September 2009 Archives

Autos Canada have published a review of three 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cars. 'Mercedes offers a Sport Package to enhance the C's style and driving dynamics, now standard on C300 models, that includes a sport grille with integrated star, AMG front and rear aprons and side skirts, 17-inch rims, a tuned suspension, upgraded brake calipers, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, and stainless steel pedals, while RWD C300s can also get the Dynamic Handling Package, standard on the C350, which lets the driver set up damping, steering, throttle response and gear change speeds from comfort to sporting levels. Other 2009 model year upgrades include an optional harmon/kardon Logic7 surround sound audio system that's clear and sharp yet warm and rich, while the COMAND APS infotainment system is relatively easy to use as far as these types of user interfaces are concerned.'

Inside Line have published their review of the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox LT2 SUV. 'First, the compact 2010 Equinox looks and feels as if it actually belongs in the same segment as larger, better-equipped SUVs. Second, this 2010 Chevrolet Equinox LT2's frugal 2.4-liter inline-4 engine was adequate for driving slowly on city streets or cruising at a steady speed on the highway, but it kept trying to get our attention in an annoying way despite its nifty noise-canceling loop built in to the vehicle's audio system.'

MotorTrend have published a review of the 2011 Kia Sorento SUV. 'Subtle but meaningful tweaks to the 2011 Sorento's proportions yield big gains on the visual and functional fronts. Sleeker sheetmetal previewed in the KND-4 Concept boasts more pronounced edge-and-wedge flair accentuated by a "flying wing" side scallop and a far bolder front fascia with a dramatically reshaped "Schreyer line" grille/headlamp treatment that design chief Peter Schreyer is establishing as a Kia signature cue. At the rear, a large single-piece liftgate serves as the centerpiece of its own more interestingly contoured fascia while 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels complete the mix.'

Jalopnik have published their 'test drive" review of the 2010 Acura ZDX. 'The cockpit of this Acura is one of the nicest we've seen, period. It doesn't really break any new ergonomic ground, although everything is right where it should be. What makes it truly stand out is the design, which puts the driver and passenger in comfortable and attractive "pods," and the quality and tactile feel of the surfaces. A lot of time and effort was spent in determining the best materials for surfaces in the ZDX, and it was time well spent. The leather, which Acura selects and applies by hand using techniques developed specifically for this car, is of especially high quality and is a tactile delight.'

Auto Express have published their "test driven" review of the Jaguar XJ. 'When you open the boot to stash your bags the load area looks smaller than the figures suggest, but its 520-litre capacity should be more than adequate. Climb aboard and space isn't an issue. Predictably, given our model's extra-long platform, there is a huge amount of rear legroom. The amount of headroom is less generous thanks to its rakish roofline, but six-footers will still fit in the back. Smart airplane style tables fold down from the front seatbacks and will be familiar to owners of the outgoing XJ, but the most striking thing as you relax in the contoured leather seats is just how light the interior feels.'

A review of the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid SUV has been posted over at SearchChicago.com. 'Comfort and convenience are naturally integrated into the design process of crafting a Chrysler automobile. The base price of $45,270 on my test vehicle included luxurious amenities such as heated leather-trim seating with embroidered logo on front seatbacks, light wood trim, bright interior accents, rear backup camera, park sense, UConnect phone and navigation system, adjustable pedals, Sirius satellite radio and an optional power sunroof. Chrysler's hybrid vehicle is a two-mode full hybrid system that is a shared partnership development with Mercedes-Benz, BMW and General Motors.'

LeftLane have published a review of the 2010 Lincoln MKT crossover SUV. 'At first glance, the Lincoln features the unmistakable split-wing grill that adorns the face of several new Lincoln vehicles, but offers its own unique twist that flows into the HID headlamps. The side profile of the MKT certainly features more curves, with a higher, more sophisticated belt line than the Flex, and it wraps around to a very unique and yet again polarizing rear-end. Unlike the Flex, which features an essentially purely vertical lift gate, the MKT features a strongly sloped, tall lift gate with a large rear reflector that spans the entire width of the vehicle, much like the MKZ. The modern and retro-inspired Lincoln design cues are endless, though the overall look isn't quite as cohesive as its MKS and MKZ stablemates.'

The Independent have published a review of the Alfa Mito. 'The £16,000 MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde is the best showcase: its engine proving powerful, smooth, sonorous and satisfying. It seems to do all that is promised of it - enjoyment enhanced in this top model by a slick six-speed gearbox plus adaptive damping which has the effect of sharpening the MiTo's usually rather rubbery responses, making the steering feel more natural and improving the ride over ridges. Bigger wheels and cloverleaf badges in green faux-carbonfibre complete the picture.'

A review of the 2010 Ford Mustang GT has been posted over at BusinessWeek.com. 'I can't see much reason to buy the V6 Mustang, which is powered by a 4.0-liter, 210-horsepower engine that's seen better days. The convertible has some appeal as an alternative to the aging Chrysler Sebring convertible. But the main appeal of the V6-powered Mustang coupe is its low price (it starts at just $21,845; add $5,000 for the convertible) and decent fuel economy (it gets 18 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway, and uses regular gasoline). But you're getting a Potemkin sports cars; it looks hot but it lacks the guts. And there are more practical alternatives if all you want is an economical car (the entry-level Chevy Malibu, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, etc).'

A review of the 2010 Kia Forte has been posted over at the USATODAY.com. 'There's a lot to recommend the 2010 Kia Forte sedan. The EX midlevel test car was lively, even though powered by the base, 2-liter engine. Tuned to deliver a lot of scoot with only a little pedal. The brakes likewise did a lot for not much pedal push. And the steering. Straight ahead without twitching and tugging the wheel. The leather seats. Sweet. No six-ways-from-Sunday lumbar supports, magic massage devices or other gadgets some automakers use to justify high prices. Credit the lack of furbelows for adding to Kia's comfort. Straightforward, nicely shaped, sufficiently supportive seats.'

The Truth About Cars have published a review of the BMW Z4 roadster. 'The Z4 is a bit of an experience even when standing still. The bonnet is cartoonishly long, while the interior is inexcusably cramped. It's not a small car, particularly compared to a Cayman, but BMW has only managed to provide two rather narrow pockets for the driver and passenger. There's a self-conscious artistry to the dashboard arrangement and the ostentatious simplicity of the controls. It's an odd mix of vintage seating position and postmodern aesthetics, but the overall message is plain: this is not a regular 3-Series convertible. It's a "sports car" in the classic sense.'

The Car Connection have published a review of the 2010 Nissan 370Z roadster. 'The 2010 Nissan 370Z is a two-seat sports car that is newly available in five different flavors; there are the standard coupe and convertible offerings, both available in base or Touring trims, and a new-for-2010 NISMO edition that gets both performance and visual enhancements. When the Nissan 370Z debuted last year, the automotive press was largely impressed with the overall styling, which Car and Driver called "largely successful." The curvaceous exterior was originally penned with a roadster model in mind, so the addition of the new convertible model is much more than an afterthought, and it certainly shows in the design.'

A review of the Ferrari California super car has been posted over at CarAdvice.com.au. 'While the Ferrari California is wildly impressive, I'd be remiss in my duties as a car reviewer if I didn't mention a few criticisms - despite the fact that they're surely irrelevant. The steering proved too light to the touch and the seats didn't offer sufficient side support during aggressive cornering. These are the only aspects of the car that did not encourage sporty driving, and even they weren't enough to dampen spirits too much. Having said all that, with more direct steering and racier seats, the California would be close to perfect. Some critics have offered that the car is not the prettiest design to emerge from Maranello, but that's an argument for another day.'

Motor Trend have published their "First Ride" review of the 2010 Jaguar XJ. 'The 2010 XJ is a complete repudiation of its predecessor. Well, almost complete: The new car's body-in-white is again made from lightweight aluminum, and a number of platform architecture elements and component sets are carried over from the old car. And after riding in a long wheelbase Portfolio version with Jaguar chassis guru Mike Cross at the wheel, it clearly has the same delicate, cat-like grace on the road. But everything you can see and touch is a time warp away from the cloying back-to-the-60s ambience of the last XJ.'

Inside Line have published their "test driven" review of the 2010 BMW 5 Series GT. 'First, the 5 GT is not a 5 Series at all, really. The wheelbase and both track widths are identical to those of the new 7 Series, with which it shares the really good F01 modular chassis that has been created for use with the next 5 and 6 Series as well as the new 7 Series. Since the GT is 4.3 inches taller than the current-generation 535i sport wagon (and 3.5 inches squatter than the X6), the ease of entry and exit is right on with the design brief -- the height is perfect for the everyday. Regarding interior space, the 5 GT is pure genius and we could easily see ourselves driving it cross-country nonstop if the fuel tank held 200 gallons of unleaded and there were a port-a-john aboard. It's particularly spacious in the rear, offering the legroom of a 7 Series and the headroom of an X5.'

CNET have published their review of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 Coupe. 'As in other Mercedes-Benz models we've driven with this V-8 engine, the E550 Coupe was ready and willing to go, leaping forward when we gave it even just three-quarters throttle. That power is fed through a seven-speed automatic transmission, something Mercedes-Benz has done a good job of refining. In its manual mode, shiftable with the stick or paddles on the steering wheel spokes, gear changes feel surprisingly precise. Much of the slushiness from the torque converter has been eliminated by incorporating an electronically controlled clutch.'

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Honda Insight 1.3 ES-T Hybrid. 'Step inside Honda's cut-price Prius rival and you'll discover a cabin suitably infused with a techno vibe. There's no mistaking you're on board something a little different thanks to the bold layout of the dash and the in-your-face instruments. Highlights include a digital speedo that glows green when you are driving with optimal efficiency and ever darker blue if you give in to impatience and wring the little 1.3-litre motor out. For some, the overall aesthetic will be a little too reminiscent of a Japanese budget Hi-Fi systems jostling for attention on a superstore shelf. Whatever you think about it, subtle it ain't.'

A review of the 2009 Volvo XC70 T6 wagon has been posted over at SearchChicago.com. 'The XC70 is a formidable wagon with luxurious amenities, comfortably supportive seats, loads of safety features, a versatile cabin and all-weather capability thanks to a standard all-wheel-drive system. Visibility with XC70 is good because it sits a bit higher than a typical wagon, giving the driver a nice view of the road. Plus, wagons like the XC70 feature plenty of glass and that provides a good all-around view for backing in and out of parking spaces. The XC70 went through a major redesign last year and now Volvo has upped the ante with a new turbocharged T6 model for 2009. There are a few other revisions, too, such as making Bluetooth connectivity standard.'

The Independent have published their "test driven" review of the Seat Ibiza Cupra hatchback. 'It's great fun on the track, with quick, accurate steering and a tail willing to drift outwards when you lift off the accelerator in a corner. This it does enough to give the Cupra a pointable, agile feel but not so much as to make it unstable. Just two annoyances. The DSG gearbox won't let you downshift until speed has dropped enough for the desired lower gear not to speed the engine beyond 5,000rpm or so, which means missed shifts when piling into bends and the worry of no longer knowing exactly what gear you're in without looking at the display. And with the ESP system switched off, essential on the track to stop power being interrupted all the time, the warning light flashes distractingly while you're trying to concentrate.'

BusinessWeek have published a review of the 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera supercar. 'Starting prices range from $77,250 for a basic Carrera Coupe up to $141,650 for an all-wheel-drive Cabriolet with a turbocharged engine. Keep in mind, though, that the price soars even higher when you start picking add-ons from the 911's extraordinarily long list of options. In addition to an extra $4,080 for the PDK automatic, you can pay from $3,655 to $5,405 for a leather interior in a wide variety of colors, $1,815 to $2,440 for a wide variety of custom wheels, $3,125 for sport bucket seats. You can even add a variable volume exhaust system ($2,500), which allows you to make the car's engine growl louder and more gutturally at the push of a button.'

Auto Express have published a "test driven" review of the Mercedes E220 CDI SE saloon. 'Meet the executive saloon that's more economical than a Ford Fiesta! This is the Mercedes E220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY - the latest and greenest version of the three-pointed star's four-door limousine. Thanks to a sophisticated 168bhp 2.1-litre twin-turbo diesel, tweaked aerodynamics and low-rolling-resistance tyres, this super-green E-Class can return 53.3mpg combined. Incredibly, that makes it 1mpg more frugal than a Fiesta 1.25. But is the new BMW 5-Series challenger as good a luxury saloon as it is a money-saver?

A review of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS has been posted over at LeftLaneNews.com. 'A muscle car for the new millennium, the Camaro SS is the latest in a line of two-doors that stretched from 1966 (as a 1967 model) to its fourth generation model, which ceased production in 2002. The fans never went away - as evidenced by the hefty waiting list you'll encounter at a dealership today. They just got older and, er, paunchier. And that's somewhat like the car that we have here today. On the other hand, though, the new Camaro is on a mission to attract millennials to the car and the brand, a group that has been enamored with imports from the Far East. After a night hanging out at the neighborhood Sonic Drive-In, we'd say Chevrolet has succeeded.'

The USA TODAY have published a review of the Chevrolet Equinox crossover SUV. 'The new Equinox styling trumps the small-SUV field -- a fashion model among the sweat-suited masses. No hybrid is available. GM's two-mode hybrid system "was ready to go" for the Vue this summer. But post-Chapter 11, GM has axed Saturn, and the two-mode hybrid is "an expensive system, and right now we're not going to announce any plans" to use it in the Equinox, Reuter says. Based on suburban scooting in a nicely equipped, four-cylinder, front-drive test model ($28,625) and a more-optioned V-6 all-wheel drive ($33,235), here's what to expect.'

The Car Connection have published a review of the 2010 Audi Q5 SUV. 'The 2010 Audi Q5 performs near the top of its class. A 3.2-liter, 270-horsepower V-6 is mated to a six-speed automatic with manual gear selection and all-wheel drive. The engine's fairly sweet-revving, though a little louder and more vibration-prone than you might expect-just like the six-cylinder in the latest Lexus RX. Gear changes are quick and mostly trouble-free, unless you choose a downshift manually in Tiptronic mode at the wrong power point. The Q5 will obey, so long as it doesn't frag its engine doing so.'

A review of the 2010 Lexus HS250h has been posted over at CNET. 'Like the Prius, the HS features four drive modes for its hybrid power train: normal, ECO, power, and EV. Eco mode dulls the throttle response to smooth out pedal inputs of lead-footed drivers, while also reducing the power draw of the climate controls. When you're in a hurry, hit the Power mode to sharpen the performance for better acceleration at the expense of a few mpgs. Normal mode attempts to evenly balance economy and performance. EV mode forces the vehicle to operate under electric power only at low speed. However, a few conditions must be met. The battery must be sufficiently charged and you must treat the accelerator pedal like an eggshell. Even then, you'll only get a few miles of sub-20mph driving before the battery drops below the safe level and the gasoline engine fires up to recharge it.'

Inside Line have published their "Full Test and Video" of the 2009 Ford Fiesta Titanium. 'This 2009 Ford Fiesta Titanium five-door hatchback you see here begins with a stripped-down price equivalent to $16,233 by our estimates. And since the least expensive 2010 Ford Focus S sedan you can buy will cost $16,690, the entry-level Fiesta had better come in under that price. If you price the competition, the Ford Fiesta fits just under a car like a comparably equipped 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman (with only three passenger doors), which goes for $23,350. It's more like the new breed of bare-bones cars like the 2009 Honda Fit Sport, which is priced at $16,970.'