Emphasizing a bold new look and its bumper-to-bumper, wheels-to-roof transformation, the all-new 12^th-generation, 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan continues its legacy as an economical top-selling sedan. The best-selling nameplate in the world with 46 million units sold since its introduction in 1966, Corolla is currently the ninth top-selling vehicle and third best-selling sedan in America. The new-generation Corolla follows last year’s Hatchback launch with a 52mpg-Corolla Hybrid and a trendy new dynamic look for the sedan with Toyota's New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform for improved stability, agility and comfort. The TNGA platform is new to the sedan and imparts increased rigidity, and the rear suspension has beefed up with a new, more sophisticated multilink system.

Also new for 2020 are Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (standard), a new 169-horsepower, TNGA 2.0-liter Dynamic Force Engine – available in addition to the standard 1.8-liter powerplant, available Dynamic-Shift CVT or six-speed manual transmission, standard Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa compatibility and Wi-Fi Connect. My test Corolla SE came with the larger 2.0-liter engine, normal and sport driving modes, front-wheel-drive, 18-inch alloy wheels, Dark Gray Metallic Sport Side Rocker panels and color-keyed rear spoiler, sport mesh Dark Gray Metallic front grille with LED accent lighting, 8-inch touchscreen, and sporty interior coolness with a center stack screen providing access to vehicle settings, audio controls, navigation, and audio multimedia.

From every angle, the new Corolla sedan looks lower and leaner, tauter and tighter. Powerful fender flares and generously curved fender top surfaces accent its sculpted, athletic demeanor. It’s not the econobox your parents drove in the ‘60s. The compact Corolla is shorter, wider and lower in this generation for increased stability, shortening length by 0.8 inches to 182.3 inches; gaining 0.2 inches in width to 70.1 and losing 0.8 inches in height to 56.5 inches, on the same 106.3-inch wheelbase, though the platform is brand new -- Toyota's New Global Architecture. Curbweight goes from 2910 lbs. to 3150 lbs. depending on trims and accessories, putting on from 50 to 100 lbs. Ground clearance is lower by more than an inch, at 5.1 inches.

Corolla has been known for its fuel economy and that continues this year. The 2020 Corolla offers two efficient engines, a 1.8-liter, 16-valve inline-four-cylinder engine and a direct-injection 2.0-liter Dynamic Force inline-4. The base 1.8-liter unit gains 7hp and delivers 139 horses with the same 126 lb-ft of torque as did the last generation. The 2.0-liter is good for 169hp and 151 lb-ft., where the top-tuned engine of Gen-11 put out 140hp. In keeping with the Corolla mission, Corolla’s 1.8-liter is EPA rated at 30mpg/city, 38mpg/highway and 33mpg/overall. The 2.0 is rated at 31/38/34, and one setup can get you 40mpg on the highway.

The front-wheel-drive system may not be a track star, but it did show energy and finished a zero-to-60mph sprint in 7.9 seconds (hand-timed), during a 16.2-second hand-timed quarter-mile. Showing the economical fuel consumption that first built its following, my test ride averaged 30.2mpg in mixed-use driving.

Corolla’s Independent MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar and rear multi-link with stabilizer bar smoothed out road imperfections better than old econocars did, but it isn’t quite up to lavish ride status.

With seating for five, Corolla provides the same 38.3 inches of front headroom as last year, and 37.1 inches in row two. However, legroom loses a bit from last year at 42.0 inches in the first row and a tighter 34.8 inches in the second seats. Shoulder room is comfortable at 54.0 up front and cozier at 51.7 in row two. The cabin is packed with infotainment, climate features, cool upscale lighting and instrumentation, and various informational displays that are driver-friendly. The cabin is quieter than ever thanks to the new structure, drivetrain improvements and insulation. Cabin environment is improved with Corolla sedan’s fully redesigned air conditioning system that employs smarter climate control, as its innovative twin-layer recirculation/fresh air induction unit reduces glass fogging while promoting recirculation of warm cabin air in lower areas.

From a safety perspective, the 2020 Corolla sedan features eight standard airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology, and all Corolla sedan models come equipped with a standard backup camera. Significantly, all 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan models are equipped standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, an advanced suite of integrated active and pre-collision safety features.

Starting at under $20,000 for the base 2020 Toyota Corolla L ($19,600), Corolla comes in seven trims, including the Hybrid LE, which bases at $23,100. The top XSE trim starts at $25,550, and my test SE trim, second in the lineup, starts at $22,050. Barcelona Red exterior paint was mated to a Light Gray/Moonstone fabric interior and we added one of three SE Premium Packages available, the middle option, for $2315 that included a ton of Siri, Alexa, Apple, Verizon WiFi and remote connect capabilities, GPS, Blindspot warning, remote keyless entry, color-keyed heated outside mirrors, and much more. Bodyside moldings added $209, Door Edge Guards added $125, Mudguards added $129, and Delivery, Processing and Handling fees of $995 put the sticker-as-tested at $25,823. 

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

Jaguar leapt into the electric car niche last year with I-PACE, the company’s first all-electric vehicle, and an EV SUV/crossover as well. This fun-to-drive sports-ute had non-traditional electric car sportiness, luxury amenities inside and out, and 394-horsepower performance. Jaguar’s first full battery-electric vehicle has an EPA estimated range of up to 234 miles from a single full charge of its 90kWh lithium-ion battery, and a new software upgrade developed from its eTROPHY racing analysis can improve its real-world range to up to 246 miles.

The software upgrade is part of minor augmentation for 2020, as Jaguar chose to stand pat for the most part, in the second year of I-PACE’s initial run. Also new for 2020 are changes to the torque distribution between the front and rear motors in AWD to deliver greater efficiency when driving in ECO mode. Jaguar has also made refinements to thermal management control to make greater use of the active radiator vane system, closing the vanes more frequently to enhance aerodynamic performance more of the time. Additionally for 2020, changes to the predictive range calculation algorithm delivers a more accurate and consistent estimate of vehicle range, while being more reflective of an individual’s driving style. In addition, regenerative braking now harvests energy more efficiently when the battery is in a high state of charge, and the amount of energy recovery improves at lower driving speeds to maximize efficiency and range.

The all-electric SUV has also uptweaked with a complimentary 4G data plan, a 360-degree camera system, wireless charging, and an onboard app that displays where the nearest charging stations are and how long it should take to restore the battery. Regarding charging, I-PACE’s new 11.0-kW onboard charger has improved charging, and can complete a full recharge from a dead battery in 8.6 hours – last year’s system took 12.6 hours to recharge from zero.

The stylish and sporty I-PACE looks like a luxury sedan up front and your only get the SUV demeanor when looking at it from the side or rear. Definitely not a boxy sports-ute, I-PACE shows off a fixed panoramic roof, Gloss Black door claddings and valance, Gloss Black grille with Satin Chrome surround, tailgate spoiler, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated rear window with timer, 3-flash lane change indicators, LED tail lights, rear fog lights, Automatic Headlight Leveling System and “Follow me home” lighting.

Weighing in at a robust 4784 lbs (curbweight), the sporty I-PACE fits its midsize crossover niche with dimensions of 184.3 inches long, 61.3 inches high and 79.2 inches wide on a 117.7-inch wheelbase.  Ground clearance is 5.6 inches at maximum load.

I-PACE melds Jaguar’s iconic sleekness outside and interior luxury with Big Cat muscle -- 394 horsepower and 512 lb-ft of torque while attaining an EPA-rated driving range of up to 246 miles on a full charge. When drivers do not have 8 hours for a full charge, rapid public charging from 0-80 percent can be accomplished in less than 40-minutes, with a 15-minute charge delivering a 60-mile range. Full charges can be undertaken at public sites or at home with an AC wall box (7kW).

Smooth acceleration, track-worthy handling and dynamics are part of Jaguar’s sportscar DNA, and I-PACE delivers with effortless passing at speed, easy conquering of uphill grades and auto-cross dominating steering. From a standing start, my test I-PACE accelerated to a 4.5-second hand-timed zero-to-60mpg sprint and finished off a quarter-mile in a sports sedanlike 13.1 seconds (hand-timed).

The well-appointed cabin speaks of Jaguar lavishness, from its high-quality materials, three information displays and touch-capacitive controls, to its fit, finish and infotainment. The center console’s floating-bridge design is bold, cockpit-like and well above the traditional SUV insipidness. I-PACE seats five, though front headroom is a bit tight at 39.9 inches with only 38.1 inches in row two. Legroom is relaxing in row one at 40.9, but snug at 35 inches in row two, and shoulder room is 57.6 in front and 54.6 inches in the rear seats.

As is characteristic with an electric vehicle, the cabin is quiet, though you do get some tire and road noise on the highway, and the touchscreen takes a beat to respond. Sightlines are good up front and on the sides, but the small rear window and rear shoulders create a blind zone.

The 2020 Jaguar I-PACE starts at $69,850 for the Base model (I-PACE S) and tops off at the HSE trim at $80,900. My I-PACE in SE trim based at $76,250 (about $400 higher than last year). Caesium Blue exterior paint added $710 and the trim came with 20-inch 6-spoke wheels, Ebony grained-leather sport seats with an Ebony interior, 10-way electric memory front seats, soft-grain leather sport steering wheel and 11-speaker/12-amp channel Meridian sound system. A high-res head-up information display added $970; the Driver Assist Pack with 360-degree surround camera and adaptive cruise control added $1300; the Cold Weather Pack with heated windshield, heated washer jets and heated steering wheel added $530; front fog lights were $100; a reduced section alloy spare wheel was $150; cabin air ionization added $100; power gesture tailgate added $100 and delivery and destination charges added $1150 for a sticker-as-tested of $81,360.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Mazda added the CX-3 subcompact to its crossover lineup for model-year 2016, replacing the similar Mazda2 subcompact. In a world of large and often-expensive SUVs, Mazda’s CX-3 represents a more-economic, fuel-conscious downsize that can take on urban landscapes with crowded traffic and parking challenges, camping and outdoor ventures, long highway cruises and family excursions, looking good and sporty while handling with good manners along the way.

Ready for adventure, and developed with Mazda’s striking design philosophy, athletic driving dynamics and straightforward driving position, CX-3 offers an engaging package for urbanites who don’t settle for the conventional. This unconventional presentation has earned the 2020 Mazda CX-3 subcompact crossover the attention of industry experts, and the fun-to-drive mini-ute has been awarded the title as "Best Subcompact SUV of 2020” by Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.Com while gaining a 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ranking from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

New for 2020, Mazda has eliminated the Touring and Grand Touring trims that were available last year, reducing the line-up to only the Sport trim. A treasure of advanced safety features have been added as have convenience items including standard Android Audio and Apple CarPlay. Additionally, i-Activesense driver assistance features are now standard. The standard suite of i-Activesense safety amenities includes Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop-and-go function, Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Control, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and a rearview camera.

The 2020 Mazda CX-3 Sport is packed with more than safety. CX-3 is augmented so fully that enhancement packages offered are non-existent. Standard interior installs include cloth door trim with Black armrests, Black center console knee pads, power windows with driver's one-touch down/up feature, power door locks with 2-stage unlocking, push button start, rear window defogger with timer, remote fuel door release, remote keyless illuminated entry system with “answer back” feature, tilt and telescopic steering column, 7-inch full-color touch screen display, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio capability, AM/FM audio system with Automatic Level Control and six speakers, MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System, Active Driving Display, Ambient temperature and digital clock, 6-way manual driver's seat, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls and a trip computer.

 

CX-3’s athletic architecture features smooth, flowing angles that designers market as “creating a sense of motion.” CX-3 Sport now features all LED exterior lighting as standard, including adaptive headlights, taillights and daytime running lights. To add function to form, the LED headlights have automatic on/off and automatic leveling capabilities. Body-colored power side mirrors with integrated turn signals complement body-colored door handles, and rain-sensing windshield wipers, complement the rear window wiper. To bring the entire package together, the CX-3 is styled with 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a roof spoiler, shark fin antenna, dual stainless-steel exhaust outlets and an understated black front grille design that brings greater depth and distinction.

 

Mazda CX-3 is molded in subcompact dimensions on a 101.2-inch wheelbase, with a length of 168.3 inches, width of 69.6 inches and height of 60.7 combining for a minimum ground clearance of 6.1 inches. Curb weight is 2851 lbs. for FWD and 2994 lbs. for AWD configuration.

 

Inside, with seating for five, CX-3’s stylish cabin provides full instrumentation including tachometer and fuel level gauge, Black gauges with White lettering and Silver surround, 60/40 split fold-down rear seats and front and rear outboard seat headrests. The cabin affords front headroom of 38.4 inches, with 37.2 inches in row two; legroom is 41.4 inches up front and 35.0 inches for the rear seats, and shoulder room comes in at 53.5 and 50.4.

CX-3 powers up with a 16-valve, 4-cylinder SKYACTIV®-G1 2.0-liter DOHC engine that produces 148 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. In FWD, the system is EPA-rated at 29mpg/city and 34mpg/highway, and in AWD, CX-3 gets 27/32. My week of tests in the AWD averaged 30.8mpg.

The mini-crossover’s electric power-assist rack-and-pinion steering was agile and attentive, with acceptable understeer and stability, and the suspension is set for a premium riding experience, though road feel is lessened in favor of smoothness.

The 148-hp power plant and quick-shifting Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode and Sport mode accelerated smoothly and predictably, passing at speed with some strategy, and conquering uphill grades with patience. At the track, CX-3 is econo-speeded, with a zero-to-60mph sprint accomplished in 9.6 seconds, during a tedious 17.4-second hand-timed quarter-mile.

The 2020 Mazda CX-3 is available in one trim level, the Sport, starting at $20,640 in front-wheel-drive and $22,040 in all-wheel-drive. I prefer the stability and reliability of AWD and we started there. Soul Red Crustal Metallic exterior paint added $595 and was complemented by a Black cloth interior. No full option packages were available as the CX-3 Sport is loaded with standard items, but a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink® added $325, all-weather floormats added $125, and rear parking sensors added $500. Affixing the $1100 destination fee put the sticker of this 2020 Mazda CX-3 Sport as-tested at $24,185.

<I> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

 

The Carlisle Auctions team is meticulously preparing for its second auction of the year as part of Fall Carlisle 2020.  The Fall Carlisle event itself spans September 30-October 4 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, while Carlisle Auctions takes center stage at the COVID-19 compliant Carlisle Expo Center on October 1 & 2.  The fall auction and at least one other in 2021, will see special support from the AACA Museum, Inc. of Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Beginning with the Fall Collector Car Auction, the AACA Museum, Inc. is on board as the Preferred Auction Sponsor of Carlisle Auctions.  This partnership and title will also be in place for Carlisle Auctions first event of 2021, February 19-20, as part of Winter AutoFest in Lakeland, Florida.  For these two auctions, the AACA Museum, Inc. team will have a prominent position within the main expo halls of the Carlisle Expo Center and SUN n’ FUN Expo Campus, respectively. 

For the fall Pennsylvania event, the café/hospitality area will be recognized as the AACA Museum, Inc. Lounge.  In addition, each auction day will see the world champion auction team for Carlisle Auctions offer multiple promotional announcements about the museum and their special displays, programs and collections.  AACA Museum, Inc. branding will also be visible at the venue, online, in marketing pieces and more.

Finally, and possibly most important, the AACA Museum, Inc. has connected Carlisle Auctions with seven (possibly eight) jaw-dropping consignments for the fall auction and aims to do something similar going forward.  Fall consignments include a 1926 Packard 4-Door Club Dietrich, 1926 Wills St. Clair, 1931 Cadillac Town, 1935 Brewster Sedan, 1946 Kaiser Street Rod, 1956 Chrysler Imperial and a 1991 Jaguar XJS.  These fine examples of automotive history will be offered over the course of the two-day auction.

“On behalf of myself and the Carlisle Auctions team, we are thrilled to welcome the AACA Museum, Inc. as our Preferred Auction Sponsor,” noted Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations.  “We have enjoyed a great relationship over the years and look forward to working together going forward.”

 

Vehicles will begin loading in on Tuesday, September 29.  All outdoor placements can be viewed by one and all, but ONLY event staff, registered buyers/sellers and guests and select business partners are permitted to enter the Expo Center during the auction.  Due to gathering restrictions, general spectators are restricted from entering the Expo Center.  The auction starts at 12 p.m. daily and includes an all-truck themed hour on October 1 at about 5 p.m.  If a desired lot doesn’t sell, Carlisle Auctions offers a “Still for Sale” option for one last chance at connecting seller and buyer person to person and away from the spotlight of the auction block.  “Still for Sale” is available starting October 1 and is available in person for a few days following the event in person and online at www.CarlisleAuctions.com for approximately three weeks. 

As part of Carlisle Auctions health safety measures, masks will be required for entry and indoors, multiple hand washing/sanitizing stations will be available, restrooms, food and service areas will be regularly cleaned and hopeful bidders are encouraged to pre-register for easier packet pick up.  In addition, concession options will be modified.  Learn more about these measures plus details on bidding (in person, online or on the phone), buying and more by calling 717-960-6400 or online via aforementioned Carlisle Auctions web page. 

It’s been too long – too long indeed since the Carlisle Auctions brand was front and center as part of a Carlisle Events automotive event.  With auctions cancelled due to the coronavirus in the spring and summer, Carlisle Auctions is proud to present a two-day, 400 car offering as part of Fall Carlisle 2020.  While Fall Carlisle itself runs September 30-October 4 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, just a few blocks west at the Carlisle Expo Center, nearly 100 years of automotive excellence will cross the block on October 1 & 2.

Powered by an all-new partnership with the AACA Museum, Inc., Carlisle Auctions second auction of the season hosts more than a half dozen cars from the museum, including a handful that are from pre-war era.  In addition, these time capsules are impeccable and not only must be seen to be believed but will most certainly draw large scale attention from collectors across the country.  Commitments from the AACA collection include a 1926 Packard 4-Door Club Dietrich, 1926 Wills St. Clair, 1931 Cadillac Town, 1935 Brewster Sedan, 1946 Kaiser Street Rod, 1956 Chrysler Imperial and a 1991 Jaguar XJS. 

In addition to these gems, Carlisle Auctions offers an eclectic mix of muscle plus even more collector cars from the past, present and even some future classics.  While muscle is quite frequently flexed during auctions, there are other styles of rides that cross the block.  Thursday, October 1 at around 5 p.m., trucks take center stage.  An all-truck hour will help transition the lots from early on day 1 to the heavy hitters of the evening.  Big trucks, little trucks and even some SUVs will be part of the fun.

One of the best parts of a Carlisle auction is that consigned vehicles run the gamut.  Bidders can pick up their first or next classic and do so with a variety of options.  SOLD could mean a trailered white-glove collector car destined for Best of Show honors or it could be a ride that will still turn heads, but can be driven from show to show.

Powered by Carlisle Auctions FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee, auction events offer competitive fees that are some of the best in the industry, world champion auctioneers, years of experience and a wide assortment of marketing measures that aim to maximize exposure for committed consignments.

“We are excited to return to the Carlisle Expo Center for our Fall Carlisle Auction,” noted Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations.  “We’ve been hearing from buyers and sellers alike who are anxious for the event,” continued Cline.  “We feel this will be one of our best available lots of cars in some time, with different types and styles available dating back to the early 1920s.  We are still actively taking consignments and encourage those interested in bidding to register in advance.  I can’t wait to see you starting October 1.”

Vehicles will begin loading in on Tuesday, September 29.  All outdoor placements can be viewed by one and all, but ONLY event staff, registered buyers/sellers and guests and select business partners are permitted to enter the Expo Center during the auction.  Due to gathering restrictions, general spectators are restricted from entering the Expo Center.  The auction starts at 12 p.m. daily and includes an all-truck themed hour on October 1 at about 5 p.m.  If a desired lot doesn’t sell, Carlisle Auctions offers a “Still for Sale” option for one last chance at connecting seller and buyer person to person and away from the spotlight of the auction block.  “Still for Sale” is available starting October 1 and is available in person for a few days following the event in person and online at www.CarlisleAuctions.com for approximately three weeks. 

As part of Carlisle Auctions health safety measures, masks will be required for entry and indoors, multiple hand washing/sanitizing stations will be available, restrooms, food and service areas will be regularly cleaned and hopeful bidders are encouraged to pre-register for easier packet pick up.  In addition, concession options will be modified.  Learn more about these measures plus details on bidding (in person, online or on the phone), buying and more by calling 717-960-6400 or online via aforementioned Carlisle Auctions web page.