2009 Nissan cube 1.8S

Does Nissan’s funky box fill the squares for active lifestyles?

By Nina Russin

2009 Nissan cube

The box-shaped crossover is to the new millennium what microbuses were to the 1960s. What made the microbus so popular, aside from its anti-establishment image, was its functionality. It was cheap, inexpensive to operate, and it held a lot of stuff: enough to function as a home away from home. The question is whether or not the new Nissan cube can do the same.

The cube’s exterior design is simpatico with the Scion xB and Kia Soul. All three fly in the face of mainstream aerodynamic design, giving them a certain cache. Nissan’s model designation as a common rather than proper noun is a nod to text messaging: devoid of punctuation. Nissan’s marketing strategy focuses on non-traditional media as well, with a “mobile hub,” accessible via a “text to” number, and a unique iPhone application.

Entertaining though they may be, these communications strategies aren’t enough to drive value-conscious customers into the showroom. But the cube’s base price of $13,990 is a good start. Read the rest of this entry »

2009 Scion xD

Scion’s baby box is a super value

By Nina Russin

2009 Scion xD

Last year, Scion replaced the subcompact xA with the xD, a car that looks very much like a scaled-down xB. After driving the 2008 model, I was struck by the night-and-day difference between the xD and the car it replaced. While the xA aspired towards buyers with active lifestyles, the xD embraced them.

Not only does the xD have a more refined powertrain; its versatile, thoughtful interior is ideal for carrying large cargo. The xD incorporates all of the hot button features for millennial buyers, including iPod connectivity, available satellite radio and navigation.

At the same time, the Scion brand carries forth Toyota’s reputation for quality and dependability. The factory warranty includes free scheduled maintenance for the 5000 and 10,000 mile intervals.

Since the xD is a light car, it can run well on a relatively small engine and maintain good fuel economy. The four-speed automatic model tested averages 28 miles-per-gallon according to EPA estimates: my fuel economy for the test drive was slightly higher.

Base price is $15,450, making the Scion xD an ALV super value. Read the rest of this entry »

2009 Scion xB

Evolved box

By Nina Russin

2009 Scion xB

Since I began writing about cars twenty years ago, I’ve seen more automakers use Toyotas in their brand B comparisons than any other marque. The Toyota guys love it, since aspiration is the greatest form of flattery.

The Scion xB crossover vehicle is a perfect example. As Kia, Nissan and other manufacturers introduce box-shaped crossovers, they inevitably compare those cars to the xB. Scion’s parent company is Toyota.

Scion’s ace-in-the-hole is experience. Having learned some important lessons from the original model, the second-generation xB is a better fit for its intended audience.

The first xB was a revised version of a Japan market car; the current model was designed specifically for American buyers. It’s larger and more substantial than the model it replaces, with a more powerful engine, and larger wheels that perform better on the highway. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Kia Forte EX

All-new compact sedan is a value-packed offering

By Nina Russin

2010 Kia Forte

Compact sedans are Kia’s bread-and-butter. The all-new Forte, which replaces the Spectra, is the automaker’s volume leader: Kia expects to sell about 70,000 units per year. More than any other model, the new sedan reflects Kia’s dramatic evolution since arriving in the US sixteen years ago.

Kia’s first US model was the Sephia: the predecessor to the Spectra. At the time, Kia’s ace-in-the hole was value pricing. Buyers who normally couldn’t afford a new car could buy a Sephia.

The Sephia’s fit and finish couldn’t compete against comparable Toyota and Honda models; nor was it a particularly safe car. But since Sephia buyers couldn’t afford Toyota or Honda’s price of admission, they were happy to get behind the wheel of a new Kia.

Kia has maintained its value pricing strategy: the Forte has an exceptionally high level of content for a $14,000 sedan. But unlike its predecessors, it’s also a very solid, safe automobile. The Forte offers equivalent power and performance to competitors such as the Corolla, Civic and Mazda3, and is expected to receive a five-star federal crash test rating. Standard safety features include antilock brakes , six standard airbags, electronic stability and traction control. Read the rest of this entry »

2009 Toyota Yaris

Five-door liftback adds cargo versatility to Toyota’s value-priced subcompact

By Nina Russin

2009 Toyota Yaris 5-Door Liftback

In 1994, I went to Japan to drive a Corvette between Tokyo and Kyoto for a magazine story. I wanted to see how the most iconic of American cars would perform in a culture vastly different than our own. While the Corvette turned plenty of heads, Tokyo’s narrow, traffic-filled streets were better suited for smaller cars.

Driving the Toyota Yaris stateside, I feel as if the shoe is on the other foot. Despite Toyota’s popularity here, few of the models we see in the US reflect the automaker’s Japanese roots as faithfully as the Yaris.

The Yaris’ diminutive scale is perfect for Japan’s two-lane rural roads, many of which are no wider than the average driveway.  Ditto for parking garages, where attendants use small cages to transport vehicles to the upper floors.

High fuel prices are a fact of life in Japan: the average price of gas in 1994 was about five dollars per gallon. I would rather have filled up the Yaris than the thirsty Corvette that preferred premium.

The Yaris interior reminds me of Japanese business hotels: designers make the most of its limited space with cleverly configured seats that fold and tumble, and small storage compartments around the passenger bay. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Kia Soul Sport

New crossover is a super-value for buyers with active lifestyles

By Nina Russin

2010 Kia Soul

The Soul is Kia’s newest five-passenger crossover vehicle, aimed at urban denizens with active lifestyles. Pricing for the base model starts at $13,300: well below the $16,000 cap for our super-value category.

Kia is appealing to millennial buyers by positioning the car left of center. That’s wishful thinking. The Soul isn’t the first funky box to roll out on American roads, nor will it be the last.

While it’s no trend setter, the Soul has a lot to offer the budget-minded buyer. All grades come with an unusually high level of standard safety features, including front, side and side curtain airbags, antilock brakes and vehicle stability control. Kia’s ten year/100,000 mile warranty is an industry leader, including five years or 60,000 miles of complimentary roadside assistance.

Standard comfort and convenience features include an AM/FM/CD/MP3 compatible audio system, air conditioning, tilt steering column, power windows and door locks and a rear window defroster. All models but the base grade come with remote keyless entry. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Kia Soul

Hip to be square

By Nina Russin

2010 Kia Soul

Box-shaped crossovers seem to be on every automaker‘s short list. The Kia Soul is one of two such vehicles rolling out this spring: the other being the Nissan Cube. Kia is positioning the Soul as a value-packed alternative to the Cube and Scion xB. With a starting price of  $13,300 for the base model, the Soul appeals to young college grads who want an affordable vehicle with enough versatility for active lifestyles.

The Soul progressed from the drawing board to the showroom quickly. Kia unveiled the prototype at the 2006 North American Auto Show in Detroit. Production models are currently rolling into dealerships.
Read the rest of this entry »

All-new Honda Insight Starts Under $20,000

Most Affordable New Hybrid Available in the U.S.

Looking for a five-passenger dedicated hybrid for under $20k? Check out the all-new 2010 Honda Insight, which goes on-sale March 24. At $19,800 for the Insight LX, you get 1.3-liter i-VTEC® gasoline engine and a 10-kilowatt electric motor that together contribute to an EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy rating of 40/43 miles per gallon.

“The all-new Honda Insight brings the cost of entry for hybrid technology within closer reach of an entirely new car-shopping audience,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. “In addition to making good environmental sense, hybrid technology is now entering a new era where it can also make financial sense for a broader range of customers.”

A sleek exterior blends design elements from the original 2000 Insight’s highly aerodynamic side profile with a front-end design similar to the hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity, a marquee environmental product for Honda. The interior offers a roomy passenger environment with a configurable rear seating and cargo area that benefits from 60/40 split fold-down seats.

Major features standard to the Insight LX include front, front-side and side-curtain airbags; an anti-lock braking system; a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT); Eco Assist; automatic climate control; tilt and telescope steering column; manual driver’s seat height adjustment; power windows; a four-speaker AM/FM audio system with CD player and auxiliary audio input for external digital music players; and much more.

A more premium version is also available: The Insight EX, with a MSRP of $21,300. For complete details, visit the official site.

2009 Suzuki SX4 Sport

Suzuki adds standard navigation to its best-selling compact sedan.

By Nina Russin

2009 Suzuki SX4 Sport

Suzuki exemplifies everything good about being small: as a niche automaker, it competes successfully against much bigger companies. A strong brand character, consistent throughout the model lineup, appeals to value-conscious customers looking for versatile, fun-to-drive vehicles.

The SX4 Sedan, Sport, and Crossover are three rather different cars that share the same compact platform. The entry-level Sedan competes against products in the sub-fourteen thousand dollar range with a high level of standard safety, comfort and convenience features, and a seven year/100,000-mile fully transferable warranty.

The five-door Crossover adds additional cargo versatility, available all-wheel drive, and a standard navigation system for customers who carry large items such as bicycles, skis and snowboards, and who require some all-terrain, all-weather capability.

The Sport shares the Sedan’s four-door configuration, but with bigger wheels and tires, four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel antilock braking, a sport suspension, and standard navigation system. With a base price under sixteen-thousand dollars, it’s a steal.

Collaboration with Garmin

The SX4’s standard navigation system is the product of a collaboration between Suzuki and Garmin. A small, pop-up screen at the top of the center stack displays maps and points of interest. The 4.3-inch touchscreen display is integrated into the car’s audio system, so directions are broadcast through the SX4’s speakers.

The map is a little small and harder to read than larger displays on pricier systems. But it’s unique for any automaker to offer standard navigation in less than a luxury car. Since it’s integrated into the audio system, the driver has verbal commands as a backup: a distinct advantage over aftermarket products.

Buyers can upgrade the system to add Microsoft network functions including real-time traffic, stock quotes, local event listings and a gas station finder. The upgrade also adds Bluetooth hands-free phone technology, on-screen and audible text messaging.

Sporty, not thirsty engine

Suzuki’s two-liter, 143-horsepower engine gives the SX4 Sport performance comparable to its motorcycles. The high-revving, high-compression engine has excellent low end power, especially in the critical twenty-to-fifty mile-per-hour range.

At the same time, the SX4 has no problem passing other vehicles on the highway, or making the occasional evasive maneuver at speed. Seventeen-inch wheels give the sedan a big stable footprint for a positive on-center feel.

The engine incorporates a lot of components normally reserved for bigger, higher-performance blocks: chain-driven camshafts and a forged steel crankshaft among them. It isn’t important to know how these components work; simply understand that they add durability, and reduce expensive maintenance procedures after fifty thousand miles.

The block and pistons are aluminum to minimize weight. Despite its 10.5:1 compression ratio, the engine runs fine on 87-octane gas.

A five-speed manual transmission on the test car has a light clutch with wide enough gear range to make it practical for city driving. Though I appreciate the drawbacks of a manual-transmission in urban traffic, the gearbox adds a lot of character to the peppy SX4 Sport. I’d recommend it.

Power rack-and-pinion steering has enough assist at low speeds, without too much play on the highway. The chassis feels balanced going through cloverleaf turns at speed. Making quick lane changes at speed is a non-issue.

Standard four-wheel disc brakes stop the car quickly on wet or snow-covered roads. Discs are easier to service than drums, especially for those living in northern climates. Having used a sledge hammer to whack rust ridges off old drum brakes, I can vouch for the fact that replacing drum shoes is not a fun way to spend the weekend.

Ergonomic interior

Except for lacking a center console bin, the SX4 has an almost perfect interior. Adults will be surprised by the amount of head, leg and hip room in the out-board second-row seating positions.

The manual seats are easy to adjust with adequate lower lumbar support. Audio and climate control knobs on the center stack are intuitive, and easy to reach from either front seating position. A twelve-volt power point on the base of the center stack allows passengers to recharge electronic devices on the go. Two shelves below the climate controls hold compact discs or other small items.

A technology package on the test car adds redundant audio and Bluetooth controls on the steering wheel, fog lamps and cruise control. The technology package also upgrades the standard sixteen-inch wheels to seventeen-inch rims and adds an aero body kit.

Side mirrors do a good job of eliminating blind spots to the side and rear of the car. The SX4 has a strange A-pillar configuration: the pillars extend to the front of the car: triangular glass pieces fill the gap between the pillars and side windows.

The arrangement doesn’t make much sense to me except as a money-saving measure. The pillars are annoying because they interrupt the driver’s forward vision, but they don’t create any blind spots.

All four doors have bottle holders that will hold small water bottles. Two cupholders up front and one in the rear are also large enough for water bottles. Though the test car doesn’t have a sunroof, there’s enough ambient light in back to keep second-row passengers happy.

Spacious trunk

A spacious trunk with a pass-through can easily hold groceries and luggage. With the rear seatbacks folded flat it’s possible to shoe a bike frame in back. But passengers who want to carry their bicycles on a regular basis would be much better served by the five-door crossover.

Standard safety

All models come standard with front, side and side curtain airbags, electronic stability program, traction control, antilock brakes, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

MSRP on the test car is $16,539, not including a $695 destination charge. The peppy SX4 Sport is ready to test drives at Suzuki dealerships nationwide.

Likes: An affordable, fun-to-drive compact sedan with standard navigation and electronic stability program. A seven-year, fully-transferable warranty helps the SX4 to maintain its value.

Dislikes: Odd A-pillar design disrupts the driver’s forward vision. A center console bin would add valuable storage space.

Quick facts:

Make: Suzuki
Model: SX4 Sport
Year: 2009
Base price: $15,739
Price as tested: $17,234
Horsepower: 143Hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 136 lbs.-ft. @ 3500 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: N/A
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Bicycle friendly: No
Towing: No
Off-road: No
Comments: Price as tested includes the $695 destination charge.

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser: Sunset Boulevard Edition

Pint-sized crossover with a hot rod attitude

By Nina Russin

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Sunset Boulevard Edition

Ten years ago, Chrysler rolled out the production version of the PT Cruiser show car: a compact crossover styled after classic American hot rods. The pint-sized Cruiser is the embodiment of what Chrysler does best: combining edgy styling with a versatile interior that takes minivan packaging into a whole new segment.

Other manufacturers have tried to mimic the PT Cruiser formula with similar products such as the Chevy HHR. But none of its competitors do the job quite as well as the original.

With a base price starting at $15,015, the PT Cruiser is an affordable, fun car that can hold everything from long boards to bicycles. Passengers sit higher up than in a conventional car: theater style seating gives everyone a good view of the road. The forward-raked roof makes for exceptional headroom in the back.

Built to customize

One of the coolest things about the PT Cruiser is that it’s built to customize. Since the first models rolled out, Chrysler has produced eleven factory custom editions. Businesses can use panel truck models to wrap graphics, while car buffs cruise in style with flames or woodie side panels.

An available turbocharged four-cylinder engine adds thirty horsepower over the base block. Buyers who want better fuel economy can opt for a five-speed manual transmission on the naturally-aspirated car: average fuel economy is 23 miles per gallon. The automatic model (tested) averages twenty-one miles per gallon for city and highway driving.

Sunset Boulevard edition pays homage to Southern California car culture.

Personally, I would have called it the Riverside Drive edition, since Riverside Drive in Burbank is home to Bob’s Big Boy: one of the greatest cruise night destinations in the country. For readers who have never been to one, cruise nights are where people who love cars go to find other people of the same mindset.

On Friday nights, the line to get into the parking lot stretches out for blocks. To protect the spot against future development, its fans had Bob’s registered as a historic landmark.

Getting back to the Cruiser, the Sunset Boulevard Edition is mainly a paint job: “sunset” red pearl coat, with some extra chrome accents, bigger wheels, and a couple of custom badges. The power sunroof, tinted glass and special wheels add $845 to the car’s base price. The special paint is another $150.

With the exception of the upscale Limited grade, antilock brakes are an option. I would recommend them, especially for drivers living in four-season climates. Traction control comes with the antilock brake option. Neither side curtain airbags nor electronic stability control are available on the Cruiser.

Music aficionados can upgrade the standard audio system to a Boston six-speaker acoustics system that adds Sirius satellite radio. A second sound upgrade replaces the single disc CD player with a six-disc unit. The standard audio system is MP3 compatible.

Cruising through Phoenix

Despite its styling, the PT Cruiser is no hot rod. But it is a pleasant car to drive. The standard four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission provide plenty of power for urban commuting. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly with a minimum of shift shock, though a five-speed unit would probably improve fuel economy.

The base LX does not come with power mirrors, which can be an inconvenience if multiple drivers are sharing the car. Small levers inside the car manually adjust the side mirrors. Manually adjustable seats are easy to position.

Lower back support is adequate, but not exceptional. Upscale Touring and Limited grades come with adjustable lower lumbar controls.

The high seating position is one of my favorite features about the PT Cruiser. Though the car itself sits much lower than most light duty trucks, the driver is able to see around the high-profile vehicles more easily.

Visibility around the car is pretty good. The high seating position enhances forward visibility and makes cornering on highway ramps much easier. Side mirrors do a pretty good job of compensating for blind spots to the sides and rear of the car.

Room for four adults and a variety of cargo

Despite its small footprint, the PT Cruiser has a remarkably spacious and configurable interior. Though Chrysler calls the Cruiser a five-passenger car, the middle seating position in the second row lacks legroom, due to interference from the center console and floor tunnel.

But four adults will be quite comfortable, even on long road trips. Both rows have access to plenty of cupholders and map pockets in the door. In front, a twelve-volt power point on the base of the center stack recharges electronic devices.

A tilt steering wheel adapts to drivers of different sizes, as does a sliding center armrest. A two-piece bin under the center console holds compact discs in one section and small electronic devices up top.

The optional moonroof brings ambient light into the rear of the car, which would otherwise be rather dark. Front row passengers get dual overhead reading lamps. There is also a small light in the cargo area to the right of the liftgate.

Second-row seats fold flat by using a levers on the seatbacks. A pull strap on the seat cushions releases the seats so they can tumble forward, and be removed. Tumbling the seats forward creates an uninterrupted load floor large enough for a road bike with the front wheel removed.

A rear shelf panel installs in horizontal guides in the cargo bay to create an extra horizontal shelf, a table for tailgate parties, or a vertical divider. Upscale models come with a fold flat front passenger seat that further extends the load floor, and can also serve as a work surface.

Lifetime powertrain warranty

As with all Chrysler products, the PT Cruiser comes with a lifetime powertrain warranty that protects owners against repair costs due to manufacturing defects. The warranty includes three years of 24-hour towing assistance.

Chrysler builds the PT Cruiser at its Toluca, Mexico assembly plant.

Likes: A small affordable car with room for four passengers and a configurable interior. The high roofline maximizes headroom for rear passengers and vertical load-in space. A low liftover height makes it easier for small people to load up the back.

Dislikes: Base model does not come with standard power windows, air conditioning or antilock brakes. Electronic stability program and side curtain airbags are not available.

Quick facts:

Make: Chrysler
Model: PT Cruiser LX: Sunset Boulevard Edition 
Year: 2008
Base price: $15,015
As tested: $18,475
Horsepower: 150 Hp @ 5100 rpm
Torque: 165 lbs.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: N/A
Antilock brakes: Optional
Side curtain airbags: N/A
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Towing: No
Off-road: No
Comments: Base price does not include a $640 delivery charge.