Archive for March, 2016

2016 Lexus RX 350AWD F Sport

Tuesday, March 29th, 2016

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2016 Lexus RX 350AWD F Sport

Overview

The all new 2016 Lexus RX 350 is highlighted with an exaggerated signature spindle grille. The all-new RX also has all new extensive sheet metal that has creases and sharp lines similar to the NX styling. This midsize crossover has an exciting design for the rebirth of this model.

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
  • Front and rear ventilated disc brakes
  • Rear door child safety locks
  • Daytime running lights
  • Engine immobilizer
  • Front fog/driving lights
  • 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
  • Turn signal mirrors
  • Stability control
  • Traction control
  • Rear height adjustable headrests
  • Post-collision safety system
  • Tire pressure monitoring
  • Emergency Service*
  • Airbag Deployment Notification*
  • Stolen Vehicle Tracking/Assistance*
  • Lexus Safety System+ w/Adaptive Front Lighting
  • Lexus Safety System+ w/Triple Beam LED Headlamps
  • Lexus Safety System+
  • Intuitive Parking Assist
  • Panoramic View Monitor w/Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Blind Spot Monitor w/Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Driving Impression

Power is impressive in the RX 350 and the steering is extremely responsive. The RX 350 Sport suspension is dynamic and the ride is very comfortable.

The RX 350 F Sport steering can be switched to two Sport modes. The F Sport’ also has adaptive suspension. The RX’s body is more controlled when driving over bumps, yet the ride remains extremely comfortable.

 

Under the Hood

A 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 hp and 267 pound-feet of torque powers the 2016 Lexus RX 350. The motor is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that comes standard on the Sport and has AWD.

EPA- 19-city/26 highway, and an average 22mpg 

  • Engine & Performance
BASE ENGINE SIZE3.5 L CAM TYPEDouble overhead cam (DOHC)
CYLINDERSV6 VALVES24
VALVE TIMINGVariable TORQUE267 ft-lbs. @ 4700 rpm
HORSEPOWER295 hp @ 6300 rpm TURNING CIRCLE38.0 ft.

 

Inside

 

The seating in the 2016 Lexus RX 350 Sport is exceptionally comfortable with its heated and cooled seats. The interior design is exceptional with the use of quality materials.

There’s plenty of headroom in the cabin and the sliding and reclining backseat is very comfortable. There is plenty of legroom for tall passengers in the back seat.

Cargo capacity is 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

 

Below is a complete list of feature, that were on my test drive:

Front Seats

  • Multi-level heating passenger seat
  • 8 -way power passenger seat
  • 8 -way power driver seat
  • Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
  • Multi-level heating driver seat
  • Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
  • Height adjustable driver seat
  • Height adjustable passenger seat
  • Leather
  • Bucket front seats
  • Split-folding rear seatback
  • Reclining rear seats
  • Folding center armrest
  • Rear ventilation ducts
  • Hands-free entry
  • Reverse tilt dual mirrors provides curb view when vehicle in reverse
  • 4 one-touch power windows
  • Clock
  • Tachometer
  • Trip computer
  • External temperature display
  • Compass
  • Cruise control
  • Front and rear cupholders
  • Front and rear door pockets
  • 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
  • Roadside Assistance*
  • Interior air filtration
  • Dual zone climate controls – driver and passenger
  • Leather steering wheel
  • Turn signal in mirrors
  • Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
  • Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
  • Memorized settings for 2 drivers
  • Memorized settings includes steering wheel
  • 9 total speakers
  • AM/FM stereo
  • Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
  • Memory card slot
  • USB connection
  • Safety Connect telecommunications service
  • Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone

* Feature available with a subscription to enform

 

Outside

 

The new 2016 RX has a dramatic spindle grille in the front that is highlighted with the “triple-L” headlamps, LED fog lamps, and LED daytime running lamps. The Rx has a floating roof that tapers near the back with flared rear fenders The RX is definitely a head-turner that has all the design elements of the NX

Summary

The RX is definitely worth a trip to your local Lexus dealer for a test drive if you are in the market for a luxury mid-size CUV.

 

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

WIDTH6 ft. 2.6 in. (74.6 in.) HEIGHT5 ft. 7.7 in. (67.7 in.)
LENGTH16 ft. 0.5 in. (192.5 in.) GROUND CLEARANCE0 ft. 8.2 in. (8.2 in.)
WHEEL BASE9 ft. 1.8 in. (109.8 in.)

Interior Measurements

FRONT HEAD ROOM39.4 in. FRONT HIP ROOM56.6 in.
FRONT LEG ROOM44.1 in. FRONT SHOULDER ROOM57.8 in.
REAR HIP ROOM56.1 in. REAR HEAD ROOM39.1 in.
REAR LEG ROOM38.0 in. REAR SHOULDER ROOM57.6 in

2016 Ford Edge Sport Handles Like A Car

Monday, March 28th, 2016

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2016 Toyota Corolla S Premium

Monday, March 21st, 2016

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2016 Toyota Corolla S Premium

 

Overview

The 2016 Corolla gets an updated Entune audio systems and my test drive was the S Special Edition model, which has a number of minor cosmetic upgrades.

 

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
  • Front fog/driving lights
  • LED headlamp
  • 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
  • First Aid Kit
  • Emergency Assistance Kit

 

Driving Impression

The 2016 Toyota Corolla 1.8-liter engine is more than adequate for normal city and highway driving. The steering was very responsive and the handling was engaging for a sedan its size. Acceleration was adequate and the CVT transmission made driving this sedan a pleasure.

The Corolla S is simply a car that’s all about comfort, that is highlighted with an exceptionally quiet ride.

 

Under the Hood

The 2016 Toyota Corolla is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque.

 

  • Engine & Performance
BASE ENGINE SIZE1.8 L CAM TYPEDouble overhead cam (DOHC)
CYLINDERSInline 4 VALVES16
VALVE TIMINGVariable TORQUE128 ft-lbs. @ 4400 rpm
HORSEPOWER132 hp @ 6000 rpm TURNING CIRCLE35.6 ft.

 

Inside 

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2016 Corolla S cabin is stylish with a unique dashboard, sport steering wheel and a unique shifter surround. The audio has knobs for volume and tuning and a 6.1-inch touchscreen. My S had the Entune App Suite, which integrates smartphone-connected services from Bing, Facebook, Yelp and Pandora.

The Corolla’s seats are very comfortable and supportive and hold you in place when making turns. The Corolla has more rear legroom than most small sedans have. The wide trunk has 13 cubic feet and facilitates loading and unloading.

 

Features

Interior Features

Front Seats

  • Multi-level heating passenger seat
  • 8 -way power driver seat
  • Multi-level heating driver seat
  • Height adjustable driver seat
  • Leatherette
  • Bucket front seats
  • Split-folding rear seatback
  • Folding center armrest
  • Hands-free entry
  • 1 one-touch power windows
  • Clock
  • Tachometer
  • Trip computer
  • External temperature display
  • Compass
  • Cruise control
  • Front and rear cupholders
  • Front and rear door pockets
  • Front seatback storage
  • Electric power steering
  • Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
  • Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
  • Rear view camera
  • Interior air filtration
  • Climate control
  • Leather and simulated alloy steering wheel
  • Turn signal in mirrors
  • Dual vanity mirrors
  • 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

 Outside
The 2016 Corolla S sedan’s styling has folded edges, big wheels and tires. The car looks good in my test drive color of Classic Silver Metallic.

 

Summary

If you are in the market for a sedan that is moderately prices then go down to your local Toyota dealer for a test drive today.

 

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

WIDTH5 ft. 9.9 in. (69.9 in.) HEIGHT4 ft. 9.3 in. (57.3 in.)
LENGTH15 ft. 3.1 in. (183.1 in.) WHEEL BASE8 ft. 10.3 in. (106.3 in.)

Interior Measurements

FRONT HEAD ROOM38.0 in. FRONT HIP ROOM53.0 in.
FRONT LEG ROOM42.3 in. FRONT SHOULDER ROOM54.8 in.
REAR HIP ROOM43.9 in. REAR HEAD ROOM37.1 in.
REAR LEG ROOM41.4 in. REAR SHOULDER ROOM54.8 in.

 

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club

Tuesday, March 15th, 2016

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2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club

 

Overview

The exciting all new Mazda MX-5 Miata has recreated itself for 2016 . The MX-5 design says it all -ZOOM, ZOOM.

 

Safety Features

Safety Features

  • 4-wheel ABS
  • Driver only with head protection chamber side-mounted airbags
  • Emergency braking assist
  • Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
  • Daytime running lights
  • Engine immobilizer
  • LED headlamp
  • 2 front headrests
  • Stability control
  • Traction control
  • Tire pressure monitoring

 

Driving Impression

Driving the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata’s on the road is an exhilarating and exciting experience. The Miata’s has superb visibility and the suspension and the handling are exceptional. The Miata is a Sports Car with a capital S C and it engages the driver and makes you feel like you want to go ZOOM, ZOOM. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder has ample power to let you have great acceleration. Just put the top down and enjoy the true roadster experience.

 

Under the Hood

A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 155 hp and 148 pound-feet of torque powers the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata. My test drive came equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

The 2016 MX-5 Miata Club with the manual transmission can do zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.

Fuel economy was 30 mpg (27 city/34 highway), which is not bad for this roadster.

Engine & Performance

BASE ENGINE SIZE2.0 L CAM TYPEDouble overhead cam (DOHC)
CYLINDERSInline 4 VALVES16
VALVE TIMINGVariable TORQUE148 ft-lbs. @ 4600 rpm
HORSEPOWER155 hp @ 6000 rpm TURNING CIRCLE30.8 ft.

Inside

The interior of the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata’s interior definitely say sports car with its seating and gage layout. The Miata has very limited head- and legroom. The seats are very comfortable and hold you in place when making hard turns. The use of upgraded materials through out the cabin is prevalent.

The MX-5’s controls are strategically placed and are easy to use. USB connectivity and Bluetooth) now come standard along with a host of modern conveniences listed below.

The manual convertible top is exceptionally easy to use and the trunk has minimal storage with 4.6 cubic feet.

 

Interior Features

Front Seats

  • Height adjustable driver seat
  • Cloth
  • Bucket front seats
  • Hands-free entry
  • 2 one-touch power windows
  • Clock
  • Tachometer
  • Trip computer
  • External temperature display
  • Cruise control
  • Front cupholders
  • Front door pockets
  • Electric power steering
  • Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
  • Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
  • Air conditioning
  • Leather steering wheel
  • Dual vanity mirrors
  • 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 and USB with external media control
  • 4 Months of provided satellite radio service
  • USB connection
  • MAZDA CONNECT telecommunications service
  

Outside

The exterior of the Miata says it all ZOOM, ZOOM with its new updated modern design. The exterior says excitement is ready for the taking.

Summary

Go to your local Mazda dealer for a test drive of the MX-5 today for your ZOOM, ZOOM experience.

 

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

WIDTH5 ft. 8.3 in. (68.3 in.) HEIGHT4 ft. 0.8 in. (48.8 in.)
LENGTH12 ft. 10.1 in. (154.1 in.) GROUND CLEARANCE0 ft. 5.3 in. (5.3 in.)
WHEEL BASE7 ft. 6.9 in. (90.9 in.)

2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo

Monday, March 7th, 2016

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2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo

Overview

The new 2016 Kia Optima has again raised the bar as did it predecessors with a fresh new model.

Safety Features

Safety Features

  • 4-wheel ABS
  • Front and rear head airbags
  • Dual front side-mounted airbags
  • Child seat anchors
  • 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 headrests
  • Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
  • Rear center 3-point belt
  • Turn signal mirrors
  • Stability control
  • Traction control
  • Rear height adjustable headrests
  • Post-collision safety system
  • Adaptive headlights
  • Self-leveling headlights
  • Tire pressure monitoring
 

Driving Impression 

The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is a powerful yet fuel efficient drive train, which is mated to a six-speed transmission. The Optima is exciting to drive at any cruising speed.

The steering can be set to several modes and I found the sport mode to be very responsive especially when making hard turns.

The ride was excellent and I hardly felt any road imperfections when driving in the city or on the road.

Under the Hood 

The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine t produces 245 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and is capable of zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. Fuel economy was decent at 33mpg (28 city/39 highway)

  • Engine & Performance
BASE ENGINE SIZE2.0 L CAM TYPEDouble overhead cam (DOHC)
CYLINDERSInline 4 VALVES16
VALVE TIMINGVariable TORQUE260 ft-lbs. @ 1350 rpm
HORSEPOWER245 hp @ 6000 rpm TURNING CIRCLE35.8 ft.

Inside

The interior of the 2016 Kia Optima is spacious and luxurious for the model year. The layout is very functional and accessible. The front seats are exceptionally comfortable and are very supportive.

The rear-seat has excellent head, leg and shoulder room for passengers of any size. The panoramic sunroof lets you view the surroundings from either the front or rear seats.

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

Interior Features

Front Seats

  • Multi-level heating passenger seat
  • 8 -way power driver seat
  • Multi-level heating driver seat
  • Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
  • Height adjustable driver seat
  • Height adjustable passenger seat
  • Leather
  • Bucket front seats
  • Split-folding rear seatback
  • Folding center armrest
  • Rear ventilation ducts
  • Hands-free entry
  • 2 one-touch power windows
  • Clock
  • Tachometer
  • Trip computer
  • External temperature display
  • Compass
  • Cruise control
  • Front and rear cupholders
  • Front and rear door pockets
  • Overhead console with storage
  • Front seatback storage
  • Electric power steering
  • Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
  • Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
  • Rear view camera
  • Dual zone air conditioning
  • Leather steering wheel
  • Cargo floor mats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Turn signal in mirrors
  • Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
  • Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
  • Memorized settings for 2 drivers
  • 6 total speakers
  • AM/FM stereo
  • Satellite radio w/real time traffic satellite radio
  • Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
  • USB connection
  • Navigation with voice activation navigation system
  • UVO eServices telecommunications service
  • Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone
  • Real time traffic

Outside

The 2016 Optima’s exterior is

slightly longer, wider and taller than the car it replaces, Styling for the Optima is still a head-turner, but you will notice only subtle differences from the 2015 model.

Summary

If you are in the market for a moderately priced sedan then go to your local Kia dealer for a test drive today.

 

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

WIDTH6 ft. 1.2 in. (73.2 in.) HEIGHT4 ft. 9.7 in. (57.7 in.)
LENGTH15 ft. 11.1 in. (191.1 in.) GROUND CLEARANCE0 ft. 5.3 in. (5.3 in.)
WHEEL BASE9 ft. 2.4 in. (110.4 in.)

Interior Measurements

FRONT HEAD ROOM39.8 in. FRONT HIP ROOM56.0 in.
FRONT LEG ROOM45.5 in. FRONT SHOULDER ROOM58.1 in.
REAR HIP ROOM56.0 in. REAR HEAD ROOM37.8 in.
REAR LEG ROOM35.6 in. REAR SHOULDER ROOM56.4 in.