2012 Kia Sorento EX FWD

New GDI engine boosts fuel economy

By Nina Russin

2012 Kia Sorento

When Kia introduced the current-generation Sorento three years ago, the vehicle’s orientation changed from sport utility with off-road capability to a crossover intended primarily for on-road use. The decision turned out to be spot on.

Buyers moving out of full-sized sport-utility vehicles were enthusiastic about Kia’s versatile mid-sized crossover, with gas mileage rivaling some passenger sedans. Optional third-row seating accommodates up to seven passengers. Today, the Sorento is one of the automaker’s volume-leading models.

For 2012, Kia boosts the Sorento’s  gas mileage further with the introduction of a gasoline direct injection four-cylinder engine. Because gasoline is delivered directly into the engine cylinders rather than passing through intake valves, there’s less parasitic power loss. Tailpipe emissions also decrease, since less gasoline passes through the engine unburned.

The test car is the upscale EX model with the 2.4-liter GDI engine, priced from $25,950. MSRP does not include an $800 delivery charge. Standard comfort and convenience features include keyless entry and start, Kia’s UVO infotainment system developed in conjunction with Microsoft, cruise control, automatic climate control, satellite radio, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with redundant controls and Bluetooth interface.

A $3800 option package adds leather upholstery, the third row of seating, heated front seats, memory driver’s seat, navigation with real-time traffic alerts, premium Infinity audio system and a power passenger seat. An optional cargo net costs $50, bringing the price as tested to $30,600. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Volvo XC60 R-Design and XC70 with Polestar

Motorsports affiliate gives Volvo’s crossover vehicles a performance boost

By Nina Russin

Volvo XC60

Volvo’s active lifestyle focus and commitment to humanistic design are two reasons I feel a special connection to the automaker. My husband and I have owned three Volvos, including a C30 currently parked in our garage.

Before its demise, Saab had the reputation of attracting niche performance enthusiasts, whereas Volvo was the volume leader, focusing on safety in lieu of sportiness.

Volvo sought to shed its sedate image, beginning in 1995 with a series of R cars. The R cars looked like standard issue Volvos, but they were a lot faster. One encounter with the 850 T-5R was all most drivers needed to rethink their misconceptions about Volvo performance.

Unfortunately, the R cars remained a well-kept secret, despite their availability in the United States until 2007. If Volvo hoped to conquest performance enthusiasts from German and Japanese automakers, it was going to have to get more aggressive.

So it did. Beginning in 2009, Volvo began working with its motorsports partner, Polestar, on factory performance packages for its production models. Those products launched in North America last year. Today, owners of C70, XC70, XC60 and C30 models can add power with Polestar performance tuning.

Polestar recalibrates the car’s on-board computer for quicker throttle response and more turbo boost. The re-flash also modifies spark timing and fuel delivery, so the vehicle maintains its original fuel economy and remains emissions legal.

Buyers who want to push the performance envelope a step further can purchase R-Design models, which add unique styling, wheels, suspension tuning and brake components. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Audi TTS Roadster

Turbocharging boosts power and efficiency

By Nina Russin

2012 Audi TTS Roadster

The TT is Audi’s two-passenger sports coupe and convertible. In addition to the base models, driving enthusiasts can choose from two performance variants: the TTS, which has a more powerful version of the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the race-inspired TT RS, powered by a turbocharged five-cylinder engine.

The TTS roadster is notable for its all-season capability, thanks to quattro all-wheel drive, and a three-layer soft top which insulates the driver and passenger against temperature extremes. Optional heated front seats make it possible to drive with the top down on crisp, fall days.

 The rear window is glass, making it more durable than plastic which tends to yellow with age. The glass is also better insulated and larger, for enhanced rear visibility.

While it is relatively easy to engineer a coupe for high torsional rigidity, a cabriolet is a much tougher challenger. Cowl shake can be the bane of open-air cars. To Audi’s credit, the TTS roadster is as responsive to driver input as the coupe.

By using a combination of high strength steel and aluminum, engineers have created a chassis which is both rigid and lightweight. Zero-to-sixty acceleration is slightly slower than for the coupe, but 5.1 seconds is nothing to sneeze at.

Under the hood, the two-liter turbocharged engine develops peak torque, 258 foot-pounds, at speeds as low as 2500 rpm: a mild tip of the throttle. A dual clutch transmission offers the performance of a manual gearbox with the convenience of automatic shifting. The driver can also choose gears manually using formula-style shift paddles on the steering wheel or the gearshift lever.

Base price for the Audi TTS roadster is $50,000, excluding the $875 destination charge. Pearl black paint on the test car adds $475. The test car has two additional options: a navigation system ($2070) and heated front seats ($450). Price as tested is $53,870. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

Performance-oriented hatchback honors a racing legend

By Nina Russin

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

A year after its reintroduction to the American market, Fiat expands its Cinquecento line-up with two new models: a larger L version which debuts this week in Geneva, and the race-inspired Abarth. Taking its name from Karl Abarth, a German-born driver and engineer who spearheaded Fiat’s motorsports efforts between the end of World War II and his death in 1979, the Fiat 500 Abarth is a track-worthy subcompact hatchback which maintains the fuel efficiency of other 500 models.

Although the new Abarth shares sheetmetal with the Fiat 500 hatchback, the powertrain is vastly different. Under the hood, a 1.4-liter dual intercooled and turbocharged engine develops up to 160 horsepower and 170 foot-pounds of torque. The high-performance block reaches peak torque at 2500 rpm, for exceptional low-end power.

Equipped with a heavy-duty five-speed manual transmission, the Fiat 500 Abarth accelerates from zero-to-sixty miles-per-hour in 7.2 seconds, and to 100 miles-per-hour in about 20 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 130 miles-per-hour.

What the acceleration statistics don’t reflect is the Abarth’s most appealing attribute: its exceptionally nimble character. Curb weight is a scant 2512 pounds. The Fiat 500 Abarth is to automobiles what Kenyans are to distance running: a pared down, well balanced package that gets the job done with remarkable efficiency. Highway fuel economy is 34 miles-per-gallon.

Base price is $22,000, not including the $700 destination charge: not a lot of money for a car as adept at commuting as it is navigating chicanes on the track. A versatile interior has room for up to four passengers and enough cargo space for a modest amount of luggage.

While the new Abarth might not meet the needs of all buyers with active lifestyles, it’s versatile enough to work well for many, with a price that doesn’t break the bank and performance which appeals to those wanting some muscle under the hood. To help Abarth buyers get the most from their cars, Fiat throws in a one-day driving instruction program, during which buyers learn how to safely push the Abarth’s performance limits on the racetrack. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Jeep Compass Latitude 4X4

Value-packed SUV gets styling and safety enhancements

By Nina Russin

2012 Jeep Compass

Although the EPA classifies the Jeep Compass as a compact sport-utility vehicle, its roomy interior accommodates up to five passengers, with plenty of cargo space. The Compass is one of the most affordable Jeeps on the market, available as either a front or all-wheel drive model.

Two off-road packages give the Compass the ability to navigate moderate off-road trails, with available low gear range, locking differential, and underbody cladding. The Freedom-Drive II Off-Road option also adds a full-sized spare, special tires, hill start assist and hill descent control.

There are three available grades: Sport, Latitude and Limited. The mid-grade Latitude starts at $23,445 for the all-wheel drive model with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine: the larger of two available blocks. MSRP does not include a $780 destination fee.

Last year, designers freshened the styling inside and out, by integrating cues from the Jeep Grand Cherokee, adding brighter headlamps, a new rear fascia to make the back end look more appealing, and using more soft-touch surfaces inside.

In addition to its affordable sticker price, the Compass is economical to own, thanks to 23 mile-per-gallon average fuel economy. I averaged 22.3 miles-per-gallon on my 100-mile test drive: slightly poorer than the EPA estimate.

Buyers who opt for the front-wheel drive model will average slightly higher. There are two available transmissions: a five-speed manual and continuously variable automatic with manual gear selection.

The test car has two option packages: the first adds a tire pressure display to the instrument panel, vehicle information center, automatic dimming rearview mirror and tonneau cover in the cargo area ($650). A Uconnect voice command package includes a USB port, voice-command application for the Bluetooth interface and satellite radio with a one year subscription ($780). Price as tested is $25,350. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Buick Regal eAssist

Hybrid five-passenger sport sedan

By Nina Russin

2012 Buick Regal with eAssist

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Buick’s transformation is General Motors’ most significant accomplishment following the restructure. Ten years ago, who could have imagined that the brand which once pinned its hopes on a tepid remake of the Roadmaster would re-enter the market with a sport sedan designed on two continents and validated in Europe?

But that’s exactly what happened. The new Buick Regal, with an available turbocharged engine is poised for combat against European and Asian luxury brands which members of its upscale target market might cross-shop. In short, Buick product planners are taking names and leaving no prisoners.

For 2012, Buick ups the ante by adding a mild hybrid to the Regal line-up. An electric motor, lithium-ion battery and regenerative braking technology stretch gas mileage for the base 2.4-liter engine by up to 25 percent. Average fuel economy is 29 miles-per-gallon according to EPA estimates. In my 100-mile test drive, I averaged slightly better: 30.1 miles-per-gallon

Base price is $34,470, excluding the $860 delivery charge. The eAssist package, which includes 17-inch alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tires, adds $2000. Buyers save $50 on the model by eliminating redundant turn signal indicators on the outside mirrors.

New infotainment technology developed by Chevrolet enables drivers to access Pandora and Stitcher using their smart phones. Chevrolet MyLink comes with a unique color touchscreen display, streaming Bluetooth audio, satellite radio, and available navigation with real-time weather and traffic updates. The navigation-enabled version costs $1145.

A power sunroof adds $1000 to the MSRP, bringing the price as tested to $34,470. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Toyota Prius c

Compact hybrid for active urbanites

By Nina Russin

2012 Toyota Prius c

The Prius may become Toyota’s best- selling vehicle, thanks to a new four-model strategy which adds midsized, compact and plug-in cars to expand upon the appeal of the original liftback. The compact Prius c is the final model to enter the Prius line-up.

The new entry-level Prius is geared towards young urbanites whose budgets kept them out of the other models. There are four grades, beginning with the Prius c 1 priced from $18,950 not including the $760 delivery fee. The upscale Prius 4 starts at $23,230. Toyota expects the Prius c 2 and Prius c 3 to be the volume leaders, priced from $19,900 and $21,635 respectively.

The compact Prius shares chassis components with the current Toyota Yaris. It is not only smaller than the Prius liftback but significantly lighter. Curb weight is about 2500 pounds.

 Weight-saving reductions in the battery pack and under the hood combined with aerodynamic enhancements give the Prius c 53 mile-per-gallon fuel economy around town and 46 mpg on the highway. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Infiniti FX50 AWD

Five-passenger performance crossover is ready for take-off

By Nina Russin

2012 Infiniti FX

This is why I don’t particularly care that the new Infiniti FX performance crossover is a bit fuel thirsty. As any endurance athlete knows, it’s important to feed the beast. And considering what the vehicle is capable of, 17.8 miles-per-gallon isn’t too bad.

The FX50’s V-8 engine develops almost 400 horsepower and 369 foot-pounds of torque. Accelerating from zero-to-sixty feels like bungee jumping off a cliff.

Mammoth wheel arches house the crossover’s standard 21-inch alloy wheels. Other performance highlights include a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection and downshift rev matching, four-piston front calipers, speed sensitive steering and dual exhausts. The exhaust note during hard acceleration is symphonic.

The five-liter V-8 is one of two available engines for the Infiniti FX. Buyers of a more practical bent can opt for the 3.5-liter V-6, which comes with the same transmission.

Base price for the FX50 all-wheel drive model is $59,350, excluding the $895 delivery charge. There are three options on the test car: a technology package which adds intelligent cruise control, lane departure warning, adaptive front lighting and rain-sensing windshield wipers ($2900); illuminated kick plates ($300); and a sport package including real-time damping control, rear active steer, front sport seats, a driver’s seat with power bolster adjustment and some unique exterior trim ($3100). MSRP is $66,545. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Chicago Auto Show

Nation’s biggest consumer show features indoor test tracks

By Nina Russin

2013 Dodge Dart at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show

Chicago is my favorite of the four major US auto shows because of its emphasis on consumers as opposed to focusing purely on journalists. On its 104th anniversary, the show continued to fine-tune its formula for reaching area car enthusiasts with indoor test tracks and an expanded social media program for bloggers.

A traditional media day opened the show with product reveals from GMC, Hyundai, Kia, Ford and Nissan. A keynote address by John Maloney, president and CEO of Volvo Cars North America at the annual Midwest Automotive Media Association breakfast set an optimistic tone for the product reveals which followed.

According to Maloney, it’s back to business as usual after the industry’s worst slowdown in recent memory. Although gas prices continue to fluctuate, significant declines in the US jobless rate have boosted consumer confidence. Buyers are heading back to dealerships to replace existing cars, the average age of which is now eleven years. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Hyundai Veloster

Three-door sport coupe designed for active lifestyles

By Nina Russin

2012 Hyundai Veloster

The Veloster compact coupe is Hyundai’s answer to urbanites with active lifestyles. Designers modified a three-door liftback, adding a fourth door on the right-hand side. The rear door eases access and egress to the second-row seats.

Under the hood, a direct injection 1.6-liter engine and six-speed manual transmission offer peppy performance with excellent fuel efficiency: 40 mpg on the highway, according to EPA estimates.

The car’s small footprint gives it maneuverability for weaving through dense traffic and parking in small slots on the street. A versatile interior is bicycle-friendly, and the driver’s seat has enough room for an extremely tall driver. A friend who’s six-foot-five got behind the wheel and had room to spare.

As with every Hyundai, the Veloster offers a high level of standard safety and convenience features at a remarkably low price. MSRP on the test car is $17,300, including delivery. The base car comes with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, a ten-year/100,000 mile factory warranty, alloy wheels, air conditioning, satellite radio, Hyundai’s proprietary telematics system, remote keyless entry, MP3 and IPod compatibility and Bluetooth interface.

A style package upgrades the wheels to 18-inch rims, adds a panoramic sunroof, chrome grille, leather interior accents alloy pedals and audio upgrade ($2000). A technology package includes a navigation system with rearview camera, keyless start and a 115-volt power outlet ($2000), bringing the price as tested to $21,300. Read the rest of this entry »