New or Redesigned Sedan & Coupe Models for 2016

The sedans and coupes that have been redesigned for 2016 range from small cars to family sedans, some available with 4-cylinder engines, some with 6-cylinder powerplants, and some with hybrid powertrains. New models for 2016 include the Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Spark, Chevrolet Volt, Kia Optima, Nissan Maxima, Scion iA, Scion iM, Smart fortwo, and the Toyota Mirai. Continue reading on the next pages for a quick rundown of these models.

The new Chevrolet Cruze is 2.7 inches longer and nearly 1 inch shorter in height than the outgoing model, giving it a more planted appearance as well as more rear leg and knee room. Thanks to a leaner architecture, the new model is 250 pounds lighter, which helps improve both fuel economy and performance. A new 1.4 liter turbo 4-cylinder joins the lineup; it features direct injection and develops 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.

The Cruze features 10 air bags, as well as adaptive safety features such as Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, and Forward Collision Alert. OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot is available, as is wireless phone charging, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. A standard 7-inch screen and optional 8-inch screen come with the next-generation of the Chevrolet MyLink system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability.

The Chevrolet Malibu is now in its ninth generation, having first appeared in 1964. The new model shakes off the uninspiring design of the last few generations, and sheds nearly 300 pounds while growing 2.3 inches in length and 3.6 inches in wheelbase. A turbocharged and direct injected 1.5 liter 4-cylinder is the new standard engine with an optional turbocharged 2.0 liter, while the updated hybrid model uses technology from the Volt; fuel economy is up across the board.

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has an available all-new Teen Driver feature, allowing parents to restrict certain vehicle functions and view driving statistics such as maximum speed. Safety features include 10 standard airbags, Front Pedestrian Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Intellibeam, which automatically switches the headlamps to high beam. Infotainment is by the way of a seven or eight-inch capacitive touch screen, the OnStar 4G LTE system can function as a Wi-Fi hotspot, and some models include a wireless phone charger.

The new 2016 Chevrolet Spark is much better looking than the outgoing model, but hasn’t lost any utility in exchange for its new style. Powered by a new 1.4 liter ECOTEC 4-cylinder engine that puts out 98 horsepower, the Spark comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission, with an optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) available. GM expects fuel economy to be slightly better than the old model, at an estimated 40 MPG on the highway.

The new Spark offers a high level of equipment and safety features. The Chevrolet MyLink system offers voice pass-through to connect your smartphone to access music and other functions, while the 4G LTE Wi-Fi system allows up to seven devices to be connected. Passive safety equipment includes 10 standard airbags and a high-strength steel safety cage. Active safety includes Rear Park Assist, Side Blind Spot Alert, and a standard rear vision camera.

The next-generation 2016 Chevrolet Volt features a new design and numerous tweaks that make it more efficient, and easier to live with. The range extender has been replaced with a 1.5 liter unit that offers an estimated (by GM) combined fuel economy of 41 miles per gallon. The new model features a two-motor drive unit that is 12% more efficient and 100 pounds lighter than the old unit, while also allowing 19% stronger 0 to 30 mph acceleration capability. Battery weight has been reduced by 21 pounds, while capacity has been increased to 18.4 kWh. GM also made charging (and checking charge status) easier.

Unlike the last generation, the new Volt is a five-passenger car. To help improve range and reduce fuel usage, the new Volt features a Regen on Demand button that allows driver control of energy regeneration, as well as active grille shutters that close when extra cooling air isn’t needed. There are now separate climate control knobs and buttons, and fewer icons on the center dash to help make it more intuitive. Location-based charging allows owners to set different charging preferences (such as rate of charge and scheduling) depending on the location.

The all-new 2016 Kia Optima has tweaked the last generation’s look to be recognizable, but at the same time modern and fresh. The mid-size four door sedan is now a bit larger in all 3 dimensions for a roomier cabin and larger trunk. The interior takes its inspiration from Kia’s more expensive models, using better materials than in the past. Fuel economy is up across the board, but as a result, power is down.

The Kia Optima features the manufacturer’s first application of bi-functional HID headlights, with High Beam Assist and Dynamic Bending Lamps, which help illuminate corners. Other safety features include an available 360-degree Around View Monitor, Advanced Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AED). Heated and ventilated front seats are available, as is an Infiniti Premium Audio System with 14 speakers and QuantumLogic Surround technology. The Optima is also Kia’s pilot vehicle for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The Nissan Maxima is Nissan’s flagship model, and for 2016 it gets a 300 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 and a new lighter and more rigid chassis that helps it live up to its “4-Door Sports Car” market positioning. Though frugal, the Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) may not win over some drivers, especially those who like to row their own gears. The new Maxima is 1.3 inches lower and 2.2 inches longer than the outgoing design, and overall weight is down 82 lbs, which helps improve fuel economy by 15% on the highway.

The Maxima uses Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats with sport bolstering for support, and a new three-layer foam design for comfort. All trim levels come standard with NissanConnectSM with navigation, an 8-inch touch-screen display, and Remote Engine Start. Also standard are two USB ports in the media bin on the console, both of which are capable of music playback. The available 11-speaker Bose audio system is also offered with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to help reduce unpleasant low-frequency sounds. Safety equipment includes the Around View Monitor, Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Blind Spot Warning (BSW).

The new 2016 Scion iA is the brand’s first ever sedan, and features a 1.5 liter engine that puts out 106 HP and a choice of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. According to Scion, the letters  iA stand for Individual, Intriguing, Accommodating, Affordable, and Aggressive. The steering and suspension in particular have been targeted by Scion in order to make the iA feel more like a sports sedan than an economy car. 

Mono-spec models come equipped with the standard Low-speed Pre-collision safety system that uses a laser sensor to help avoid or at least minimize collisions. Also included is Keyless Entry with Push-Button Start and a 7-inch multi-media system with 6 speakers, voice activation, remote interface, two USB ports, an aux input, and a rear view camera. Scion also features the no hassle and no haggle Pure Price, where customers walk out the door with the same price they saw posted in the dealership.

The new 2016 Scion iM is a compact, sporty looking 4-door hatchback. The 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine uses Valvematic continuously variable valve timing to generate 137 horsepower, and sends the power to the front wheels via either a 6-speed manual transmission with Hill Start Assist or an intelligent CVTi-S Continuously Variable Transmission with Sport Mode. Inside, real leather wraps a steering wheel that features switches for audio, the multi-info display and hands-free phone calls, and the standard bolstered front seats integrate a Whiplash Injury Lessening structure (WIL). A standard sporty body aero kit and LED daytime running lights and taillights liven up the exterior.

The Scion iM comes with a 6-speaker Pioneer sound system that can play from a variety of sources and a 7-inch Pioneer Display Audio unit that is also used to display images from the backup camera. A 4.2 inch color multi-information display sits between the main instrument gauges and provides information from the car’s audio system and other functions. The iM also comes with dual-zone automatic A/C control, heated power-folding exterior mirrors, and auto on/off headlamps. Toyota Racing Development (TRD) will also be offering a line of performance accessories for the iM, including an air intake system, sway bar, and lowering springs.

Despite having a track that is 4 inches wider than the previous generation, the 2016 smart fortwo is still a very small car, coming in a few inches under 9 feet in length, and capable of making a u-turn between curbs less than 23 feet apart. The extra width and long wheelbase help make the car more stable, while also providing more interior room. Power from the rear-mounted three cylinder engine is up to 88 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque, and you can now choose between a 5-speed manual transmission or the optional Twinamic 6-speed dual clutch transmission to send power to the rear wheels.

The smart fortwo’s audio system includes a USB and AUX port, while Bluetooth audio streaming allows for hands-free phone calls and music stored on a smartphone to be played back over the car’s speakers. The JBL 8-speaker sound system is designed to produce maximum sound in the compact interior, and makes use of a removable subwoofer. The Comfort package includes a height-adjustable driver’s seat and steering column, and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors. Assistance systems include Crosswind Assist, forward collision warning, and Lane Keeping Assist.

The Toyota Mirai is a four-door mid-size sedan, but not a traditional one. Using a hydrogen fuel cell, the Mirai has performance that competes with cars powered by normal internal combustion engines, but it uses no gasoline, and creates no pollution. Powered by hydrogen, the only thing that comes out of the tailpipe is water. Refueling takes about five minutes, and the vehicle can travel up to 300 miles on a full tank. Maximum output is 153 horsepower, and the run from 0 to 62 miles per hour is over in around 9 seconds.

The Toyora Mirai will be offered with an optional power take off (PTO) device. Unlike most traditional PTOs, which are mechanical, the Mirai’s is electrical and will be able to serve as a mobile generator in case of power loss. With the PTO and a full tank of hydrogen, the Mirai should be capable of powering an average household for up to a week in an emergency, without all the noise and pollution of a traditional generator. A high level of collision safety has been achieved, and the Mirai and its hydrogen system have been extensively crash tested.