Unlike other brands Buick has been focusing on making more advanced features standard than optional. Take the successful eAssist system that accounts for 25 percent of sales for the Regal and Lacrosse. Both those vehicles dropped the standard 4-cylinder for the more advanced and fuel efficienct eAssist system for no additional cost. 

First came fuel economy now the focus is on safety. "We want to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road." said Buick Marketing Manager of small cars Jennifer Nardicchio. This is the philosophy behind the technologies that are being integrated into the Buick Verano and upcoming Encore. 

Nardicchio stressed just how important rearview cameras are to the Buick buyer. Buick is making this technology standard for 2013, but they want to take it one step further by adding Rearview Cross Traffic Alert. This system uses auditory beeps and visual cues in the rear view camera display to warn drivers in incoming cross traffic as they pull out of a parking spot. 

The 2013 Buick Encore will receive another camera as well . A camera based frontal collision warning system similar to the one found on the GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox will be standard on the Encore platform. This system uses one front mounted camera that takes multiple pictures per second and analyzes the size difference of each image to calculate distance. GM representatives explained that this was based off the same basic principals as the human eye. This system will not apply the brakes but will give a red illuminated visual as well as auditory beeps in hopes the driver will regain attention and apply the brakes.

While none of these systems are ground breaking in terms of safety the big difference that Buick offers is the fact that these are standard and not optional features. Buick is setting a precedent by offering standard safety features that competitors typical package as an option. This is a smart move by Buick because instead of making people choose less safety to save money they are leaving more money in consumers budgets as they price shop for an intro luxury vehicle. I am very much looking forward to drving the 2013 Buick models equipped with these safety features. 

Even more comfort than before the Lexus CT 200h 2013 offers the Model 2013. The five-door, full hybrids in the segment of premium compact car not only impresses with an extremely low fuel consumption of just 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers on average, but also by an extended standard equipment, a further improved suspension and an even better sound insulation.

The Lexus CT 200h 2013 is available from 29,400 euros and thus € 200 more expensive than before. For it are now electrically folding door mirrors and a rain sensor as standard, even the basic version on board. Also, an additional cushion for the center console is now available from the factory. All trim levels also benefit from an improved sound insulation of the engine compartment. In addition, the chassis has been optimized through a revision of spring rates and dampers in terms of ride comfort and stability further.

The “Luxury Line” (from 40,800 euros) and in the dynamically designed “F Sport” version (from 34,550 euros) can be in the new model year, the front passenger seat 4-way electrically adjustable. Further evaluated the makers on the optional multimedia system, which now includes the latest generation of the 8-inch LCD color monitor, the DVD player, the DAB audio function and the “Remote Touch” control system.

For the exterior colors, there is also news: for the Lexus CT 200h 2013 F-Sport is the color “White Fuji Glass Flake” fresh in the program. It is a painting, achieved by the addition of fine glass particles, a special metallic effect.

The Glas-Schiebe-/Hebedach for 950 euros and the LED headlights for 910 euros are in conjunction with the “Comfort Plus” package available. For a surcharge of € 1,600 Lexus CT 200h 2013 also offers a cruise control system, a rearview camera, the heated front seats, a heated windshield wiper tray and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Also included in the package: the “smart key” system for keyless opening and closing of the vehicle.

The hybrid drive is a system output of 100 kW/136 hp is available and accelerates the Lexus CT 200h 2013 as required in 10.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h Here, the compact Lexus content depending on equipment in this class with an extremely low average fuel consumption from 3.8 l/100 km, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 87 g / km. In EV mode, the full hybrid electric drive alone and thus with zero emissions.

Lexus CT 200h 2013 News