Archive for July, 2013

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC

Sunday, July 14th, 2013

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC

Overview


The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander will be redesigned for the 2014 model year. For 2013, Outlander GT gets heated side mirrors and heated front seats.

Safety Features

Safety Features

  • 4-wheel ABS
  • Front and rear head airbags
  • Dual front side-mounted airbags
  • Child seat anchors
  • Remote anti-theft alarm system
  • Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
  • Rear door child safety locks
  • Daytime running lights
  • Engine immobilizer
  • Front fog/driving lights
  • Auto delay off headlamps
  • Dusk sensing headlamps
  • Xenon high intensity discharge headlamp
  • 2 front headrests
  • 3 rear headrests
  • Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
  • Rear center 3-point belt
  • Front seatbelt pretensioners
  • Turn signal mirrors
  • Stability control
  • Traction control
  • Electronic brakeforce distribution
  • Front height adjustable headrests
  • Rear height adjustable headrests
  • Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
  • Driver head restraint whiplash protection system
  • Self-leveling headlights
  • Tire pressure monitoring

  • Accessory Rear Park Assist Sensors

Driving Impression

The driving dynamics and handling of the GT were a little disappointing for me. I found the steering too sensitive and a little on the sloppy side. I found the suspension was too harsh and I felt every bump in the road. The Outlander’s V6 was adequate in the acceleration department and the all-wheel-drive system keeps the car planted on loose road surfaces.

Under the Hood

The Mitsubishi Outlander GT has a 3.0-liter V6 230 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque and has a six-speed automatic transmission.

Outlander GT accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds and EPA fuel economy gets 19/25/21 mpg

Inside


Inside the interior is feels masculine and is nicely appointed with quality materials. The gauges and center stack were easily accessible. The navigation system has Bluetooth and is easy to access. The heated leather seats were very comfortable and the rear seats are adequate for 2 adults (3 in the rear seat is pushing the limits) With the rear seat down you have a whopping 72.6 cubic feet of cargo space. !

Features in the GT:
Front Seats

  • Multi-level heating passenger seat
  • Multi-level heating driver seat
  • Height adjustable driver seat
  • Leather/cloth
  • Bucket front seats

Rear Seats

  • Split-folding rear seatback
  • Reclining rear seats
  • Folding with storage center armrest
  • Manual folding bench third row seats
  • Rear ventilation ducts

Power Features

  • Remote power door locks
  • Power mirrors
  • Heated mirrors
  • 1 one-touch power windows

Instrumentation

  • Clock
  • Tachometer
  • Trip computer
  • External temperature display
  • Low fuel level warning

Convenience

  • Cruise control
  • Front console with storage
  • Front and rear cupholders
  • Front door pockets
  • Retained accessory power
  • Front seatback storage
  • Speed-proportional power steering
  • 12V front and 12V cargo area power outlet(s)
  • Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
  • Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel

Comfort

  • Interior air filtration
  • Climate control
  • Cargo area light
  • Front and rear reading lights
  • Leather trim on shift knob
  • Leather and simulated alloy steering wheel
  • Front and rear floor mats
  • Turn signal in mirrors
  • Dual illuminating vanity mirrors

In Car Entertainment

  • Mast antenna
  • 6 total speakers
  • 140 watts stereo output
  • AM/FM in-dash 6 CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo
  • Sirius XM satellite radio
  • Speed sensitive volume control
  • 3 Months of provided satellite radio service
  • USB connection

Telematics

  • Pre-wired for phone
  • Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone

Outside

The Outlander GT has an aggressive front grille, which highlights it’s front end. The Outlander has muscular wheel wells and a unique rear quarter glass that gives this CUV a sporty stance. It also has a rear tailgate that splits. The configuration of the tailgate is 70/30 and the lower half is a real tailgate.

Summary

The Mitsubishi Outlander GT is being redesigned for 2014 and I would definitely look at the new model line up that will be in showrooms.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

WIDTH 5 ft. 10.9 in. (70.9 in.)

HEIGHT 5 ft. 6.1 in. (66.1 in.)

LENGTH 15 ft. 3.7 in. (183.7 in.)

GROUND CLEARANCE 0 ft. 8.5 in. (8.5 in.)

FRONT TRACK 5 ft. 0.6 in. (60.6 in.)

REAR TRACK 5 ft. 0.6 in. (60.6 in.)

WHEEL BASE 8 ft. 9.1 in. (105.1 in.)

Interior Measurements

FRONT HEAD ROOM 40.3 in.

FRONT HIP ROOM 52.2 in.

FRONT LEG ROOM 41.6 in.

FRONT SHOULDER ROOM 56.4 in.

REAR HIP ROOM 51.9 in.

REAR HEAD ROOM 38.3 in.

REAR LEG ROOM 36.8 in.

REAR SHOULDER ROOM 56.1 in.

Weights and Capacities

MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY** 3500 lbs.

EPA INTERIOR VOLUME 136 cu.ft.

CURB WEIGHT 3626 lbs.

CARGO CAPACITY, ALL SEATS IN PLACE 14.9 cu.ft.

MAXIMUM CARGO CAPACITY 72.6 cu.ft.

Engine & Performance

BASE ENGINE SIZE 3.0 L

CAM TYPE Single overhead cam (SOHC)

CYLINDERS V6

VALVES 24

VALVE TIMING Variable

TORQUE 215 ft-lbs. @ 3750 rpm

HORSEPOWER 230 hp @ 6250 rpm

TURNING CIRCLE 34.8 ft.

Suspension

  • MacPherson strut front suspension
  • Multi-link rear suspension
  • Four-wheel independent suspension
  • Front and rear stabilizer bar

Warranty

BASIC 5 yr./ 60000 mi.

DRIVETRAIN 10 yr./ 100000 mi.

RUST 7 yr./ 100000 mi.

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC

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2014 Kia Sorento SX AWD

Monday, July 8th, 2013

2014 Kia Sorento SX AWD

Overview

The 2014 Kia Sorento has just been tweaked for the new model year with an upgraded engine, new chassis, new styling, and some tweaks in the performance department.



Safety Features

Safety Features

  • 4-wheel ABS
  • Front and rear head airbags
  • Dual front side-mounted airbags
  • Child seat anchors
  • Remote anti-theft alarm system
  • Emergency braking assist
  • Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
  • Rear door child safety locks
  • Daytime running lights
  • Engine immobilizer
  • Front fog/driving lights
  • Auto delay off headlamps
  • Dusk sensing headlamps
  • 2 front headrests
  • 3 rear headrests
  • Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
  • Rear center 3-point belt
  • Front seatbelt pretensioners
  • Turn signal mirrors
  • Stability control
  • Traction control
  • Electronic brakeforce distribution
  • Front height adjustable headrests
  • Rear height adjustable headrests
  • Post-collision safety system
  • Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
  • Driver head restraint whiplash protection system
  • Tire pressure monitoring

  • Emergency Service*
  • Airbag Deployment Notification*

Driving Impression

The 2014 Sorento’s is superior to the 2013 counterpart in the acceleration department, The steering was very responsive, and you definitely have a real feel for the road.

You feel like you’re the king of the road as this mid size CUV which sits high.

Overall driving experience was defiantly a positive.

Under the Hood

The new 3.3-liter 24-valve DOHC V-6 with 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque replaces a 276-hp 3.5-liter V-6. The new 3.3-liter can accelerate the Sorento from 0 to 60 in 7.0 seconds. The six-speed transmission works perfectly with the new 3.3 drive train. The EPA rating is 18-mpg city and 24 highway.

Inside

The 2014 Sorento uses many upscale features and materials. The SX model had driver’s memory seat, heated and cooled front seats and a touch screen for the Navigation system.

The dash is functional, contemporary and laid out very well for driver use.

The SX has a power litigate, which makes putting groceries in the cargo area a snap. You can adjust the opening height by simply changing the programming. Other standard SX trim items including second-row sunshades, dual cooling and heated front seats, 115-volt power invertor, backup camera, push-button start, dual climate control, and blind spot detection system

Below is a complete list of features on the SX:


Front Seats

  • Multi-level heating passenger seat
  • 4 -way power passenger seat
  • 8 -way power driver seat
  • Multi-level heating driver seat
  • Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
  • Height adjustable driver seat
  • Leather
  • Bucket front seats

Rear Seats

  • Split-folding rear seatback
  • Reclining rear seats
  • Folding with storage center armrest
  • Rear ventilation ducts

Power Features

  • Remote power door locks
  • Power mirrors
  • Heated mirrors
  • 1 one-touch power windows

Instrumentation

  • Clock
  • Tachometer
  • Trip computer
  • External temperature display
  • Low fuel level warning
  • Compass

Convenience

  • Cruise control
  • Front console with storage
  • Front and rear cupholders
  • Front and rear door pockets
  • Overhead console with storage
  • Retained accessory power
  • Front seatback storage
  • Electric power steering
  • Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
  • 12V front and 12V rear power outlet(s)
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
  • Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
  • Rear view camera

  • Roadside Assistance*
  • Destination guidance (also Turn-by-Turn Navigation)*
  • Destination Download*

Comfort

  • Interior air filtration
  • Three zone climate control
  • Cargo area light
  • Simulated wood trim on dash
  • Simulated wood trim on doors
  • Front and rear reading lights
  • Leather trim on shift knob
  • Leather steering wheel
  • Front and rear floor mats
  • Turn signal in mirrors
  • Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
  • Dual illuminating vanity mirrors

In Car Entertainment

  • Mast antenna
  • Infinity premium brand speakers
  • 10 total speakers
  • 550 watts stereo output
  • AM/FM in-dash single CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo
  • SiriusXM w/NavTraffic satellite radio
  • Auxiliary audio input and iPod integration
  • 3 Months of provided satellite radio service
  • USB connection

Telematics

  • Hard drive based display w/voice activation and directions navigation system
  • Pre-wired for phone
  • Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone
  • Real time traffic





Outside

The 2014 Sorento has a new front clip, which has a wider lower valance with fog lights. The front of the Sorento grille has an anodized mesh, halogen projector headlights and LED auxiliary lamps. The rear of the Sorento has been updated with LED taillights. New 19-inch silver alloys, which highlight the 235/55R-19 all-season tires.



Summary

The Kia Sorento is a good value in the crowded CUV market. My test drive was the SX AWD with a MSRP of $37,650.00, which had luxury features for thousands less than its competitors.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

WIDTH 6 ft. 2.2 in. (74.2 in.)

HEIGHT 5 ft. 7.5 in. (67.5 in.)

LENGTH 15 ft. 4.4 in. (184.4 in.)

GROUND CLEARANCE 0 ft. 7.3 in. (7.3 in.)

FRONT TRACK 5 ft. 3.8 in. (63.8 in.)

REAR TRACK 5 ft. 3.7 in. (63.7 in.)

WHEEL BASE 8 ft. 10.3 in. (106.3 in.)

Interior Measurements

FRONT HEAD ROOM 39.2 in.

FRONT HIP ROOM 56.3 in.

FRONT LEG ROOM 41.3 in.

FRONT SHOULDER ROOM 59.3 in.

REAR HIP ROOM 55.9 in.

REAR HEAD ROOM 39.2 in.

REAR LEG ROOM 38.8 in.

REAR SHOULDER ROOM 58.7 in

Weights and Capacities

MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY** 3500 lbs.

EPA INTERIOR VOLUME 144.1 cu.ft.

GROSS WEIGHT 5182 lbs.

CURB WEIGHT 3894 lbs.

ANGLE OF APPROACH 18.9 degrees

ANGLE OF DEPARTURE 22.2 degrees

CARGO CAPACITY, ALL SEATS IN PLACE 36.9 cu.ft.

MAXIMUM CARGO CAPACITY 72.5 cu.ft.

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2014 Mazda6 Grand Touring

Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013

2014 Mazda6 Grand Touring

Overview

The all-new 2014 Mazda6 is an automotive masterpiece and a continuation of Mazda’s new styling. The stylish sedan is an extension of Mazda’s CX5 design and compliments the balance of Mazda’s current line up of vehicles.

Safety Features

  • 4-wheel ABS
  • Front and rear head airbags
  • Dual front side-mounted airbags
  • Child seat anchors
  • Remote anti-theft alarm system
  • Emergency braking assist
  • Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
  • Rear door child safety locks
  • Cornering lights
  • Daytime running lights
  • Engine immobilizer
  • Front fog/driving lights
  • Auto delay off headlamps
  • Dusk sensing headlamps
  • Xenon high intensity discharge headlamp
  • 2 front headrests
  • 3 rear headrests
  • Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
  • Rear center 3-point belt
  • Front seatbelt pretensioners
  • Turn signal mirrors
  • Stability control
  • Traction control
  • Electronic brakeforce distribution
  • Emergency interior trunk release
  • Front height adjustable headrests
  • Post-collision safety system
  • Pre-collision safety system
  • Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
  • Emergency braking preparation
  • Driver head restraint whiplash protection system
  • Adaptive headlights
  • Self-leveling headlights
  • Tire pressure monitoring

  • Rear Parking Sensors

Driving Impression

The Mazda6 is a great sedan that handles well both in the city & the highway. The Mazda6 is fun to drive and has plenty of passing power on the highway. The Skyactiv-G engine is complimented by the Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. The EPA Fuel economy estimates stand at 26-mpg city/38 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined. The Mada6 definitely has the Zoom-Zoom.

Under the Hood

The 2014 Mazda Mazda6’s i Grand Touring’s is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder Skyactiv-G engine, which output is 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. The new 2.5-liter has about 14 more horsepower & 20 more pound-feet of torque than the outgoing model.

Inside

The all-new Mazda6 interior is well laid out and the seats are excellent for support and comfort. The instrumentation is well laid out and the center stack has all the controls at your fingertips and is easily accessed. The Mazda6 driver can make use of the control knob on the center console to make onscreen selections.

The interior material used is high quality. The interior space is ample for 5 adults and there is a ton of cargo space in the trunk. The Mazda6 Grand Touring trim level comes fully loaded with the following:

· Power windows with driver’s one-touch-down/up feature

· Power door locks

· Cruise control

· Push button start

· Tilt and telescopic steering wheel

· 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback

· Carpet floor mats

· Dual-zone automatic climate control

· Steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls

· Rearview camera

· Commander Switch

· Rear seat heat and A/C vents

· Blind Spot Monitoring System

· Rear Cross Traffic Alert

· Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming

· 5.8″ full-color touch-screen display

· HD Radio

· Pandora Internet radio

· SMS text message audio delivery and reply

· Carpet floor mats

· Power sliding glass moonroof

· 19″ alloy wheels with premium finish

· Rear lip spoiler

· Bi-Xenon headlights

· LED daytime running lights

· Auto on/off headlights

· Auto-dimming driver’s side mirror

· Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters

· Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry with push-button start

· Tom Tom Navigation system with real-time traffic updates

· Heated front seats

· Leather-trimmed seats

· 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar adjustment and memory settings

· 4-way power-adjustable passenger’s seat

· Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound Audio System with 11 speakers (including subwoofer)

· SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 4-month trial subscription to the Sirius Select Package

Outside

The all-new 2014 Mazda6’s highlights the Mazda Kodo design language and has an aggressive fascia. The Mazda6 front fenders have a masculine bulge, and new front grill comes directly from the CX-5. The Mazda6 is the first Mazda to incorporate LEDs and a halo ring into the headlights.

Summary

The Mazda6 is a great midsize sedan, that is loaded with features, “fun to drive”, affordable and worth taking a test-drive in. The styling is contemporary and is recognizable as being part of the all-new Mazda styling.




Specifications

Exterior Measurements

WIDTH 6 ft. 0.4 in. (72.4 in.)

HEIGHT 4 ft. 9.1 in. (57.1 in.)

LENGTH 15 ft. 11.5 in. (191.5 in.)

GROUND CLEARANCE 0 ft. 6.7 in. (6.7 in.)

FRONT TRACK 5 ft. 2.8 in. (62.8 in.)

REAR TRACK 5 ft. 2.4 in. (62.4 in.)

WHEEL BASE 9 ft. 3.4 in. (111.4 in.)

Interior Measurements

FRONT HEAD ROOM 37.4 in.

FRONT HIP ROOM 56.1 in.

FRONT LEG ROOM 42.2 in.

FRONT SHOULDER ROOM 57.1 in.

REAR HIP ROOM 56.1 in.

REAR HEAD ROOM 37.1 in.

REAR LEG ROOM 38.7 in.

REAR SHOULDER ROOM 55.5 in.

Weights and Capacities

MAXIMUM PAYLOAD** 996 lbs.

EPA INTERIOR VOLUME 114.5 cu.ft.

GROSS WEIGHT 4228 lbs.

DRAG COEFFICIENT 0.26 Cd

CURB WEIGHT 3232 lbs.

CARGO CAPACITY, ALL SEATS IN PLACE 14.8 cu.ft.

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