2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport

Midsize sedan gets a retuned suspension and appearance enhancements

By Nina Russin

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport

Last year, Suzuki rolled out the Kizashi: its first foray into the midsize sedan segment. While the Kizashi is a large car compared to the compact SX4, the sedan‘s agile platform reflects its creators’ years of experience producing motorcycles. For 2011, Suzuki adds a Sport variant, consisting of lighter wheels, a lowered chassis with retuned suspension, body and  interior enhancements.

The Sport grade begins under $23,000 for the GTS model with a six-speed manual transmission. The upscale SLS with the manual gearbox starts under $25,000. Both models come standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 185 horsepower.

Buyers can upgrade to a continuously variable automatic transmission for $1100 more, and add all-wheel drive for enhanced four-season performance ($1350). The all-wheel drive system automatically transfers up to fifty percent of engine power to the rear wheels as driving conditions dictate. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Jaguar XKR Convertible

Classic sports car evolves with new technology

By Nina Russin

2011 Jaguar XKR Convertible

In my next life, I plan to be an obscenely rich rock star, and drive a Jaguar XKR. The only thing keeping me from buying one now is the convertible’s hundred-thousand dollar price tag.

Is the XKR well suited for active lifestyles? No particularly. Do I care? Not a whit. The fact that the XKR is both exquisitely beautiful and scarily fast is good enough for me.

Jaguar’s two-plus-two, available as both a coupe and convertible, is the latest in a long line of classic sports cars, dating back to the XK120, C, D and E-types. The current versions rolled out in 2009 as 2010 models, with new, more powerful engines and revised styling. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Scion tC

Second-generation sports coupe takes the road less traveled

By Nina Russin

2011 Scion tC

The original Scion tC that rolled out in 2004 balanced two utilitarian models- the xA and xB- with a performance coupe. Engineers set the BMW 3-Series as their target, delivering a high level of handling and response for below $20,000.

In addition, the tC was versatile: much more than one might expect for a five-door coupe. I was surprised when I was able to fit a road bike inside without removing the front wheel.

In October, Scion rolls out the second-generation model, with a more specific audience than the first. The brand originally intended to capture the youth market for Toyota has done that and more, becoming an icon for alternative lifestyles.

Designers from Toyota’s Calty studio in Newport Beach developed the FUSE concept with this in mind. The aggressively-styled tC production car is edgier than the outgoing model, with a more powerful engine and driver focused cockpit.

Scion maintains its monospec pricing strategy: both the base manual and automatic transmission models start under $20,000. Buyers can customize their cars with two audio upgrades, Toyota TRD racing accessories, aero kits and ground effects. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec

Value meets style and performance

By Nina Russin

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Hyundai’s success with the midsize Genesis sedan inspired product planners to introduce two-door version. The R-Spec model takes the stylish coupe and adds a dose of performance, with a turbocharged two-liter engine, six-speed manual gearbox, special suspension, wheels and tires.

Turbocharging gives the four-cylinder engine exceptional low-end power. The engine develops peak torque, 223 foot-pounds, at 2000 rpm. As a result, the coupe prances off the line past other vehicles, and can soar into high-speed traffic. Zero-to-sixty acceleration is under six seconds.

A short-throw shift lever allows the driver to transition quickly between gears. Two large overdrive gears maximize fuel economy on the highway.

A strut tower brace contributes to overall chassis rigidity for enhanced steering feedback. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels with low-profile summer performance tires give the R-Spec Genesis a wide, stable footprint. Brembo four-piston brakes can handle the demands of a race track and stop the car on a dime.

Despite its high-performance accouterments, the Genesis coupe is also a great value: under $25,000 including delivery charges. Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty contains maintenance and repair costs, making the R-Spec coupe a realistic possibility for car enthusiasts on a budget. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Nissan Frontier 4X4 Pro4X

Midsize pickup truck is big on off-road fun

By Nina Russin

2010 Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier is a right-sized truck that’s maneuverable in dense traffic, yet big enough for serious cargo. A 261-horsepower V-6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission produce plenty of torque for acceleration and towing.

A quiet timing chain is more durable than a belt, saving buyers an expensive repair at about 60,000 miles. The four-wheel drive Frontier tows up to 6100 pounds.

A two-speed transfer case on the four-wheel drive model gives the Frontier true off-road capability. Transferring between two and four-wheel drive is easy, thanks to a rotary control on the instrument panel.

The crew cab truck seats up to five passengers. Despite its tough-looking exterior, the Frontier is available with a host of comfort and convenience features, including an MP3-compatible audio system, Bluetooth interface, heated front seats and a power moonroof.

An optional tailgate extender adds extra length to the cargo bed when necessary. Bed rails and adjustable tie-down cleats secure large cargo. An optional roof rack with crossbars can be fitted with a variety of overhead carriers. Read the rest of this entry »

Athletes, join us in South Bend, IN Aug. 23-24

Tire Rack National Headquarters

You’ll get free dinner, prizes from Michelin tires and a day driving on the track and offroad. This event is a ton of fun and great opportunity for athletes to see why manufacturers are adding specific features to meet their active lifestyle demands. To get all the details and to RSVP for the event and/or dinner, please view Program details here.

2010 Suzuki Kizashi SE AWD

Suzuki packs a punch with value and performance

By Nina Russin

2010 Suzuki Kizashi

The Kizashi is Suzuki’s newest flagship: a midsize sedan that the automaker hopes will extend its global reach. Because midsize sedans outsell all other passenger cars, the segment holds allure for companies trying to build volume. But entering it means swimming in shark-infested waters: full of heavy hitters such as the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Acura TSX.

While Suzuki can’t match the panache of some European luxury brands, it does offer a significant value to customers who seek style and performance on a budget. A base price of $22,749 for the all-wheel drive test car includes such upscale features as keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate controls, three-position driver’s seat memory, and an iPod compatible audio system.

All models come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 185 horsepower, and the choice of either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The front-wheel drive manual model accelerates from zero-to-sixty in 7.4 seconds.

This week, I had the opportunity to drive the SE: one of four available grades. The continuously-variable automatic transmission has a manual gear select mode, allowing the driver to make the most of the engine’s available power.

Because the Kizashi comes with a large roster of comfort and convenience features, floor mats and premium paint are the only options on the test car. Suzuki includes the delivery charge in the base price: MSRP is $23,004. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Toyota Venza Five-Door Sedan

All-wheel drive adds four-season performance for active lifestyles

By Nina Russin

2010 Toyota Venza

The five-passenger Toyota Venza combines elements from the Camry and Highlander in a versatile, compact platform.

Available four and six-cylinder engines come with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a choice of front or all-wheel drive. The front-wheel drive four-cylinder Venza is the fuel economy king, averaging 29 miles-per-gallon on the highway.

The all-wheel drive V-6 averages 25 miles-per-gallon on the highway, but offers significantly more horsepower and torque. It can tow up to 3500 pounds when equipped with the tow-prep option, meeting our ALV minimum standards.

This week I spent time in the all-wheel drive V-6 Venza on an extended road trip through the Midwest. The drive route included highway, rural roads and city streets.

During the week-long trip, I drove through several large downpours on hilly terrain, putting the all-wheel drive‘s electronic torque distribution to the test. The route included every type of road surface imaginable, thanks to an abundance of construction, and the upper Midwest’s infamous potholes.

Base price on the test car is $29,550, not including a $750 destination charge. A rear seat DVD system, audio upgrade, convenience and security packages bring the price as tested to $34,759. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Special Vehicle Team transforms Ford’s full-sized pickup into the ultimate off-road machine

By Nina Russin

Ford F-150 Raptor

If the definition of an active lifestyle vehicle includes getting jiggy on two wheels and eating mouthfuls of dirt, the Ford SVT Raptor may be the ultimate ALV. The automaker drew from its trophy truck experience to make a vehicle that can go off-road racing out of the box.

The difference between the Raptor and the race-prepared trucks it’s based on is that the Raptor is street legal. The test car, equipped with a luxury package, is actually pretty comfy for the daily commute.

While high-tech features such as Ford’s sync voice-activated controls proliferate through the interior, the off-road technology is pretty old fashioned. I don’t say this to be disparaging. Anybody who’s followed a Baja race knows that checkpoints can be few and far between. The drivers that win have tied-and-true technology that works, and after miles of pre-running, know how to make the best of it.

The Raptor chassis is significantly wider than the stock F-150 to accommodate large wheels and a wider suspension. Fox racing shocks become stiffer as they travel into compression to avoid bottoming out. High-profile tires serve the same purpose.

The suspension is soft, so it can glide over obstacles without beating up the driver.

Base price on the F-150 4X4 is $38,020, not including a $975 delivery charge. Options on the test car, including the Raptor package, custom paint, luxury interior, rear back-up camera, Sony navigation radio and a trailer brake controller bring the price as tested to $49,395. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 GMC Terrain FWD SLE-1

Five-passenger SUV delivers 32 miles-per-gallon on the highway

By Nina Russin

2010 GMC Terrain

These days, finding the right new car without breaking the bank is a formidable challenge; especially for families with active lifestyles.

Buyers who haul trailers require serious towing capability on top of a versatile cargo area. Fuel economy is important, since it impacts cost of ownership.

The GMC Terrain is designed to fill all of these squares, with seating for up to five passengers, and a choice of two fuel-efficient engines. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine on front-wheel drive model averages 32 miles-per-gallon on the highway. A 264-horsepower V6 is slightly less efficient, but can tow up to 3500 pounds, meeting our ALV standards.

Base sticker price for the front-wheel drive SLE-1 with the four-cylinder engine is $24,995 including delivery. The base car comes with most of the comfort and convenience features buyers need, and a few they might not expect.

A rear-backup camera display in the rearview mirror makes it easier to park. Standard XM satellite radio includes a three-month complimentary subscription. OnStar is standard on all models: the system automatically notifies police and emergency medical personnel if the airbags deploy.

Other standard features include a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air conditioning, auxiliary and USB ports, remote keyless entry, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Terrain received five-star federal crash test ratings for both frontal and side crash tests (four stars for rollover). It also received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award for 2009.

Rugged exterior styling gives the Terrain familial resemblance to GMC’s larger trucks: the Acadia, Envoy and Yukon. Read the rest of this entry »