2012 Fiat 500 Sport

Stylish subcompact with 38 mpg fuel economy

By Nina Russin

2012 Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 Sport parked in my driveway brings forth memories of Topo Gigio: the mouse puppet from Ed Sullivan’s popular variety show in the 1960s. It isn’t just the Fiat’s whiskers and logo face, or the fact that both Topo and the original Cincquecento date back to the same era.

Just as the puppet created by Maria Perego of Milan charmed television viewers, the new Fiat 500 hatchback is irresistibly cute. Styling combines retro and contemporary elements in surprisingly harmonious fashion. It is also quintessentially Italian, setting the car apart from other entries in the A segment.

Most appealing in the new Cinquecento’s affordability: the base model starts under $16,000. The test car is the midgrade Sport, which has larger wheels and a sport-tuned suspension. MSRP is $17,500, not including the $500 destination charge.

Power comes from a single overhead cam four-cylinder engine rated at 101 horsepower, with 98 foot-pounds of torque. Because of its high compression ratio, the manufacturer recommends running 91 octane fuel, although regular is acceptable.

A five-speed manual gearbox, standard on the Sport, enables drivers to make better use of the engine’s available power than the optional six-speed automatic. It also yields better fuel economy: about three miles per gallon on average according to EPA estimates. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio Lounge

Subcompact gets an open-air variant

By Nina Russin

2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio

What’s not to love about an Italian car? This year, Fiat returns to North America with two versions of its classic Cinquecento. A hatchback came first, followed by a cabriolet currently rolling into dealerships. Fiat unveiled the new convertible at the New York Auto Show in April.

The new open-air Fiat comes 55 years after the original Cinquecento rolled out in Italy. A power two-layer cloth top on the 2012 car replaces a removable canvas panel on the 1957 Nuova Cinquecento.

Despite its retro appearance inside and out, the new Fiat 500 Cabrio is more versatile than the original version, with a spacious high-tech interior and power top which deploys in two positions. The first retracts the top to the roof-mounted rear spoiler; the second to the boot. 

There are two trim levels, as opposed to three for the hatchback. Base price for the entry-level Pop is $19,500, not including a $500 destination charge. Power comes from a 1.4-liter engine rated at 101 horsepower, and a five-speed manual transmission. Standard comfort features include the power top, air conditioning, MP3 compatible audio system, Bluetooth, a USB port, rear park assist and 15-inch wheels.

The upscale Lounge grade gets a six-speed automatic transmission in lieu of the five-speed manual, a Bose premium audio system, security alarm and extra chrome trim. Base price is $23,500. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4X4

Versatile SUV gets a facelift and new interior

By Nina Russin

2011 Jeep Patriot

The Jeep Patriot has become a polarizing vehicle, much like its Wrangler sibling. Patriot fans love the sport-utility vehicle’s value pricing and off-road capability. Critics point to the lack of engine power and inconsistent fit and finish.

This year, Jeep addressed some of those concerns with a significant redesign. Designers revised the car’s front and rear fascias as well as the interior, paying more attention to fit, finish and touch-points throughout the vehicle.

 The Patriot’s redesigned back end conceals the gas tank and muffler. The new front fascia links the Patriot to other models in the Jeep line-up, including the upscale Grand Cherokee.

Fit and finish throughout the interior is much better. Designers paid close attention to the steering wheel, knobs, buttons and door handles Soft center console and dashboard surfaces are more pleasant to live with.

The Latitude sits in the middle of three available grades. Base price for the four-wheel drive model is $17,695, not including a $700 destination charge.

Most buyers will want to add a premium package that upgrades the standard wheels to 17-inch alloy rims, and adds air conditioning, remote keyless entry, power windows and door locks, heated seats, a 115-volt outlet, leather-wrapped steering wheel with redundant audio controls and heated side mirrors ($3700). Front seat side airbags are also an option, included in a package which also adds tire pressure monitoring and a digital information display ($750).

Roof rails with crossbars and a tonneau cover cost $500.

The off-road package on the test car includes all terrain tires, a brake lock differential, full-sized spare, fuel tank and transmission skid plates, tow hooks, wiring for a trailer harness, and hill descent control ($1500).

A special automatic transmission comes with the package, adding a crawl ratio for low-speed maneuvers.

A 30 gigabyte media center, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port and satellite radio bring the price as tested to $25,410. Options on the test car add over 25 percent to its sticker price, which strikes me as a rather severe jump. I’d rather see basic convenience features, including keyless entry, power windows, door locks and air conditioning included in the base price. Read the rest of this entry »

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 Scion xB

One box fits all

By Nina Russin

2011 Scion xB

Eight years ago, Toyota introduced the Scion brand with two cars: the xA and xB. The name Scion means “descendent” or “heir to,” suggesting its youthful orientation. Simple model designations fit with the brand’s high-tech approach to selling cars, encouraging buyers to use the internet and dealership kiosks to spec out vehicles.

Monospec pricing eliminates confusion over option packages and dealer add-ons. Dealers keep minimal inventory on the lot. Instead, they fill customer orders using vehicles at nearby storage facilities.

The funky xB had roots in a Japan-market car. Scion’s box-on-wheels quickly won a fan base stateside for its small footprint and versatile interior. It became the first in a legion of urban vehicles designed for budget-conscious city dwellers needing a vehicle suited to their active lifestyles.

Scion rolled out the second-generation xB in 2008. The new car sported a more powerful engine and larger wheels: better suited for driving on American highways. It was also slightly larger, though its footprint remained small enough for on-street parking and crowded garages.

An audio upgrade on 2010 and newer models adds standard USB and iPod connectivity.

This week I spent time in the 2011 xB, priced from $16,950. Base price does not include a $720 delivery charge.

Power comes from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 158 horsepower and a four-speed automatic transmission. It’s odd to find a four-speed automatic transmission these days, when five or six-speed automatics are the norm. But the gearbox performs well, without overbearing shift shock. Lack of large overdrive gears doesn’t seem to have a negative impact on gas mileage.

Engineers minimized weight gain by replacing the hydraulic power steering system in the original model with a lighter, more compact electric power steering system.

A TRD wheel upgrade and rear sway bar significantly improves performance on challenging roads. The nineteen-inch wheels and tires cost $2150, while the sway bar adds $325. An Alpine premium audio system with iPod interface costs $449. Other options include a rear bumper applique, TRD sport muffler and illuminated door sills, bringing the price as tested to $21,442. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Scion tC

Three-door liftback combines form, function and fun

By Nina Russin

2011 Scion tC

An all-new Scion tC rolls out for the 2011 model year, replacing the original coupe introduced in 2004. A peppy four-cylinder engine adds 19 horsepower and 11 foot-pounds of torque over the outgoing car. New six-speed manual and automatic transmissions boost performance and gas mileage.

Despite its small footprint and bullet profile, the tC sports a spacious interior which functions well for active lifestyles. The rear liftgate makes the cargo area easy to load up. Small drivers will appreciate the tC’s low lift-over height, when compared to sport-utility vehicles. Second-row seats fold flat to extend the cargo floor. Slipping a bicycle in back is not out of the question.

The new tC was designed primarily in California at Toyota’s Calty studio. Inspiration came from the FUSE concept.

Scion maintains its monospec pricing strategy to simplify the buying process. The automaker includes a nice array of comfort and convenience features in the base model, saving car shoppers from wading through a plethora of option packages. Cost of the test car is $19,995, including the $720 destination charge. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco

Midsized sedan averages 35 mpg in city and highway driving

By Nina Russin

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco

Last year, Chevrolet rolled out the Cruze: a five-passenger sedan which replaces the Cobalt. Midsized sedans are bread-and-butter products for automakers, since they comprise the biggest part of the passenger car market.

Developing an eco version of the Cruze is a savvy marketing strategy for GM, providing a less expensive alternative to hybrid and electric cars.

Base price for the Cruze Eco is $18,895 including destination and delivery charges. While my average fuel economy during the test drive didn’t quite match the automaker’s estimated 42 mpg on the highway, the car is certainly thrifty enough to significantly reduce costs of ownership.

The Cruze can’t match hybrids such as the Toyota Prius for fuel economy, nor can it match the low-end acceleration of an electric motor. On the other hand, buyers aren’t paying a premium for hybrid technology. The Cruze Eco is also less expensive than European diesel sedans, with prices that start over $20,000. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Mazda2 Touring

Sporty subcompact hatchback for active urbanites

By Nina Russin

2011 Mazda2

I have a big soft spot in my heart for little cars. Perhaps it’s because I’m a small person, or that I am, according to a colleague, a ‘raging greenie.’

Being small in a big car world comes with sizeable challenges. Small cars need to keep up, in terms of both comfort and performance. They must be safe. And while they don’t offer the passenger or cargo capability of their bigger siblings, small cars need to have efficient interiors with enough versatility to meet their owners’ lifestyles.

The 2011 Mazda2, a subcompact five-door hatchback, does all of the above surprisingly well. Power comes from a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 100 horsepower, and choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.

Despite the small engine size, power is ample, thanks to variable valve timing and the right software. Engineers smartly let the transmission hold onto gears and shift at higher engine speeds. The result is more linear acceleration and better torque. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Ford Fiesta 5-Dr. Hatch SE

Compact car for a global market

By Nina Russin

2011 Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta is a little car with a big mission: to conquest budget-minded buyers with a product that has global appeal. While the F-150 pickup truck remains a best seller in North America, the biggest automotive markets overseas are passenger cars. As Americans try to contain cost of ownership, they are also scrutinizing fuel economy.

To answer this need, Ford revived a nameplate that dates back to the 1970s. The original Fiesta, unveiled in 1975 for the ’76 model year, was a response to rising oil prices worldwide and gas shortages in the US.

The new Fiesta shares a similar mission, but with bigger challenges. Millennial buyers don’t want an econo-box: they want an affordable car they can be proud of.

In order to meet their demands, product planners added high tech features such as Bluetooth interface, MP3 connectivity and Ford sync, segment-leading safety features and a generous factory warranty.

To package all of this in a $15,000 car is impressive. Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed with my first test drive, of the upscale SEL model. While the 1.6-liter engine delivered exceptional fuel economy, it was sorely lacking in power and performance. The car was not fun to drive.

In addition, I had concerns about steering response and suspension tuning. Since the first test car was a preproduction model, I was anxious to see if Ford had resolved any of these issues in the production cars. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Ford Mustang V-6 Convertible

Ford gets its newest drop top right in every way

By Nina Russin

2011 Ford Mustang Convertible

From an engineering stance, V-6 powerplants are inherently imbalanced. Applying the correct cylinder bank angle corrects the balance problem; producing power with good fuel economy isn‘t so simple.

Most V-6 engines rev between 2000 and 3000 rpm during normal driving: gas mileage and driving range suffer from the high engine speeds.

The 3.7-liter Duratec engine can cruise at 80 miles-per-hour without breaking 2000 rpm. Variable valve timing on the camshafts enables the engine to accelerate moderately hard at the same engine speeds. Fuel economy savings are huge.

Driving the Mustang between Phoenix, Arizona and San Diego, California, I averaged 26 miles-per-gallon. The trip included time in stop-and-go traffic on both ends. That’s pretty impressive for a 305-horsepower engine of any sort. Read the rest of this entry »