Jerry Robbin

2018 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 5-door

What’s New

The Mazda3 Grand Touring 5 door has been updated for 2018 with revised front end styling, rear bumper as well as increased sound deadening and more premium interior appointments.

Safety Features

Standard safety features include front, side, and side curtain airbags, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert smart city brake support, ABS with EBD and brake assist, traction control system (TCS), dynamic stability control (DSC), Hill Launch Assist, and tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Advanced dual front air bags with passenger weight sensors²² (Mazda Advanced Restraint System)
Front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side-impact air curtains²²
3-point safety belts for all seating positions
Front safety-belt pretensioners with force limiters
Whiplash-reducing front seat headrests
Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution & Brake Assist
Hill Launch Assist²³
Dynamic Stability Control⁴ and Traction Control System
Rearview camera⁷
SKYACTIV^®-Body¹ Ring Structure
Side-impact door beams
Collapsible steering column
Foldaway brake pedal assembly
Engine-immobilizer antitheft system
Keyless remote panic button (on key fob)
Automatic door locks (speed-senstive and transmission-sensitive)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
LATCH child safety seat anchors & upper tethers
Child safety rear door locks

Driving Impression

The 2017 Mazda3 has excellent road manners with adequate power. There is a Sport mode that enables you to get the feeling of downshifting.

The 2.5-liter Skyactiv engine is excellent on the highway and equally fun to drive. The brakes are adequate in all  driving conditions.

Under the Hood

The 184 horses from its 2.5-liter naturally aspirated, twin-cam four has plenty of power for city or highway driving. Performance falls in the 0 to 60 in the mid-7-second range

Inside

The interior on the Mazda 3 leather seats, door inserts and center console lid, a six-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 4.0-inch Active Driving Display head-up display, keyless entry with alarm and pushbutton start, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, electronic parking brake, and 60/40 split folding rear seat with center armrest cup holders. The infotainment system consists of a 7.0-inch color touchscreen display with multifunction commander control, eight-speaker Bose center point audio system with AM/FM and HD radio, SiriusXM radio, Pandora, Aha, Stitcher audio apps, two USB inputs, Bluetooth audio and phone streaming, SMS

The seats are very comfortable and supportive and the dash and controls are well laid out.

Below is a list of all the creature features found on the Mazda 3 Grand Touring

• INTERIOR

Outside

Mazda’s updates for 2018 are subtle, including reshaped fog light portals, new grille framework that blends into the headlights, and an updated rear bumper.

Summary

If you are in the market for a 5 door sedan with a host of technology then go to your local Mazda dealer for a test drive today.

Specifications

2017 Lexus 450h

What’s New

The 2017 RX 450h is more unique this year with improved dynamics, a more luxurious and car like interior, and radical styling.

Safety Features

Safety

• Airbags
• Driver Air Bag
• Passenger Air Bag
• Front Head Air Bag
• Rear Head Air Bag
• Front Side Air Bag
• Rear Side Air Bag
• Brakes
• 4-Wheel ABS
• 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
• Safety Features
• Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Control
• Daytime Running Lights
• Child Safety Locks
• Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
• Traction Control
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist

Driving Impression

For 2017 the RX450H suspension have been updated and is a ultra luxury SUV. The RX450H is poised on the road and can handle any road condition. The acceleration is adequate and the handling is unique for its size. The RX 450h hybrid combines an electric motor with the V6 delivering enough horsepower and torque with superior fuel economy.

Under the Hood

The 2017 RX450h hybrid pairs the 3.5-liter V6 with a battery-electric powertrain and standard AWD. The 2017 RX 450h has total output of 308 horsepower and delivers up to 31 mpg.

3.5-liter V6 + 123-kW electric motor (RX 450h)
259 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (gasoline engine only)
Total system horsepower: 308
247 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm (gasoline engine only)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 31/28 mpg (AWD)

Inside

The 2017 RX450h leather-upholstered and wood-accented interior is luxurious. The front seats are heated and ventilated, and have 10-way power adjustment. The driver gets memory settings for seat, steering wheel, and exterior-mirror positions. The features are endless on the RX450h like12-speaker audio system, navigation system, 8-inch display screen, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button starting, tilt/telescoping steering column, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect remote emergency notification. Also included on the RX450h is the Lexus Safety System +, which includes pre-collision braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and mitigation, and adaptive cruise control.

The driving controls are easy to reach, seats are comfortable, Interior storage is good with a large big glove box, covered console box with a power point and auxiliary/USB inputs.

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

Interior

• Convenience & Comfort
• Alarm
• Back-Up Camera
• Cruise Control
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Heads-Up Display (Optional)
• Vehicle Anti-Theft System
• Fog Lamps
• Auto-Off Headlights
• Interior Cargo Shade
• Keyless Start
• Luggage Rack (Optional)
• Power Liftgate
• Hands-Free Liftgate (Optional)
• Adjustable Steering Wheel
• Steering Wheel Controls
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Heated Steering Wheel
• Trip Computer
• Remote Trunk Release
• Universal Garage Door Opener
• Intermittent Wipers
• Rain Sensing Wipers
• Variable Speed Intermittent Wipers
• Keyless Entry
• Power Door Locks
• Electrochromic rearview mirror
• Heated Mirrors
• Mirror Memory
• Power Mirrors
• Driver Vanity Mirror
• Driver Illuminated Vanity Mirror
• Passenger Vanity Mirror
• Passenger Illuminated Visor Mirror
• Power Steering

• Entertainment
• AM/FM Stereo
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• CD Player
• HD Radio
• MP3 Player
• Satellite Radio
• Premium Sound System (Optional)
• Entertainment System (Optional)
• Hard Disk Drive
• Smart Device Integration
• Heating & Cooling
• Climate Control
• Dual Zone A/C
• A/C
• Navigation & Communication
• Navigation System
• Onboard Hands-Free Communications System
• Wireless Cell Phone Hookup
• Seats
• Leather Seats
• Cooled Driver Seat
• Heated Front Seats
• Heated Rear Seat (Optional)
• Driver Lumbar
• Passenger Lumbar
• Seat Memory
• Power Driver Seat
• Power Passenger Seat
• Pass-Through Rear Seat
• 2nd Row Bench Seat
• Bucket Seats

Outside

Styling on the RX450h is bold, aggressive and highly styled. The signature spindle grille up front, unique headlights highlighted with LED lights, a high beltline all highlight this unique vehicle

Summary

If you are in the market for a unique quality Hybrid CUV then go to your local Lexus dealer for a test drive today

Specifications

• Dimensions
• Wheelbase(in): 109.8
• Length, Overall (in): 192.5
• Width, Max w/o mirrors (in): 74.6
• Height, Overall (in): 67.7

• Dimensions
• Passenger Capacity: 5
• Passenger Volume (cu. ft.): 121.7
• Front Head Room (in): 39.4
• Front Leg Room (in): 44.1
• Front Shoulder Room (in): 57.8
• Front Hip Room (in): 56.6
• Second Head Room (in): 38.2
• Second Leg Room (in): 38
• Second Shoulder Room (in): 57.6
• Second Hip Room (in): 56
• Cargo Volume to Seat 1 (cu. ft.): 55.9
• Cargo Volume to Seat 2 (cu. ft.): 18
• Cargo Volume to Seat 3 (cu. ft.): 18

2017 Toyota Prius Prime Plus

What’s New

The new 2017 Prius Prime replaces the prior Prius Plug-In hybrid. The 2017 Prius Plus uses a larger battery for increased pure electric range that produces the total gas/electric hybrid range to approximately 600 miles.

Safety Features

Driving Impression

The Toyota Prius Prime is an all around-town and highway vehicle, which is practical and fun to drive.

The Prime’s suspension is superb and handling is excellent in any road condition. The Prius has excellent pick up on the highway and around-town. Acceleration is great and can reach 60 mph in about 11 seconds. The 8.8 kWh battery pack can drive the Prius Prime for up to 25 miles in pure-EV mode, and it stays in that mode until the battery is depleted or you exceed 84 mph.

Under the Hood 

The 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine provides 95 horsepower and in combination with two electric motors that put out a total of 76 kW, and together 121 horsepower. The 8.8 kWh battery pack provides enough juice to drive the Prius Prime just on electricity for up to 25 miles, at speeds up to 84 mph. That works out to a 133 mpg, which Toyota notes is the best rating of any vehicle
4-cylinder hybrid (1.8-liter engine with 53- and 23-kilowatt electric motors)
95 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm (1.8-liter engine)
105 lb-ft torque @ 3,600 rpm (1.8-liter engine)
121 net horsepower (1.8-liter engine plus combined electric output)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 55/53 mpg, 133 mpg (EV mode)

Inside

Interior

Inside the 2017 Prius Prime are the 4-passenger interior seats and the rear bench seat has a center console. The Prius Plus has top-of-dash mounted gauges that are highlighted with a massive 11.6-inch touch-screen infotainment display that’s standard on Premium and Advanced trim levels. the big screen provides two levels of information, such as maps and audio controls, with a tablet-like interface. The dash and controls are well laid out and are easy to access. The seats are supportive and hold you firmly in place.

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

Outside

The 2017 Prius Prime exterior styling includes the multi-lens LED headlights that are sleek and modern alongside the unique grille treatment. The rear is highlighted with LED taillights that wrap horizontally around the trailing edge of the carbon-fiber hatch. The rear hatch has “dual-wave” glass.

Summary

If you are in the market for a unique gas/hybrid vehicle then go to your local Toyota dealer for a test drive today.

Specifications

2017 Kia Sorento SXL AWD

What’s New

The 2017 Kia Sorento SXL is a mid-size crossover which can accommodate seven adults . It was redesigned for the 2016 model year, increasing its wheelbase and length by about three inches to increase cabin space.

The redesign was total, including a new chassis with stiffer body structure, complete sheet metal makeover, and new turbo four-cylinder engine with direct injection.

Safety Features

Safety

• Airbags
• Driver Air Bag
• Passenger Air Bag
• Front Head Air Bag
• Rear Head Air Bag
• Front Side Air Bag
• Brakes
• 4-Wheel ABS
• 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
• Safety Features
• Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Control
• Child Safety Locks
• Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
• Traction Control
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Auto-Leveling Headlights (Optional)
• Lane Departure Warning (Optional)
• Cross-Traffic Alert 

Driving Impression

The new 240-horsepower turbocharged four feels powerful has with torque of 260 pound-feet

The 6-speed automatic transmission is adequate mated to the turbocharged drive train.

The steering is responsive, the braking is excellent and the suspension provides a composed ride.

My test drive was AWD has sensors, which monitor the steering degree, yaw, and other forces It’s a sophisticated system that electronically determines in milliseconds which wheel or wheels get the power.

Under the Hood

Inside

The Sorento cabin has the feel of a luxury car, with the use of upgraded premium materials. The dash is well laid out and the controls are well positioned.

The front seats are supportive and hold you firmly in place.  The Sorento SXL model has an extendable thigh support for tall drivers, and available height and tilt adjustment for the passenger.

The second-row seats are adequate, but are not contoured. There’s storage under the rear seats, and the seatback neatly flip forward for access to the third row. The Sorento’s third row works for short rides if you’re under six feet.

The Sorento SXL third row seat is power folding, by a button inside the lift gate. My test drive had the remote lift gate release that works with the key in your pocket or purse. The storage space behind the third row is small and can handle small items.

The panoramic moon roof is large and helps brighten up the interior.

Below is a list of creature features on the 2017 Sorento SXL

Interior

• Convenience & Comfort
• Alarm
• Back-Up Camera
• Cruise Control
• Adaptive Cruise Control (Optional)
• Vehicle Anti-Theft System
• Fog Lamps
• Auto-Off Headlights
• HID headlights (Optional)
• Interior Cargo Shade (Optional)
• Keyless Start
• Luggage Rack (Optional)
• Rear Parking Aid
• Power Liftgate
• Hands-Free Liftgate
• Remote Engine Start (Optional)
• Adjustable Steering Wheel
• Steering Wheel Controls
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Heated Steering Wheel (Optional)
• Trip Computer
• Remote Trunk Release
• Universal Garage Door Opener
• Intermittent Wipers
• Rain Sensing Wipers
• Variable Speed Intermittent Wipers
• Keyless Entry
• Power Door Locks
• Electrochromic rearview mirror
• Heated Mirrors
• Mirror Memory
• Power Mirrors
• Power Folding Mirrors
• Driver Vanity Mirror
• Driver Illuminated Vanity Mirror
• Passenger Vanity Mirror
• Passenger Illuminated Visor Mirror
• Power Steering
• Entertainment
• AM/FM Stereo
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• CD Player
• MP3 Player
• Satellite Radio
• Premium Sound System
• Hard Disk Drive
• Smart Device Integration
• Heating & Cooling
• Climate Control
• Dual Zone A/C
• A/C
• Rear A/C
• Navigation & Communication
• Navigation System
• Onboard Hands-Free Communications System
• Wireless Cell Phone Hookup
• Seats
• Leather Seats
• Additional Rear Seat
• Cooled Driver Seat (Optional)
• Heated Front Seats
• Driver Lumbar
• Seat Memory
• Power Driver Seat
• Power Passenger Seat
• Pass-Through Rear Seat
• 2nd Row Bench Seat
• Bucket Seats

Outside

The Sorento’s unique design has soft proportions and aerodynamics that highlight the overall design. The front and rear show its uniqueness in the details, with character coming from the detailed grille, LED running lights, and narrow headlamps with prominent air intakes punctuated by fog lamps.

Summary

The 2017 Kia Sorento is an excellent and versatile family crossover, with stylish looks and a refined cabin. If you are in the market for an excellent CUV then go to your local Kia dealer for a test drive today.

Specifications

• Dimensions
• Wheelbase(in): 109.4
• Length, Overall (in): 187.4
• Width, Max w/o mirrors (in): 74.4
• Height, Overall (in): 66.3
• Dimensions
• Passenger Capacity: 7
• Passenger Volume (cu. ft.): 154.2
• Front Head Room (in): 39.5
• Front Leg Room (in): 44.1
• Front Shoulder Room (in): 59.1
• Front Hip Room (in): 56.7
• Second Head Room (in): 39.3
• Second Leg Room (in): 39.4
• Second Shoulder Room (in): 58
• Second Hip Room (in): 56.4
• Third Leg Room (in): 31.7
• Cargo Volume to Seat 1 (cu. ft.): 73
• Cargo Volume to Seat 2 (cu. ft.): 38
• Cargo Volume to Seat 3 (cu. ft.): 11.3