2011 Toyota Tacoma 4X4

V-6 engine tows up to 6500 pounds

By Nina Russin

2011 Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma’s roots are in Toyota’s compact pickup trucks of the 1970s and 80s. Today, the Tacoma is a significantly larger vehicle, lining up behind the full-sized Tundra. New six-cylinder engine technology enables engineers to produce equivalent performance to what V-8 engines yielded a decade back. As a result, the V-6 Tacoma with 266 foot-pounds of torque qualifies as a real work horse, with the ability to carry heavy cargo.

The advantage of the V-6 as compared to the eight cylinder engine is fuel economy. The Tacoma access cab 4X4 averages 20 miles-per-gallon on the highway, which is good for a two-ton truck. Out of the box, the Tacoma tows up to 3500 pounds, meeting our ALV standard. A towing prep package which adds a class 4 hitch, heavy duty battery, transmission and oil coolers boosts towing capacity to 6500 pounds, making the Tacoma capable of hauling large trailers.

The access cab includes a small rear passenger space which can also be used for cargo. Dealerships can deactivate the front passenger airbag for child seats, since they won’t fit in back.

Base price for the test car is $25,925 excluding the $810 delivery charge. A discounted TRD off-road package adds a locking rear differential, off-road suspension, Bilstein shocks, special wheels, tires and skid plates under the chassis, as well as a host of comfort and convenience features inside the car ($3085). Other options include daytime running lamps ($40), the towing prep package ($650), carpeted floor mats ($179), tie down loops ($40), special wheels, tires  and performance exhaust ($1699), bringing the price as tested to $33,168. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Mazda3 Grand Touring Sedan

Skyactiv technology boosts gas mileage to 40 mpg

By Nina Russin

2012 Mazda3 Sedan

A refreshed exterior on the 2012 Mazda3 is just the appetizer: bigger changes under the hood include a brand new engine and transmission which give the compact sedan fuel economy comparable to some gasoline/electric hybrids. Engineers redesigned fuel nozzle jets and gave the new two-liter engine a compression ratio comparable to a race car: 12:1.

The compression ratio indicates how much pistons compress the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinders before the spark plugs light it up. A higher compression ratio makes the engine burn fuel more completely but can also lead to detonation. By changing the shape of the piston heads and shortening combustion times, engineers minimized the possibility of preignition, so the engine can run on regular gasoline as opposed to high-octane premium.

The new engine, which is also 4.4 pounds lighter than the block it replaces, achieves 28 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway, according to EPA estimates, with a range of over 500 miles between fill-ups.

In addition to its large overdrive gears, the new six-speed automatic utilizes a lockup torque converter with friction couplings to boost gas mileage. Engineers redesigned the manual transmission as well, making it lighter than the gearbox it replaces for similar fuel economy gains.

But being Mazda, extending gas mileage wasn’t enough. The new powertrain had to satisfy the needs of the automaker’s core audience of driving enthusiasts. Having put 200 miles on the Mazda3 sedan, this writer believes that Mazda has fulfilled its mission. The newest version of its compact sedan maintains the responsive handling and peppy acceleration of its predecessors, at a price which won’t break the bank.

MSRP for the upscale Grand Touring model is $22,300, excluding the $795 destination charge. A $1400 technology package adds blind spot monitoring, perimeter alarm, bi-xenon adaptive headlamps, satellite radio and rain-sensing wipers, bringing the price as tested to $24,495. Read the rest of this entry »

Extended drive: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4X4

Off-road legend gains some urban chops

By Nina Russin

2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Last fall, Jeep introduced the newest Wrangler: the four-by-four which, so to speak, started it all. The Wrangler’s roots date back to 1941, having been used for military purposes in World War II. Having driven the 2012 model on dirt roads and trails in the Tillamook National Forest, I feel comfortable in saying that none of the car’s legendary off-road capability has changed.

From a practical point of view, the Wrangler needs to do more than shine off-road. With a MSRP beginning over $25,000 for the four-door model, it must be capable of serving as its owner’s only car. Realizing that, Jeep engineers focused as much on raising the 2012 model’s on-road performance as its off-road capability.

Jeep Wrangler roots date back to the 1941 Willys

Changes began with a more powerful V-6 engine, which lowers the Wrangler’s zero-to-sixty acceleration time by three seconds. The Pentastar V-6, which first appeared in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, delivers 285 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque: improvements of 40 and ten percent respectively over the old engine. For drivers merging from toll booths or entry ramps into rush hour traffic, the benefits of the power increase are huge.

Side and rear glass areas are larger to improve visibility around the exterior. A lockable storage area for the hard top and bolts is a boon for urbanites. There are also two lockable storage areas in the passenger compartment: a glovebox and center console bin.

Enhanced fit-and-finish and soft-touch surfaces make the Wrangler’s interior more appealing. Automatic climate control, heated seats, power mirrors and redundant steering wheel controls are important creature comforts. Bluetooth interface, satellite radio and UConnect appeal to tech-savvy buyers. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Cadillac SRX Premium

New V-6 engine gives mid-sized crossover extra punch

By Nina Russin

2012 Cadillac SRX

The SRX is the smaller sibling to the full-sized Escalade sport-utility vehicle. While the SRX can’t match the Escalade’s cargo and towing capability, the smaller package has a lot of appeal for buyers who want a more nimble chassis with a passenger car-like ride.

This year, the engineers at GM have added some pizzazz to an already appealing package with a new direct injection V-6 engine rated at 308 horsepower. Peak torque, 265 lbs-ft, is available at 2400 rpm, so the driver can easily accelerate without sacrificing gas mileage. An eco feature alters shift points on the six-speed automatic transmission to further enhance fuel economy. Using the feature on my 150-mile test drive, I averaged 21 miles-per-gallon: two mpg better than the EPA estimate.

The upscale premium grade priced from $45,975 comes loaded with every conceivable convenience option except the DVD entertainment system, which adds $1395. That, plus an $875 destination charge brings the price as tested to $48,245.

As luxurious as the SRX is, the crossover vehicle is also practical, with up to 3500 pound towing capacity, standard roof rails, a bicycle-friendly cargo area and a storage area under the cargo floor. Standard adaptive xenon headlamps swivel according to steering input to light the way on dark suburban streets. Navigation is also standard, as is a rearview camera. Camera images and navigation maps appear on an eight-inch screen which rises from the dash when the driver turns on the ignition. The large graphics are heaven to my less-than perfect eyes.

A digital display in the gauge cluster tells the driver the speed limit of the road he’s traveling on, as well as giving driving range, fuel consumption, instant and average fuel economy and trip meter readings.

Keyless entry and start saves the driver from digging into his pocket for a fob, adding a measure of safety for those who drive alone after dark. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Fun to drive; easy to own

By Nina Russin

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The automotive world looks to Germany as the performance standard for good reason. What prevents more car enthusiasts from parking German cars in their driveways is price. It’s not just the MSRP; parts and service costs make certain luxury models very costly to own.

Enter the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, with a combination of uncompromised performance and affordability. The newest member of the Jetta family comes with a turbocharged 2-liter engine rated at 200 horsepower, with 207 foot-pounds of torque. An available DSG automatic transmission utilizes friction couplings to enhance fuel economy and deliver performance similar to a manual gearbox.

Base price is $24,595 for the automatic transmission model, excluding the $770 destination charge. Volkswagen includes three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance with its factory warranty.

The base GLI comes with 17-inch alloy rims and all-season tires. Buyers wanting a bigger footprint can upgrade to the GLI Autobahn, which adds 18-inch wheels.

Standard comfort and convenience features on all grades include remote keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column with redundant audio controls, air conditioning, satellite radio, IPod and Bluetooth interface and heated outside mirrors.

The premium Autobahn Navi model adds keyless start and navigation. MSRP with the DSG automatic transmission is $27,545. Read the rest of this entry »

2012 Honda Civic Si

High-performance coupe stays true to its roots

By Nina Russin

2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe

It’s curious that Honda, a fundamentally conservative automaker, has become the marque of choice among millennial car enthusiasts. The compact Civic’s performance variant, the Si, is not a radical car by most measures. However, the OEM package, with its high-revving iVTEC engine, close ratio gearbox and compact sport-tuned suspension is the perfect palette for customization. It also offers superb ride and handling out of the box.

Honda introduced the ninth-generation of Civics for the 2012 model year, including an all-new Si. An aluminum 2.4-liter block replaces the 2-liter engine on the former model. Engineers made both peak horsepower and torque available at lower engine speeds to enhance the everyday driving experience.

As with its predecessors, the newest Si coupe is extremely light, and remarkably well balanced for a front-wheel drive car. Its performance adds a new dimension to everyday driving, without sacrificing versatility or fuel economy.

Average highway fuel economy is 31 miles-per-gallon, according to the EPA. Because of the engine’s high compression ratio, the Civic Si requires 91 octane premium unleaded fuel.

Base price for the Si coupe is $22,205, excluding the $770 delivery charge. The Si coupe comes standard with the 2.4-liter engine, six-speed close ratio gearbox, limited slip differential and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season V-rated tires. A standard stainless steel exhaust will appeal to buyers in areas which experience severe winters.

Standard comfort and convenience features include remote keyless entry, air conditioning, Bluetooth interface, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with redundant controls, aluminum pedals, adjustable sport seats, a 360-watt audio system with MP3 and USB interface and speed-sensitive volume. Buyers can add a navigation system with XM satellite radio. Read the rest of this entry »

Winter Driving Tips from a Pro

Thinking ahead is the key to maintaining control

By Nina Russin

Bridgestone Winter Driving School, Steamboat Springs, Colorado

What can an inexperienced driver do to ensure that his trip up to the mountains is a safe one? I asked Mark Cox, a professional race car driver and director of Bridgestone’s Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, Colorado for some advice.

“If you’re using good technique, front, rear and all-wheel drive cars all perform the same,” said Cox. “The idea that they don’t is an urban myth. However if you aren’t using good technique, they perform differently.”

“You only have three ways to control a car,” Cox continued. Those controls are braking, steering and accelerating. According to Cox, the best way to maintain traction on ice and snow is by only using one control at a time. Read the rest of this entry »

2013 Dodge Dart

Chrysler unveils Fiat-based compact with classic nameplate

By Nina Russin

2013 Dodge Dart

Chrysler announced yesterday that it’s expanding the company’s small car offerings in North America with an all-new Dart compact sedan, to be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month. The new Dart takes its name from Dodge’s midsized model of the late 1960s and early 70s, whose variants included some rather sedate four-door cars, but also the track-happy GTS.

The new Dart follows on the heels of the Fiat 500: the Italian automaker’s first North American model in several decades. Based on the Alfa Romeo Guilietta, the 2013 Dart comes with a choice of three engines: the same 1.4-liter Fiat block which powers the 500, and two new four-cylinder blocks with 2 and 2.4-liter displacement respectively. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec

Performance-tuned coupe feels at home on road or track

By Nina Russin

For 2011, Hyundai added two performance variants to the Genesis coupe family: one powered by a two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a second based on the 3.8-liter V-6. Both cars transform the coupe’s personality from a premium road car into something much edgier and more youthful.

The R-Spec coupes aren’t for everyone. The suspensions have stiffer spring rates, which can make for a bumpy ride on certain types of roads. Both models come exclusively with manual gearboxes. A limited slip differential is standard. In other words, the R-Spec coupes are Hyundai’s answer to Infiniti’s G coupes and Ford’s pony cars. Zero-to-sixty acceleration is 5.5 seconds: a pretty good number in any stable.

For buyers who want to buy a track-ready car, the R-Spec packages are hard to resist. If one were to purchase standard components on the Genesis R-Spec coupes, including Brembo brakes, strut tower brace, track-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels with performance tires and the close ratio ZF gearbox in the aftermarket, it would cost a lot more than the OEM package.

On top of that, the buyer gets a sexy looking car loaded with comfort and convenience features such as Bluetooth and USB interface, satellite radio, bolstered sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, special badging and fog lamps.

Hyundai’s ten-year/100,000 mile warranty covers any repair due to defects from the factory, and includes five years of roadside assistance.

The only accessories not included in the test car’s $26,750 MSRP are a cargo net, iPod cable and carpeted floor mats. Together they add $180 dollars to the price of the car. The MSRP includes delivery charges as well. In other words: no ups, no extras. Read the rest of this entry »

First Drive: 2013 Lexus GS

Mid-luxury sport sedans get a fresh dose of attitude

By Nina Russin

2013 Lexus GS 350

The Lexus GS sport sedans undergo a complete make-over for 2013, beginning with three gas-powered variants that roll out in February, followed by new hybrid models. Lexus product planners hope that the fourth generation car, with revised styling, more interior space and enhanced performance will conquest fifty percent of buyers from its competitors, including the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. That bold statement is indicative of renewed confidence, following several months of uncertainty due to last summer’s devastating tsunami in Japan.

Gasoline models roll out first, powered by a direct injection V-6 engine rated at 306 horsepower, with 277 foot-pounds of torque and six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid sedans which follow combine 286 horsepower Atkinson cycle V-6 engines, electric motors two-stage automatic transmissions. Net horsepower is 338: on par with a 4.5-liter V-8 engine.

GS 350 buyers can choose between base (premium), luxury and F Sport grades. The premium grade model comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, ten-way power seats, bi-xenon headlamps, leather upholstery, keyless access and start. The upscale luxury grade gets 18-inch wheels, adaptive front headlamps, tri-zone climate control and semi-aniline leather seating.

2013 Lexus GS 450h

An adaptive variable suspension, standard on F Sport models, automatically adjusts shock damping according to road conditions. The driver can chose between normal and sport mode, which makes the shock damping more compliant for everyday driving, or stiffer for high-speed control. Lexus’ proprietary dynamic handling technology adjusts wheel camber and caster to minimize the effect of oversteer. The performance grade also gets nineteen-inch alloy rims with summer tires, a unique grille and special front and rear bumpers.

Available all-wheel drive enhances wet weather performance by transferring power to the wheels with the best traction. The normal 30/70 power balance can change to 50/50 if the rear wheels start to spin out.

Zero-to-sixty acceleration is 5.7 seconds for the rear-wheel drive model according to the manufacturer; six seconds for the all-wheel drive model. Average fuel economy is about 28 miles-per-gallon for the gasoline cars and just over 30 mpg for the hybrids. All-wheel drive models lose about two miles-per-gallon on the highway. Because the engines have extremely high compression ratios, both the gasoline and hybrid cars require 91 octane gasoline. Read the rest of this entry »