First Look: New and Redesigned Cars for 2019
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Comprehensive look at the new and redesigned cars, SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks heading our way for 2019
AUTO CENTRAL - Here we go ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and automobile aficionados of all ages, the first combined look at some of the new offerings for the 2019 model year. We've got sedans, coupes, wagons, SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks. All ya gotta do is scan down the list and click on the link that interests you. So have fun, happy hunting, and good luck.
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Of the many mid-size SUVs we've driven, this Kia had the widest sweet spot in terms of practicality, performance and overall livability. the Sorento SXL AWD is one of the best current SUV buys available today.
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You can have a simple work truck with two doors, rear-wheel drive and fabric seats, or you can have a loaded off-roader with four doors, nice vinyl seats and dressed up for the opera. Three trim levels and plenty of options and accessories will allow buyers to customize their truck.
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The BMW X4 is amazingly agile with very compliant suspension yielding an overall confident feeling while driving at more aggressive speeds through straights and turns. The needs based steering ratio provides for good steering input and feedback. The overall driving dynamics of the X4 are extremely satisfying.
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For 2019 Chrysler has made some trim and equipment changes to the Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid. New is an S Appearance Package that features black accents inside and out and is available on all Hybrid models for the first time. Included are 18-inch wheels with a Black Noise finish, Gloss Black accents throughout the exterior and an all-black interior with black seats with Light Diesel Gray accents and the “S” logo.
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Fusion in general should be on anyone’s short list for a mid-size. Energi adds economy over the straight gasoline version if you’re willing to accept the reduction in cargo capacity and the annoyance of plugging the vehicle in often.
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Hyundai says the 2019 Veloster is “a reverse halo car”. That is, not an unachievable and highly priced super car. Rather, it is designed to be obtainable, distinctive, funky, and “Made to Blend Out, Not In”. We agree.
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The Cherokee now has a more premium look on the outside with a refined front end more closely in appearance to the Grand Cherokee. On the interior there’s also a more premium look as well as feel, with refined materials and soft surfaces as well as new satin chrome and piano black high-gloss accents.
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The new Lincoln MKC is poised to attract even more luxury SUV buyers, thanks to its commanding new design, driver-focused technologies like automatic emergency braking and pedestrian collision avoidance, and an effortless ownership experience that builds on Lincoln’s exclusive Pickup and Delivery service.
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Listening to customers' demands, Mazda will offer a new GT-S Package for MX-5 Grand Touring models equipped with the SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual transmission, equipping those models with a front shock tower brace, limited-slip rear differential and Bilstein dampers. MX-5 RF models with the GT-S Package will also come equipped with the hand-painted black roof that had previously only been offered in the U.S. on the 2017 MX-5 RF Launch Edition.
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There are amazing performance SUVs and sports cars on the market, but if seeking a driver oriented, sharp handling yet practical hauler where load or child seat access heights and ease of ingress or egress ins’t as critical, this is absolutely the ticket, an "E Ticket" at that.
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Altima is Nissan’s brand ambassador and is very well appointed both in and out to hold that position. Nissan designers focused on creating an expressive design. On the outside the Altima is both stylish and refined with interesting body surfacing. Inside, the instrument panel sits lower providing a more open cockpit.
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We also did a bit of off-road driving through the dessert, along dry washes, some soft sand, as well as over some moderate inclines. The 4X4 Ram 1500 is a capable as ever in handling what nature can throw at it. A new off-road package is offered with a one-inch lift, electronic locking rear axle, tuned shocks and hill-descent control.
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In today’s world of SUVs, crossovers and pickups being very popular, there are still a lot of folk interested in sedans. Actually, data shows that Gen Z buyers lean towards sedans. Why? They grew up with SUVs and don’t want to drive what their parents drove.
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In terms of styling, we see the XC40 carrying on the Volvo design language, including the graceful, slightly-aggressive stance of its larger siblings. Stylish wheel choices up to 19-inches, short overhangs, artful details and a classic two-box profile put this among the best in class for aesthetic appeal, in this reviewer's entirely subjective opinion. The inspired Volvo designers include trim details, fashionable colors and graceful, but not garish, sculpting that remind me of Scandinavian interior design.