2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport

Midsize sedan gets a retuned suspension and appearance enhancements

By Nina Russin

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport

Last year, Suzuki rolled out the Kizashi: its first foray into the midsize sedan segment. While the Kizashi is a large car compared to the compact SX4, the sedan‘s agile platform reflects its creators’ years of experience producing motorcycles. For 2011, Suzuki adds a Sport variant, consisting of lighter wheels, a lowered chassis with retuned suspension, body and  interior enhancements.

The Sport grade begins under $23,000 for the GTS model with a six-speed manual transmission. The upscale SLS with the manual gearbox starts under $25,000. Both models come standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 185 horsepower.

Buyers can upgrade to a continuously variable automatic transmission for $1100 more, and add all-wheel drive for enhanced four-season performance ($1350). The all-wheel drive system automatically transfers up to fifty percent of engine power to the rear wheels as driving conditions dictate. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec

Value meets style and performance

By Nina Russin

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Hyundai’s success with the midsize Genesis sedan inspired product planners to introduce two-door version. The R-Spec model takes the stylish coupe and adds a dose of performance, with a turbocharged two-liter engine, six-speed manual gearbox, special suspension, wheels and tires.

Turbocharging gives the four-cylinder engine exceptional low-end power. The engine develops peak torque, 223 foot-pounds, at 2000 rpm. As a result, the coupe prances off the line past other vehicles, and can soar into high-speed traffic. Zero-to-sixty acceleration is under six seconds.

A short-throw shift lever allows the driver to transition quickly between gears. Two large overdrive gears maximize fuel economy on the highway.

A strut tower brace contributes to overall chassis rigidity for enhanced steering feedback. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels with low-profile summer performance tires give the R-Spec Genesis a wide, stable footprint. Brembo four-piston brakes can handle the demands of a race track and stop the car on a dime.

Despite its high-performance accouterments, the Genesis coupe is also a great value: under $25,000 including delivery charges. Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty contains maintenance and repair costs, making the R-Spec coupe a realistic possibility for car enthusiasts on a budget. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Suzuki Kizashi SE AWD

Suzuki packs a punch with value and performance

By Nina Russin

2010 Suzuki Kizashi

The Kizashi is Suzuki’s newest flagship: a midsize sedan that the automaker hopes will extend its global reach. Because midsize sedans outsell all other passenger cars, the segment holds allure for companies trying to build volume. But entering it means swimming in shark-infested waters: full of heavy hitters such as the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Acura TSX.

While Suzuki can’t match the panache of some European luxury brands, it does offer a significant value to customers who seek style and performance on a budget. A base price of $22,749 for the all-wheel drive test car includes such upscale features as keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate controls, three-position driver’s seat memory, and an iPod compatible audio system.

All models come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 185 horsepower, and the choice of either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The front-wheel drive manual model accelerates from zero-to-sixty in 7.4 seconds.

This week, I had the opportunity to drive the SE: one of four available grades. The continuously-variable automatic transmission has a manual gear select mode, allowing the driver to make the most of the engine’s available power.

Because the Kizashi comes with a large roster of comfort and convenience features, floor mats and premium paint are the only options on the test car. Suzuki includes the delivery charge in the base price: MSRP is $23,004. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Toyota Venza Five-Door Sedan

All-wheel drive adds four-season performance for active lifestyles

By Nina Russin

2010 Toyota Venza

The five-passenger Toyota Venza combines elements from the Camry and Highlander in a versatile, compact platform.

Available four and six-cylinder engines come with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a choice of front or all-wheel drive. The front-wheel drive four-cylinder Venza is the fuel economy king, averaging 29 miles-per-gallon on the highway.

The all-wheel drive V-6 averages 25 miles-per-gallon on the highway, but offers significantly more horsepower and torque. It can tow up to 3500 pounds when equipped with the tow-prep option, meeting our ALV minimum standards.

This week I spent time in the all-wheel drive V-6 Venza on an extended road trip through the Midwest. The drive route included highway, rural roads and city streets.

During the week-long trip, I drove through several large downpours on hilly terrain, putting the all-wheel drive‘s electronic torque distribution to the test. The route included every type of road surface imaginable, thanks to an abundance of construction, and the upper Midwest’s infamous potholes.

Base price on the test car is $29,550, not including a $750 destination charge. A rear seat DVD system, audio upgrade, convenience and security packages bring the price as tested to $34,759. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 GMC Terrain FWD SLE-1

Five-passenger SUV delivers 32 miles-per-gallon on the highway

By Nina Russin

2010 GMC Terrain

These days, finding the right new car without breaking the bank is a formidable challenge; especially for families with active lifestyles.

Buyers who haul trailers require serious towing capability on top of a versatile cargo area. Fuel economy is important, since it impacts cost of ownership.

The GMC Terrain is designed to fill all of these squares, with seating for up to five passengers, and a choice of two fuel-efficient engines. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine on front-wheel drive model averages 32 miles-per-gallon on the highway. A 264-horsepower V6 is slightly less efficient, but can tow up to 3500 pounds, meeting our ALV standards.

Base sticker price for the front-wheel drive SLE-1 with the four-cylinder engine is $24,995 including delivery. The base car comes with most of the comfort and convenience features buyers need, and a few they might not expect.

A rear-backup camera display in the rearview mirror makes it easier to park. Standard XM satellite radio includes a three-month complimentary subscription. OnStar is standard on all models: the system automatically notifies police and emergency medical personnel if the airbags deploy.

Other standard features include a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air conditioning, auxiliary and USB ports, remote keyless entry, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Terrain received five-star federal crash test ratings for both frontal and side crash tests (four stars for rollover). It also received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award for 2009.

Rugged exterior styling gives the Terrain familial resemblance to GMC’s larger trucks: the Acadia, Envoy and Yukon. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Turbo-diesel gives Volkswagen’s compact sedan power and fuel economy

By Nina Russin

2011 Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen’s newest compact sedan offers budget-conscious buyers a choice of two gasoline engines or two eco-friendly options. At the end of 2010, a turbocharged clean diesel Jetta arrives in US dealerships. A hybrid rolls out for the 2012 model year. The high-performance Jetta GLI arrives the first quarter of next year.

A value-priced base model starts under $16,000. The automaker hopes to conquest customers who couldn’t afford the more expensive outgoing car. Volkswagen simplifies the buying process by reducing build combinations from 148 to 14.

Powered by a two-liter 115-horsepower engine and five-speed manual transmission, the Jetta S comes standard with electronic stability control and complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles.

The volume-leading SE adds a more powerful 2.5-liter engine rated at 170-horsepower. The SE comes with 16-inch wheels as opposed to the 15-inch rims on the base model, upscale upholstery, cruise control, and a 60/40 split rear seat with a pass-through.

A fully-loaded SEL costs just under $25,000. Standard convenience features include keyless entry and start, 17-inch alloy wheels, driver’s seat lumbar adjustment, Bluetooth and iPod interface, a sunroof and navigation system.

A sport-package on SEL lowers the chassis ride height for better high-speed performance, adds sport seats, pedals and door sills.

The upscale model comes with four-wheel disc brakes as opposed to rear drums on the other two grades. Since drum brakes can fade and perform poorly in wet weather, I’d recommend the investment for those who can afford the premium. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Hyundai Sonata SE

Full-sized sedan offers luxury features with value pricing

By Nina Russin

2011 Hyundai Sonata

It’s no surprise that Hyundai continues to post strong sales, despite the tough economy. No company works harder at keeping its customers happy.

This year, Hyundai rolls out the sixth-generation Sonata sedan. An all-new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission offer exceptional fuel economy: 35 miles-per-gallon on the highway. Direct injection reduces parasitic fuel loss by delivering gasoline into the engine cylinders rather than through the valves. Despite a high compression ratio, the engine runs on 87-octane fuel.

Later this year, Hyundai will roll out a turbocharged, high performance model and a Sonata hybrid.

Standard safety features include antilock braking, electronic stability control, six airbags and daytime running lamps.

Monospec pricing for the Sonata simplifies the buying process. A sub-$25,000 MSRP buys a fully-equipped car, including power seats, air conditioning, satellite radio, Bluetooth and iPod interface, keyless start, and a tilt-and-telescopic steering column with redundant controls. Unless the buyer wants leather upholstery or navigation, he doesn’t have to worry about the cost of add-ons.

The 2011 Sonata comes in three grades: GLS, SE and Limited. Of these, the SE (tested) appeals to driving enthusiasts with a sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels. MSRP is $22,595, not including a $720 delivery charge.

Standard safety features include antilock braking, electronic stability control, active front headrests and daytime running lamps. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Kia Sportage

Compact crossover vehicle comes full circle

By Nina Russin

2011 Kia Sportage

The Sportage is the most enduring nameplate in the Kia line-up. The 1996 model followed on the heels of the Sephia: Kia’s first car for the North American market.

While Sephia came first, the Sportage was in many ways more significant. It was one of the earliest compact utility vehicles, preceding both the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV. As with the Sephia, the Sportage was also a value story. Buyers formerly limited to used cars could buy a brand new Kia for about the same money.

Though the original Sportage fell short on build quality when compared to more expensive competitors, the company prevailed. A generation of drivers came to love the Korean automaker for its value pricing strategy, as well as its commitment to continuous improvement.

The second-generation Sportage that rolled out in 2004 was a solid, attractive car with excellent build quality and much-enhanced performance. While the new car was unibody as compared to the body-on-frame original model, it maintained a similar mission: offering moderate off-road capability in a compact and versatile package.

An all-new Kia Sportage rolls out this summer for the 2011 model year. Kia has changed the model designation from sport-utility vehicle to crossover, reflecting a stronger focus on passenger car performance, with less concern for off-road capability.

The new model is slightly longer, wider and lower than the former car, giving it better aerodynamics and improved handling at speed. The cargo area is slightly larger according to EPA estimates.

An available all-wheel drive system gives the new Sportage all-season capability. The all-wheel drive system can deliver up to fifty percent of engine power to the rear wheels, as road conditions demand. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Nissan Altima 3.5 SR

Midsized sedan gets refreshed styling for 2010

By Nina Russin

2010 Nissan Altima Sedan

The Nissan Altima is a bread-and-butter sedan that’s remarkably un-bread-and-butterish. Designers pulled elements from the 370Z lexicon to give the Altima enduring style that makes sense in the Nissan family.

For 2010, the Altima gets a redesigned front end: a slight hood bulge and more aggressive grille give the exterior a more youthful appearance. Nissan’s updated navigation system comes with a 9.3 gigabyte hard drive for downloading music. XM traffic and weather updates minimize delays on crowded freeways.

Buyers can chose from two engines: a fuel-efficient four cylinder with 32 mile-per-gallon highway fuel economy, or a more powerful V-6 that gives driving enthusiasts something to look forward to on the weekend.

A speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system provides positive on-center response at speed, while producing enough assist for parallel parking in tight spaces. Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel antilock braking stop the car on a dime, even on rain or snow-covered roads.

Base price on the 3.5 SR is $24,520, not including a $720 destination charge. A premium package on the test car adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, Bluetooth interface, satellite radio, a USB port, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a four-inch display in the dash, and air conditioning vents behind the center console ($2380).

A sport package dresses up the exterior with a rear spoiler, replaces the standard halogen headlamps with brighter bi-xenon beams, and adds dual-zone temperature controls ($2370). The technology package which includes the hard-drive navigation system costs $1780. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Honda Element EX 4WD

Dog-friendly accessories makes travel safer for man’s best friend

By Nina Russin

Dog-Friendly Honda Element

The Element is Honda’s toolbox on wheels for active lifestyles. Last fall, product planners added a “dog-friendly” edition for the upscale EX grade. The idea is to make travel more comfortable for dogs, with a rear kennel that keeps animals safe in the event of a collision.

A fan in back keeps the animals cool, while a ramp that stows under the kennel eases access and egress for older dogs who suffer from hip dysplasia. Washable covers on the rear seats and rubber floor mats make it easy to hose down the interior. It’s a great feature for buyers who load mountain bikes into the car, or runners who carry a little dirt from the trailhead with them. Read the rest of this entry »