Redesigned 2014 Nissan Rogue Gains an Optional Third Row

If you’re shopping for an affordable compact SUV with three rows of seats, the Dodge Journey is currently the only option in the class. However, that will change when the redesigned 2014 Nissan Rogue goes on sale in November. “For the first time Rogue offers optional 3-row/7-passenger seating, thanks to its improved interior packaging efficiency,” Nissan writes in a press release. “Among the many interior highlights are the exceptional passenger and cargo flexibility with its innovative EZ Flex™ seating System.”
The 2014 Rogue is slightly taller than the outgoing 2013 model, and it’s also a bit longer than compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. No word yet on how much cargo space the redesigned Rogue offers, but Nissan says that the new EZ Flex seating system allows all passenger seats to fold down, which makes it possible to transport long items like an 8-foot ladder. Kicking Tires writes, “The second row of seats also has a remarkable 9 inches of travel to adjust for third-row passengers' comfort.”

(Nissan)

The 2014 Nissan Rogue will come standard with a four-speaker stereo, a backup camera, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and a USB port. Available features include dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a nine-speaker Bose stereo system, navigation and satellite radio. A number of safety and driver-assistance features will also be available, including blind spot, lane departure and forward collision warning systems, as well as Nissan’s Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection system, which uses four cameras to provide a 360-degree view around the Rogue.
The redesigned Rogue will come in S, SV and SL trims, all of which are available with front- or all-wheel drive. A 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission are standard on all models. The EPA hasn’t released fuel economy estimates yet, but Nissan expects front-wheel drive models to deliver 26/33 mpg city/highway, or 28 mpg combined, which is quite good for the class.

(Nissan)

After an $860 destination charge, the base front-wheel drive Rogue S will start at $23,350, while the top SL AWD model rings in at $30,280. Nissan also announced some incentives if you want to reserve a 2014 Rogue ahead of time. The automaker is offering a $250 gift card for Rogue buyers or a promotional lease offer of $239 per month for 36 months with $2,599 due at signing. To qualify for either offer, you must sign up by Nov. 12 and take delivery by March 31, 2014.

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All-Electric BMW i3 Priced at $42,275

BMW i3 Concept (BMW Group)

The BMW i3 will start at $42,275 (including a $925 destination charge) when it goes on sale in the second quarter of 2014. The all-electric i3 will join the ranks of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles that qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit, which currently include cars like the Chevrolet Volt, Ford Focus Electric, Mitsubishi i, Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model S. Edmunds points out that a full tax credit effectively will lower the i3’s starting price to $34,775.
“With this leading-edge vehicle and attractive price, we will provide customers with a compelling offer for electromobility,” says Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management, Sales and Marketing BMW in a press release. The i3’s starting price is $27,625 less than the base Tesla Model S, but also $13,475 more than the Nissan Leaf. Plug-in hybrid competitors like the 2013 Chevrolet Volt and 2014 Ford Fusion Energi start at $2,280 and $2,589 less, respectively.

(BMW Group)

The Los Angeles Times spoke with Gartner Auto Analyst Thilo Koslowski, who says that BMW’s entrance into the EV market could put some pressure on automakers like Tesla. “Gaining as much mind share as possible at this point is hugely important,” says Koslowski. “The clock is ticking for Tesla in its unique position. They have to leverage the thrust they have now.”
The BMW says that the i3 will come with an electric motor that produces 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, as well as a 22-kilowatt-hour battery that will provide 80 to 100 miles of driving range. The i3 can be charged using a home charging system, or at standard Level 2 public charging stations. A fast-charging port will be optional, which BMW says can “provide an 80 percent charge from a fully depleted battery in just 20 minutes.” An optional two-cylinder engine will also be available, which acts as a generator to provide another 80 to 100 miles of driving range.
Edmunds expects the i3’s home charging station to start at between $2,000 and $3,000, while the range-extending engine should be available for roughly $2,000.

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GM Prices the Redesigned 2014 Cadillac CTS Sedan at $46,025

(General Motors)

General Motors has announced that the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan will start at $46,025 after a $925 destination charge, which is $6,035 more than the 2013 model. GM says in a press release that the 2014 CTS will offer 20 new standard features, as well as “more interior space, power and technology” when it hits dealerships this fall.
The 2014 CTS will be offered with the choice of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.6-liter V6, as well as rear- or all-wheel drive. The automaker says that the V6 generates 321 horsepower. The turbo-four equipped CTS sedan will produce 272 horsepower and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, which makes it 1.5 seconds quicker than the 2013 CTS.

(General Motors)

A more powerful CTS Vsport model will also debut with a starting price of $59,995 after a $925 destination fee. The CTS Vsport will come with a new 420-horsepower, twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6, which is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Edmunds reports that the CTS Vsport is not a replacement for the 2013 CTS-V sedan, which starts at $65,410 after an $895 destination fee and a $1,300 gas-guzzler tax. Cadillac Spokesman David Caldwell told Edmunds that the CTS Vsport will not carry a gas-guzzler tax.
Inside, the redesigned 2014 CTS sedan will come standard with Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system and an eight-inch touch-screen display, as well as an 11-speaker Bose stereo system with HD Radio. “It will also be the first Cadillac with advanced park assist, which takes control of the steering wheel when parallel parking,” writes Autoweek. “Also notable is a new 20-way adjustable driver’s seat with haptic feedback for lane-departure warning, also found on the ATS.”

(General Motors)

The current CTS sedan ranks highly among upscale midsize cars, where it competes with models like the BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G37 and its sibling, the Cadillac ATS. However, some auto writers say that the new CTS’ larger size makes it more fit to compete with luxury large cars like the BMW 5-Series. Jalopnik writes, “Instead of being somewhere between a 3 and 5 series BMW, the CTS has gone full 5 series.” The 2014 Cadillac CTS will start at about $3,800 more than the Audi A6, but it also undercuts the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 5-Series by roughly $5,900 and $1,800, respectively. Unlike the sedan, the CTS Coupe and CTS Sport Wagon will carry over unchanged for the 2014 model year.

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