Family Cars

Road Test Review: 2017 Lexus ES 300h – By Carl Malek

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Lexus has been on a roll the past few years. With the recent introductions of the sleek LC coupe, and the technology packed 2018 LS 500 at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, the Japanese luxury brand is firmly focused on adding a new dimension to its ongoing battle with German luxury rivals. The 2017 Lexus ES sedan aims to bring this new-found spirit to the brand’s core audience, but can it still stand out among a crowded field of luxury sedan contenders?     Crisp exterior styling is typically a proven formula when it comes to drawing stares, …

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2017 VW Golf SportWagen S 4Motion – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Is the Golf Wagen 4Mo the cure for Diesel-departum depression? If you’re a VW fan, you know by now that the diesel (TDI to the faithful) is a goner. And that’s a big bummer to Wagon fans. We know a lot of VW Wagon owners who just looooove the great fuel economy of the TDI – making it an especially adept long range cruiser, and a great alternative to a small crossover. While you can’t get that TDI Wagen (or is it wagon?) anymore, for 2017, VW is sweetening the deal by offering the Golf SportWagen for the first time …

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2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD – Road Test Review + New Photos!

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  The new Pathfinder is quite the looker in this flashy Sandstone paintwork! It is quite unusual for a family crossover to attract as much attention as this beauty received in our care for a week.  The facelift definitely works at reinvigorating the Pathfinder’s style, then. But the 2017 refresh for the Pathfinder is actually more than skin-deep. An all-new 3.5-liter V6 is the big news under the redesigned hood – upping the tow rating to 6000-pounds and juicing the 0-60 times as well. Is the refresh enough to make the Pathfinder top of the class with the Toyota Highlander, …

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2017 GMC Acadia SLT-1 FWD – HD Road Test Review

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You know the shorthand details on the all-new 2017 Acadia from GMC:  it is 700-pounds lighter and overall far more carlike than its predecessor. While still seating six or seven with its three-row seating. Another few changes slipped out of the big news, though: the Acadia is gorgeous now, and runs a gorgeous 26-mpg highway via its standard front-drive, four-cylinder power. This is pretty huge news versus the Acadia’s at the top of the range with their big V6 engine and ubiquiotus AWD and huge wheels.  A rarity in the car-reviews business, then. We have ourselves an entry-level model to …

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2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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In the sport of mountain climbing, reaching the summit is always the endgame. All of the blood, sweat and careful planning needed to reach this tiny patch of real estate is certainly worth it once you get there. Jeep aims to replicate this feeling with the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee model lineup. Like the fore-mentioned rock formation, the Summit represents the pinnacle of Jeep luxury and capability. But can it still stand out against a crowded field of luxury SUV contenders aiming to take advantage of low fuel prices and increased demand from a new generation of customers?     …

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2017 Honda CR-V 1.5T AWD Touring – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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  An exciting new twist with the 2017 CR-V.  Five of them, in fact!~ Honda’s really got us spinning with the all-new CR-V. And while it already was one of the very best, they’ve done a lot of things – big and small – to make sure it keeps its leadership position.   Twist 1: It will turn heads: CR-V’s have always been modern, contemporary vehicles, but not Wowzers. Until now. First of all, the new CR-V looks noticeably bigger, and it is. Give partial credit to the smaller HR-V being offered so its big brother can stretch out. The …

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2016 INFINITI QX60 3.5 AWD – HD Road Test Review – By Tom Burkart

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  Is carlike handling and seating for seven too much to ask for in the luxury car market?  Mainstream brands seem to have this formula pretty well nailed with the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot. But name a three-row, car-based crossover from a luxury brand that really delivers easy access, kid-friendly tech and a price less than $75k! Sure, there is the Mercedes-Benz GLS or the Audi Q7.  But both of those big, heavy trucks drive like forklifts around town and in carpool lanes.  Yes, you have the Lexus GX460 or Range Rover Sport to consider.  But those third rows …

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2017 Chrysler Pacifica – HD Drive Review – VAN OF THE YEAR Award-Winner

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Forget what you know about minivans. Forget being sure that the Odyssey or Sienna were top of their class for quality, luxury and comfort. They are not. Both Odyssey and Sienna are firmly outclassed by the new Chrysler Pacifica. To an extent that is shocking! This fact is clear in the first block of a Pacifica test drive: the van drives like a luxury car, is quieter than some luxury cars, and has tech to shade any other family machine on the market. We have 50 photos, an HD drive review and section headings of Exterior, Interior, performance and Pricing …

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2017 Nissan Vmotion 2.0 Shows Razor-Sharp New Design Direction

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Vmotion 2.0 is Nissan’s big concept reveal at Detroit this year, and it is pretty mouth-watering! This is wholly a design and automated-driving prototype — one that does not directly preview any particular production model.  More than that: it actually previews all of them.  The Altima is next up for a big refresh from Nissan, and it is likely to wear much of this chic new style when it materializes as a 2019 model. Will it also integrate the ‘Nissan Intelligent Mobility’ tech that is at the core of this vehicle?  Namely, the ProPILOT auto-driving functions? Yes, yes it will. …

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2017 Audi Q8 Concept – Near-Production SUV Limo Shows Face in Detroit

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  Finally!  Some fresh design from Audi! After the deeply dull A4/A5 and Q5/Q7 refreshes lately, Audi is showing some design elan with their new Q8 concept.  This four-seat plugin hybrid limo promises supreme comfort for four.  A platform share with the Q7 moves the back seat rearward and focused on backseat comfort for just the second row.  No third row, then. A stonking 516 pound-feet of torque ensure a rapid getaway for the lucky four-some.  And a silent one too!  The machine promises 37-miles of pure EV driving range. What this limo indicates is that Audi’s model expansion has …

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CES 2017 – Top 10 Big Reveals + Showfloor Gallery

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Many semi-cool reveals at CES this year.  And thankfully, they are not all wearing the same shade of Apple-knockoff white plastic for bodywork! Oh wait, all the cars are the same silver this year?  Delightful. This biggest headlines were undoubtedly for the Faraday Future FF91, a Tesla Model X rival that actually seems super smart and innovative.  If not exactly sexy, the design is certainly unique and practical.  This FF91 flagship is production-bound with a direct-to-consumer sales model that also takes great inspiration from Tesla. The Toyota Concept I is silly fun, while the Chrysler Portal is slightly more serious.  The …

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2018 VW Atlas R-Line First Look – Arrives May 2017 to USA Showrooms!

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No big power bump on the Atlas yet, but this R-Line upgrade is the sportiest we’ve seen yet! Available as a style and grip tweak to the 235HP turbo four or 276-pony V6, the R-Line adds unique 20-inch alloys and a very chic new appearance front and rear.  Baby steps! The Atlas itself is en route to production and a showroom arrival by around April of 2017 in the USA.  Yes! It is true.  The truck is on the way! In fact, based on these pics… we’d say it is already in pre-production as we speak!  It cannot come soon …

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2017 Ford ESCAPE Titanium FWD – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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A third of the auto industry’s sales last year were SUV’s. That means that about 5 million of them were sold here.  At Ford, their leading SUV model is the Escape. Over 300,000 units were sold last year alone, making the Escape the number 2 selling Ford model, behind only the Ford F-150 pickup truck.  The Escape debuted way back in the year 2000, and they have sold more than 2.4 million of them.  After spending a week with the 2017 Escape, it’s not hard to understand why. For 2017, the Escape gets a mid-cycle refresh, bringing some significant changes to the …

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2016 Fiat 500L Trekking – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Are you taking things too seriously? Been following politics? Fighting holiday crowds? Dreading a New Year’s resolution? We have a cure for you. The Fiat 500L. While it is a real SUV, capable of meeting your daily needs, there’s just enough slightly wacky, off-the-beaten-path, Euro-quirkiness to help take you out of the doldrums and put a smile on your face. It started out with the cute as a bug’s ear 500. Enthusiasts rejoiced when the brand added the Mighty Mouse 500 Abarth. And we have many frugal friends enjoying the super-green 500e electric vehicle (especially at the $99/month lease!). For those …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco – By Carl Malek

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With the recent resurgence that Hyundai has undergone the past few years, its truly remarkable just how much progress the brand has made over the last 10 to 15 years. Once known for making cars that excelled at being cheap reliable transportation (and not much else,) the current lineup has evolved to offer customers a premium driving experience, while still being a great value for many budgets. This was apparent in the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited Turbo we recently tested, but how has this sweeping change affected the more mainstream oriented Hyundai Elantra? and can it repeat the same levels …

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2017 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T SEL Premium – Road Test Review – By Lyndon Johnson

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  In Europe, they make fun of the Volkswagen Passat Americans drive. Their suspension and materials are superior, they argue. OK, fine. Relish that superiority, Europe. That doesn’t change the fact the ‘Merican Passat remains one of the best all-around midsize family sedans in ‘Merica. Family values I spent a week with a 2017 VW Passat and pretty much fell in love with its practicality and handsome good looks — but mostly its practicality. Some people have criticized this generation of the Passat for being too understated. It takes on Volkswagen’s corporate low-and-wide styling, so the grille and headlights aren’t …

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2016 Ford EDGE Titanium – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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  The wife and I picked up our friends to go out to dinner in the Ford Edge. They weren’t in the car more than 60 seconds before they both said (almost in unison) “Wow, there’s a lot of room back here.”  A few minutes later, “these seat warmers are really nice.”  I then suggested they recline the seatbacks a little bit, and they were delighted with that feature, too. Ten minutes later, I heard, “Boy, this car rides really smoothly, even better than our Lexus RX. What is it?” They were surprised to learn that it was a Ford.  …

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2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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  Is the Mazda CX-9 a Miata for 7? It’s an interesting thing. Used to be, you had needs, you bought a vehicle that fit those needs. Things changed when SUV’s got popular. Suddenly, if you needed a minivan, but didn’t want to be seen in a minivan, you could get something cooler. No more settling. Well, that opened the floodgates. Pickup truck that’s decked out like a luxury sedan? You can get them with more cow on the inside than you can tow on the outside. EV’s that will stomp all over supercars? Here’s your Tesla. Convertible Crossovers? How …

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2017 Subaru Legacy 2.5i SPORT – HD Road Test Review

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The trusty midsize sedan segment of the car business has found itself in an unusual spot these days. SUVs and low gas prices mean the old days where Camrys and Accords sold by the dozen are long gone.  They are now fighting to be a purchase not of necessity, but one of desire. Subaru has stepped up with a serious rival in this high-stakes game.  A car that is still easy to buy and own, but with added pizzazz to make it pop versus the onslaught of new, high-riding competition. Subie’s answer? The new-for-2017 Subaru Legacy SPORT trimline.  The car is …

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2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SPORT 2.0T AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Is this sexy new Sante Fe SPORT ready to play in the big leagues? Both Hyundai and Kia have been huge success stories lately, but we still get comments from buyers that hadn’t considered “one of those brands.” Which is sort of understandable, if you only buy a new vehicle every 8-10 years, you might have missed out on the great turnaround of the Korean automaker. And you might be surprised how many crossovers and SUV’s are out there vying for your dollar – even if you’re the cheapskate that only parts with the greenbacks every decade or so. So let us …

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2016 Lexus NX200t F SPORT AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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If the NX200t did one of those TV Ancestry tests, what would show up? Platform sharing today makes it difficult to figure out what is a real brand anymore. You’ve got rebadged Mercedes posing as Infiniti’s. Jeeps driving around on Fiat underpinnings. Fiats driving around on Mazda bits. Subaru’s, Scions. And more.  Oh my. Then we have intermingling within the automakers as well, and they can be very well disguised. Case in point, Lexus and Toyota. There’s a lot of sharing going on. In all honesty, though, it always felt like the downscale Toyota models were getting Lexus goodness, rather …

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505HP, 3.9s 2018 Alfa Romeo STELVIO – High-Performance SUV Wows LA, World

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Very big day today out in elle-lay! The new Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the latest big debut for the left coast — and it is a doosey! Meet the new 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: the range-topping, 505-horsepower SUV that delivers some seriously stonking numbers right out of the gate.  It is named after the knotted Stelvio Pass mountain road made so famous from Top Gear.  And that means Alfa are more than confident about how well this machine can corner! The Stelvio will rival the Maserati Levante, Jaguar F-Pace, BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe up and down the range.  Starting at the …

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2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Nissan and the Pathfinder are working hard to give you the SUV you really want. Which is really pretty admirable. Along with Toyota’s 4Runner, the Pathfinder is one of the most storied names in SUV-dom. But unlike the Toy, which has soldiered on being rugged and truckish – with pros and cons attached – in 2013, Nissan took the Pathfinder into the meat of the SUV marketplace with a unibody, 3-row family vehicle. OK, this was tough for some to swallow; the rugged little Nissan that drove all the way to the Amazon (memorialized in a series of commercials in …

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2016 Volkswagen Tiguan 4Motion – Road Test Review – By Lyndon Johnson

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The Volkswagen Tiguan was early to the party of compact crossovers, debuting in 2006 during a period of high gas prices. One would think it was great timing to introduce a small SUV to consumers concerned with conserving fuel. But in fact, by the time it got here in 2009, the gasser Tiguan was rated at 19 MPG city, 26 MPG highway by EPA. That didn’t get MPG-conscious consumers beating down the doors of their nearest VW dealer, and falling gas prices did little to boost Tiguan sales. Fact is, the VW Tiguan has stayed right there at an EPA …

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2017 Cadillac XT5 Platinum – Road Test Review – By Tim Esterdahl

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Is the XT5 ready for the runway, or still a work in progress?  The mid-size luxury SUV segment has exploded in recent years and the rush to bring new products to market has forced many companies to expedite development plans. Unfortunately, this means some products are released before they really deliver the wow factor consumers are looking for. Such is the case with the 2017 Cadillac XT5. It fails to stand out in a crowded market and feels like a work in progress. Before we get too far along, it is worth noting there is nothing wrong with the 2017 Cadillac …

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2016 Jeep Cherokee Overland 4×4 V6 – Road Test Review

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Welcome to the most luxurious Jeep Cherokee of all time. Dubbed the Overland as this new-for-2016 trim, the Cherokee now packs its feature lists to overflowing proportions. You name the luxury feature, and this truck has it. Along the way, the Cherokee Overland 4×4 V6 has almost grown out of its Ford Escape and Honda CR-V competitive set.  In power, safety and premium elements, this Cherokee Overland competes much more closely against the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. The problem with those much-tougher rivals is easy to imagine: they are great little trucks that handle well, have speedy turbo powertrains and …

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2017 Jaguar F-PACE – SUV of the Year Review + Video

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The Jaguar F-Pace absolutely rocks our world.  This SUV is a masterclass whose strength will power the brand’s rapid evolution.  New market segments and new sales records will keep coming rapidly with cars as strong as the F-Pace in the big cat range. How could Jag’s first-ever SUV out-do the premium entries from BMW, Mercedes and Lexus right out of the gate? It comes down to driver engagement, value and style.  We’ll continue to touch on these themes throughout this HD Review and its standard headings of Exterior, Interior, Performance and Price. Kicking things off is this very speedy HD video …

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2017 Honda CR-V – Turbo-powered Redesign Continues March Upmarket

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You know those statistics that say California is a top-10 economy, ranked worldwide versus entire countries? The CR-V is a similar story for Honda.  It is an absolute mint. This car makes money like you would not believe, and single-handedly pulls in revenue many automakers can’t achieve with their entire lineups. CR-V is a profit-center extraordinaire. As a result, the model has received careful pruning over the last few years to make up for the missing total redesign.  Even while the compact crossover market has grown to the second-best-selling in all of automobile-dom —- behind pickups and neck/neck with midsize sedans …

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2016 Jeep RENEGADE Trailhawk – Road Test Review – By Lyndon Johnson

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When I took delivery of the 2016 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk for testing, a colleague told me, “The little Jeep is surprisingly capable.” Those two words — “surprisingly capable” — came to define my experience with the Renegade Trailhawk as I took it down some deep, difficult rock-and-mud-and-gravel trails in the hills of eastern Middle Tennessee. Design Notes There’s no denying the Jeep Renegade has a definite cute factor. That’s probably the first reason many Jeep purists scoff at the littlest Jeep in the lineup. It doesn’t look like a chiseled-jawed Wrangler. That notwithstanding, there’s no mistaking the Renegade for anything …

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2016 Chrysler 300S – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Everybody’s gone SUV/Crossover crazy lately. Manufacturers are luring us out of small cars with the new CX-3, HR-V, Trax models, while sales of the largest SUV’s like Escalades, Tahoe and Suburbans –  thanks in part to cheap gasoline – are selling like crazy. In the rush for capability, capacity and audacity, something’s been lost. In case you might have forgot, there’s a segment that still deserves your attention. Ladies and Gentlemen, may we re-introduce a performer we’ve know and loved for years – the Great American Sedan. And perhaps there’s none greater than the 2016 Chrysler 300S. Depending on your …

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2017 Chrysler PACIFICA Touring – Road Test Review – By Tim Esterdahl

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Minivans are minivans right? They are soccer mom vehicles, often shunned by the general public who lust after more stylish and powerful SUVs. What if an automaker turned “what makes a minivan, a minivan” on its head? You would get the stylish 2017 Chrysler Pacifica – a real challenge to your notion of what a minivan is. Or rather, what a minivan can be! My notions and deeply held beliefs on minivans were challenged during my week of driving my press loan of a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. This minivan definitely felt more like an SUV with the added bonus of kid …

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2016 Jeep RENEGADE Trailhawk 4×4 – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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  You say you want a small crossover/SUV? We can’t blame you. It’s just about the hottest-selling segment in the industry, and it looks like the small family sedan is taking a firm backseat because of it. And while there are a lot of nice choices out there, there is a problem. They all sort of look alike. There are notable exceptions like the mutant amphibian Nissan Juke. And the squat-and-squashed Mini Clubman. But in general, and HRV, CRV, CX-3, CX-5, RAV4, Forester, Rogue all look – and function – like relatives at a family reunion. Is the Jeep Renegade the cure …

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2018 Audi Q5 – Paris Debut for Fresh Facelift

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A fairly light facelift here for the Q5 upgrades the design outside and in, plus relocates its production to Mexico for the first time.  Neither the new look nor the new factory is exactly promising, if we’re honest. 2018 Audi Q5 – Paris Debut PRESENTING THE ALL-NEW Q5 – THE FIFTH ELEMENT FOR AUDI AT PARIS 29/09/16   New Q5 sets standards in connectivity, ride comfort, handling dynamics, efficiency and driver assistance All-new version of the best-selling Audi SUV worldwide Up to 90kg lighter than its predecessor Luggage capacity increase of 10 litres Increased interior space, headroom and rear kneeroom One …

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2017 Audi A4 Quattro – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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  We recently read a comment that the Audi A4 has become so refined and smooth – perhaps overly so – that why not just pocket the cash and get a Toyota Camry? This is a shopping decision that faces us in many places in modern life. Is that fancy artisanal sprouted bread really worth three times the price of the generic loaf at the local grocery? The freshly barista-poured Peaberry better than smudgy carafe of regular at the neighborhood donut house? And now we have an all-new Audi A4. Are we buying? Well, this may not be as easy …

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2016 Volkswagen PASSAT 1.8T SEL Premium – HD First Drive

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    Watch us put the new VW Passat through some autocross corners around Georgia’s Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Thrilled with the 1.8T engine’s thrust and the car’s handling balance — as well as the six-speed automatic, which fooled us into thinking it was a DSG!  But actually just a terrific Tiptronic with Sport mode.  Impressive.   2016 Volkswagen PASSAT 1.8T SEL Premium 2016 Volkswagen PASSAT 1.8T SEL Premium – Interior

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2017 Volvo XC60 T6 Inscription – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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  With all the attention and fanfare that the revamped 2016 Volvo XC90 has received since it was unveiled to the world a year ago, it can be easy to forget about the other SUV in the Swedish automaker’s lineup the 2017 XC60. With the spotlight currently on its bigger brand sibling, does the XC60 still have what it takes to stand out in the hearts and minds of SUV buyers? Or has it fallen behind the times? The exterior styling of our Osmium Grey Metallic tester is an exercise in smoothness and elegance with Volvo designers even adding subtle …

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2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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  Mazda’s new 2016 CX-9 is the largest of their three SUV offerings, and in fact, the largest Mazda vehicle they have ever made.  The larger dimensions are put to good use, as there is ample room for driver and passenger in the front, very good leg and headroom for second row passengers, and even decent, if not spacious, room for average size adults in the third row. We had a chance to spend a week with the top of the line Signature AWD model.  Mazda threw everything it had into this one, and it came with a very un-Mazda …

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2016 Toyota PRIUS Four Touring – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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When Toyota first revealed the 2016 Prius, it signaled a drastic evolution for the hybrid that helped define the green vehicle segment and also established Toyota as a prominent force in green vehicle technology. But has its latest evolution helped the Prius maintain its prominent place in the green vehicle hierarchy? Or has it lost a step or two to an ever evolving suite of green contenders? The exterior styling of our “Hypersonic Red” tester is the latest example of Toyota’s philosophy that the Prius shouldn’t look like a conventional car. While the last generation’s lines could be best described …

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2016 Volkswagen TIGUAN SEL 4Motion – Review By Tim Esterdahl

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REVIEW: 2016 VW Tiguan AWD – Fun Drive, Boring Design In some cases cars are designed so perfectly their popularity can carry them for years and well beyond when they typically receive updates. For the 2016 VW Tiguan, this is not the case and the all-new 2018 model, set to arrive next summer, is desperately needed. The fact is there is nothing wrong with the Tiguan per se, yet there isn’t really anything that exciting either and that’s a problem. The compact crossover market these days is hot with many great models from all manufactures. Typically, these vehicles provide ample room, …

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2016 Lexus LX570 – Road Test Review + Sport Plus DRIVE VIDEO / 100 Photos

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Welcome to the shockingly good 2016 Lexus LX570! This mid-cycle upgrade brings new styling all around, a fresh cabin and a healthy new dose of F Sport-infused performance.  This all moves the Lexus flagship dramatically upmarket versus its Land Cruiser sibling from Toyota. And you are looking at more than just a crisp jawline, industry-best LEDs all around and ultra-lux cabin upgrade versus its much-cheaper sibling.  The improvements are truly substantive, despite the two trucks sharing much of their glasshouse and door shapes. First thing to note in the LX?  This bluff new face up front is gorgeous and sets …

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2017 Kia Sportage SX Turbo 2.OL FWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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  If you’ve read our other tests of Kia vehicles, you might remember that we’ve been noticing a distinctively German feel to these Korean Vehicles, much of it owing to the stewardship of Kia/Hyundai Honcho Peter Schreyer, who previously penned much of Audi’s goodness. When we tested the Kia Optima SX we found loads of Audi-ness in the overall feel of the car. And now with the all-new Sportage SUV, we’re tasting hints of Porsche and BMW in the mix as well. Has Kia created the Korean Kayenne? Well, from first glance, it will definitely catch Stuttgart’s attention. And a …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T Limited – By Carl Malek

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When the revamped Hyundai Sonata first made its appearance back in 2009, it immediately stood out thanks to its slick exterior styling which marked a noticeable departure from the more mundane styling cues that once defined older Sonatas as well as Hyundai products in general. Can the revamped 2016 Hyundai Sonata still deliver on its promises of slick styling, while also retaining the impressive levels of technology that made the last generation model a hit with buyers? The exterior styling still looks handsome and elegant but whereas the last generation model was a ground up design, this iteration shares more …

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Drive Review – 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic

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A thorough video blast-off for this all-new GLC.  Nearly a quarter-hour of hard starts in Sport Plus for the nine-speed auto and 270-some foot-pound boosted tourbo four. Along with the video? A gorgeous photoset of more than three score.  All alongside a gorgeous yacht club on Lake Lanier, Georgia.               2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic

2017 Chrysler PACIFICA Limited – First Drive VIDEO Review + 78 Photos

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Feast your eyes on this beauty! The most premium minivan… ever.  The 2016 Pacifica Limited is impressive from all sides. Its drive is a nice showcase of the line.  The vehicle feels fast and quite rigid in the chassis.  This lets the ride be extra supple, and is a rarity in the van segment versus the Honda Odyssey, in particular.   No wobble around back is a delight to report in this next-gen Chrysler.  The nine-speed auto and potent V6 are terrific on hard throttle. The exterior styling is a huge hit.  It is smooth but sleekly aero-honed.  Panel gaps …

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2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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Tell the truth: when you see one of the big SUV on the road, the first thing you think about is how much the gas costs to run it. And while we are currently enjoying relatively low gas prices right now, trust me, the oil companies are working night and day to reverse that trend.  And they will invent some reason to scare us into believing that gas prices are justified in going up.  But I digress . . . When the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited showed up in my driveway, I was amazed to look on the Monroney Label and …

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Best Ride-Share Cars – By Anthony Fongaro – Featuring 2016 Toyota PRIUS

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  By now, you’ve inevitably heard how easy it is to make a little extra cash driving for ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. All you have to do is sign up, sign in and get paid to drive people around whenever you want. You probably even know a couple people who moonlight as drivers using their own vehicles. And if you’re like a lot of cash-strapped Americans, maybe you’ve considered signing up yourself. But not all cars make for great ride-sharing vehicles. Usually, the car has to be a 4-door and 2001 or newer unless stated otherwise in major …

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Widescreen Gallery – 2016 Lexus GS-F Meets 1700s Carolina Angel Oaks

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The spidery shadows of the Angel Oak Trees lining the Carolina coastline make for a cool respite from 330 sunny days a year.  That was their purpose, of course, when planted in neat rows on the major plantation driveways around Charleston. Bursting with leaves year-round, these trees even wear a layer of Spanish Moss to keep things cool — centuries before AC made this climate live-able for a Chicagoan like myself. The GS-F is quite a sight under the speckles of sunrays that can break through. The intricate grille detailing, purity of surfaces and absolutely perfect proportions on the wide-body …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Lincoln MKX AWD – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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Ford has been producing Lincoln vehicles for 98 years, but I’m sure Henry Ford never envisioned making a crossover as great as this one. There is a lot of competition in this luxury crossover space, and this MKX is right up there with the best of them, from Japan, Europe, and cross-state rival Cadillac. It’s obvious that Lincoln is shooting to make a new name for itself as being a company that builds vehicles that can pamper its customers in luxury, and also make their customers smile with invigorating performance and handling.   The standard engine in the MKX is a …

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2016 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL S-AWC – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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2016 has brought a stormy spring to our beloved Mitsubishi. From the firm’s recent troubles with emissions, to the ensuing merger with Nissan, the company has forged through some pretty turbulent waters. But can models like the recently updated 2016 Outlander allow Mitsubishi to tap into the recent surge in SUV/CUV sales? Or does it get lost in the shuffle? The exterior styling of my Cosmic Blue tester is certainly an improvement over past iterations of the Outlander, but it ends up being disjointed and unbalanced. On the one hand, the front fascia embodies the sporty spirit that once defined some …

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Review – 2016 DODGE Journey CROSSROAD – By Tim Esterdahl

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For years now, larger vehicles have dominated car sales with families putting a premium on space and seating over handling and fuel economy. The 2016 Dodge Journey is a perfect example of this with its third-row seating offering room for seven while sacrificing great handling and power. Yet, after driving it around for a week, it is clear why it has perennially been one of Dodge’s best-selling models. The extra space in the smaller size (easy to park and easier to drive for most) with a seating position that fits many people is quite honestly precisely what the American buying …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Nissan Altima SL – By Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2016 Nissan Altima SL Offers Smooth Ride With Stylish Looks The all-new 2016 Nissan Altima is a great example of improving on what works with smart upgrades and improved style complementing a smooth riding sedan. While critics bemoan its lack of pep, after a week behind the wheel, it’s hard to understand what they are talking about. Now in its 5th generation the refreshed 2016 Nissan Altima features a host of styling improvements seen in the V-motion grille with boomerang-shaped headlights carried through the back officially called an “Energetic Flow” by Nissan. Equipped with new sheet metal as well …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Toyota Corolla S 6MT – By Carl Malek

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When Toyota unleashed the current generation Corolla back in 2013, it had lofty shoes to fill. While its predecessor was about as bland as a pair of 80’s era tennis shoes, it was also a key cog in Toyota’s formidable sales machine, and helped the brand lure in budget focused buyers. With that formidable sales reputation, and the inevitable pressure that it brings, does the current generation Corolla have what it takes to keep up this momentum? Or has it lost a step or two? Looking at the exterior styling of my 2016 Corolla S Plus tester, it is obvious …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Hyundai ELANTRA Limited – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman Last month, in March of 2016, I tested the 2017 Kia Sportage.  This month, in April of 2016, I’m driving the 2017 Hyundai Elantra. I’m beginning to think that Korea uses a different calendar than we do in the US.  No matter, the point is that this new Elantra is ahead of its time, and is a wonderful remake of an already excellent automobile. Way back in 2004, I bought an Elantra for daughter #2 as she graduated from college and needed her first new car.  It was a small, compact car …

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Drive Review – 2016 BMW X1 – By Ben Lewis

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Baby Bimmer? Mighty Mini? X marks the spot. We recently tested the new Mini Clubman, and came to the conclusion it was as much a less-expensive BMW (sort of a squashed Sport Activity Vehicle) as it was a supersized Mini. So now, here we are, testing the new BMW X1. And that’s really interesting, since it shares the platform with the Clubman. And in many ways, it’s a radical departure from where BMW has been. The question is has BMW lost the melody, or did they manage to get us all singing along? BMW isn’t going to give away the …

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Drive Review – 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman S – By Ben Lewis

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  Pardon us while we get all Existentialist on you. But is Mini as a measure of size, or a state of mind?  That’s what’s got us scratching our heads with the latest Clubman S. This is actually the second generation of the Clubber, the first was a longer wheelbase version of the existing model, with a small suicide door on the passenger side to help passengers pile in and enjoy the extra room. It actually made a lot of sense, it gave a bit better ride, and introduced Mini drivers to the joys (accessibility) and horrors (visibility) of split …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Jeep RENEGADE Trailhawk – By Tim Esterdahl

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What looks like a box on wheels, rides like a car and can scale the side of a mountain? Why a 2016 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk can and its off-road prowess is downright surprising. When Jeep launched the Renegade, it was a bit of a shock to many with its European-like styling, odd-looking taillights and its flat front grille punctuated by two round headlights. Frankly, it just doesn’t resemble what most in the U.S. think of when they think Jeep. While the exterior looks are subjective and non-traditional Jeep, inside it is closer to a Jeep and especially the Patriot kind …

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Google Giggle: Latest Automotive Patent Is Human Cow-Catcher – By Carl Malek

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During the course of automotive history  there have been many advances in safety technology with the bulk of these systems focused on protecting occupants inside an automobile. However, a new patent recently filed by Google flips the script, and takes a novel approach to pedestrian safety. Whereas some automakers have equipped their offerings with pedestrian protection systems, Google’s approach would allow pedestrians to literally stick to the car in the event of an impact. At first glance the idea seems ahead of its time with Google’s giggle producing patent photos not helping matters, but a closer look reveals that there …

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Road Test Review - 2017 KIA Sportage SX AWD - By Tim Esterdahl 31

Road Test Review – 2017 KIA Sportage SX AWD – By Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2017 KIA Sportage SX AWD Really Impresses Throughout the year, automotive journalists like myself get to drive a large variety of vehicles and sometimes we drive vehicles from brands we never have before. This was the case of the recently redesigned, fourth generation 2017 KIA Sportage SX AWD when it arrived for a week of testing. After spending that week behind the wheel on pavement, dirt and around town, I won’t be passing up the chance to get behind the wheel again. It is that good and could seriously challenge the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape. While I may …

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2017 Honda RIDGELINE RTL-E – SpeakerBed Stereo Intro and Photo Flyaround!

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We missed our chance to drive the new Ridgeline!  Can you believe it? How!? Just an action-packed day of drives at the Atlanta Auto Media group’s Family Car Challenge. One with lines waiting for a taste of this new 280HP Truck-UV.  TUV? Favorite Ridgeline feature in a pitch from Honda to journalists .. even without a drive?  The in-bed speaker system! The bed of the truck is a giant speaker.  Pure, deep and LOUD sound. So what, right?  Aren’t they just waterproof speakers or something? Will leak and break and be weak. NOPE! In-bed, magnetic-resonance audio that uses the inner chassis and truck …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Lincoln MKX EcoBoost AWD – Best of Awards

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Who makes the best sport SUVs? ‘Ze Germans! It is the Germans, without a doubt. The Germans have really defined the genre with their excellent Macan Turbos and X550i’s — with little serious competition from Japan or the US.  At least since the Infiniti FX and original, RWD Cadillac SRX faded. Something about an SUV cargo area, megalux cabin, corner-hungry handling and shouty 5-second sprints to 60-mph!  The combo is magic. There is a new hotshot on the block.  Just moved in. Named MKX. The 2016 Lincoln MKX EcoBoost AWD. I know, I know.  I understand your incredulousness. A truck as fast and …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Infiniti QX60 AWD – By Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2016 Infiniti QX60 AWD Great Style, Small Misses Over the past several years, Infiniti has really turned up the heat on its competitors by adding great styling and really improving their interiors. Add in a host of new features and a competitive price point, the 2016 Infiniti QX60 is really good, yet small details and a lack of torque hold it back. With Infiniti products, I often refer to them as the “sleeper” luxury pick. Why? Where other manufactures have a strong brand presence to bring in customers – like BMW, Mercedes Benz or Audi – Infiniti, for whatever …

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First Drive Review – 2016 Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid – By Ben Lewis

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HYBRIDS.  Thanks for … Somethin’? But first, a little credit where it’s due. Or sacrilege. You be the judge. While we salivate over the Porsche 918 and BMW i8, and at $845,000 and $140,000 respectively, slobbering is about all we’re going to do.  We owe gratitude to the Toyota Prius. Yes, the Prius. While Porsche actually developed the first hybrid automobile in 1901, it was the agrarian little sedan from Toyota that started making hybrid a household name, way back in 1996. And in just 20 years, it has gone from one painfully slow 4-door to become the best selling …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Chevrolet MALIBU LT – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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Since seeing the new Chevy Malibu way back in February at the Chicago Auto Show, I was anxious to test drive.  I thought it looked outstanding, and the leather interior was both handsome and inviting.  So I was delighted to see the Silver Ice Metallic Malibu dropped off in my driveway for a week. I was disappointed that the model I got was the LT, rather than the top line 2LT or Premier trim levels.  The LT comes with a 1.5 liter turbocharged engine rather than the 2.0 liter turbo.  Heck, I’ve owned motorcycles with larger displacement engines.  In fact …

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First Drive Review – 2016 Kia Optima SX 2.0T – By Ben Lewis

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You might have guessed by now, we’re big fans of German cars here at Car-Revs-Daily.com. The quality, performance, and balance of these vehicles always impress. On the other hand, we’re glad we’re not a German carmaker right now, because there are a lot of brands nipping at your heels – and they are coming a lot closer –sometimes, even surpassing those hallowed brands. Take for example, our recent test vehicle the 2016 Kia Optima SX 2.0T. It may just be the best entry level Audi you can buy. Yes, we said Kia, and yes we said Audi. How did this …

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VIDEO: 2017 Ford Focus RS RX – Project RX Episode 1 – Design and Development

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            FORD PERFORMANCE RELEASES “PROJECT RX”: BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE FORD FOCUS RS RX DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY The Ford Focus RS RX was designed to be the ultimate rallycross vehicle in the FIA World Rallycross Championship. Collaborating with UK-based M-Sport and Hoonigan Racing Division, Ford Performance engineers implemented the same high-tech instruments and procedures used on production vehicles to develop the Focus RS RX for competition. The first of a four-part documentary, episode one of “Project RX” highlights the design and development of the vehicle between Ford Performance headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, and the M-Sport …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Kia Sportage SX FWD – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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Review: 2017 Kia Sportage SX FWD By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman So I get a new Kia Sportage dropped off in my driveway on March 21, 2016.  I look at the window sticker and is says that’s it’s a 2017 model.  What’s up with that?  Seems a little early in the year to be bringing out next year’s model, no?  And they’re still selling 2016’s, next to the all-new 2017’s.  Sometimes I just can’t figure out how the car companies work.  So depending upon when you’re reading this post, you’ll get an insight into this authors work habits.  Do I write …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD – By Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2016 Volvo XC60 T6 Is Safe, Family SUV When it comes to safety few automakers go to the same level that Volvo does and the 2016 XC60 is a perfect example of this. From the built-in booster seats for children, to the host of alert systems, this SUV is perfect for safety-conscious families. The 2016 Volvo XC60 is a 5-seat, SUV with a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged/supercharged engine which produces an impressive 302 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine is mated to an 8-speed transmission which is geared for a low-end pop off the line with a …

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2017 Lexus IS Preview – New Noses, Wilder F-Sport Upgrades and Quicker Sprint Pace

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The new IS is half-way here!  The revised model just bowed in Beijing with fresh bumpers, lighting, transmissions and infotainment. Why half-way?  We have only seen a partial look so far at the new US-market IS based on this debut.  The IS shown here in F Sport guise is wearing China-exclusive LEDs that are not the design we’ll see stateside.  The other show vehicle in China shows the base IS face, with new arrowhead LEDs, a slice of LED inside the lamp itself, and projector-beam main lights.  All good stuff — especially as these new lights have auto highbeams — …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Mazda6 – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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2016 Mazda 6 i Grand Touring By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman I always look forward to getting a Mazda dropped off in my driveway for a week’s worth of driving.  You can always count on a Mazda to deliver three things: peppy performance, great gas mileage, and outstanding handling. Our test car was the top of the line model, the Grand Touring model. As all Mazda 6 models, it comes with a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder direct injection, variable valve timing engine with a very high 13:1 compression ratio and is designed to use unleaded gas.  The engine makes 184 horsepower and …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Ford FOCUS Titanium – By Tim Esterdahl

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While all the attention these days is on its faster brother, the 2016 Ford Focus Hatchback Titanium isn’t so quickly overlooked. With its fun to drive size, quick acceleration and plentiful cargo room, the Focus is a great commuter or around town vehicle and probably not the best choice for long road trips. Hatchbacks hold a special place in the automotive landscape with plenty of fans and critics of its size and styling. Fans love the size, fun to drive sporty aspect of it and its versatility of holding 5 with cargo room. Yet, critics see SUVs as better options …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Mazda CX-5 – By Tim Esterdahl

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A surprise hit for many automotive journalists, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 has been called out for its “impressive efficiency, responsive handling and bold style.” Add this journalist to the list of those pleasantly surprised by the CX-5. It is really, really good. One of the first things grabbing you about the CX-5 is the exterior styling and, more specifically, the nose. The look is almost a take on a Mercedes-Benz GLE which is a big compliment to the Mazda designers. Fortunately, it doesn’t stand out as a direct knock-off and the CX-5 retains its own personality with a well-designed front …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Hyundai SONATA SPORT 2.0T (+Drive Video)

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The new Sonata generation has not been universally loved.  It largely abandons the previous swirling design and CLS-style low roof in favor of a longer wheelbase and larger rump.  Backseaters will be thrilled: it is now truly jumbo back there and in the trunk. The benefit of this move is a much larger, and technically full-size, cabin versus its mid-size rivals.  What was lost, however, was the near-premium appeal of the Sonata on the roads versus identical Accords and Camrys. We’re into the second year of this new Sonata generation, and the range is filling out to meet many buyer …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Lincoln MKX Black Label – By Tim Esterdahl

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Spirited, Luxurious Drive with Amazing Seats Review: 2016 Lincoln MKX Black Label Loaded with features, powered by a spirited and fuel efficient powertrain along with a comfortable and spacious interior, the 2016 Lincoln MKX Black Label is a growing competitor in its segment. It is clear why it is. I didn’t want to stop driving it. The all-new MKX is Lincoln’s newest push to knock the Lexus RX juggernaut from atop the midsize premium SUV segment. This is the largest segment in the luxury market and represents one-quarter of the market. In order to counter newly refreshed RX models, Lincoln …

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Road Test Review – 2016 GMC Terrain Denali AWD – By Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2016 GMC Terrain Denali AWD Falls Short In Key Areas While most people think of a “Denali” as a large, luxury SUV, the name really applies to a whole range of products GMC offers. One of these is the small Terrain SUV with ample cargo room and lots of features. However, if you are looking for the Yukon or Sierra Denali experience in this smaller package, it just falls short. Officially, GMC lists the Terrain as a mid-size crossover utility and it was launched in 2010 – replacing the Pontiac Torrent when the Pontiac brand ended. It shares the …

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Road Test Review - 2016 BMW 340i xDrive - By Tim Esterdahl 9

Road Test Review – 2016 BMW 340i xDrive – By Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2016 BMW 340i xDrive – Exhilarating Driving Performance For years, BMW has boasted that it builds the “Ultimate Driving Machines” and while critics and competitors have increasing sought to counter that claim, a recent weeklong drive in a 2016 BMW 340i only confirmed that claim. If driving, real fun, spirited driving is at the top of your buying list, the 340i has to be a top choice. Delivered to me in a Melbourne Red Metallic, the iconic looking 340i certainly had all the distinctive character and desirable appearance attributes reminiscent of BMW models over the years. While I’ve watched …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Chrysler 200 Limited with Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2016 Chrysler 200 Limited, Overlooked For No Good Reason One of the hardest jobs of any automotive journalist is writing about a vehicle when the company says it will stop producing it. Such is the case with the 2016 Chrysler 200. FCA boss Sergio Marchionne has declared they will let it run its course. For consumers, this may cast a bad mark on the vehicle since the perception is something must be wrong with it. Yet, taking a close look at the Chrysler 200, it is obvious what the problem is. The car is simply overlooked on sales lots …

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2016 Toyota UBOX Concept – Clemson’s Gen Z Vision for EV Offroader

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UBOX is a very fresh face from Toyota!  This all-EV off-roader was created by the grad students of Clemson University’s CU-ICAR research center to meet the upcoming needs of generation Z on the road. The design is actually quite refreshing, with sharp creases and a chic minimalism to its appeal.  That includes a bluff and trucklike nose and ride height, paired with a giant reconfigurable cabin. But why that minivan windshield angle? That is a big part of an innovative new “pultrusion” process for making carbon-fiber roof rails.  This technique is apparently all-new and very interesting to top Toyota brass …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum with Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum – Fully Loaded SUV Goodness As the leader of the SUV market, the all-new 2016 Ford Explorer has big shoes to fill. Fortunately, Ford filled the Explorer Platinum with an almost absurd of luxury features making sure it not only hits all the marks, but it blows customers away. Simply put, it feels like a luxury SUV and that is precisely the point. The new Explorer is an evolution of where the SUV has been heading in the past few years and for this recent iteration, Ford really went after the design. There is new …

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VOSSEN VFS-2 Alloys Sex Up TESLA Model S

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  Tesla’s Model S is rumored to have a facelift debuting very soon.  And it is about time!  We are shocked to know they are still making many of these EV benchmarks with those same bright alloys and boring maroon paintwork.  Just like they have for years!  This is not great for the $100k super-sedan shopper, who has plenty to choose from these days. Staying stylish is just a phonecall away with these gorgeous Vossen wheels. These VFS-2 forged alloys in matte bronze/copper finish are enough to make even a very-familiar silver Model S feel fresh.  The lowered ride height helps, …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 GMC Yukon DENALI 4WD

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GMC unknowingly timed their full Yukon redesign perfectly:  as the new full-size trucks arrived in 2015, gas prices dropped to historic lows.  Rave reviews on the new trucks’ style, tech and performance propelled massive sales gains: nearly double the sales of the overall vehicle, and almost tripling the previous year’s Yukon XL sales. These are still down from their heady highs in the 70k-units-plus annual tallies that evaporated after 2008’s gas-price spike.   There is much more to the success of the Yukon Denali than external factors like gas prices., however.  This lux truck is a perfect sweet-spot between yummy …

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2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR – HD Road Test Review + Drive Video

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The Nissan Altima is a favorite around here.  Even drivers coming from exotic cars would be astounded by the compentence of this vehicle for 2016. We recently dubbed it the ‘world’s smoothest sedan’ in 2.5SL form.  That smoothness is from effortless drive manners, the infinite-ratio Xtronic automatic and, of course, the pillowy ride quality of the mid-spec Altima. This SR trimline is new for the 2016 model-year on the four-cylinder engine.  An effective nose darkening with smoked headlamp lenses and optics sets a great mood from the start.   Larger wheels and sport-suspension and cabin are added bonii. All good, …

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Future VW USA SUV Roadmap Projects 15 Variants by 2021

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The new Tiguan is a great shining hope for VW lately, and they could use a win.  Here is the loaded Euro-spec model in its first photoset.  Around Berlin and a fun off-road park, the next-generation model is defined by much greater scale all around.  Wider and much longer, with the roof looking quite chic and low.  The new Tiguan’s style is also a close preview of its larger, US-made CrossBlue.  The CrossBlue is set for launch as a seven-seater, with a fastback 5-seat model likely for 2019. The Tiguan as we see here will spawn a few variants itself: …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Scion iM by Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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Road Test Review – 2016 Scion iM By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman In 2003, Toyota created the Scion brand to appeal to younger buyers with small fuel efficient vehicles that were entry level, but without making the buyer feel like they were entry level. Also, Toyota was never known to push the styling envelope, so Scion was supposed to be the new brand that would put more hip styling on display without upsetting Toyota’s core customers. As it turns out, young buyers prefer the Toyota brand over the Scion brand.  Over the years, Scion had built some interesting vehicles, but they …

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NY Debuts – 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Hybrid – Li-ion eAWD 7-Seater

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The brand-new Outlander PHEV from Mitsubishi just brought state-of-the-art to the masses.  And their kids! Lithium-ion batteries in potent 12-kWh form let the car drive as an EV for real distances, seat seven people and even have AWD via twin rear-axle motors. Seriously impressive — and the same template as the Cayenne S E-Hybrid costing nearly $200k. The new Outlander PHEV will have a premium over the $22k base of the gasoline trucks, but should still come in at an estimated $35k base when it arrives in USA showrooms in September 2016 as a 2017 model-year.  Full release below for …

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#NYIAS Live – Showfloor Mega Gallery – Part One in 222 Photos!

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Action-packed New York auto show this year! Much new and very hot metal to see and touch, with highlights including the new GT-R, the 911R, Civic Hatchback and Prius Prime.  MX-5 RF (retractable fastback) is cool too, as is the new 718 Boxster and Buick Encore with its sharp and premium new LEDs. Also included below is the first look at the new Subaru Impreza, Jaguar F-Type SVR and 2018 VW Tiguan. #NYIAS Live – Showfloor Mega Gallery

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Official: 2017 Kia Cadenza Makes NY Debut

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A heavy redesign of the new Cadenza just bowed in NY — and is set to take on the ES350 and perhaps 528i with its all-new cabin, exterior and powertrains. 2017 Kia Cadenza ALL-NEW 2017 KIA CADENZA TAKES THE STAGE AT THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW 23/03/16 Second-Generation Cadenza Boasts Luxury Refinements with Expressive Styling, Advanced Technology, and Refined Powertrain New body structure is stronger, yet lighter and more rigid for a more enjoyable driving experience All-new Cadenza takes its sophistication to greater heights with beautifully crafted interior Kia’s first FWD eight-speed automatic transmission improves driving dynamics and efficiency …

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Hawkeye Drives – 2016 Acura MDX Review

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Hawkeye Drives – 2016 Acura MDX Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman The 2016 Acura MDX is a luxury crossover with seating options for up to seven people, and can be had in front wheel drive, or all-wheel-drive, like the test car. The MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that puts out a hefty 290 horsepower, and 267 ft. lb. of torque.  Power gets to the pavement via a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.  That 9-speed is designed to increase gas mileage, which comes in at 19 City and 26 highway (which includes the engine start/stop features).  Our real …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Nissan Altima SL – Fresh Face for World’s-Smoothest Sedan

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One of comedian Amy Schumer’s bits comes to mind as we sit down to write up this Altima review. “You’d bang me, but you wouldn’t blog about it…” The Altima is fresh for 2016 with a mini nip/tuck front and rear, updated tech and even more efficiency for the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This update is a light refresh, and is part of the new automaker strategy of lowering product cycle times from around five years before to less than three now.  Technology and style trends are moving so rapidly that a four-year-old car is easily one of the most …

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Update2 – Road Test Review – 2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription

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Update1 – Additional info from Volvo Cars US in Performance article section.  Update2 – Clarifies that S60 Inscription is the new LWB model, and the only one imported from China.   Solid experience in any business can make you a bit cocky.  You know your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats intimately. A brilliant skillset for any field. One that helps you achieve results faster and better than others. In the car reviews business, that often means you think you know a car pretty well… without even driving it.  From other models in the brand’s lineup, from previous generations and from reviews you have read.. …

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2017 Toyota HIGHLANDER Preview – Revised Styling, New V6 and 8-Speed Automatic

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Toyota just pulled the wraps of its revised 2017 Highlander ahead of its public debut in New York. The updates are fairly extensive for such a new truck, starting from the streamlined exterior with new lights, grille and tail for the new model year.  Under the skin, the base Highlanders stick to their trusty 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic. But the sporty new SE trimline, all four varieties of Hybrid and most others get big improvements in the drivetrain.  The 3.5-liter V6 is said to be all-new, but we do not have power or efficiency figures yet.  They are …

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Hawkeye Drives! 2016 Ford EDGE Titanium AWD Review

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By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman The Edge was dropped off at my house just after a little snowstorm, which made for some unflattering photos because of the street salt residue all over it, but I was fortunate to be able to test the all wheel drive vehicle in the slippery stuff. The first thing I noticed was that the brakes were very touchy and grabby right from the top of the pedal travel.  In fact it caused the ABS to kick in when on my driveway merely rolling it back to park, and when inching forward to leave the driveway.  Naturally, …

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2017 Audi Q2 – Slides Below Q3 with All-New Design Language, Cheaper Price

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Audi only secured the naming rights to the Q2 and Q4 trademarks in the last few weeks — coming right down to the wire before the car’s global debut in Geneva this week. Alfa Romeo had resisted giving their Q2 and Q4 drivetrain descriptors up until recently, and Audi likely paid big loot for the privilege. So just imagine — this car went through the entire VW/Audi development cycle without a confirmed name! And it does show, a bit, in that the Q2 makes little visual sense in the Audi lineup.  Its design is far more modern than the new …

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Hawkeye Drives – 2016 Dodge Journey Crossroad Plus AWD Review

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The Dodge Journey is mostly unchanged from the previous year’s model. In fact, it’s little changed since its introduction back in 2009. There was a refresh in 2011, but that was mostly cosmetic. Beneath the skin, it shows its age a bit as the other competitors in its class, like the Nissan Rogue, Honda CRV, Toyota Rav 4, or the Kia Sorento, have out classed it over the years. The Journey just isn’t as sophisticated as the others, and feels a bit dated. That’s not to say that the Journey doesn’t have some positive attributes. Unlike the Honda, Toyota, and …

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Geneva Debuts – 2016 Subaru XV Concept – Less Hideous, More Production-Ready

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Subaru has been bringing shockingly ugly concept cars to Europe for the big auto shows as long as anyone can remember. We’re equally unimpressed by this concept’s detailing, style and design decisions. As we were with the Viziv before.  Less repugnant… is still repugnant though. The difference is, this new XV Concept model is actually very, very close to production form.  Strip away the fug-nasty orange trims, fake honeycomb LEDs and the pricey paintwork, and we could be looking at the next-gen XV Crosstrek.  Of course, we will also see door handles and a frumpier roofline. The best angle is from the back, …

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2017 Volvo V40 and V40 Cross Country Facelift Revealed

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We’re huge cheerleaders of Volvo’s long-deserved reboot. The new XC90 and S90/V90 point strongly toward the 2020 goals of the firm for its entire range.  And they are off to a racing start!  Sales of the XC90 are through the roof — recording some of the only volume gains the firm has achieved in at least the last decade. The entire line will be fully switched from its current platforms over to the new all-hybrid architectures in the future, but some models will obviously benefit from this before others. The V40 is new enough that it is falling to the …

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2016 Citroen C4 CACTUS Rip Curl Edition – Dark Detailing, GripControl + Glass Roof for Surfer Special

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Here is a pretty cool special-edition that Citroen is bringing to Geneva 2016: the C4 Cactus Rip Curl Edition. This light cosmetic makeover darkens the looks of this funky lifestyle-mobile, adds some funky graphics to the bodysides, and includes the best standard-equipment like a panoramic glass roof and other goodies. But how, one might ask, will a front-drive crossover be the right vehicle for a surf trip? Well, even without AWD or 4×4, the C4 Cactus Rip Curl hopes to park comfortably right on the beach.  Standard mud/snow tires join forces with a new GripControl ESP system that enables more slip …

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Hawkeye Drives – 2016 Hyundai Tucson Limited 1.6T Review

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2016 Hyundai Tucson Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman Two years ago, I needed to replace the wife’s aging Hyundai Santa Fe.  Since the new Santa Fe models had grown considerably in size, and she still wanted a small SUV, I went to the dealer to buy the Tucson.  We were a Hyundai family, as both daughters and a son-in-law owned Hyundai various models, and everyone was happy with their vehicles.  But I found the generation II Tucson was the first Hyundai I had ever been disappointed in.  So disappointed, we wound up with a Nissan Rogue, which we’ve been happy …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Infiniti QX50

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The QX50 is a crossover that every single carmaker in the world would love to have in their lineup. Just think about its core package: a standard 3.7-liter V6 making 325HP, to the back wheels, through a 7-speed automatic. A balanced chassis, and roaring Z-car-like performance from a base price of just under $35k!  Sign me up. Is the QX50’s rare offering the one you want leading your fleet, though?  Let’s find out… The QX50 is the kind of anti-minivan, performance SUV that typically carries pricing in the 50s as a BMW X4, Mercedes GLC or perhaps Dodge Durango R/T.  What else can be purely rear-drive and …

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