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The Most Popular Car Models on Google for 2015

Google Search, commonly referred to as Google Web Search or Google, is a web search engine owned by Google Inc. It is the most-used search engine on the World Wide Web, handling more than three billion searches each day.As of February 2015 it is the most used search engine in the US with 64.5% market share.

Analysis of the frequency of search terms may indicate economic, social and health trends. Data about the frequency of use of search terms on Google have been shown to correlate with flu outbreaks and unemployment levels, and provide the information faster than traditional reporting methods and surveys.

Here we present Google’s rating of the most popular car models in US for 2015, based on user’s search terms.

10. Hyundai Tucson

2016 Hyundai Tucson © Hyundai Motor Company

The Hyundai Tucson is a Compact SUV produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai since 2004. In the marque’s lineup, the Tucson fits below the Santa Fe and Veracruz. It is named after the city of Tucson, Arizona.

On February 17, 2015 Hyundai released the first details about its third generation Tucson ahead of the crossover’s official debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3, 2015. This model will arrive in showrooms in the second half of 2015, as a 2016 model year, and for the first time will use the Tucson name in all markets where it’s sold.

During the Geneva show Hyundai also unveiled two concept variants, a Tucson hybrid electric and a diesel-powered plug-in hybrid. The 48V Hybrid combines a 2.0-liter diesel model with 134 hp (100 kW) and a six-speed manual transmission along with a 14 hp (10 kW) electric motor; combined system performance is 148 hp (110 kW) and 413 N·m (305 lb-ft) of torque. This boosts system power by 10% while emitting only 109 g/km CO2. The concept plug-in-hybrid is also based on the all-new Tucson platform, is equipped with a 1.7-liter diesel engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The engine generates 113 hp (85 kW) and is accompanied by a 67 hp (50 kW) electric motor and a 10.7 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, which delivers an all-electric range of more than 50 km (31 mi). Combined system output is a maximum of 180 hp (135 kW) with 474 N·m (350 lb-ft) of torque, with estimated CO2 emissions of less than 48 g/km.

9. Lexus NX

2015 Lexus NX © Toyota Motor Corporation

The Lexus NX is a luxury compact crossover sold by Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. It was introduced in late 2014 as an entry-level crossover model in Lexus’ lineup, slotted below the mid-size RX crossover. The name NX stands for Nimble Crossover.

The NX was revealed at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 20, 2014. The NX shares a small portion of parts with the Toyota RAV4 primarily related to the structure and wheelbase, while the styling, suspension parts, engines, interior, and level of luxury and craftsmanship are unique to the Lexus. Lexus NX variants sold in the United States features slightly altered fascias which facilitate higher departure angles.

The Lexus NX is available with various powertrains. In the US, it comes in NX200t and NX300h trims: The Lexus NX200t features the newly developed 8AR-FTS 2.0L turbocharged inline four cylinder direct injection engine that can run on both Otto and Atkinson cycles. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, this engine produces 235 hp @ 4,800 rpm and 258 lb-ft at 1,650 rpm. The NX is the first Lexus vehicle to feature a turbocharged gasoline engine in the US market. The Lexus NX300h hybrid comes powered by a 2.5L inline four cylinder 2AR-FXE engine mated to an electric motor and CVT that puts out a combined 194 hp and is shared with the Toyota Camry Hybrid. In addition, a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 150 hp will be available in Russian markets.

8. Chevrolet Colorado

2016 Chevrolet Colorado © General Motors

The Chevrolet Colorado and its counterpart, the GMC Canyon, are compact pickup trucks marketed by American automaker General Motors. They were introduced in 2004 to replace the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC Sonoma compact pickups. It is named for the American state, Colorado.

Chevrolet Colorado made an auspicious debut in 2015. The all-new, segment-busting midsize pickup was named the 2015 Motor Trend Truck of the Year and Cars.com’s Best Pickup Truck of 2015 – and was the fastest-selling truck in the industry, prompting a third shift to be added to the Wentzville, Mo., assembly facility.

For 2016, Colorado returns with the same award-winning combination of refinement, maneuverability and efficiency, while continuing to offer innovative features such as Chevy MyLink with a built-in available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert. They complement true truck elements such as the available G80 locking rear axle and a highly flexible bed with Chevy’s available GearOn™ system.

New phone integration technology on Colorado’s MyLink system displays content from Apple iPhone 5 or later models on the multicolor screen through the Apple CarPlay feature. Supported apps for the system include phone, messages, maps, music and compatible third-party apps.

Colorado also offers an all-new, 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine that takes its segment-leading capability to new heights, including a maximum trailering rating of 7,700 pounds (3,493 kg) for 2WD models.

The standard engine remains a 2.5L four-cylinder that’s rated at up to 27 mpg on the highway, while an available 3.6L V-6 tops competitors’ V-6 offerings with up to 1,590 pounds (721 kg) of payload and up to 7,000 pounds (3,175 kg) maximum trailering.

Colorado is available in four-door extended- or crew-cab models. Models and trim levels include Work Truck (WT), LT and Z71. The off-road-inspired Z71 features a gunmetal grille surround – a change from the standard chrome on the other models – projector headlamps and 17-inch aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires, automatic locking rear differential, and standard transfer case skid plate.

7. Jeep Renegade

Jeep Renegade © Chrysler Group LLC

The 2016 Jeep® Renegade delivers a unique combination of best-in-class off-road capability, open-air freedom and convenience, a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission that contributes to outstanding on-road and off-road driving dynamics, two fuel-efficient engines, world-class refinement, and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology offerings.

For 2016, the Jeep Renegade’s offerings have expanded with the addition of several features, including the availability of BeatsAudio. The Renegade’s optional Beats premium audio system includes nine speakers with a 6.5-inch subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier for studio-quality sound.

For added safety and convenience in inclement weather, the 2016 Jeep Renegade now offers rain-sensing wipers as standard on the Limited and Trailhawk models and optional on Latitude.

The 2016 Jeep Renegade is available in Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk models in 10 exterior paint colors, including the new-for-2016 Granite Crystal Metallic and Jetset Blue Metallic Clear Coat.

6. FIAT 500X

2016 Fiat 500X © FIAT Group

The all-new 2016 Fiat 500X is the latest addition to the FIAT lineup in North America, combining the authentic Italian design and engaging driving dynamics synonymous with the FIAT brand, together with an available advanced all-wheel-drive system, unmatched functionality, and a full array of safety, comfort and convenience features. With comfortable seating for five, world-class craftsmanship, and superior ride and handling, the Fiat 500X delivers driving excitement, technology, safety and functionality to the rapidly growing small crossover segment.

In the United States, the all-new Fiat 500X is available with the fuel-efficient 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission, with an output of 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 engine produces 180 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque, and is paired exclusively to a nine-speed automatic transmission on all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive models.

A disconnecting rear axle allows for reduced parasitic loss when all-wheel-drive capability is not needed, improving fuel efficiency. The Dynamic Selector system allows the driver to choose from three modes (Auto, Sport and Traction +) for the most suitable vehicle configuration in different driving conditions. The 2016 Fiat 500X offers up to 70 standard and available safety and security features, including Forward Collision Warning-Plus, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection. Electronic stability control (ESC) with Hill-start Assist and electronic roll mitigation is standard on all models, as are seven air bags.

Loaded with technology and convenience, the Fiat 500X is available with features like Uconnect 6.5 radio with a 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen and navigation, Bluetooth streaming audio, a 3.5-inch color thin-film transistor (TFT) cluster display, Keyless Enter ‘n Go, and heated front seats and steering wheel. The all-new Fiat 500X was designed at Centro Stile in Turin, Italy, where designers leveraged the character and iconic features of the Fiat 500 into a larger and more mature package. On the exterior, design elements like double headlamps, a trapezoidal nose, the signature “whiskers and logo” face and the rounded clamshell hood pay homage to the original Cinquecento. The purposeful and distinct Italian design carries through to the interior with clever storage, body-color instrument panel, a circular cluster display and iconic door handles.

The 2016 Fiat 500X is available in five trim levels: Pop, Easy, Lounge, and for a more athletic look, Trekking and Trekking Plus. The Trekking and Trekking Plus models feature unique front and rear fascia designs and Satin Silver accents for a distinct, aggressive appearance. Crafted in Italy at Fiat Automobiles’ Melfi assembly plant, the all-new Fiat 500X arrived in FIAT studios in North America in the first half of 2015. As a global vehicle, it is sold in more than 100 countries worldwide.

5. Honda HR-V

2016 Honda HR-V © Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

The Honda HR-V is a nameplate that Honda used on two generations of mini SUV. The first generation HR-V was based on Honda Logo and sold in Japan and selective Asian-Pacific markets between 1999 and 2006. The second generation HR-V was based on third-generation Honda Fit and went on sale in North America, Australia, Brazil, and selective Asian markets in 2015. The second generation HR-V was largely identical to Japan-market Honda Vezel which went on sale in late 2013.

The abbreviation HR-V, according to Honda’s HR-V history website, officially stands for Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle. The HR-V was introduced to cater for the demand for vehicles with the benefits of SUVs (in particular its bigger brother the Honda CR-V), such as increased cargo room and higher visibility, along with the manoeuvrability, performance and fuel economy of a smaller car.

he second-generation Honda HR-V debuted at the 2014 New York Auto Show as a concept car, with the production model unveiled later at the 2014 LA Auto Show. It shares the same platform as the third-generation Fit and is largely identical to the Vezel, which went on sale in Japan in December 2013. HR-V will be smaller than both CR-V and Pilot, again (after the demise of Element) giving Honda a range with three CUVs.

The US-market HR-V is manufactured at Honda’s Celaya, Mexico assembly plant alongside Fit and went on sale in May 2015 as a 2016 model. It is powered by a 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC I4 engine mated either to a CVT transmission similar to the Civic or a 6-speed manual transmission (FWD only). Fuel economy for front-wheel drive (FWD) automatic models is rated at 28/35/31 mpg (city/highway/combined) or 27/32/29 mpg for all-wheel drive (AWD) models.

In Asia, the Thailand-market HR-V went on sale in November 2014. It is powered by the 1.8L engine with three grades namely EL, E and S. Sales of the HR-V is expected to be expanded to other Asian markets from 2015. The Brazil-market HR-V, also assembled by Honda’s Celaya, Mexico plant, went on sale in first-quarter 2015 as a 2016 model.

4. Chevrolet Camaro

2016 Chevrolet Camaro © General Motors

The Chevrolet Camaro is an automobile manufactured by Chevrolet, classified as a pony car and some versions also as a muscle car.

It went on sale on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year and was designed as a competing model to the Ford Mustang. The car shared its platform and major components with the Pontiac Firebird, also introduced for 1967.

Four distinct generations of the Camaro were developed before production ended in 2002. The nameplate was revived on a concept car that evolved into the fifth-generation Camaro.

The sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro revealed offers higher levels of performance, technology and refinement and is designed to maintain the sporty car segment leadership earned over the past five years.

The Gen Six Camaro provides a faster, more nimble driving experience, enabled by an all-new, lighter architecture and a broader powertrain range. Six all-new powertrain combinations are offered, including a 2.0L Turbo, an all-new 3.6L V-6 and the LT1 6.2L V-8, which is SAE-certified at 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 455 lb-ft of torque (617 Nm) – for the most powerful Camaro SS ever. Each engine is available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

Camaro’s leaner, stiffer platform and slightly smaller dimensions are accentuated by a dramatic, sculpted exterior. Meticulously tuned in the wind tunnel, the exterior contributes to performance through reduced aerodynamic lift for better handling while enhancing efficiency.

A driver-focused interior integrates class-leading control technologies, including a new Driver Mode Selector, configurable instrument cluster and a customizable ambient lighting feature.

3. 2016 Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Tacoma Toyota © Motor Corporation

The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck manufactured in the U.S. by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota since 1995. The first generation Tacoma, model years 1995½ through 2004, was classified as a compact pickup. The second generation was classified as mid-size. The Tacoma was Motor Trend Magazine’s Truck of the Year for 2005.

As of 2015, the Toyota Tacoma is sold in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Panama, Bolivia, Chile, and the French territory of New Caledonia.

The new 2016 Tacoma was partly developed by the Toyota engineering team at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. Starting with the frame, they added high strength steel to help enhance rigidity and overall strength. Ultra-high strength steel was integrated into the body shell using a new hot stamping process that reduces weight.

To create a truck to meet the needs of active drivers on a variety of tamed and untamed surfaces, the suspension was fine-tuned to help deliver a smoother on-road ride, while making it even more capable off-road.

2. Chevrolet Silverado

2016 Chevrolet Silverado © General Motors

The new 2016 Silverado 1500 builds on Chevy Trucks’ legacy of dependability with a dramatic new design, advanced connectivity and enhanced customer-focused technologies. New front-end designs with a bolder, more sculpted appearance reflect the underlying strength of the Silverado’s high-strength steel construction, which helps provide the capability customers need and the value of low-cost ownership they count on.

Powerful, efficient V-8 engines are an integral part of the Silverado’s capability and use advanced technologies such as direct injection, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and continuously variable valve timing to offer the best V-8 fuel economy ever in a pickup – 23 mpg in 5.3L models – and the most powerful V-8 in a light-duty truck: 420 horsepower (313 kW) from the available 6.2L engine.

The 6.2L V-8 enables up to a 12,000-pound max trailering rating, when properly equipped, providing the strength to haul heavy loads for work or recreation – with the confidence that comes from the experience of more than 100 million Small Block engines built since 1955.

1. Chevrolet Malibu

2016 Chevrolet Malibu © General Motors

The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1983 and since 1997. The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, becoming its own model line in 1978. Originally a rear-wheel-drive intermediate, GM revived the Malibu nameplate as a front-wheel-drive car in 1997. Named after the city of Malibu, California, the Malibu was marketed primarily in North America, with the eighth generation marketed globally.

The 2016 Malibu reaches an exceptional level of fuel efficiency with an all-new hybrid powertrain that uses technology from the Chevrolet Volt. The hybrid helps offer a GM-estimated 48 mpg city, 45 mpg highway – and 47 mpg combined, unsurpassed in the segment. The Malibu’s standard 1.5L turbo powertrain is projected to offer 37 mpg highway.

Longer and lighter, the new Malibu also offers more interior space. Its wheelbase has been stretched close to four inches (101 mm), and it is nearly 300 pounds (136 kg) lighter than the previous model.

Steve Allen: