Jerry Robbin

2015 Lexus NX 200t F Sport

 

Overview

The exceptional 2015 Lexus NX 200t.F Sport is as exciting on the outside as it is on the inside. The NX has a distinctive look that brings excitement to the Lexus lineup of vehicles.

 

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	Turn signal mirrors
Stability control	Traction control
Post-collision safety system	Tire pressure monitoring

 

Emergency Service*	Airbag Deployment Notification*
Stolen Vehicle Tracking/Assistance*

 

Intuitive Parking Assist	Pre-Collision System w/Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Blind Spot Monitor w/Auto Dimming, Reverse Tilt, Heated and Memory Mirrors	Lane Departure Alert System w/Steering Assist

 

Driving Impression

 

Driving the 2015 Lexus NX 200t is a pleasant surprise with its superb handling both on the road and in the city. The ride is firm, the steering is responsive and the body motion is very controlled when driving around turns. The F Sport has a tuned suspension, paddle shifters, and has a mellow sound via Active Sound Control that pumps artificial engine noise into the cabin.

 

Under the Hood

 

A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque powers the NX 200t. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard. My test drive had AWD and hugged the road in any weather condition.

Engine & Performance

BASE ENGINE SIZE 2.0 L	CAM TYPE Double overhead cam (DOHC)
CYLINDERS Inline 4	VALVES 16
VALVE TIMING Variable	TORQUE 258 ft-lbs. @ 1650 rpm
HORSEPOWER 235 hp @ 4800 rpm

 

Inside

The NX’s interior is dynamic with the use of an array of high quality materials. The interior is totally modern and unique compared to any of its competitors. The workmanship is high end, with materials that look and feel rich. Every detail has been thought of from the contrast stitching, wood trim and an analog clock to make the NX a first class vehicle.

Rear passengers have plenty of room but cargo space is tight. The NX’ has 54.6 cubic feet of total volume and just 17.7 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats.

Below is a list of all the creature features that came on my test drive.

Interior Features

Standard seating shown. Other seating may be available as optional equipment.

Front Seats

8 -way power passenger seat	8 -way power driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support	Height adjustable driver seat
Height adjustable passenger seat	Leatherette
Bucket front seats

Rear Seats

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

Power Features

Hands-free entry

4 one-touch power windows

Instrumentation

Clock	Tachometer
Trip computer	External temperature display

Convenience

Cruise control	Front and rear cupholders
Front and rear door pockets	Electric power steering
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel	Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
Rear view camera

 

Roadside Assistance*

Destination Download*

Comfort

Interior air filtration	Dual zone climate controls – driver and passenger
Leather steering wheel	Turn signal in mirrors
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors

In Car Entertainment

8 total speakers	AM/FM stereo
Satellite radio satellite radio	USB with external media control
3 Months of provided satellite radio service

Telematics

Enform telecommunications service

Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone

 

Outside

The NX has a very unique exterior with the current Lexus signature features. On the front is the familiar Spindle Grill, which is part of current Lexus DNA.

Highlighting the NX are the unique LED daytime running lights featured on the front end and the ultra modern rear taillights highlight the rear end of this unique CUV

 

Summary

The NX is a unique CUV and has many attributes that are worth going to see at your local Lexus dealer. So why not go today for a test drive so you can see for yourself.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

WIDTH 6 ft. 1.6 in. (73.6 in.)	HEIGHT 5 ft. 4.8 in. (64.8 in.)
LENGTH 15 ft. 2.3 in. (182.3 in.)	WHEEL BASE 8 ft. 8.7 in. (104.7 in.)

Interior Measurements

FRONT HEAD ROOM 38.2 in.	FRONT HIP ROOM 55.1 in.
FRONT LEG ROOM 42.8 in.	FRONT SHOULDER ROOM 57.3 in.
REAR HIP ROOM 53.9 in.	REAR HEAD ROOM 38.1 in.
REAR LEG ROOM 36.1 in.	REAR SHOULDER ROOM 55.3 in.

2015 Toyota Camry XLE V6

 

Overview

 

The 2015 Toyota Camry has the same under pinning’s as the 2012-2014 models. The 2015 Camry now features some new sheet metal and an updated interior. The Camry is better handling then its predecessor.

 

Safety Features

Safety Features

4-wheel ABS	Front and rear head airbags
Dual front and dual rear 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
Auto delay off headlamps	Dusk sensing headlamps
LED headlamp	2 front headrests
3 rear headrests	Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Rear center 3-point belt	Stability control
Traction control	Rear height adjustable headrests
Tire pressure monitoring

 

Emergency Assistance Kit	First Aid Kit
TOYOGUARD Select	TOYOGUARD Plus
TOYOGUARD Select	TOYOGUARD Elite
TOYOGUARD Elite	Glass Breakage Sensor
Blind Spot Monitor w/Rear Cross-Traffic Alert	Safety Connect
VIP Security System

 

 

Driving Impression

 

The 2015 Camry XLE has revised steering, braking and suspension from previous models. The Camry has a more responsive feel and handling on the road. The V6 is very responsive and has respectable gas mileage of 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

 

 

Under the Hood

The 2015 Camry XLE has a potent V6 that is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Below are the specifications on the V6.

Engine

BASE ENGINE SIZE 3.5 L	CAM TYPE Double overhead cam (DOHC)
CYLINDERS V6	VALVES 24
VALVE TIMING Variable	TORQUE 248 ft-lbs. @ 4700 rpm
HORSEPOWER 268 hp @ 6200 rpm	TURNING CIRCLE 36.7 ft.

 

Inside

 

The interior of the 2015 Toyota Camry uses upgraded materials, new interior design and has new technologies. The new Camry feels more contemporary than its predecessor.

Below is a list of the amenities that were on my XLE.

Interior Features

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	Folding with storage center armrest
Rear ventilation ducts

Power Features

Hands-free entry

2 one-touch power windows

Instrumentation

Clock	Tachometer
Trip computer	External temperature display
Compass

Convenience

Cruise control	Front and rear cupholders
Front and rear door pockets	Overhead console with storage
Front seatback storage	Electric power steering
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)	Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel	Rear view camera

Comfort

Interior air filtration	Dual zone climate controls – driver and passenger
Leather and simulated alloy steering wheel	Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors

In Car Entertainment

6 total speakers	AM/FM stereo
Satellite radio w/real time traffic satellite radio	Speed sensitive volume control
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control	3 Months of provided satellite radio service
USB connection

Telematics

Navigation with voice activation navigation system	Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone
Real time traffic

 

Outside

 

The 2015 Camry has a bold front end and a nicely detailed rear end. The new look makes a styling statement and stands out from other cars in the segment.

Summary

The 2015 Camry XLE is definitely worth a test drive if you are in the market for a family sedan. So go to your local Toyota dealer for a test drive.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

WIDTH 5 ft. 11.7 in. (71.7 in.)	HEIGHT 4 ft. 9.9 in. (57.9 in.)
LENGTH 15 ft. 10.9 in. (190.9 in.)	WHEEL BASE 9 ft. 1.3 in. (109.3 in.)

Interior Measurements

FRONT HEAD ROOM 37.9 in.	FRONT HIP ROOM 54.5 in.
FRONT LEG ROOM 41.6 in.	FRONT SHOULDER ROOM 58.0 in.
REAR HIP ROOM 54.5 in.	REAR HEAD ROOM 38.0 in.
REAR LEG ROOM 38.9 in.	REAR SHOULDER ROOM 56.6 in.

 

 

2015 Kia Soul EV

Overview

The 2015 Soul has created a EV version, which has a very impressive driving range. In my drive report I will let you know if the estimated driving range of 93 miles is reality.

Safety Features

Safety Features

4-wheel ABS	Front and rear head airbags
Dual front side-mounted airbags	Child seat anchors
Emergency braking assist	Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks	Daytime running lights
Engine immobilizer	Auto delay off headlamps
Dusk sensing headlamps	2 front headrests
3 rear headrests	Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Rear center 3-point belt	Turn signal mirrors
Stability control	Traction control
Rear height adjustable headrests	Tire pressure monitoring

 

Emergency Service*

Airbag Deployment Notification*

 

Driving Impression

The Soul EV handles very well on the highway and has excellent pick for an EV. When taking turns you feel like the wheels are glued to the road and the maneuverability is exceptional.

Driving the Soul EV is exceptionally quiet and peaceful experience. There is absolutely no whining noise during acceleration.
The Soul EV has two drive modes: D for drive and B for more aggressive regenerative braking.

 

Under the Hood

• 109 HP
• 210 Pound-feet of torque
• 27 kWh lithium polymer battery pack
• Target range of more than 120 miles (expect 90 or so for an official EPA rating)
• Recharge in under 5 hours on 240 volt or in 25 minutes via quick charge (likely CHAdeMO, though Kia doesn’t specifically mention this)
• 0 to 62 MPH in less than 12 seconds
• Top speed of 90 MPH

 

Inside

 

The interior of the Soul EV is well laid out with a gauge cluster highlighted with an estimated-range meter, a battery-charge percentage meter, a speedometer, and a reconfigurable display in the middle. The seats are comfortable and supportive. A host of amenities were included on my test drive, which are listed below.

Interior Features

Front Seats

Multi-level heating passenger seat	Multi-level heating driver seat
Height adjustable driver seat	Cloth
Bucket front seats

Rear Seats

Split-folding rear seatback

Power Features

Hands-free entry

1 one-touch power windows

Instrumentation

Clock	Trip computer
External temperature display	Compass

Convenience

Cruise control	Front cupholders
Front and rear door pockets	Front seatback storage
Electric power steering	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	Climate control
Leather steering wheel	Heated steering wheel
Turn signal in mirrors	Dual illuminating vanity mirrors

In Car Entertainment

6 total speakers	AM/FM stereo
Satellite radio satellite radio	Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
3 Months of provided satellite radio service	USB connection

Telematics

Navigation with voice activation navigation system	UVO eServices telecommunications service
Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone	Real time traffic

 

Outside

 

Outside the Soul EV looks just like the standard Soul. The grill has been redesigned and is now used as the cover for the charging ports. Other changes include new alloy wheels, different badges and some unique color options.

 

Summary

The Soul EV is an environmentally friendly vehicle that has a lot going for it. The driving range and performance make the Soul EV a class leader. If you are in the market for an EV you should got to your local Kia dealer for a test drive.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

WIDTH 5 ft. 10.9 in. (70.9 in.)	HEIGHT 5 ft. 3 in. (63 in.)
LENGTH 13 ft. 7 in. (163 in.)	GROUND CLEARANCE 0 ft. 6.3 in. (6.3 in.)
WHEEL BASE 8 ft. 5.2 in. (101.2 in.)

Interior Measurements

FRONT HEAD ROOM 39.6 in.	FRONT HIP ROOM 53.2 in.
FRONT LEG ROOM 40.9 in.	FRONT SHOULDER ROOM 55.5 in.
REAR HIP ROOM 49.3 in.	REAR HEAD ROOM 39.5 in.
REAR LEG ROOM 36.0 in.	REAR SHOULDER ROOM 54.7 in.

2015 Mazda3 Touring 4-Door

 

Overview

 

The styling of the 2015 Mazda 3 Touring 4-door is unique for the compact car segment. The Mazda 3 ride and handling makes it a class leader for this  vehicle.

 

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	Dusk sensing headlamps
Xenon high intensity discharge headlamp	2 front headrests
3 rear headrest s	Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Rear center 3-point belt	Turn signal mirrors
Stability control	Traction control
Emergency interior trunk release	Rear height adjustable headrests
Post-collision safety system	Adaptive headlights
Self-leveling headlights	Tire pressure monitoring

 

Rear Parking Sensors

 

Driving Impression
The Mazda 3 has superb cornering and handling on the road. The Mazda 3 suspension is stiff, but gives the car a sports car feel.

The Mazda 3 is fun to drive and with the excellent gas mileage as a bonus when taking long road trips.

 

 

Under the Hood

 

Mazda 3 has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. My test drive had the six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5-liter engine has excellent fuel economy 28-city/39 highway for an average of 32MPG.

Engine & Performance

BASE ENGINE SIZE 2.5 L	CAM TYPE Double overhead cam (DOHC)
CYLINDERS Inline 4	VALVES 16
VALVE TIMING Variable	TORQUE 185 ft-lbs. @ 3250 rpm
HORSEPOWER 184 hp @ 5700 rpm	TURNING CIRCLE 34.8 ft.

 

 

 

Inside

 

The interior styling duplicates the new Mazda6 with a distinctive look and feel.

The Mazda3’s redesign has a new instrument cluster, a new dashboard with secondary controls in the center stack, and upgraded use of quality materials. The front seats are sporty and supportive and hold you in place in any driving condition. Below is a list of the many features my test drive had.

 

Interior Features

Front Seats

Multi-level heating passenger seat	6 -way power driver seat
Multi-level heating driver seat	Driver seat with manual adjustable lumbar support
Height adjustable driver seat	Leather
Bucket front seats

Rear Seats

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

Power Features

Hands-free entry

1 one-touch power windows

Instrumentation

Clock	Tachometer
Trip computer	Compass

Convenience

Cruise control	Front and rear cupholders
Front door pockets	Overhead console with storage
Remote trunk release	Front seatback storage
Electric power steering	Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel	Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
Rear view camera

Comfort

Interior air filtration	Dual zone climate controls – driver and passenger
Leather and simulated alloy steering wheel	Turn signal in mirrors
Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror	Dual illuminating vanity mirrors

In Car Entertainment

Bose premium brand stereo system	Bose premium brand speakers
9 total speakers	AM/FM stereo
Satellite radio satellite radio	Speed sensitive volume control
Auxiliary audio input	Surround audio surround audio (discrete)
4 Months of provided satellite radio service	Radio data system
USB connection

Telematics

Navigation with voice activation navigation system

Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone

 

Outside

 

The 2015 Mazda3 stands out from other compacts in its segment with its stand alone styling. The new grille with its distinguished design and repositioned A-pillars make the Mazda3 unique to the compact segment.

 

Summary

When you’re shopping for a compact sedan, that features fuel economy, reliability and overall value then the Mazda3 is the vehicle for you. Go to your local Mazda dealer for test ride today.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

WIDTH 5 ft. 10.7 in. (70.7 in.)	HEIGHT 4 ft. 9.3 in. (57.3 in.)
LENGTH 15 ft. 0.3 in. (180.3 in.)	GROUND CLEARANCE 0 ft. 6.1 in. (6.1 in.)
WHEEL BASE 8 ft. 10.3 in. (106.3 in.)

Interior Measurements

FRONT HEAD ROOM 37.6 in.	FRONT HIP ROOM 55.5 in.
FRONT LEG ROOM 42.2 in.	FRONT SHOULDER ROOM 57.2 in.
REAR HIP ROOM 53.5 in.	REAR HEAD ROOM 37.5 in.
REAR LEG ROOM 35.8 in.	REAR SHOULDER ROOM 54.4 in.