TAKE FIVE: A look at tweaks, tucks and new tech coming to Canadian market

Automotive News Canada’s Take Five is a look at five new, refreshed or retooled vehicles that are destined for or have recently entered the Canadian market.

1) 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 

The refreshed GLC utility vehicle, shown above, has been packed with technology such as the Mercedes-Benz User Experience system. MBUX features touch control and voice control reminiscent of smartphone operation, as well as an optional augmented-reality system that superimposes navigation information “onto video taken from the front,” making it easier to know where to turn. The 2020 GLC comes with a 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. 

2) 2020 FORD TRANSIT 

All-wheel drive will be standard for the updated full-size Transit van, which will also feature new engines and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The awd system, available for gasoline-powered models, was designed so it would not raise the van’s load floor or seat height, a typical concession for adding awd to a vehicle. A new 3.5-litre V-6 with direct fuel injection replaces the 3.7-litre V-6, while a 2.0litre four-cylinder turbodiesel replaces the previous 3.2-litre diesel. Both new engines come with stop-start technology. A twin-turbo 3.5-litre gasoline V-6 is also optional. 

3) 2020 TOYOTA TACOMA 

The midsize pickup receives a slew of upgrades as part of a refresh that Toyota thinks will help it stand out in an increasingly crowded segment (the Ford Ranger and the Jeep Gladiator are the latest competitors). Toyota said most models will get new grille designs and updated lighting. The base SR trim gets a larger touchscreen, the TRD Sport has a new “smart key” entry and the Limited trim level gets a Panoramic View Monitor. The base 159-horsepower 2.7litre four-cylinder carries over as does the 278-horsepower 3.5litre V-6. 

4) 2020 JAGUAR XE

No single change on the XE’s refreshed exterior is major, but taken together, they give the sedan a new and more aggressive look for 2020. The wider grille has a new mesh design, the air intakes are larger, the headlights and taillights are LED, and 18-inch wheels are standard. The interior is also overhauled, with Jaguar saying it has made greater use of soft-touch mat rials throughout, as well as offering a 12.3-inch driver display. A 247-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder is standard and a 296-horsepower version is optional. 

5) 2020 MERCEDES-AMG GT R ROADSTER 

Almost three years after debuting the GT R Coupe, Mercedes is introducing the Roadster, another addition to the track-inspired R line. The new model has the same 577-horsepower turbocharged 4.0-litre V-8 as the coupe, pushing the car to a claimed top speed of 317 km/h. The fabric soft top is supported by lightweight materials, keeping the car’s centre of gravity low, Mercedes-Benz Canada sai As with the coupe, standard active-rear-wheel steering makes the car “far more agile when steering into bends.” Just 750 units will be offered globally.