Its official, the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel has been named “Top Diesel Car of the Year”, as well as “Diesel Manufacturer of the Year” by Diesel Driver Magazine. Voted on by the readers of Diesel Driver, 59.3% of the 11,030 votes cast were for the Cruze, beating out competing models that included: Audi, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, BMW and Porsche.This isn’t the first award for the Chevrolet Cruze Diesel – earlier this year they were recognized by Wards Auto as having one of the 10 Best Engines.
The all-new Chevrolet Cruze is a 2.0L clean-turbo-diesel-powered model, and has a fuel consumption rating of 4.2L/100km highway. This new diesel achieves a better fuel consumption rating than any non-hybrid or gasoline passenger car in North America.
While there is much excitement still surrounding the 2014 model, Chevrolet just revealed the 2015 Cruze Diesel at the New York International Auto Show. Making revisions to the exterior styling, as well as enhancements to the interior convenience of the vehicle, Chevrolet has made available a diesel powertrain that still maintains its class-leading fuel economy.
Most family-friendly vehicles come with a long list of child-focused safety features, but what do they all mean? We have put together a short list of vehicle safety features that you might want to consider when purchasing a child-friendly vehicle. A lot of the features listed below do come standard, but what roll do they play in your family’s traveling safety?
3-point belts: A 3-point belt is a ‘Y’-shaped arrangement, similar to the separate lap and sash belts, but unitized. Like the separate lap-and-sash belt, in a collision, the 3-point belt spreads out the energy of the moving body over the chest, pelvis, and shoulders.
Safety belt pre-tensioners: Reduces slack that may exist in a seatbelt system at the moment of a collision.
Shoulder belt height adjusters: Simply aligns the seat belt comfortably away from the neck of the passengers when properly positioning the height of the seat belt.
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top Tethers for Children) Rear Seats: Also known in Canada as, LUAS (Lower Universal Anchorage System). LATCH is a way to secure a child safety seat to the vehicle using straps from the child safety seat that connect to special metal anchors in the vehicle. LATCH consists of lower anchors and top tethers, which are built-in to your vehicle, and connecting hooks that are built-in to your car seat. Lower anchors are used instead of the vehicle’s safety belt to secure the child seat to the vehicle. Tethers are used in addition to the lower anchors or the vehicle’s safety belt to secure a forward-facing child safety seat to the vehicle.
Vehicle LATCH Anchors:
Lower Anchors: These are a pair of metal “u-shaped” bars that are often hidden in the crack of the vehicle’s seat.
Tether Anchors: These are metal rings that are found behind each rear vehicle seat.
OnStar In-Vehicle Communications and Assistance Service – Subscription-based communication that provides customers with peace of mind through auto security and safety features -these include:
Sliding rear seat: The rear seats have the ability to slide back and forth to give more leg room or more rear cargo space.
Tinted glass: Solar-absorbing tinted windows that are UV-filtered to limit children’s sun exposure.
Driver and Front Passenger Frontal Air Bags: Front air bags that help restrain the driver and front passenger in moderate to severe front impact crashes. Dual-depth units automatically adjust the deployment of the air bags based on the severity of the collision, the seat position and other factors.
Airbag Deactivation: The purpose of the switch in the OFF position is to disable a frontal air bag in order to transport occupants who are at increased risk for air bag-related injury due to age, size, or medical condition.
Head Curtain Side Impact Airbags: Seat-mounted and head curtain air bags help provide additional protection in moderate to severe side impact crashes.
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System): ABS helps the driver maintain proper vehicle steering control during hard braking, even on slick surfaces. ABS is standard equipment on most GM and Honda vehicles.
Hill Start Assist: This system prevents the car from rolling when trying to pull away on an upward or downward incline. The system engages automatically when the vehicle is at a complete stop on an incline. It then acts to hold the car stationary for two seconds after the brake is released giving the driver time to apply the throttle.
Some other convenient features to consider when buying a vehicle with children are: Steering wheel mounted audio controls, DVD entertainment with headphones, auxiliary audio input jack, USB ports, flat-folding rear seats, fold-flat front passenger seat, remote start, cargo area security net, halogen headlamps, fog lights, cup holders, extra lighting, keyless entry, Bluetooth and a large storage area.
We hope you enjoy all the excitement that comes with selecting a new vehicle for you and your family. Remember to ask your sales associate what features are standard and which are optional when you are selecting a vehicle. Give yourself peace of mind and leave our dealerships knowing your family is safe and secure.
Coming soon- PART 2: Child focused safety features for the exterior of your vehicle.
Buick has long been associated with luxury, reliability, affordability and style. It is precisely these traits that have made Buick the oldest American brand of automobile. We have seen many models come and go throughout the years, but the LaCrosse has always proved to be a favorite.
This year, Buick has updated the flagship LaCrosse, giving it a slightly new look and adding some luxurious features. The basic frame of the car remains the same, however, there were modifications made to the suspension.
In terms of styling, the front features a new waterfall grille and an update to the rear end. The 2014 LaCrosse also features new wheel designs that are sure to garner attention. The inside of the vehicle takes on a new look and feel with numerous revisions such as: new 8 inch reconfigurable TFT screen and restyled centre stack. Newly available is the option to purchase the New Ultra Luxury Package. The package provides you with semi-analine leather upholstered seats, arm rest and door panels. This leather is the same leather that is used in Aston Martin vehicles.
New and exciting to the 2014 LaCrosse are the Xenon High-Intensity Discharge Headlights that wrap around redesigned LEF Taillights linked with chrome moulding for added style.
When it comes to safety, the 2014 LaCrosse provides you with a number of options to keep you informed and alert no matter the situation. The available options include:
Forward Collision Alert: Senses when you are approaching a vehicle too quickly, alerting you with audio and visual warnings. Adaptive Cruise Control System: Helps the driver to maintain a safe following distance. Side Blind Zone Alert and Lane Change Alert: This feature will alert you with a prompt, which is visible in your rear-view mirror. It also alerts you when a vehicle has entered your blind spot or is quickly approaching in the lane beside you. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: This alert shows a view of the area behind the car on the colour touch screen. It also notifies you when an object or person is about to cross the rear of the car from either side.
With all the 2014 Buick LaCrosse has to offer, it’s no wonder we’re selling so many. The luxury and affordability of this vehicle outweighs all others in its class. Come and see us at Queenston on the Mountain today and take advantage of our loyalty programs and current offers. We would be happy to schedule you a test drive in the 2014 Buick LaCrosse. Visit us at www.queenstononthemountain.com or call us at 905-528-7001.
If you haven’t heard the news already, allow us to share the excitement! Today, it was announced that the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and Silverado were named 2014 North American Car and Truck of the Year! This win marks GM’s first double win in the same year. The last time the Silverado received this award was in 2007. The Corvette has not received this honour since 1998. These awards are voted on by 49 automotive journalists from Canada and the United States. The votes are based on factors such as; design, innovation, safety and value among other things.
Global Chevrolet senior vice president Alan Bately, when asked about the award, had the following to say, “Chevrolet is in the midst of the most aggressive product transformation in the brand’s more than 100-year history. The Corvette and Silverado truly embody the passion, commitment and focus that is driving us to deliver the most expressive designs, innovative technologies and engaging performance in every vehicle that wears the bowtie. It is a distinct honour for the entire Chevrolet team to have both the Corvette ad Silverado recognized with the prestigious North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards.”
Please take a look at our blogs for more information on the award winning 2014 Silverado and 2014 Corvette Stingray. If you would like to speak to one of our reputable sales people or take a test drive in one of our award winning vehicles, please visit http://www.queenstonchev.com
It’s a new year and a new start. You’ve probably already made your own New Year’s resolutions, but what about when it comes to your car? This year, let’s resolve to take better care of our vehicle and be a more conscientious car owner.
I resolve to use rubber mats seasonally to protect my car
Rubber floor mats protect your interior from dirt, water, mud, and more. At Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC and Image Honda, we sell mats that are custom fit to your vehicle. These floor mats not only provide you with the satisfaction of having OEM quality protection, but you won’t have to worry about them slipping underneath your pedals, which can be a serious safety risk.
I resolve to invest in seasonal tires
Sliding, slipping, zero traction….the list goes on. Winter tires are critical, especially with our Ontario winters. Not only are they a good investment that give you added safety and peace of mind, but they save you wear and tear on your all-season tires. Swapping them out twice a year gives you added life on your wheels!
I resolve to schedule regular maintenance appointments
Our certified technicians at Image Honda and Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC are trained to know your vehicle inside and out and are able to spot things that you might otherwise have missed. Bringing your car in at least twice a year for regular checkups and preventative maintenance may cost you in the short term, but will save you in repair costs and increase your resale value.
I resolve to check for fluid leaks at least once a month.
This is always a good idea and one of the easiest things to check for. We recommend taking a pizza box and placing it under your car for the night – in the morning, bring the box into the dealership and show us your art work. We will be able to tell what is leaking based on the colour and where it dripped on the box.
I resolve to be a more fuel efficient driver
This year, don’t use the old excuse that your vehicle isn’t fuel efficient! True, it may not be the best on gas, but there are always ways to improve your fuel efficiency. Watching your speed, maintaining your vehicle, carpooling with people co-workers are all easy ways to save on fuel costs.
I resolve to kick my idling habit
There really is no reason to leave your car idling – it is bad for the environment, increases your gas consumption and will cost you extra money each year.
I resolve to wash and keep my car clean.
I make this resolution almost every time I clean out my car. Not only will cleaning your car make it look better, but it will extend the life of your car, protect the paint and increase its resale value.
I resolve to be a more patient driver,
Most importantly, don’t rush! Leave plenty of time if you need to be somewhere at a specific time. If you are running late, evaluate the circumstance – will you really be that late if you don’t make the green light?
I resolve to learn new driving skills
No one is a perfect driver and there are certainly driving skills we can all work on. Perhaps, you want to learn how to back into a spot or even parallel park. Whatever it is, work on it – you’ll be glad you did.
I resolve to check my tire pressure and tread regularly
There is nothing worse than getting to your car in the morning when you are late for work, only to find your windshield frozen over. Often times, people will run their blades over the frozen windshield in order to clear it. This severely reduces the life span of your wiper blades. Wiper blades frequently get neglected on most cars and yet, they are constantly used and exposed to harsh conditions. We recommend that you change your blades at least once a year, preferably every 6 months.
If your wipers are rattling, streaking or simply not cleaning your window, it is time to replace them. This also goes for wipers that are cracked, torn, nicked or damaged. Winter especially can have an effect on your blades with cold/freezing temperatures, causing them to crack and split. If you are unsure whether or not it is time for a change, perform a simple check with your washer fluid.
Changing your wiper blade yourself, believe it or not, is one of the easiest maintenance jobs that can be performed on your vehicle. I discovered this myself last week when I realized it was time for new blades, and had our friendly service advisors show me how.
Please watch our quick “How To” video on changing your wiper blades – you’ll be happy you did!
If you are in need of new wiper blades, please call our service centres and we will be happy to assist you! www.queenstonchev.com
We’ve been bragging about this truck from the beginning, but now we can officially say the 2014 GMC Sierra is the “Best New Pickup” in Canada, voted by the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada (AJAC). The all-new Sierra is the most powerful and technologically advanced truck in GM’s 111-year history.
Last October in Niagara Falls, 147 vehicles were tested and evaluated by 80 journalists who voted on the vehicles, combined with objective data. Each journalist drove each categories’ vehicles back-to-back in the same day, under same conditions on closed roads to ensure fairness.
Rob Assimakopoulos, General Director of Marketing and Communications for GMC in Canada, said the following about the distinction, “With the importance of the pickup truck segment in Canada, we thank AJAC and its membership for this significant award recognizing the GMC Sierra as the best new pickup in the country. The Sierra is the definition of GMC’s Professional Grade mantra, featuring the most advanced engines in a pickup with a unique combination of technologies delivering legendary GMC capability.”
We know how great the Sierra is and we encourage you to visit us at Queenston on the Mountain and experience its power and comfort for yourself. Right now, until December 9th, take advantage of our 0% On Everything Event and drive home your new Sierra today!
