Best car and suv for travelling

Best CAR and SUV for travelling 

Planning on doing some long distance driving? These long road trips tips can help you get there safely and comfortably.

If you’re taking a long road trip, you need to plan in advance. And we’re not just talking about packing. “Highway hypnosis” is quite common when travelers haven’t prepared for the endurance demands of an extended haul. In fact, more than 60 percent of drivers say they’ve gotten behind the wheel while drowsy, according to a survey by mattress retailer Sleepy’s.

With that statistic in mind, you should take steps to prepare for long drives before you get behind the wheel—and to stay alert and energized throughout your trip. These tips for long drives will help you down the road.

1. Stock your sleep time

Think about exhaustion before you begin your journey, not after. Get at least seven hours of sleep for two consecutive nights before the road trip to build up your energy reserves. “Also, try to avoid driving between 1 and 3 p.m., when the body’s temperature is lower and people are naturally drowsy,” says Dr. Michael Breus, a.k.a. “The Sleep Doctor.”

2. Fuel up

This time, we mean fuel for you, not your car. Carrying along a variety of vitamin-packed, healthy foods will allow you to get by on smaller snacks throughout the long drive, while skipping the fast-food stops. “To stay alert, carrots and almonds are my favorite,” says blogger and travel expert Gretchen Breuner from TheRoadScholarz.com.

3. Stay hydrated

Keep the water supply well-stocked for maximum energy. “A possible downside of this, of course, is that you’ll need to make more bathroom stops,” says Breuner, who traveled to 19 states with her family in an RV in three months. To learn more about items to stock your car with, check out this list of 5 must-have emergency items.

4. Plan your stops

One of the most crucial tips for long road trips is to get out of your car and stretch your legs every two hours or so, our experts suggest. Plan these stops into your long distance drive, whether they fall at mealtimes or can be timed to let you view interesting places.

5. Chew gum

The repetitive process increases circulation and alertness. “You don’t need the sugary kind to get the desired effect,” says Breus, who is a fellow of The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and author of Good Night: The Sleep Doctor’s 4-Week Program to Better Sleep and Better Health.

6. Use good scents

During long distance driving, Breus also recommends keeping a source of peppermint scent nearby. When you feel you need a boost, take a sniff. “It’s a pleasant, all-natural pick-me-up that has been shown to reduce fatigue and increase alertness,” he says.

7. Sit up straight

Make sure your seat is adjusted properly for your body, tilted for maximum blood flow. If you feel a driving “trance” coming on, sit up. “Take a deep breath and scan your body for tension,” says yoga teacher and wellness specialist Elaine Masters, of DrivetimeYoga.com. “If your right hip is feeling sore, for example, lean to the other side.”

8. Keep passengers entertained

Long drives—especially with kids—can often lead to bickering. That kind of aggravation leads to driver fatigue. So make sure children are entertained with books, puzzles and other time-killing diversions. On the flip side, games such as “find the license plate” are great for keeping everyone engaged with one another.

9. Treat yourself to some sounds

Books on tape help keep the brain active, without creating a dangerous distraction. Breus recommends listening to humorous books or even comedy CDs. “Laughing,” he says, “will keep you awake.”

These tips for long drives can help keep you and your car protected on the road. For more defensive driving tips, check out these 9 safe driving habits you should know.

In addition to safe driving habits, your insurance policy is key to protecting you while driving. Learn more about Nationwide’s auto insurance coverage, including our 24/7 Roadside Assistance option.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Once you hit the highway in the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, you’ve got more than 730 miles of smooth sailing ahead of you—provided you configure the Jeep brand’s flagship with its available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6. That’s because this turbocharged engine delivers both EPA grades of 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined and a 24.6-gallon fuel tank. Needless to say, that kind of range firmly establishes the Grand Cherokee as one of the best SUVs for highway driving, although its premium powertrain isn’t the only freeway-friendly feature it offers. Indeed, when the EcoDiesel powerplant is nestled within the engine bay of the Grand Cherokee Summit, owners also enjoy a 19-speaker, 825-watt Harman Kardon audio system and ultra-lux “Natura-Plus” leather seating with a heated and ventilated front row. Mobile wi-fi and a Blu-Ray-capable rear-seat entertainment system are available as well to keep passengers happy on the highway.

Jeep has revealed details of its upcoming offering, the Grand Cherokee, on its Indian website. As per the update, the Grand Cherokee will go on sale in three trims – Limited, Summit and the high-performance SRT.

The Limited and Summit variants draw power from a 240hp, 3.0-litre V6 diesel motor paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Instead of the diesel unit, the high-performance SRT  gets a 475hp, 6.4-litre Hemi V8 petrol motor which also comes paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. All three variants come with a four-wheel-drive system, with the SRT additionally getting Brembo high-performance brakes and active damping suspension.

The entry-level Limited variant for India is set to feature electric-adjust front seats with memory, heated front and middle row seats, heated steering, tyre pressure monitoring system, a 5.0-inch UConnect touchscreen infotainment system with voice command, automatic bi-xenon headlamps, powered tailgate, exterior mirrors with memory and heating, a terrain selection system for off-roading, rear parking camera and a host of safety equipment like airbags, ESC and traction control.

In addition to the features on the Limited trim, the Summit variant also gets ventilated front seats, power adjust steering, an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a 506W amplifier and an optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, satellite navigation, individual rear seat displays, panoramic sunroof and a rear limited-slip differential.

In the high-performance SRT, the 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is standard, while it is offered as an option in the Summit trim. Additionally, the car’s all-wheel-drive system is customised to improve on-road performance unlike its lower variants, and also gets launch control and a track mode. The variant, however, misses out on the panoramic sunroof and hill descent control.

When launched, all three variants of the Grand Cherokee are expected to come with a two-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

Volvo XC90

Yes, the 2016 Volvo XC90 offers a cornucopia of cutting-edge safety features, which is certainly important if you’re shopping for one of the best SUVs for highway driving. But so is comfort, and the XC90 has plenty of that, too. In fact, its sophisticated front seats offer a special ergonomic design that was created to follow the shape of the human spine, while also offering heating, ventilation, power seat-cushion extensions, power-adjustable side bolsters and supple Nappa leather surfaces. Second and third rows further provide individualized, high-comfort seating for five more passengers, yet also fold individually for extra interior versatility. Then, to keep everyone entertained, this Sino-Swedish SUV can supply a 1,400-watt Bowers & Wilkins audio system and the Sensus Connect “infotainment hub,” the latter of which includes access to a 12.1-inch touchscreen, navigation and an array of in-car apps. An upcoming plug-in hybrid powertrain also promises impressive fuel efficiency numbers.

What is it?

The XC90 T8 Excellence is the most expensive Volvo to date. It costs Rs 1.25 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi) which makes it 50 percent costlier than the former range-topping XC90 D5 Inscription; quite a lot for just a higher variant, right? The thing is, Volvo doesn’t want you to think of the T8 Excellence as just a variant. It wants you to see the T8 Excellence as an XC90 that offers a whole different experience. The ‘T8’ in this XC90’s name signifies that it’s a plug-in hybrid while ‘Excellence’ speaks of luxury at a scale not seen in any Volvo before.

On the outside, there’s little which shouts  that this is the Maybach of Volvos; chrome-plated B- and C-pillars, larger 21-inch wheels and a second filler cap on the left flank (for the charging socket) are the only details that distinguish the Excellence from the regular XC90. It is a handsome SUV, no two ways about that. 

But most of what makes this XC90 special is actually hidden from outside view. Volvo calls the T8’s setup ‘Twin Engine’ and it really is that. Under the bonnet sits a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine. It’s a supercharged (for low-end responses) and turbocharged (the turbo takes over from the mid-range on) unit, making a strong 320hp and solely driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The second source of propulsion is an 87hp electric motor that sits atop the rear axle and powers the rear wheels only. There is no mechanical linkage between the front and rear axles and the space that would have been taken up by a traditional prop shaft has been cleverly used to house the lithium-ion battery pack in the centre tunnel. This space-efficient arrangement is a result of Volvo developing the SPA platform that underpins the XC90 and S90 from ground-up with full electrification in mind. The battery can be fully charged by plugging it into a 220V wall socket (Volvo provides two charging stations with the car) in 2.5 hours, and power is also replenished on the move through regenerative braking.

Also, the XC90 Excellence is the first car in India to feature radar-based safety systems like collision mitigation with autonomous braking. Unfortunately, our test car did not have these features, so we can’t comment on their efficacy in Indian conditions. 

What is it like on the inside?

The Excellence experience starts in earnest when the valet or your chauffeur opens the rear door for you. Gone are the regular XC90’s third row and middle seat bench. Instead, the Excellence gets two individual chairs at the back. There’s 50mm more legroom and some of the best seats in the business to make the most of that space on. The shapely rear chairs, finished in nappa leather no less, are the same as the supremely comfortable ones in front and will leave you spoilt for choice in the ways you can set them to your liking. There’s ventilation, heating, seat angle adjust, side, back and thigh support adjust as well as a superb back massage feature, all controlled via a retractable touchscreen that pops out from the rear centre console. You can even adjust the position of the front passenger seat from the back. The rear seats are where you’d want to de-stress after a tough day at the boardroom. When it is time to celebrate that multimillion-dollar deal, you can always reach out to the refrigerator between the seats to pull out the bottle of champagne and pair of handcrafted Orrefors crystal glasses. And you can count on the Bowers & Wilkins sound system to set the mood. It’s been optimised for the Excellence and sound’s brilliant.

Also unique to the Excellence is a glass partition that divides the passenger compartment and luggage bay, which is there in the interest of minimising cabin noise levels. Peer past the glass partition into the boot though and you’d wonder how your golf kit will fit in. Unlike standard seven-seat XC90s that get a space-saver tyre stowed in a dedicated recess, the Excellence features a full-size spare that sits on the boot floor.

Up front, the Excellence doesn’t feel all too different to the stock XC90. There is a posher nubuck headlining and the gear lever is uniquely made of crystal (we have mixed views on this), but the changes only add to what was a beautifully turned-out cabin to begin with. However, we’re sure that those at the wheel will join us in asking Volvo for a few more physical shortcut buttons for routine functions like setting the air con; there’s just too much bundled on to the central touchscreen.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes is reinventing its M-Class midsize SUV for the new model year, and the result is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE. And though much has changed beyond the name, this is still one of the top SUVs for highway driving, thanks in part to an overall travel range of more than 713 miles: The GLE300d 4Matic model combines a 24.6-gallon fuel tank and an EPA rating of 29 mpg highway with its 2.1-liter twin-turbo diesel engine. Moreover, despite that relatively modest displacement, that unit does deliver 201 horsepower, 369 lb.-ft. of torque and a maximum tow rating of 6,600 lbs. Also, because that kind of long-distance driving can pose potential issues with driver drowsiness, the GLE furnishes an available “Attention Assist” system. This travel-oriented tech can track some 70 different facets of the driving process to detect and alert the driver to possibly problematic vehicle operation.

What is it?

The GLE badge on its tail may be all new but this SUV isn’t. Well, not entirely new. This is actually the facelifted ML which, under Mercedes-Benz’s new SUV naming system, has been re-christened the GLE. Things to tell this GLE from the older ML include curvier new LED headlights, a larger, protruding two-slat grille and a more stylized front bumper; all elements that bring this SUV in line with Merc’s swoopier new design language. The tail has been given a nip and tuck too, but it’s really the re-profiled lights that's your best pointer to this being the GLE. The rest of the body carries on unchanged from the ML, which is no bad thing.

The GLE’s cabin isn’t vastly different to the ML’s either but the changes are notable. Most prominent
of course is the new floating centre screen atop the dash. Top-spec GLE 350ds, like our test car, get a high-res 8.0-inch unit that is not only much larger than the one in the ML but also offers far more by way of features. You can use the screen to browse websites, connect to pre-loaded apps and select internet radio stations to stream music from. How well these functions work though is dependent on the paired phone’s connectivity. The screen also doubles as the display for viewing car settings, navigation maps, slope, tilt and steering angles (useful off-road) as well as feed from a 360-degree camera. The system has been made a lot easier to use too. There’s a rotary dial between the front seats to navigate through the menus, a keypad on the centre console to feed in letters and numbers and, for the dexterous, a touch panel that can read basic handwritten inputs.

Screen apart, there are softer-looking central air-con vents, a sporty new three-spoke steering wheel and also the tasteful use of un-lacquered wood on the dash and doors. Quality is expectantly top rate throughout the cabin. Seat comfort is also very impressive. The large front seats offer loads of adjustability while the rear seat scores for space. The chauffeur-driven will be happy to know rear seat cushioning is well judged, back and thigh support are really good and the large windows offer a good view out. As before, the GLE remains a strict five-seater. There’s no seven-seat option as available on the BMW X5, which is the GLE’s closest competitor.

What is it like to drive?

Just like the ML, the GLE will be sold in India with two diesels and eventually a fire-breathing petrol AMG version. Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system remains standard fit too. The range-starting GLE 250d features a 201bhp, 2.1-litre, twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine while the GLE 350d here comes powered by a 255bhp, 3-litre, V6. Peak power and torque see no change on either engine but both now come with Merc’s latest nine-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

In average driving, you won’t find the GLE 350d to be any different from the ML 350 CDI. The engine feels flexible as ever with good power available through the rev range. It doesn’t rev as hard as a comparable unit from BMW or take off with the same gusto when you floor the throttle, but given the beautifully linear manner in which the engine builds power, you won’t really mind. The velvety smooth engine also goes about its business in a quiet manner making the GLE 350d a very relaxing car to be in. More so on long highway excursions where you can experience the full benefit of the nine-speed gearbox. At 100kph and with the gearbox in ninth, the engine spins at just about 1,150rpm! In comparison, the ML’s seven-speed unit would do the same speed in seventh at 1,800rpm. When you do need to make a quick overtake, the new gearbox also feels a lot more alert than the old one ever did. It will automatically shift down four gears at a go when needed and is generally more responsive to throttle inputs and tugs at the steering-mounted paddles. This reflects in the GLE’s quicker in-gear timings vis-à-vis the ML. However, flat-out performance is about the same.

You can also alter the character of the GLE to your liking via a new dial that lets you choose between five driving modes – Sport, Comfort, Individual, Slippery and Off-Road. It goes without saying, ‘Sport’ makes the engine and gearbox feel most eager and responsive. But on the flip side the dampers also firm up to the point that the ride becomes jarring. In all probability though, owners will stick to ‘Comfort’ as the default setting where the air suspension (only on the GLE 350d) and chunky 255/50 R19 tyres iron out surface imperfections with ease. ‘Individual’ lets you personalise how the engine, steering and suspension should behave – engine and steering set to 'Sport' and suspension in 'Comfort' is a good compromise for a bout of spirited driving. In general, there’s a lovely fluid feel to the steering and direction changes are smooth, but this is no sports SUV.

The ‘Slippery’ setting primes the car’s system for low friction surfaces like ice while ‘Off-Road’ is what you’d want to keep the GLE in on mild terrains – it keeps the suspension raised to its fullest, and adjusts the all-wheel-drive system for max traction. Internationally, GLEs can also be had with a low range gearbox and differential locks but the majority of Indian buyers are unlikely to miss the absence of these hardcore off-road bits.

Mazda CX-5

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 leverages some of its segment’s highest fuel-economy scores in a bid to be named among the best SUVs for highway road trips. The bottom line here: Outfitted with a standard 2.0-liter Skyactiv engine and six-speed manual transmission, the CX-5 sees EPA ratings of 26 mpg city/35 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. Mazda additionally made a number of upgrades to the vehicle for 2016, many of which are geared toward a more rewarding driving experience. For example, seating has been enhanced for both the first and second rows, and engineers also revised the suspension for a more polished ride and increased sound insulation to reduce intrusive road noise. The brand’s i-Activsense safety measures build on those benefits with highway helpers such as Mazda Radar Cruise Control and a blind-spot monitor, all complemented by an available MazdaConnect infotainment setup with voice recognition, automatic emergency notification and Bose CenterPoint audio.The Mazda MX-5 has been declared the winner of the World Car of the Year award.

At a ceremony held at the New York motor show, the Mazda MX-5 was announced as the international jury’s favourite new car for 2016, beating competition from a list of 23 new cars, including fellow finalists, the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

The car came third in the recently announced European Car of the Year Awards, with the top gong awarded to the Vauxhall Astra. However, the six UK jurors in the awards, announced at Geneva motor show, would have had the MX-5 ahead by a significant margin.

Commenting on the MX-5’s victory, Mazda President and CEO, North American Operations, Masahiro Moro, said: “As our iconic MX-5 roadster approaches one million units of production, this award is proof that it is as young, vibrant, fun and relevant as ever. While I accept this award on behalf of the company, I do so representing every Mazda employee, retail partner and customer around the world who has ever felt the joy of driving a pure roadster. We say ‘Driving Matters’ in our advertising, and we prove it in our cars.”

The World Car of the Year jury consists of 73 motoring journalists from 23 countries. Each juror votes from a list of eligible cars chosen by a steering committee. To be eligible, the cars must be on sale on at least two continents. Points are awarded in a range of varying disciplines, and the votes are tabulated by international accounting firm, KPMG. Victory for the MX-5 provides Mazda with its second overall World Car of the Year award.

Previous winners include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2015), Audi A3 (2014), Volkswagen Golf (2013),  Volkswagen Up (2012), Nissan Leaf (2011), Volkswagen Polo (2010), Volkswagen Golf (2009), Mazda 2 (2008), Lexus LS460 (2007), BMW 3 Series (2006) and Audi A6 (2005).

In other World Car of the Year category awards announced today, the Toyota Mirai beat the Toyota Prius Plug-In and Chevrolet Volt to the title of 2016 World Green Car award.

The BMW 7 Series took out the 2016 World Luxury Car ahead of the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90.
On the performance car front, the Audi R8 Coupe headed the Mercedes-Benz C 63 Coupe and Honda Civic Type R in the 2016 World Performance Car award.

The Mazda MX-5 was also declared the 2016 World Car Design of the Year, beating the Jaguar XE and Mazda CX-3.

Lincoln MKX

Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology is well known for its ability to produce superior power ratings while still maintaining credible fuel-economy performance. It’s a combination that’s ideal for the best highway SUVs, but engineers stretched ye olde envelope with the 2016 Lincoln MKX. The all-new crossover showcases a recent addition to the family, and that 2.7-liter unit is being touted as the “quietest EcoBoost V-6 ever.” That means owners—and occupants—of the premium midsize entry will be able to better enjoy the vehicle’s exclusive Revel audio system. Actually, two such setups are offered, highlighted by a 19-speaker system with a 20-channel amplifier, Clari-Fi digital processing and QuantumLogic surround sound. On the other hand, that EcoBoost engine also is good for 335 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque, so getting up to highway speed and staying there is a breeze. Another long-haul luxury: available 22-way power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion massage functionality.

Ford has unveiled its new Edge crossover for the North American market at the Ford Go Further Consumer Event in Michigan, USA. 

The new Edge, as described by Ford is an upscale utility vehicle and is based on the same platform that underpins models sold internationally such as the Mondeo sedan. The interesting bit is that this car could come to India in the future because it has the right recipe. It will be made in right hand drive and will also come with a diesel engine in some markets, making it well suited to the Indian market.

The new Ford Edge crossover is loaded with tech features such as adaptive steering, active noise cancellation system, and front split view camera to name a few. 

According to Ford, adaptive steering system which is on offer on the Edge continually changes the steering ratio with the vehicle speed, which it claims optimises the steering response anywhere between parking speeds and highway cruising speeds.

The Ford Edge’s Active Noise Cancellation system features three cabin-mounted microphones which it uses to help generate opposing sound waves via the audio system’s speakers. These sound waves act as cancellation against unwanted engine and road noise in the Edge’s cabin.

The Front Split View camera in the Ford Edge helps the driver at difficult junctions and when maneuvering out of parking spaces. It uses individual camera units set to view at 180deg across the front of the car. Additionally, along with familiar technology such as automatic city braking and blind spot warning, one of the more unusual options are inflatable rear seatbelts, which have an airbag inside the webbing strap that runs across the passenger’s chest.

The Ford Edge will also come with all-wheel drive system on offer in some international markets that can incorporate Torque Vectoring Control and Curve Control. 

The Ford Edge will come with Ford’s award-winning EcoBoost petrol engines which will be available in 2.0-litre and 2.7-litre V6 guise and a standard V6 motor.  There will be 2.0-litre diesel motors also on offer in select markets. Transmission choices include a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox depending on engine. 

Ford will also launch the Edge in the Australian market where it will replace the Territory crossover. 

Toyota Highlander

As one of the nation’s top-selling three-row crossovers, the 2015 Toyota Highlander clearly satisfies customer needs in a lot of ways, and that includes as one of the top SUVs for highway driving. After all, the Highlander goes far beyond the basics to offer two particularly helpful tools for highway travel: Driver Easy Speak and a hybrid powertrain. The former is offered throughout the lineup and allows the driver to broadcast his or her voice over the vehicle’s audio speakers, ensuring he or she can be heard in the back two rows. As for the Highlander hybrid model, it raises highway fuel-efficiency results to 28 mpg—with four-wheel drive and complemented by EPA scores of 27 mpg city/28 mpg combined. Further helping to aid with highway travel is an available rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray compatibility, a 9-inch display, RCA jacks and two wireless headphones.

Toyota and Daihatsu have announced that the two companies will create a new budget brand on January 1, 2017 for emerging markets. The company, named ‘Emerging-market Compact Car Company’, will only be internal, meaning the two brands will not be spinning off a separate budget brand like Datsun is to Nissan, but will instead produce a range of small, cheaper cars under the Daihatsu brand.

No new badge would be created from the deal, but the two companies would pool knowledge on small cars. Daihatsu’s models would benefit from Toyota’s TNGA platform. The new cars will emerge within a
few years.

Daihatsu will have responsibility of product and quality planning, while the product and business planning division will be shared. While the brand is yet to name target markets, India is likely to be included in the list with Toyota reportedly interested in bringing in more small
cars developed jointly
with Daihatsu.

Subaru Forester

Only a handful of today’s front-crash prevention technologies have earned perfect scores from the IIHS, but they include the camera-based Eyesight system that’s available on the 2016 Subaru Forester(and other members of the brand’s lineup). It’s a notable advantage among the best crossovers for highway driving, since it offers superior levels of passenger protection at a relatively affordable cost. The setup welcomes new functionality for 2016 as well, courtesy of Steering-Responsive Fog Lights that aim illumination in the same direction in which the Forester is turning. EyeSight features from 2015 also carry on, serving up adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, pre-collision braking and more. Similarly, Subaru’s StarLink infotainment technologies, introduced for the Forester last year with a 7-inch touchscreen, have been bolstered by an available safety and security package that includes SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, automatic collision notification and diagnostic alerts.

Exteriors

Park the new Forester beside its older brothers and you will see a big difference in size. The new Forester is now around the same size as the Outlander and Rav4 which are just to name a few. The model that has been tested is the base model X, but as it can be seen by the above picture fog lamps and alloy wheels come standard on all the specs. The Forester gets great looking meaty side mirrors, but it is sad to see that Subaru has taken out the integrated mirror indicators which were found on the last model.

Getting in and out is made easy with the doors all most opening up 90 degrees.

All doors shut with a nice "thud" unlike some other SUV's where the doors shut with a "thump". Also the new Forester gets a frame around the window unlike the previous Forester's.

At the rear the Forester has powerful reverse lamps but it doesn't just end there, the whole rear is better looking than its older brothers.

So the new Forester, which ever way you look at it from the outside... it is a winner.

Interiors

Well the new forester being bigger means more room on the inside. Three full sized adults can sit with ease at the rear with ample of leg space. Seating is comfortable for all passengers aboard.

Being Subaru there is nothing that is cheap in quality, but on some of the interiors front the Forester is going to be getting bad marks. Cup holders are standard in all most every car, two at the front and two at the back and maybe more. But the new Forester doesn't have any cup holders at the back (except top end spec) and up front has a long rectangle box (center console with no cover) and that can be used for putting your things in, but where are the cup holders!!

On a happy note, all Forester models come with standard EIGHT airbags, which is sure to please all.

The base model comes with a CD player, but the next two specs come with a six disc CD player.    

Not that you use it but all most all cars have an engine heat dial but I couldn't seem to spot one... Can you??

Performance, ride and handling

An all new Forester...right..?? Wrong! I am disappointed in Subaru for not giving the Forester a new better and bigger engine. It still comes with a 2.5 liter 4cyl boxer engine AND it still has only four gears (AT). Even though it has better power output than the older models, but it is a shame the Subaru did not change the engine size or add at least one extra gear.

We gave the Forester hell as we took it through sharp turns with recommened speeds of 35kph and we took them at all most double that speed, with the tires making noise. The brakes are strong and all four wheels get discs and EBD, traction control and ABS (all specs).

    

(we took the Forester for a drive around these hills)

The ride is softer and smoother and it feels like you are gliding along.

Even when you take a sharp turn it doesn't feel like you are going to tip over thanks to the Subaru's low center of gravity.

Verdict

The new Forester is truly a work of art and is a must to go for. I do feel if Subaru changes some of the things in the interior and engine department they have a true winner. The Forester does live up to its name and I would give it a rating of 8/10.

Chevrolet Equinox

It may be a familiar refrain by now, but due to the nearly inimitable advantages of 4G LTE connectivity and a mobile wi-fi hotspot, the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox has to be considered one of the best crossovers for driving on the highway. Passengers, of course, will be able to connect their tablets and other digital devices to the Internet, to go online while on the go, and drivers benefit from improved connectivity speed and reliability for the vehicle’s MyLink infotainment system. It’s also worth pointing out that the Equinox’s standard 2.4-liter engine has been rated at 32 mpg in highway driving, so that owners can up to 489 miles of range on a single tank of gas. Finally, shoppers should note that even the entry-level Equinox will be a more comfortable travel companion for 2016, as it adds Bluetooth calling, a rearview camera and improved interior fabrics.

Volvo has introduced its all-new XC60 in India at Rs 55.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The Swedish manufacturer will offer its new second-gen SUV in a single, fully-loaded trim – the D5 Inscription with a single powertrain. The new model is only about Rs 2 lakh more than the equivalent trim on the previous model, which was priced at Rs 53.08 lakh (ex-showroom).

The new XC60 is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 235hp and 480Nm of peak torque. The motor is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels.

A 320hp T6 petrol and 407hp T8 petrol-hybrid twin-engine is also being considered for India, although there is no confirmation, as yet, of its launch.

Borrowing its styling and technology from its larger sibling, the XC90, the smaller XC60 comes equipped with a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, heated front and rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, a powered boot lid and large 19-inch alloy wheels. 

The launch version of the XC60 comes with the Tech Pack, which includes features like the air suspension, heads-up display, Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats with a massage function, a 360-degree parking system and the BLIS Cross-Traffic alert system for added radar-based safety. The Tech Pack will be offered as an optional extra on the D5 Inscription trim at a later date as the launch edition is a limited run model.

The Swedish manufacturer offers four exterior paint shade options and three upholstery colours in the cabin of the new XC60.

The radar-based driver assistance systems, such as oncoming traffic mitigation, BLIS with steering assist and city safety with cross-traffic alert for junctions, from the larger SUV will also feature on the XC60. In addition, it comes with the usual long list of safety features like adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, lane assist, blind spot detection, pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection and more.

The full-loaded variant of the Volvo compares well with its competition’s top-end variants like the Land Rover Discovery Sport (Rs 55.47 lakh), Mercedes GLC (Rs 51.73 lakh) and the BMW X3 (Rs 54.00 lakh) (all prices, ex-showroom).

GMC Yukon XL

At this stage, purists might be wondering if there are going to be any SUVs among the best SUVs for highway driving. Well, that brings us to the 2016 GMC Yukon XL Denali, since if we’re going to pick a true body-on-frame sport utility, we may as well go all-in with a big behemoth like this one. The Yukon XL is almost 19 feet worth of truck, with an occupancy limit of nine and more than 121 cubic feet of total cargo space, and the Denali moniker means it’s also stuffed with upscale amenities—not the least of which is OnStar’s 4G LTE connectivity and mobile wi-fi hotspot. Now, however, that technology will be paired with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to make sure the 2016 Yukon Denali XL has the latest in smartphone-integration capabilities. The safety department also pitches in with highway safety enhancers like available lane-keeping and automatic high beams.

Audi Q7

Mobile wi-fi and 4G LTE connectivity may be rare in the mainstream, but numerous premium vehicles come with that technology, like the 2016 Audi Q7. That—plus the Q7’s typically Audi-esque levels of luxury, safety and performance—would no doubt attract customers shopping for the best highway SUVs, but the 2016 Q7 also boasts a nice little bonus: a rear-seat entertainment system that’s built around individual Audi Android tablets that can be mounted in the front-seat headrests. Other highlights worth calling out for highway drivers include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, for advanced smartphone integration, along with Bang & Olufsen audio and safety measures such as a new adaptive cruise-control technology with traffic-jam assistance. Long-distance drivers also can look forward to a new turbodiesel engine and diesel-derived plug-in hybrid to join the next generation of Q7 SUVs, with those powertrains likely to provide superior freeway fuel-efficiency.

What is it?

Audi shocked the Indian market when it launched its brand-new A4 sedan with a tiny 1.4-litre petrol engine. Sure, in practice, the car performed decently, and even on paper, the outputs of 150hp and 250Nm weren’t terrible. But, in India, it’s all about perception and the downsizing couldn’t be hidden behind the confusing ‘30 TFSI’ badge. Audi has done it again, and this time with a car that’s sure to receive much greater scrutiny – the mighty Q7. That’s because it’s in an altogether more expensive segment where customers are more discerning, and because it’s an SUV, where pulling power matters a lot more.

We’ve had big luxury SUVs with four-cylinder engines before, notably the Mercedes-Benz GLE 250d and the Volvo XC90 D5 and T8, but while those cars’ diesel and petrol-hybrid powertrains afford them upwards of 470Nm of torque, the Q7 40 TFSI (another confusing badge) uses a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine that produces just 252hp and 370Nm. On the flip side, Audi says it’ll do 0-100kph in 6.9sec almost 7 second ; so, perhaps, it won’t be all that bad out in the real world.

What else is new? Not much, really. Rather than attach the space-saver spare tyre where the sixth seat would be, as was originally the case with the diesel, the spare is now entirely optional. This means you get to choose between sacrificing passenger and luggage space or being stranded on the highway after a puncture. And where once a layer of grey cladding ran around the base of the car, it is now just body coloured. This doesn’t look too bad on our dark-coloured car, but we feel it might be more noticeable on a white Q7. 

What’s it like to drive?

On startup and at idle, it’s superbly quiet, so the first job of the petrol variant is taken care of, but then, even as a diesel, the Q7 was always a refined SUV. Unfortunately, you start to feel the effect of the downsizing the moment you set off. There’s a hesitation as you get going from a halt, even when you move off gently. It’s not that the gearbox isn’t ready; it’s just that the engine has a lot of car to move, and while the turbocharger is spooling up, you can feel that it’s working quite hard. The good news is that it’s done spooling up by about 1,800rpm and by 2,000 you get a surge that, although not incredibly strong, feels adequate.

Once you’re cruising at a middling pace, the eight-speed automatic gearbox slurring through its ratios, the Q7 40 TFSI feels just fine, and if you can overlook the slight hiccup you get at the start, you should have no issues. The only other time you might feel a bit of strain, of course, is when you floor the throttle for an overtake. The tacho needle jumps past 3,500rpm, accompanied by a buzz from the engine bay, as the Q7 takes a moment to hike up its skirts and make a run for it. Again, the surge of power here is not immense, but adequate to get the big SUV moving. All in all, it’s certainly nowhere near as smooth or effortless as the V6 diesel in the Q7 45 TDI, but that was only to be expected. Putting the gearbox in ‘S’ does help responses greatly, but it also locks the engine in that buzzy part of its powerband, and for everyday driving, you’re better off keeping it in the regular D mode.

That aside, not much has changed. You still get a supremely comfortable ride from the standard air suspension and respectably tidy body control when it is set to Dynamic mode from the Drive Select menu. As mentioned before, the Q7 is a very refined vehicle, save for a bit of tyre noise from the wide rubber once you pick up the pace on the highway. Credit must also be given to the Auto mode in Drive Select that is quick to detect changes in your driving style and recalibrate the engine, gearbox, suspension and steering to suit; this is the mode we’d leave it in, frankly.