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 »

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 »

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 »

2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec

Performance-tuned coupe feels at home on road or track

By Nina Russin

For 2011, Hyundai added two performance variants to the Genesis coupe family: one powered by a two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a second based on the 3.8-liter V-6. Both cars transform the coupe’s personality from a premium road car into something much edgier and more youthful.

The R-Spec coupes aren’t for everyone. The suspensions have stiffer spring rates, which can make for a bumpy ride on certain types of roads. Both models come exclusively with manual gearboxes. A limited slip differential is standard. In other words, the R-Spec coupes are Hyundai’s answer to Infiniti’s G coupes and Ford’s pony cars. Zero-to-sixty acceleration is 5.5 seconds: a pretty good number in any stable.

For buyers who want to buy a track-ready car, the R-Spec packages are hard to resist. If one were to purchase standard components on the Genesis R-Spec coupes, including Brembo brakes, strut tower brace, track-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels with performance tires and the close ratio ZF gearbox in the aftermarket, it would cost a lot more than the OEM package.

On top of that, the buyer gets a sexy looking car loaded with comfort and convenience features such as Bluetooth and USB interface, satellite radio, bolstered sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, special badging and fog lamps.

Hyundai’s ten-year/100,000 mile warranty covers any repair due to defects from the factory, and includes five years of roadside assistance.

The only accessories not included in the test car’s $26,750 MSRP are a cargo net, iPod cable and carpeted floor mats. Together they add $180 dollars to the price of the car. The MSRP includes delivery charges as well. In other words: no ups, no extras. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Toyota RAV4 Limited

Compact crossover vehicle seats up to seven passengers

By Nina Russin

2011 Toyota RAV4 Limited

The RAV4 was one of the first vehicles to combine the versatility of a sport-utility vehicle with car-like ride and handling. The name stands for “recreational active vehicle:” a phrase which should resonate with readers of this web site. Buyers can choose between two or three rows of seating, depending on how many passengers they need to carry.

The newest model is available with a choice of four-cylinder or V-6 engines and front or all-wheel drive. The six-cylinder engine costs a little more, but achieves fuel efficiency close to the four. Given the means to afford the premium, I’d recommend it for the extra power and performance it offers.

The V-6 RAV4 comes with a five-speed automatic transmission, as opposed to a four-speed box with the four-cylinder model. This accounts for the larger engine’s enhanced fuel economy. In addition to adding a large overdrive gear, the five-speed automatic minimizes shift shock during hard acceleration.

Buyers can choose from three grades: a base model, Sport, and upscale Limited. The front-wheel drive Limited starts at $26,835, not including an $810 delivery charge. The V-6 engine is standard, as are 17-inch alloy wheels with a full-sized spare. The spare tire is mounted on the rear door, where it’s easy to reach.

Comfort and convenience features include a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with redundant audio controls, dual-zone automatic climate control, a fold-flat feature for the second-row seats, satellite radio and keyless start.

A premium option package on the test car adds leather upholstery, upgraded audio system, Bluetooth interface, heated front seats, power moonroof, eight-way power driver’s seat and a 120-volt power outlet ($3480). The test car also includes a towing prep package which I’d recommend against, since the RAC fails to meet the ALV minimum 3500-pound towing standard ($160). Carpeted floor mats cost $199, bringing the MSRP to $32,179.

A new extra value package discount reduces the MSRP by $2000, bringing the price as tested to $30,179. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Chrysler 300

Full-sized sedan offers contemporary styling, enhanced connectivity

By Nina Russin

2011 Chrysler 300

A few years back, it appeared that the full-sized sedan was going the way of the land line. At the height of the sport-utility boom, a number of automakers abandoned their full-sized passenger car models in favor of crossovers and full-sized trucks.

The economic down-tic and rising fuel prices have made car buyers rethink their love affairs with two-box architecture. A full-sized sedan can carry up to five passengers and quite a bit of cargo, while providing significantly better fuel economy than a sport-utility vehicle. For families who don’t need to stash bicycles and other large cargo inside the vehicle, it can be a winning combination.

The new 300 which rolled out this past spring is Chrysler’s flagship. The 300 designation hearkens back to classic sedans from the 1950s, as does the newest model’s strong, angular profile.

But the 2011 Chrysler 300 is by no means retro. From its eye-catching new grille and LED daytime running lamps to the available Garmin navigation, Sirius real-time traffic updates and Uconnect audio systems, the full-sized sedan is a 21st century automobile. Best of all, the sub- $30,000 MSRP makes this technology affordable to families watching their budgets. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Nissan Rogue SV AWD

Compact crossover goes to the head of its class

By Nina Russin

2011 Nissan Rogue

The problem for anybody shopping the segment is separating the wheat from the chaff, thanks to the proliferation of what appear to be similar products. Nissan, for example, has four vehicles in its lineup which meet this description: the Rogue, Juke, Versa five-door sedan, and Cube. While each vehicle is geared towards a different demographic, the products are similar enough to confuse the average buyer.

For 2011, designers refreshed the Rogue’s exterior, and added some appealing convenience options such as navigation and a rearview backup camera. But these changes alone wouldn’t distinguish the Rogue from the sea of competitors. What elevates the Rogue over like-minded products is its performance, which far exceeds the vehicle described on paper.

Over the past week, I drove the 2011 Rogue all-wheel drive model on a 400-mile road trip, with elevations ranging from 1500 to 7200 feet, and ambient temperatures between 50 and 115 degrees. The Rogue plowed its way through smog, forest fire smoke, mountain thunderstorms and wind.

Traffic over the Labor Day weekend was soul-crushing. Still, the Rogue kept its cool, even when crawling up a grade behind a slew of Winnebagos in the 110-degree heat.

The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine lost surprisingly little power at altitude, and maintained the 24 mile-per-gallon fuel economy the manufacturer promised. On stretches of deserted two-lane road, the Rogue proved a surprisingly fun car to drive, with excellent traction. And its cargo area held lots of stuff, including a bicycle. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo

Third-generation bug puts enthusiasts in the driver’s seat

By Nina Russin

2012 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo

Everybody has a Beetle story. As a Midwesterner growing up in the sixties, I aspired to the Beetle’s hippie cache. At a time when Detroit iron dominated American roads, the German Beetle was exotic: as symbolic of the counter-culture as Haight Ashbury and the Summer of Love.

It was also a practical car. Before the days of front-wheel drive, the Beetle’s light weight, short overhangs and relatively high ground clearance made it a good snow car.

When the last of the original Beetles rolled off an assembly line in Mexico in 2003, I felt as if a chapter in my own life had drawn to a close. Although Volkswagen had introduced its replacement, the New Beetle, in 1998, the new model failed to capture the panache of the original “people’s car.” Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Kia Sportage EX AWD

Five passenger crossover with available all-wheel drive

By Nina Russin

2011 Kia Sportage

Kia’s most enduring nameplate has evolved from a body-on-frame sport-utility vehicle to a unibody crossover. The newest generation Sportage which rolled out last year is considerably larger than the original, and of course, more refined. But just like the off-road vehicle introduced in the mid-1990s, the new Sportage offers buyers with active lifestyles great value and versatility.

The Sportage comes in four grades, with either front or all-wheel drive. The upscale EX has an appealing roster of standard convenience features, including keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, satellite radio with iPod compatibility, Bluetooth interface and power front seats. Base price for the all-wheel drive version is $24,795, not including the $695 delivery charge.

A navigation package on the test car upgrades the standard audio to a surround-sound system, with an external amplifier and subwoofer ($1500). A premium option package adds leather trim, heated front seats, keyless start, heated side mirrors, a panoramic sunroof and cargo cover ($3000), bringing the price as tested to $29,950. Read the rest of this entry »