Autos

Volkswagen introduced an all-new concept at the 2012 Sao Paulo International Motor Show called the Taigun. The Tiguan Taigun is supposed to be a concept but looks pretty production ready based on these pictures below. The compact “SUV” is based on the VW ‘UP!’ and measures in at 151.9 inches in length, 43.9 inches wide, and a height of 39.9 inches making it smaller than the Nissan Juke.

The Taigun will be a four-seater with 9.88 cubic feet of cargo space but can be increased to 34.85 cubic feet of space if the rear bench seats are folded down. This tiny crossover SUV concept is equipped with a prototype version of the VW Up!  Hatchback’s 1.0-liter three cylinder direct injected, turbo-charged engine producing 108 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque at only 1,500rpm via a six-speed manual transmission.

For the past few months, I’ve been working with a car rental company and it has allowed me to test drive a lot of different vehicles. And when I say a lot, I mean a lot. Because of my experience with all these vehicles over the last few months, I now know which brands or specific models I should be avoiding (Mitsubishi) and which manufacturers delivered more than I was expecting them to.

Out of the American brands, Ford is hands down the best company to go with. It’s great to see that Ford is actually listening to what customers want rather than telling them what they need and shoving it down their throats. One of the vehicles we rent out very frequently is the Ford Fiesta. Although a little too small for my liking, it’s a great looking vehicle which is economical and affordable.

After Ford redesigned and brought back their pony car, Dodge and Chevy soon found themselves copying and the Challenger and Camaro were brought back to life. The muscle car race of the 60’s and 70’s is back in full swing. Out of the three vehicles, the Ford Mustang is still my favorite while the Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro are tied for third. Second spot is reserved for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe (although not a “muscle car”).

All three of these muscle cars are sexy in their own way but thanks to Ultimate Auto’s aerodynamics package, the Dodge Challenger SRT-8 is starting to look a lot sexier. The widebody kit for the Challenger features composite body panels which allow space for huge 24-inch wheels which ride on massive 405/25-24 Pirelli tires. It doesn’t look like a comfortable ride but at least it looks pretty badass.

I’m already pretty excited about the Ford Focus ST and the Fiesta ST which are expected to be excellent pocket rockets but when I found out that there will be a Shelby package for the Focus ST, I pretty much crapped my pants….until I found out about the lack of upgrades. When you think Shelby, cars that come to mind are usually the Mustang or the legendary Cobra, not a hatchback.

The Shelby package for the Ford Focus ST will be limited to 500 units per year and come with a price tag of $14,995 plus the cost of the vehicle itself. A very pricey package if you ask me, especially since the Shelby package includes no enhancements to the engine. The Focus ST is a great performer but an additional $15k better get me something other than a Shelby sticker!

Seriously, what in the world is this shit? The Jeep Cherokee disappeared off the map for a few years and its back and looking fuglier than ever! The 2014 Jeep Cherokee will be replacing the Jeep Liberty as their new mid-size SUV. If you think the Nissan Juke is unique looking, think again. I don’t really even know what to say about this new SUV besides making my point of it being hideous to the power of 10. It’s good to be unique in this competitive market but maybe a little too much in the case of this new Jeep Cherokee.

It would make a lot of sense if these photos were released on April 1st but I’m afraid that’s not the case here. What does this thing remind you off? I think the main issue here is the name of the vehicle. The Jeep Cherokee was a great SUV and quite capable. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee might be capable in the performance department as well but the design aspect of it does not live up to the Cherokee name. Maybe if it was a completely new SUV with a different name, the reaction might be different from everybody.