This IKEA Concept Allows You to Build Your Own Car

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you have ever bought any furniture from IKEA, then you have most likely experienced the pain and the joy that comes with having to build it yourself. Depending on how large the piece of furniture is, you can be busy for hours trying to figure out each step and ensuring that you don’t have any extra pieces somehow leftover. But can you imagine having to build your own car?

If not, then Ryan Schlotthauer, a college student in design, shows us the possibilities with his concept car called the “Höga.”

The Höga provides the simplicity you would expect in an IKEA car

The Hoga’s size | Ryan Schlotthauer

RELATED: What Is A Kit Car?

Considering how simplistic IKEA’s products are, you would expect that a car made by the Swedish company to be just as basic in its design. Fortunately, Schlotthauer emulated IKEA’s design language well in his four-wheeled creation, starting from the ground up.

For starters, the Höga is only 2.3 meters long and 1.8 meters high, which is far smaller than a current Honda Civic. According to The Next Web, the vehicle has a skateboard platform that has four wheels that can move in any direction for a wide range of maneuverability. For the structure, an A-frame is placed on the platform and features roll cage bars for safety.

With those in place, the doors and body panels can be added. In addition to the side doors, there are also front and rear windshields that do double duty as doors. Occupants can enter through the front of the car and put their cargo in the rear.

The interior is customizable

The Hoga's configurable interior
The Hoga’s configurable interior | Ryan Schlotthauer

RELATED: Are You Getting Fooled About Your Car’s Cargo Space?

According to Futuroprossimo, the Hoga’s interior is fully customizable. You can even configure its interior volume to make it make extra room for more luggage or large items like a bike or a stroller.

The Höga is easy to assemble

A picture of all of the pieces to assemble a Hoga
The Hoga’s assembly in pieces | Ryan Schlotthauer

Schlotthauer’s inspiration for the Höga is derived from the classic Bauhaus tradition of clean and simplistic design. It’s no wonder, then, that the Höga is shipped using reusable crates to reduce transport costs and can be assembled by one person in a matter of a few hours.

There are 374 parts in total and 114 individual parts, which might sound like a lot, but it’s not that much more than your average entertainment center. We’re not sure, though, if an Allen wrench and other necessary tools are included, however, Next Web did mention that the Höga requires six batteries of some sort, but we’re not sure which kind.

The Höga can be recycled

a diagram showing that the Hoga can be upcycled.
The Hoga can be upcycled | Ryan Schlothauer

Not only is the Höga all-electric, but it’s also sustainable as it’s made from upcycled and recycled parts. Schlotthauer designed the Höga as an “ultimate kit car” bachelor’s thesis and it is meant to integrate within Renault’s mobility program, Auto Evolution reports.

According to Schlotthauer, the Höga aims to be “clever, low-cost, and sustainable” much like IKEA’s furniture. And while it might only seem like a feasible, all-electric mobile solution on paper, you never what it could actually turn into in the future. Hopefully, someone at Renault takes notice soon enough. Get your Allen wrenches ready!

The post This IKEA Concept Allows You to Build Your Own Car appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Here Are 3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Buy the TRD Lift Kit for the Toyota Tacoma

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Aside from the usual towing and hauling duties, one of the main reasons that any truck enthusiast would buy a 2021 Toyota Tacoma is the ability to drive it off-road. The Tacoma’s proven reliability throughout the years, in addition to its off-road capability, makes it a prime choice in the mid-size truck segment.

But to up the ante, Toyota recently released the TRD lift kit for anyone that wants a little more lift out of their third-generation Tacoma without sacrificing the safety features that the truck is equipped with. It’s a good kit, but here are three reasons that could turn you away from buying it.

The TRD lift kit may cost more than an aftermarket one

If currently own or are planning to buy a 2020-2021 Toyota Tacoma and want a lift kit, then you’re probably aware of the aftermarkets kits that are available. Some of these kits range from under $1,000 to well over and can lift the truck up to three inches or more.

The TRD lift kit, on the other hand, lifts the truck up by two inches in the front and one inch in the rear. That doesn’t sound like much, fit it’s a good compromise between being too high and not high enough.

According to Toyota, the TRD kit retails for $1,450, not including the 4-5 hours of labor to install it, which could get pricey. In total, installing one of these kits could cost more than installing an aftermarket one.

2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Lift Kit Shock | Toyota

RELATED: Taco Tuesday: Does the Toyota Tacoma Still Dominate Compact Pickup Truck Sales?

The ride height makes it hard for some to get in and out

Depending on how tall you or your passengers are, some people might find that it’s hard to get in and out of a lifted Tacoma. Sure, the added ride height might not sound like much, but if you’re on the shorter side, or if you have trouble getting into taller vehicles in general, lifting a Tacoma with the TRD kit might not be ideal. Lifting the truck might be great for off-roading, but it can be a hassle on an everyday basis if it’s hard for you to get in and out of it.

2021 Toyota Tacoma with TRD Lift Kit
2021 Toyota Tacoma with TRD Lift Kit | Toyota

RELATED: Taco Tuesday: Is a 2017 Toyota Tacoma a Better Used Pickup Truck Than the 2018 Model Year?

You have to get it installed at a Toyota dealership

If you’re a Tacoma enthusiast that likes to work on his, or her, own truck, then you might not want to buy the TRD lift kit. Toyota says that in order to keep the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty intact (if you get it installed when you buy the truck) or the 1-year/12,000-mile warranty (if you install it after buying the truck), you’ll need to have the kit installed by a Toyota dealer.

That could be a bit of a letdown if you were looking to save money and install the kit yourself or have someone else do it. Since Toyota shop rates can vary from dealer to dealer, we can’t say how much that recommend 4-5 hours of labor would cost. But it could be up to an extra $1,000.

2021 Toyota Tacoma with TRD Lift Kit going downhill
2021 Toyota Tacoma with TRD Lift Kit | Toyota

The warranty and safety features are the main highlights

Despite these three aforementioned drawbacks to buying the TRD lift kit, a couple of other advantages are that you’ll get a factory-backed warranty and Toyota’s Safety Sense compatibility.

The built-in driver-assist and safety features might not work with aftermarket lift kits, but with the TRD lift kit, you’ll still be able to use features like the adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and the frontal collision warning. That alone could make the lift kit worth it for some enthusiasts.

The post Here Are 3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Buy the TRD Lift Kit for the Toyota Tacoma appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

All-New 2022 Volkswagen Taos Models Kick Things Off With an Efficient Bang

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Volkswagen Taos is the newest subcompact SUV in a segment already jam-packed with great models. It looks like a tinier version of its SUV siblings, the Tiguan and Atlas, but this small SUV still offers generous interior dimensions. Even better, it promises excellent fuel economy.

In fact, the Volkswagen Taos is the most efficient small SUV to enter the market, MotorTrend reports. Of course, EPA estimates don’t always translate to real-world driving, and efficiency alone can’t sell a car. Still, the Volkswagen Taos has already made a great first impression.

How fuel-efficient is the Volkswagen Taos?

RELATED: How Much Does the 2022 Volkswagen Taos Cost?

Equipped with a front-wheel drivetrain, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos gets 28/36 mpg city/highway. Buyers who opt for the all-wheel-drive option can expect to get slightly less, at 25/32 mpg city/highway. The Taos packs a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine capable of 158 hp.

MotorTrend credits the Tao’s variable-geometry turbochargers for the SUV’s great gas mileage. FWD models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD versions have an exclusive seven-speed dual-clutch. MotorTrend hasn’t tested either Taos yet, so how each transmission will affect the vehicle’s performance remains to be seen.

How rivals compare to the Volkswagen Taos

The Nissan Kicks is another highly efficient small SUV, rated for 31/36 mpg city/highway. Its engine is less powerful than the Taos’s, but critics say it’s still engaging to drive. It also comes with a long list of standard features, and the interior is fairly upscale.

The comparable Kia Seltos gets 29/34 mpg city/highway with FWD. The base engine offers sufficient pep, but some critics report a stiff ride. The optional 175-hp engine provides smoother acceleration without a harsh efficiency drop, down to 25/30 mpg city/highway.

Hyundai has two entries in the subcompact class, the latest being the Venue. Its 1.6-liter four-cylinder makes 121 hp and gets 30/33 mpg city/highway. The Venue doesn’t offer an AWD option, but it boasts surprisingly sharp handling with an uncharacteristically comfortable ride.

Hyundai’s other subcompact crossover, the Kona, packs the brand’s most efficient motor, a 147-hp four-cylinder that’s EPA-rated for 27/33 mpg with FWD. The Kona is a consumer favorite for its spritely handling and relatively luxurious cabin. However, it offers less space than some rivals, especially in second-row legroom.

What else can you expect from the latest VW?

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos can seat up to five riders on stylish two-toned cloth upholstery. Synthetic or genuine leather is optional. Measuring 175.8 inches long, it’s one of the lengthiest vehicles in its class and will probably provide generous stretch-out space. As for cargo, it provides 28 cubic feet behind the rear row and 66 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

Even more impressive is the number of features. The base model comes with a digital gauge cluster, a 6.5-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics, and a few useful safety features. Though smartphone integration is surprisingly not standard, the Volkswagen Taos still offers a wireless charging pad.

Other high-end upgrades include a panoramic sunroof, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and 10 ambient interior LEDs. You can add the IQ Drive safety package to any Taos trim. It includes blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Automatic emergency braking and emergency assist are also included.

Starting at $24,190, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is now the least expensive SUV in the automaker’s lineup. It also comes in two other trim levels, with the top-tier Taos SEL starting around $32,000. MotorTrend estimates the Taos will go on sale this June.

The post All-New 2022 Volkswagen Taos Models Kick Things Off With an Efficient Bang appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Why Does This Kia Dealer MarkUp Tellurides $18,000?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It seems like every time dealerships get a hot new model there is a premium tacked onto the price. In the environment we’re in now, where there are shortages of new and used vehicles, some dealers are up to their old tricks. One such dealer adds a markup on Kia Telluride SUVs $18,000 over sticker because it can.

This dealer won’t let you test-drive a Telluride unless you agree to the markup

A Kia Telluride SUV on display during the 2019 NBA Awards | Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Turner Sports

We expect nothing less from dealers. With availability being hampered and popularity at an all-time high, this dealer is going to make some extra cha-cha. It will not let you test-drive a Telluride unless you agree to pay a $15,000-18,000 markup.

Signs in the windows of the remaining Telluride SUVs at this dealership inform you that the Telluride is “the most sought after vehicle in the world.” This is according to Motor1. Because of this, the dealer sells the Telluride for “a market-adjusted price.” It goes on to say it can’t order one for you right now. And dealers aren’t trading at the moment.

But if you don’t want the particular Telluride it has on its lot, and don’t want to pay the Kia markup, then, basically, hit the road. It isn’t that mean, but you get what we mean, right? So how much would a Kia Telluride from this shyster cost?

These mark-up Tellurides come in at $71,000

A Kia Telluride is seen during the 2019 NBA Awards presented by Kia on TNT
The 2020 Kia Telluride | Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Turner Sports

RELATED: You Might Be Paying Too Much For Your Kia Telluride

We know the Telluride SX has a base price of just over $44,000. With all of the options available that price jumps to almost $53,000. Adding $18,000 to that brings the Telluride in at $71,000. 

Once you are past $55,000 you enter another segment of the SUV market. Here you can get vehicles like the Genesis GV80, Mercedes GLE, and Audi Q7. With an extra $9,000 you could slip into a BMW X7. We doubt this dealer thought that through. And if it did then why go through with your crazy Kia markup?

Once the Telluride hits $71,000 other models shine brighter

We think the Kia Telluride is a great SUV. But this is within the context of its price. Once it hits these other prices then it starts to get a little more pedestrian. And other models start shining brighter. 

Look, we know it is hard on dealers right now because they can’t get enough vehicles to make for a normal inventory. And especially, when demand is so high it must be really frustrating. But gouging customers because you can doesn’t mean you should. We applaud those dealers-both Kia stores but also the rest, that keep it between the white lines and doesn’t start marking up hot models.

The post Why Does This Kia Dealer MarkUp Tellurides $18,000? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by