD and 4WD.

The base price of the Xterra S 2WD M/T is $20,800, the Xterra Off-Road model with 4WD M/T begins at $25,500 and the Nissan Xterra SE 2WD A/T starts at $25,300. Enhancements of the redesigned vehicle include a redesigned exterior and interior, new engine and platform. The 2005 Xterra utilizes a modified version of the F-Alpha platform, developed for the full-size Nissan Armada and full-size Nissan Titan pickup truck. Specifically, the Xterra platform uses an independent double-wishbone front and solid axle leaf spring rear suspension, standard 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine that produces 265 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. A choice of 6-speed manual transmissions or 5-speed automatic is also available.

The 2005 Xterra includes an enhanced off-road system that utilizes a part-time 4WD system with 2WD-4HIGH-4LOW modes and electronically controlled transfer case. Also available is a Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system and other advanced off-road capabilities. The exterior includes a redesigned and extrememly functional Nissan Xterra roof rack that also comes with a covered cargo box. The interior offers more 2nd row head room and leg room, and enhanced utility of the multi-purpose cargo area that includes an Easy Clean Cargo Area and a Utili-Track channel system in the cargo floor.

Mark McNabb, VP and general manager of Nissan, stated “When the Xterra debuted in 1999, it truly set the mark in terms of its combination of outstanding purposeful unique styling matched with practical size and functionality. The 2005 Xterra follows this path with an even more capable, more powerful and truly authentic SUV built specifically for the needs of the core outdoor enthusiast.”

2005 Nissan Frontier Delivers Most Power in Small Truck Class

Truck industry insiders report that in the compact pickup truck class the 2005 Nissan Frontier truck delivers the most horsepower at 265 hp. Nissan Motors officials recently stated the 4.0-liter engine is new for 2005 and offers 284 pounds-feet of torque. On sale since December 2004, the new Nissan Frontier pickup truck is offered in extended or "King" and "Crew" cab styles. The King cab has two small, rear-hinged doors to access the rear seating area. The Crew version has four conventional front-hinged doors and a rear bench seat. A classic or "regular" cab model was discontinued several years ago.

The King cab model offers a longer 6ft cargo bed than the crew version at 5ft. Payload ratings range from 1,000 pounds to approximately 1,500 pounds. Trailer towing capacities range from 3,500 to 6,500 pounds. The prices for Frontier models begin at about $16,000 for a version with rear drive only, five-speed stick shift and a 2.5-liter, 154-hp four-cylinder engine with no air-conditioning. Nissan stated both the 4 and 6 cylinder engines are designed to run on regular unleaded gas. Frontier base prices continue up to $27,330 for a Crew cab, four-wheel drive, V-6, automatic-transmission.

2005 Nissan Frontier safety features include curtain-type side-impact air bags to protect the head and help prevent ejections in rollovers, electronic stability control, hill descent control for offroading, and hill starting assist, which prevents vehicle rollback when starting off uphill. Other standard and optional features include a spray-in bed liner, a C-channel system for tying down cargo, sunroof, Nissan Frontier roof rack, leather interior, power seats, and stereos with MP3 and satellite radio capability.

The new Frontier has 9.8 inches of more space between its axles and as much as 5.6 inches more in overall length over the 2004 Nissan Frontier. The 2004 version also was available with no more than 210 horsepower. Previously, manual transmission had only five speeds, the automatic version had only four, brakes were drums in the rear, not discs. Also there were no side air bags in the 2004 Frontier pickup.

Kia KCD-II Mesa SUV Concept Vehicle Unveiled

Kia Motors America unveiled the KCD-II Mesa, the second Kia concept vehicle developed by the Kia California Design Center in Irvine, Calif. The Kia Mesa represents Kia's vision of a new SUV designed with the North American market in mind. The KCD-II is a modern, rugged body-on-frame SUV that features three rows of seats, dual full-length sunroofs and an expansive 116" wheel base. Tom Kearns, chief designer stated "The Mesa's highly usable interior design leans toward minimalism, while the exterior portrays the unique go-anywhere, do-anything attitude that Kia buyers have come to expect from the brand."

The Kia Mesa exterior styling is rugged, yet functional with the practical utility offered in a large SUV. Designers pushed the imposing, custom-built 22" alloy wheels to the corners of the vehicle in an effort to maximize interior space while simultaneously creating stable, responsive handling characteristics. Peter M. Butterfield, Kia president and CEO, stated "Designed to be rugged enough for play on the weekends yet sophisticated enough to take to the theater at night and the office on weekdays, the Mesa really brings everything you could ever want in a truck to the table. Whether you work hard or play hard, the Kia Mesa concept SUV can provide the best of both worlds."

The Mesa's balanced stance is a result of its stretched wheelbase and extra-wide track. The location of the wheels also provides dynamic stability on or offroad. The vehicle's appearance is further enhanced by sheet metal sculpted to appear lean and taut between muscular fenders, which, stretched over the wheels, offer added rugged protection. Mr. Kearns added "Like Hummer and Jeep, Kia has a history of building military vehicles, and we drew on that legacy to bring utility to life in the Mesa."

The wrap-around windshield shows off a passenger compartment that offers maximum visibility from inside the cabin. The Mesa's high beltline also offers a sense of security and protection. Thick rear pillars add to the vehicle's robust appearance, and outwardly they appear to support the entire roof structure. In fact, the A and B pillars help distribute support, providing a solid structure. The Mesa's functional exterior features center-pivoting Kia roof rack clamps capable of adjusting to hold objects up to 2" thick, such as skis, snowboards, surfboards, ladders, lumber and other construction materials. The adjustable clamps also provide a flush appearance when not in use.

2006 Kia Sedona Minivan Unveiled at Chicago Auto Show

KIA MOTORS AMERICA PRESS RELEASE
Kia Motors America unveiled the the 2006 Kia Sedona minivan at the Chicago Auto Show. Already a popular choice for buyers looking for value, quality and safety, the completely redesigned minivan will offer more horsepower than its predecessor and will be substantially larger in all key dimensions, providing more passenger room and versatility.

New features found on the 2006 Kia Sedona will include a standard fold-flat-into-the-floor third-row seat and available power-sliding doors and liftgate. The 2006 Sedona is expected to go on sale in late 2005. Utilizing an all-new platform, the new Sedona’s longer wheelbase and increased length and width contribute to the minivan’s nearly 15-percent improvement in passenger room over the 2005 Kia Sedona. Fresh styling cues and additional standard and available equipment were designed to bolster Sedona’s established position as a safety and value leader in the highly competitive minivan market.

Peter Butterfield, president of Kia Motors America, Inc., stated “the 2005 Sedona was Kia’s best-selling vehicle and historically speaking it is an incredibly important vehicle for the company, so we paid careful attention to every detail during its redesign to make sure this new minivan lived up to the tradition of its nameplate. The all-new Sedona offers considerable upgrades, not just in styling and appearance, but in practical applications such as horsepower, safety equipment and standard and available features that will make it fully competitive in the segment with such minivans as the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey.”

The original 2001 Kia Sedona went on-sale that summer and quickly gained recognition for its tremendous value and generous list of standard comfort, convenience and safety features. In addition to earning the Federal government’s highest safety ratings of five stars for the driver and front and rear seat passengers in both frontal and side impact crash tests, the Sedona has earned the AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award – 2002, Sport Truck Connection Television’s “Best Van” – 2002, 2003 Winner, Strategic Vision Total Value Index – 2002, 2004. The next-generation Sedona will continue Kia’s commitment to offering high levels of standard safety equipment.

With increased horsepower and torque, the all-new Sedona offers competitive power and performance in the minivan segment. Sedona’s new 3.8-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine is expected to generate more than 240-horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque. This new aluminum block engine is mated to a five-speed Sportmatic™ transmission. Despite its increase in size, the new Sedona is expected to be significantly lighter than the previous model when compared on an equally equipped basis. With more power, less weight and a new chassis with 4-wheel independent suspension, the next-generation Sedona is designed to be more rewarding to drive than its predecessor and its competitors.

The 2006 seven-passenger Sedona is designed with generous dimensions and unibody construction to boost both passenger and luggage space, and greatly improved ride and handling. Adding to the Sedona’s space and versatility, flip and fold second row seats provide easy access to third row seating and a new, simple-to-operate 60/40 split-folding -into-the floor third row seat is standard on all models to create a larger flat cargo area when the seat is folded, and providing a large rear cargo box when the seat is deployed.

Available in two trim levels -LX and EX - the all-new Sedona maintains Kia’s tradition of high-value by offering a generous list standard features and amenities. Besides ABS, six airbags and a five-speed Sportmatic™ transmission, the Sedona LX also comes with tri-zone air conditioning, sliding door power windows, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, captain’s chairs for the second row and keyless entry with an alarm system.The Sedona EX adds a chrome grille, fog lights, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar, heated power mirrors, AM/FM/Cassette/MP3/CD stereo system, auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power rear quarter glass, compass, Kia Sedona roof rack and wood trim. Upgradeable options include leather seats with front seat heaters, seat and outside mirror memory settings for driver, backup warning system, power sliding doors, power liftgate, power adjustable pedals, power sunroof and a premium entertainment system featuring a DVD player and 11 speakers.

The 2006 Kia Sedona minivan will be covered by Kia’s comprehensive 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and five years of roadside assistance.

2004 Infiniti QX56 Based on Nissan Pathfinder Armada

Auto industry insiders report the 2004 Infiniti QX56 is based on the Nissan Pathfinder Armada. The Infiniti QX56 includes the same Nissan Armada 5.6-liter DOHC V-8 engine with a 5 speed automatic transmission. However, engine compression is bumped from 9.8:1 to 10.0:1, boosting power output to 315 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The QX56 is also available in 2WD and 4WD versions.

The Infinity QX56 retains a good portion of the Nissan Armada bodywork, except for the wheel-arch moldings and the area from the A-pillar forward. The simple waterfall grille, large Xenon headlamps, and bulbous fascia help refine the design. Another singular characteristic is a split roof rack, rated to carry 200 pounds.

2005 Lexus GX 470 Receives Interior and Exterior Modifications

Lexus Motors recently reported the 2005 Lexus GX470 has been released with a more powerful V8 and a new sport package including an updated SUV styling. Design enhancements include front and rear light bezels, a dark graphite finish on 17inch alloy wheels and a factory Lexus roof rack on the exterior and dark graphite trim on the center console and instrument panel complementing the black bird's-eye maple wood accents on the interior. The Lexus GX 470 is powered by a 4.7 liter V8 engine that rates from 235 hp to 270 hp. Company spokesmen explained the power gain is generated from variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system and an electronic throttle control system.

2005 Saab 9-2X Linear & Aero Based on Subaru Impreza Design

Saab has released the compact, five-passenger, 2005 Saab 9-2X hatchback currently selling as the lowest priced Saab with a base price of $23,685. It is the first Saab with all-wheel drive, requiring no input from the driver and works all the time, not just on slippery surfaces. It's also the lowest-priced Saab. Company spokesmen stated that the 9-2X is a "premium compact" and has the rounded front styling of a Saab as well as updated suspension, tires and steering.

With ownership stakes in both Saab and Subaru, General Motors Corp. coordinated the development of the 9-2X, which uses the two Impreza four-cylinder engines and Subaru's all-wheel-drive system and is built at a Subaru factory in Japan. According to Saab, the company hopes to appeal to younger consumers who are younger than Saab's average 41-year-olds and who also prefer a European brand that remains unique.

The 9-2X is available in two levels. The base model is called Linear and includes cruise control, power windows, door locks and outside mirrors, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, keyless remote entry and manual climate control with air conditioning. The Saab Linear is powered by the 165-horsepower, 2.5-liter, horizontally opposed, single-overhead-cam, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that is also found in the Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS wagon. The power plant generates up to 166 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Saab Aero is powered by a 227-horsepower, 2-liter, horizontally opposed, turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder engine, just like the one found in the Subaru Impreza WRX. The Saab Aero also includes more features such as automatic climate control, premium audio system with six speakers and fog lamps.

The interior of the 9-2X has streamlined styling and the exterior continues the streamlined theme with no Saab 9-2X roof rack included, unlike the Subaru Impreza & WRX models. All five seats in the 9-2X have head restraints and three-point seat belts. Rear-seat legroom is 33.7 inches, which is the same as the Subaru Impreza and compares with 29.2 inches in the back of the Acura RSX coupe. With rear seats folded there is 61.6 cubic feet of cargo box storage space.