The city of Milwaukee in the US state of Wisconsin is not the center of events when it comes to the automotive industry. It's home to Harley Davidson and has a few interesting museums, but other than that, with a population of just over 650,000, there's hardly anything interesting about it. But, during the past year, Milwaukee has suddenly become the topic of writing for almost all automotive media, and the reason lies in the huge number of four-wheeler thefts.

The largest city in Wisconsin is not even among the top thirty in terms of population, but it is among the ten "most popular" when it comes to car theft.

And in most cases (to be precise, in 68% of cases) the choice falls on vehicles of two brands, those with Hyundai and Kia emblems. The situation has gotten so bad that the city of Milwaukee filed a lawsuit against the South Korean giant for making its models easy to steal, forcing the police force to spend more money to track down the criminals. You can read more about it here. Those who engage in this illegal activity introduce themselves under the name "Kia Boyz".

The trend later spread to other cities in the United States of America, and on social networks the Kia Boyz are currently bragging about who is able to steal the fastest and most cars. In most cases, driving a stolen vehicle lasts for several hours before it is disposed of and found by others for the same purpose.

So why would anyone steal a Hyundai or a Kia? If someone is going to risk their freedom, shouldn't they find themselves behind the wheel of a Mercedes or a Lexus? Well, the reason is the one we have already mentioned, and it lies in the fact that the vehicles of the Korean manufacturer are incredibly easy to steal. Getting into the car itself is the easiest part of the job and mostly relies on the technique of breaking the window, or for those slightly more expert thieves, picking the lock.

If you don't have a key (real or digital), the next step is generally more difficult for modern cars, but not for Hyundai and Kia manufactured before 2021. Namely, all you need to do is turn the lock next to the steering wheel and start the car with an ordinary USB cable (which we all probably have for charging mobile phones). The attached video from the YouTube social network shows us how easy it is to do something like that.

Sentences for theft range from up to 42 months in prison, but in most cases it is difficult to detect the perpetrators as they find a new victim before the owner even notices that their pet has been stolen.

Executives at the Korean giant tell us the problem has been fixed for the 2022 model year, but there are still plenty of older models on the streets that, as the line from that iconic movie says, "can disappear in sixty seconds." For those unlucky people who are forced to park outside the garage and thus risk having their pet stolen, the police force recommends that the car be parked in well-lit areas, that a system be installed where it is possible to manually turn off the battery via a switch, and perhaps choose a model with a manual gearbox, since it is known that "over the pond" most drivers do not know how to use it.

And if none of that "works", then it is mandatory to have insurance, so at least in a financial sense, you will not feel the theft.

{vembed Y=ziFGU_NOZ9w}

The Nissan Frontier pickup truck has been redesigned for 2022. It’s more modern, with good technology in the cabin and a ride quality to meet the standards of today. In addition to a new cabin and suspension, the chassis has been revised and the exterior styling gets a full makeover.

The Frontier remains mid-sized with the same wheelbase of 126 inches and the same 5-foot bed on the crew cab, and longer wheelbase with 6-foot bed on the extended cab. But the overall length of both versions has been increased by 4.5 inches, all at the grille and front bumper.

The new Frontier is still brawny, if less distinctive because so many trucks since then have gone for a similar look. The 2022 Frontier has bulging fenders and a long sculpted hood that protects its 3.8-liter V-6. It produces 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

The drivetrain powers the rear wheels in standard configuration, while part-time 4WD with hill descent control is available. It’s a solid powertrain, the engine smooth and transmission responsive. It can tow 6,720 pounds–that’s the two-wheel-drive extended cab which comes standard with a trailer sway control, a system that automatically dabs the brakes if it feels anything starting to wander.

The new Frontier also handles better, with less body roll thanks to a bigger stabilizer bar in front and revised bar in the rear.

The Pro-4X model, for serious off-road use, comes with Bilstein dampers, skid plates to protect the bottom of the engine, transfer case, and fuel tank, plus a Dana rear axle and electronic locking rear differential, There’s also a Pro-X without 4WD, with just the Bilsteins but all the looks, including 32-inch Hankook all-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels.

The cabin catches up in technology, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 7.0-inch info display, and four USB ports.

The EPA rated the rear-wheel-drive Frontier at 18 mpg city, 24 highway, 20 combined, with the four-wheel drive at 17/22/19 mpg.

It hasn’t been crash tested yet, and automatic emergency braking is not standard. Blind-spot monitors, automatic high beams, and a surround-view camera system can be ordered.

Model Lineup

Made in Mississippi, the Frontier comes in S, SV and Pro-X models, with RWD or 4WD, and as an extended cab or crew cab.

The Frontier S starts at $29,015 for the 2WD extended cab, or $30,515 for 2WD crew cab. Four-wheel drive adds $3,200 or $3,000, respectively. It’s equipped with Bluetooth, four USB ports, LED taillights, 16-inch steel wheels, and trailer sway control.

The SV costs $31,715 and adds a power driver seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, a tow-haul driving mode, power mirrors, and automatic emergency braking.

The list of optional equipment includes heated front seats, a Fender sound system, and surround-view camera system.

The $35,415 Pro-X and $38,415 Pro-4X are crew cabs. They have a 9.0-inch touchscreen with navigation, 18-inch alloy wheels, more skid plates, and Bilstein shocks.

Exterior

The Frontier has been more than redesigned, it’s been transformed into an angular and boxy-ish truck that’s the style today. The word Frontier appears large on the tailgate, which for 2022 is damped so it can’t slam down, or up.

The bulging and boxy fenders suggest a boxer’s shoulders and biceps. The details of the Pro-X make it look even tougher, with a highly visible skid plate in front, red tow hooks that stick out of the fascia, vertical intakes for cooling air, black alloy wheels, and LED daytime running lights.

Interior

The Frontier’s redesigned interior is much better than that in the previous truck. Make no mistake, it’s rugged like the exterior but more tranquil, with better materials and sound deadening. On the freeway, the cabin is almost silent.

A large touchscreen and intelligently located controls give the cabin a better attitude for hard work. It’s outfitted with lots of storage, and after a full day’s drive, the front seats proved their worth with good support.

The back seat’s better used for tools and equipment in extended-cab form. Its rear seat is a tiny bench. In the crew cab, back-seat passengers get more space to stretch out.

Driving Impressions

For a truck, the Frontier is reasonably rapid, with more than enough power for passing, with 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque from its 3.8-liter V-6. It uses a 9-speed automatic whose first three gears have low ratios that quicken the acceleration from a standing start and at low speeds. Cruising in higher gears, it responds reasonably quickly when the driver asks for more acceleration, without the hesitation we’ve experienced with rival 9-speeds.

The tow limit is 6,570 pounds and payload limit 1,480 pounds.

But it’s the ride where the Frontier excels. Its frame has been reinforced and its suspension has been retuned to improve stability. The new Frontier is so composed we might say it’s uncanny, at least compared to the old one.

The steering is quicker than the old truck, too, and that’s especially felt around town.
The Pro-4X, with Bilstein shocks, is more capable over rocky ground than the previous version.

Final Word

The 2022 Nissan Frontier has been completely redesigned, and it’s now one of the leading mid-size trucks. It’s a solid all-around performer, with the latest in technology available or standard across the board. Make it an SV—and make it a crew cab for the best value and utility.

Source: newcartestdrive.com

You probably once bought motor oil when it was on sale and left it until the moment you needed it. However, you should pay attention because motor oils have a shelf life, which is much shorter if you open the bottle.

On average, the shelf life of motor oil is from three to five years, and it depends on the type (synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral), as well as on the additives present. If there is iron or copper in the oil, it will oxidize faster.

Also, once you open the oil, it is preferable to use it within six months of opening. Engine oil should be kept in a room where there is no sunlight, at a room temperature that does not go to extremes. Large differences in temperature can affect the oil's ability to effectively lubricate the vehicle's engine, and temperatures that are too low lead to the formation of sediments in the oil. The same sediments can develop in contact with moisture or dust, which is why open bottles of oil have a shorter shelf life.

As HAK Review writes, it is best to check the texture and color before using the oil, which should be the same as when you opened the plastic bottle and poured the oil into the engine.

Pure-electric powertrain suits Volvo’s smallest SUV

 PROS

• 408hp model has rapid acceleration
• Maximum official range of 270 miles
• Same boot and cabin space as standard car

 CONS

• Expensive
• Limited info on digital gauge panel
• Not that entertaining to drive

 The pure-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge bolsters the SUV’s already widely electrified model range. On top of the EV, you have a choice of mild-hybrid petrol engines and a two plug-in hybrids – but we reckon the fully electric version is the pick of the line-up.

Volvo introduced the electric XC40 in 2019 and, because it was destined for launch when the car was still on the drawing board, it doesn’t make any comfort or practicality sacrifices by making the switch to battery power.

 

You have a choice of two electric powertrains. The entry-level front-wheel drive model has a 69kWh battery pack and a single electric motor with 231hp and 330Nm of torque. Volvo says it can sprint from 0–62mph in 7.4 seconds and that it’s capable of covering up to 264 miles on a charge.

There’s also a more expensive dual-motor, four-wheel drive option called the Recharge Twin. This model gets a larger 78kWh battery pack and an extra electric motor on the rear axle, bumping its power and torque figures up to 408hp and 660Nm respectively.

 

The extra grunt also slashes its 0–62mph time down to a hot hatchback-troubling 4.9 seconds, while the added battery capacity increases its maximum range to 270 miles. What’s more, both versions of the pure-electric XC40 offer support for 150kW DC rapid charging, allowing both to charge from 10–80% capacity in around half an hour.

The list of rivals for the Volvo XC40 Recharge has grown since it was launched. Now, buyers can choose from the likes of the Mercedes EQA, BMW iX3, Ford Mustang Mach-E and the latest Kia Niro EV. The question is: can the aging XC40 EV still compete in this class of newcomers?

What’s it like inside?

Well-made and easy to use. You get a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 9.0-inch portrait infotainment system. Both look great and work well – their graphics are sharp, and the central screen runs on Google software which loads quickly and has built-in support for Google Maps.

The climate controls are operated through the central screen, which we’re normally not huge fans of. However, Volvo has designed a permanent toolbar for the lower edge of the display which means you don’t need to dig through a load of submenus to adjust the air conditioning.

 

Volvo has also fitted the XC40 with voice control and pushed as many functions as possible through the system to minimise the amount of time you spend with your eyes off the road. You can program sat-nav instructions, change the cabin temperature and ask it to read your messages for you. It works well for the most part – but you can trip the system up if you have a regional accent.

Space inside is identical to the petrol-powered versions of the car. The batteries don’t eat into the boot or the cabin and the rear electric motor on the flagship Recharge Twin model occupies the same space as the petrol tank on the petrol-powered models. That means boot space is identical, at 452 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,328 litres with the bench folded flat.

 

 

Because there’s no engine up front, you also get some extra storage space under the bonnet. It only measures 31 litres, but that’s just enough space to hide the storage cables. It’s particularly useful if you’re taking the electric XC40 on a long family trip, as it means you don’t have to unpack the boot to fish the cable out from the hidden storage space under the boot board.

The build quality is impressive, too. It’s a match for any of its German rivals, with tight shut lines and soft-touch materials everywhere within your wingspan. Refinement is good, too – there isn’t much wind noise, and the sound deadening is thick enough to keep tyre roar to a minimum. That’s especially important given there’s no engine noise to drown out the road noise.

 

If you want to know more about the Volvo XC40’s interior space, quality, comfort and infotainment technology, follow this link to read our main review of the car.

Comfort

The XC40’s seats are great. The front seats have loads of adjustment and clever fatigue-mitigating extras like an extendable thigh support and a thick inflatable lumbar support cushion. Both hold you in place well and stop you from slouching. The seats are well-sprung too, striking a keen balance between bracing and plushness, meaning you won’t feel tired after a long stint behind the wheel.

The rear seats are equally welcoming. They’re a good shape with plenty of padding for your lower back, which should prevent those in the rear from curling up into the shrimp position halfway through a road trip. There’s also a lot of legroom and a surprising amount of headroom – even with the panoramic sunroof fitted to the range-topping Ultimate model.

 

There are lots of storage bins dotted around the cabin, too, which help to keep it looking tidy even when they’re holding all the items required for family life. There’s a deep storage bin under the front central armrest, a wide wireless smartphone charging pad in the centre console and door bins that are large enough to swallow laptops, tablets and litre-sized water bottles.

Safety

Safety has always been Volvo’s strongest suit – and the XC40 is no exception. Euro NCAP awarded the petrol-powered version of the car a five-star rating back in 2018, and this score was also applied to the electric model in 2021. It’s worth bearing in mind that Euro NCAP has since tightened up its scoring system, but the XC40 remains a very safe way of transporting your family around.

The testers were particularly impressed with the XC40’s passenger protection ability. The car achieved a 97% score for adult occupants and an 87% score for child occupants – and the child dummies emerged from the wreckage with no major injuries.

 

The XC40’s success can be partly attributed to its arsenal of airbags. In addition to the usual front airbags, you get a driver’s knee airbag and a full-length side curtain airbag to protect passengers’ heads, chest and pelvis. There’s also an automatic belt pretensioner which will pull occupants into their seats if the car recognises an imminent accident.

We found this latter system can be a little too eager to engage. For example, if you go around a corner or over a crest a little faster than the computer would like, the seat belt will choke-slam you into the backrest. But we’d rather it errs on the side of caution than not work when you need it.

What’s it like to drive?

Agreeably pleasant, but it won’t set your trousers on fire. The range-topping 408hp Recharge Twin model is the most powerful and fastest-accelerating XC40 on sale, but it’s also the heaviest – and that makes it quite reluctant to corner with haste.

Push the car hard into a bend and Volvo’s torrent of safety features will come down on you like an anvil. The laws of physics aren’t on your side, either – the XC40 Recharge’s 2,188kg kerbweight is quite high for compact family SUV which makes the car feel a little ungainly. At least the mass is concentrated down low, which minimises the harm by dropping the car’s centre of gravity.

The front-wheel drive model is slightly nimbler as its battery is smaller and it doesn’t have the added weight of an extra electric motor over the rear axle. It still isn’t comfortable belting down a B-road at speed, though. Despite this, it’s quite refreshing to have a car that’s unashamedly geared towards comfort in a class of supposedly “sporty” rivals.

 

The suspension is supple and the chassis doesn’t crash over bumps, even with the car’s rather large standard 19-inch alloy wheels. Potholes are more noticeable around town, but the jolts they produce aren’t enough to knock the ride quality crown off the XC40 Recharge’s head.

And the XC40 EV is no slouch in a straight line. Both the front- and four-wheel drive powertrains deliver their torque instantly, meaning you always have the confidence for an overtake. Just be cautious about getting the hammer down if you’re travelling longer distances – the less smoothly you drive, the more time you’ll spend at charging stations.

Thankfully, Volvo has thought about that and has engineered the throttle pedal to encourage a more mellow driving style. Unlike some older electric cars, it isn’t a simple on / off switch – it’s progressive and feels much more like a petrol or diesel car in use.

 

Press it gently and you get a small amount of acceleration. Batter the pedal into the floorboards and you get everything the powertrain has to offer which, in the 408hp model, gives you a very satisfying shove into your seat. Rather cleverly, though, the same action applies in reverse for the regenerative braking system. So, if you lift your foot off the throttle quickly, the brake regen is more severe than it is if you ease off the pedal gently.

Click through to the next page to read our verdict on the Volvo XC40, where we’ll let you know whether it’s worth your money.

Volvo XC40 Electric verdict

 

Should you buy a Volvo XC40 Recharge?

If you want a small premium electric SUV, the Volvo XC40 Recharge should be on your shopping list. It’s a quality product with a comfortable ride, a good range and more safety equipment than you can shake a high-visibility vest and an accident book at.

There are more exciting electric SUVs available, such as the BMW iX3. But we think the sporty SUV niche is becoming cliché, and we found it quite refreshing to drive a family crossover that was unapologetically set up for comfort.

Volvo’s electric powertrain really suits the XC40’s easy going nature. It delivers its power effortlessly and silently, it’s smooth and the arsenal of draconian safety equipment encourages you to not drive like a hooligan. The regenerative braking system has a similar effect on your driving, too, making you look further ahead to avoid touching the brakes and wasting energy.

Prices range from between £47,000 for the entry-level front-wheel drive model to more than £60,000 for the range-topping 408hp dual-motor variant. You’ll spend the same sort of money on a Mercedes EQA or an Audi Q4 e-tron, neither of which ride anywhere near as well as the Volvo. So, it’s down to your personal preferences on comfort.

It’s also worth noting that the flagship the plug-in hybrid version of the XC40 costs around £51,000 – and for just £4,000 more you could have the range-topping front-wheel drive pure-electric model. In this instance, we reckon you’re better off with the electric option.

Just to throw another spanner in the works, bear in mind that, for a similar amount of money, you could have a very well-equipped Kia EV6. Sure, it doesn’t have the same premium image as the Volvo, but it looks great, it’s better to drive and, if you pick the right battery pack and motor combination, it can comfortably drive more than 300 miles on a charge.

Source: parkers.co.uk

The next generation of Skoda models will not be distinguished by the previous emblem, according to the company, but instead a new mark will be used.

Revealing its new visual identity, along with the new Modern Solid design language, Skoda confirmed that two versions have been created: an updated classic emblem and a lettermark.

The historic emblem, which will be used for communication and digital purposes only, replaces the 3D design for a 2D effect. Like the Volkswagen logo, it's simpler and cleaner than the previous design, so it looks better digitally, according to Britain's Autocar.

The letter version was created to be installed on all future cars. This will be introduced across the range from 2024, with the new Skoda Superb and Skoda Kodiaq models to be announced next year expected to be the first to carry it, followed by the refreshed Skoda Octavia.

It will also have a confirmed seven-seat electric SUV, a supermini and a compact crossover, which should arrive before 2026. These will also be the first cars to go on sale with Skoda's new design language.

Skoda says these changes are the biggest for the company in the last 30 years.

Describing the new logo, head of sales and marketing Martin Jahn said: "We see this as the perfect opportunity to align our brand to a decade of transformation."

For the lettermark, the designers incorporated the accent usually found above the "S" into the letter - which they describe as a key to their Czech roots. The firm wanted to maintain the accent while removing the confusion it believed it had created among non-Czech-speaking customers.

The new emblem features two different shades of green, called Emerald and Electric, which Skoda says represent ecology, sustainability and electromobility.