The rise of crossovers (CUV) in the car market has forced almost every auto manufacturer to build SUVs in their fleet. Exotic brands such as Lamborghini, Bentley, and Aston Martin have also joined the movement. This is due to the CUVs versatility and cargo space, making them preferable for small families. Between 2010 and 2021, the global fleet of SUVs increased from less than 50 million to over 320 million. With the increase in demand for more rugged off-road vehicles, a gap has begun to form between cool body SUVs and the basic crossovers. In 2019, Autocar UK discussed how Volkswagen crossovers did not sufficiently differentiate themselves from one another. Because they were all on the same platform. Volkswagen, for instance, had a platform called the MLB Evo that was not only used in the Touareg but also in other models like the Audi…
As the age of electric automobiles approaches, the world has begun to seriously move away from the internal combustion engine (ICE), with even hybrids taking a second seat. The fact that the majority of automakers have committed to phase out gasoline-powered vehicles is proof of this. Below are 5 best electric suvs to buy in 2022. Tesla Model Y Tesla Model Y is a battery-electric small crossover produced by Tesla inc. Tesla introduced it in March 2019, began manufacturing at its Fremont facility in January 2020, and began shipping on March 13, 2020. It is built on the same basis as the Model 3 sedan. The Model Y shares over 75% of its components with the Tesla Model 3, including an identical interior design and electric motor. The Model Y is available with optional third-row seating for a total of seven passengers. The Model…
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV and it aims to tap into the growing electric/hybrid market. Hybrid cars have been making a steady entry into the Kenyan market but electric cars are yet to find acceptance. This is not a consumer problem per se but a lack of infrastructure and lack of government incentives. In other countries, electric cars attract much lower taxes than fuel burners but in Kenya this incentive is non existent or at best negligible. Click here to read the full Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV review here
Electric vehicles have been around for centuries since a successful experiment performed in 1827. Over the years, they have evolved from hybrids to fully electric vehicles with companies like Tesla championing this move. Electric vehicles have been widely accepted in the European and American markets. However, they haven’t been as popular in the African market until recently. For a few years now, Kenya has opened up its market to electric vehicles. With popular carmakers like Toyota introducing its hybrid cars, many people are becoming aware of the importance and advantages of electric vehicles. This has led to businesses like a Hungarian company, Nopia Ride, to launch its fully electric taxi business. Additionally, Kenyan-owned companies like Knights Energy play a big role in the transition to electric vehicles and sustainable energy by pioneering Zero Emission Transport Options i.e. Electric Vehicles in Kenya. They carry out…
Driving an automatic transmission is the norm in the modern world due to its many advantages. This preference began as a matter of convenience as more motorists wanted a less stressful drive to and from work. Despite being more expensive than manual cars, people seemed to like the automatic ones more. Now, most cars on the road have an automatic transmission. Automatic transmission cars have proved themselves over the years as reliable, convenient and effortless. However, if you’re looking for a car, it’s important to know both the good and bad of an automatic transmission so as to make an informed decision. Here are some pros and cons of automatic cars. Pros Convenient There’s no doubt that automatic transmission cars are more convenient than manual transmission cars. If you’ll be using it as a daily commuter car, then you don’t want the hassle…
Car technology nowadays ranges from necessary to luxurious. Though some prefer a simple car with minimum electronics in the way, it’s nice to have some exciting features to improve your driving experience. Whether you like a booming sound system or nifty displays, here are some cool car technology you can’t go wrong with. High-End Speakers Who doesn’t like a good sound system in their car? This usually comes in handy during those long road trips where you could use all the entertainment you can get. Car manufacturers have caught on to this demand and now, most luxury cars come with pre-installed high-end speakers such as Bose. However, if you still want to upgrade your car’s sound system, you should get it done by a professional. Head-Up Display This one leans towards the luxurious side but it can also be useful if you find it…
By working on the basics, Mazda created the Skyactiv technology that elevates the car’s performance to new heights. It offers more than just an efficient engine but a full range of technologies including the chassis, transmission and body that work together for optimum performance. Mazda came up with the Skyactiv technology to equip its cars with the latest technology without compromising its designs, drive and feel. From 2011, Mazda cars came with Skyactiv technology starting with the Mazda Axela. Mazda now boasts of some of the best performance cars with pleasant driving experience. From cleaner emission engines to smoother transmissions, here’s what the Skyactiv technology is all about. Clean Engines This innovation was inspired by the need to produce safe and environmental friendly cars in line with the new emissions policies. To ensure that their engines were on top of these standards, Mazda…
The Toyota Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) is a technology that uses hydraulics to adjust front and rear stabilizer bars. It solves the classic 4×4 dilemma of stabilizer bars. The dilemma is that for off-road driving, stabilizer bars are not desirable as they impede suspension travel and wheel articulation. For on-road driving, stabilizer bars are highly desirable as they prevent a vehicle from rolling over at high speed. Most modern 4x4s do not achieve their full off-road potential due to stabilizer bars. Then enters the KDSS. It works by automatically stiffening the stabilizer bars at high speed to limit or negate body roll. At lower speeds, the KDSS softens the stabilizer bars to allow for suspension long travel and greater wheel articulation. A vehicle fitted with KDSS is very stable on the road and highly capable off the road. It simply offers the best…