Updated Looks, Updated Tech From Chevy and Ford
It's a facelift face-off for the 2015 Chevy Cruze and 2015 Ford Focus
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Both Chevrolet and Ford debuted new looks for their compact sedans at the New York International Auto Show. While the cosmetic changes aren't radical, some new in-car technology is worth a look.
Sure, Chevy gave the Cruze a new front end and optional LED running lamps, but the biggest updates to the 2015 car include optional Siri Eyes Free integration and a dedicated 4G LTE connection.
The Cruze refresh follows GM's announcement of a partnership with AT&T at CES earlier this year to provide in-vehicle data plans for downloading apps, streaming music, and connecting to vehicle diagnostic services. It can also be used as an in-car hotspot for other mobile devices.
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The 4G connection will cost extra, but it won't require users to pair a smartphone or use an existing data plan.
Later in the model year, the Cruze will offer the Chevrolet AppShop as an option on MyLink-equipped vehicles. It will let drivers download new apps to Chevy's MyLink infotainment system as they're released.
Ford also made some updates to the 2015 Focus and used New York to debut the sedan version of the car. It's a more extensive redesign than the Cruze, and features cosmetic, suspension, and powertrain changes all around.
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The Focus will also get a standard rear-view camera and voice recognition updates.
Ford's Sync phone connectivity interface will now let drivers use a smartphone's existing voice-recognition software. It's called "pass through," and it means an end to memorizing Sync-specific commands.
Additionally, the Focus will offer optional lane-keep assist and blind-spot awareness systems.