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Why is Time Moving so Quickly in 2015?

No dramatics, it really does feel faster, no? This year is 1/3 over, already.

Like, as IF I took the above photo over 48 hours ago (happy spring from my neighbour and I.)

As IF I haven’t updated here in 5 days?! I haven’t even flown anywhere, how did those 5 days disappear like that? Sorry!

It’s Tuesday, so I’m writing the news, have a review due on Friday so that too, did you know my newspaper was purchased by another newspaper yesterday, and also yesterday was Car Swap day so daylight hours were eaten up doing that.

Along with working on the mobile version of my blog, as per Google’s upcoming algorithm change, which I am not at all happy about. Wait till you see how bad the mobile version looks, will blog the ugliness later.

kk back to the news, TTYL, isn’t it so nice out? Dress-and-cute-shoe weather, finally!

xo Keri

 

 

Designing a Strong DRG and Graphic Signature

Know how there’s those kind of cars, you see one from a distance, it’s features can’t be made out but you can just tell – it’s a Whatever.

Design Speak: this vehicle has a strong DownRoad Graphic,
its Graphic Signature is solid.

Speaking with Kevin George – Ford’s Exterior Design Manager – we learn about the DRG, and how when confronted with an advancing object, the mind goes through “3 reads”, and how that fits with vehicle design.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

Everything described above – this “graphic signature” – is happening during the day, but the designers also have to pull this off at night. 

***

Back to ‘Keri on Driving’ – Index

 

 

Cadillac’s CT6’s 1st-of-its-Kind Security System

Found on Cadillac’s all-new flagship luxury sedan – the CT6.

How it works:

It uses the many cameras mounted around the car’s perimeter.

When the security sensors detect either the sound of breaking glass, or the car being moved, the cameras record 360-degrees around the car, then save the footage to the car for later retrieval to a memory card.

Seems obvious how to defeat the system – the thief deletes the footage. However, GM is at the forefront of WiFi in cars, so I expect soon for the video to be uploaded to the cloud, or sent to the owner’s phone.

Read it online at Autonet.

For more on auto security, see either the blog tag Auto Security, or the security section at the newspaper, I own it

 

 

Introducing Honda’s All-new Crossover – the HR-V

Introducing Honda’s all-new subcompact crossover, the HR-V (non car-nerds: all-new means this car has never before existed, more here)

In Honda’s lineup, this HR-V is larger than the Fit, but smaller than the CRV.

Honda invited my blog to test it out in Miami, FL (more about that here.)

2016 Honda HR-V

1.8L 4-cyl CVT engine
141 hp
127 lb.ft of torque
Transmissions: 6-spd manual and AWD
Starting at: low $20,000s

Manual! Nice one Honda.

I tested both, and while driving impressions are embargoed until April 30th, what I will say is: it drives like a Honda, that is a compliment.

Clockwise from top left:

– steering wheel controls, and a clean instrument cluster
– driver’s door controls
– good-looking elongated vents eh
– a minimal centre console

Before beginning the design process, Honda conducted extensive research and found buyers wanted the styling of a coupe, with the utility of an SUV. I’d have given up at that point, that’s a total dichotomy.

But Honda pulled it off. For more on how, I interviewed Hayato Mori, Honda’s senior Product Planning Manager, read it on Autonet.

A dedicated phone area – storage, and all the outlets.

Here comes the one bad thing… can you spot it?

Missing is a hard button for volume control.  There’s one on the steering wheel, but nothing replaces a knob to quickly decrease the stereo’s volume.

But if that’s my biggest complaint, that’s nothing.

Plus the rear seats more than make up for it, and are a big part of what will separate this HR-V from its competitors: Honda’s Magic Seats.

Same seats found in the Fit.

They fold down practically flat (a rarity), and when in the up position, massive cargo will slide inside.

Available in 3 trims – LX, EX, and EX-L

The LX standard list of features is strong: heated front seats and mirrors, , 3 power outlets, body colour handles and mirrors, hill start assist, a backup camera with 3 angles (see animated gif here),  Econ mode, and all riding on 17″ alloy wheels.

Bump up to the second trim – EX – for a moonroof, LaneWatch, side mirror turn signals and keyless entry.

The EX-L top trim provides leather-wrapped steering wheel and seating trim, navigation, XM radio and a bunch of en-vogue driving aids I’ll never get behind. Choose the base or mid-level trim, forget this trim.

Prediction: this HR-V is going to dominate the segment. The styling is sharp (look at that aggressive grille), the functionality of the rear seats, it’s a Honda (reliable and fun to drive), and it’s available in manual come ON.

Competitors: Nissan Juke, Kia Soul, Mazda CX-3,  Chevrolet Trax, Jeep Renegade

The HR-V goes on sale this spring, with pricing announced then.

Blog tag = Honda HR-V