2013 Scion FR-S

New two-plus-two has racing in its blood

By Nina Russin

2013 Scion FR-S

In today’s competitive market, it’s rare for automakers to co-create vehicles. That’s a shame, because melding two corporate cultures can yield products which raise the bar for everyone. The new Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, cars jointly developed by engineers from both companies, are a perfect example.

Scion wanted to make a mid-ship engine, rear-wheel drive sports car in the tradition of the AE86 Corolla, and more recently the Toyota MR2. That brand, with its edgy, youth-oriented culture, was the perfect match for Subaru: one of the industry’s most successful niche brands. The FR-S is the new halo for Scion, completing a diverse line-up which now also includes the subcompact iQ.

After project approval in 2009, the team got to work on an all-new boxer engine and two transmissions to go with it: a six-speed automatic and six-speed close-ratio manual.

The Scion FR-S which rolls into dealerships at the beginning of June is certain to turn the car industry on its ears. With a base sticker price of $24,200 for the manual transmission model, Scion has opened the gates at the track for thousands of serious car enthusiasts who previously couldn’t afford the price of admission. Read the rest of this entry »

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

eAssist gives midsized sedan up to 37 mpg

By Nina Russin

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

The Malibu has been a staple of Chevrolet’s model line-up for almost 50 years, having first rolled out in 1964. Each of the sedan’s eight iterations has mirrored its generation’s passions and needs, from the early muscle cars to the 2013 Eco model, which combines exceptional gas mileage with a spacious five-passenger interior.

Engineers used the same eAssist system available on the Buick Regal to stretch fuel economy from the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. A lithium-ion battery pack located between the second-row seats and trunk enables reduces the amount of time the gasoline engine has to run during low load conditions such as idling, steady-state cruising and deceleration.

The battery pack recharges on the go using regenerative braking. The sedan’s only down side is its reduced cargo area. In addition to having a smaller trunk, the battery’s location prevented designers from extending the cargo floor with a pass-through.

A shutter system in the front grille closes when the engine doesn’t need additional cooling to enhance aerodynamics under the car. Direct injection reduces parasitic fuel loss by delivering gasoline directly into the engine cylinders rather than through the valves. A power electric steering pump saves space and weight under the hood when compared with a traditional hydraulic system.

Base price for the Malibu Eco is $26,845 excluding the $760 destination charge. Leather upholstery with a power front passenger seat and front seat heaters adds $1300. The test car has two other options, special exterior paint and interior trim, which add $325 and $150 respectively. The price as tested is $29,380. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium

Five-passenger wagon appeals to athletes on a budget

By Nina Russin

2012 Subaru Impreza

Of all the products in Subaru’s model lineup, the Impreza wears the most hats, ranging from the fuel-efficient wagon which won our Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year award last year in the best value category, to the WRX STi, which dominates the World Rally Cup circuit. Subaru’s talent, and the secret to the company’s success, is its ability to develop loyal followings in niche markets.

Subaru owners are almost religious in their love for their automobiles, because they seem to meet their needs in uncanny fashion. For example, the newest Impreza wagon features standard all-wheel drive and 36 mile-per-gallon fuel economy. Since all-wheel drive decreases gas mileage, it’s amazing that engineers boosted EPA figures by thirty percent compared to the outgoing model.

Increasing the gas mileage for the fourth generation Impreza didn’t involve any particularly innovative technology. It was more a matter of being thrifty and paying attention to details. A new two-liter engine replaces the 2.5-liter block in the outgoing models. The new engine is lighter, with variable valve timing which improves its efficiency.

Other weight-saving measures include replacing the hydraulic steering pump with an electric one, reducing the size of the fuel tank and using more high-strength steel in the chassis. Depending on the model, the new car weighs up to 165 pounds less than the one it replaces. Low rolling resistance tires and a continuously variable automatic transmission also boost gas mileage.

Designers made the interior more spacious by pushing the wheels to the corners, lengthening the wheelbase. They added text messaging, Bluetooth streaming audio and XM real-time weather and traffic updates to the list of available options, giving owners the ability to stay connected on the road. Read the rest of this entry »

2013 Acura ILX

Compact luxury sedan with hybrid and performance options

By Nina Russin

2013 Acura ILX 2.0L

When Acura launched in the mid-1980s, the luxury brand’s first point of conquest was existing Honda customers. As Acura’s lineup diversified in the early nineties, the Integra appealed to Civic owners looking to move up the economic ladder but who didn’t want to give up Honda’s sporty performance. When that model was replaced by the TSX, Acura continued to reach driving enthusiasts with its crisp manual gearbox, peppy high-revving engine and nimble handling.

This year, Acura introduces a new model, the ILX, which becomes the brand’s entry level sedan. As with the more expensive TSX, the new compact car appeals to brand enthusiasts as well as conquest customers.

By offering three models, Acura gives drivers the option of prioritizing value, performance or sustainability. The two-liter automatic model, which product planners expect to command 75 percent of sales, is priced from $25,900, excluding destination charges. The 2.4-liter premium model with a six-speed manual gearbox starts at $29,200 and gasoline-electric hybrid is priced from $28,900.

By basing the new model on the Civic chassis, the automaker contained development costs, enabling Acura to offer a high level of standard convenience features including keyless entry, power moonroof, Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora radio, SMS text messaging and 16-inch alloy rims.

There are two option upgrades for the two-liter and hybrid models: a premium package which adds heated leather seats, a 360-watt audio system, rearview camera, 17-inch rims, high-intensity discharge headlamps and fog lamps; and a technology package which adds naviagation with real-time traffic and weather, a 365-watt audio system with 15 Gb music storage, and Homelink.

Buyers who choose the 2.4-liter model can purchase the premium package but not navigation. Because Acura expects the model to have the lowest sales volume, there was no business case for adding the expensive option. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Honda CR-V EX-L Nav

Honda remakes its best-selling crossover

By Nina Russin

2012 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD

Honda was one of the first automakers to break into the compact crossover segment in the 1990s with the CR-V. Buyers who wanted to stick with a brand they had come to know for reliability and good gas mileage could do so, and still meet the needs of their active lifestyles.

Over time, Honda’s compact recreational vehicle has grown in size, responding to a general market trend as well as buyers who wanted more space for growing families. This continues with the newest CR-V, which Honda unveiled at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Product planners sought to give buyers access to new infotainment features and updated engine technology without seriously impacting the car’s sticker price. The top-of-the-line EX with leather upholstery, all-wheel drive and navigation costs less than $30,000.

The most obvious compromise was using a five-speed automatic transmission in lieu of a six speed box with larger overdrive gears. I was able to get 29 miles-per-gallon on my 300-mile test drive, which included a road trip between Phoenix and Tucson. That number is significantly better than the EPA estimated average of 25 miles-per-gallon for combined city and highway driving.

Part of the difference was due to the fact that most miles during the test drive were on the highway. I also used the “econ” setting, and a monitor in the gauge cluster which turns green when the driver is optimizing gas mileage. In these days of rising fuel costs, the energy monitor is a useful tool for containing cost of ownership. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Buick Verano FWD

Compact luxury sedan at a best value price

By Nina Russin

2012 Buick Verano

As fuel prices rise and household budgets shrink, the bulk of the passenger car market is shifting from midsized sedans to compacts. Downsizing isn’t limited to the budget segment. Luxury automakers are jumping on the bandwagon as well, with both Acura and Buick rolling out new compact models this year.

The Verano is initially available with a 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated gasoline engine, followed by a turbo. At this point, Buick hasn’t announced plans to add the eAssist feature which extends gas mileage on the Regal.

Average fuel economy is 25 miles-per-gallon according to EPA estimates: slightly better than the base Regal, but not as good as the mid-sized sedan with eAssist. I did considerably better on my 150-mile test drive, during which the Verano averaged 29 miles-per-gallon.

A six-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection is standard. The new Verano comes well-equipped with standard convenience features, including keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, auto-dimming rearview mirror and heated outside mirrors, tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth controls, an infotainment center which interfaces with the driver’s smart phone, and OnStar with a complimentary six-month subscription.

While these features might not be surprising for a car costing $30,000, they’re exceptional for a vehicle priced under $25,000, including the delivery charge. MSRP on the test car is $24,670: six thousand dollars below today’s average vehicle transaction price, according to statistics from the research firm, TrueCar.com.

Product planners didn’t skimp on safety features either, making ten airbags, antilock brakes, traction and stability control standard equipment. OnStar’s automatic crash notification service sends police and medical personnel to the scene if the vehicle is involved in a serious collision. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Kia Optima SX

GDI engine gives driving enthusiasts reason to smile

By Nina Russin

2012 Kia Optima SX

The Kia Optima has gone sexy. What began twelve years ago as a mid-packer its segment has moved up front. With Blake Griffin doing slam dunks over the hood and Vince Neil singing the car’s praises, the Optima’s future looks very bright indeed.

The sexiest model in the current Optima stable is undoubtedly the SX, powered by a direct injection, turbocharged two-liter engine rated at 274 horsepower. The model, priced from $26,500, comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, and high-intensity discharge headlamps.

The test car has two option packages: a technology package which adds navigation with Sirius traffic updates ($1400), and a premium package which includes a panoramic sunroof, upgraded Infinity audio system, HD radio, rearview camera, driver’s seat memory, heated and cooled front seats and heated outboard rear seats ($2950). A cargo mat and net add $95 and $50 respectively. A $750 destination charge brings the price as tested to $31,745. Read the rest of this entry »

Extended drive: 2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio

Open-air fun for four

By Nina Russin

2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio with 1962 Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 Cabriolet is the yin to the Fiat 500 Abarth’s yang. Whereas the Abarth is all-business performance, the open-air version of the Cinquecento focuses on enjoying the moment. Pricing for the upscale lounge model starts at $23,500.

Power comes from a 1.4-liter engine rated at 101 horsepower and six-speed automatic transmission. Because of its high compression ratio, Fiat recommends the use of 91 octane gasoline, although 87 is acceptable.

The multi-air engine uses solenoids to open and shut the engine intake valves rather than camshaft lobes. The technology makes the engine faster at adjusting to air/fuel mixture needs.

Manual gear selection enables the driver to change gears using the center console-mounted shift lever. A sport mode alters the throttle map and holds onto gears longer for more aggressive performance.

EPA estimated fuel economy is 29 miles-per-gallon for city and highway driving. Fuel economy for my 100-mile test drive was just over 32 miles-per-gallon.

There are four options on the test car: pearl white paint ($500), leather upholstery with heated front seats ($1250), TomTom navigation ($400) and 15-inch alloy wheels ($300). Adding the $500 delivery charge, MSRP as tested is $26,450. Read the rest of this entry »

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 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 »