Archive for November, 2013

2013 Toyota Highlander Limited

Monday, November 25th, 2013

2013_toyota_highlander_picture (2)2013_toyota_highlander_picture (3)USC10TOS162A01350

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013 Toyota Highlander Limited

 

 

Overview

 

For 2013 Toyota Highlander has added more standard features to its list of amenities to make it more appealing to tits customers base.

 

 

 Safety

 

 

 

Safety Features

 

  • 4-wheel ABS
  • Front, rear and third row 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
  • Stability control
  • Traction control
  • Electronic brakeforce distribution
  • Front multi-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

 

 

 

  • First Aid Kit
  • VIP Glass Breakage Sensor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Driving Impression

 

 

 

The Highlander’s steering was responsive, but does not give you a true sense of a feel for the road. Body roll is minimal and power is surprisingly adequate for this vehicle

 

 

 

Under the Hood

 

 

 

The Highlander comes with a 3.5 liter 270 horsepower/248 lb.feet of torque V6 and is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission.  Power is adequate for this vehicle.

 

EPA rating for the 3.5 liter V6 is 18-city/24 highway. The tow capacity for the Highlander is 5,000 lb.

 

 

 

 

 

Inside

 

The interior uses quality materials and is nicely laid out. The amenities are endless as listed below. Cargo space is endless with 10.3 cubic feet behind all the seats followed by 42.3 cubic feet behind the 2nd row and a whopping 95.4 cubic behind the front seat.

 

Listed below are the standard features on the 2013 Highlander Limited AWD

 

Front Seats

 

  • Multi-level heating passenger seat
  • 4 -way power passenger seat
  • 10 -way power driver seat
  • Multi-level heating driver seat
  • Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
  • Height adjustable driver seat
  • Premium leather
  • 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
  • Compass

 

Convenience

 

  • Cruise control
  • Front console with storage
  • Front, rear and 3rd row 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 cargo area power outlet(s)
  • Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
  • Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
  • Rear view camera

 

Comfort

 

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

 

In Car Entertainment

 

  • Element antenna
  • JBL premium brand stereo system
  • JBL premium brand speakers
  • 9 total speakers
  • 440 watts stereo output
  • AM/FM in-dash single CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo
  • SiriusXM w/NavTraffic satellite radio
  • Adjustable speed sensitive volume control
  • Auxiliary audio input and iPod integration
  • 1 subwoofer(s)
  • 3 Months of provided satellite radio service
  • USB connection

 

Telematics

 

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

 

 

 

 

Outside

 

 

 

The Highlander’s overall design is fairly conservative and not ground breaking. It’s a nice looking vehicle with a understated look.

 

Summary

 

The 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited is a great vehicle for car pooling and going to PTA meetings. The Highlander is very versatile and worth taking a trip to your local Toyota store if you are in the market for a CUV!

 

 

 

Specifications

 

Exterior Measurements

 

WIDTH 6 ft. 3.2 in. (75.2 in.)

HEIGHT 5 ft. 9.3 in. (69.3 in.)

LENGTH 15 ft. 8.4 in. (188.4 in.)

GROUND CLEARANCE 0 ft. 8 in. (8 in.)

FRONT TRACK 5 ft. 4 in. (64 in.)

REAR TRACK 5 ft. 4 in. (64 in.)

WHEEL BASE 9 ft. 1.8 in. (109.8 in.)

 

Interior Measurements

 

FRONT HEAD ROOM 39.7 in.

FRONT HIP ROOM 56.7 in.

FRONT LEG ROOM 43.2 in.

FRONT SHOULDER ROOM 59.7 in.

REAR HIP ROOM 56.5 in.

REAR HEAD ROOM 40.1 in.

REAR LEG ROOM 38.3 in.

REAR SHOULDER ROOM 59.5 in

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited

2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR

Sunday, November 17th, 2013

2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR

Overview

New for 2014
The Lancer Evolution gains a 6.1-inch touch-screen stereo with HD Radio and satellite radio. Styling is a repeat of 2013.

Safety

Safety Features

  • 4-wheel ABS
  • Front and rear head airbags
  • Dual front side-mounted airbags
  • Child seat anchors
  • Remote anti-theft alarm system
  • Front and rear ventilated disc brakes
  • Rear door child safety locks
  • Daytime running lights
  • Engine immobilizer
  • Front fog/driving lights
  • Auto delay off headlamps
  • 2 front headrests
  • 3 rear headrests
  • Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
  • Rear center 3-point belt
  • Front seatbelt pretensioners
  • Stability control
  • Traction control
  • Electronic brakeforce distribution
  • Emergency interior trunk release
  • Front integrated headrests
  • Rear height adjustable headrests
  • Tire pressure monitoring

  • Accessory Rear Park Assist Sensors

Driving Impression

Adrenaline rush are the words to come to mind when driving the Lancer Evolution GSR. This car can snap your neck with its quick acceleration and the handling is superb.

This Mitsubishi is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, which produces 291 horsepower.

The Evolution GSR is one of quickest sedans in its class.

Under the Hood

The gas mileage is not one of the strengths of this vehicle with mileage overall 20 MPG (17 city / 23 highway). The Lancer Evolution is powered by a 291-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and is all-wheel drive. The GSR has a five-speed manual transmission.

Inside

This Lancer comes with Recaro front bucket seats, stereo with a USB port and Bluetooth streaming audio, steering-wheel audio controls, and automatic climate control. Standard Feature are as follows:

Rear Seats

  • Folding with storage center armrest
  • Rear ventilation ducts

Power Features

  • Remote power door locks
  • Power 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 and rear door pockets
  • Remote trunk release
  • Retained accessory power
  • Power steering
  • 12V front power outlet(s)
  • Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
  • Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel

Comfort

  • Interior air filtration
  • Climate control
  • Trunk light
  • Front reading lights
  • Leather trim on shift knob
  • Leather and alloy steering wheel
  • Front and rear floor mats
  • Dual vanity mirrors

In Car Entertainment

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

Telematics

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

Outside

The aggressive GSR has a very sporty and aggressive look, which features a grille with a dark mesh insert; The GSR features 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and aluminum hood, fenders, bumpers, and a large spoiler. The Lancer is really due for a redesign and hopefully this will happen in the near future.

Summary

If you are looking for a performance sedan you should definitely take a test drive in the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

WIDTH 5 ft. 11.3 in. (71.3 in.)

HEIGHT 4 ft. 10.3 in. (58.3 in.)

LENGTH 14 ft. 9 in. (177 in.)

GROUND CLEARANCE 0 ft. 5.5 in. (5.5 in.)

FRONT TRACK 5 ft. 0.8 in. (60.8 in.)

REAR TRACK 5 ft. 0.8 in. (60.8 in.)

WHEEL BASE 8 ft. 8.3 in. (104.3 in.)

Interior Measurements

FRONT HEAD ROOM 40.6 in.

FRONT HIP ROOM 53.3 in.

FRONT LEG ROOM 42.5 in.

FRONT SHOULDER ROOM 54.7 in.

REAR HIP ROOM 54.1 in.

REAR HEAD ROOM 36.9 in.

REAR LEG ROOM 33.3 in.

REAR SHOULDER ROOM 54.3 in

·

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR

2013 Toyota Yaris LE 3-Door Liftback

Sunday, November 10th, 2013

2013 Toyota Yaris LE 3-Door Liftback

Overview

The 2013 Toyota Yaris is great basic transportation, which has excellent fuel economy. The Yaris is reliable transportation and a great commuter vehicle.

Safety

  • 4-wheel ABS
  • Front and rear head airbags
  • Dual front side-mounted airbags
  • Child seat anchors
  • Emergency braking assist
  • Ventilated front disc / rear drum brakes
  • 2 front headrests
  • 3 rear headrests
  • Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
  • Rear center 3-point belt
  • Front seatbelt pretensioners
  • 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
  • Tire pressure monitoring

Driving Impression

The Yaris handles well at any speed and the steering is very responsive. The brakes were very responsive for fast or normal driving.

Under the Hood

This Yaris is equipped with a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine, which delivers 106 horsepower. The Yaris gets great fuel economy with the four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy (CTY/HWY) 30/36 mpg

Inside

The Yaris’ interior is basic and the instrumentation is very easy to read and use. The seats are high-mounted and give you a great view of the road. There is ample room in the back seat for 2 adults. The materials used in the interior are not rich, but are adequate for this sub compact.

The 3- door hatchback is very versatile with the split-folding rear seat and gives you a ton of cargo space.

Standard Features:

Front Seats

  • Height adjustable driver seat
  • Cloth
  • Bucket front seats

Rear Seats

  • Split-folding rear seatback

Power Features

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

Instrumentation

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

Convenience

  • Cruise control
  • Front and rear cup holders
  • Front door pockets
  • Front seatback storage
  • Electric power steering
  • 12V front power outlet(s)
  • Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
  • Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel

Comfort

  • Interior air filtration
  • Air conditioning
  • Cargo area light
  • Simulated alloy trim on dash
  • Front reading lights
  • Simulated alloy steering wheel
  • Dual vanity mirrors

In Car Entertainment

  • Mast antenna
  • 6 total speakers
  • AM/FM in-dash single CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo
  • Adjustable speed sensitive volume control
  • Auxiliary audio input and iPod integration
  • USB connection

·

Outside

Styling is definitely not jaw dropping, but the Yaris has a flare on the sporty side. The Yaris is brawny looking with air dams, and unique wheels,

Summary

If you are in the market for basic transportation for a commuter vehicle or a safe vehicle for your children it is worth a trip to your Toyota store for a test drive of the Yaris.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

WIDTH 5 ft. 6.7 in. (66.7 in.)

HEIGHT 4 ft. 11.4 in. (59.4 in.)

LENGTH 12 ft. 9.5 in. (153.5 in.)

GROUND CLEARANCE 0 ft. 5.5 in. (5.5 in.)

FRONT TRACK 4 ft. 10.5 in. (58.5 in.)

REAR TRACK 4 ft. 9.9 in. (57.9 in.)

WHEEL BASE 8 ft. 2.8 in. (98.8 in.)

Interior Measurements

FRONT HEAD ROOM 39.3 in.

FRONT HIP ROOM 50.0 in.

FRONT LEG ROOM 40.6 in.

FRONT SHOULDER ROOM 52.5 in.

REAR HIP ROOM 49.8 in.

REAR HEAD ROOM 37.6 in.

REAR LEG ROOM 33.3 in.

REAR SHOULDER ROOM 51.8 in.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on 2013 Toyota Yaris LE 3-Door Liftback