Ford C-Max and C-Max Energi 2016

Europe gets a freshened C-Max now, but we'll have to wait another year or so

In 2012, Ford brought a pair of hybridized mini-minivans to the U.S. in the forms of the C-Max and the C-Max Energi. Sold elsewhere in the world under the same C-Max banner but with available gas- and diesel-only powertrains, the hybrid-only strategy here is an attempt to take the fight to Toyota’s Prius brand. (A more direct effort is underway involving a dedicated Ford hybrid for 2019.) Now, the C-Max’s European siblings are getting a midcycle refresh, and the changes should hit our C-Max models next year.

The updated European-spec C-Max, which also comes in a longer-wheelbase, sliding-door, actual-minivan version, makes its debut at the Paris auto show. Although that might seem like too glamorous a venue for a pair of people movers, Ford has done a nice job sprucing up the C-Max’s look for fashion-conscious families. Of course, we don’t—and won’t—get the larger, seven-passenger Grand C-Max, but the stylistic changes being made to the five-seat model should port over to our C-Maxes with few alterations.

Nissan Juke

 Juke-not-a-box hero. 

The Juke puts the “fun” in “funky,” making it perfect for those who want a spry and speedy little runabout that also stands out in traffic. It’s powered by a 188-hp 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional. Sadly, a CVT is the only available transmission, which takes some joy out of driving. On the plus side, its light and informative steering makes it easy to fling around back-country curves or to jockey for position on a crowded interstate

Quirky. Offbeat. Funky. It seems wherever Nissan’s Juke goes, those three adjectives seem to follow. And we get it: A subcompact crossover, the Juke wears its high wheel arches and an even higher beltline as badges of nonconformist honor, their effect only amplified by the slivers of side glass, ambiguous rear doors, bulbous tailgate, and twisted front and rear lamp lenses that rise, blisterlike, from the body surface. But to write off the Juke as a cheap carnival trick on wheels would be a disservice.

#5 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser – The legendary off-road king remastered

For the last 60 years the Toyota Land Cruiser has remained one of the only vehicles with uncompromised dependability and all-conquering all-terrain prowess. The Land Cruiser’s renowned characteristics were first laid in the 1954 by the compact BJ-type, which were the Japanese equivalent to the Jeep and Defender.

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser 

The compact BJ-type was replaced by the slightly more advanced FJ20s. Things remained utilitarian for the Land Cruiser until 1960 when Toyota launched the legendary FJ40, which many consider as the very first true Land Cruiser. From then onwards the Land Cruiser begun to evolve further to incorporate more power and improvements in its dependability. Fast forward the clock to 2015 and its time for Toyota to launch yet another new interpretation of the legendary Land Cruiser.

1954 BJ-Type Land Cruiser 

Looks

The 2016 Land Cruiser now comes with an all-new front look. The new large chrome grille projects a sense of solidity and strength, and underpins the completely restyled headlight clusters. The grille comprises two parts, an upper half and lower half. The ‘lower frame’ features an inverted L-shape, which extends into the headlight.

Restyled front

The headlights feature Bi-LED technology on VX models which provides superior illumination and visibility as well as low energy consumption. The side profile too has been sharpened, creating a more solid appearance whilst the rear bumper sight lines have been raised to form a flowing design. VX models adopt 18-inch alloy wheels whilst GX models are equipped with rugged 17-inch versions.

Land Cruiser FJ-20 

Moving to the rear, the most significant change has been brought to the rear light clusters, which have been extended and enlarged. A new full-length chrome garnish flows out from the clear lens elements and bridges the two sides of the vehicle, to form a unified design. VX models are further distinguished by a rear roof spoiler as well as a chrome door and window trim garnish, adding touches of exclusivity.

Profile remains generally untouched 

Performance

Behind the revamped front face of the 2016 Land Cruiser is the legendary 4.5-litre V8 turbo diesel power unit. Output for the V8 is rated at 173kW (232 hp) and 615Nm of torque. Married to engine is a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Land Cruiser FJ-40

Off-road capabilities

As with precious Land Cruisers a set of electronic enhancements have been added to give the SUV its legendary off-road capabilities. A key off-road tech is Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system. This, according to Toyota, sets up the Land Cruiser to tackle any road surface or obstacle. MTS also uses cameras located all-round the Land Cruiser to give the driver a 360 degrees perspective of the surrounding environment. A new feature is what Toyota calls the underbody view, which records a clip of the ground surface prior to the vehicle passing over it. It then creates a front facing image, which allows the driver to accurately place the wheels especially on rocky, muddy or deep sand surfaces.

Reworked cockpit 

Interior

The Land Cruiser’s interior retains its ability to house occupants in lavish comfort while tackling the most challenging terrains. The interior has received a major revamp for 2016. Opening the Land Cruiser’s doors reveals contrast-stitched leather inserts, which seemingly form two pillars that suspend the centre dashboard and also serve as knee pads for front occupants. The centre console is further decorated with high-tech and metallic surfaces.

Spacious, comfortable and luxurious interior 

The instrumentation and controls have been redesigned and regrouped to improve ergonomics and allow for easier operation. All driving-related controls have been moved to a newly designed console surrounding the gear lever with switchgear that exudes a sense of solidity.

large boot with the third row seats down

A 9-speaker Electro Multi-Vision (EMV) audio system with high clarity 9-inch display takes centre stage on VX models, framed by stylish Piano Black trim. GX models are fitted with a touchscreen audio system; with both models featuring Satellite Navigation. Forming the link between man and machine is a robust 4-spoke steering wheel, with VX models receiving leather cladding and wood inserts.

Capable whatever the terrain

A full colour TFT Multi-Information Display feeds back vital vehicle information from various functions to the driver, which includes trip information, fuel economy, vehicle mode, audio system info and bluetooth display. GX models are specified with a durable Grey fabric interior while VX customers have the choice of two classy leather interiors, a rich Flaxen inspired hue or elegant Black. Luxurious wood accents round off the look of the interior.

Restyled rear lights

Conclusion

The 2016 Land Cruiser continues with the legendary appeal of offering comfort, impressive off-road ability, ruggedness and durable nature that is similar to all the precious generation model that have come before it. The latest updates to the 2016 Land Cruiser have made it a not only a more desirable off-road machine but also an SUV that can comfortably blend in the streets.