Volvo XC90: Still Best
FEW new cars of any sort are as comprehensively talented as the Volvo XC90, writes William Scholes. That's when the second generation XC90 reached us, and to make sure it stays ahead of the plush seven-seats-in-three-rows competition, Volvo has just given its flagship a few upgrades. Only the most committed Volvoscenti will spot the changes, from the outside at least. There's a new grille and lower front bumper, for example, along with some new alloy wheels and paint colours. Oh, and the Inscription trim cars now have a strip of chrome that runs the width of the rear bumper. It's the most minor of minor tweaks, in other words. But who can blame Volvo? The XC90 was already the best looking of its breed, and needs no improvement. The exterior design neatly balances big premium car confidence with low-key subtlety. It's a classy, feel-good piece of work. It lacks the hubris that you get with a BMW X5, Audi Q7, whatever the Mercedes rival is called at the moment, or the Land Rover Discovery with the weird number plate arrangement.
3.5 EcoBoost's 3230 lbs and the 5.0-liter V8's 3270 lbs. The F-150 Diesel's 250 hp arrives at 3200 rpm, while all 440 lb-ft is available between 1750 and 2250 rpm. The engine uses a variable-geometry turbocharger, and shares its block material and crankshaft construction with Ford's 2.7-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6. While power output is similar to the 3.0 diesel available in some Land Rover models, Ford Power Stroke engineers optimized the pickup motor and drivetrain for truck duty. The F-150 Diesel will utilize a new 10-speed automatic transmission co-developed with GM. Interestingly, Automotive News reports that the diesel will only be offered on Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trims for regular customers鈥攊f you want a lower-spec F-150 Diesel XL or XLT, you'll need to be a fleet buyer. You can have your diesel F-150 in either SuperCab or SuperCrew configuration in two- or four-wheel drive. 2400 more than the 3.5-liter EcoBoost. Ford dealers will begin taking F-150 Diesel orders later this month, with production commencing in the spring.
What's different at first glance isn't obvious outside--new headlamps and reframed grille--but a new interior drastically reduces the clutter inside the LR2, cutting down on the jumble of buttons that marked the earlier models. A new touchscreen and new gauges offer clearer displays, and Meridian sound is now the standard audio setup. Although similar looking on the outside, today's LR2 offers different mechanicals compared to the original model. The inline-six engine has been replaced by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 240 hp; the same engine is found in the related Range Rover Evoque. This new engine is lighter than the one it replaces and also more powerful, while offering improved torque at low revs. The engine cradle has also been reengineered to reduce noise and vibration compared to the Evoque. The changes help the LR2 to accelerate quicker and steer more crisply as well. Crash-test scores aren't available for the LR2. The LR2 is carried over into the 2015 model year essentially unchanged. It is not likely to return for 2016, as it is being indirectly replaced by a new Land Rover model. The LR2's successor comes in the form of the Land Rover Discovery Sport, which was introduced at the 2014 Paris Auto Show. The new Discovery Sport rides on the same LR-MS platform underpinning the Range Rover Evoque, which itself was derived from the LR2's platform. The Discovery Sport will offer three rows of seating instead of the LR2's two, opening up its appeal to those who can't fit their families in an Evoque. Production will take place at Jaguar Land Rover鈥檚 Halewood plant in the U.K., the same site responsible for building the Range Rover Evoque.
Let go and have fun. Feel what it's like to be a teenager in college; young and free and full of spontaneous uncertainty. Surprise yourself and try something new. I know you feel scared and uncomfortable but force yourself out of your comfort zone; that's where the magic happens and where real life lives. My beautiful sister Leah graduated in October. I am so proud of her. She inspires me every single moment. You feel like you're being swept by a current, unable to swim against the water's tide, unable to navigate your own flow. You are going through the motions and sometimes that's just what you have to do; a survival mechanism. It is a sign that you are out of touch with your true self; your own wants, needs and values. It's ok to be too scared to process everything. If ignoring the pain is what you need to do right now to persevere in the real world then that is ok, but do not expect to feel ok in doing so. There is always a trade off. To function so well externally in such circumstances must mean that internally you feel lost at sea.
Now that I told you how bad the above six lenders are--there are times where they may offer you good deals. For example, if one of the above happens to be the biggest dealer in your area, they may be able to offer you special deals that a smaller dealer can't. Of course, things change all the time with captive auto lenders. They change their credit guidelines on a whim to meet their own financial goals. So, it's always a good idea to at least research these dealerships--just don't get your hopes up too high. OK, so you've done your research and narrowed down your choice to one or two car manufacturers. Step 2 in making a lease or buy decision is to purchase your FICO credit scores. It's important you have your most recent scores when you talk to car dealers (just like I did with Amy). It puts you in charge.
