Volkswagen GTI Review

The Volkswagen GTI is one of the best-known budget performance cars sold in America. The GTI is a performance-oriented version of the Volkswagen Golf and as Such is available in two-and four-door hatchback body styles. VW makes many modifications to the GTI to improv its performance and distinctiveness. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and sends power to the front wheels. The current, sixth-generation GTI was introduced for 2010. Compared to the previous generation, this model boasts updated styling, interior refinement and new additional features.The previous, fifth-generation Volkswagen GTI was introduced Midway through the 2006 model year. Like today's GTI, the previous generation was powered by a 200-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, though it was technically a different engine. Optional features included 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, automatic climate control, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a DVD-based navigation system, satellite radio and a rudimentary iPod interface.
The fourth-generationVolkswagen GTI  was produced for the 1999-2006 model years. The fourth-generation VW GTI debuted in two trim levels - GLS and GLX. The Following year, VW Replaced the 2.0-liter engine in the GLS with a much more sporting 1.8-liter turbocharged engine - the 1.8T - that produced 150 hp.In general, the fourth-generation GTI was less Than other sporting competing models of its time. VW Also Offered A Few special models for this generation - the 2002 GTI 337, the similar 20th-anniversary 2003 GTI and the GTI R32 That Had rare all-wheel drive and a 240-hp 3.2-liter V6.The third-generation Volkswagen GTI was available from 1994-'99. The early-1990s GTI was part of the car's second generation. Cars from this period, Had two versions of a 2.0-liter engine - the more Desirable was a 16-valve version producing 131 hp.
Driving the Volkswagen GTI home (50 miles) in the stealth of night was predictably uneventful. Sometimes I'm tempted to roll the window down and Yell, "Do not you people care That this is the all-new quad-turbo Flamethrower gazillion-horsepower GT or whatever?" A nut on the freeway yelling Things, they'd report. Our best 0-60, fingering achieved through our test car's DSG transmission gears, was a satisfying 5.8 seconds. It feels just, plain, fast.

Ford Fiesta Review

As a result, we've found That the new Fiesta boasts impressive comfort and driving dynamics. An inviting cabin design and unexpected features like keyless ignition and Ford's Sync system, only add to the allure. In other words, the Ford Fiesta is a winner. The all-new four-door Ford Fiesta subcompact is Offered as a sedan in S, SE and SEL trim levels, and as a hatchback in the SE and SES trims. For the truly fuel-conscious, there's Also a Super Fuel Economy package with aerodynamic body enhancements, lightweight wheels and a special performance tires
.Engaging puts the Ford Fiesta at the head of the class, made possible by a smooth and torquey 120-horsepower 1.6- liter inline-4 coupled to a five-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. A soft-touch dash and tight construction give the Fiesta a feeling of quality normally lacking in an entry-level car.
What's good for the Mini is good for Ford, right? To get costs down for North American-market prices, has scrapped the European Ford Fiesta's "cheap and Cheerful" interior, with its techy two-tone seats and matching dashboard-top colors. The North American Fiesta has black-on-tops with contrasting black plastic dashboard grains, although top-of-the-range of the SES and SEL do come with different-colored lower dashes and door inserts and are available with Supple leather seats with contrasting piping stitching.Ford earnest and offer all trim levels of the Fiesta with the Same five-speed manual as in the European version, on sale since October 2008. Unfathomably, it will not come with a manual gate feature. With the automated manual, dubbed "Powershift," and the car's 1.6-liter four with twin independent variable cam timing, Ford expects the European numbers.The EPA 30/40 mpg car's standard summer tires are Replaced with 16-inch Kumho all-seasons and The electric power steering has been retuned Slightly.
Trimmed to appeal to U.S. consumers, the Ford Fiesta has a lengthy options list, a new automatic transmission and a strong dose of big-car refinement

Nissan Leaf Review

Forget about Who Killed the Electric Car? While there have been $ 100,000 electric sports cars and a garage-built funny oddities in recent years, the Nissan Leaf is the first fully electric car That cans be purchased outright, seat five people and have Enough cargo space for a shopping trip. The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric car introduced for 2011. Optional is the highly recommended home charging station, like the car itself, it's eligible for a government tax credit.The Leaf is powered by an 80-kilowatt electric motor fed by a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. With the Nissan Leaf, driving an electric car does not mean you have to leave people or stuff behind. Like other alternative-fuel vehicles, the Leaf features a futuristic cabin design with split-level instruments and a center touchscreen That operates the stereo, navigation system standard electric system and special displays.
I just Had the chance to drive an early-build Leaf here in Michigan on a brief route near Nissan's Technical Center. Well, it certainly feels like a real GREEN car. In both cars, the electric power steering renders the pinky-finger Same parking assist and Provides the Same rheostatic lack of road-feel at speed.The Nisan Leaf's low center of gravity keeps the cornering Reasonably flat, and while the low-rolling-resistance tires Their grips give up at modest cornering loads, at least They do so without much squealing. Continued parsimonious (and not too traffic-inhibiting) That tree regrows driving three more times, Leaving a forest of small trees next to the gauge

Honda Fit Review

For small-car Shoppers, the Honda Fit represents the ideal Almost package.The Honda Fit is available in two main trim levels: base and Sport. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with a five-speed automatic transmission being optional. The Honda Fit Sport gains bigger wheels, sportier exterior trim details and a six-speaker audio system with an iPod-friendly USB port. Fit Sports cans Also be optioned with a touchscreen navigation system.To help Achieve this, Honda has installed a compact rear suspension design and placed the fuel tank underneath the passenger seat. Another key advantage for the Fit is its innovative, highly versatile rear seating arrangement. The first-generation Honda Fit was available for just two years: 2007 and 2008. For a subcompact, the first-generation Honda Fit was surprisingly Roomy and versatile. Folding the rear seats flat provided a surprising 41.9 cubic feet of cargo with Sports capacity.Fit Also Had the automatic steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.We found the first-generation Honda Fit to possess an enviable driving-fun-to-Thrift ratio .
If there's a company That sweats the details, it's Honda. Other companies make a bigger splash earnest or know-how to market a fortunate opportunity, but Honda just keeps plugging along.Take the new Gen II Honda Fit, for example. Honda says its Biggest challenge was to keep the Fit looking like a minicar but make it bigger in every dimension. Other key exterior changes include larger front quarter windows, larger, shapelier headlights, and sportier body-kit-like moldings.

2013 BMW M6

Three indisputable facts: bee stings hurt, Lindsay Lohan is annoying and BMW makes a fantastic grand touring coupe and convertible. Yes, the standard BMW 6 Series has all the requisite characteristics - elegant styling, Effortless performance and a luxurious, Pampering cabin. For Them, the upcoming 2013 BMW M6 coupe and convertible Should Expect More Than suffice.We Also the electrically assisted steering will from employ the 650i's active steering option That uses rear-wheel steering to enhance both the low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. BMW's Driving Dynamics Control, the which allows you to customize the throttle and steering response, the shocks, stability control intervention and (if so equipped) automatic transmission shift characteristics, likely, be earnest Also included as standard fare on the M6.

The 2013 BMW M6 cars from BMW's M division are virtuoso performers, built upon a rich layer of engineering ingenuity and an imaginative application of choice materials. Mechanically identical to its coupe counterpart, it's a gem.The 500-horsepower V-10 reminds us fabulous That builds the BMW engines, its road-holding and balanced handling suggest a special relationship to gravity, and its huge brakes yank the car's exhilarating forward motion to a quick and stable halt. The SMG transmission diminishes Otherwise an exemplary driving experience.

2011 Tesla Roadster

In the beginning, there was the Tesla Roadster. It's Also a certifiable sports car, with staggeringly quick and quiet acceleration with razor-sharp paired handling. Like the Elise, the Tesla Roadster has the most cramped cabin of any car sold in this country. The 2011 Tesla Roadster is a two-seat convertible is available in two trim levels. The 2.5 Sport adds more power, forged alloy wheels and an adjustable suspension. The 2011 Tesla Roadster is equipped with a 375-volt AC-induction of water-cooled electric motor produces 288 horsepower and That 273 pound-feet of torque. The base Roadster goes from zero to 60 mph in a Tesla-estimated 3.9 seconds. Tesla says the Roadster's lithium-ion battery has a maximum range of 245 miles. The Tesla Roadster comes with Antilock brakes and traction control. Like the Lotus Elise on the which it is based, the tiny 2011 Tesla Roadster features a rather spartan interior. Sports cars rarely Provide an Abundance of space, but even this cramped Among segments, the Tesla Roadster's cabin is confining and Difficult to enter and exit. For 2011, Tesla thankfully has reshaped the seats and included additional sound insulation, the which improves cabin comfort. You'd think an electric car That Would have electric power steering, but the Tesla Roadster in fact has zero power steering, and this makes for superb response and feel but a Lousy time in parking lots.
Gads, I'm still in Costa Mesa, a good 50 miles from Tesla's dealership in Santa Monica.Return it with a three-quarter-full battery? Of course, Lukie's big sister, Edyn, couldn't be left out. You see, for people like me, cars are what you simultaneously normal "people perceive - cool hardware, driving fantasies, and All that stuff. Next time stare harder. Among those is the drag coefficients, what I'm after with my Detour (and unusual for a sports car, the Tesla's front camber is zero to minimize rolling resistance).

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is Offered in regular cab, extended cab or crew cab body styles. The Work Truck trim level includes 17-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a trip computer, vinyl floor coverings, a 40/20/40 split front bench with fold-down center armrest, vinyl upholstery, a tilt steering wheel and a four -speaker AM / FM stereo. The LTZ trim level is only Offered on the extended and crew cab body styles and augments the LT's features list by adding 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, an automatic locking rear differential, a heavy-duty trailering package (with integrated trailer brake controller), dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirrors, steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, remote starting, heated leather front bucket seats with power adjustments, a floor-mounted front center console, Bluetooth and an upgraded Bose stereo system with a USB port. The standard power plant for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is a 6.0-liter V8 gasoline engine produces 360 hp That and 380 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard for all models, with four-wheel drive is optional. Properly equipped, a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD cans haul up to 3.704 pounds of payload and tow up to 13.000 pounds with its standard hitch ball, and 16.500 pounds with a fifth-wheel connection. Aiding towing on downhill grades, the diesel engine Also features a big-rig-inspired exhaust system to increase is control braking and reduce brake wear.In terms of safety, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD features Antilock disc brakes, stability control, hill-start control and trailer sway control as standard. Front side and side curtain airbags are available as options, as are power-adjustable pedals, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera.The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD's interior is Nearly identical to the previous year's. The extended cab's rear seats are acceptable in terms of comfort, and the crew cab is certainly roomier, though the crew cab trucks from Dodge and Ford Provide Slightly roomier rear quarters.With all of its chassis improvements, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD represents a big step forward for heavy-duty trucks.
We have tested out installments diesels in the Motor Trend long-term fleet and are looking forward to our latest: a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. Our four-wheel-drive crew cab LTZ has the Z85 towing suspension and handling package, with heavy-duty shocks and front anti-roll bar, plus a full towing package and tow mirrors. Editors have praised the comfortable cabin, with associate editor Scott Evans exclaiming, "I love these big, plush seats. Staffers Also enjoy the torquey (765 pound-feet!) Engine. Very quiet. Will the Duramax's quiet Disposition and interior comfort win over non-truck people?

2012 Honda Civic

The 2012 Honda Civic has been fully redesigned. Highlights include mild styling and updates, improved fuel economy and more power for the Si model.Fuel Remains economy is pretty much the same as before for most Civic models, but there's a new Civic variant HF that's rated for 41 mpg highway. Fuel efficiency and power are improved for the Civic hybrid models, as well. In terms of features, stability control is now standard Throughout the model lineup. All three Provide excellent fuel economy, and EACH holds selective advantages over the Civic in terms of interior design, feature content and value. Overall, we're pleased with the 2012 Honda Civic. The 2012 Honda Civic is a compact car Offered in both coupe and sedan body styles. Entry-level DX models come equipped with 15-inch steel wheels, auto-off headlights, intermittent windshield wipers, a rear window defroster, power windows, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a one-piece fold-down rear seatback. The EX-L model adds leather upholstery, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Civic Hybrid sedan is available in two trim levels. Inside upgrades include most of the items from the EX model's standard features list plus front sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an aluminum shift knob, red backlit gauges, a special Power Monitor displays, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker sound system. The front-wheel-drive 2012 Honda Civic is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine puts out 140 horsepower That and 128 pound-feet of torque. This combination returns EPA fuel economy estimates ranging from a low of 28 mpg city/36 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined in mainstream versions equipped with a manual transmission to a high of 29/41/33 in the HF model.A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard. The 2012 Honda Civic comes with standard safety features include stability control That, Antilock brakes (four-wheel discs with the EX and Si), front-seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags.Interior changes are very minor for the 2012 Honda Civic . The 2012 Honda Civic Si is a Hoot to drive. It Remains a benchmark for sport-compact performance cars.Every Civic model with an automatic transmission except for the Si has it.
During 2006 Coty testing, I recall the Civic blowing away all the Motor Trend Judges with its sleek, standout sheet metal, futuristic interior, and Unbeatable value. The so-called "mono-form body" Remains - Honda wanted the new model to be recognizable as a Civic - making the new car look more like a refresh than a redesign. Part of the similarity stems from the dimensions, the which have stayed the Same at 177.3 inches long, 69.0 inches wide, and 56.5 inches tall. All-new design?
An EX sedan with an automatic transmission tested here-the variation-Is not exactly the most exciting Civic. Consistent with previous policy, Honda's trim levels tend to be complete packages, there are essentially no stand-alone options. The EX sedan tested here is $ 21.255, and includes a substantial list of standard features-power sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity, tilting / telescoping steering column, 16-inch aluminum wheels, and four-wheel disc brakes, to hit the highlights. Like the car companies do with every redesign That comes along, calls the latest Honda Civic not merely new, but the all-new. (The coupe's wheelbase diminishes by 1.1 inches, to 103.2 inches.) It was refreshingly rare for Honda, but with this new generation, the design department has Reverted to form: no risk, no distinction. Still Enough to look interesting swoopy-Honda calls it "one motion design"-but not Enough to Provoke envious glances.Your punishment for making this choice is That you can not opt ​​for Honda's nav system, the which is limited to the EX and EX -L trim levels. Honda made friction-reducing Some refinements to the Civic's mainstream four (there's Also the hybrid's 1.5-liter version, paired with an electric motor). Honda dodged the expense of adding direct fuel injection to the 1.8, but still CITES EPA ratings of 28 mpg city/39 highway for the new Civic EX, gains of 3 mpg in both categories. The new Civic EX achieves 60 mph in nine seconds flat, and drones through the quarter in 17 at 83 mph. The other top priority in the Civic redesign was-quiet operation refinement, ride quality creamy, cushy comfort. Suspension tuning is noticeably softer, diluting the transient response and allowing more-pronounced body motions.For those drivers seek WHO's involvement, the latest Civic will from some disappointing. With the exception of the Si, Honda has the Civic's character turned the dial toward the Bland-Almost turned it all the way to the stop.

2012 BMW M3 Reviews

BMW says that, in the interest of streetability, the GTS sedan instead will of the wafer-thin occupy real estate Between That hard-core variant and the stock car. Also it clearly will not get the GTS's huge, Junge-racer spoiler, and the navy paint is less garish installments steps Than the two-door's tangerine stuff. Do not rush to your local dealer to drop a deposit, though, as this one's probably joining the GTS as a limited-production European exclusive.
This time, we've opted to sample a version far better suited to real-world driving conditions: an M3 with the Luxury package and five-speed automatic transmission. Functionally, the Luxury package Brings cruise control, a center armrest, onboard trip computer, and eight-way power adjustment for its front buckets. Like any garden-variety 3-Series coupe or sedan, the suspension hardware consists of MacPherson struts up front and BMW's multilink layout in the rear. The transformation comes courtesy of lower-profile coil springs (F-cars sit 1.2 inches Closer to the ground Than Their 3-Series brethren), Slightly wider track dimensions, stiffer gas-pressure shock absorbers, and larger-diameter anti-roll bars, front and rear.Steering gear Also on the Luxury version is common with other M3 models: a rack-and-pinion with variable power assist unit (found on all 3-Series cars), plus a variable element-ratio (15.4:1 on center to 19.8:1 at the margins).
The early rumors Concerning the 2014 BMW M3 Some weight reduction is involved, Some cylinder-dropping and Some turbo-adding. Those engines are .... In the 1 Series M Coupe this engine makes 335 horsepower, but we've certainly seen That engine tuned to Produce more. Next up is a modified version of the twin-turbo V8 engine S3. More power, more torque and better fuel economy. Not mentioned by M3 Post, Also there are rumors floating of a twin-turbo four-cylinder as an option.

2011 Dodge Durango Reviews

Dodge has a very low bar to clear. You walk up to the all-new Durango and are struck by chunky yet sophisticated sculpted bodywork rather Than That looks tacked on, unlike the last Dodge Dakota-based Durango. It May be elongated, but the Durango Nevertheless looks significantly Smaller than a Chevy Traverse, despite being only 1 inch shorter in length and 3 inches narrower.There 's nothing transcendent or class-leading, but it's perfectly competitive, and for Dodge, that's a revelation . There is an inherent confidence and involvement you get with the Dodge Durango that's just not present with its Rivals from the Ford and GM.So while the 2011 Dodge Durango Might have Had a low bar to clear, the fact That Remains Dodge has a winner on hands.The its Durango comes standard with Chrysler's new 3.6-liter V6 produces 290 horsepower and That 260 pound-feet of torque. The Durango's brakes are excellent Also, Bringing this heavy SUV to a stop from 60 mph in an impressive 119 feet. The Explorer's about the Same, but that's a good 12 feet shorter Than the Traverse and a whopping 30 feet shorter Than the Honda Pilot). The driver benefits from a wealth of adjustment from the eight-way driver seat and the power-adjustable tilt- and-telescoping steering wheel that's a surprising luxury car option on the Durango's Crew trim levels (one down from the top-of-the-line Durango Citadel). While passenger space is Generous, the 2011 Dodge Durango Provides considerably less cargo space GM Than its Rivals (84.5 cubic feet versus 116). Crew Standard for the Durango is Chrysler's familiar touchscreen interface That includes audio controls for Bluetooth and digital music storage. The Durango's cabin will not be winning any design awards and its materials of the Same Are not surprisingly high-class quality of the new Ford Explorer. Forget awards; this is really all you can ask from a family crossover like the 2011 Dodge Durango Durango.The Should Be Considered by anyone shopping for a large three-row crossover.

 The 2011 Dodge Durango Heat, Revealed this morning at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, may appeal to your sensibilities.For the most part, the two are virtually identical - both receive a unique front fascia with fog lamps and an aggressive chin spoiler, unique side sills, body-colored grille surround, xenon HID headlamps, performance-tuned suspension calibration, and unique 20-inch satin-finish aluminum wheels. The EPA rates the rear-wheel-drive Durango V-6 models at 16/23 mpg (city / highway), while all-wheel-drive models attain a 16/22 mpg rating.
We've already tested an entry-level rear-drive V-6 Durango and the all-wheel-drive V-8, but this is our first go with the more-affordable all-wheel-drive/V-6 combo.he Durango's chassis delivers very impressive dynamics. Around town, Durango drivers need a heavy right foot to keep the tranny in a low gear and keep Things moving.If it's hot sheetmetal you're after, then the Durango Should Be at the top of your three-row-crossover list. Over our time behind the wheel of the Durango, We returned 19 mpg, smack in the middle of the estimated 16/22 city / highway figures.After adding $ 295 for the Inferno Red Crystal Pearl paint and $ 5,000 for the Crew Lux package-leather seats (heated in rows one and two), 20-inch wheels, power tilt / telescope steering wheel, navigation, rain-sensing wipers, our all-wheel-drive Crew V-6 totaled $ 41.565, the which is par for the course of a large , a luxurious family hauler. With its comfortable yet sporty dynamics complemented by a strong equipment list, the Durango Few Crew has shortcomings.

2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a full-size luxury crossover That seats seven people. All GLS have standard all-wheel drive.Selecting the Premium I package adds a power liftgate, power-folding mirrors, a rearview camera with integrated compass, upgraded front seats with memory functions, auto-dimming driver-side and interior mirrors, a hard -drive-based navigation system, voice controls, digital music storage, HD radio, an iPod interface and satellite radio. The Full Leather Seating Package adds leather upholstery, "comfort headrests" and ambient interior lighting. Parking sensors, running boards, ventilated and massaging front seats, and tri-zone climate control optional.Stand Also acre-alone options available on all GL-Class models include a blind-spot warning system, a trailer hitch, roof crossbars, a wood -and-leather steering wheel, a heated steering wheel, a rear-seat entertainment system and heated rear seats.The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC features a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel-powered V6 with 50-state-legal clean diesel technology. This engine produces 210 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Like all GL-Class models, the V6 sends its power through a seven-speed automatic transmission and "4MATIC all-wheel drive. Fuel economy for the BlueTEC is 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined.The Mercedes GL450's 4.7-liter gasoline-powered V8 is good for 335 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. Standard safety features on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class include stability control, Antilock brakes, a driver knee airbag, first-and second-row side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and whiplash-reducing head restraints fitted to all seven seats . Hill start assist, hill descent control and the mbrace Also emergency systems are standard. In Edmunds brake testing, we've measured an average stopping distance from 60 mph of about 124 feet - excellent performance for a large luxury SUV.The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL's cabin is comfortable and luxuriously appointed.

We really like the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. The big downside is availability, as the CDI is only 42-state legal.Currently available in the E-Class sedan, the BlueTEC meets even the most stringent emissions standards thanks to an intricate, four-stage emissions cleaning system. We recently drove a handful of BlueTEC-equipped SUVs in Vermont, and Came away impressed, averaging 28.4 mpg During the trip in an ML-Class. Behind the wheel the BlueTEC feels similar to the CDI, torque output Remains The Same, but horsepower falls by five to 210.All GL models come with four-wheel independent suspension, 7500-lb Class IV towing capacity, and Mercedes' 4MATIC all- wheel-drive system. Mercedes proven seven-speed automatic shifts Provides smooth, and safety features are plentiful with active headrests, dual two-stage front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags for all three rows.
 
The 550 will from get-Benz's fabulous new twin-turbo 4.7-liter V-8, with the output Between 400 and 450 hp, but the fate of the naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V-8 in today's GL450 is unknown. Also A hybrid is likely, down the road, especially since Mercedes already offers a two-mode gas-electric ML.Some reports have pegged this particular mule, with its big wheels and lowered stance, as a GL63 AMG. If this were the resource persons a true AMG product, though, We believe the vehicle would be wearing larger brakes and more-obvious exhaust pipes, even in the prototype phase.

2011 Lexus CT 200h Reviews

The CT 200h hatchback is related to the Lexus 250h HSand shares its powertrain with the Toyota Prius. This combination of high fuel economy but slow acceleration means the CT is an unusual choice in the premium compact segment. The only model That comes close to matching the CT's fuel economy is the diesel-powered Audi A3. The 2011 Lexus 200h CT is a premium four-door compact hatchback That comes in base and Premium trim levels.The Premium model adds heated front seats and a sunroof. The Leather Package adds rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery, auto-dimming side mirrors and driver seat memory settings. The Navigation Package adds a hard-drive-based navigation system (with real-time traffic and voice control), the Lexus Remote Touch interface, a back-up camera, Bluetooth functionality and Lexus Increased Enform telematics.The upside, though, is stellar fuel economy - the EPA estimates fuel economy at 43 mpg city/40 mpg highway and 42 mpg in combined driving.Standard safety equipment on the 2011 Lexus 200h includes CT Antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags and dual front knee airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, the CT's performance was acceptable, with the car stopping from 60 mph in 120 feet. Driver-focused abound Touches Within the cockpit. In Eco mode - the which, as the name Suggests, offers the best fuel economy - the 2011 Lexus 200h CT Prius shows its roots, with numb throttle response and overly light steering.

Quickly Critics derided the HS 250h as a Prius in a fancy suit, with a designer price tag to match. The Lexus 200h CT, on paper, is the car the HS 250h should've been: a proper luxury car credentials with a real hybrid, not a mechanical compromise with an uncompromising price tag. Lexus Promises, though, that the CT 200h's suspension has been thoroughly revamped with lightweight and low-friction components to improv handling and efficiency.
Both the CT200h and the HS250h ride on Toyota's MC platform, the which underpins Also the Toyota Corolla and Scion tC. But WHERE the latter hooks, an electric motor to a 2.4-liter inline-four-a total system output is 187 hp-the supposedly sportier CT200h's gas four displaces just 1.8 liters, and it and an electric motor combine to Produce 134 hp, 13 fewer Than The HS's gas engine makes all by its Lonesome. The CT200h has a bit of the feel of a Japanese GTI as well. Lexus claims the CT utilizes a "bespoke suspension design," bespoke apparently meaning "shared with the HS250h." With a short, 102.4-inch wheelbase shorter-3.2 Than That of a BMW 1-series-the CT Would love to rotate, if only its intrusive stability-control system turned off Could Be. As for the CT's hybrid credentials, rarely did We motor without our aiding the gas engine propulsion. There is a button marked "EV mode," but if pressings Such a button activates at 26 mph in the display a note saying "excessive speed EV mode is unavailable," then you do not have an EV mode. (In That Same vein, Lexus, you have not built a sporty car if it has a CVT and does not offer an option to manually lock in ratios, even fake ones.) Slowness Is not the only trait the CT200h shares with The HS250h. Real leather seats-damn the Cows! The $ 1,100 audio package is one of three different packages Lexus Premium Audio offers, depending on what other equipment is specified. This one is paired with the $ 2,445 navigation system, the which rewards the driver with Lexus's horribly distracting mouse-nub infotainment controller. With the CT200h and the HS250h, Lexus has a situation similar to Jeep's Patriot and Compass: one platform, two divergently styled vehicles.

2011 Subaru Legacy Reviews

After last year's full redesign, the 2011 Subaru Legacy sees only minor changes. The Harman Kardon upgraded sound system now includes satellite radio.One Notable exceptions, however, is the 2011 Subaru Legacy. For years now, the Legacy has resolutely kept the beat with its own drummer, and the current car is little different. Despite Itself setting apart in Such key areas, however, the Subaru Legacy is still a viable family sedan, with top crash test scores, decent four-cylinder fuel economy and comfortable driving dynamics. However, Some of the Legacy's quirks do have downsides. The turbocharged 2.5GT Is not available with an automatic transmission, the which limits its widespread appeal. The Ford Fusion and Suzuki Kizashi Also offer all-wheel-drive, while the Mazda 6 is a good choice for driving enthusiasts. The 2011 Subaru Legacy is a five-passenger sedan available in seven trim levels: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium, 3.6R Limited and 2.5GT Limited. The 2.5i comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, air-conditioning, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, full power accessories, a rear 60/40-split-folding seat and a four-speaker stereo with CD player, auxiliary audio jack and steering-wheel controls. The 2.5i Premium trims adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an eight-way power driver seat and an auto up / down driver window. The 3.6R models are essentially the same as the 2.5i models, but gain a six-cylinder engines, bigger brakes and 17-inch alloys for all models. The 2.5GT Limited adds to the 3.6R Limited, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, summer tires, a hood scoop, a sunroof (optional on all other trims but 2.5i), foglights , unique interior trim and satellite radio. Optional on the Limited trims is a navigation system package, the which includes a touchscreen interface, voice controls, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phones and audio connectivity, and a different Harman Kardon sound system with a single-CD player, USB audio jack and iPod control . The all-wheel-drive 2011 Subaru Legacy offers a variety of engines and transmissions. The base 2.5-liter horizontally opposed (aka "boxer") four-cylinder engine produces 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Estimated fuel economy is 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined with the CVT. A traditional five-speed automatic transmission is standard. Estimated fuel economy is 18/25/21. Every 2011 Legacy comes standard with stability and traction control, Antilock disc brakes, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. The 2.5GT stopped in an excellent 111 feet. The seats are comfortable and the Legacy's Provide plenty of headroom and rear seat legroom. Also we've noticed the nav system's functionality is hampered by Fussy touchscreen controls and small icons. That You Should Also note the sound quality from the base sound system is poor and We highly recommend upgrading the available Harman Kardon system. The 2011 Subaru Legacy Provides a smooth ride and respectable handling. The last time We checked in with our long-term Subaru Legacy, the car was dragging its feet a little (or maybe That was our staff of dragging its feet), having taken nine months to accumulate 23.212 miles. Here's an easy suggestion for an incremental model-year update, Subaru: more sound insulation in the wheel wells. An equally persistent but more troubling problem is the way the Legacy's steering wheel at highway speeds quivers. Subaru's every-7500-mile service schedule trades off simple oil changes and inspections with deeper dives. Prime example: Subaru will not let anyone adjust the stereo's equalizer while the car is in motion. This new Legacy is a game. Contributing to welcome these dynamics are the standard four-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch wheels with 205/60 Bridgestone Turanzas, a quick 14.5:1 steering ratio, and front and rear tracks stretched 2.7 inches and 3.3, respectively. Moreover, with help from the front, front side, and curtain bags of water, as well as dual rear-door side-impact beams, the Legacy, Subaru predicts, will from earn top safety scores from both IIIHS and NHTSA.