Tag Archives: 2013

2013 Hyundai Elantra GT M/T (950)

19-11-2012Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT M/T for Touring Manual Transmission.

It seems inevitable that when a car company gains a level of success and a consumer following more body styles, like this Elantra GT are sure to be introduced. So this 2013 is all new this year. And I say bravo since Hyundai is not only the newest kid on the block, it is the best looking and most impressive of car companies in a very long time.

Blue Link system is the best of technology for the future of driving assistance and although it is a subscription service it has some interesting features you may want to give a try. Perhaps the most interesting to me is the “Fence or Curfew and Speed Alert” feature where you can lay down the rules for your teen age new driver. Then you are notified if the defined area or speed or a curfew time, for example is exceeded. Some of the other features you may be interested in, that are included is a POI (point of interest) search, voice text messaging and location sharing, theft recovery that takes over after you alert police of the theft so blue link can slow the vehicle or lock the car and prevent it from starting if it is not already running, and Remote Access allows you to lock or unlock the car from any distance, should you forget if you locked the car. You simply go to a smart phone application to do it remotely. The daily route guidance system is programmed with traffic information so you can be directed around the problem with an alternate route.

It is clear from all the press conferences I’ve attended that these kind of technological features are an extension of your computer and smart phone capability and are rapidly being included in our cars. Hyundai seems to be one of the companies that is leading the way.

General Information:

Parts from the US / Canada 2%; Korea 95%. It is assembled in Ulasn, Korea, Classification is Small Wagon. Cars from Hyundai: Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra Touring, Equus, Genesis, Genesis Coupe, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Tucson, Veloster, Veracruz.

Handling & Performance:

The hatchback is smaller than the 4-door sedan overall, except it is one inch taller. The size makes it a great around town car. However it is also very capable on the highway with the added advantage of delivering great mileage that approaches 40 miles per gallon.

Styling:

The Elantra GT is another example of Hyundai’s typical sculptured design. They have integrated a lot of great features and interior versatility that a hatchback should include. From the compacts to the Equus model they are a nice looking family of siblings. They continue to impress the public at large and have rocketed to the top of the consumer charts. I’m one of the cheer leaders because I’ve had a lot of seat time on and off the track. Job well done goes to the Hyundai design team.

Fit and Finish:

Assembly is consistent with all other Hyundai offerings that are all very good.

Cost:

All models are well priced and highly competitive with even the far more pricey badges like Mercedes, Lexus, Audi and BMW. Everyone I’ve talked with have begun putting their money with their mouth is. They’ve turned from just being impressed to being a consumer. My brother-in-law just bought the Elantra, and my “best man” who can afford any car made opted for the Equus that is a very impressive luxury car.

Conveniences and comfort:

Well appointed and generally a comfortable ride that is roomy in front and the rear legroom is respectable by small car standards.

Consumer Recommendation:

Hyundai is simply “Hot” at all levels and the prices are good and can only go up over time. Definitely this is a MUST include in your search for a compact hatchback or wagon. You won’t do any better with fuel economy. This is yet another winner for Hyundai.

Recognized Competition:

Hyundai Elantra , Ford Focus,

Mazda 3, and Subaru Impreza.

Good News:

Priced well, well made, great styling and a great ride.

Bad News:

None noted

Standard Equipment:

1.8 liter 148 horsepower 4 cylinder engine with continuous variable valve timing, 6-speed manual transmission, electronic stability control, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, front and front side and side curtain air bags with driver knee airbag, tire pressure monitor, 16” alloy wheels, front fog lights, air conditioning, audio with Sirius XM, CD and MP3 with 6-speakers, iPod/USB and Auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth phone system with voice recognition, Hyundai Blue Link system (subscription required) for ‘stay connected’ via in-car web, smartphone apps., remote keyless entry, power windows, locks and heated mirrors, trip computer, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, tilt and telescopic steering column, heated front seats, 60/40 split folding rear seat, rear center armrest with cup holders,

Gas Stats:

$3.45 / Gal avg. December 16, 2012

www.fueleconomy.gov

For more information.

26 City and 37 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $18,395.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek (949)

12-11-2012Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek that is all new this year. It is a 5 door crossover that is roomy and overall it is very comfortable. The cargo space was adequate, but I had the occasion to load a wheel chair for a 95 year old grandma and it barely fit, but awkwardly and it consumed the entire space. Ok, so how often will you need to take grandma with a wheel chair somewhere, right? Actually the roof rails would have worked. Leave grandma in the chair and strap her to the roof … like in one of the National Lampoon’s Vacation series with Chevy Chase, for you movie buffs.

Or would it be better if you put the kids up there (instead of Grandma), with their iPhones and video games. They are so consumed by their digital life they wouldn’t know the difference. Come-on you know what I mean. God forbid that those same kids are given the keys to the car – texting and playing games while at the wheel? Really!

Although it is not likely it will ever get “Off Road” it is still capable to do so. They’ve done a good job balancing road clearance. XV comes in two models – Premium and Limited with different options.

General Information:

Parts from the US / Canada n/a, Japan n/a. It is assembled in Japan, Classification is Compact / Crossover.Cars from Subaru: BRZ, Forester, Impreza, Impreza WRX, Legacy, Outback, Tribeca, XV Crosstrek.

Handling & Performance:

All wheel drive always (for Subaru) is comforting to drive and there is little or no slipping of the wheels relative to a two wheel drive car. The Boxer engine description is just to say that the pistons in this internal combustion engine lie flat or horizontally opposed. More importantly, it develops 148 horsepower which is just right for this 5 passenger car. It has surprisingly quick off the line and at highway cruising speed it is nicely responsive for passing.

Styling:

It is a new car for 2013 but it is pretty ‘generic’ in styling for most SUV offerings.

Fit and Finish:

Subaru’s are always well assembled. Remember the early days of automobiles when even the best of them didn’t fit together well but it wasn’t expected. You were just happy to have wheels, and that was true as recent as the 1970s when cars didn’t run all that well anyway so how well the seams fit was the least of their worries.

Cost:

If you consider all you get standard in the Subaru this Crosstrek is priced very well. AWD (all wheel drive) is a big thing, costs a lot and provides a degree of safety on the road, the benefit of which can’t be discounted. Few cars have perfected AWD as well as Subaru and ALL Subaru’s are AWD.

Conveniences and comfort:

This Premium is well equipped with all the features I come to expect in today’s world of cars. By comparison, my first VW Bug in the 1970s had heater outlets on the base board in the rear and that was a point of discussion. Wow, that was cool, and that was the only feature other than it had a radio with push buttons no less. It was a comfort just to know it would start and you would get where you were going eventually. Cars today spoil the heck out of us, so there is little to complain about.

Consumer Recommendation:

The cars in class are all so close in price that it is safe to say consumers will fall back and buy based on their past personal experience. I encourage you to look at new or different brands than you have relied on when you’re ready to search for your next car. Korean made Hyundai is particularly interesting to me along with its sister company Kia. Smart (Mercedes Benz made) is considered competition in this grouping but I don’t consider it in this field. Chevrolet is also worth a long look.

Of the most similar noted here, the Outlander Sport is also AWD and the others are FWD.

Recognized Competition:

Subaru XV Crosstrek $22,000, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport $22,000, Ford Escape $22,000, Mitsubishi Outlander $23,000.

Good News:

Roomy, comfortable, responsive and good fuel economy (one consumer said he got 37 mpg highway).

Bad News:

Limited cargo space if you have 4 passengers.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter 4-cylinder 148 horsepower Boxer engine, all wheel drive,

17” aluminum alloy wheels, dynamic control, continuous variable transmission, heated front seats and mirrors, wiper de-icer, privacy glass, tilt /telescoping steering wheel with controls for audio, cruis control and Bluetooth, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with brake assist, Roof rails, 12 v outlets in dash and console, O/S temp gauge with road surface freeze indicator, power windows and locks.

Gas Stats:

$3.77 / Gal avg. November 27, 2012

www.fueleconomy.gov

For more information.

25 City and 33 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $21,995.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com

2013 Mazda2 Touring MT (948)

05-11-2012Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2013 Mazda2 Touring MT. Small, cheap? Smaller for Mazda is the MX-5 Miata. This Mazda 2 has a rear seat, and it fits 5 average size people comfortably. They make good use of the space and it even has decent cargo area. Amazing how much they can get into a small outside dimension car. Cheap – yes and the fuel economy is very good at up to 35 mpg.

If you impress your friends with this car, they are really wise and grounded and you have chosen your friends wisely.

It is a low weight vehicle and only has 100 horsepower but you will be surprised how well it uses that power. I never considered it a negative for me on my commute and I felt safe and stable all the time.

General Information:

Parts from the US / Canada 0%, Japan 95%. It is assembled in Hiroshima, Japan, Classification is Compact. Cars from Mazda: Mazda 2,3,5,6, MazdaSpeed3, CX5, 7,9, Mx5 Miata, RX-8 & Tribute.

Handling & Performance:

It is a delight to zip around town in, and on the open road highway it performs well and you will go a lot of miles as inexpensively as it gets these days. The 5-speed manual transmission is easy to shift and is the reason it performs so well on 100 horsepower. An automatic transmission is available for those who don’t like manual transmissions. I didn’t test the auto trans but saw no real drawback with the manual.

Styling:

“Pea Popper” is the first impression for me at first sight. But there are smaller cars like the Mercedes Benz Smart Car that will only seat 2. The design of small compact cars is amazing how they can give the feeling it is larger than the obvious small outside shell. Simply a no-nonsense car to get you from point A to B. It won’t win any beauty contest with me but it won’t pick your pocket either. It is as low maintenance as they get. The pretty ones will not only pick your pocket they will break your heart.

Fit and Finish:

Very good in class.

Cost:

All around – great value with prices starting at about $15,000. The field of competition is very close in price.

Conveniences and comfort:

A lot of standard convenience features as well as those that enhance safe driving with such things as Stability and Traction control. I think every car these days should be equipped with Hands Free Bluetooth but for the money I could buy a portable device.

Consumer Recommendation:

Small cars concern some but that is over-played. I have driven ‘em all and recommend you test drive this car that seats 5 relatively comfortably. I wouldn’t hesitate taking it on a long trip but then I’ve taken a vacation for the week in a Corvette with wife and two small kids. In comparison this is an SUV.

Recognized Competition:

Mazda 2 $16,000, Chevrolet Aveo $12,000, Chevrolet Sonic $14,000, Ford Fiesta $16,000, Honda Fit $15,000, Hyundai Accent $15,000, Hyundai Veloster $17,000, Kia Rio $14,000, Mitsubishi i $29,000, Nissan Versa $15,000, Scion iQ $15,000, Scion xD $15,000, Smart fortwo $12,000, Toyota Prius c $19,000, Toyota Yaris $14,000.

Good News:

Spacious interior in a compact, that gets up to 35 mpg, fun to drive.

Bad News:

Light small car that some will be uncomfortable from a perceived safety point of view.

Standard Equipment:

1.5 liter 100 horsepower 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, front wheel drive, stability and traction control systems, front side and side curtain airbags, 16” alloy wheels, rear window defogger and wiper, rear roof spoiler, 5-passenger seating, tilt leather steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, cloth seats, air conditioning, 12 volt outlet, power ABS front disc and rear drum braking system with Electronic Brake Distribution, anti-theft engine immobilizer, tire pressure monitor, power steering, power mirrors, 60/40 split fold down rear seat, auxiliary audio jack and USB, audio with 6 speakers, trip computer and LATCH system.

Gas Stats:

$3.67 / Gal avg. November 20, 2012

www.fueleconomy.gov

For more information.

29 City and 35 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $16,210.

2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR (947)

30-10-2012Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR. Before we get started, can you believe it is 2013 already?

In my opinion this EVO as it is referred to is a car for the young man, however a couple of young guys who stopped me in a parking lot said they thought age didn’t make a difference. But how you look in a car is important to you and it is kinda like someone over 30 riding a skate board. It somehow just doesn’t fit.

I did have fun driving the Evo because I appreciate performance and like to see obstacles in the dust through the rear view mirror. But when I look back through that rear window and the dust my vision is obstructed by a spoiler wing splitting the rear view. That was annoying.

Overall this is a nice ride that is fun to drive no matter what your age. There is no doubt the Evo was intended for the youthful consumer who is financially able.

General Information:

Parts from the US / Canada 0%, Japan 99%. It is assembled in Kurashiki, Japan, Classification is Compact. Cars from Mitsubishi: Eclipse, Endeavor, Galant, i, Lancer, Lancer Evolution, Lancer Sportback, Outlander, Outlander Sport.

Handling & Performance:

Performance, of course, is a mix between how well it accelerates and takes the curves, versus how stingy it is with gasoline – especially in today’s world of $5.00 a gallon at the pump. It will only take you about 20 miles and that is expensive fun.

But then I remember those days when most muscle cars so popular among young drivers only got about 7 mpg. But gas was $.31 a gallon. Now it is nearly 16 times as costly for the gas while cars would be hard pressed to get 112 mpg to be equal to the cost then (based on the economic value of money in 1960).

Styling:

Designer’s have managed to catch the eye of people who appreciate the automobile and Evo’s reputation seem to have preceded my week testing this car. But those I talked with also knew about how ‘fast and furious’ a ride it can be. In other words looks alone would not sell this car if its performance didn’t set it apart from the crowd. Everyone loves speed and acceleration. . . ok, except the little old lady from Pasadena… but the look is also as bold as its performance. I like the prominent grill that quickly grows on you. Design has achieved its goal because I think the look is “confident”.

On the other hand I have to comment on one of the identifying features of style – the rear stabilizer wing. It is “Smack Dab” in the center of your rear view. It was a real negative for me as it splits the view behind right in half. You are reminded every time you check out the traffic around you and that begins with what is right behind you. I found that obstruction distracting and it didn’t go away all week.

Fit and Finish:

Very good in and out.

Cost:

A little pricey for this car for me, and it can only be justified for its performance attributes.

Conveniences and comfort:

It is very comfortable in class and has all the bells and whistles you expect these days.

Consumer Recommendation:

This is NOT a cheap car and the competition is stiff. To me the closest competitor is the Impreza WRX. The Nissan Z is a favorite of mine but isn’t really comparable since the Z only seats 2.

Recognized Competition:

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution $34,000, Audi S4 $48,000, Chevrolet Cruze $17,000, BMW 3 Series $35,000, Mazda 3 $15,000, Mazda RX-8 $27,000, Nissan Z $32,000, Subaru Impreza WRX $26,000, Suzuki SX4 Sport $17,000, Toyota Corolla $16,000, Volkswagen Beetle $19,000, Volkswagen GTI $24,000.

Good News:

Stylish, fast, fun to drive.

Bad News:

Rear stabilizer wing annoyingly in the middle of your rear view, poor fuel economy.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter 4-cylinder 291 horsepower engine, 5-speed manual transmission, AWD, turbocharger with front mounted intercooler, Brembo vented disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution, front struts, front and rear stabilizers, front, side and side curtain airbags, drivers knee airbag, LATCH system for child seats, Tire pressure monitor, engine immobilizer, stability control and traction control, climate control, usb port, leather wrapped steering wheel with controls, audio with 6 speakers, power windows and locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, auto headlights, fog lights, large rear wing spoiler, 18” alloy wheels.

Gas Stats:

$3.75 / Gal avg. November 13, 2012

www.fueleconomy.gov

For more information.

17 City and 23 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $34,695.

2013 Kia Forte Koup SX (946)

22-10-2012Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2013 Kia Forte Koup SX Midsize coupe that is simply a nice car at any price, albeit the price is good. It is stylish like Audi, BMW and other high end badges. It handles well and is sporty. Kia is clearly looking at the youth oriented compact car market and I believe it will indeed appeal to young execs just starting out. It has good looks, is a credible commuter, it is affordable to buy; low cost to maintain and delivers decent fuel economy. More expensive options like Audi and BMW cannot make such claims. And historically those badges have been very expensive to own.

General Information:

Parts from the US / Canada 1%, Korea 95%. It is assembled Korea, Classification is Midsize. Cars from Kia: Forte, Forte Koup, Optima, Optima Hybrid, Rio, Rio5, Sedona, Sorento, Soul and Sportage.

Opinion:

Wow…. Have you driven on our highways during rush hour lately? Have you noticed how light traffic has been this past year? It is absolutely scary since the only conclusion I can draw from that fact is that there are a lot of folks out of work.

Well to add insult to injury “Gas prices” are insane for a country with so much oil and natural gas. There is some good news, however, in that car prices have never been better and fuel economy has also never been better. All that compounded by the shrinking US dollar.

OK, so some will say there is other bad news in that many of these cars are being manufactured in far off lands like China, Korea and Japan, as well as neighbors north and south of the boarder. But is that really bad?

Businesses generally subscribe to the Economic Theory of Adam Smith (remember the Invisible Hand theory?) Well businessmen will argue that’s the way it ‘should’ be. Allow the free markets to establish the best prices and values without artificial intervention and interference from government. John Stossel’s “News Magazine”, on the Fox Business channel, recently argued that very point convincingly and quite frankly I agree.

The other notable Economic Theory comes from British economist John Maynard Keynes. He argued that uncertainty caused individuals and businesses to stop spending and investing, and government must step in and spend money to improve the economy.

I urge you to do your own research and fully understand these two leading Economic theories that have guided the private and public sectors of the US Economy for at least the past 150 years. Of course Keynes and Smith are dead so we’ll just have to decide, at the end of the day, which theory is best or how both have relevance.

My point here is that America has dominated the world of business because of American economic principles and we must understand them. It affects the Auto Industry, of course, and all business, industry and government. When we are informed our elected representatives will have to be more accountable.

Handling & Performance:

I tested the 2.4 liter 173 hp SX so there was no issue with power and the EX model has the 2.0 liter engine and although it is only 17 hp less at 156 there are some who say it strains and revs a lot more than they like. I didn’t find the 2.4 to have that problem, but it gets 3 mpg less than the 2.0 version.

I’m not into coupe’s (Coupe to Kia is Spelled Koup). When I was young 4 door cars were avoided like the plague. We wanted to distance ourselves from our parents’ generation and since they drove 4-door cars we would NOT.

“Well, Dah”, you say, “they only had one car, a family need for 4 doors, and were practical people.” In any case young people today don’t have such taboo’s. Or that may be because 4 door cars are designed so well that you hardly notice they have 4 doors.

Styling:

Nice stylish look. A great paint job and aluminum accents and pedals that give it that sporty look that is so popular with the youthful buyer.

Fit and Finish:

Good inside and out and comparable with others in class.

Cost:

It is priced very well and I have to say I’d be hard pressed to justify a need to move up to Audi and BMW, for example, and the next market segment that would cost $8-10,000 more.

Conveniences and comfort:

More features than I expected from such an affordable car class. It was comfy and all the techie stuff was easy to figure out without looking at the manual. That’s what I’m talking about. It drives me nuts when I can’t set up the hands free Bluetooth in a minute or so.

Consumer Recommendation:

This is a car like much of the competition listed here. It fills a need of a commuter and the needs of young married’s through a very young family. There’s a lot to choose from but not so much that you can’t look at all of them. This Coupe is in good company.

Recognized Competition:

Kia Forte Koup $19,000, Chevrolet Cruze $17,000, Ford Focus $17,000, Honda Civic $21,000, Hyundai Elantra $17,000, Mazda3 $15,000, Nissan Sentra $16,000, Scion tC $19,000, Subaru Impreza $17,000, Suzuki SX4 Sport $17,000, Toyota Corolla $16,000, Volkswagen Beetle $19,000, Volkswagen Golf $18,000.

Good News:

Comfortable ride, good fuel economy, good technology, nice size lends to ease of handling and good highway performance.

Bad News:

Not much to complain about – but with the lights turned on it is hard to read the radio and other information on the dash. Also, check out the rear view as it can be a little restrictive.

Standard Equipment:

2.4 liter 173 HP inline 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed auto trans, 17” alloy wheels, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with brake assist, front side and side curtain airbags, traction control, stability control, tire pressure monitor, air conditioning, power windows locks and heated mirrors with turn indicators, audio with CD/MP3 and SIRIUS satellite, USB and AUX input jacks, Bluetooth, 60/40 split folding rear seats, remote keyless entry, cruise control, trip computer, tilt and telescopic steering column, leather wrapped wheel and shift knob, paddle shifters, metal finish accents and pedals, auto headlights & fog lights.

Gas Stats:

$3.95 / Gal avg. November 6, 2012

www.fueleconomy.gov

For more information.

23 City and 31 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $19,800.

2013 Kia Optima SX (944)

12-10-2012Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2012 Kia Optima SX midsize 4-door sedan. The thing I find when testing cars that is most telling is how others react to the car. This Kia drew a lot of positive attention from all those who saw and rode with me in the car. Unsolicited, without exception, I heard over and over again how nice looking a car it is.

Move over Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz. . . there’s a new kid in town. You gotta love the competition.

I’m so impressed with our “Free Economy” and the products it brings and keeps all companies competitive and innovative. Friend Richard puts it this way, work hard and put out a great product of the competition will ‘eat your liver’. By God that is a simple common sense answer to a complex free market economy. New Yorkers understand that kind of thinking.

General Information:

Parts from the US / Canada 45%, Korea 55%. It is assembled in the USA, Classification is Midsize Car. Cars from Kia: Forte, Forte Koup, Optima, Optima Hybrid, Rio, Rio5, Sedona, Sorento, Soul and Sportage.

Handling & Performance:

With the outstanding fuel economy it is appropriate to refer to days of old when gas did cost $.15 a gallon but they got about 7 mpg. So it took $2.14 to travel 100 miles versus $11.76 today even with the better fuel economy. But you had to be there to appreciate that today you get in the car, start it and go in comfort with the assurance you will get there without stops to repair this or that.

To keep this in perspective, that was in 1950 and $.15 a gallon then equates to $9.60 a gallon today. It is half that so you have to take the good with the bad, eh. And when you consider the fact that repair costs and time lost in breakdowns it is cheaper per mile than “the good old days”… that weren’t so good from an economic point of view. Quality of life is arguably a different matter.

Styling:

Well, what can I say that your eyes haven’t already told you? I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but there were lots of thumbs up from so many folks that the ‘eye’s have it.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

Competitive in class, but when pitted against Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz it is an outstanding value.

Conveniences and comfort:

“Loaded” as car salesmen referred to how a car was equipped. However in those days it took on a completely different meaning. It meant there were white wall tires, long bench seats, a radio with push buttons, and a steering wheel that was way bigger than needed. It was a carryover from before power steering and you needed leverage to turn. Parking was a real talent combined with brute strength. Vinyl seat covers would have been good too and the largest V8 engine they could find to move that ‘hunk of steel’ and turn the power steering pump. On rare luxury cars you could even have power windows – but the usual was Crank Windows.

Today nearly all cars have the basics like all that stuff they had in the 1950s plus telephone hands free connectivity and computer displays and devices to tell you how well you’re driving and where you are going and how to get there most efficiently. Of course, back then we were far less in a hurry and any car was a real luxury and so much better than the alternative…. Walking. But we knew where people lived and didn’t need directions. Seldom got more than 50 miles from home in spite of the fact gas was $.15 a gallon.

And they called those the Good Old Days, Happy Days for good reason – we had far less and appreciated it far more.

Consumer Recommendation:

Here is one consumer opinion that sums up the general mood and my endorsement:

“I was in the market for a commuter vehicle with good gas mileage and was going to pick up a Hyundai Elantra. I was very close to getting one, and was considering the limited. Very close to $23,000. At this price, I started looking at the Sonata. A similarly equipped Sonata would have driven the cost up to the high $20,000’s. Then I settled on the Optima EX with the premium technology package with the “Microsoft UVO/ Infinity audio system. I can only say that this car is amazing! Panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled leather seats, push button start, and tons of other features for $24,500. Simply amazing. I have owned Nissan Maxima, Toyota Camry, Acura TL, but this Kia is way more bang for the buck. The 2.4 liter engine has 200hp which is plenty of power, and it has been great on gas.”

Well said by this buyer and although the SX test car I drove is a step up from the EX the sentiment is the same and applies to both. And both share the same warranty of 10 year / 100K mile power train which was for this owner’s testimony and is, I’m sure, a strong influence on the buying decision of many.

Recognized Competition:

Kia Optima $26,000, Subaru Legacy $20,000, Mazda 6 $25,000, Chevrolet Malibu $22,000,

Hyundai Sonata $23,000, Nissan Maxima $32,000, Suzuki Kizashi $22,000, Volkswagen Passat $24,000, Toyota Camry $23,000, Ford Taurus $27,000, Chevrolet Impala $26,000, Buick LaCrosse $32,000, Chrysler 200 $19,000, Dodge Avenger $21,000, Ford Fusion $24,000, Honda Accord $22,000, Nissan Altima $28,000.

Good News:

Outstanding fuel economy, lovely car that can easily be compared with luxury brands for twice the money.

Bad News:

Pretty alloy wheels but the design ‘sucks’ since you can’t get close to the curb without scratching them. When are they going to be smarter than the problem? Really guys this is NOT rocket science. The tire has to stick out further than the shiny aluminum alloy wheels – dah!

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter Turbo Gas 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed auto trans, power steering, 18” Alloy Wheels, front side and side curtain airbags, LATCH child safety system, ABS power braking system, traction control, stability control, stability management control, hill assist control, climate control, power windows and locks, audio with CD/MPS and SIRIUS satellite, USB and Auxiliary jacks, Bluetooth, leather seating & steering wheel and shift knob, power driver seat, remote keyless entry with push button start and smart key, cruise control, metal pedals and door sill plates, fog lights, heated power mirrors with turn signal indicators, rear spoiler.

Gas Stats:

$4.49/ Gal avg. October 23, 2012

www.fueleconomy.gov

For more information.

22 City and 34 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $26,800.

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo M/T (943)

05-10-2012Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo M/T (Manual Transmission). It does come with an Automatic Transmission (A/T). The last Hyundai I tested was the Equus Ultimate 4-door sedan. It too is a new model launched in the US in 2010. Veloster hit the US market the following year.

As you probably know, Hyundai and Kia are sister companies and although highly competitive they are cooperative. They share some platforms but it seems they are driving each other to see who can be the best. Competition is truly a driving force in this industry even more than others.

Things don’t change all that much and early American car makers divisions acted exactly the same. Surely GM’s Chevy and Pontiac went head to head while Oldsmobile and Cadillac were Bobbsey Twins in a lot of ways as well. Cadillac, of course, won out in the end since Oldsmobile was cancelled after its 100^th birthday. Cadillac was, after all, the Standard of the world in Cars – Pontiac bit the dust too and one has to wonder if this whole trend is telling a little of the future. Will companies have to receive huge bail outs from US Tax payers to compete with other car makers? Should they be? One has to wonder if that isn’t simply rewarding folks for poor performance, and that is like shoveling sand against the tide – it’s a losing battle. Moreover, this losing battle is especially foolish to give more money to the same irresponsible managers and expect a different result.

General Information:

Parts from the US / Canada 1%, Korea 81%. It is assembled in Ulsan, Korea, Classification is Compact Car. Cars from Hyundai: Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra Touring, Equus, Genesis, Genesis Coupe, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Tucson, Veloster & Veracruz.

Opinion:

I see so many similarities of the failing of some in the auto industry and the resultant bailouts with the current generation. I guess it is a sign of the times where both kids and companies are moving back home and letting mom and dad pay for their excessive life styles.

That is a huge departure from the mind set of all prior generations in history who believed that you should “Earn before you Deserved”. Today it would appear this generation has an entitlement mentality where somehow just because they “are”, the world owes them a living. As a youth I was constantly reminded that the world does NOT owe anyone a living. Post WWII parents survived both the depression and a great world war, but for generations before them, life was even harder. They knew the value of a buck because they believed you should save for a rainy day, even if it meant they would have to do without.

All generations prior to the current one had been humbled by a difficult life and where survival was the first order of business. In America the common man had found success in providing for his basic needs with something left over to begin to enjoy life. Meanwhile, most of the rest of the world was still struggling just to survive under Socialism and other less than free economic societies. It is likely that this generation of American’s will need to be humbled once again before they will be able to find their way back and reaffirm the principles of Liberty that leads to prosperity.

It is truly time to loose the people once again in the American Spirit to lead the rest of the world to abundance. But the social mood is Anti-American even in America. Go figure. Many believe we’ve done “Too” well and somehow America’s wealth is ill-gotten and should be given back. To whom, I don’t understand. But it was the success of those before us who earned and deserved what was earned. That national fortune should not be squandered by the current generation. We’ll have to rethink the belief that we can always employ a teenager while they still know everything.

Something to think about.

Handling & Performance:

The smooth ride was unexpected as I looked at the sporty sleek stealth sharp edges and flat grey / black paint.

Styling:

Stealth bomber came to mind with the sharp edges and paint that is very unique. The flat grey black color gives it the look of a Stealth Fighter jet. Hyundai calls it Limited Edition Matte Gray paint. Very cool.

I’m not a fan of the third door on the passenger side and feel if there is a reason for the third, there is a reason for a fourth.

I also noted the view out of the back window is chopped up and distorted. All cars behind appear squatty like wide track cars. You get used to it, but one wonders if that is necessary.

The grill was initially a curiosity but as I looked at the car in total it is quite congruous when taken as a whole. In fact the Stealth look is enhanced as it resembles an intake for a jet engine on lots of fighters.

Fit and Finish:

Quite good.

Cost:

The base Veloster MSRP is $17,000 but the Turbo I tested is about $22,000.

Conveniences and comfort:

Veloster is a full featured smaller sedan and has a third door on the passenger side for rear seat exit on the curb side of the car. Good thought but I think there should be a forth on the other side. It’s kind of cutsie but not a good design in that it is inconvenient for the driver side rear passenger to slide over to exit on the passenger side.

Nice touch screen system for audio and Nav and rear view camera.

Consumer Recommendation:

Recognized Competition:

Hyundai Veloster $17,000, Acura TSX $30,000, Chevrolet Sonic $14,000, Ford Fiesta $13,000, Honda Civic $16,000, Mazda 2 $15,000, Mini Cooper $23,000, Scion FR-S $24,000 and Subaru BRZ $25,000.

Good News:

Smooth ride, powerful fast Turbo, priced well, and very good fuel economy, easy Bluetooth installation.

Bad News:

Distorted rear view.

Standard Equipment:

1.6 liter Turbo GDI 201 horsepower inline 4-cylinder engine, front wheel drive, 6-speed manual transmission, sport tuned suspension, electronic stability control, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with brake force distribution and brake assist, front side and side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitor, 18” allow wheels, fog lights, power side mirrors with turn signals, rear spoiler, air conditioning, Dimension Premium audio with Sirius, CD and MP3 and 8 speakers, iPod, USB and Auxillary jacks, Blue link, Bluetooth hands free, 7” Multimedia touch screen, smart key with push button start / stop, steering wheel mounted cruise, audio and phone controls, leather seating and steering wheel and shift knob, driver power seat with heated front seats.

Gas Stats:

$3.61/ Gal avg. October 12, 2012

www.fueleconomy.gov

For more information.

26 City and 38 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $22,000.

2013 Volvo S80 (941)

21-09-2012Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week Vince Bodiford, www.theweekenddrive.com and publisher for many of Sun Media’s newspapers is helping us take a look at the 2013 Volvo S80

It is an all-new flagship of the Volvo fleet.

Volvo cars are pretty high on my list of favorite cars, and at the top of the Volvo line is the S80, a premium luxury sedan that offers a smart combination of comfort, dynamic performance, high-tech infotainment and off-the-chart safety. The 2013 model is the all-new flagship of the Volvo fleet, and a solid consideration in the luxury segment. It’s big, safe and easy to drive. It delivers comfort to a level that no rival in the price range can match.

There’s a wide range of model choices, including the S80 3.2 and T6 AWD in base, Premier Plus and Platinum trims. The Platinum trim level includes features of Premier Plus while adding the Volvo Premium Sound System with Dolby Pro-Logic II Surround Sound, 12 premium speakers and 650-watts. Also included is a Navigation System with Voice Control and map care plus a rear park assist camera.

Two new features debut on the Technology Package, available on all S80 models. Active High Beam automatically switches the headlights to low beam when opposite traffic is detected. Road Sign Information displays traffic speed signs for the driver on the instrument cluster based on the Forward Looking Camera. The package also includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake, Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, Distance Alert, Driver Alert Control and Lane Departure Warning.

The Dynamic Package, offered for all T6 AWD trims, gains new 18-inch forged five-spoke alloy wheels in Silver Bright finish and a sport 3-spoke leather steering wheel. Additional package features include Sanded Silver inlays, dynamic sport seating, with a choice of Blonde or Off-Black leather, and a Sport Chassis for crisper response via a lower ride height, shorter and firmer springs, modified shock damping, firmer anti-roll bars and stiffer subframe bushings.

An Inscription Package (tested), available on all T6 AWD trims, raises the comfort bar. It includes a leather-covered dashboard, featuring elegant stitch work, in either Espresso Brown with Soft Beige stitching. Sovereign Hide soft leather seating has the “Inscription” brand embroidered onto the front and rear headrests. The package also includes ventilated front seats, Inscription doorsill plates and floor mats, Classic Walnut Wood steering wheel and a leather center armrest cover. Another package is the Executive model, which is more like a personal limousine.

Volvo’s reputation as a very safe vehicle is well-deserved. Standard S80 safety systems include City Safety, a world-first technology that made its debut on the Volvo XC60. City Safety is a driver support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions with a vehicle ahead occurring at speeds of 31 mph or less. It utilizes a closing velocity sensor to help determine whether a collision is likely. Depending on the closing speed, City Safety will either pre-charge the brakes or automatically brake the S80 to help avoid a rear-end collision or lessen its impact.

The S80 3.2’s naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine delivers 240-hp with ULEV II emissions rating or 230-hp with PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) rating. The T6 AWD’s 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine (tested) develops 300-hp and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. The T6 AWD is capable of 0-60 mph in just 6.3 seconds. The S80 T6 AWD is fitted with Volvo’s All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction for excellent grip on wet, slippery or completely dry roads.

All S80s are equipped with a six-speed “Geartronic” transmission that lets the driver select fully automatic operation or shift manually when desired. A new gearshift knob includes illuminated drive modes for added convenience. A Sport Mode makes its debut exclusively on T6 AWD models to further enhance the sporty driving character.

Pricing starts at $38,950 and ranging up to $46,800 (T6 AWD Inscription, tested). The S80 is covered by Volvo’s standard factory warranty. Rivals include the Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus ES-350, BMW 5-Series and others. For more information, see you local Volvo dealer or visit VolvoCars.com

Recognized Competition:

Volvo S80 $39,000, Acura RL $48,000, Audi A6 $42,000, BMW 5-series $43,000, Cadillac CTS $39,000, Cadillac XTS $44,000, Chrysler 300 $28,000, Hyundai Genesis $34,000, Infiniti M $48,000, Lexus GS $47,000, Lexus GS 450h $59,000, Lincoln MKS $43,000, Mercedes-Benz E-Class $56,000, Volkswagen Passat $33,000.

Gas Stats:

$4.03/ Gal avg. Sept. 20, 2012

www.fueleconomy.gov

For more information.

20 City and 29 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $38,950.

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