Around the Industry – 4WD183 – Part 1

Around the Industry – 4WD183 – Part 1

F-150 THE ONLY TRUCK TO RECEIVE IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK

Ford improved the 2016 model F-150 SuperCab to clinch a good rating in the small overlap crash test, up from the 2015 model's marginal rating. The F-150 is the only large pickup in the latest test group to earn the Institute's top rating in the test. It joins the F-150 SuperCrew in earning a 2016 TOP SAFETY PICK award when equipped with Ford's optional basic-rated forward collision warning system.

Last year IIHS decided it would test the two most popular variants of large pickups instead of just one after discovering that the Ford F-150 extended cab, known as the SuperCab, lacked structural countermeasures that helped the crew cab, known as the SuperCrew, earn the top rating of good in the small overlap test. The test replicates what happens when a vehicle runs off the road and hits a tree or pole or clips another vehicle that has crossed the centerline.

Three out of seven large pickup trucks IIHS evaluated in a new round of crash tests earn an acceptable or higher rating for occupant protection in a small overlap front crash. IIHS evaluated two body styles of each 2016 model-year pickup — crew cab and extended cab.

VOLVO XC90 WINS CANADIAN GREEN CAR OF THE YEAR AND CANADA’S BEST CUV OVER $60,000

The Automobile Journalist Association of Canada (AJAC) announced this year’s “Best New” category winners for the 2016 Canadian Car of the Year Awards. Winning the 2016 Best New SUV - CUV over $60 ,000 category was the 2016 XC90 , which beat out the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and the Lincoln MKX thanks to top marks in quality, ride comfort and safety features. Other winners included the Kia Sorento (Best SUV-CUV $35,000-$60,000) and the Mazda CX-3 (under $35,000).

The XC90 also took home the 2016 Canadian Green Car Award, winning the Most Efficient Three-Row Family Vehicle category. The Volvo proved more efficient than the other finalists in the category, the Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost and the Honda Pilot. All vehicles were measured based on fuel economy, emissions and price as well as judges evaluations of vehicle performance, driving experience, value, innovative technology features and “green” qualities.

CHEVROLET SILVERADO WINS CANADA’S BEST NEW TRUCK

The Automobile Journalist Association of Canada (AJAC) also announced this year’s “Best New Truck.” With a redesigned front fascia for 2016, the small facelift was enough to make the Silverado eligible against Toyota’s all-new Tacoma. The Silverado beat out the Toyota Tacoma and GMC Canyon thanks to top marks in interior styling, ride comfort and engine smoothness.