2010 Acura ZDX Tech

Five-passenger crossover vehicle with four-season performance

By Nina Russin

2010 Acura ZDX

Crossovers have replaced sport-utility vehicles as the go-to cars for young, active buyers: the more androgynous the styling, the better. The new Acura ZDX is a perfect example: a five-passenger crossover vehicle with visual affinity to a sports coupe.

While the ZDX may look like a dressed up version of the Honda Crosstour, it is a completely different car. The Crosstour is based on the front-wheel drive Honda Accord, while the ZDX is based on the Acura MDX: a dedicated all-wheel drive design. Power comes from a 300-horsepower V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection.

Acura’s super-handling all-wheel drive can transfer engine power side-to-side as well as between axles to enhance traction in challenging conditions. Stabilizer bars on both axles keep the chassis flat in the corners. Aluminum wheels minimize unsprung weight for more nimble handling.

Rather than confusing buyers with an abundance of option packages, Acura offers three trim levels: each fully equipped with comfort and convenience features. A tech package adds navigation, a rearview camera, keyless ignition, sport seats, an audio upgrade and dual-zone climate control to the base model.  The advance package adds adaptive cruise control, active suspension damping, a blind spot monitoring system, upgraded leather upholstery, and collision mitigated braking.

All models come with standard nineteen-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlamps, a high-flow dual exhaust system, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with redundant audio controls and Bluetooth interface, satellite radio, USB and AUX port connectivity.

The test car is the mid-grade model with the tech package, priced at $49,995 not including the $810 delivery charge. Standard safety features include front, side and side curtain airbags, stability control, daytime running lamps, active front head restraints, and a body structure designed to mitigate pedestrian injuries. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Honda Crosstour EX-L

Accord with a twist

By Nina Russin

2010 Honda Crosstour

Contrary to its conservative image, Honda is a risk taker. The first-generation Insight, Element, Ridgeline and FCX Clarity are all examples of what I mean. In each case, Honda reached outside the box to create a new type of vehicle, with a very specific buyer in mind.

Think about how many box-shaped crossovers rolled out on the heels of the Element. The Insight and FCX Clarity are alternative fuel vehicles whose cutting edge technology can live in the real world. The Ridgeline is the first pickup truck with a trunk.

The Honda Crosstour is a similar endeavor: a crossover vehicle based on the Accord that doesn’t look or act like anything else on the road. Designed for buyers with active lifestyles, the Crosstour comes with cylinder deactivation for enhanced fuel economy, available four-wheel drive, and a versatile cargo area with under-floor storage.

A removable cargo tray fits into the under-floor storage bay. Made of easy-to-clean plastic, it’s ideal for carrying dirty trail shoes or wet suits.

The Crosstour’s aerodynamic profile contributes to overall fuel economy, minimizes wind turbulence around the cabin, and enhances down-force for better high-speed performance.

Base price for the EX-L (tested) is $36,220: a bit higher than what one might expect for a five-door hatchback. The upscale grade comes fully loaded with comfort and convenience features, including navigation, Bluetooth interface, heated seats, satellite radio, dual-zone climate control, and a 360-watt audio system. Buyers who don’t want leather trim might prefer the base EX, which has similar features, but is not available with navigation, four-wheel drive or the backup camera. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Mazda CX-9

Seven-passenger crossover vehicle gets refreshed styling

By Nina Russin

2010 Mazda CX-9

Let’s face it: in the real world, everyone has to carry stuff. Rich people can afford to own a family car for everyday use, and a sports car to use on the weekend. But in the current economy, most of us are happy to own one car in good working order.

Since a new car is typically the second biggest purchase an individual makes in his or her lifetime, it’s nice if that car makes its owner happy. That’s where the Mazda CX-9 comes in.

Mazda’s seven-passenger crossover vehicle is a stylish and fun to drive. With pricing starting under $30,000 for the base model, it’s also affordable.

This year, designers refreshed the CX-9 exterior with a new grille and front lamps, and new trim in back. The interior gets new chrome accents, different fabric, and a more versatile center console.

Power comes from a 3.7-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda CX-9 comes in three grades: sport, touring and grand touring. Buyers in four-season climates can add all-wheel drive, giving the CX-9 better traction as compared to the front-wheel drive model. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Volvo C70 Convertible

Retractable hardtop adds four-season versatility

By Nina Russin

2011 Volvo C70

I doubt there’s a group of people in the western world who appreciate sunshine more than the Swedes. After a long, dark winter, the arrival of summer and the midnight sun is cause for celebration.

By Swedish standards, a sunroof is a compromise. The only way to truly enjoy driving in the sun is to go topless.

As much as convertibles appeal to the Swedish sensibility, soft tops are not practical in the harsh Scandinavian winter. The C70 is a coupe with a retractable hard top: a car with the versatility to function in both winter and summer.

The steel hardtop adds a measure of safety by making the overall body structure more rigid. Volvo engineers found a way to incorporate both side and side curtain airbags in the car: something not found in competitive products.

A standard five-cylinder turbocharged engine produces 227 horsepower. Peak torque of 236 foot-pounds comes on just off idle, enhancing the car’s performance on uphill grades. Turbocharging, which uses exhaust driven blowers to enhance airflow through the engine, reduces emissions as well as power loss at altitude.

The C70 averaged 22.9 miles per gallon on the 130-mile test drive: about a mile-per-gallon better than the EPA estimate.

A five-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection gives the driver more control on challenging roads. A fully independent suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars provides a comfortable ride, while keeping the chassis flat in the turns. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara Limited

Value-packed compact sport-utility vehicle

By Nina Russin

2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Despite being one of the older models in its vehicle line-up, the Grand Vitara remains one of Suzuki’s best products. The compact sport-utility with true off-road capability embodies the automaker’s core values: fun, adventure and affordability.

While Suzuki’s footprint in the US car market is relatively small, the company has accrued legions of fans for its motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and marine products. Suzuki customers take their playtime seriously; the Grand Vitara was designed to meet their automotive needs.

It also fits their budgets. The limited grade is the most upscale of four available trim levels. Yet base price for the four-wheel drive model is just under $27,000.

Standard comfort and convenience features include navigation with real-time traffic, news and weather updates, heated leather seats, automatic air conditioning, a MP3 compatible audio system, cruise control and a tilt steering wheel. The Grand Vitara’s high content level saves buyers the hassle of wading through myriad option packages at the dealership.

There is no destination charge, further simplifying the buying progress. Suzuki’s seven year/100,000 mile warranty is a bargain as well, and is fully transferable. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Audi S4 Sedan

Supercharged V-6 engine takes A4 performance to the next level

By Nina Russin

2010 Audi S4

The Audi S4 is the high-performance sibling to the A4 sport sedan, with a more powerful engine, special wheels and styling for the true driving enthusiast. A supercharged V-6 engine in lieu of the A4’s two-liter block produces 333 horsepower and 325 foot-pounds of torque. Not only does supercharging enhance throttle response; the blower reduces power loss at high altitudes.

Buyers can choose between a standard six-speed manual gearbox and a new seven-speed automatic transmission. Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system is standard, transferring engine power to the wheels with the best traction.

A unique front grille, quad exhaust pipes, special badging and 18-inch aluminum wheels dress up the sedan’s exterior. Inside, the S4 comes with leather sport seats, a black headliner, brushed aluminum trim and more unique badging.

Base price is $45,900, not including an $825 destination charge. Read the rest of this entry »