Masterherald News

A 27-PERCENT BOOST IS GOOD, BUT THE UPCOMING 2018 MODEL PROMISES TO MORE THAN DOUBLE THE RANGE

Nissan has announced pricing for the 2016 Leaf, the top trim levels of which now feature an upgraded battery that yields a greater range. Sales of the the automaker’s pure electric hatch have been on a roll for the past couple of years, though the model itself is due for a complete redesign for the 2018 model year. The 2016 model, therefore, can be viewed as a placeholder until an improved Leaf arrives with a greatly enhanced range.

The upgraded 30 kWh battery is the major update for the 2016 model year, arriving standard on the SV and SL trim levels, and will yield an estimated 107-mile range. That’s a 27 percent improvement over the standard 24 kWh battery that’ll still be offered in the base Leaf S. The motor output remains the same regardless of which battery buyers choose: 107 hp and 187 lb-ft of torque.

The base Leaf will start at $22,360, after the application of a $7,500 federal tax credit. The mid-range SV trim level, with the new battery standard, will start at $27,550, while the range-topping SL model will be available from $30,140.

issan has also shuffled Leaf equipment, adding NissanConnect with Mobile Apps as standard, coupled with a 5.0-inch screen for the base Leaf S, while the two upper trim levels will receive NissanConnect with navigation and Mobile Apps coupled with a 7.0-inch screen and voice recognition. The Leaf also gains three new colors for 2016 for a total of eight: Forged Bronze, Coulis Red and Deep Blue Pearl.

The Leaf continues to be the best-selling pure-electric in those markets which have any kind of electric cars, but given the tremendous increase in range predicted it may make sense to wait until the Leaf’s replacement arrives. The 2018 model is expected to have a 200-mile range, at the very least, courtesy of a 60 kWh battery. These aren’t official figures for now, but everything seems to be pointing in that direction.

Source : http://autoweek.com/

NEW HYUNDAI COMPACT SEDAN GETS MORE TECH, MORE SPACE

Hyundai revealed the newest generation of its cost-effective Elantra sedan this week. The sixth generation of the compact is completely redesigned — aiming for more comfort and style. In that vein, the Elantra gets increased cabin space thanks to a body that’s a bit longer and wider. Despite being larger, the use of lightweight high-strength steel helps keep the curb weight down, according to Hyundai.

Hyundai also made the push to include all the new tech at its disposal inside the updated Elantra. Autonomous emergency braking, auto-dimming high-beams and blind-spot detection are just some of the available safety technologies. Luxury options like a driver’s memory seat and a hands-free opening trunk are also offered.