Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts

BMW i8

The BMW i8 gasoline unit drives the rear wheels through a dual clutch transmission, while the electric motor uses a twin-speed transmission to turn the front wheels.

BMW’s second generation 1 Series will be a 2012 model in Europe and continue to be the only rear-wheel-drive model in the class. All engines in the 1 Series are now turbocharged with BMW’s TwinPower turbo – a single dual vane turbo system that reduces lag. Call your
BMW i8 dealer and demand these cars.

The gas engine drives the rear wheels for a perfect 50/50 weigh distribution, but also allowing all-wheel drive when both engines are working.

It also features what
BMW i8 calls LifeDrive architecture, which involves both passenger seating and its propulsion system being based on state-of-the-art methods of cutting weight. The concept is constructed a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic monocoque.

It also features something called PRO ECO mode, a setting that allows the driver to utilize the most energy efficient method when traveling. Overall, BMW is serious about the
BMW i8 being able to handle various weather situations.

It's reportedly been tested in cold weather around the Arctic Circle.

Kia Sorento Review

The Kia Sorento front passenger air bag may be turned off when an adult is in the passenger seat. The vehicle's occupant classification system (OCS), which classifies the occupant in the front passenger seat, may misclassify an adult passenger as a child or child seat and improperly turn off the passenger side air bag. Consequence: The passenger side air bag is turned off when the OCS misclassifies an adult passenger.

A recall has been issued for model year 2007 and 2008 Kia Sorento SUVs for a possible malfunction in passenger side airbag Occupant Classification System (OCS).
Kia will update the OCS programming free of charge.
The problem: Faulty programming may incorrectly deactivate the front passenger airbag for adult riders.

The issue affects the Occupant Classification System (OCS) installed in 2007 and 2008 model year Sorento SUVs manufactured from June 2006 through September 2007

The present model also offers a usable third-row seat, standard four-cylinder power with a V6 option, and Kia's extensive warranty package.

Current Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV offered in base, LX and EX trim levels. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive with a locking center differential is available.
A rear-seat DVD entertainment system is also available.
In reviews, we've been roundly impressed with the Kia Sorento.

Used Kia Sorento Models
The current, second-generation Kia Sorento debuted for the 2011 model year.

The first-generation
Kia Sorento was produced from 2003-'09 (there was no 2010 model). It debuted with a 3.5-liter, 192-hp V6 in LX or EX trim. LX models had either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, while the EX came only with the automatic. Standard equipment on the first-generation Sorento included air-conditioning, full power accessories, a CD audio system, multiple power points and 60/40-split flip-and-fold rear seats. Dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery and heated front seats were among the notable options.

Peugeot 407 Review

The Peugeot 407 went on sale in the UK in June 2004 and is the successor to the much-loved Peugeot 406. The 407 is based on PSA Peugeot Citroen’s platform three for middle and upper segment vehicles. Whichever model you choose the Peugeot 407 offers exceptional value for money.

Transmissions include either a 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearbox, or an electronic 4-speed or 6-speed automatic 'Tiptronic' auto adaptive gearbox.

The
Peugeot 407 line-up offers a range of model variants that straddle a large price bracket, starting with the base model 2.0-litre SR HDi which costs around $40,990, through to the 2.7-litre V6 SV HDi Touring which will set you back and extra $25,000.

The Peugeot’s 2.0-litre diesel produces 100Kw and 320Nm and does a great job of moving this large car that weighs in at around 1732kg.

Parking sensors are a great help in handling the Peugeot’s large dimensions. A visual and audible warning system protects front, rear and corner panels.

The six-speed automatic transmission on our vehicle performed beautifully. Inside the cabin, the
Peugeot 407s beauty is a little more mainstream. The audio system belts out a nice sound, but it lacks modern kit, sporting a mere single CD player as standard. Heated seats are included in the leather option. Seat memory would be a welcome addition.

Cabin storage is also good, with door pockets, centre console storage and a large glove box.

Instrumentation is large and clear, and includes a multi-function digital display. The large side and rear pillars however, leave you with poor rearward visibility.

Retractable sun blinds on the rear side windows and rear window are fantastic.

The boot space is great, at
Peugeot 407 litres, and the large opening makes loading big items easy. Electronic stability control is standard across the range, as are anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist.


Dodge Caliber

Also, expect the CVT to be dropped for either a conventional autobox or Fiat's automated manual transmission.

People will remember the
Dodge Caliber for a few good hits, including a powerful SRT-4 version, liftgate-integrated MusicGate speakers, illuminated cupholders and removable flashlight.

The Dodge Caliber is one of the unfortunate models from
Dodge Caliber which didn’t have the expected success on the market. It is worth mentioning that the Caliber was the first Chrysler model to use electromagnetically controlled all wheel drive with variable torque output. After pulling the plug on the Caliber, Chrysler is expected to release a new Dodge compact during 2012.

The new model will be fitted with a turbocharged Fiat 1.4-liter engine.

Chrysler had a real hit on its hands (at least initially) when it launched the Neon in 1994. The Caliber, however, has been less of a market success.

In replacing the ubiquitous Neon in 2006, Dodge went with a pseudo-SUV shape to create a more rugged aesthetic on the
Dodge Caliber.

It's also roomy and inexpensive, and it boasts an available continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Current Dodge Caliber
Built on a global platform also used for the Jeep Compass SUV and midsize Dodge Avenger sedan, the tall-bodied
Dodge Caliber comes only as a compact hatchback/wagon. The Caliber comes in five so-called "lifestyle" trim levels -- Express, Mainstreet, Uptown, Heat and Rush. A five-speed manual and continuously variable transmission (CVT) are available.
The Caliber's interior has been greatly improved from its horrible previous iteration.

Used Dodge Caliber Models
The
Dodge Caliber debuted in 2006 as a 2007 model. At the bottom of the ladder was a 148-hp 1.8-liter inline-4, which came standard on the base Caliber and the SXT. The R/T model was equipped with the current Rush trim's 2.4-liter inline-4. There was a high-performance Caliber SRT-4 produced for 2008 and '09. Aside from its big engine, it got 19-inch wheels, lowered suspension, upgraded brakes, a performance trip computer and sport seats. A key change to the Caliber occurred for 2010, as Dodge addressed the rather deplorable interior quality previously found in the Caliber.

2011 fiat 500 review

Known also as the Cinquecento, the fiat 500 is the first Fiat to come stateside since the Fiat X1-9 of the early '80s and perhaps the first of additional tasty Italian cars heading our way now that Fiat and Chrysler have merged.

Like the current Mini, the
fiat 500 is a nostalgia piece, an updated version of a charismatic original. The question is, will American's embrace this Italian import like they have the Mini?

I suspect that the enthusiasm flows from confidence about the
fiat 500's distinctive personality, which—like BMW's reincarnated Mini Cooper—draws heavily on the car's cultural legacy. "There are 27 million Italian-Americans," says Laura Soave, CEO of Fiat in North America.

Soave points up the 500's advantage in this regard by comparing it to the Mini—a British original redesigned by a German carmaker—and the Ford Fiesta. Those cars, direct competitors with the 500, lack the "emotion" and "heritage" of the car that defined at least two generations of Italian drivers. The MultiAir technology "maximizes performance and minimizes emissions," basically by fine-tuning the intake-valve timing and lift, says Joe Grace, the Fiat vehicle line executive.


"Even driven hard," Grace says, "you'll get extremely good fuel economy."

The three models first to market are the Pop, Sport and Lounge. All look virtually identical—"cute" is the operative adjective—and have similar dimensions: At 140 inches long, 64 inches wide, 60 inches high and with a wheelbase of 91 inches, the 500 is slightly smaller than the Mini. Standard equipment is rather spare and includes a five-speed manual transmission, 15-inch wheels and cloth seats.

The Drive
When I juiced the Sport on the twisty two-lane roads and punched the button that firms up the handling, the
fiat 500 hugged the road nicely. I found the car perfectly able, cleverly designed—with fun touches, like the round headrests—and enjoyable to drive.

Remember Fiat? Remember the joke about Fiat meaning “Fix It Again, Tony”?

This dramatic comeback is widely credited to Sergio Marchionne, the Italian-Canadian turnaround specialist who took over in 2004 as CEO of Fiat Auto Group, the vehicle division of the Fiat SpA combine. More recently, Fiat formed a global strategic alliance with Chrysler. Future product plans have yet to be finalized, but early reports say Fiat products and platforms will play a significant part in future Chrysler offerings.

There are some interesting parallels between the British-sourced Mini and the U.S.-market
Fiat 500. First, both were designed by Frank Stephenson, who joined Fiat after creating the 2002 Mini. The wagon may be a reprisal of the classic Fiat 500 Giardinetta; think Mini Cooper Clubman with an Italian accent. As a 2-door hatchback, which will surely be the mainstay seller, the Fiat 500 is about 5 inches shorter, over an inch slimmer, and 3.2 inches taller than the equivalent Mini Cooper. Both cars have front-wheel drive, pert retro styling, and seating for four. In the States, the 1.4-liter engine is rated at 101 horsepower.

Volkswagen CC,Review

The Volkswagen CC It gets vote as the best-looking car in this category, and one of the nicest-looking cars on the road, period. This latter model is powered by a 280-horsepower, 3.6-litre V-6 and has VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive, while the other two use a turbocharged/intercooled 2.0-litre fou- cylinder that develops 200 horsepower.

It can be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, and in this configuration, has VW’s Tiptronic manual shift feature as well, which allows you to change gears via steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. My Highline version featured all-leather seats and tasteful brushed aluminum trim. I just need more head space, man. Needless to say, standard equipment level is high, and the
Volkswagen CC comes with things like cruise control, electronic parking brake, heated front seats (three settings!), rain-sensing wipers, a stability control system and Sirius satellite radio. For the Highline model, add 18-inch wheels and tires (up from 17-inchers), climate control, vented sunroof and 12 power adjustments on the front seats.

My tester also had a couple of options: navigation system with rear-view camera, and VW’s R-Line package, which includes upgraded alloy wheels and various exterior bits and pieces.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The
2012 Volkswagen CC is a four-passenger sedan available in six trims: 2.0T Sport, 2.0T R-Line, 2.0T Lux, 2.0T Lux Plus, 2.0T Lux Limited and VR6 4Motion Executive. The Sport comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, cruise control, automatic climate control, heated eight-way power front seats with lumbar adjustment, premium vinyl "leatherette" upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker sound system with a touchscreen interface, HD radio, auxiliary audio jack, an iPod interface and satellite radio.

The Lux adds to the Sport different 18-inch wheels, foglamps, heated washer nozzles, dual-zone automatic climate control, a navigation system (deletes HD radio) and brushed-aluminum interior trim. Lux Limited gets different 18-inch wheels and adaptive xenon headlights.

Stepping up to the VR6 4Motion Executive adds to the Lux Limited's equipment a V6 engine, all-wheel drive, headlamp washers, parking sensors, steering wheel shifter paddles, a power rear sunshade, driver memory functions, leather upholstery and a 10-speaker Dynaudio sound system.

The
2012 Volkswagen CC 2.0T models are front-wheel drive and powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined with the automatic. A conventional six-speed automatic is standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17/25/20.

Safety
All Volkswagen CCs come standard with antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), stability and traction control, hill-hold assist, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. The VR6 stopped in 124 feet.

Interior Design and Special Features
From the base Sport model to the top-of-the-line Executive trim, the
2012 Volkswagen CC shows off the luxury amenities and workmanship normally associated with premium luxury brands. The front seats offer a plethora of adjustments to fit nearly any body type

2011 Chevrolet Equinox,Review

For 2011, the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox optional V6 now has E85 capability. The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox boasts character and refinement two traits that were missing in previous-generation models, and indeed many small crossovers in general. With a rear seat that slides back to create an expanse worthy of a prom-night limousine, the Equinox easily counts rear legroom among its strengths. Ride quality is another plus, with the Equinox delivering a stable, well-planted ride. The most significant area in which the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox lags is cargo capacity. The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact crossover SUV available in LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ trim levels.

The top-shelf LTZ adds automatic headlamps, a power tailgate, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery and driver memory functions.

All Equinox trims except the LS can be had with a sunroof. Every
2011 Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque. Both engines come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional. An Equinox four-cylinder with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. All-wheel drive lowers these estimates to 20/29/23. An Equinox V6 with front-wheel drive gets an estimated 17/25/20, with all-wheel-drive versions dropping 1 mpg on the highway.

Safety
The
2011 Chevy Equinox comes standard with antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), traction and stability control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and OnStar. In side-impact and frontal-offset crash testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Equinox earned a top "Good" rating.

Interior Design and Special Features
The
2011 Chevrolet Equinox boasts a stylish cabin filled with premium touches. Adjust the sliding rear seat backward and you'll find rear legroom that's the most generous in this segment; the rear seat also reclines for passenger comfort.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze,Review

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is an all-new small sedan that replaces the aged Cobalt.

Breaking with the
2011 Chevrolet Cruze tradition of offering a larger-than-average engine in a small car, the Cruze offers a pair of fuel-efficient yet peppy small power plants. In terms of features, even the base Cruze LS comes pretty well equipped, with 10 airbags being one notable standard equipment highlight. The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is a small sedan that comes in four main trim levels: LS, Eco, LT and LTZ.

The Cruze LTZ adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, illuminated vanity mirrors, rear park assist, a sport-tuned suspension and four-wheel disc brakes.

The Cruze LS is powered by a 1.8-liter inline-4 that makes 136 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 22 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined for the Cruze LS. The fuel-economy-focused Cruze Eco earns a laudable 28 mpg city/42 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined with the manual transmission and 26/37/30 with the automatic.

Safety
All
2011 Chevrolet Cruze models come with stability control, antilock brakes, full-length side curtain airbags, front knee airbags and front and rear side impact airbags as standard. All trims save the LTZ have a front-disc/rear-drum brake setup; the LTZ upgrades to four-wheel disc brakes.

In Edmunds brake testing, a Cruze LTZ stopped from 60 mph in 122 feet, a decent distance for this class of car.

Interior Design and Special Features
The most surprising characteristic of the
2011 Chevrolet Cruze is its genuinely athletic handling and comfortable, controlled ride quality. Most drivers should be satisfied with either of the Cruze's engines.

sidebar_mainads

Label 2

Label 3

Label 4