2011 Honda CR-Z EX

Hybrid sport coupe is red hot and raging green

By Nina Russin

Konig Wheels 2011 Honda CR-Z

Power comes from Honda’s 113-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a 13-horsepower electric motor. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual and continuously-variable automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Three modes of operation allow the driver to economize when power demands are low, and enjoy exceptional power off the line in Sport mode. A Normal mode compromises between the Eco and Sport modes for a combination of fuel economy and performance.

Base price for the upscale EX model with navigation is $23,210, not including the $750 delivery charge. A base grade with the manual transmission starts under $20,000, meeting the criteria for our urban category. Honda includes the safety, comfort and convenience features most buyers want in the MSRP, sparing them the confusion of wading through option packages.

Convenience features on the test car include the hard-drive navigation system with voice recognition, 360-watt audio system, auxiliary and USB ports, leather wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth interface, automatic climate control, a digital information display and cruise control. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Prius technology in a family sedan

By Nina Russin

2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Camry has never been the flashiest car on the road, nor the most expensive. Its long-lived popularity stems from reliability. Toyota’s midsized sedan is the Zen master of the automotive world, going about its daily tasks with an endearing lack of presumption.

Buyers who want to leave a better world for their children will find even more to love in the Camry Hybrid. Toyota uses the same hybrid synergy drive system found in the Prius to shrink the Camry’s environmental footprint. Average fuel economy for the Camry Hybrid is 33 miles per gallon. The four and six-cylinder gasoline Camrys average 26 and 23 miles-per-gallon respectively.

Base price for the Camry Hybrid is $26,400, not including a $750 destination fee. The hybrid sedan is considerably more expensive than the base four-cylinder model, which starts at $19,720. Product planners equip the Camry Hybrid with similar comfort and convenience features to a mid-grade gasoline model.

Options on the 2011 test car include leather upholstery ($1295), heated front seats and outside mirrors ($470), front fog lamps ($130) a carpeting and trunk mat set ($200), rear bumper appliqué ($69) and fancier door sills ($179). A navigation package also adds 16-inch alloy wheels, an audio upgrade with satellite radio, USB port, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, and an integrated backup camera ($2960), bringing the price as tested to $32,453. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Los Angeles Auto Show

Electrification and a slightly sunnier industry forecast

By Nina Russin

Jaguar C-X75 Reveal

As the first major North American auto show of the season, Los Angeles is also the place where automakers report on the state of the market. While the industry has yet to return to 2008 sales levels, traffic into the showrooms appears to be on the upswing. Land Rover reported that its US sales were up 23 percent year-over-year, thanks to the success of the new LR4.

Mercedes-Benz also enjoyed a spike in sales, up twenty percent for the first three quarters of 2010 compared to last year.

Sales for the all-new Honda Odyssey are up 52 percent compared to the outgoing model, while overall sales for October are up 20 percent year-over year.

Korean automaker Kia set sales records seven out of ten month in 2010, thanks to the popularity of its US built Sorento. Sorento sales have exceeded 100,000 units since the roll-out: a first for the brand. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Lexus CT 200h

Compact hybrid sedan makes Lexus luxury affordable

By Nina Russin

2011 Lexus CT 200h

The CT 200h is Lexus’ second hybrid-only model, following on the heels of the HS 250h sedan. The CT uses the same hybrid synergy drivetrain as the Toyota Prius, averaging 42 miles-per-gallon in city and highway use. The platform is similar in size to the Toyota Corolla.

Power comes from a 1.8-liter gasoline engine rated at 98 horsepower and an 80 horsepower electric motor. Together, they produce 134 net horsepower. A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard.

The CT accelerates from zero-to-sixty miles-per-hour in 9.8 seconds. Lexus opted for a nickel metal hydride battery pack in lieu of lithium due to concerns about flammability in lithium batteries.

Although the compact premium cars can be a challenge to market in North America, Lexus hopes the new CT will entice current Prius owners who want to move up to a luxury vehicle.

Only one grade of the CT comes stateside, since Lexus anticipates a relatively small market. Sales projections prior to the spring 2011 launch are about 1000 units per month. The model includes standard keyless entry and start, 17-inch wheels, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth interface and Lexus safety connect. The car’s interior is constructed entirely from recyclable materials.

Buyers can customize their CTs with option packages that include a premium audio system, navigation with rearview camera, and leather upholstery in lieu of the standard NuLuxe. Dealers will also offer 28 factory accessories: the most for any Lexus model.

Although pricing has yet to be announced, the automaker says that the new sedan will be the most affordable in the Lexus lineup, with MSRP starting close to $30,000. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Toyota Prius IV

Third-generation sedan raises the bar for hybrid performance

By Nina Russin

2010 Toyota Prius

Prius is a Latin word meaning “to go before.” That’s exactly what Toyota did, prior to unveiling the original hybrid sedan in 1997. Ten years before the great recession and record-breaking oil prices, Toyota invested heavily in alternative fuel technology.

Rather than outsourcing, the automaker kept Prius development in-house. Doing so cost more, and slowed the process down. But once accomplished, it also set Toyota up for a leadership position in what has turned out to be a burgeoning market.

Today, Priuses are everywhere: I see almost as many used by cab companies and delivery services as I do privately-owned vehicles. While the federal tax credit helped to stimulate sales early on, it can’t account for the car’s overwhelming popularity.

The reason the Prius is so popular is because it’s easy to live with: durable enough for four-season climates, with a surprisingly versatile interior. Since the nickel-metal hydride battery recharges using regenerative energy, owners don’t have to fuss with plugging the car in.

This year, Toyota introduces the third-generation Prius, with better fuel economy than the model it replaces, and some compelling new features. An optional solar roof panel powers a remote air conditioning system that pre-cools the car. The new model is also safer, with a standard driver’s knee airbag, and available adaptive cruise control with lane keep assist. Read the rest of this entry »

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sedan

Clean, green and so much fun

By Nina Russin

2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan

Diesel technology has evolved significantly over the past two decades. The new generation of clean diesel cars are fuel-efficient, environmentally-friendly, nimble performers. Last year, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI SportWagen won our ALV green car of the year award. This week, I had the chance to drive the wagon’s four-door sibling: the Jetta TDI sedan.

The secret to diesel performance is its low-end torque. The Jetta TDI develops peak torque of 236 foot-pounds at 1750 rpm: just above idle. As a result, the car can accelerate extremely hard from a stop.

Common-rail technology and on-board computer controls have eliminated the lag that plagued older diesel cars. Throttle response on the Jetta TDI is virtually indistinguishable from its gas-powered counterpart.

Diesels emit less carbon dioxide than gas cars: carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas thought to be a major factor is global warming.

But here’s the best part: diesel cars yield between 25 and 30 percent better fuel economy than equivalent gasoline models. The fuel economy improvement is applicable to both city and highway driving. And unlike hybrids, the buyer doesn’t pay extra for the technology. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

Stylish mid-sized sedan goes green

By Nina Russin

2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

This year, Ford and Mercury add hybrid options to their popular mid-sized sedans. The Fusion and Milan share the same powertrain: a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with a 106-horsepower electric motor and continuously-variable automatic transmission. A nickel-metal hydride battery pack is mounted between the trunk and back seats.

The difference between the two sedans is styling: the Milan appeals to a more upscale audience with a dressed-up exterior and interior. The premier grade (tested) rides on 17-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, two-tone leather trim, a leather wrapped steering wheel and metallic finishes on the instrument panel have a similar feel to contemporary home furniture.

Eco displays on the instrument panels are slightly different. The Fusion records fuel economy on a bar graph to the right of the speedometer. The Milan uses a leaf display: the number of leaves reflects the driver‘s efficiency.

Several months back, I spent a week in the Fusion Hybrid; this week I had a chance to test drive the Milan. My Fusion test drive had left me with extremely favorable impressions: I averaged over forty miles per gallon on a mixture of highways and city streets.

While I drove the Fusion in relatively mild weather, I was testing the Milan during the hottest part of the Phoenix summer. Average temperatures during my test drive were 108-110 degrees. I was curious to see how the extreme temperatures would affect my fuel economy and the car’s overall performance. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Mid-sized sedan yields 40 mile-per-gallon fuel economy

By Nina Russin

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

When Ford execs at last year’s LA Auto show predicted that the new Fusion Hybrid would outperform the competition, there was a collective sigh from the audience. Journalists tend to shy away from blanket statements; the fact that the Ford press conference followed several earlier announcements making similar claims didn’t help.

Last month, a team of Ford engineers and professional drivers traveled over 1400 miles in a Fusion Hybrid on a single tank of gas. The record-setting road trip set tongues wagging. Doubting Thomases though we may be, journalists love to be proved wrong. The team averaged over 80 miles-per-gallon in the Fusion: almost twice the EPA estimate.

This week, I had the opportunity to get behind the wheel myself. Although my eco-driving skills lag far behind the champion hyper-miler and NASCAR driver on the Ford team, I averaged 43.7 miles-per-gallon during a 70 mile test drive that was evenly divided between highways and surface streets. That’s almost five miles-per-gallon better than the EPA average, and I was running the air conditioner. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Lexus HS 250h

Hybrid sedan fills out the entry luxury line-up

By Nina Russin

2010 Lexus HS 250h

The HS 250h is Lexus’ first dedicated gasoline-electric hybrid. The sedan, that rolls into dealerships this August, is the third pillar in an entry luxury strategy that also includes the comfort-focused ES, and high-performance IS models.

Power comes from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine and two electric motors, mated to a continuously variable automatic transaxle. A compact inverter converts direct current from the car’s nickel-metal hydride battery into alternating current for the motors. The battery is located between the car’s rear seat and trunk.

An electric power steering pump, similar to the design on other Toyota and Lexus hybrids is lighter and more fuel efficient than a hydraulic mechanism. The electric pump eliminates parts that would traditionally wear out and require replacement during the car’s life cycle.

A fully-independent suspension includes a front stabilizer bar to keep the chassis flat while cornering. Buyers who purchase the base model can upgrade from standard 17 to 18-inch wheels by adding a touring package. The option group also includes heated front seats and a sport suspension. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Honda Insight EX

Affordable hybrid averages over 40 mpg

By Nina Russin

2010 Honda Insight

The original Honda Insight was an uber-cool  hatchback with a small, but loyal cult following. It was cool because it had incredible fuel economy (70 mpg) and went like spit. The problem was that it only held two passengers, and had very limited cargo space.

The all-new Insight promises to have wider appeal. It’s bigger, holding up to five passengers, and has enough room behind the rear seats to store luggage or groceries. Best of all, the Insight is priced within reach of the average buyer: the base LX model starts at $19,800.

Having been a huge fan of the original Insight, I was excited about getting behind the wheel of the 2010 model. The test car is the EX grade that starts at $21,300. Unlike the base model, the EX includes Eco Assist: the speedometer background changes color to reflect driving efficiency. The background is green when the driver is maximizing fuel economy; blue when he’s not. I must admit, I was most often in the blue.

Despite that, I averaged 42 miles-per-gallon: a slight improvement over the EPA estimate. While the continuously variable transmission doesn’t produce the spitball performance of the original Insight, the new model is still a fun car to drive.

The Eco Assist feature is fun to play with: perhaps too much fun because I found myself focusing on that rather than the road. Honda has done a great job on interior ergonomics, from the Insight’s right-size steering wheel to its intuitive center stack. Read the rest of this entry »