sedan

Once Again, We Bid Farewell to the Chevrolet Impala

February 19, 2020 by admin 2 Comments

Chevrolet brings the curtain down on its flagship Impala sedan.

Once again, we’re bidding farewell to the Chevrolet Impala, a full-size sedan introduced as a Bel Air sub-model for the 1958 model year. Sure, there have been a few gaps in this model’s lineage, which resulted in earlier farewells, but for the most part, the Impala has maintained its position as Chevy’s flagship sedan. The Bel Air and Caprice are two other models of note, but neither has left as deep and lasting an imprint on the brand as has the Impala.

Shrinking Segment

We’ve been expecting the Impala’s demise for some time, especially as GM reiterates its commitment to utility vehicles and trucks, while gradually exiting most car segments.

The full-size segment has steadily shrunk, especially over the past decade, with the Ford Taurus and Buick LaCrosse among the recently canceled products. The Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and Toyota Avalon remain, but the market isn’t what it once was when nearly every domestic brand was a participant.

The Tenth-Generation Impala

The current and tenth-generation Impala launched in 2014, a front-engine, front-wheel-drive sedan that shares its platform with the Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac XTS. When it launched, Chevrolet supplied three powertrain options, including a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with eAssist, which represents a partial hybrid system.

Most buyers, however, considered either the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or the 3.6-liter V6, the latter best suited for this large sedan. With all three choices, power routes to the front wheels utilizing a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2020 Chevrolet Impala

Since its 2014 release, the current-generation Impala has undergone modest changes. In 2015, the eAssist model was dropped due to slow sales. Also, the Impala gained an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi with OnStar. On the other hand, HD Radio disappeared.

From 2016 to 2019, the Impala experienced additional changes, including dropping the number of trims from five to four, then to three. This resulted in package and features shuffling, with some previously optional items made standard.

Two Available Trims

For 2020, the Chevrolet Impala comes in just two trims: LT ($32,495) and Premier ($37,595). Gone is the four-cylinder engine, but that’s not much of a loss. It simply lacks the kick this full-size sedan deserves. What remains is a 305-horsepower V6 engine that’s up to the task. It provides smooth acceleration and adequate passing power, although it doesn’t approach the bygone Impala SS in performance. Stay away from the 20-inch wheels and you’ll enjoy a smooth ride.

The Impala LT comes with automatic halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights, power heated side mirrors, and 18-inch painted aluminum wheels. Keyless entry with push-button start is standard. Inside, this trim features cloth and imitation leather-trimmed seats, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, power front seats with driver lumbar control, climate control, a six-speaker audio system with an 8-inch touch-screen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, satellite radio, and three USB ports.

All models come with 10 airbags. The LT comes with a rear vision camera and makes only certain driver-assist features such as rear cross-traffic alert optional.

Choose the Premier edition and this one has HID headlamps, 19-inch machine-face aluminum wheels, dual exhaust tips, and a remote vehicle starter system. Leather seating, heated front seats, and advanced safety features, including forward collision alert, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and side blind zone alert with lane change alert are standard.

Looking Ahead

With Impala production already ended, consumers will find 2020 models on dealer lots. As of this writing, some 2019 stock also remains. Both model years carry discounts and other incentives.

Looking ahead, Chevrolet plans to keep the midsize Malibu for a few more years. Otherwise, two midsize crossovers – the two-row Blazer and three-row Traverse – are your choices going forward. We may see other models join the Chevrolet line, including fully electric vehicles larger than the current Chevy Bolt. None, however, will likely carry the sedan layout that once dominated the industry.

See Also – About the 2019 Chevrolet Impala

Photo copyright GM Corp.

2020 Chevrolet Impala Specifications

Chevrolet	2020 Impala
Segment	Full-size sedan
Price Range	$32,495 to $37,595
Destination Charge	$875
Standard Engine	3.6-ilter, V6
Horsepower	305 @ 6,800 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	264 @ 5,200 rpm
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	3,772 to 3,811
Wheelbase (inches)	111.7
Length (inches)	201.3
Width (inches)	73
Height (inches)	58.9
Head room (f,r…inches)	39.9, 37.4
Legroom (f,r…inches)	45.8, 39.8
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	57.9, 56.9
Hip room (f,r…inches)	54.9, 54.1
Storage (cubic feet)	18.8
Gross vehicle weight rating (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	18.5
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined)	18/28/22
Manufacturing Plant	Detroit-Hamtramck, Michigan

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

See Also — Compact Crossover: Chevrolet Equinox

About Lucid Motors

January 28, 2020 by admin 3 Comments

Lucid Motors isn’t a household name, but if this Newark, California-based mobility company has its way, that’ll soon change. And soon cannot come quickly enough for the company, founded in 2007, as it plans to debut its first model at the New York International Auto Show in April 2020.

Long Range, Immense Power

Officially known as Lucid Motors USA, Inc., this upstart automaker is situated in the heart of the Silicon Valley. The company essentially operated undercover for several years, revealing its first model in December 2016. Known as the Lucid Air, this all-electric sedan sports a pair of AC induction motors, which generate a combined 1,000 horsepower. Yes, you read that right: one thousand pounds of forward thrust!

Importantly, Lucid says the planned vehicle has a 400-mile range. That places the Lucid Air in unique territory and effectively removes range anxiety for nearly everyone.

The available Executive Seat Package is a must!

From Atieva to Lucid

The company’s long road to an official unveiling of a production model comes to an end at the New York show this spring. That follows years of development and capitalization, including important backing from a Saudi Arabia public trust fund. The company also underwent a name change, exchanging Atieva for Lucid in October 2016. Initially a battery maker, Lucid Motors’ current mission coincides with the name change.

Batteries remain an important part of what the Lucid Air is all about, thus the company will supply its own batteries for the sedan. For the last two seasons, Lucid batteries have powered all Formula E Season race teams. Notably, Lucid is both the designer and manufacturer for every participating race car.

A tablet-sized interface dominates the lower section of the center console.

Made in Arizona

Unlike Tesla, Lucid Motors will not build its electric vehicles in California. Instead, the company is constructing a plant in Casa Grande, Arizona, located halfway between Phoenix and Tucson.

Construction began in December with the first phase expected to be complete by the end of this year. Production of the new sedan should begin early next year with a modest 15,000 units projected for the 2021 calendar year.

Price Point and Amenities

Eventually, annual output could reach 100,000 vehicles, but we’re talking about a sedan with a top price point somewhere above $100,000. By then, Lucid may have another model or two in the mix, perhaps following Tesla by offering a mass-production sedan for about half the price. Also, there is some debate about whether a shorter range and one electric motor version will be offered from the onset. If so, we’re looking at a sedan with a far lower price point, but perhaps not much lower than the Tesla Model S.

Most of the other details about the sedan will emerge in New York. However, reports indicate that full LED lighting, alloy wheels, a leather interior, power front seats, heated seats, and an infotainment system with an oversized screen are on the docket. Other available features include a premium audio system, panoramic sunroof, an executive seat package, and an active suspension system.

Does the Lucid Air remind you of a competing model?

Looking Ahead

Of course, we’ll be following the Lucid Air’s debut in New York this spring and will share additional information about this sedan and the company. We’ll get clarity on a few things, including battery offerings, equipment levels, and perhaps price.

What’s especially interesting about Lucid Motors is that the company employed a stealth mode early on, just like Rivian. But Rivian has attracted far deeper and wider backing from a host of companies, including Amazon and the Ford Motor Company. Then again, Rivian’s first two models are a pickup truck and an SUV, vehicles in far greater demand than sedans these days. They’ll find their way in many fleets and the skateboard platform will also be used to power an upcoming Ford electric truck.

Photos copyright Lucid Motors.

Sporty Performer: Honda Civic Si

January 11, 2020 by admin 1 Comment

The Si is the sportiest of the Civic models outside of the Type R.

The Honda Civic is a compact car, available in coupe, hatchback, and sedan body styles. Along with the midsize Accord sedan and the compact CRV crossover, these three models comprise the lion’s share of Honda’s annual sales in the U.S.

Since its 1973 release, the Civic has grown from a tiny hatchback into a near midsize model. Now in its 10th generation, the Civic line demonstrates just how effective a model it is. Indeed, as competing manufacturers quit the segment or slow refreshes, Honda has doubled down with arguably the best-designed vehicle in the class.

As 2019 drew to a close, this writer had the pleasure of spending two weeks with the 2020 Honda Civic SI sedan (also available as a coupe), a sporty model that’s big on looks, technology, and performance. Honda markets the Si separately from the rest of the model line, therefore our attention is on this model only. The Si Sedan is priced from $25,200, plus a $955 destination charge. That was the price of our test model.

You can find various wheel upgrades and packages for further customization. One example is the Honda Factory Performance Package, which adds $3,999 to your cost. Here, you’ll find such features as an adaptive damper system, underbody spoilers front and side, 19-inch black alloy wheels, and summer tires. Special badging and black trim complete the highlights. When all is said and done, you’re looking at a $30,000 vehicle.

Bright colors and blacked out trim mark some Si models.

Styling Outtake

There are several features unique to the Civic Si, including fog lights, blacked-out trim, machine-finished alloy wheels, a center outlet exhaust, and a rear wing spoiler. The color choices are fantastic too, including the Rallye Red draping our test model.

Inside, the cabin’s sporty flair is immediately evident with the generously bolstered front seats, which includes red stitching and emblazoned “Si” markings. Shoulder, back, hip, and thigh support are spot-on or what you’d expect with this model. Front seat passengers will stay planted when tackling the twisties. That’s all we ask!

Other features of note include the standard moonroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter cover, aluminum pedals, and push-button start. Full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and climate control are also included.

The Intersection of Tech & Safety

We applaud Honda for its “Honda Sensing” technology that’s standard with the Civic Si. This driver-assist suite includes a lane-keeping assist system, road departure mitigation, collision mitigation braking, and adaptive cruise control. Together, the package includes most features we’re seeing on modern cars at no additional cost.

One of our favorite Civic features is LaneWatch, which utilizes an embedded camera in the right-side exterior mirror. When activating the right turn signal, the camera captures that view and streams what it “sees” on the console display. This feature is very helpful when negotiating tight spaces and for cornering as anything outside of your line of sight is projected on the screen.

The Civic Si features a 7-inch display audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. The expected USB ports are present as is a 10-speaker audio system. Satellite radio and HD radio are bundled within.

Power to the Civic Si

What powers the Civic Si seems familiar, especially given that it is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s available with some trims. But unlike the one found in other trims, this one is tuned to deliver 205 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. That’s a strong improvement over the 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque elsewhere.

It isn’t just engine power that sets the Si apart from the competition. This engine works exclusively with a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox tasked with sending power to the front wheels. Immediately, I sensed how well this unit is engineered as it offers silky-smooth shifts and flawless clutch uptake. It rivals the engineering found in far more expensive models, a true delight for inspired driving.

The Civic Si offers generous step-off acceleration and passing power. Turbo lag was never evident, perhaps due in part to the manual shifts that control high revs and gear changes. It’s old-school driving at its best – three pedals of foot action with full driver engagement required. Take those cell phone distractions and autonomous driving – shifting for yourself may be gone for most, but where it’s available and keyed in, the exhilaration cannot go unrecognized.

A center exhaust system offers differentiation.

It’s on the back, twisty roads where the Civic Si proves its mettle. Here, you’ll measure performance more by its engaging steering and spot-on handling. And although most of the weight resides over the front wheels (60.3% front/ 39.7% rear), the Civic’s relatively small size is the difference-maker.

And so is the helical limited-slip differential included with this model. This system supplies stellar traction at all times, as it transfers power to the wheel with more grip. As a result, superior steering control is the name of the game – you’ll pull out of corners sooner and with confidence. Yes, understeer is present at times, but it does little to detract from the drive. Between the adaptive damper suspension system, limited-slip differential, and the turbocharged engine, the emphasis is on spirited driving.

I’ve driven both the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Ford Focus ST and found the Civic Si holds its own, at least from a drivability standpoint. The competing duo produces more power – 228 hp for the Golf GTI and 252 hp for the now-retired Focus ST – so there is that.

Of course, if you require more power, then the Civic Type R may be to your liking. This one has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine outputting 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. While its competitors (Subaru WRX, Ford Focus RS, and Volkswagen Golf R) feature all-wheel drive, the Type R is front-wheel drive. We’d love to see an all-wheel-drive Civic, but that’s not happening, even with the refreshed 2020 Civic Type R

The center console and instrument panel with red highlights.

Making the Case

The Civic Si brings outstanding value to the class as every desirable feature is included. Unless you’re planning much track time, you don’t need to opt for the near $4,000 package upgrade. You can, however, upgrade to the summer tires at a much lower cost, which is ideal for anyone seeking a handling edge.

Naturally, if you desire even more performance, then hold on for the Type R which was introduced at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon this week. It comes as a five-door hatchback and includes a new two-piece brake motor design with new brake pads, engineered to reduce brake fade. New suspension dampers, stiffer rear bushings, and additional tweaks to the front suspension are also apparent. It’s a $10,000+ upgrade over the Civic Si, one that’s engineered for the ardent enthusiast.

The Si’s specially trimmed seats are covered in cloth.

2020 Honda Civic Si Specifications

Honda	2020 Civic Si Sedan
Segment	Compact car
Price	$25,200
Destination Charge	$955
Standard Engine	1.5-liter, turbo I4
Horsepower	205 @ 5,700 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	192 @ 2,100 to 5,000 rpm
Transmission	6-speed manual
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	2,762
Wheelbase (inches)	106.3
Length (inches)	182.7
Width (inches)	70.9
Height (inches)	55.7
Head room (f,r…inches)	37.6, 36.9
Legroom (f,r…inches)	42.3, 38.8
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	59.6, 57.0
Hip room (f,r…inches)	55.9, 54.5
Storage (cubic feet)	14.9
Gross vehicle weight rating (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	18.5
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined)	20/29/23
Manufacturing Plant	Ontario, Canada

See Also — History of the Honda Civic

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

Toyota Yaris: Small Footprint; Big Value

January 1, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

The 2020 Toyota Yaris is subcompact model with hatchback and sedan choices.

If you take heed to various Internet reports, you may think that new car ownership is far beyond your reach. Indeed, in May 2019, Kelly Blue Book reported the average transaction price for a light vehicle (passenger vehicle) was $37,185.

But the average transaction price can be certainly misleading, as it is based on what consumers choose, including luxury models and well-equipped pickup trucks. The market for sub-$20,000 vehicles remains strong with most manufacturers offering multiple models. For its part, Toyota is represented by three models, including two Yaris subcompacts: a sedan and a hatchback.

That Toyota still offers any models priced below $20,000 is amazing, especially as most come with its Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package of driver-assist technology features. These safety items aid drivers in avoiding accidents, while also reducing their insurance premiums. But the tech is not cheap: it can cost thousands of dollars per vehicle to offer a full suite. Toyota offers the tech to stay ahead of federal requirements and to supply consumers with what they want.

As for the Yaris, it doesn’t have TSS 2.0. Instead, it features low-speed forward collision warning, and forward automatic emergency braking. Why the omission of adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and other features? For the simple reason the Yaris isn’t really a Toyota.

Yes, the Yaris is branded by Toyota, but it is the work of Mazda, which is partly owned by Toyota and remains a strategic partner for several projects, including this model and an upcoming jointly owned factory in Alabama. The current-generation Yaris, introduced in 2017, replaces a Toyota designed and built-in-France vehicle. This one originally was developed for Scion and is still sold as the Mazda 2 in many other markets, but not in the U.S.

Design Highlights

Mazda’s design influence is all over the Yaris. In fact, save for the appropriate Toyota badging and thin upper grille, everything about the Yaris is a Mazda.

That’s not just a badge thing either, especially if you’re already a fan of the brand’s KODO (soul of motion) design scheme. The look includes curving lines, rounded edges, and pulled-in corners. It adds a distinctive look to each model, adding personality too.

The list of standard features is impressive with the hatchback as this model comes with fog lamps, heated side mirrors, alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler. LED lights are standard with the top trim model.

Inside, the cabin is a cut above what you’d expect in this segment with its split dashboard, choice materials, and spacious door pockets. Where cabins from another era screamed “cheap,” the Yaris’ interior imparts an upscale vibe.

The front seats aren’t especially comfortable, however, especially for tall passengers. My six-foot-frame felt alright, until I realized thigh support was lacking an inch or two of room that would have been desirable. As for the rear compartment, the space back there is also quite small, suitable best for a pair of youngsters. We think most people will opt for the hatch and the extra utility gained by folding down the rear seat.

The list of standard interior features includes full power accessories, push-button start, air conditioning, and cloth seats. Opt for the top-trim model and you’ll gain a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, imitation leather seats, and automatic climate control.

Tech and Safety

You won’t find lots of high tech features the Yaris, but you’ll enjoy enough to find the experience satisfying. At least that’s our opinion.

The 2020 Yaris has a 7-inch touch-screen display, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, two USB ports and now comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility. The latter choice is new for this year and is a welcome feature, especially with the included turn-by-turn navigation features.

As for the display, it won’t look familiar to Toyota owners as the Mazda layout was kept with this model. Still, the panel features big icons and may also be managed by a control knob.

Toyota products also have a standard suite of safety features offered under the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 umbrella. But because the Yaris is, in fact, a Mazda, those features are not included with this model. TSS 2.0 is one of the more advanced packages offered and includes lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Although those features are absent, the Yaris does have low-speed automatic emergency braking with collision avoidance warning.

Under the Hood & On the Road

All versions of the 2020 Yaris are motivated by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This one develops 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque and works with a six-speed automatic transmission (a six-speed manual gearbox is standard with the Yaris L sedan).

The Yaris is geared toward efficiency, with a 40 mpg highway rating. Keep this point in mind when pressing down on the gas pedal and the return on your effort is a token response, at best. Indeed, the Yaris simply shines as a Point A to Point B vehicle, as it delivers just enough propulsion to move this diminutive model.

We give the Yaris props for its decent steering and nimble handling. The brakes are firm, but we should remind you that the ride is bumpy at times – this vehicle simply isn’t large enough to consume most abrasions. Kudos for the manufacturer for delivering a smooth-shifting automatic too.

Choosing Your Yaris

Toyota offers the 2020 Yaris sedan in L, LE, and XLE trims and the hatchback in LE and XLE trims. The sedan starts at $15,650 and tops out at $18,750. The hatchback costs either $17,750 or $18,750. All prices do not include the $945 freight charge. There are no package options available, therefore you won’t find such amenities as a premium audio system, leather seats, or a 115-volt outlet.

Our pick for either body style is the top-trim XLE. This model delivers everything the Yaris offers and at a final cost below $20,000. Also, we’d choose the hatchback as it has more cargo-carrying space than the sedan.

Competitive Set: Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Versa, Volkswagen Golf, and Honda Fit.

2020 Toyota Yaris Specifications

Toyota	2020 Yaris
Segment	Subcompact car
Price Range	$15,650 to $18,750
Destination Charge	$945
Standard Engine	1.5-liter, I4
Horsepower	106 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	103 @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission	Six-speed manual or automatic
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	From 2,385
Wheelbase (inches)	101.2
Length (inches)	171.2
Width (inches)	66.7
Height (inches)	58.7
Head room (f,r…inches)	38.2, 36.8
Legroom (f,r…inches)	41.9, 34.4
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	53.1, 50.0
Hip room (f,r…inches)	48.6, 49.5
Storage (cubic feet)	15.9 (hatchback); 13.5 (sedan)
Gross vehicle weight rating (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	11.6
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined)	32/40/35
Manufacturing Plant	Mexico

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

See Also — Highlights of the 2020 Hyundai Accent

Tiny or Small? Your Choice:
Chevrolet Spark or Chevrolet Sonic.

November 15, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Chevrolet’s smallest model is this Spark hatchback,
which is imported from South Korea and priced $15,000.

The new vehicle market has certainly turned as consumers are shopping for crossovers and trucks in far greater numbers than they are for cars. Indeed, approximately seven in 10 new passenger vehicle sales are categorized as light trucks (SUVs, vans, and pickups), according to the Auto Alliance.

But what if you want a car, especially a small one with great gas mileage and at a decent price? After all, not everyone can afford a $30,000 crossover and the added fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs that go with them. Happily, small car choices abound, particularly with the foreign manufacturers who remain committed to the segment. Chevrolet still has a stake there too, although they’ve discontinued the compact Cruze.

Among small Chevy car models you’ll still find two products: the tiny Spark and the subcompact Sonic. What’s significant about both is that you can buy well-equipped versions of each for under $20,000 which places these two cars in more buyer’s budgets.

Here’s what we put together to help you decide between these two Chevy models:

Size Separation

No doubt, the Spark and Sonic are small, perhaps too small for some. But for first-time car shoppers and city dwellers, both vehicles may be ideal. Moreover, they’re small enough to fit in tight places, such as when parallel parking on city streets.

The point of separation between the two is just 5.5 inches from axle to axle with the Spark measuring 93.9 inches long to the Sonic’s 99.4 inches. The overall length difference is much more noticeable with a 16-inch separation between the two (30 inches when comparing the Spark to the Sonic sedan).

Interior Space

Both models seat four although on paper the Sonic is rated for five. The layout of both cabins offer plenty of room in the first row, but tight quarters in the second row. Rear legroom differences are negligible with the Spark measuring 33.0 inches to the Sonic’s 34.6 inches. Still, that’s not much room for adults, so consider that space ideal for youngsters.

Storage space is an issue with the Spark as it measures just 11.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat. We think most buyers will keep the rear seat folded, which delivers an adequate 27.2 cubic feet of storage capacity. As for the Sonic sedan, its trunk is within the range of some midsize models with 14.9 cubic feet available. The hatchback delivers 19.0/47.7 cubic feet.

Chevrolet offers the compact Sonic in sedan and hatchback body styles.

That’s Infotainment!

We’re a fan of Chevrolet’s infotainment system, especially as reviewed in other vehicles. Happily, Chevrolet equips both models similarly which means they have 7-inch display screens.

And not only that, but you’ll find Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and two USB ports. The Spark has a 4-speaker (six speakers available) audio system, while the Sonic delivers six speakers.

Both models offer driver-assist safety features. The Spark comes with lane departure warning, forward collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors. The Sonic offers these features too, except for the low-speed braking.

Power Up

Both models utilize a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, but there is a difference in how the engine is delivered. In the Spark, the engine is naturally aspirated, while in the Sonic it is turbocharged, which gives this model an extra 30 percent power to work with. The Sonic also does a better job with sound deadening as the Spark is noisy.

The Chevy Spark routes power to the front wheels with a 5-speed manual gearbox or with a continuously variable transmission. As for the Chevy Sonic, power travels to the front wheels with a six-speed automatic transmission. Sadly, the previously available six-speed manual is no longer offered.

As for fuel economy, the Spark is the clear winner as you should average about 33 mpg. Drive a Sonic and your combined fuel economy is 29 mpg.

Price Considerations

If you’re keen on holding your price down, then we have good news: you can drive away with a new Chevrolet for less than $20,000 perhaps as low as $15,000 if you’re willing to make some sacrifices.

The base Spark is the clear winner, with its starting price including destination coming in at about $14,100 to the Sonic sedan’s $17,600. The hatchback costs $2,700 more, which is due in part to the reason you can no longer get the base LS trim found with the sedan.

It’s the Little Things

If size matters, then the Spark or Sonic may be ideal for you (or not). When cross-shopping these two, the Fiat 500 and the now-retired Smart ForTwo and Scion iQ are its main competitors. As for the Sonic, the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Honda Fit are models to consider.

Oddly, Chevrolet no longer offers a compact Cruze, which means the next car model size to consider is the midsize Malibu sedan. If a crossover is on your list, the small Trax carries a similar starting price point as the Sonic hatchback.

2020 Chevrolet Spark Specifications

Chevrolet	2020 Spark
Segment	Tiny Car
Price Range	$13,220 to $18,595
Destination Charge	$875
Standard Engine	1.4-liter, I4
Horsepower	98 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	94 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm
Transmission	Five-speed manual or CVT
Seating	4
Curb Weight (pounds)	2,246 to 2,312
Wheelbase (inches)	93.9
Length (inches)	143.1
Width (inches)	62.8
Height (inches)	58.4 or 58.76
Headroom (f,r…inches)	39.0, 37.0
Legroom (f,r…inches)	41.7, 33.0
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	50.8, 49.8
Hip room (f,r…inches)	48.2, 48.0
Storage (cubic feet)	11.1, 27.2
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	9
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined)	30/38/33
Manufacturing Plant	Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

See Also — New Ride: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic

2020 Chevrolet Sonic Specifications

Chevrolet	2020 Sonic
Segment	Subcompact Car
Price Range	From $16,720 (sedan); $19,720 (hatchback)
Destination Charge	$875
Standard Engine	1.4-liter, turbo I4
Horsepower	138 hp @ 4,900 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	148 lb.-ft. @ 2,500 (man.) 1,850 (auto) rpm
Transmission	Six-speed automatic
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	2,857 to 2,921
Wheelbase (inches)	99.4
Length (inches)	173.9 (sedan) 159.8 (hatchback)
Width (inches)	68.3
Height (inches)	59.7 or 59.3
Headroom, sedan (f,r…inches)	38.7, 37.8
Legroom (f,r…inches)	41.8, 34.6
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	53.4, 53.0
Hip room (f,r…inches)	51.4, 51.6
Storage (cubic feet)	14.9 (sedan); 19.0/47.7 (hatchback)
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	12.2
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined)	26/34/29
Manufacturing Plant	Orion Township, Michigan

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

See Also — About the 2019 Chevrolet Volt

Photos copyright GM Corp.

Rolling Classic: 2020 Dodge Charger

October 18, 2019 by admin 5 Comments

This 2020 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Widebody comes with a 6.4-liter V8 engine.

No matter how you look at it, the 2020 Dodge Charger is an aged design. Its Mercedes-Benz-derived platform dates to the 1990s, with the Charger rolling out in 2006, then updated five years later. Thus, the current model is in its tenth year, which is a long time between updates.

That said, the Charger occupies a niche, one that’s unchallenged by any mainstream competitor — it is a full-size sedan riding on a rear-wheel-drive platform, in a market where front-wheel drive dominants. The Charger, along with the Chrysler 300 sedan, allow Fiat Chrysler to maintain a stake in the full-size sedan market, even as Ford exits and GM plans to do likewise. A third model, the Dodge Challenger coupe, is closely related to the sedan duo.

Dodge Charger Highlights and Lowlights

The following are some of the positive and negative points about the 2020 Charger:

1. Satisfying, even exhilarating V8 power.

Base Charger models come with a V6 engine, which delivers upward of 300 horsepower. It supplies an adequate amount of power along with decent fuel efficiency. But it is a trio of V8 engines that place an exclamation point on the Charger name, with performance ranging from 370 to a jaw-dropping 717 horsepower. Thus, the Charger lays claim to being the most powerful production sedan available.

2. Fuel economy is wanting.

Unless you opt for the V6 engine and its laudable 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway rating, you’re just not going to find a Charger V8 that’s fuel efficient. Opt for the SRT model and you’ll pay a $1,700 gas guzzler tax as this model delivers just 13 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

3. Comfortable ride, wonderful handling.

With 120 inches separating the front and rear wheels, the Charger has ample space for distributing road insults. The result is a comfortable ride. Another strong suit is its wonderful handling: you’ll enjoy the connection this sedan supplies to the road and the rear-wheel-drive dynamics that’ll keep a smile pasted on your face.

4. No all-wheel drive with the V8s.

You can opt for all-wheel drive with the V6 model, but you can’t do so with the V8s. The last time we saw an all-wheel-drive Charger with a V8 was in 2014. Once Dodge upgraded from the 5-speed automatic to the ZF-supplied 8-speed, all-wheel drive disappeared. Except in police pursuit models and the V6.

5. A look we love.

Starting with the Magnum wagon, which launched in 2005, followed by the Charger and then the Challenger, the styling of the big Dodges has always been pleasing. Dodge’s designers harnessed old school looks and intersected them with modern performance styling to pull it off. Where some people would never consider a four-door performance model, the Charger offers an intriguing alternative to a coupe that’s difficult to cavalierly dismiss.

6. An interior that doesn’t match the class.

You’ll find a generous amount of amenities when building out your Charger, but the look is still old and relatively spartan, especially with the base model. Upper trim models have more padding and beautiful leathers, although the lower dash is still clad in plastic. At least that’s all below eye level.

7. Tech features galore.

Another area where the Charger shines is in its tech features. The 7-inch touch-screen features the company’s UConnect interface, one of the best in the industry. Bluetooth, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility. Dodge also offers -speaker Alpine and 18-speaker Harman Kardon audio systems.

What the Future Holds

Fiat Chrysler is relatively mum on what the future holds for the Dodge Charger and its two platform mates. We do know that the company has discussed electrification, which could mean anything from a conventional hybrid to a pure electric version of the Charger.

We suspect FCA will finally abandon the aged platform for something new and lighter. It may be based on a modified Alfa Romeo platform or the company could invest in a new architecture. As long as demand remains strong and the company sees a market for a lighter, more efficient series of rear-wheel-drive models, then the trio may yet survive.

2020 Dodge Charger Specifications

Dodge	2020 Charger
Segment	Full-Size Sedan
Price Range	$29,470 to $65,795 (plus gas guzzler tax)
Destination Charge	$1,495
Engine No. 1	3.6-liter, V6
Horsepower	292/300 @ 6,350 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	260/264 @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Engine No. 2	5.7-liter, V8
Horsepower	370 @ 5,250
Torque (lb.-ft.)	295 @ 4,200 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Engine No. 3	6.4-liter, V8
Horsepower	485 @ 6,100 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	475 @ 4,100 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Engine No. 4	6.2-liter, supercharged V8
Horsepower	707/717 @ 6,000/6,100 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	650 @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	3,964 to 4,586
Wheelbase (inches)	120.0
Length (inches)	198.4, 200.8, or 201.0
Width (inches)	75.0, 78.3
Height (inches)	58.5, 57.8, or 57.6
Headroom (f,r…inches)	38.6, 36.6
Legroom (f,r…inches)	41.8, 40.1
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	59.5, 57.9
Hip room (f,r…inches)	56.2, 56.1
Storage (cubic feet)	16.5
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	Regular (V6), Midgrade (5.7) Premium (others)
Fuel Tank (gallons)	18.5
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined)	19/30/23 (V6); 13/22/16 (6.2)
Manufacturing Plant	Brampton, Ontario, Canada

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

Photo copyright Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Highlights of the 2020 Hyundai Accent

September 23, 2019 by admin 6 Comments

The 2020 Hyundai Accent nows offers a CVT.

The Hyundai Accent is the smallest of all cars sold by this Korean manufacturer. It sits beneath a cohort of compact Hyundai models, including the Elantra, Veloster, and Ioniq.

Introduced in 1994, the 2020 Hyundai Accent represents the third year of this fifth-generation model. A hatchback version is no longer available in the U.S., so that leaves the sedan as the lone body style available.

Although small in size, the Accent is big in style, available amenities, and efficiency. To that end, we’ll look at some of the outstanding facts about this model.

2020 Hyundai Accent Highlights

1. Highly affordable.

You can purchase a new car for under $20,000, which is the price point for the 2020 Hyundai Accent. The base model comes in nearer to $16,000 with the destination charge. When careful negotiation and keeping a sharp eye out for incentives, we think you may be able to get your final cost down to about $15,000.

2. Three trims to consider.

Hyundai offers the 2020 Accent in SE ($15,195), SEL ($17,550), and Limited ($19,300) trims. Add $1,100 for the CVT on the base model. You’ll add another $930 for the destination cost.

3. Cutting-edge style.

Econoboxes of old were uninteresting, predictable, and essentially devoid of styling. Not so with the Accent. This model has a bold grille, wraparound headlights, distinct cutouts for the available fog lamps, a high beltline, fashionable wheels, and a notched trunk. The interior, although offering its share of plastic materials, includes some soft-touch fabrics too. Some cars scream “budget,” while the Accent whispers “affordability.”

4. More power under the hood.

This year, the 2020 Hyundai Accent goes for more power, thanks in part to a continuously variable transmission, which replaces the previous automatic gearbox. This model makes 130 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque, up from the previous 120 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. Not only is there more power at the ready, but fuel economy climbs 4 mpg with it.

5. Amenities that surprise.

You’ll have to opt for the Limited model to enjoy the full range of amenities available, but they are there. Things like keyless entry with push-button start, heated front seats, and automatic temperature control. Even something so desirable as a 7-inch touch-screen display appears with the SEL trim.

6. Room for two or four or five.

Subcompact cars, including the 2020 Hyundai Accent, are typically very comfortable for the driver and front passenger, offering ample head, shoulder, hip, and legroom. The back seat is where things get interesting. On paper, it can fit three, but it is more comfortable for two. Even then, legroom is limited, therefore that space might be best for young teens or children in booster/car seats. The trunk measures 13.7 cubic feet. What’s especially helpful is that the rear 60/40 split-bench seat folds down, which extends storage space into the cabin.

7. No lack of tech features.

The standard tech package includes a 5-inch touch-screen display, a CD player, and a four-speaker audio system. You’ll also find an auxiliary jack and a USB smartphone connection. Move up to the SEL and you’ll find the larger screen, six speakers, satellite radio, and smartphone compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hyundai adds a pair of USB charging points too.

8. Very limited driver-assist technologies.

Let’s face it: we find driver-assist tech helpful in many cases. The Accent offers forward collision-avoidance alert on the Limited trim, but there are no other aids available. This lack of advanced tech isn’t unusual for the class, therefore if it is important to you, then you’ll want to upgrade to one of Hyundai’s compact models for availability. We think the automaker will add more features soon, but not with the 2020 Hyundai Accent.

Making a Case

The lack of advanced safety tech notwithstanding, the 2020 Hyundai Accent does what it needs to do to supply a gateway to the brand. It doesn’t cost much more than a late-model compact used car and it comes with longer warranties than most competitors. For these reasons, Hyundai is worth a look, with many small and affordable models available for your inspection.

Competitive Set: Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Fiat 500, Nissan Versa, Mitsubishi Mirage, Volkswagen Golf, Chevrolet Sonic, and the Kia Rio.

2020 Hyundai Accent Specifications

Hyundai	2020 Accent
Segment	Subcompact car
Price Range	$15,195 to $19,300
Destination Charge	$930
Standard Engine	1.6-liter, I4
Horsepower	120 @ 6,300 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	113 @ 4,850 rpm
Transmission	Six-speed manual or CVT
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	2,502 to 2,701
Wheelbase (inches)	101.6
Length (inches)	172.6
Width (inches)	68.1
Height (inches)	57.1
Head room (f,r…inches)	38.9, 37.3
Leg room (f,r…inches)	42.1 33.5
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	54.2, 53.7
Hip room (f,r…inches)	51.7 50.8
Storage (cubic feet)	13.7
Gross vehicle weight rating (pounds)	3,439 to 3,638
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	11.9
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined)	29/39/33 (MT); 33/41/36 (IVT)
Manufacturing Plant	Ulsan, South Korea

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

See Also — N Line Debut: 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT

Photo copyright Hyundai Motors.

Toyota Avalon: Premium Value Sedan

August 28, 2019 by admin 4 Comments

Twenty-five years of Avalon history brings with it an all-new fifth-generation model. The sedan market may be shrinking, but Toyota remains committed to its largest sedan.

Toyota offers the 2019 Avalon in standard and hybrid versions. Pricing begins around $36,000 and adds about $10,000 more for fully equipped top-trim models.

The Toyota Avalon is a large sedan, one that was overhauled for 2019. It’s based on the same platform as the popular Toyota Camry and competes in a shrinking segment with the Chevrolet Impala, Buick LaCrosse, and the Chrysler 300.

Front to back, the Avalon imparts elegance, which makes it seem closer to what we’d expect from a Lexus, than with a Toyota product. That’s probably intentional as the Avalon may keep Toyota sedan shoppers in the fold, although we believe most have since fled to Toyota’s Highlander, which is a three-row crossover with room for up to eight.

That Toyota continues to invest in the Avalon should tell you something about the company. Indeed, even as competing manufacturers flee the segment (Ford no longer produces the Taurus, while GM will soon stop making the Impala and LaCrosse), Toyota sees a bigger slice of a shrinking pie. And who knows? Perhaps consumers will eventually tire of utility vehicles and make a return to the sedan market. If they do, then Toyota is well entrenched with the most modern model available.

Most modern Toyota models share a common platform, including the Avalon.

Controversial Design Elements

We realize the Toyota Avalon isn’t for everyone, especially for anyone put off by its polarizing design, particularly up front.

The front fascia is dominated by an oversized grille, with the lower grille opening larger than the top opening. Distinct cutouts for the LED lights and available body skirting contribute to the drama. The profile is not as busy, although the beltline sweeps upward to meet the sloping roofline for an elegant statement.

From the rear, the taillights are connected by a narrow reflector bar. Our test Touring model featured a quad-exhaust design with paired tips at the corners.

Exterior Highlights

Toyota equips the standard Avalon with 17-inch painted aluminum wheels wrapped within all-season radial tires. LED reflector headlamps, automatic LED daytime running lights, heated side mirrors, LED taillights, and dual exhaust tips are also standard. Some models come with 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, power side mirrors, and a power moonroof.

Inside, the cabin is spacious, offering ample room for five as promised. The front seats are plush and supportive. Likewise, the rear 60/40 split-fold bench seat is also comfortable. The back seat offers generous shoulder, hip, and leg room. Headroom is average, although most 6-foot passengers should find it adequate.

The split fold-down rear seat is supportive and comfortable. Fold part or all of the seat to gain access to the trunk, measuring 16.09 cubic feet of storage space.

Interior Highlights

As much as passenger space is an important selling point, the 2019 Avalon boasts a pretty interior. A layered dashboard, a traditional instrument cluster with analog displays, and an oversized center stack are among the most important features. Indeed, the stack itself may be the best feature here with its big display controlled by buttons and knobs. A huge open area at the bottom of the display can easily hold a small tablet or your smartphone. The transmission shifter and drive mode switches are located just ahead of that space.

Standard features include keyless entry with push-button start, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, climate control, and imitation leather seats. Among the upgrades, you’ll find premium leather seats, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, wood and aluminum trim, and aluminum pedals. You’ll also find eight cup holders – one in each door and two pairs up front and in the back.

Technology & Safety

The standard audio and tech package includes eight speakers, a 9-inch color display, satellite radio, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth, four USB ports, and HD Radio. Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility is now included, however, Android Auto is not. Toyota and Google are working on Android compatibility, which isn’t ready at this time. No word whether it will be made backward compatible for 2019.

Among the upgrades are a 1200-watt, 14-speaker JBL sound system, which was included with our test model. Like other premium audio packages, this one pipes music throughout the cabin, offering excellent range and clarity. Other upgrades include wireless charging, a navigation system, and a bird’s eye view camera system.

Toyota shines in all things safety, by offering standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. But that’s not all — you will also find a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beam control, and full-range adaptive cruise control. Typically, you’ll pay extra for these features elsewhere, including on not a few luxury models. A head-up display is also available.

Toyota keeps things simple, yet useful with the center stack.

Let’s Go Places!

Toyota’s #LetsGoPlaces hashtag helps readily identify fellow enthusiasts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. There isn’t as large a contingent of Avalon fans sharing as you’d find with the Tacoma and perhaps the all-new Supra,, but they’re active nevertheless.

After all, the virtues of the 301-horsepower V6 are worth sharing as this engine offers capable step-off acceleration and robust passing power. It works with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which quickly responds to commands, serving up the right cog on demand.

For a large sedan, the Avalon stays planted on the straightaways and does a decent job on the twisty roads, although the extra weight over the front wheels becomes noticeable as you enter and leave curves. The Avalon does a reasonable job in mitigating understeer — you never have to fight the steering wheel to maintain control. This sedan’s ride is plush and comfortable; the brakes are firm. For an adjustable driving feel, you can switch between eco, normal, and sport modes. The Touring edition adds a Sport+ mode, for tighter shifts and enhanced exhaust output.

Auto Trends Recommends

Although we like the Avalon sedan, customers might also consider the Avalon Hybrid. The hybrid at $36,650 costs just $1,000 more than the base Avalon (add $945 for the delivery fee for both vehicles), but has upwards of a 19 mpg fuel economy edge over the gas model. That’s a narrow cost difference for this highly efficient sedan with a laudable 215 hybrid system net horsepower. No competing model offers a full-hybrid option.

Regardless of your choice of vehicle, a well-equipped Avalon can be had for about $40,000. That’s easily within the range we like for today’s large sedans and an attractive option to some luxury models.

Avalon models come with standard dual exhausts with two or four tips.

2019 Toyota Avalon Specifications

Toyota	2019 Avalon
Segment	Large sedan
Base Sticker Price	$36,595 (including a $945 destination charge)
Price as tested	$45,235 (est.)
Standard Engine	3.5-liter, V6
Horsepower	301 @ 6,600 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.)	267 @ 4,700 RPMs
Transmission	Eight-speed automatic
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	3,704
Wheelbase (inches)	113.0
Length (inches)	195.9
Width (inches)	72.8
Height (inches)	56.5
Head room (f,r…inches)	38.5, 37.9
Leg room (f,r…inches)	42.1, 40.3
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	58.3, 57.1
Hip room (f,r…inches)	55.8, 54.8
Storage (cubic feet)	16.09
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	Regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	14.5
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway)	22/3/25 city/highway/combined
Manufacturing Plant	Georgetown, Kentucky

One Fine Week With a
Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe

July 16, 2019 by admin 3 Comments

AMG is the performance side of Mercedes-Benz, thus all such models are known as Mercedes-AMG, with Benz not even mentioned. The AMG line is impressive, covering nearly three dozen models, including coupes, convertibles, sedans, wagons, and roadsters.

The marque’s popular C-Class range of compact luxury coupes, convertibles, and sedans, serves as the springboard for various AMG C43 and C63 models. Auto Trends had the pleasure of driving a 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe in early July, so please read on to find out what we discovered.

2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe Overview

The fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class rolled out in 2015. Since then, it has benefited from numerous updates, including an important refresh of all C43 models for 2019.

Indeed, those changes align the C43’s visage with other AMG models and include a new grille, modified front, and rear bumpers, and fresh wheel designs. Step inside and the C43 has a new sport steering wheel and a newly available digital gauge cluster. Rounding out the interior changes are new wood and metal trim. Heated and ventilated performance seats are also available for the first time.

1. A fetching canvas.

Pardon us if wax a bit googly-eye over the C43’s exterior. We weren’t the only ones smitten by the look — it caught the attention of several friends who wanted to know more.

The C43’s front fascia is powerful, sporty, and luxurious. It wears its tri-star badge well, sprouting wings that cover the gaping upper grille. The lower grille is nearly as large, itself offset by large cutouts. Our test model had the available AMG Night Package ($300), which included a front splitter trim strip and front louver inserts (within the cutouts). The front presentation is enhanced by dramatic headlights and LED accent lights. We especially liked the headlamps which feature automatic high beams. What’s noteworthy here is that the beams open like a curtain, spreading the light from the center to the sides. There’s ample side lighting too, giving this model remarkable night vision. This is part of an adaptive lighting system package ($900).

A long hood, sweeping lines, and a short rear deck touts this model’s sporting persona. Distinct body sculpting connects the front and rear lights. A second set of lines moves between the wheels. Side skirts and 19-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels add visual interest. The roofline slopes dramatically to the trunk, itself topped by a spoiler. Wraparound tail lamps bring up the rear, which also has a diffuser amplified by quad exhaust tips.

2. Room for four, on paper.

The AMG C43’s interior is all about the front seat. Yes, there is a two-person rear seat, but you need to be 1), especially agile to gain access, and 2), small enough to do without much legroom.

As for the front passengers, they benefit from excellent room and comfort. The sport seats are prominently bolstered, ensuring that everyone stays in place while navigating twisty roads. The dashboard features a modern design with the center stack topped by a color display screen. Oversized circular vent ports, control switches, and concealed cup holders provide substance. Between the seats is the COMAND controller. The transmission shifter is on a stalk jutting out from the right side of the steering column.

This AMG’s interior is lavishly appointed, with fine materials everywhere, including red-stitched leather on the dashboard and seats, metal trim and handles, and a gloss black finish. Storage is fair, with netting on the drivetrain tunnel and a sizable concealed storage area between the seats. The trunk space should hold about four, maybe five pieces of luggage, but measures just 10.5 cubic feet.

3. Enhanced power at the ready.

All AMG C43 models come with a BiTurbo (twin-turbo) 3.0-liter V6 engine. When it first rolled out, it was rated at 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This year, it has gained 23 horses while its torque output remains steady.

Power is routed to all four wheels by means of a quick-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. Sorry, no manual gearbox is available — but steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters supply at least a measure of personal engagement. In any case, the transmission does everything it needs to do to motivate this AMG. Under hard acceleration, this luxury coupe rockets from 0 to 60 mph in about four seconds.

4. Excellent driving dynamics.

You expect most any model wearing a Mercedes-Benz badge to deliver stellar driving dynamics. Slap on an AMG badge and the performance characteristics become legendary.

Weighing just under two tons, the C43 is surprisingly quick, tossable, and a whole lot of fun. Its steering responds fast and with precision, its rear-biased all-wheel-drive system only calls on the front wheels when needed. This means you’ll enjoy a smattering of chassis movement before the front wheels respond.

Three drive modes are at the ready — comfort, sport and sport+, with each building on the previous with sharper shift points, sportier suspension settings, and an increasingly booming exhaust system. The latter takes back pressure and toots a welcome melody.

There isn’t much the C43 can’t do that doesn’t match competing sports cars. It imbues confidence for the driver, as it stays planted on the most challenging roads. Our favorite stretch of looping roads proved its competence, with the C43 sprinting along with authority and climbing hills without gasping. It seems lighter on its feet than its weight suggests, and not once did we detect even a scintilla of turbo lag. In other words, the C43 offers the right power, steering, and handling balance for its size.

5. The kind of technologies you want.

You expect Mercedes-Benz to present cutting-edge technologies, especially in its performance models. This AMG does not disappoint with its chassis technology, which enhances its agility and lateral dynamics. We’ve already touched upon what that means.

As for in-cabin technologies, the C43 comes with a 10.5-inch infotainment center display screen. It also has the brand’s COMAND infotainment software and supplies standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility. Other features include Bluetooth, dual USB ports, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The standard 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system offers exceptional sound clarity with beautiful aluminum speaker grilles matching the interior’s design.

We like the available and very nifty digital instrument cluster, which supplies customizable analog-style and digital displays. It takes some time to get used to it, but once you’re familiar with what it does, you’ll have a large swath of vehicle information and driver-assistance features at the ready.

6. Driver-assist features, but at an added cost.

If there is anything about the C43 that leaves us disappointed, it would be its extra-cost safety features. Mind you that this coupe does have standard blind spot assist, adaptive braking technology, the requisite rearview camera, and various ride control features.

However, to enjoy such advanced features as active lane change assist, evasive steering assist, and route-based speed adaption requires opting for the $1,800 Driver Assistance Package which also requires opting for the $2,300 Multimedia Package. We think the two packages should be offered separately. Better yet, by including the Driver Assistance Package as standard equipment would give this model a leg up, even if it results in a corresponding price increase.

The Bottom Line

The C-Class model line by itself represents an outstanding roster of coupe, sedan, and cabriolet models. Your AMG options extend beyond the C43 to include BiTurbo 4.0-liter V8 handcrafted engines with an output of 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque or 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque in the S-model. You’ll pay handsomely for the latter with its base price starting at $76,450. But then that’s only $2,000 more than our test C43 model loaded with nearly $17,000 worth of upgrades.

To sum up, the Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe is a delight, a model that pushes the margins of the C-Class to greater heights. We could wish for a manual transmission, but the 9-speed automatic is a jewel and the paddle shifters provide at least some of the connectivity to the road we want. Perhaps the biggest challenge is settling on a body style, but at least the choices are there and the results are equally pleasing.

2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Specifications

Sticker price from $57,450 (plus a $995 destination charge)
Price as tested: $74,410
Seats 4
Engine No. 1: twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine
385 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
384 foot-pounds of torque @ 2,500 to 5,000 rpm
9-speed automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 111.8 inches
Length: 184.8 inches
Width: 71.3 inches
Height: 55.3 inches
Passenger volume: TBA cubic feet
Storage volume: 10.5 cubic feet
Towing capacity: NR
EPA: 19/27/22 mpg city/highway/combined
Premium grade gasoline
Fuel tank: 17.4 gallons
Curb weight: NR
IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick+ (sedan)
Limited vehicle warranty: 48 months/50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 48 months/50,000 miles
Vehicle assembly: Bremen, Germany

End of the Road: Ford Taurus

June 27, 2019 by admin 3 Comments

More than 2 million examples of the first-generation Ford Taurus were built.
(Public domain photo via Wikimedia)

The Ford Taurus is a full-size sedan, once one of the most popular models in the blue oval’s arsenal. Changing consumer tastes and Ford’s reluctance to invest in an all-new model took its toll on sales. On March 1, 2019, the last Taurus rolled off of a Chicago assembly line.

Ford claims more than 8 million sales of the Taurus, spanning 34 years of near-continuous build. The very first model debuted at an auto show in 1985 and went into production later that year. Initially, the Taurus was a midsize sedan and wagon. Later, the wagon was dropped and the Taurus name was applied to a full-size sedan. That sedan competed against the likes of the Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Avalon. Soon, only the Avalon will soldier on as Chevrolet also exits the segment.

Here are the highlights of Ford’s Taurus:

1. Out with the old. Ford needed a competitive midsize model and set out to build a new vehicle from scratch. The previous LTD was a warmed over Ford Fairmont, one of many models sharing a common Fox-body platform. Indeed, the Fox architecture supported a variety of models, including the Lincoln Continental and the Ford Mustang.

2. In with the new: sedan, wagon, and SHO. Up until the time of the Taurus’ debut, Ford relied on a succession of rear-wheel-drive models to power its cars. That had Ford trailing its domestic competition, which offered front-wheel-drive models for the taking. FWD was deemed superior from a roominess standpoint as it allowed manufacturers to build smaller vehicles with larger interiors. The Taurus went up against such models as the Chevrolet Celebrity and the Dodge 600. Initially, Ford introduced the Taurus in sedan and wagon configurations, then followed with a SHO (special high output) performance version beginning in 1989. The Taurus’ twin was the Mercury Sable; a larger Lincoln Continental shared a modified version of the platform.

The style of this third-generation Taurus was widely panned.
(Public domain photo via Wikimedia)

3. Success, at last. Ford recorded a modest 200,000 units sold in the Taurus’ first year, but 2 million models over the first generation’s six-model-year run. Sales continued to climb after that, reaching 410,000 units in 1992. That year also saw the second-generation model’s release, which immediately made the Taurus the best-selling car in America. Ford would hold onto the title throughout this model’s second-generation run and with the third-generation model when it rolled out in 1996. However, beginning in 1997, the Toyota Camry wrested sales leadership from Ford, keeping the “best-selling car” title most years since.

4. The ever-popular 3.0L V6. Upon its debut, the Ford Taurus offered two engine choices: a 2.5-liter inline-four and a 3.0-liter V6. The base engine was weak, producing just 90 horsepower to the 140 horsepower offered by the V6. The base engine is paired with a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 works with a four-speed automatic. The four-cylinder disappeared in early 1991. Beginning in 1988, a 3.8-liter V6 rolled out, matching the horsepower of the standard V6, but with improved torque. The SHO model had its own 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. This engine makes 220 horsepower.

5. On to the bubble. The Taurus’ sales held strong when the third-generation model rolled out, thanks in large part to rental and fleet sales, which kept this sedan a best-seller. However, customers could not look past the rounded exterior of the new model, with sales soon falling accordingly. Still, the Taurus name had much value and fleet demand remained strong. The fourth-generation model rectified the design issues of the previous model, continuing with sedan and wagon body styles. However, the SHO was gone and the wagon would follow by the end of 2004.

6. Good-bye, Taurus. Hello, Five Hundred and Fusion. After returning to peak sales in 2000 (382,035 units sold), Taurus sales fell steadily in successive years, dropping permanently below 200,000 units in 2005. By then, Ford planned to stop making the Taurus, replacing it with the midsize Fusion, which itself rolled out in 2006. Still, Ford kept the Taurus around for two more years, selling it to fleets only for its last year. But Ford CEO Alan Mulcahy wasn’t about to let a well-known name go away. The Ford Five Hundred, produced from 2005 to 2007, and targeted to eventually replace the Ford Crown Victoria, would be renamed the Ford Taurus, beginning in 2008. Thus, although not always available to consumers, Ford managed to keep the Taurus name alive, by shifting model names and eventually making the Taurus its flagship model. Once the Crown Victoria disappeared in 2011, the Taurus became Ford’s leading model.

Ford produced a wagon variant of the Taurus through 2004.
(Public domain photo via Wikimedia)

7. Bigly and a pursuit option. The fifth-generation Taurus covered just two years or five (2005 to 2009) when the Five Hundred is included. The sixth-generation Taurus represents a clean-sheet redesign, with a family of V6 engines motivating this sedan. All models feature standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available. Initially, the engine choices included naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions of a 3.5-liter V6. Beginning in 2013, a Police Interceptor Sedan based on the Taurus rolled out, offering the Taurus’s two engine choices plus a 3.7-liter V6.

8. End of the line. The proverbial “writing on the wall” for the Taurus soon became apparent as each model year passed. The Taurus remained virtually unchanged, while crossover models and trucks received updates or all-new versions. In 2018, Ford said it was exiting the car business in North America, with plans to keep the Mustang, but nothing else. The Taurus stayed in production long enough to produce tens of thousands of police vehicles, although the utility pursuit models were the biggest sellers.

So Long, Farewell

Eight million copies sold ensures the Taurus name will not be easily forgotten. In the grand scheme of things, the Taurus wasn’t an outstanding model, although its SHO variants enhanced its appeal. At some point, we’ll see the Taurus showcased at classic car events, with fans waxing nostalgic for a model popularized in the idyllic days of their youth.

The final generation Taurus was the largest one of all, taking over the
full-size slot eventually abandoned by the Crown Victoria.
(Public domain photo via Wikimedia)

Did you know? — Production of the Ford Taurus may have ended at the Chicago Assembly Plant, but a new model exists. Designed explicitly for the Chinese market, this large sedan is available in four trims and comes with a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 engine. Ford builds the new Taurus in China, along with many other models.

See Also — The History of the Hyundai Tiburon

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