New or Redesigned Sedan & Coupe Models for 2016

2016 Nissan Maxima - Exterior - Red - Front

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.

2016 Chevrolet Cruze - Larger, Lighter, and More Sophisticated

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.

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2016 Chevrolet Cruze - Notable Features

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.

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2016 Chevrolet Malibu - Longer and Lighter

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.

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2016 Chevrolet Malibu - Notable Features

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.

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2016 Chevrolet Spark - Same Small Size, But Now In a Much Nicer Wrapper

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.

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2016 Chevrolet Spark - Notable Features

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.

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2016 Chevrolet Volt - Increased Range and Better Performance

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.

2016 Chevrolet Volt - Notable Features

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.

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2016 Kia Optima - Incrementally Better, Yet Again

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.

Photo by Kia Media

2016 Kia Optima - Notable Features

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.

Photo by Kia Media