Charles Donaldson

2012 Volvo C70 – Fun in the Sun!

July 7, 2012 by Charles Donaldson Leave a Comment

Summer is here and so is the desire to get rid of my winter-infused white skin tone. It’s time to cut loose and get fancy-free with the wind in my hair, and the sun’s warmth on my skin as I cruise from meeting to meeting. At the same time, having the confidence of knowing you are driving a vehicle from a manufacturer with a reputation for providing the highest levels of safety, just helps make the ride much more enjoyable. Where can you find this combination of characteristics? Try the 2012 Volvo C70.

The 2012 Volvo C70 is a beautiful luxury hardtop convertible with flowing lines. With the push of a button, in just 30-seconds, the C70 transforms from the safety of a hardtop coupe to an open-air convertible. The C70 seats four in luxury and comfort.

What’s new for 2012 includes Bluetooth with audio streaming capability, a new smartphone application featuring concierge, and available LED daytime running lights. The 2012 C70 comes in one model, T5 ($40,450), and five major packages: Climate Package ($1,000), Dynamic Package ($1,000), Inscription Package ($3,900), Platinum Package ($3,600) and Premier Plus Package ($1,000).

The three-piece C70 coupe roofline was developed in Italy by Pininfarina. The profile of the C70 reflects the aggressive styling of a coupe. Sweeping A-pillars, flowing lines, and enlarged wheel-wells create a strong presence. With the top down, the silhouette morphs into a stylish up-scale roadster. The rear shoulders cascade into the tail lights and raise up to meet the truck lid, adding an up-scale image.

The interior is handsome and dressed in high-quality fabrics. The cabin features ergonomically designed front bucket seats that are extremely comfortable. They slide forward with the touch of a button to ease the entry and exiting of occupants to the rear seats, which accommodate two passengers.

The dash and instrument panel are clean and simple to use. A navigation screen rises up from the center of the dash. The C70 has Volvo’s flat-panel center stack that is extremely thin and has a small storage area behind it. The C70 has lockable storage compartments in the cabin area, which are quite beneficial when the top is down.

The 2012 Volvo C70 is made for highway cruising verses high performance. My guess is that the C70 is catering to the more conservative driver looking for style, luxury, and safety. It doesn’t accelerate as quickly as say, a BMW 3-series convertible; however, at freeway speeds it purrs just fine. Handling is light and confident with precise electric power steering.

The 2012 C70 is front-wheel drive and is powered by the proven 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that delivers 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque on the T5 model. The Inscription trim package boosts the horsepower to 250 and torque to 273 lb-ft. Both versions of the 2.5-liter engine are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. (It surprises me that the C70 hasn’t upgraded to at least a six-speed automatic transmission which would help increase its fuel mileage).
Room for improvement:

The performance could be somewhat enhanced

Cool Features:

Smart Key feature
Rollover Protection System with pop-up roll bar
Side mirrors automatically fold in when car is turned off

The standard safety equipment for the 2012 Volvo C70 includes: front airbags, side airbags in front, and head-protection air curtains that activate upward from the doors even with the windows rolled down. Electronic stability control with traction control, antilock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Assistance, and a tire-pressure monitoring system, rounds out these features. Volvo offers an optional blind-spot information warning system and rear park assist.

In Summary – The 2012 Volvo C70 is a beautifully crafted car delivering the duel convenience of being a hardtop coupe and a luxury convertible. There may be other vehicles faster off the line, but if that isn’t a concern for you, then I suspect you will be happy with the acceleration of the C70. The C70 is quiet, comfortable, and very sophisticated. Inside and out the C70 is built with high-quality materials including aluminum trim and sculpted wood. You won’t find another convertible in its class that can compete with the variety of safety features equipped in the C70.

Specifications
2012 Volvo C70 Inscription

Base price: $40,450 as driven: $51,570 (including destination and optional packages)
Engine: 2.5-Liter 5 cylinder turbocharged
Horsepower: 250 @ 5000
Torque: 273 foot pounds @ 1500-4800
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
Drive: Front-Wheel Drive
Seating: 4-passenger
Turning circle: 38.7 feet
Cargo space: 12.8 cubic feet
Curb weight: 3,627 pounds
Fuel capacity: 16.4 gallons
EPA mileage: City 18 / Highway 28
Wheel Base: 103.9 inches
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper to bumper
Also consider: Acura TT, BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS, and Volkswagen Eos

2012 Ford Edge – Bold and Fuel Efficient!

June 10, 2012 by Charles Donaldson Leave a Comment

I don’t know about you, but I enjoy riding in style and still believe that what we drive says something about who we are and what is important to us. For example, you could actually hear comments such as, “Wow! Look at the lines on that car. That owner has class,” or, “Did they really pick that color of green, and what’s with the smoking exhaust?” Of course, it’s not just the sheet metal that makes a statement. These days it’s also how green or fuel efficient a vehicle is both on the environment and on our pocket books.

Meeting the qualifications of star-studded design, power, and fuel-sipping friendly will limit one to only a handful of choices. With that said, there is a new entry in this category that is making a splash: the 2012 Ford Edge with EcoBoost.

The Ford Edge has enjoyed strong sales numbers since its launch. It is a beautiful mixture of sedan and sport-utility falling into the popular cross-over category. The 2012 Edge is now available with the all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, delivering an EPA-estimated 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

The 2012 Ford Edge comes in four trim levels: SE ($27,770), SEL ($31,080), Limited ($34,915) and Sport ($37,110). The Edge offers three engine options. Standard on all except the Sport, is Ford’s 3.5-liter V6 that generates 285 horses, and 253 foot pounds of torque while squeezing out MPG numbers of City 19/Hwy 27. The Sport is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 that drums up 305 horses with 280 lbs of torque and logs MPG in at 19 City and 26 Hwy.

The optional 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine ($995) happens in at a respectable 240 horsepower, and here is the twist: it puts out 270 pound-feet of torque – that’s more than the 3.5-liter V6 and it manages MPG stats of 21 City and 30 Hwy. The acceleration of the EcoBoost is smooth and quick. All engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift. These numbers are for the 2-wheel drive models.

The Ford Edge shares a platform structure that underpins the Mazda 6. It is classified as a five-passenger crossover and cousin to the Lincoln MKX. The Edge experienced a facelift in 2011 and remains pretty much unchanged for 2012, with the exception of the new 2.0-liter Ecoboost motor. The Ecoboost models receive special aerodynamics to reduce drag and help improve fuel mileage. The 2012 Edge is equipped with compelling features including real adult interior room, MyFord Touch system and a Vista Roof glass panel.

The interior defines what a crossover vehicle wants to be. There is plenty of room for five occupants to sit high and in comfort with sedan-like styling and features. But wait! With just a few adjustments the Edge is ready to take on large loads of bulky cargo. Buttons in the cargo area quickly drop the back seats down for added load space. The fit, finish, and interior materials are rich to the touch and show like a luxury car.

The Edge comes with two different gauge and switch packages. The SE and SEL are equipped with the more conventional analog instrument cluster and a single 4.2-inch LCD information display. The instrument panel on the Limited and Sport models is much larger with a panel of switches and steering-wheel mounted buttons.

The MyFord Touch system is an evolution of the Ford SYNC voice-activated system. It controls and displays audio settings, climate adjustments, telephone, navigation, and SYNC services. There are some touch buttons below the screen that allow you to manually manipulate climate and audio changes. Ford has experienced a fair amount of complaints with the MyFord Touch stating it is hard to use. They have made a number of improvements; however, still think it has a way to go. The nice part is that you can operate a number of these systems via voice commands.

From the driving prospective, the 2012 Ford Edge behaves more like a sedan than a truck. The tires roll with comfort and cuts corners with confidence. The high sitting position provides a better view of the road and surroundings. The braking system has been upgraded and the feel of the pedal is vastly improved. The optional All-wheel drive is electronically controlled and operates full-time delivering power mostly to the front wheels and elsewhere when the situation requires.

Room for improvement:

MyFord Touch system keeps improving; however, still needs some work

Cool Features:

Bold front grille
Push button start
Smart Key feature (finally offered on a Ford)
Ford’s excellent navigation system

The standard safety equipment for the 2012 Ford Edge includes dual-threshold front airbags, front-passenger side impact airbags and head-protection curtains for all outboard seats, Ford’s ActiveTrack stability system with rollover mitigations, antilock brakes, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Option safety features available are: a rearview camera, a blind-spot warning system, and all-wheel drive.

In Summary – The 2012 Ford Edge is a beautifully designed crossover inside and out. The addition of the new 4-cylinder Ecoboost engine adds the cherry on top providing impressive fuel economy from a vehicle of its size and weight. The interior is dressed to impress and packed with available high-tech toys to add to the driving experience. When comparing the features against the comparable European models, the price tag highlights the value of the 2012 Ford Edge.

Specifications

2012 Ford Edge Limited with EcoBoost

Base price: $34,915 as driven: $38,910 (including destination and optional packages)

Engine: 2.0-Liter 4 cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost

Horsepower: 240 @ 5500

Torque: 270 foot pounds @ 3000

Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic with SelectShift

Drive: Front-Wheel Drive

Seating: 5-passenger

Turning circle: 39.3 feet

Cargo space: 68.9 cubic feet

Curb weight: 3,998 pounds

Fuel capacity: 18 gallons

EPA mileage: City 21 / Highway 30

Wheel Base: 111.2 inches

Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper

Also consider: Acura RDX, Audi Q5, GMC Acadia, Honda Crosstour, Infiniti EX, and Volkswagen Tiguan

2012 Acura ZDX Crossover – Coupe Style!

May 1, 2012 by Charles Donaldson Leave a Comment

Crossovers are still very popular and vital to the U.S. market. A crossover is the blending of the high riding and utility of an SUV, but built on a more fuel efficient automobile platform. In an effort to add a sporty flare, Acura created the ZDX which looks like a four-door sports coupe. The advantage is sleek profile styling. The ZDX was designed, developed, and is manufactured in North America. The sculpted lines and sensuous curves were crafted by Acura’s first female designer.

At first glance you may think the Acura ZDX is the sister car to the Honda Crosstour. The truth is they are quite different and built on different platforms. The ZDX is built on the Acura MDX foundation, versus the Honda; sitting on the Accord under-belly. I suspect that buyers of the ZDX will be responding more to it on an emotional level versus a space logic. Think empty-nesters. The coupe-like rear-end takes a big bite out of your rear cargo space.

The styling from the front is big and bold with a hint of upscale chic. The face of the ZDX is aggressive with an Acura-beaked grille. Diamond-shaped headlights morph into the front fenders and a large Acura logo is framed in the grille. The ZDX features a panoramic glass roof, hidden rear door handles, and pronounced fender flares.

The 2012 Acura is available in three trim levels: Base $46,905, Technology $51,405, and Advance $57,455. All three models come with a 3.7-liter VTEC V6 that generates 300 horsepower and 270 pounds of torque and is mated to a 6-speed automatic with Sportshift. Standard on the ZDX is Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system providing outstanding cornering ability as well as excellent all-season capability.

The interior design of the ZDX is titled a “2+Freedom,” which translates into plenty of room for the front occupants, adequate cargo space for weekend vacations, and comfortable rear passengers’ space for two adults. The ZDX does seat five; however, Acura recommends to keep the trip short. A new manufacturing processes allows the ZDX leather to precisely follow the complex lines of the instrument panel, center console and door panels.

The interior on my fully-loaded Advance edition was two-tone with beautiful lines as the center console flowed into the dash with elegance. The cabin area with rich leather appointments gives the 2012 Acura ZDX a warm, comfortable, and airy feel. The cabin is well lit due to the extensive use of LED lighting along with natural light shining through from the panoramic sunroof.

The ZDX is tuned to provide an ideal balance of precision handling, road isolation, and damping. For its size and mass, the ZDX feels surprisingly light and agile. The suspension is made up of front Macpherson struts and rear multi-link that uses specially-tuned coil springs, dampers, and anti-roll bar for a quiet luxurious ride and handling.
Room for improvement:

Rear declining roof line does compromise space for the rear passengers

Cool Features:

Rich with advanced technology features on upscale models
Push button start
Cool Sports-coupe design

The standard safety equipment for the 2012 Acura ZDX model includes ACE™ is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. ACE™ utilizes a network of connected structural elements to more-evenly distribute crash energy throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to equally disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash.

Also included safety features are: multiple-threshold front airbags, dual-chamber side airbags with a front passenger side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), front seats with active head restraints, knee bolsters for front occupants, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor and front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system with integrated load limiters. In addition, the 2012 ZDX has a Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) along with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

In Summary – The 2012 Acura ZDX offers an original twist to the crossover concept. The merging is of distinctive sport coupe-like styling with a high-level of refinement with Acura’s confident durability record and high resale value. It is bold, unique, comfortable, and very powerful. The ZDX will not be for everyone; however, if you are looking for a vehicle that stands out from the crowd and can reliably and with confidence take you on the snowy weekend trips, then the 2012 Acura ZDX is worth putting on your to-buy list.

Specifications
2012 Acura ZDX Advance

Base price: $56,670 as driven: $57,455 (including destination)
Engine: 3.7-Liter 6 cylinder
Horsepower: 300 @ 6300
Torque: 270 foot pounds @ 4500
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic with Sportshift
Drive: All Wheel-Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Turning circle: 38.4 feet
Cargo space: 26.3 cubic feet
Curb weight: 4,462 pounds
Fuel capacity: 21 gallons
EPA mileage: City 16 / Highway 23
Wheel Base: 108.3 inches
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper to bumper
Also consider: BMW X6, Cadillac SRX, and Infiniti FX 35

2012 Infiniti IPL G37 Coupe – Sport-Tuned Performance!

April 4, 2012 by Charles Donaldson Leave a Comment

0412-Passign-Lane1 — 2012 Infiniti IPL G37 Coupe

I remember modifying my 1966 Ford Mustang and rebuilding the engine to produce a screaming 300 horses, slapping on rumbling exhaust and working the suspension. The image I wanted and achieved was lo ud and powerful with the ability to handle tight curves and feel every bump in the road. In the 1980’s that was the general requirement to be classified as a sports car.

Well, the years have passed and so has my desire to be thrashed by unforgiving suspension and deafened by sound polluting mufflers. So what’s out there for us rehabilitated sports car junkies? How about the 2012 Infiniti IPL^™ G37 Coupe?

Eager to deepen their gas pedals into the world of the performance game, Infiniti has launched a new line of premium performance vehicles; the Infiniti Performance Line or IPL. Smartly, Infiniti didn’t just focus on extra horsepower and acceleration. They also enhanced the total refined vehicle performance luxury with modifications to the exterior, interior, suspension and engine tuning. The limited production IPL G37 Coupe is the first Infiniti to come from this new line.

From a distance, the profile is quite similar to the current G37 Coupe. A more detailed examination exposes the IPL treatment including new front and rear fascias, sleek side sills and IPL-exclusive 19-inch split-spoke wheels. You have two exterior choices – Graphite Shadow and Malbec Black. The front fascia is aggressive and beautiful. From the rear you cannot help but notice the enormous 120mm dual exhaust tips.

The interior doesn’t vary much from the standard G Coupe. The leather seats are available in either black or red with red accent stitching, and the dash is trimmed in polished aluminum. I would have suggested that they be a little more creative and placed some IPL logos to customize the interior like they did with the exterior. With that said, the IPL edition is fully loaded and very comfortable-at least in the front seat.

As with the standard G Coupe, the rear seat was not truly designed for long trips or tall people or short people for that matter. I had to move the front passenger seat to nearly its most forward position to provide my son who was parked in his child seat, adequate room for his little three-year old legs. Of course, all he cared about was that the IPL looked like a super-fast car.

Standard features include power sliding/tinted glass moon roof, 12-way power/heated driver seat, 8-way power/heated front passenger seat, driver’s seat power lumbar support, dual zone automatic temperature controls, intelligent key with push button start, dual heated power outside mirrors, chrome front grille (black grille optional), aluminum kick plates, hard drive navigation system with XM NavTraffic^® and XM NavWeather^™, rear view monitor and sonar system, Bluetooth^® hands-free phone system, USB connection port and Infiniti voice recognition system.

The Infiniti IPL team invested their time and money in the development of the powertrain and chassis. Infiniti dropped the 348-hp version of the 3.7-liter V-6 under the hood. They opened up the exhaust allowing the back pressure to drop by 30 percent. Compared to the standard G37 Coupe, the IPL only has a mild increase of 18 horsepower. Mated to the 3.7-liter is the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed automatic transmission with Drive Sport mode and solid magnesium shift paddles.

The IPL-tuned performance suspension receives 20-percent tighter front springs and 10% tighter rear coils while the brakes and steering components are carryovers. A limited slip differential is standard. The power steering is sport-tuned, and vehicle speed-sensitive. Braking includes 4-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers. All of this translates into a very comfortable and quiet ride. If you have ever driven the G37 sister car – the Nissan 370Z, you know that you feel every bump in the road. The IPL G37 is a huge improvement and delivers a luxurious ride and sporty handling.

Room for improvement:

Infiniti could have made the interior more distinctive

Cool Features:

Aggressive front fascia
Push button start

The standard safety equipment for the 2012 IPL G37 Coupe model includes two-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags for front passengers with front and rear side-curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, lower anchors and tethers for Children (LATCH), front-seat active head restraints, 4-wheel anti-lock braking system, vehicle security system and electronic stability system.

In Summary – The 2012 Infiniti IPL G37 Coupe is a wonderful blend of performance and luxury in a sports car. It has great lines, a comfortable ride, and extreme performance. It’s not a family car, but a lot of fun when traveling either alone or with that someone special. At a price of

$51, 250 it comes loaded with features.

Specifications

2012 IPL G37 Coupe

Base price: $51,250 as driven: $52,345 (including destination)

Engine: 3.7-Liter 6 cylinder

Horsepower: 348 @ 7400

Torque: 276 foot pounds @ 5200

Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic

Drive: Rear Wheel-Drive

Seating: 5-passenger

Turning circle: 36.1feet

Cargo space: 7.4 cubic feet

Curb weight: 3769 pounds

Fuel capacity: 20 gallons

EPA mileage: City 19 / Highway 27

Wheel Base: 112.2 inches

Warranty: 4 years/60,000 miles bumper to bumper

Also consider: Audi TT, BMW 3 Series, Porsche Cayman, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

2012 Mazda 2 – Zoom-Zoom & Smiling!

March 10, 2012 by Charles Donaldson Leave a Comment

It seems wherever we look there are a greater number of small cars on the road. The subcompact segment is growing in popularity partially due to their lower price point and better economical fuel ratings. One of the main differences between the small cars of yester year and the products of today, is that small no longer means cheap, slow vehicles with limited features.

We may be willing to trade space for fuel efficiency; however, that does not mean we want less style and fewer features. While Mazda has developed a reputation for building fun-to-drive cars, this subcompact Mazda2, at 155.5 inches in length, is packed with Zoom-Zoom fun!

The Mazda Mazda2 (no, I didn’t stutter, that’s just Mazda’s naming platform) was introduced here in 2011. It fills the subcompact gap that they had in their lineup allowing them to compete with the likes of the Honda Fit and Kia Rio.

History lesson – Ford, for many years, owned controlling interest in Mazda and in turn worked quite closely with Mazda and relied on their expertise in developing small cars. Even though the “ownership” relationship has ended, Ford and Mazda continue to work together on certain projects. The Mazda2 and Ford Fiesta are examples of their current collaboration; however, the Mazda2 has a completely different powertrain, interior and styling.

The 2012 Mazda2 is available in two trim levels: Sport ($14,370) and Touring ($15,855). Both models come standard with a five-speed manual transmission. Add $840 for a four-speed automatic transmission.

The exterior styling is sleek and surprising. I had to look twice to confirm something so small actually had four doors! The Mazda2 has a soft shoulder line that emerges from the top of the front wheel well and rises to the taillights. A lower and stronger crease at the bottom begins at the front wheel and raises up to the middle of the rear tire creating an in-motion stance.

The 15-inch alloy wheels with all-season Yokohama 185/55 R15 tires fit perfectly in the small wheel wells and are pushed out leaving short overhangs, providing the maximum wheelbase. The fun part is in the happy-smiling grille. It is as if the big grin is saying, “Small can be cute, too!”

Where the front is smiling, the rear is frowning. The rear hatch has a sporty spoiler and opens to a small cargo area (13.3 cubic feet) only adequate for groceries, backpacks or other mini items. With the 60/40 split, fold-down rear seats, folded flat-the cargo capacity grows to 27.8 cubic feet.

The interior is clean and comfortable. Mazda was quite generous with the use of black and gray, perhaps to a fault. The only source of color was a small, red piping in the front and rear seats (Touring model only). The surfaces were nice to look at; however, constructed of hard plastics. My test vehicle was equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission. The shifter is located high just below the center cluster, verses directly on the floor. The Touring model receives an upgraded leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control command buttons.
The driving experience is what you would expect from Mazda – total Zoom-Zoom. Power comes from a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 100 horsepower and 98 pounds of torque. That may not seem like a lot of horses under the hood, but mated to the manual transmission it has good pick up and go. Don’t forget, the Mazda2 only weighs 2,306 pounds. The automatic gets only a one-Zoom rating. The EPA rated the fuel economy at 29 city and 35 highway (manual) and at 28 city and 34 highway (auto).

The steering was tight and corners well thanks to its Yokohama tires, independent front suspension and anti-roll bar. The braking was improved on for 2012 and consists of disc brakes up front and rear drums in the back. If the car generated more horsepower I might be calling foul with drum brakes, but 4-wheel disc would probably be overkill on the Mazda2.

Room for improvement:

Plenty of wind noise in the cabin

Cool Features:

Smiling front end
Optional Bluetooth(r)-enabled phone connectivity

The standard safety equipment for all the 2012 Mazda Mazda2 models includes six airbags (advanced dual front, front-seat mounted and full-length side curtain, and crushable brake-pedal assembly, LATCH seating system, front seatbelt pretensioners, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

In Summary – Mazda keeps the Zoom-Zoom spirit alive even in its smallest vehicle. The 2012 Mazda Mazda2 turns small into a fun driving experience. My car was colored in Mazda’s Spirited Metallic Green, which in itself had people checking out the little green machine. If you are looking for small and spunky, then check out the 2012 Mazda Mazda2.

Specifications
2012 Mazda Mazda2 Touring

Base price: $15,855 as driven: $16,920 (including destination)
Engine: 1.5 Liter 4 cylinder
Horsepower: 100 @ 6000
Torque: 98 foot pounds @ 4000
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Drive: Front Wheel-Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Turning circle: 32.1feet
Cargo space: 13.3 cubic feet
Curb weight: 2,306 pounds
Fuel capacity: 11.3 gallons
EPA mileage: City 29 / Highway 35
Wheel Base: 98 inches
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper
Also consider: Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Toyota Yaris

2012 Kia Soul – Funky Attitude!

January 29, 2012 by Charles Donaldson Leave a Comment

Gas prices are on the rise leading us to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. That said, we still need our space to transport, as the late, great George Carlin described as, “our stuff.” The auto manufacturers from Asia have introduced us to a few of their small boxy cars; however, in my opinion, the winner with the greatest attitude is the 2012 Kia Soul.

Kia launched the Soul in 2009 as a 2010 model. It was the first product from their new design leader, Peter Schreyer. His task was to morph the Kia lineup from dull to a dazzling style. With the Kia Soul he managed to make boxy look so cool and stylish. Kia’s new design theme is now reflected in their entire lineup.

The 2012 Kia Soul has arrived with a mid-cycle refresh with an updated look along with a more powerful and fuel-efficient powertrain. New for 2012: a new six-speed transmission, gasoline direct injection, a new Infinity premium audio system, new projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights that are slightly bulged, a redesigned hood and new front and rear bumpers. Add to that lineup, new and modern LED rear light clusters, and two new exotic exterior paint colors – Canyon and Moss.

New on the 2012 Soul and Soul Sport models is UVO powered by Microsoft®3 in-car hands-free communication and infotainment system. The available premium package includes heated front seats, leather seat trim, automatic climate control, navigation system (in lieu of UVO system), and push-button start for added upscale comforts..

The 2012 Kia Soul is available in three trim levels, base ($13,900), “+” ($16,300) and “!” ($19,600). The Base model comes standard with a 1.6L GDI 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed manual transmission. The “+” and “!” are equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. An optional six-speed automatic transmission is available on the Base and “+” and standard on the “!”.

The new exterior styling may not be dramatically different from the original; however, has been enhanced to project a stronger stance, with a bit more bling. The roof line angles down, while the belt line angles upward delivering an in-motion feel even when the car sits still. The large rear hatch makes it easy to load and unload into the small cargo area. The major form of the Soul may be square, but this little model has lots of angles and curves. Flat, raised, and rounded wheel wells project out creating a side profile theme that is hip and fun.

The interior is populated with curved angles of décor trim bringing those hip elements inside the Soul. It is simple and functional with an ergonomic layout. The seats were comfortable and had SOUL stitched across each of the backrests. The interior improvements showed of increased attention to detail; fit and finish. One of the trick options that young drivers love is the rotating color front door speaker rims that bounce to the beat of the music or can be adjusted to stay one color. The lights can also be turned completely out when you want to remain anonymous. The rear seats can fold flat with a 60/40 split to increase your overall cargo room.

The most improved feature comes from the engine compartment. There are two choices – 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter four cylinder engines. The 1.6L now has 138 horsepower (a 13% increase over last year), and the 2.0L jumps to 164hp (a 16% increase). Even with the increased horsepower, both engines deliver better fuel economy. Transmissions come in the form of a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. For 2012, Soul and Soul+ models offer an Eco package on the 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter engines with automatic transmissions, which includes ISG technology for improved fuel economy and low-rolling-resistance tires. (ISG is an idle stop-and-go in which the car automatically turns the engine off at stops, and restarts when lifting your foot off the brake preparing to move again).

Room for improvement:

Plenty of road noise in the cabin

Cool Features:

Music thumping, lighted speaker rings
Hip styling

The standard safety equipment for every 2012 Kia Soul models includes: six airbags, active front headrests, LATCH seating system, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and a tire pressure monitor.

In Summary – When it comes to the boxy little vehicles of transportation, the 2012 Kia Soul has a hand up in the styling cool factor. It sits at a price point attracting buyers from an array of age groups. The Soul is an entertaining vehicle to get around in. With its improved power and fuel economy I am sure it will continue to be a hit for Kia. The Kia Soul is a funky urban commuter with personality and spunk.

Specifications
2012 Kia Soul+

Base price: $17,300 as driven: $19,845 (including destination)
Engine: 2.0 Liter 4 cylinder
Horsepower: 164 @ 6500
Torque: 148 foot pounds @ 4800
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Drive: Front Wheel-Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Turning circle: 34.4 feet
Cargo space: 19.3 cubic feet
Curb weight: 2778 pounds
Fuel capacity: 12.7 gallons
EPA mileage: City 26 / Highway 34
Wheel Base: 100.4 inches
Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles bumper to bumper
Also consider: Dodge Caliber, Honda Element, Nissan Cube, Scion xB, and Suzuki SX4

2012 Honda Civic: The Next Generation!

December 31, 2011 by Charles Donaldson Leave a Comment

In 1973 Honda introduced a tiny little car called the Civic. Thirty-nine years later, Honda launches the ninth generation of one of the company’s most popular vehicles in the all-new 2012 Civic. The 2012 Civic was originally scheduled to grow in length, but with fuel prices on the rise, Honda decided to keep this generation to a similar size as the past version. This decision delayed the launch of the ninth generation which was not helped by the devastating earthquake and tsunami occurrences.

Consumer Reports for the first time did not place the Civic on its Recommended List sighting cheap interior and other issues compared to some of its latest competitors. However, my impression was that even though some of the touch-points of the dash were a little harder than I would have liked, the overall interior of my test Civic HF featured an attractive design, quality materials, and a colorful, futuristic instrument cluster. Knowing Honda, they will seriously review the comments from Consumer Reports and make any necessary modifications to future model years.

The model lineup for the 2012 Honda Civic consists of DX Coupe ($15,605), LX Coupe ($18,455), EX Coupe ($19,705), EX-L Coupe ($21,955), Si Coupe ($22,205), DX Sedan, LX Sedan ($15,805), HF Sedan ($19,455), EX Sedan ($20,505), EX-L Sedan ($21,955), Si Sedan ($22,405), Hybrid Sedan ($24,050), and Civic Natural Gas ($26,155).

New features on the 2012 Honda Civic include intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID), USB Audio Interface, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, and a Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and FM Traffic.

Even though the 2012 Civic is classified as all-new, the overall sheet metal hasn’t changed much compared to the eighth generation. The differences show themselves in redesigned fascias, expressive mono-form exterior styling with clean and flowing lines, and an updated rear end. The sedans get a side profile that is less cab-forward looking, while the coupes carry on with the more shapely style. The sporty SI trim is tricked out in spoilers and a body kit.

Honda describes the body styling as a futuristic and distinctive compact. However you want to portray its unique look, the Civic draws buyers from high school graduates to young families to baby boomers and retirees.

The interior is comfortable and continues with some of the previous generation design cues. The seats are firm, nicely bolstered, and easily adjusted. Thinner windshield pillars improve the forward viewing area. A new I-MID or Intelligent Multi-Information Display allows the driver to rotate through a variety of vehicle information. The optional satellite navigation system now includes a voice recognition function.

Under the hood you’ll find a re-engineered 1.8-liter I-4 engine with enhanced fuel economy, a larger and more powerful 2.4-liter I-4 Si powerplant, and a new Civic Hybrid powertrain that delivers higher overall performance and improved fuel economy. If you are not interested in going for a Hybrid, the HF is equipped with a specially tuned 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that generates slightly higher fuel economy ratings at 29 City and 41 Highway. There are two transmissions that are available on the 2012 Civic – 5-speed manual and 5-speed automatic with overdrive.

The 2012 Civic delivers a contemporary driving impression that you would expect from a small family car. It is quick off the line, but don’t expect race car acceleration. The handling is what we expect from a Civic – confident with excellent ride quality. The overall length is about the same as the 2011 model; however, the wheelbase is slightly shorter.

Room for improvement:

Considerable body roll during hard cornering

Cool Features:

Dual Winged lights in dash indicating the driving eco mode
Voice recognition function on the optional satellite navigation system

The standard safety equipments for all the 2012 Honda Civic includes the Honda-exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE)™ body structure for frontal collision energy management and vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility, side curtain airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) and anti-lock braking.

In Summary – Between 1973 and 2010, Honda has sold 8.8 million Civics in the United States and will continue to sell more with the new 2012 Civic. Its slick styling, durability, comfortable interior, and great fuel economy will keep the Civic as a top-selling model on the Honda dealership showroom floors. With its wide variety of trims, I’m sure there is a version that will meet the qualification of folks looking for a smaller, yet fun vehicle.

Specifications

2012 Honda Civic HF Sedan

Base price: $19,455 as driven: $20,225 (including destination)
Engine: 1.8-Liter 4 cylinder
Horsepower: 140 @ 6500
Torque: 128 foot pounds @ 4300
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic with Overdrive
Drive: Front Wheel-Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Turning circle: 35.4 feet
Cargo space: 18.4 cubic feet
Curb weight: 2698 pounds
Fuel capacity: 13.2 gallons
EPA mileage: City 29 / Highway 41
Wheel Base: 105.1 inches
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper
Also consider: Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Festiva, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda MAZDA3, and Toyota Corolla

2012 Nissan Rogue – Going Rogue!

December 4, 2011 by Charles Donaldson Leave a Comment

Nissan introduced the Rogue compact crossover back in 2008. The 2012 Nissan Rogue compact SUV is pretty much a carryover of the 2011 Rogue that was refreshed mid-cycle. For 2012 the Rogue receives a new grille and front fascia, chrome-accented door moldings, rear spoiler, new color options and new features including Bluetooth and a USB port.

The 2012 Rogue is placed between the larger Nissan Murano and the smaller Nissan Juke. The styling has remained true to itself over the previous four years. A redesigned version is due next year as a 2013 model.

The 2012 Nissan Rogue is offered in two trims: S, and SV. All models come standard with front-wheel drive and an optional all-wheel drive system. Nissan Rogue crossover SUV adds a new Special Edition package for 2012, along with revised content for the various option packages. The Rogue is one of the best-selling vehicles in the Nissan lineup.

The new high-value Special Edition package ($1,200) includes steering wheel audio controls, Rear View Monitor, 4.3-inch audio display, USB connectivity, satellite radio, fog lights, and privacy glass. Other enhancements for 2012 include the addition of a new “Sport Mode” switch on all models, new 17-inch (SV) and 16-inch (Special Edition) aluminum-alloy wheels, and one new exterior color, Graphite Blue. Also, the SL Package adds the innovative Around View® Monitor.

The Rogue is among the lengthiest compact crossovers. Nissan describes the exterior as “an image of modern sophistication.” I would say the styling follows the general Nissan conservative theme; this is not to say that it is boring. This vehicle is actually quite nice; just not over-the-top. The front and rear wheel wells have dramatic arches with a belt line that sweeps upward at the rear creating a line that meets up with the swooping roofline.

The Rogue which seats five has a rather spacious interior for the front passengers and average for those in the rear. The cargo capacity ranges from 28.9 cubic feet to 57.9 cubic feet with the second row seat folded down. The interior was fairly comfortable with soft points on a rounded dash. Controls were easy to access and use with silver trim.

Performance on the Rogue comes in the form of one engine offering: 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder that delivers 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The engine is tuned to provide ample torque in the low-to-mid rpm range for a smooth and powerful acceleration. Every Rogue trim comes standard with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT™. A new Sport Mode switch is added for 2012. Fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg City and 28 mpg highway for the front wheel drive models and 22 city/26 highway for the all-wheel drive models.

Room for improvement:

Maximum cargo volume could be improved

Cool Features:

New Sport Mode
Optional Around View® Monitor feature, which utilizes four small superwide-angle cameras – mounted on the front, side and rear of the vehicle – to provide a virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle

Handling response is enhanced with an electric power-assisted steering system. The Rogue comes equipped with 4-wheel independent suspension and wheel sizes that range from 16-inch to 18-inch.

The standard safety equipment for the 2012 Nissan Rogue includes six standard air bags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and vehicle dynamic control with traction control system.

In Summary – The 2012 Nissan Rogue is a fun and attractive crossover. The only question might be whether to wait for the all-new version due in 2013. You might also consider waiting to see Nissan offers special price promotions on the 2012 inventory to make room for the 2013 models. Either way, the 2012 Nissan Rogue is a fine value.

Specifications

2012 Nissan Rogue S FWD with the Special Edition package

Base price: $21,530 as driven: $23,730 (including destination)
Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 170 @ 6000
Torque: 175 foot pounds @ 4400
Transmission: Continuously Variable (CVT) with Sport Mode
Drive: Front Wheel-Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Turning circle: 37.4 feet
Cargo space: 57.9 cubic feet
Curb weight: 3292 pounds
Fuel capacity: 15.9 gallons
EPA mileage: City 23 / Highway 28
Wheel Base: 105.9 inches
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper

Also consider: Dodge Nitro, Ford Edge, Honda CRV, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Wrangler, and Toyota Rav4

2012 Jaguar XJL Massaging Luxury!

November 6, 2011 by Charles Donaldson Leave a Comment

Has your time come to ignite an eight-cylinder supercharged super luxury sedan? Have you had enough of the beautiful yet abundant Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus models that are in every other driveway? Are you looking to stand out in a crowd and show your neighbors, co-workers and the rest of the world that you have class and intrigue like no other? If so, then your next trip should be to a Jaguar dealership to test drive the all-new 2012 Jaguar XJL sedan.

After 41 years of having the same basic body design, Jaguar takes a bold step to transform its flagship XJ into a restructured work of art. After sales of the XJ began to decline, the team at Jaguar decided to juice up their iconic sedan with revolutionary changes to the XJ’s exterior and interior design.

The all-new XJL is a long-wheelbase version of the XJ with a new “Executive Pack” that transforms the rear of the XJL into a mobile office with fold-down business trays, an electric rear sunblind and reclining rear seat.

The 2012 XJ and XJL body panels are forged from aluminum which delivers a light curb weight starting around 4,000 lbs. for the base model. The sides come straight down and the roofline extends back far over the trunk. The hood, front driving lights, grille and spoiler pose a sculptured elegance. The overall design is as animalistic and muscular as the wild Jaguar as its name sake.

The organic lines and sloping roofline establish the agile and grace expected from the luxury brand. The standard glass top has two fully functioning sunroofs that generate an environment of openness and light. The XJL may just be the new standard of luxurious prominence.

The full model lineup for the XJ is as follows: XJ ($73,700), XJL Portfolio ($80,700), XJ Supercharged ($88,600), XJL Supercharged ($91,600, XJ Supersport ($111,200) and the XJL Supersport ($117,700). I had the extreme pleasure of having the XJL Supersport trim as my test vehicle. I was living large and receiving the nods of approval and envy during my week long test drive. What a car!

The incredible performance of the XJ comes from three engine choices. The XJL Supersport manifests its power from a 5.0-liter V8 supercharged engine that produces 510 horsepower and 461 lbs-ft of torque. The other two supercharged models pound out 470-hp and 424 ft-lbs of torque. The non-supercharged versions of the XJ come standard with a 5.0-liter V8 with 385-hp and 380 lbs-ft of torque.

The interior of my XJL Supersport test model had more leather than my living room. The opulent cabin design flows with the elegance expected from a super-luxury car priced twice as much as the XJL. This includes every detail of the interior, from the two-tone butter-soft hides to the walnut and piano black trim.

The front seats were incredibly comfortable and include a massage feature. Replacing your standard gauges is a 12.3-inch high-definition virtual instrument cluster graphically displaying the speedometer, fuel, temperature and more. A thin band of walnut curl veneer trim encircled the dash merging graciously into a prominent 5-inch strip on the doors. The steering wheel is composed of wood trim and leather with a multitude of controls. An innovated 8-inch touch-screen is used to assist with the radio and environmental controls as well as navigation and backup camera.

The rear compartment of the XJL Supersport was as cozy as the front complete with lighted vanity mirrors and drop down tables on each side. An electric rear window shade for additional privacy with heated and reclining rear seats are superior features. As you would expect since the “L” in XJL stands for length, the rear legroom was plentiful. To increase your comfort even more, rear passengers have individual heating and cooling controls, seat temperature controls, and a removable foot rest.

Premium surround-sound options include the top-of-the-range 1200W Bowers & Wilkins® system that is comparable in audio quality to the best in-home entertainment. Advanced infotainment features also include hard-drive based audio and navigation systems and comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices via the powerful Media Hub.

Room for improvement:

Poor fuel economy at 12 City and 17 Highway

Cool Features:

Massaging Seats
Panoramic Glass Roof
SmartKey Keyless Entry and Start

The standard safety equipments for all the 2012 Jaguar XJ includes Xenon front and LED rear lights, traction and stability control, antilock brakes, alarm and engine immobilizer, side curtain airbags, front side airbags, tire pressure monitor system, blind spot warning system and active head restraints. The optional adaptive cruise control provides boosted emergency brake assist and a forward collision alert system.

In Summary – My conclusion is that the 2012 Jaguar XJL would make Jaguar’s founder, Sir William Lyons, incredibly proud and wish he was around for a behind-the-wheel experience. Despite the radical design change, sale numbers are proving that timing was everything when they brought the XJ into the 21st Century in both appearance and electronic proficiency. In terms of luxury, technology, and build quality, I wouldn’t hesitate to compare the XJL against the Bentley Flying Spur, BMW 7-Series or the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. In my humble opinion, the 2012 XJL Supersport tops the list.

Specifications
2012 Jaguar XJL Supersport

Base price: $117,700 as driven: $118,575 (including destination)
Engine: 5.0-liter V8-cylinder Supercharged
Horsepower: 510 @ 6500
Torque: 461 foot pounds @ 5500
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic with Overdrive and Paddle Shift
Drive: Rear Wheel-Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Turning circle: 41.7 feet
Cargo space: 18.4 cubic feet
Curb weight: 4223 pounds
Fuel capacity: 21.7 gallons
EPA mileage: City 15 / Highway 21
Wheel Base: 124.3 inches
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper to bumper
Also consider: Bentley Flying Spur, BMW 750Li, BMW Alpine B7, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class

2011 Land Rover LR4 – Rugged Luxury!

October 1, 2011 by Charles Donaldson Leave a Comment

Have you ever wanted to take the road less traveled or traverse up a hill just to get to the other side? But wait; there is another side to your driving adventurist-self that involves trips to work, the store, and the opera. Perhaps it’s in the need to show that you appreciate how you get there versus just getting there. You possess the desire to blend go-anywhere skills with high-tech comfort attributes. If this describes you then the 2011 Land Rover LR4 is calling to you.

The Land Rover LR4 was redesigned in 2010 and grew up from the previous generation known as the LR3. For 2011 the exterior remains mostly unchanged. With an upgraded interior, a new engine, a fresher exterior, and enhancements to the Terrain Response system, the 2011 LR4 is ready to take on the toughest terrain with an almost auto-like ride.

The model lineup for the 2011 Land Rover LR4 is as follows: LR4 (47,650), LR4 HSE ($52,750) and the HSE LUX ($57,665). The two HSE versions come in a 7-passenger configuration. You can add the 7-Seat Comfort package to the base model for $1,150, which includes a third row of flat-folding seats, head curtain airbags, map lights, climate controls, and an accessory power outlet.

The LR4 is probably the most conservative in styling of the Land Rover models, but still pulls off a beautiful unique profile. It continues the tall boxy shape of the LR3, but with rounder lines and angles. The design is a big improvement over the LR3 granting a more powerful presence in part due to the large fender flares. The raised roof in my test model had three sunroofs and the rear side windows extended all the way to the top of the raised-rear roof line. The LR4 grille features two horizontal bars with stretched honey-comb like cavities. Large square blocks of glass with round inserted headlamps stand guard on both sides of the grille. Chrome side vents add a flare of sportiness.

The wheels are extended outward creating short front and rear overhangs to avoid damage during an off-road rugged terrain adventure. New for 2011 are enhancements to the Terrain Response system including the new Hill Start Assist and the Gradient Acceleration Control. There are several other new standard options and features to enjoy.

The interior of the LR4 has been upgraded tremendously replacing cheap plastic trim with a leather-trimmed dash with rich wood trim, softer touch materials and improved placement of controls and knobs. In other words, the LR4 receives high marks for comfort, luxury, and utility. The quality of the fit, finish and materials are outstanding. The leather seats are comfortable and the LR4 has an innovated 35/30/35 split for the second row seats with each section folding flat.

The door panels are a combination of wood and chrome trim with big bold handles to either close the door or hold on tight while venturing off-road. The keyless entry system with Perimetric Sensing Security system can remain in your pocket or purse as the LR4 has push button start. The optional surround camera system uses five cameras – two facing forward, one on either side of the truck facing down, and one at the rear to give an approximate 360-degree view.

The Land Rover LR4 is equipped with the new 5.0-liter DOHC V8 with direct fuel injection and variable camshaft timing that launched on the 2010 model. It produces a respectable 375 horsepower and 375 foot-pounds of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed ZF automatic transmission than can be placed in Normal, Sport and Manual modes and the electronic two-speed transfer case can be shifted on the fly. All-wheel drive is standard.

The suspension uses electronically controlled air springs and shock absorbers. The ride is smooth and the steering is responsive especially for a vehicle as tall as the LR4. The Terrain Response system has five settings: Highway, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Rock Crawl.

Room for improvement:

Poor fuel economy at 12 City and 17 Highway

Cool Features:

The Terrain Response System
Nine Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System
Start Ignition Button

The Land Rover LR4 safety equipment includes six airbags (eight with third-row seats), Dynamic Stability Control, Collision-activated inertia switch, ABS with Electronic Brake force distribution, Emergency Brake Assist, and tire pressure monitor system.

In Summary – The 2011 Land Rover LR4 with a starting sticker price below the $50,000 mark truly feels like a premium luxury vehicle. It comes with a long list of standard features and high-tech components including Bluetooth connectivity and a navigation system with off-road features. If you are looking for an extremely capable off-road vehicle with a combination of elegance and sportiness then check out the new 2011 Land Rover LR4.

Specifications2011 Land Rover LR4

Base price: $47,650 as driven: $52,850 (including destination)
Engine: 5.0-liter V8-cylinder
Horsepower: 375 @ 6500
Torque: 375 foot pounds @ 3500
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic with Overdrive and CommandShift
Drive: Four Wheel-Drive
Seating: 7-passenger
Turning circle: 37.3 feet
Cargo space: 90.3 cubic feet
Curb weight: 5,833 pounds
Fuel capacity: 23.3 gallons
EPA mileage: City 12 / Highway 17
Wheel Base: 113.6 inches
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper to bumper
Also consider: Acura MDX, BMW X5, Lexus RX 350, and Mercedes-Benz GLK