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Archives for June 2013

2014 Mazda3 Packs In The Zoom-Zoom

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Mazda took advantage of a slow early summer news cycle to unveil the next generation of its popular Mazda3 compact. Through a concerted series of reveals in five cities including New York, this Japanese automaker has followed through on its promise to raise the bar in a tightly competitive segment.

2014 Mazda3.
Mazda brings the zoom-zoom to a new generation Mazda3.

New Model: 2014 Mazda3

The new Mazda3 represents the third generation of a vehicle that has topped 3.5 million sales to more than 120 countries in 10 years. It advances the KODO design language found in the CX-5 and Mazda6, bringing forth numerous SKYACTIV technologies including new engines and transmissions. SKYACTIV is Mazda-speak for efficient engines and transmissions as well as lighter, but more rigid platforms.

Expected to arrive in Mazda dealers this fall, the 2014 Mazda3 will offer two gasoline engines displacing at 2.0 and 2.5 liters. Both engines will be mated to a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmissions.

The standard engine is rated at 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. The larger engine makes 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 foot-pounds of torque at 3,250 rpm. Mazda says that performance is up by more than 10 percent over the previous MZR engine.

2014 Mazda3 Dimensions

The new model comes in lower and leaner than its predecessor and sits on a 106.3-inch wheelbase. The 2014 Mazda3 is 175.6 inches long, 70.7 inches tall and 57.3 inches wide. Interior changes free up slightly more hip and shoulder room; previous leg- and headroom capacities are preserved. Mazda tacked on two inches to the wheelbase while shaving two inches from the compacts overall length.

Mazda says that the new model will be outfitted with 16-inch steel wheels. Also available are 16- and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Other exterior features include an active grille shutter, daytime running lamps, slanted headlamps, and sporty tail lights.

Active Driving Display

Inside, Mazda describes changes that symmetrically realign the pedals to provide improved driver comfort and safety. Its cockpit layout includes an intuitive display of buttons and knobs, to allow the driver to be more engaged with the actual art of driving. Apparently, Mazda is seeking both to raise driver comfort as well as to showcase its in-house effort to combat distracted driving.

The 2014 Mazda3 also gains a new Mazda feature: Active Driving Display. ADD represents a clear pop-up panel that displays vehicle speed, navigation directions as well as other significant driving information. Mazda says that ADD places necessary information comfortably in the driver’s line-of-sight and where a driver’s eyes are naturally focused. Notably, the display automatically folds and hides when the Mazda3 has been turned off.

New Safety Features

The 2014 Mazda3 also introduces i-ACTIVSENSE, a suite of advanced safety technologies that incorporate established and new features. i-ACTIVSENSE makes use of cameras and milliwave radars to help the driver spot road hazards, avoid wrecks and reduce damage should an accident occur. Mazda notes that i-ACTIVSENSE won’t eliminate accidents, but it can help drivers respond faster in a bid to minimize them.

The suite includes high beam control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, forward obstruction warning, smart city brake support and Mazda radar cruise control. Smart City kicks in when the Mazda3 is traveling at speeds below 19 mph, an automatic braking system that will bring the 2014 Mazda3 to a stop if the driver fails to respond in time.

Fuel Mileage Estimates

Official fuel mileage estimates have yet to be announced, but estimates of 42 to 44 mpg on the highway have been suggested. If that threshold is reached, it would put the all-new Mazda3 at the top of the pack.

Don’t look for a diesel Mazda3, at least not initially. Although the 2014 Mazda6 will offer that option, it isn’t a feature slated for a model that competes with the Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Dodge Dart, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze, Volkswagen Jetta, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra and the Kia Forte for customer attention.

Photo courtesy of Mazda North American Operations.

Infiniti Q50 Is Priced Lower Than The Departing Model

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Infiniti’s new naming convention is rolling in with the 2014 Infiniti Q50 replacing the 2013 Infiniti G37. The new model is redesigned and is priced from $36,700, plus a $905 destination and handling fee. That brings the Infiniti Q50’s base price up to $37,605 or $650 less than the $38,225 charged for the 2013 Infiniti G37, delivery fee included.

Infiniti Q50

2014 Infiniti Q50

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 is powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 engine. A hybrid edition, featuring a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, is also available. Both models are available in rear- and all-wheel-drive arrangements. Sport or “S” versions of both gasoline and hybrid models are available, pushing the highest base price up to $49,055, including destination and handling. In all, the Infiniti Q50 line is represented by 10 packaging levels.

The new sedans go on sale nationwide in early July. The Infiniti Q50 introduces three new technologies not previously offered elsewhere: Infiniti Direct Adaptive Steering technology, Active Lane Control and Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW).

Infiniti describes its new steering system as allowing for “advanced control of the Q50’s tire angle and steering inputs, transmitting the driver’s intentions to the wheels faster than a mechanical system.” Its Active Lane Control system makes use of a camera-based lane marker detection system, while its Direct Active Steering system has been designed with improved lane-keeping capability. Essentially, the new system centers the sedan better than the previous system.

Infiniti’s PFCW system was engineered to warn the driver of risks that lie beyond the driver’s field of vision. PFCW determines the relative velocity and distance of a vehicle directly in front as well as the vehicle traveling in front of that one. Therefore, if you are following two vehicles, PFCW “knows” what both vehicles are doing.

Infiniti Q50

Naming Challenges

Infiniti will have a huge marketing challenge on its hands beginning with the 2014 model year. That’s when its old naming convention is thrown out and a new one is assumed. The G37 sedan is now the Q50 sedan, while the G37 coupe and convertible will sport the Q60 name. The previous M series becomes the Q70.

For crossover and SUV models, the naming convention adds an “X” to the nomenclature. Thus, the Infiniti EX becomes the QX50 and the FX transitions to the QX60. The current Infiniti FX becomes the QX70 and its largest SUV, the QX56, becomes the QX80.

Infiniti Q50

In-Cabin Technologies

Nomenclature aside, the Q50 brings forth other changes of note. The model will offer Infiniti InTuition, what Infiniti describes as “a fully customizable digital environment for linking various driver settings and driving characteristics to their Infiniti Intelligent Key.” Also included is Infiniti InTouch, representing the brand’s next generation connectivity, including dual touch-screens and updated functions, features and custom apps.

The changes for the new model will enable Infiniti to keep up with its chief competitors including the Lexus IS, BMW 3 Series and the Acura TL. As for the rest of the Infiniti line, you may need to have a scorecard at the ready to track the model naming changes that coming upon us.

Infiniti Q50

See Also — On the Road With an Infiniti Q50S

Photos courtesy of Infiniti.

The Big Ascent: 2013 Nissan Juke NISMO

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There is nothing ordinary about the Nissan Juke NISMO. Take one part SUV and another part rally car and what you have are the makings of a highly unusual vehicle. About as unusual as the Nissan Cube, but one that provides a far superior driving experience than its quadrate platform mate. A two-day, 600-mile jaunt through the southern Appalachian Mountain range personally revealed much about the 2013 Nissan Juke NISMO, while also winning over the heart of this once skeptical driver.

Nissan Juke Nismo

NISMO is new to the Nissan Juke for 2013.

Ascending Grandfather Mountain

It is about a 60-mile jaunt from Boone, NC to Erwin, Tenn., with Grandfather Mountain an ideal place to stop when traversing the southern Appalachian range. Grandfather Mountain at 5,946 feet is not the largest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain range. There are about 40 others that come in taller, with Mount Mitchell cresting at 6,684 feet, the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River.

Grandfather, however, is easily accessible with a narrow, twisting road taking you to a parking spot nearest the Swinging Bridge. That’s perfect for putting the Nissan Juke NISMO through the paces although, with tourist traffic in abundance, that portion of the trip won’t satisfy your need for speed. It will, however, demonstrate that summer tires plus a six-speed manual transmission paired with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine are a winning combination. Did I mention that this front-wheel-drive model has a sport-tuned suspension?

Shifting comes easy with the NISMO’s manual transmission, with the first and second gears aiding in moving this diminutive SUV precisely and quickly. I personally prefer a stick, especially for wide open driving. However, around town — especially in Boone — manual shifters can require much work, especially when tagging a tourist who thinks that the posted 20 mph signs are the law, not a suggestion.

Father-Son Excursion

Grandfather Mountain’s unique flora (Blue Ridge Goldenrod), crisp and cooler air and treasured fauna (northern saw-whet owl) are not to be missed. Sweeping views of the valley below from the Swinging Bridge have you appreciating the divine handiwork and what it took to assemble what only recently became a North Carolina state park. Heading back down the mountain meant engaging a handful of hairpin turns with steep drop-offs causing already sweaty palms to grip the steering wheel a wee bit tighter. That experience, however, was tempered by the usual parade of tourists gawking at the magnificent rock formations that abutted the road. Most were standing off the road; others stood right on it. Oh, to take to this road when the park is closed is a thought one can only dream about.

My younger son and I were alone on the journey, a special father-son outing that took him to an area of two states he had not seen before. Taking in rolling hills is usually the extent of his experience with those hills gradually easing on trips east toward the ocean. Heading west meant taking in a more pronounced topography, especially when leaving Grandfather Mountain on the way to Tennessee.

black bear
A satisfied resident of the Grandfather Mountain Zoo.

Nissan Juke Nismo

NISMO stands for Nissan Motorsport International Limited, the people that brought us the Nissan Skyline GT-R. They also developed the 370Z NISMO and will soon be bringing a GT-R NISMO to the world. NISMO is best known in the motorsports kingdom for race cars and off-road trucks that are outfitted with world-class suspensions and powered by robust engines mated to capable transmissions. There is even a NIssan LEAF NISMO RC, an electric-powered race car that whispers instead of roars.

2013 Nissan Juke NISMO

  • Sticker price from $22,990
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4 turbo engine
  • 197 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
  • 184 foot-pounds of torque @ 2,000 rpm
  • 3.14 inches bore by 3.19 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 9.5 to 1
  • 6-speed manual or CVT transmission
  • Wheelbase: 99.6 inches
  • Length: 163.8 inches
  • Width: 69.7 inches
  • Height: 61.8 inches
  • Passenger Volume: 86.7 cubic feet
  • Storage Volume: 10.5 cubic feet
  • Towing Capacity: N/A
  • EPA: 25 mpg city, 31 mpg hwy.
  • Fuel Tank: 13.2 gallons
  • Curb Weight: From 2,930 pounds
  • Vehicle Assembly: Oppama, Japan

The Nissan Juke Nismo adds nine horsepower to the standard 188 horsepower offered elsewhere and $4,000 to the base Juke sticker price. That higher price swaps out a continuously variable transmission for the six-speed manual, and delivers 184 foot-pounds of torque. Larger wheels, a NISMO-tuned suspension and steering, plus an aerodynamic body kit are part of the upgrade. The test model came with a navigation package which included a rearview camera, NavTraffic, a six-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system with amplifier and subwoofer, and a USB connection port.

The exterior upgrades included aluminum-alloy wheels, 18-inch Continental ContiSport Contact 225/45R 18 Y XL summer tires, smoked headlights, LED daytime running lights, red side mirror cladding, body-color fender lip moldings, a rear roof spoiler along with NISMO detailing across the grille and on the chrome exhaust.

Small, But Sport Interior

Inside, the Juke Nismo is outfitted with deeply bolstered imitation suede front bucket seats. Its tachometer and speedometer dials flank a digital readout that displays miles to empty and odometer readings. Take note of the tachometer: it may appear black at first glance, but when the cabin fills with natural light, it turns a brilliant red. A five-inch touchscreen display operates infotainment and navigation, with plenty of switches nearby to play with instead.

That the Nissan Juke has a back seat seems more like an afterthought. There are three seat belt placements, but this model would have best been served with a two-place seating arrangement or perhaps forgotten entirely. Notably, leg room is restricted and the existing back seat has difficulty folding down unless both front seats are pulled at least part of the way forward. The Nissan Juke is not a family car despite its four doors — you’d be satisfied with this model if performance and two available seats are your winning combination.

Joseph Gamble
Joseph Gamble, a historical interpreter at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park, prepares to fire his musket.

Davy Crockett Birthplace

“If you head over to the cabin, our guide will open it up for you. He may even fire his musket,” said the kindly docent at the Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park in Limestone, Tenn. We had arrived at the park an hour and one-half earlier only to find that the visitor center opening time had been pushed back from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The furthest out leg of our journey had us driving through mostly farmland, an area dotted with an old country store, a majestic red barn and not a few narrow, twisty roads. Those roads gave us the chance to once again test the Juke Nismo’s suspension system, a sport-tuned arrangement with increased spring and dampening rates. The Juke Nismo is also outfitted with speed-sensitive electric power steering, features that handled even the most challenging curves with ease.

One day earlier we found ourselves headed southwest on US 221, passing along and over sparkling rivers on a looping road that crossed the Tennessee border. Once we were in the Volunteer State, we took county and state roads past Roan Mountain and pushed nearly due west before we picked up I-26 and headed southwest to our overnight stop at Erwin. The mountain roads presented just the kind of drive that enthusiasts want with enough “slow passing lanes” in place to zip by slower moving traffic whose drivers had the good sense to stay to the right.

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NISMO Comes to the Nissan Juke

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View manufacturer details and pricing

Fifth gear became the default gear of choice for much of the high terrain portions of our trip at speeds of around 50 mph were maintained. The summer tires gripped the dry roads with ease, imbuing this driver with the confidence to put the Nissan Juke Nismo through its paces.

The musket fired and moments later we jumped in the Juke Nismo for our five-hour journey home. It was a whirlwind trip, something we wouldn’t have enjoyed nearly as much had we been riding in a more sedate model. But, we were riding in the Nissan Juke Nismo and tracing our way back along the same roads that had delighted us just a day earlier.

See Also:

Cute Ute: 2016 Honda HR-V

Nissan: Out With Juke, In With Kicks

Expanding Buick by Revisiting Opel

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The Buick brand is 110-years-old.

Buick Riviera

Does Riviera have a future in Buick?

Until GM killed off Saturn, Opel was the product partner for the planetary brand. With Saturn out of the way, Buick has taken over that spot with its Regal sedan representing its current and only Opel-derived offering. Yes, you can make a case for the Buick Verano, too, which is based on the Chevrolet Cruze platform, itself based on the Opel Astra.

Tapping Opel for Buick

GM is not satisfied with stopping at five model lines for the expanding Buick brand. Buick had retracted to just three model lines following GM’s restructuring and will most likely add a sixth model as early as next year when a compact crossover slots between the larger Enclave and the smaller Encore. That would give Buick three crossovers and three sedans for its customers, but there are still product line holes to fill, namely coupes that might bolster the brand.

Fortunately for Buick, GM chairman Dan Akerson likes what its European Opel division is serving up these days and has mentioned two models that would look “awfully nice in Buick showrooms,” reports Automotive News. The two Opel-supplied models plus one luxury concept might someday bring Buick’s product portfolio up to nine models.

Opel Cascada

The Opel Cascada is a 2+2 cabriolet.

 

Opel Cascada

The Cascada shares its platform with the Buick Verano and would be an attractive although pricey addition to the Buick line. This 2+2 convertible has been positioned to compete with the Audi A5 cabriolet, but its current engine line up including a 1.4-liter four cylinder engine would likely have to be upgraded for the American market. Perhaps nothing smaller than a 2.5-liter four would be appropriate as might the 2.0-liter diesel engine currently available in the Chevrolet Cruze. The estimated cost of a U.S.-spec Cascada is about $40,000.

Opel Adam

Chevrolet has the Spark minicar and Buick could get a minicar of its own. The Spark originates from Korea, while the Buick would seemingly be based on the Opel Adam, that brand’s answer to the Fiat 500. This cute, three-door hatchback is powered by a family of small four cylinder engines, seats four and is expected to be joined by a convertible model within a few years. Just as the Mini Cooper is a profitable vehicle for BMW, a Buick Adam might do likewise for GM.

Opel Adam

Opel’s Fiat 500 and Mini Cooper competitor.

 

Buick Riviera Concept

That Buick enthusiasts want to see the flagship Riviera return is a given. The latest Buick Riviera Concept was shown at Auto Shanghai 2013, and was jointly designed by Shanghai and PATAC design teams. It is a halo model with gull-wing doors and will at the very least provide inspiration for future Buick models. What would keep GM from investing in a high-end Buick? That would be Cadillac, its luxury brand, one with its own aspirations for a six-figure signature sedan. GM’s financial picture has vastly improved, but perhaps not to the point where both models would be supported.

Celebrating 11 Decades

GM has been touting Buick as a “modern luxury brand” in recent advertisements, muddling its position in the GM line up. Clearly, Cadillac is its sole luxury brand with Buick fitting squarely between Chevrolet and Cadillac. The brand is marking its 110-year anniversary this year and its future is certainly much brighter. Indeed, sales this year are up 16 percent, outpacing GMC and Chevrolet.

Our internal auto trends has Buick adding at least one coupe over the next few years. As progressively tighter fuel economy standards weigh in, the Opel Adam might be a fitting addition to the Buick line.

See Also — New Opel Diesel Engine Reduces Fuel Consumption by 10 Percent

Photos courtesy of General Motors Company.

Honda Accord Hybrid Aims for 49 MPG Rating

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Honda is about to have its second go around with the Honda Accord Hybrid, but this time it has aimed higher. The new model, slated to go on sale in Oct., is expected to deliver 49 mpg around the city and 45 mpg on the highway. That’s far better than the earlier V-6 powered model that was big on performance, but not so much on fuel efficiency.

Honda Accord Hybrid

Blue highlights mark the Honda Accord Hybrid.

Honda Accord Hybrid

The new Honda Accord Hybrid will be assembled in Marysville, Ohio, a first for Honda. The new hybrid features a two-model powertrain, one that it shares with the Accord Plug-in Hybrid, now available for sale. The SPORT HYBRID Intelligent Multi Mode Driver powertrain enables the sedan to pass through three driving modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive in a bid to provide maximum fuel efficiency and performance as needed.

The hybrid Accord utilizes a lithium-ion battery pack that sends electricity to the electric motor to power the sedan at low speeds and at what Honda calls “medium high cruising.” When the Honda Accord Hybrid operates in “hybrid drive” both the 124-kilowatt electric motor and an all-new 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine team up to provide maximum acceleration power.

In “engine drive” the Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine takes over and sends power to the wheels while also replenishing the battery pack. As with all hybrids, regenerative braking is employed to send kinetic energy to the battery pack.

Exterior and Interior Treatments

With the Honda Accord Hybrid, slight changes to the fascia are apparent. A blue-accented grille and light lenses, unique hybrid badging and LED daytime running lights are found. Honda also outfitted this front-wheel-drive five-passenger sedan with a special wheel design and a rear decklid spoiler.

Inside, an electroluminescent gauge display provides real-time fuel economy and energy flow information. The sedan also comes equipped with LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, an innovative safety feature already used in the gasoline-only Accord. The hybrid also makes available lane departure warning and forward collision alert, an 8-inch color display, perforated leather-trimmed seating surfaces, its cloud-based HondaLink™ featuring Aha radio compatibility, a seven-speaker audio system with Bluetooth® streaming audio, Pandora® interface and XM® Radio, and a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines.

Honda Accord Hybrid

Safety and the Competition

The standard Honda Accord has received both a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and an NCAP 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score. Honda expects the hybrid to be similarly recognized.

Competition in the midsize hybrid sedan segment continues to heat up. Both the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Ford Fusion Hybrid are established players, and deliver fuel economy above 40 mpg. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Kia Optima Hybrid are two additional players featuring bold styling, ample standard content and very good fuel efficiency. Among all hybrid models, the Toyota Prius continues to dominate the market, offering four models to choose from. The hybrid market remains small, but with its outstanding fuel economy, the Honda Accord Hybrid may get a serious look.

See Also — 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid Makes 48 MPG

Honda Accord Hybrid photos courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Reviewed: 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited

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Hyundai has successfully made the transition from a substandard purveyor of rehashed automotive products to a world-class car manufacturer. Yes, the argument can be made that Hyundai is not on par with Rolls-Royce, Daimler or certain exotic brands, but as a mass producer of the types of vehicles that most of us drive, this Korean brand can safely be named with Toyota, Chevrolet, Honda, Ford, Nissan and Volkswagen. And that makes for good company.

That its original export to America, the Hyundai Excel, was a problem-plagued disaster and one that slowed the brands acceptance in the United States, is understood. I personally discovered that when visiting a North Charleston, SC, Hyundai showroom in 1987 to take a look at the Excel, enamored by its sub-$5,000 sticker price, but not so by its pedestrian styling.

That first model was a rebadged Mitsubishi Precis, itself a poorly constructed compact hatchback. The Hyundai version later made Popular Mechanics 10 Cars That Deserved to Fail List and fail it did. Fortunately for Hyundai the Excel did not take down the entire brand and today only geeky automotive historian types like myself remember the car.

New Model Line

In 1989, the midsize Hyundai Sonata made its debut, a five passenger front-wheel drive sedan that is now in its fifth generation. The current model, introduced early in 2010 for the 2011 model year, provides an exclamation point to the progression Hyundai has taken with every vehicle it produces. Generational styling changes, improved quality and overall value mark each model, enabling Hyundai to claim an increasingly larger slice of both US and global market share.

The new Sonata has taken what had long been a rather boring family car segment and has injected it with fresh life. Indeed, although some consumers may be put off by the new Sonatas bold design, it did force competing manufacturers to use more imagination when restyling its newest models. Today, the midsize sedan segment is dominated by stylish models, cars that retail from under $25,000.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

With the introduction of the fifth generation sedan, a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid also made its debut. It is the first hybrid sent to the US by Hyundai and the only Sonata sold here that is built in Korea. The remaining gas-only models are assembled at Hyundai’s sole US manufacturing plant in Montgomery, Ala.

The venetian red Hyundai Sonata Limited Hybrid didn’t steal my heart, but it did catch my attention and it also received universal approval from my family. Its beige interior, roomy cabin, the dual sunroof and overall elegance were praised. As the driver, I had to remind myself that I wasn’t behind the wheel of a luxury car nor did I need to keep a careful eye on the fuel gauge.

Luxury, Hyundai’s Way

And who is to define luxury anyway? American consumers have been conditioned to look at brands such as Mercedes-Benz and Audi as luxury monikers. Indeed, they are, but they are also broader than that especially in Europe where Mercedes taxis are at work and the entry-level Audi A1 shares its platform with the Volkswagen Polo.

In 2009, Hyundai gambled that Americans would accept its luxury offerings without creating a separate brand. Its first foray into the upper tier of the luxury segment was its Genesis sedan, a large rear-wheel drive model that has since been followed by the even larger Equus. Hyundai now sells everything from the subcompact Accent to the Equus sedan under one roof, proving naysayers (myself included) wrong.

Doing Hybrids Right

In the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid we have a vehicle that keeps the standard 2.4-liter four cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission found in the gasoline model and brings in an electric motor. Unlike competing hybrids that typically use a different engine and a continuously variable transmission, Hyundai blue drive keeps the standard technology in place.

Hyundai also opted to use a lithium-polymer battery pack, what provides improved density and package flexibility over competing lithium-ion systems. That arrangement does not give the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a fuel economy advantage, but it still delivers an EPA-rated 36 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway and combines that with class-leading performance.

Behind the Wheel

As with any hybrid, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid takes some getting used to. Push the start/stop button and the only indication you have that the vehicle is on shows up on the dashboard as it quickly comes to life. Engage the transmission and you glide from your start in EV mode you can maintain that electric-only advantage at speeds up to 74 mpg.

Those horses galloped on demand, seamlessly switching from electric to gas mode immediately. When an extra boost of power is needed, the Blue Drive system activates both modes and serves up a maximum 199 horsepower. Thats the kind of power you need when you get on the highway.

What You Get

The Sonata Limited is a $4,900 upgrade over the standard hybrid that retails from $25,650. And the standard hybrid is itself a $3,900 price jump over the base Sonata GLS. On closer inspection you will find that either Sonata hybrid offers the usual Hyundai content generosity, giving this sedan a lot of bang for the buck.

The higher-end hybrid throws all the bells and whistles your way. You get plush, leather seating for five, a drivers seat with power adjustable features, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel column, heated seats all around, a navigation system with a rear view camera and an Infinity audio system. Included with the Limited is SiriusXM satellite radio, a dual panel sunroof with a retractable front panel, dual zone climate control with rear vents and steering wheel mounted cruise and audio controls.

The Sonata Limited offers numerous storage compartments with several areas located between the front seats. A small open compartment also can be found on the front passenger side underneath the dashboard near the center stack. As with all hybrids, trunk storage is limited because of battery pack intrusion. Hyundai provides a bit of relief by offering a rear center seat pass through to the trunk, removing the dilemma of whether to bring your skis with you on your next trip to the slopes.

Hyundai + Sonata Hybrid = Blue Drive

View manufacturer details and pricing

Hybrid Thoughts

One thing that we do not do on Auto Trends is to rate cars. The reason? It is too subjective, as any score would be based largely on the writers opinion. Personal tastes and biases often weigh in, skewing what should be an objective review. Needless to say, most consumers know what they want and make their decisions based on much research and deliberation. That we can add some value to your purchase decision is all that matters.

What I will say about the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited is this: if I were in the market for a midsize sedan and planned to keep it for many years, this vehicle would be on my list of cars to consider. Hybrids usually are not, but with a hybrid battery lifetime warranty included, a major stumbling block has been removed. Certainly, there is still a price premium for any hybrid, but with a combined gas mileage of 37 mpg you stand to recoup your investment in about five years at current gas prices.

 

2013 Hyundai Sonata

Hybrid Limited

  • Sticker price from $30,550
  • Standard trim level also available
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4 engine
  • 206 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm (combined)
  • 154 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,500 rpm
  • 3.31 inches bore by 3.54 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 13.0 to 1
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Lithium polymer battery: 270v
  • Wheelbase: 110.0 inches
  • Length: 189.8 inches
  • Width: 72.2 inches
  • Height: 57.7 inches
  • Passenger Volume: 103.8 cubic feet
  • Storage Volume: 12.1 cubic feet
  • Towing Capacity: N/A
  • EPA: 36 mpg city, 40 mpg hwy.
  • Fuel Tank: 17.2 gallons
  • Curb Weight: From 3,457 pounds
  • Vehicle Assembly: Asan, Korea

See Also — Weekly Driver: Second-Generation Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America.

GM Scores Big in Latest J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

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The results of the J.D. Power 2013 Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) are in and the General Motors Company has received some very good news. Of the 26 segments or categories tracked, GM landed in first place eight times. Moreover, nearly 50 percent of its vehicles finished in the top three for their respective segments.

The study also revealed that the Porsche brand has the highest quality levels across its vehicle line up. And once again the Lexus LS had the highest initial quality of all models.

Initial Quality Winner: Buick Encore

Buick Encore: Sub-Compact CUV Segment Winner.

Initial Quality Study

Now in its 27th year, the initial quality study was redesigned for 2013. It is now conducted online, providing improved opportunities for more thorough new car buyer feedback. The Initial Quality Study noted that most problems consumers reported was related to the vehicle’s design. Design, of course, cannot be changed although if the problem is with technology, dealer staff can explain how to work a complicated navigation system, demonstrate various drive modes or make Bluetooth connectivity happen.

Still, unlike cell phones which are typically changed out every two years, most consumers are likely to keep their cars at least five years. That means a consumer that is frustrated with his automotive purchase may have to endure several years of an unhappy driving experience. That’s a warning sign manufacturers need to heed and correct before follow-up studies are conducted.

David Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power, noted that “…automakers are trying to design vehicles that appeal to a broad array of consumers, and what works for the majority may not work for all.” Finding a way to deliver the technologies consumers want while making it easier to understand them is a challenge for all manufacturers. That’s something the Ford Motor Company is learning as it updates its Ford MyTouch system to include the knobs and switches that it currently lacks and consumers seem to prefer. Ford, incidentally, finished with a brand score of 131 PP100, well below the 113 PP100 industry average. The score represents the number of complaints per 100 vehicles studied.

Initial Quality Study Best Brand: Porsche

Porsche is the world’s best automotive brand.

Porsche, Lexus Excel

Porsche topped all brands with a score of 80 PP100 followed by GMC at 90 and Lexus at 94. The top 10 also included Infiniti, Chevrolet, Acura, Toyota, Honda, Jaguar, Hyundai, Kia and Mercedes-Benz. The last three brands tied for the tenth spot.

Finishing last was Scion, Toyota’s youth-oriented brand with a score of 161 PP100. Fiat at 154 and Mitsubishi at 148 also performed well below average.

Initial Quality Study: Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is the best compact MPV.

Study Changes

With the initial quality study changed for 2013, J.D. Power noted that it cannot be compared with previous year studies. That removes a bragging point for some manufacturers, while making it difficult for others to compare year-over-year changes. Still, the updated study does make it easier for manufacturers to identify problems immediately, make corrections and offer an improved product going forward.

Immediately following the study’s release, GM’s Alicia Boler-Davis, vice president Global Quality and U.S. Customer Experience, issued a statement. “Nothing energizes us more than receiving the verification of quality from our customers.” Boler-Davis went on to note that GM customers are buying products with innovative technologies with both the initial and long-term quality levels “they can rely on.”

Chrysler Town & Country

Best minivan: Chrysler Town & Country

Plant Assembly Line Award

The J.D. Power initial quality study also identified the top assembly plants in the world that supply vehicles to the U.S. market. Garnering its top platinum award was the Toyota Motor Corporation — Lafayette B plant in Indiana. That plant, which produces the best-selling Toyota Camry, scored 14 PP100. Another Toyota plant in Yoshiwara, Japan, followed with a score of 18, where the Lexus LX and Toyota Land Cruiser are built.

The study also recognized GM and Honda plants in Ontario, Canada, additional plants in Japan that produce Toyota and Nissan models, and Audi and Daimler plants in Germany and South Africa.

See Also — Kia, Hyundai Star in 2015 J.D. Power Survey

Nearly 40 Years and 30 Million Volkswagen Golfs Later

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Four Decades of the Volkswagen Golf

The first Volkswagen Golf was introduced in early 1974, a replacement model for the iconic VW Beetle. This subcompact front-wheel drive model has also been sold as the Volkswagen Rabbit and is now in its seventh generation. Last week, Volkswagen hit the 30 million unit threshold mark when a Golf TDI BlueMotion model rolled off of a Wolfsburg, Germany, assembly line. Fittingly, it is also the most fuel efficient Golf ever built, rated at 73.5 mpg on the European cycle.

2015 Volkswagen Golf

Car of the Year

The Volkswagen Golf has won numerous awards including the Car of the Year 2013 award at the New York International Auto Show. That 2015 model goes on sale in 2014 stateside, a model already available in Europe.

Volkswagen has done some name shuffling with the Golf, calling it initially the Rabbit in the United States and Canada before using the Golf name universally beginning with the second-generation model. Curiously, VW marketers resurrected the Rabbit name for the fifth generation model, a name that was once again reserved exclusively for Canada and the United States. Beginning with the 2010 model year, Golf was again the global name for this hot seller.

Volkswagen GolfTransitioning from the Beetle to the Golf meant changing everything about Volkswagen’s smallest car. The engine was moved from the back to the front and front-wheel drive replaced rear-wheel drive. Designed by Giorgio Giugiaro, the boxy Golf was often copied and set the tone for entry-level vehicles of that era. Indeed, the Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon were closely aligned, but larger than the Golf and initially powered by Volkswagen engines. Mazda, Chevrolet and Ford were among the manufacturers that produced similar-styled models, but none could match the success of the Golf.

Gasoline and Diesel

Early on, Volkswagen sold both gasoline and diesel models, the latter achieving upwards of 50 mpg on the highway. This writer can personally attest to that feat, having owned a 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit Diesel in the mid-1980s. That model was smokey, smelly, slow as molasses and rusty. Still, if mpg mattered to you it was a winner. I traded it in a year later for a new Ford Escort.

Volkswagen has used Golf to introduce technologies that were either new to the brand or considered revolutionary at the time. In 1984, models were outfitted with computer-controlled catalytic converters and in 1986 anti-lock brakes were first deployed. All-wheel drive was introduced for the European market in 1986 and in 1992 airbags were made standard.

First TDI Models

In 1993, the first turbo-diesel (TDI) models were introduced with the latest generation of this technology hitting the market in 2009. That later accomplishment enabled Volkswagen to field its first 50-state compliant diesels and meet both European and American emissions restrictions.

The 2015 Volkswagen Golf will provide customers with three engine choices: a pair of turbocharged gasoline engines and one TDI. Volkswagen claims that fuel economy will increase by at least 15 percent across its model line for a vehicle that comes in slightly larger, but lighter than the sixth generation Golf. The Golf TDI, currently rated at 42 mpg on the highway, may top 50 mpg.

Top Selling Models

In hitting its sales milestone, the Volkswagen Golf continues to go where no other model has gone. Indeed, it even has outsold the VW Beetle, a model that stayed in production through 2003. VW sold 23.5 million Beetles for the fourth place on the all-time sales list. The Toyota Corolla and Ford F-Series are the two top sellers all time with the Ford Escort, Honda Civic and the Honda Accord as other models of sales renown.

See Also — Better Than Ever: 2015 Volkswagen Golf

Photos courtesy of the Volkswagen Group of America.

Cadillac CTS Pricing: Going Up

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The General Motors Company has been repetitively telling us that the third generation Cadillac CTS would cost more as the new sedan grows in luxury and proportions to take on Europe’s finest models. Indeed, the new model is five inches longer, but 244 pounds lighter than the 2013 edition. With a starting price of $46,025 including its destination charge, the 2014 Cadillac CTS is priced $6,035 higher than the previous model.

2014 Cadillac CTS sedan.

The new pricing also reflects what GM says are more than 20 new standard features. Three trim levels — Luxury, Performance and Premium — are available for a model that features standard rear-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive is also available. The CTS V-Series is sold separately.

Cadillac CTS Engines

GM’s go-to V-6 engine, displacing at 3.6 liters and making 321 horsepower, is back. New for 2014 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine, the first four banger application for the Cadillac CTS. The 272-horsepower engine is also available with the Cadillac ATS, the brand’s entry-level compact sedan.

2014 Cadillac CTS Sedan


At a Glance

  • Sticker price from $46,035
  • Arrives fall 2013
  • Three trim levels available
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • Standard rear-wheel drive
  • Optional all-wheel drive
  • Two engine choices
  • V-Series gains a twin-turbo V-6 engine
  • First eight-speed transmission offered

The Cadillac CTS offers selectable drive modes for better handling and control on challenging surfaces. Drivers can choose touring, ice and snow, or sport driving as they head out. Each model is equipped with front Brembo brakes, anti-corrosion rotors, Magnetic Ride Control and 18-inch wheels.

Infotainment by Cadillac CUE

Cadillac CUE, the brand’s infotainment system, is standard across the CTS line. All models are equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen that can be easily reconfigured and controlled by light finger touches or with a sweep of a hand. Steering wheel controls for the phone, radio and navigation functions are displayed on a 5.7-inch instrument panel color display.

The Cadillac CTS features an 11-speaker Bose audio system with HD radio capability. Streaming portable media devices is accomplished with its three USB ports, one auxiliary port and an SD card port.

Cadillac CTS V-Series

A V-8 engine option is no longer available with the new Cadillac CTS. For buyers of the CTS V-Series, retailing from $59,995, that sedan is powered a Twin Turbo version of the 3.6-liter V-6 engine. The enhanced motor is SAE-certified at 420 horsepower and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This rear-wheel drive only model also comes with an electronic limited slip differential.

With its new model as well as with an upgraded packaging and pricing formula, GM is aiming the 2014 Cadillac CTS squarely at the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E350 sedans. Its pricing comes in $4,400 to $6,800 less than BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but is $2,030 higher than the Audi according to Automotive News.

Given the CTS’s growing following and ongoing favorable critic reviews, this sedan has the cachet to compete side-by-side with Europe’s finest models. Include the Jaguar XF and Lexus GS with the German three and the Cadillac CTS sedan has the credentials to take on five world-class competitors and win.

See Also — Cadillac CTS Vsport: Twin Turbo Performance

Photo courtesy of General Motors Company.

Ford’s Risky Reductive Lincoln Approach

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The Ford brand is sailing smoothly, bolstered by hot-selling and exciting products ranging from its burly F-Series pickup truck line down to its tiny Fiesta subcompact. Arguably, we are witnessing the best product mix in the history of the blue oval brand and with a new F-150 truck due out next year it may only get better.

Lincoln Motor Company

Luxury Brand Sell-Off

The Ford Motor Company’s strategy with its eponymous brand has paid off, but it has come at a sacrificial price. The company had to finish selling off its premium brands including Aston Martin, Land Rover, Jaguar and Volvo, dump most of its stake in Mazda and kill its Mercury brand. Lincoln was spared, but its product mix has been less than stellar as the automaker has taken a risky and reductive approach to its premium car line.

That reductivism is evident in every product it sells: not a single model is truly unique to the Lincoln brand. Instead, customers are served up model after model that could just as easily be sold as Fords. Only those vehicles would be passed off as top-of-the-line models in Ford showrooms.

For instance, the Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition are twins. As are the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, the Ford Taurus and the Lincoln MKS, and the Ford Fusion and the Lincoln MKZ. The Lincoln MKT shares its platform with the Ford Flex, but we can give Ford some credit for differentiating these vehicles enough to note that the MKT’s polarizing face has nothing on the Flex.

Same Song, Different Stanza

Last week, Reuters reported that Ford may develop new models for Lincoln, particularly in the fastest growing segments. Those segments are compact sedans and compact SUVs, two areas where the brand has yet to compete. Only the story is not new: we have been hearing Ford promising to revive Lincoln for several years now. Indeed, in Sept. 2010 Auto Trends reported that Ford had said that it would “…introduce seven all-new or substantially updated Lincoln models over the next four years.”

 Lincoln Motor Company

  • Founded in 1917
  • Acquired by Ford in 1922
  • Sold 82,150 units (US) in 2012
  • US sales down 10.5 percent through May 2013
  • US luxury segment leader in 1998
  • Eighth-ranked US luxury brand
  • Five model lines

That isn’t happening unless you count mild refreshes of the MKT and MKX and add those to the more substantial changes made to the Lincoln MKZ. The numbers game could be stretched a bit further by counting the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid separately, but who is buying that? Not Lincoln’s customers, not Lincoln’s competitors and certainly not this writer.

Lincoln MKC Concept

For its credit, Ford has been showing off its Lincoln MKC concept at auto shows this year, a model that shares its platform with the current Ford Escape. As the MKT is to the Ford Flex, the MKC is different enough from the Escape to warrant attention. Until you look under the hood. That’s where you will discover that 1.6- and 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engines are proposed, motors that fit well with some Ford products, but seem out of place in a Lincoln.

That’s a shame because Ford has also promised that Lincoln would receive unique powertrains, engines in particular, as well as distinctive sheet metal and special interiors. We know this because Automotive News, AutoGuide.com and others reported told us so in Jan. 2011, based on comments made by Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of global product development, at Detroit’s auto show.

Nearly 2 1/2 years have passed since those comments were made and there is nothing really new in sight. Or at least not a model that has been given the green light as in making the Lincoln MKC concept a production reality.

Instead, Ford apparently is taking a scaled down or reductive approach to Lincoln, hoping that customers will accept the MKZ for what it really is: a premium sedan that has no intention in competing with luxury models. Sure, the MKZ can be compared to the Lexus ES 350 as both are entry-point models for each respective brand, but at least with Lexus you get a full suite of authentic luxury models to transition to if you choose. Lincoln offers no such choice.

Is Trouble Brewing?

America’s three major automakers — General Motors, the Ford Motor Company and the Chrysler Group — have taken their lumps, borrowed money or have been bailed out, and still must battle stiff global competition. Big pickup trucks and luxury vehicles are the two most significant moneymakers, the former a Detroit strong suit, the latter currently being enjoyed by GM only. Smaller Chrysler is staying solvent largely because of profitable Jeep and Ram, while Ford continues to rely heavily on its F-Series to stay competitive and profitable.

Ford, however, is worried. GM’s large pickup trucks — the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra — have arrived. On the surface, these trucks offer an evolutionary update with new sheet metal, revised interiors, fresh technologies and more efficient engines. But, the models are new and will likely erode Ford’s pickup truck leadership.

Cadillac continues to define itself as a true luxury brand as both the ATS and CTS are taking on everything that Europe has to deliver. The SRX is to Cadillac what the MKC should be to Lincoln, and a new Escalade is waiting in the wings. The XTS is a decent large sedan while the ELR, not likely to be a big seller, will at least bring PHEV credentials to the Cadillac line. GM sells twice as many Cadillacs as Ford does Lincoln — profitable models that are bolstering its bottom line. Add in Buick and GM sells nearly four times as many premium models as does the Ford Motor Company.

Earnings and China

Ford’s overexposure in Europe is dragging down earnings and it remains well behind GM in China. Plans to introduce Lincoln to China won’t happen until the second half of 2014 and the brand’s receptivity may disappoint shareholders especially given its weak product line. Chinese luxury car consumers are much more sophisticated than some might think, people with deep pockets and a desire to associate themselves only with the exclusive models. Lincoln will battle against the usual players, established brands that have the credibility and product line to match. (see Lincoln Bets That China Investment Will Pay Off)

The Ford Motor Company may yet have a few aces up its sleeve, but it needs to reveal them now. Global markets are changing fast and Ford stock is still trading at less than half the $30+ share seen in the late 1990s. Paying CEO Alan Mulally $29.5 million annually may seem like a wise investment, but if Ford botches the next generation F-150 and fails to revive Lincoln, the company may find itself in a world of hurt and its rock star in retirement.

See Also — Lincoln MKC: Luxurious, Entry-Level Crossover

Screen shot of the Lincoln Motor Company website.

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