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2020 Cadillac CT4 Premium Luxury

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

The 2020 Cadillac CT4 compact sports sedan is a bold move by the brand to expand its lineup in the entry-level luxury class. Cadillac hopes to lure more younger luxury buyers from European competitors by introducing the latest safety and advanced performance technologies and making a stylish design statement.

Introduced in the Spring of 2019, the all-new CT4 which replaces the Cadillac ATS, showcases a high-tech design, the latest safety and performance features, including super-cruise control, two powerful turbocharged engines, premium electric power steering, eBoost brakes, coated rotors, magnetic ride control, and Brembo front brakes, which are standard on the Sport and V-Series models. All-wheel drive is optional on all models.

The hands-free Super Cruise system assures the driver’s attention with high-definition maps and sensors that watch the road and monitor the driver inside the car. When activated, the vehicle will steer itself and remain in the lane during highway trips.

The 2020 Cadillac CT4 also introduces other features to the compact luxury sedan class, including self-sealing and run-flat tires, allowing the vehicle to continue driving with punctures and not stop to change tires.

The four-door CT4 comes in four trim levels: The base Luxury starts at $32,995 MSRP, the Premium Luxury has a starting price of $37,495, the Sport model at $38,595, and the top-of-line V-Series goes for $44,495 MSRP.

The CT4 gets its spirited performance from Cadillac’s innovative turbocharging technology. The 2.0- and 2.7-liter Twin-Scroll Turbo engines are engineered with sportiness in mind. They include a three-step sliding camshaft along with Active Fuel Management and automatic stop/start.

The base Luxury model comes with a 2.0-liter Twin-Scroll Turbo engine that generates 237 horsepower that is matched with an eight-speed transmission.

The 2020 Cadillac CT4 Premium Luxury model I experienced was powered by a 2.7-liter turbo engine that generated 327 horsepower with a segment-leading ten-speed automatic transmission. Agile and quick on its feet, the Premium Luxury came with a rear-wheel-drive infrastructure for better handling and sports performance. All-wheel-drive is optional for all models and standard on the V-Series.

The CT4 allows the driver to select different drive modes: Touring, Sport, Snow/Ice, and Track. A My Mode and V Mode (V-Series) alters the vehicle’s characteristics by calibrating the suspension’s transmission, shifting, steering, brakes, and front/rear torque for the AWD version.

The CT4 feels smooth and powerful yet responsive on quick maneuvers and during lane changing. The steering is precise, and the ride feels comfortable and sporty at the same time. Rapid acceleration and braking are balanced and together produce a sporty ride in the Sport and Track modes.

Beautifully designed for appeal and practicality, the interior has a user-friendly layout with easy access to touch controls for the audio, climate, and other interfaces. Other features include a wireless charging pad, USB and USB-C ports, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay come standard in all models,

The CT4 Luxury and Premium Luxury exterior design have unique LED lighting, tail- and headlamps, and front grilles with premium hot foil-stampings. The Sport and V-Series are distinguished by a sportier design, signature vertical lights, a rear spoiler, and performance wheels.

The 2020 CT4 is virtually the same as the 2021 model. Additional features added this year include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, a safety alert seat, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Due to the pandemic, you can contact your local Cadillac dealership or car-buying service for discounts, special financing, home deliveries, and test drives for purchasing.

For a complimentary subscription to the latest car and truck reviews, visit www.randolphp.sg-host.com. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.

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2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Sporty Midsize SUV

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

As long as SUVs are outselling sedans in the United States, automakers like Volkswagen will continue introducing new models to meet consumer demands. It is the reason Volkswagen decided to assemble the midsize Atlas at its manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a smaller version of the midsize Atlas SUV launched in twenty-seventeen. It is two inches shorter and has five seats, instead of seven in the Atlas. They both expand VWs reach into the popular midsize SUV segment.

The VW Atlas Cross Sport is identical to its sibling except for a more sporty roofline. It has the same interior and engine as the Atlas. Despite the shorter trim and removal of the third-row seats, the Cross Sport has plenty of passenger and cargo space.

Built on the same 117.3-inch wheelbase as the Atlas, the Cross Sport has 111.8 cubic feet of passenger space, including 40.4 inches of rear legroom. There are 40.3 cubic feet of luggage space behind the sliding second-row seats and 77.8 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The Atlas and the Cross Sport have the same engine options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that gets 235 horsepower or an optional 3.6-liter six-cylinder generating 276 horsepower. Both versions have an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with either front- or all-wheel drive.

The VW Atlas Cross Sport, designed for the American market, is among Volkswagen’s best-selling vehicles. Last year, it sold over 80,000 Atlas SUVs in the U.S., which influenced its decision to expand the model range. Together, the Atlas, with its best-selling midsize Tiguan crossover SUV, accounted for 53% of VW sales. At the same time, SUVs made up 52% of all vehicle sales in the U.S.

The 2020 Atlas Cross Sport, built on an SUV platform, is fun to drive and performs like a crossover on urban streets and freeways. The lower roofline and smaller trajectory reduces overhand in the front and rear and adds to its charming look.

Now that the 2021 models are going on sale at dealerships, you can probably get a good deal on a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. That’s if you can still find one.

The starting priced on the base front-wheel-drive model is $30,545 MSRP. The combined EPA fuel rating on the smaller engine is 22 mpg. The all-wheel-drive version averages 20 mpg, while the larger engine averages a combined 19 mpg. The price goes up to $35,000 MSRP for the top-of-line SE Technology model.

.For more news on the latest new car and truck reviews, features and prices, visit www.randolphp.sg-host.com. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.

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2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature2020 Mazda CX-9 SUV2020 Mazda62020 New Cars and TrucksAutotrader.comBest new carscarmax.comconsumerrports.orgcrossoverDecisive MediaDecisive Media Networkedmunds.comLuxury CarsMazda SKYACTIV TechnologiesMazda6

Why “Driving Matters” in Mazda’s 2020 Midsize CX-9 SUV

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

The brains behind Mazda’s 2020 CX-9 is the SKYACTIV, a suite of technologies that improves handling, fuel efficiency, and performance. The tagline for the Mazda CX-9 is “Driving Matters,” to convey its comfort and roominess for moving large families around town in style, as a midsized SUV with three-rows and six to seven seats.

The largest vehicle in Mazda’s fleet, the 2020 CX-9, covers a full range of features and prices in the midsize SUV class. It starts with the base sports model from $33,890 MSRP, which competes with the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander; up to the near-luxury Signature CX-9 that starts around $46,215 and approaches the ride and feel of a premium luxury SUV.

The 2020 Mazda CX-9 is available in four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature. They are all powered by Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that gets 227 horsepower and 310 bl-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft with premium gas. All models come with a six-speed automatic transmission that comes in either front- or four-wheel drive (AWD), except for the Signature, which only comes in AWD. The FWD version is about $2,000 less than AWD.

Mazda’s engine technology is called SKYACTIV-G and gets better fuel efficiency and more power out of the traditional aspirated gasoline combustion engine. The technology works by compressing the air-fuel mixture through the cylinders, which uses less fuel to generate more energy.

The turbo response from Mazda’s four-cylinder engine in the CX-9 Signature was quick and smooth, compared to many of its six-cylinder rivals in the midsize SUV class. Fuel savings also makes the CX-9 more competitive. The four-cylinder engine is robust and averages 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The top-of-line 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD with the SKYACTIV-Drive handled superbly in the sports mode on the streets and highway. It includes the six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission that also improves the fuel economy and the torque transmission by combining the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), dual-clutch automated manual transmission, and standard automatic transmission.

Mazda’s SKYACTIV-Drive system is continuously monitoring the road conditions, weather, acceleration, and steering to determine when to send power to the front or rear wheels or to engage AWD when more traction is needed. The AWD system also has an Off-Road mode.

Another component of SKYACTIV is Vehicle Dynamics. This integrated system monitors the behavior of the driver and road conditions to improve handling by applying the brakes and torque to the wheels when needed. It continuously monitors the engine, transmission, body, and chassis to provide more stability and response.

Luxury materials and equipment emanate inside the cabin. It has real Santos Rosewood inlays throughout the interior, high-quality Nappa leather trim, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain seats, a rear power liftgate, and an upgraded infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen display.

The exterior of the CX-9 Signature stands out, as well, against the other models with distinctive badging, more LED lights, and accent lighting on the grille. Rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic high beams are now standard on all 2020 Mazda CX-9 models.

Standard safety features include a 360-degree camera view, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and departure warning. Visit www.randolphp.sg-host.com for more consumer reviews on 2020 and 2021 new cars and trucks.

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2020 Audi Q32020 Mazda62020 New Cars and Trucks2020 Subaru Legacy2020 Subaru OutbackAutotrader.comBest new carscarmax.comconsumerrports.orgDecisive MediaDecisive Media Networkedmunds.comLuxury CarsMazda6mid-size sedansMid-size SUVnadaguides.comNew CarsRandi PaytonSubaruSubcompact Luxury SUVTruecar.comvroom.com

Car Buying During COVID-19 and 2020 Reviews

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

The fall season marks the end of the year for 2020 vehicles, the time period when the new 2021 model year vehicles start going on sale. Because dealerships are eager to offer big discounts to make room in their showrooms for the new vehicles, this is the best time to strike a good deal on the 2020 models.

This year, the COVID-19 health crisis has made car buying more convenient and less expensive. Initially, many believed the automotive industry would finally go bankrupt when new vehicle sales took a nosedive after shelter-in-place and stay-at-home declarations shuttered dealerships and forced manufacturing plants to close.

Instead, the pandemic forced dealerships to find new ways to sell vehicles and offer huge discounts and incentives. Dealerships were caught off guard with an oversupply of vehicles due to the shutdown, until they changed their strategies, making it easier and safer for consumers to purchase a new vehicle without leaving their homes.

Despite the current uncertainty with the pandemic and the economy, automobile manufacturing plants are back in production and consumers are catching up on their pent-up demand for new vehicles. Now that auto sales have picked back up, many dealers are still offering huge discounts, 0% financing, cash back, deferred payments, huge manufacturer incentives, and home deliveries.

 

The way we buy cars may have changed forever, making it easier to negotiate a better price and have vehicles delivered to your door.

To get the best vehicle for your taste and budget, begin your research online, or call one of the car buying services that either sells vehicles or works with a national network of dealerships to manage virtual sales and home deliveries.  Begin by visiting one of the consumer auto buying websites like www.consumerreports.org, www.edmunds.com, www.nadaguides.com, www.Carvana.com, www.autotrader.com, www.Carmax.com, www.Truecar.com, or www.Vroom.com.

Since test driving before you buy is limited in many areas, consider companies that offer a return policy, which gives you time to drive the vehicle before making a final decision.

To find dealer discounts and manufacturer incentives, visit their websites or go through a car buying service.  A few of the latest new or upgraded 2020 vehicles on my list include:

The New 2020 Subaru Outback

If you have good credit and are eligible to finance through Subaru Motors Finance (SMF), you can defer payments for up to 90 days and get 0% financing for 63 months when purchasing the redesigned 2020 Subaru Outback.

The new-generation Subaru Outback wagon improves on all the things that made it popular, including safety features like driver distraction monitoring, 11.6-inch touch-screen infotainment system, premium luxury materials, more roominess, and cargo capacity.

The 2020 Outback is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 182 horsepower and a forced induction 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that gets 260 horsepower. Both powerplants are paired with a variable automatic transmission.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) on the base 2020 Outback starts at $27,655, including the destination charge of $1,010. The Premium model goes for $29,905, the Limited trim costs $34,455, and the Touring runs for $38,355 MSRP.

The 2020 Audi Q3

Some of the most popular selling SUVs like the 2020 Audi Q3 may not offer major incentives, but by going through one of the car buying services, you can still get one for thousands of dollars below the MSRP.

Redesigned last year, the 2020 Audi Q3 is a compact luxury SUV that looks and feels charming.  It is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 228 horsepower. The Q3 is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that executes seamlessly and is quick on adapting to changing road conditions.

The standard all-wheel drive system on the Q3 is responsive, firm, and comfortable. Advanced safety features include forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Other driver assist features such as blind spot, lane departure, and rear cross-traffic warnings are available. Prices start at $28,625 and end up around $35,100 MSRP.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator

One of the sharpest looking luxury SUVs on the streets, the new 2020 Lincoln Aviator, should be on your shopping list if you’re in the market for a premium midsize SUV. The Aviator combines style, technology, and luxury with a powerful performance.

The Aviator has three rows, which makes it roomy enough to carry up to seven passengers on long road trips. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine provides plenty of power, while a 10-speed automatic transmission produces a sporty and smooth ride on highway and city roads.

The new Lincoln Aviator is loaded with advanced technology and safety features, including a 360-degree camera, various drive modes, lane keeping assist, pre-collision assist, blind-spot detection, and more. The base model starts at $51,100 and tops out at $87,800 MSRP.

The 2020 Mazda6

The 2020 Mazda6, which was redesigned in 2014, continues to look and fell fresh and new. It received major upgrades each year, and in 2019, it took on new front and rear ends. The Mazda6 is more luxurious than its price suggests.

It offers five different trim levels that include the base Sport and the Touring, which are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 187 horsepower.  The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Reserve offer more upscale material and premium features, including a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that gets 250 horsepower.

The Signature is the top-of-the-line model that comes fully loaded with a bigger information display, luxury trim, integrated navigation, and advanced safety technology. Additional features include leather upholstery, heated front seats, sunroof, keyless entry, 11-speaker Bose sound system, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Prices for the 2020 Mazda6 range from $25,045 to $36,345 MSRP.

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