USA - The updated Forester from Subaru has been launched in the United States of America

• New 2.5i Forester Black Edition Package added to line-up
• Active Torque Vectoring now standard on 2.0XT Touring
• Touring Models feature EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology as standard
• EyeSight®-equipped models gain High Beam Assist and Reverse Auto Braking

Subaru of America, Inc., which this month posted its 65th consecutive month of record-breaking sales, today announced pricing on the 2018 Forester models. It is also the introduction of the new 2.5i Black Edition package. New Foresters will arrive into retailers Summer 2017.

The 2018 Forester 2.5i is available in standard, Premium, Limited and Touring trims and is powered by a 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER engine. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard for the 2.5i and 2.5i Premium, with optional Lineartronic® CVT. The Forester 2.0XT is available in Premium and Touring trims and powered by a 250-hp 2.0-liter intercooled, turbocharged 4-cylinder BOXER engine. 

All Forester models come standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Subaru has continued advancing the outstanding features of this model line with safety, comfort, durability and drivability as the top priorities. Currently the brand’s best-selling model, the well-equipped 2018 Forester has a starting price of $22,795.

The stylish front bumper cover and hexagonal grille of the Forester are accentuated by Subaru’s signature C-shaped headlight design with black inner bezel, while the rear combination lights also feature a prominent C shape with LED illumination. Combined, these styling and lighting elements provide excellent forward visibility along with a more robust and distinctive look.

The nicely appointed 2018 Forester 2.5i Premium has a starting price of $25,695. In addition to a panoramic power moonroof, Premium trim features include 17-inch alloy wheels, X- Mode with Hill Descent Control on CVT models, automatic HVAC controls, body color rear roof spoiler and a 10-way power driver’s seat. 

A power rear gate with auto close and height memory is available on Premium Foresters equipped with EyeSight®. An All-Weather Package including heated exterior mirrors, heated front seats and windshield wiper de-icer comes standard on Premium trim and above.

A new Forester 2.5i Black Edition package is an upgrade from the 2.5i Premium, with Lineartronic® CVT featuring paddle shifters previously available only on turbo models that control a 6-speed manual mode. The package also comes standard with X-Mode and Hill Descent Control and LED Steering Responsive Headlights. 

The Black Edition rides on 18-inch black alloy wheels; fog lights with black accent trim; black finish exterior badges and mirrors; and a front grille with blacked-out wing motif and chrome frame. The package is offered on 4 exterior colors: Crystal Black Silica, Dark Gray Metallic, Crystal White Pearl and Ice Silver Metallic. 

The exclusive black cloth upholstery seats with simulated leather bolsters are complimented by a silver metallic and black gloss finish center dash panel. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift handle are highlighted with silver stitching and the interior door handles have a chrome finish. All-Weather Package, rear cargo tray and Welcome Lighting all come standard with the Black Edition. The 2.5i Forester Black Edition is available exclusively on Premium trim as a $1,150 option package.

Limited trim upgrades to silver metallic with gloss black finish center dash panel trim and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever handle. Perforated leather-trimmed upholstery and a 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support are also included with this trim level. Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are standard features on the Limited along with Welcome Lighting. EyeSight®-equipped models include High Beam Assist, LED Steering Responsive Headlights, Automatic Low & High Beam Height Adjustment and Reverse Auto Braking. 

A power rear gate with auto close and height memory is standard on the Limited. The 2018 Forester 2.5i Limited models begin at $29,395.

The top-of-the-line Touring models are distinguished by 18-inch alloy wheels, black with chrome trim side cladding and foldable, body colored exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals. Touring trims are available with Black or Saddle Brown interiors. 

10-way power driver’s seat with two-position memory (includes power lumbar support), as well as Keyless Access with Push-Button Start and heated steering wheel. Active Torque Vectoring, first introduced on the WRX® and WRX STI®, is now standard all 2.0XT Touring models. Reverse Automatic Braking and High Beam Assist headlights are included on Touring models. Forester Touring is priced from $33,090.

All Forester trim lines feature SUBARU STARLINK™ Multimedia systems that provide hands-free connectivity and entertainment services. The Forester 2.5i base model features the STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia system with a 6.2-inch single-touch gesture display and the Premium, Limited and Touring trims have a standard STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Plus system with a high-resolution 7-inch LCD screen, Bluetooth® hands-free SMS text messaging, dual USB ports, and adds SiriusXM® All Access Radio and SiriusXM Travel Link®. 

The optional STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Navigation system features voice-activated controls and comes with three years of complimentary map updates as well as a 3-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic® and SiriusXM Travel Link® along with four months of SiriusXM All Access audio service.

Two SUBARU STARLINK connected services packages are available for 7.0” Multimedia Plus system and 7.0” Multimedia Navigation system and are among the most affordable in the industry. The STARLINK Safety Plus package, which is complimentary for the first year and $99 per year after that, includes SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Maintenance Notifications, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Diagnostic Alerts. 

For even greater peace of mind, the STARLINK Safety Plus & Security Plus Package adds Stolen Vehicle Recovery Service, Vehicle Security Alarm Notification, Remote Lock/Unlock, Remote Horn and Lights and Remote Vehicle Locator. 

2018 FORESTER
Model/Trim	Transmission	Applicable Option Code	MSRP	MSRP + destination and delivery
2.5i	6MT	‘01	$22,795	$23,710
2.5i	CVT	’01, ‘02	$23,795	$24,710
2.5i Premium	6MT	11	$25,695	$26,610
2.5i Premium	CVT	12, 13, 14, 15, 16	$26,195	$27,110
2.5i Limited	CVT	21, 22, 23	$29,395	$30,310
2.5i Touring	CVT	31, 32	$33,090	$34,005
2.0XT Premium	CVT	11	$29,495	$30,410
2.0XT Touring	CVT	31, 32	$36,090	$37,005

2018 FORESTER OPTION PACKAGES
CODE 01 Standard Model 2.5i		N/A
CODE 02 Alloy Wheel Package- includes 17-in. machine finished alloy wheels, roof rails and front passenger window Auto Up/Down		$600
CODE 11 Standard Model- 2.5i Premium 6MT or 2.0XT Premium CVT		N/A
CODE 12 Standard Model- 2.5i Premium CVT		N/A
CODE 13 All-Weather Package		$500
CODE 14 EyeSight®+ All- Weather Package + Blind Spot Detection/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert		$1,695
CODE 15 EyeSight® + All-Weather Package + Blind Spot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Power Rear Gate		$2,145
CODE 16 Black Edition		$1,150
CODE 21 Standard Model- 2.5i Limited		N/A
CODE 22 Navigation + Harman Kardon® Audio Amplifiers + Speakers		$1,350
CODE 23 EyeSight® + Navigation + Harman Kardon® Amplifiers + Speakers		$2,945
CODE 31 Standard Model- 2.5i Touring and 2.0XT Touring (Black interior)		N/A
CODE 32 Standard Model- 2.5i Touring and 2.0XT Touring (Saddle Brown interior)		N/A

Destination & Delivery is $915 and may vary in the following states: CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI and VT. D&D is $1,065 for dealers in Alaska.

USA - Kia Motors America has announced pricing and specification for the All-New Niro Crossover.

• All-New Niro Crossover Offers Value, Utility and Exceptional Fuel Economy
• Five different trim levels offer a Niro for every buyer
• Crossover utility and hybrid efficiency at an affordable price

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced pricing for the all-new 2017 Niro crossover hybrid.  When the Niro arrives in dealerships early in 2017 it will be offered in five trim levels – FE, LX, EX, Touring and a limited-production, Launch Edition. 

MSRP¹ for the FE is just $22,890¹ and the top-of-the-line Touring with its many luxury, infotainment and convenience features is $29,650.  Destination charges of $895 are not included in the MSRP.

“At Kia, we’re always striving to offer exciting new products that redefine their segments in all areas, including price,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, KMA. 

 “The new Niro checks all the boxes – it provides crossover utility, good looks, outstanding fuel economy, it’s fun to drive and it’s affordable.”

The Niro FE, with a starting MSRP of $22,890 and 50-MPG (combined)², is equipped with a long list of standard features, including: 16-inch wheels; 6-way front seats; power windows; keyless entry; cruise control; 7-inch touchscreen display with rearview camera; UVO3 with Apple CarPlay^TM3, Android Auto^TM4 and a six-speaker audio system with steering-wheel-mounted controls.

Moving up to the $23,200 LX trim adds Smart Key with push button start, roof rails and LED rear combination lamps.  

Among the extras added to EX $25,700 are heated combination cloth and leather seating, leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, heated power folding mirrors, front fog lamps, and Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Lane Change Assist (LCA) driver assistance features⁵.

The Launch Edition is available in Snow White Pearl or Aurora Black Pearl exterior colors and offers an exclusive look via the unique Hyper Gray 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin tires, unique metallic color grille, 10-way driver’s seat, 8-inch touchscreen navigation system, 8-speaker Harman Kardon^®6 premium audio and is $28,000.

Touring trim $29,650 is equipped with an amazing array of additional features – power tilt/slide sunroof, front and rear park assist, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, 10-way power driver’s seat with memory and 8-speaker Harman Kardon^® premium audio,

Three option packages are available.  Advanced Technology Package is offered on the LX at $1,450 and includes Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning System⁵.  Sunroof and Advanced Technology Package is offered on EX at $2,300 and includes power tilt/slide sunroof, Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning System⁵. The Advanced Technology Package $1,900 offered on Touring includes HID headlights, wireless phone charger and 110V inverter, Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning System⁵. 

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts

1 MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges.  Actual prices set by retailer and may vary. $900 destination charges not included.

2 Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition. Niro EPA estimated MPG city/highway/combined FE 52/49/50, LX 51/46/49, EX 51/46/49, Touring Launch 46/40/43, Touring 46/40/43.

3 Apple^®  and Apple CarPlay ™  are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

4 Android™ and Android Auto^TM are trademarks of Google, Inc.

5 These features are not substitutes for safe driving, and may not detect all objects surrounding vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

6 Harman Kardon is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated

CANADA - FCA expands the Chrysler Pacifica Minivan trim levels to meet consistent sales growth.

• New LX and Touring models bring total number of available 2017 Chrysler Pacifica models to five, while adding value to lineup
• LX priced from $37,995 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP); Touring starts from $39,995 MSRP
• Standard features on LX include 3.6-litre Pentastar VVT V-6 engine with 9-speed automatic transmission, segment-exclusive second- and third-row Stow ’n Go fold-in-floor seating, active noise cancellation, Keyless Enter ’n Go, air conditioning with tri-zone manual temperature control and the Uconnect 5.0 multimedia centre with a 5-inch touchscreen and six speakers
• Pacifica is made in Canada at the award-winning Windsor Assembly Plant (WAP)
• After creating the minivan segment more than 30 years ago, FCA Canada now boasts an unmatched 115 minivan innovations, with 70 per cent of the full-size minivans sold last year built at WAP
• Re-engineered from the ground up on an all-new platform, Pacifica brings class-leading ride, handling and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance, more than 100 standard and available safety and security features and a full array of comfort and convenience technologies

Already Canada’s minivan sales leader, FCA Canada has expanded the lineup for its segment-leading 2017 Chrysler Pacifica.

The new LX and Touring trims join the previously available Touring-L, Touring-L Plus and Limited, bringing the total number of Pacifica models to five. All 2017 Chrysler Pacificas are made in Canada at the award-winning Windsor Assembly Plant (WAP). Last year, WAP, which also makes the Dodge Grand Caravan, built 70 per cent of the full-size minivans sold in Canada.

“As part of our launch rollout, which began in February 2016, we’re now able to expand Pacifica’s offerings and bring even more value to Canadian shoppers,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, FCA Canada. “Our minivans have been best sellers since FCA created the segment more than 30 years ago, and with the unmatched new features and technology Pacifica provides, these additional models are another win for Canadian families.”

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica LX has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $37,995.

Standard features on LX include the award-winning 3.6-litre Pentastar VVT V-6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, active noise cancellation, active grille shutters, capless fuel fill, deep-tint sunscreen glass, Keyless Enter ’n Go, second- and third-row Stow ’n Go fold-in-floor seating, air conditioning with tri-zone manual temperature control, cruise control and the Uconnect 5.0 multimedia centre with a 5-inch touchscreen and six speakers.

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Touring has an MSRP of $39,995. Enhancements versus the LX model include 17-inch alloy wheels, dual power-sliding doors, automatic headlamps, the Stow 'n Place roof rack system, interior door handle LED lamps, a power 12-way driver's seat including 4-way power lumbar adjust, a power liftgate, proximity entry for all doors, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a one-year subscription and a Stow 'n Go Assist driver's seat.

Both new LX and Touring models offer options including segment-exclusive 8-passenger seating, a ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera, the all-new KeySense programmable key fob to help promote safe driving habits, Trailer Tow Group, the SafetyTec Group which brings Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Path Detection and Park-Sense Rear Park Assist with Active Braking, the award-winning Uconnect 8.4 Multimedia Centre and more.

Both of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica LX and Touring models are available for order now at FCA dealers.

USA - The 2017 Mazda3 Goes on Sale This Month with a MSRP1 starting at $17,845.

The 2017 Mazda3 Goes on Sale This Month with a MSRP1 starting at $17,845

The current-generation Mazda3 has scored dozens of accolades globally, including being named a Car and Driver 10 Best-winner every year since its introduction, landing as a top-three World Car of the Year finalist and being named both as an Automobile Magazine “All-Star” and an ALG Residual Value Award winner.

For the 2017 model year, Mazda3 returns refined and repackaged with more standard content, including G-Vectoring Control, a Mazda-exclusive technology that uses the engine to refine steering and handling to match the driver’s inputs, and enhanced sound insulation to complement Mazda3’s redesigned, upscale interior.

Mazda3’s trim levels have also been simplified, and those seeking the engagement of driving a car equipped with a manual transmission will be happy to discover that the top-level, stick-shift Mazda3 Grand Touring will now be available with the Premium Package and i-ACTIVSENSE suite of advanced safety technologies. Both were previously reserved for Mazda3 models equipped with the available automatic transmission.

“We are more than happy to give our customers what they want with greater availability of the manual transmission,” said Robert Davis, senior VP, U.S. Operations, MNAO. “Mazda3 has a nearly 15-percent take rate for its manual transmission, with most of those buyers opting for higher trim levels. Where so many competitors have retreated in the segment, we see an opening to engage those who enjoy the driving experience without compromise.”

As with last year, Mazda3 comes in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. But instead of models being designated as “i” (2.0-liter engine) or “s” (2.5-liter engine), Mazda has simplified the lineup with Sport and Touring models being equipped with the smaller engine and Touring 2.5 and Grand Touring models being equipped with the larger offering.

Entry Mazda3 Sport models come equipped with a 155-horsepower SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine, paired with either a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission or a SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic that is newly standard with a selectable Sport Mode toggle switch that recalibrates the transmission for more spirited driving. Additionally, Sport models come equipped with a new electronic parking brake, power mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, power windows with a one-touch driver’s window, power door locks, remote keyless entry, push-button start, and a seven-inch MAZDA CONNECT^TM display that integrates Bluetooth hands-free phone pairing and audio streaming as well as HD Radio, USB audio devices, Pandora, Aha and other functions. MAZDA CONNECT^TM can be controlled via steering wheel-mounted buttons, voice commands, touchscreen or via Mazda’s Commander control knob.

Mazda3 Sport sedan models can be further upgraded with the Preferred Equipment Package, which includes 16-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signal lamps, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, rain-sensing wipers, automatic on/off headlights, bright beltline trim, premium cloth-trimmed sport seats and satin trim throughout the interior, among other equipment. These features are not available on five-door Mazda3 Sport models except for the 16-inch alloy wheels, which are standard equipment.

Mazda3 Touring sedan and five-door models build upon the Sport with Preferred Equipment Package with a new-design 18-inch wheel package, Smart City Brake Support, dual-zone automatic climate control, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry, six-way power driver’s seat with manual lumbar adjustment, heated leatherette front seats and a leather-wrapped shifter knob and steering wheel.

Mazda3 Touring sedan buyers can also opt for more features with the Popular Equipment Package that adds a rear decklid spoiler, shark-fin antenna, BOSE^® nine-speaker Premium audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio with a four-month subscription, power moonroof, overhead sunglasses holder and illuminated vanity mirrors.

Where the five-door model diverges is with the Mazda3 Touring 2.5 model, which comes with the 184-horsepower, SKYACTIV-G 2.5 engine and builds on the Mazda3 Touring model to include a power moonroof, sunglasses holder and illuminated vanity mirrors as well. Five-door models add the BOSE^® Premium audio system with SiriusXM in the Grand Touring trim level.

For both the sedan and five-door, all Mazda3 Grand Touring models come equipped with LED fog lights, an analog tachometer, Active Driving Display head-up display, almond or black perforated leather seats and black metallic trim on the grille and front fascia.

Additional features include the Premium Equipment Package that adds self-leveling, bi-LED headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System; LED combination tail lights; LED daytime running lights; steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters on models equipped with the automatic transmission; navigation; and an auto-dimming mirror with Homelink.

Building upon the Premium Equipment Package, buyers can select the i-ACTIVSENSE safety suite that includes High-Beam Control, Lane-Departure Warning, new Lane Keep Assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart Brake Support and the new Traffic Sign Recognition system. Lastly, the i-ELOOP regenerative braking system is now a standalone option that only comes with on models with an automatic transmission.

MSRP[2] for all models is as follows:

	Sedan	Five-door
Mazda3 Sport 6MT	$17,845	$19,095
Mazda3 Sport 6AT	$18,895	$20,145
• Sport Preferred Equipment Package	$1,000
Mazda3 Touring 6MT	$20,445
Mazda3 Touring 6AT	$21,495	$22,245
• Touring Popular Equipment Package	$1,500
Mazda3 Touring 2.5 6MT		$22,395
Mazda3 Touring 2.5 6AT		$23,445
Mazda3 Grand Touring 6MT	$23,145	$23,895
Mazda3 Grand Touring 6AT	$24,195	$24,945
• Grand Touring Premium Equipment Package	$1,600	$1,600
• i-ACTIVSENSE Package	$1,100	$1,100
• i-ELOOP (6AT only)	$800	$800

The 2017 Mazda3 arrives at dealers starting this week.