2012 Toyota Camry XLE

Best-selling midsized sedan moves forward

By Nina Russin

2012 Toyota Camry XLE

The downside to this strategy is moving the product forward. Under the hood, this means advancing technology without increasing maintenance.

Twenty-twelve models feature four and six cylinder direct injection engines. Because fuel goes directly into the engine cylinders rather than passing through valves combustion is more efficient, enhancing mileage and reducing toxic emissions. Electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmissions have large overdrive gears to produce 35 mile-per-gallon fuel economy on the highway.

Inside the car, owners can enjoy Toyota’s newest Entune infotainment system, which interfaces with smartphones for applications such as Open Table, Pandora, Yelp and IHeartRadio. Safety Connect automatically notifies emergency medical personnel in the event of a serious collision, and provides stolen vehicle location. A rearview backup camera and blind spot monitoring make it easier for drivers to park and maneuver through dense traffic.

Designers needed to create a distinctive exterior which is contemporary without being gimmicky. Toyota describes the new design as “architectural,” referring to more angular lines which replace soft, curvy surfaces. While I wouldn’t equate the new Camry with Paul Rudolph, I believe that the stylists met their mission with aplomb. A fresh, bright grille and wrap-around headlamps capture one’s attention, as does the sedan’s crisp beltline.

Camry buyers can choose from four, four-cylinder models and two V-6 grades. Base price on the upscale XLE four-cylinder sedan tested is $24,725 excluding a $760 delivery charge. The test car is equipped with five option packages: blind spot monitoring ($500); push button start, a backup camera and auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink and compass ($1195); premium audio with navigation, Entune, satellite radio and Bluetooth streaming music ($1700); safety connect ($450); and leather upholstery with heated front seats and a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat ($1650). MSRP is $30,980. Read the rest of this entry »

Extended drive: 2012 Toyota Prius V Five

Versatile hybrid for active families

By Nina Russin

2012 Toyota Prius V Five

The fact that Toyota is expanding its hybrid offerings from a single model to a family of vehicles is therefore no surprise. The new Prius family includes a plug-in version which can run on pure electric power for short distances and a compact hatchback aimed towards urbanites living in areas where parking space is at a premium.

Of the new models, the Prius V is the largest, and the best suited for active families. Readers who expect the Prius V to be a new version of the minivan are mistaken: it isn’t that large, nor does it have three rows of seating. The extra interior space adds room in the second row, which can comfortably seat three passengers, and the cargo area. While the original Prius can only hold one bicycle, the Prius V can hold two and the people riding them.

As with the current Prius, the Prius V comes in four grades, beginning with the Two priced from $26,400. The upscale Prius V Five starts at $29,990. In both cases pricing does not include a $760 delivery charge.

Standard comfort and convenience features on the test car include keyless entry and start, navigation, rear backup camera, Bluetooth interface, heated front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, automatic climate control and split/folding second-row seats.

A premium package on the test car adds a two-pane panoramic moonroof, upgraded audio system, real-time weather and traffic updates, safety connect with automatic emergency assistance, stolen vehicle locator, and roadside assistance as well as Entune: Toyota’s proprietary infotainment system ($5580). Carpeted floor mats cost $225 and wheel locks add $67, bringing the price as tested to $36,622. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Acura TSX Technology

Sport sedan adds spice to the daily commute

By Nina Russin

2012 Acura TSX

The TSX is the entry luxury offering in Acura’s lineup, competing against the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS and Infiniti G series. Buyers can choose between an inline four or V-6 engines, with a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearbox.  The V-6 engine is available only for the sedan. Acura’s TSX sport wagon comes with the inline four-cylinder engine.

Shift paddles on the steering wheel gives the driver the option of selecting gears manually for more aggressive performance. A sport mode holds onto gears longer to keep the engine in its power band.

An available technology package adds an upgraded surround-sound audio system, hard-drive navigation with real-time weather and traffic updates, and dual-zone climate control. Base price for the four-cylinder TSX sedan with technology is $32,910. An $885 destination charge brings the price as tested to $33,795. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Toyota Tacoma 4X4

V-6 engine tows up to 6500 pounds

By Nina Russin

2011 Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma’s roots are in Toyota’s compact pickup trucks of the 1970s and 80s. Today, the Tacoma is a significantly larger vehicle, lining up behind the full-sized Tundra. New six-cylinder engine technology enables engineers to produce equivalent performance to what V-8 engines yielded a decade back. As a result, the V-6 Tacoma with 266 foot-pounds of torque qualifies as a real work horse, with the ability to carry heavy cargo.

The advantage of the V-6 as compared to the eight cylinder engine is fuel economy. The Tacoma access cab 4X4 averages 20 miles-per-gallon on the highway, which is good for a two-ton truck. Out of the box, the Tacoma tows up to 3500 pounds, meeting our ALV standard. A towing prep package which adds a class 4 hitch, heavy duty battery, transmission and oil coolers boosts towing capacity to 6500 pounds, making the Tacoma capable of hauling large trailers.

The access cab includes a small rear passenger space which can also be used for cargo. Dealerships can deactivate the front passenger airbag for child seats, since they won’t fit in back.

Base price for the test car is $25,925 excluding the $810 delivery charge. A discounted TRD off-road package adds a locking rear differential, off-road suspension, Bilstein shocks, special wheels, tires and skid plates under the chassis, as well as a host of comfort and convenience features inside the car ($3085). Other options include daytime running lamps ($40), the towing prep package ($650), carpeted floor mats ($179), tie down loops ($40), special wheels, tires  and performance exhaust ($1699), bringing the price as tested to $33,168. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Mazda3 Grand Touring Sedan

Skyactiv technology boosts gas mileage to 40 mpg

By Nina Russin

2012 Mazda3 Sedan

A refreshed exterior on the 2012 Mazda3 is just the appetizer: bigger changes under the hood include a brand new engine and transmission which give the compact sedan fuel economy comparable to some gasoline/electric hybrids. Engineers redesigned fuel nozzle jets and gave the new two-liter engine a compression ratio comparable to a race car: 12:1.

The compression ratio indicates how much pistons compress the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinders before the spark plugs light it up. A higher compression ratio makes the engine burn fuel more completely but can also lead to detonation. By changing the shape of the piston heads and shortening combustion times, engineers minimized the possibility of preignition, so the engine can run on regular gasoline as opposed to high-octane premium.

The new engine, which is also 4.4 pounds lighter than the block it replaces, achieves 28 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway, according to EPA estimates, with a range of over 500 miles between fill-ups.

In addition to its large overdrive gears, the new six-speed automatic utilizes a lockup torque converter with friction couplings to boost gas mileage. Engineers redesigned the manual transmission as well, making it lighter than the gearbox it replaces for similar fuel economy gains.

But being Mazda, extending gas mileage wasn’t enough. The new powertrain had to satisfy the needs of the automaker’s core audience of driving enthusiasts. Having put 200 miles on the Mazda3 sedan, this writer believes that Mazda has fulfilled its mission. The newest version of its compact sedan maintains the responsive handling and peppy acceleration of its predecessors, at a price which won’t break the bank.

MSRP for the upscale Grand Touring model is $22,300, excluding the $795 destination charge. A $1400 technology package adds blind spot monitoring, perimeter alarm, bi-xenon adaptive headlamps, satellite radio and rain-sensing wipers, bringing the price as tested to $24,495. Read the rest of this entry »

Extended drive: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4X4

Off-road legend gains some urban chops

By Nina Russin

2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Last fall, Jeep introduced the newest Wrangler: the four-by-four which, so to speak, started it all. The Wrangler’s roots date back to 1941, having been used for military purposes in World War II. Having driven the 2012 model on dirt roads and trails in the Tillamook National Forest, I feel comfortable in saying that none of the car’s legendary off-road capability has changed.

From a practical point of view, the Wrangler needs to do more than shine off-road. With a MSRP beginning over $25,000 for the four-door model, it must be capable of serving as its owner’s only car. Realizing that, Jeep engineers focused as much on raising the 2012 model’s on-road performance as its off-road capability.

Jeep Wrangler roots date back to the 1941 Willys

Changes began with a more powerful V-6 engine, which lowers the Wrangler’s zero-to-sixty acceleration time by three seconds. The Pentastar V-6, which first appeared in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, delivers 285 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque: improvements of 40 and ten percent respectively over the old engine. For drivers merging from toll booths or entry ramps into rush hour traffic, the benefits of the power increase are huge.

Side and rear glass areas are larger to improve visibility around the exterior. A lockable storage area for the hard top and bolts is a boon for urbanites. There are also two lockable storage areas in the passenger compartment: a glovebox and center console bin.

Enhanced fit-and-finish and soft-touch surfaces make the Wrangler’s interior more appealing. Automatic climate control, heated seats, power mirrors and redundant steering wheel controls are important creature comforts. Bluetooth interface, satellite radio and UConnect appeal to tech-savvy buyers. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Cadillac SRX Premium

New V-6 engine gives mid-sized crossover extra punch

By Nina Russin

2012 Cadillac SRX

The SRX is the smaller sibling to the full-sized Escalade sport-utility vehicle. While the SRX can’t match the Escalade’s cargo and towing capability, the smaller package has a lot of appeal for buyers who want a more nimble chassis with a passenger car-like ride.

This year, the engineers at GM have added some pizzazz to an already appealing package with a new direct injection V-6 engine rated at 308 horsepower. Peak torque, 265 lbs-ft, is available at 2400 rpm, so the driver can easily accelerate without sacrificing gas mileage. An eco feature alters shift points on the six-speed automatic transmission to further enhance fuel economy. Using the feature on my 150-mile test drive, I averaged 21 miles-per-gallon: two mpg better than the EPA estimate.

The upscale premium grade priced from $45,975 comes loaded with every conceivable convenience option except the DVD entertainment system, which adds $1395. That, plus an $875 destination charge brings the price as tested to $48,245.

As luxurious as the SRX is, the crossover vehicle is also practical, with up to 3500 pound towing capacity, standard roof rails, a bicycle-friendly cargo area and a storage area under the cargo floor. Standard adaptive xenon headlamps swivel according to steering input to light the way on dark suburban streets. Navigation is also standard, as is a rearview camera. Camera images and navigation maps appear on an eight-inch screen which rises from the dash when the driver turns on the ignition. The large graphics are heaven to my less-than perfect eyes.

A digital display in the gauge cluster tells the driver the speed limit of the road he’s traveling on, as well as giving driving range, fuel consumption, instant and average fuel economy and trip meter readings.

Keyless entry and start saves the driver from digging into his pocket for a fob, adding a measure of safety for those who drive alone after dark. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Fun to drive; easy to own

By Nina Russin

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The automotive world looks to Germany as the performance standard for good reason. What prevents more car enthusiasts from parking German cars in their driveways is price. It’s not just the MSRP; parts and service costs make certain luxury models very costly to own.

Enter the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, with a combination of uncompromised performance and affordability. The newest member of the Jetta family comes with a turbocharged 2-liter engine rated at 200 horsepower, with 207 foot-pounds of torque. An available DSG automatic transmission utilizes friction couplings to enhance fuel economy and deliver performance similar to a manual gearbox.

Base price is $24,595 for the automatic transmission model, excluding the $770 destination charge. Volkswagen includes three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance with its factory warranty.

The base GLI comes with 17-inch alloy rims and all-season tires. Buyers wanting a bigger footprint can upgrade to the GLI Autobahn, which adds 18-inch wheels.

Standard comfort and convenience features on all grades include remote keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column with redundant audio controls, air conditioning, satellite radio, IPod and Bluetooth interface and heated outside mirrors.

The premium Autobahn Navi model adds keyless start and navigation. MSRP with the DSG automatic transmission is $27,545. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Honda Civic Si

High-performance coupe stays true to its roots

By Nina Russin

2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe

It’s curious that Honda, a fundamentally conservative automaker, has become the marque of choice among millennial car enthusiasts. The compact Civic’s performance variant, the Si, is not a radical car by most measures. However, the OEM package, with its high-revving iVTEC engine, close ratio gearbox and compact sport-tuned suspension is the perfect palette for customization. It also offers superb ride and handling out of the box.

Honda introduced the ninth-generation of Civics for the 2012 model year, including an all-new Si. An aluminum 2.4-liter block replaces the 2-liter engine on the former model. Engineers made both peak horsepower and torque available at lower engine speeds to enhance the everyday driving experience.

As with its predecessors, the newest Si coupe is extremely light, and remarkably well balanced for a front-wheel drive car. Its performance adds a new dimension to everyday driving, without sacrificing versatility or fuel economy.

Average highway fuel economy is 31 miles-per-gallon, according to the EPA. Because of the engine’s high compression ratio, the Civic Si requires 91 octane premium unleaded fuel.

Base price for the Si coupe is $22,205, excluding the $770 delivery charge. The Si coupe comes standard with the 2.4-liter engine, six-speed close ratio gearbox, limited slip differential and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season V-rated tires. A standard stainless steel exhaust will appeal to buyers in areas which experience severe winters.

Standard comfort and convenience features include remote keyless entry, air conditioning, Bluetooth interface, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with redundant controls, aluminum pedals, adjustable sport seats, a 360-watt audio system with MP3 and USB interface and speed-sensitive volume. Buyers can add a navigation system with XM satellite radio. Read the rest of this entry »

Winter Driving Tips from a Pro

Thinking ahead is the key to maintaining control

By Nina Russin

Bridgestone Winter Driving School, Steamboat Springs, Colorado

What can an inexperienced driver do to ensure that his trip up to the mountains is a safe one? I asked Mark Cox, a professional race car driver and director of Bridgestone’s Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, Colorado for some advice.

“If you’re using good technique, front, rear and all-wheel drive cars all perform the same,” said Cox. “The idea that they don’t is an urban myth. However if you aren’t using good technique, they perform differently.”

“You only have three ways to control a car,” Cox continued. Those controls are braking, steering and accelerating. According to Cox, the best way to maintain traction on ice and snow is by only using one control at a time. Read the rest of this entry »