Jerry Robbin

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2012 Mitsubishi I-MIEV SE

Overview

The 2012 Mitsubishi I-MIEV SE is a functional commuter vehicle, but its design is one of the most unusual looks in the marketplace. Basic commuter transportation and no frills are the only words that can describe the I-MIEV.

Safety Features

Driving Impression

One of the I-MIEV attributes is the suspension system as it cushions the imperfections in the road.

This commuter vehicle is easy to park but the extreme front drop-off makes it difficult to judge how close you are to other cars in front of you.

The I-MIEV uses a regenerative brake system, which can extend the driving range

One of the positive attributes of the I-MIEV is not using any gas & the mileage equivalent of 112 MPG

Under the Hood

The I-MIEV uses a 16 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery pack, which gives it a range of 63 miles. The Electric Motor is rated at 63 hp, 133-lbf·ft permanent-magnet motor. The I-MIEV is rear-wheel-drive. Mitsubishi includes a 110-volt adapter cable, which takes 22.5 hours for a full charge, and offers an optional 240-volt charging system that owners can install in their garages. That 240-volt system only takes 7 hours to restore the charge.

Inside

My test drive had the optional Navigation system, which was easy to use. The interior is very plain and has very few amenities. The front seats are comfortable and the driver’s seat was heated. The best word to describe the interior is functional!

My test drive was a SE model which included the followings: a 360-watt, 8 speaker sound system, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, silver accents on the seats, unique two-tone instrument panel and door panels, 15-inch alloy wheels and fog lamps with daytime running lights.

Outside

The design of the I-MIEV is quirky with its LED front and rear lamps, curved rear doors and 15-inch alloy wheels pushed out to all four corners.

Summary

If you are in the market for a commuter vehicle then take a test drive in the 2012 Mitsubishi I-MIEV.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

Weights and Capacities

DriveTrain

Tires and Wheels

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Overview

The words , that best describe the 2013 Mazdaspeed3 are performance., adrenaline rush and suburb handling.. Mazdaspeed3 body style gives you the utility of a four-door and the versatility of a hatchback. If speed is your thing then the Mazda Speed3 is for you!

Safety Features

Driving Impression

RIDE AND HANDLING:

The MazdaSpeed3′ is a rocket ship on wheels. The suspension is harsh but handles superbly! The car corners well on the 225/40R18 Dunlops and the 180 mph speedometer says it all.

Under the Hood

PERFORMANCE:

The Speed3 2.3-liter motor develops an impressive 263 horsepower (at 5500 rpm) and a whopping 280 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. Direct fuel injection allows the higher compression and the intercooler turbocharger develops power at your fingertips. The six-speed transmission is easy to shift.

The EPA mileage is respectable for the out put of the motor, which is 18 city, 25 highway;

Inside

COMFORT:

The Speed3 interior is highlighted with gauges that are brightly-backlit in white on a black and red background. They are easier to read than with the old ones that had a red illumination. The interior has many curves in its design and is highlighted with functionality. Information and climate system displays are situated near the base of the windshield; audio and navigation are controlled through a touch screen in the center stack. Two simple knobs in the center stack control climate. Interior materials are very basic, which are highlighted with soft-touch synthetic interior panels, synthetic upholstery with manual seat controls including driver’s cushion height, a leather-rimmed steering wheel manually adjustable for tilt and reach, and metal-and-rubber pedals with a left foot rest. There are audio, cruise, and information controls on the steering wheel.

Front seat comfort and support are good. The rear seat offers good space for the two adults positions and easy access. The rear seatback folds 60/40 for those times when cargo is the only thing you are transporting.

Outside

APPEARANCE:

The front grinning happy face grille has to go as it takes away from the total appearance of the Speed3. The hood is highlighted with a functional hood scoop that feeds the intercooler. The rear end speaks speed with the wing spoiler at the rear of the roof. The front fenders are slightly flared to accommodate the larger wheels and tires. A sculpted rear bumper and twin exhausts highlight the rear end.

Summary

Mazda’s Mazdaspeed3 has a lot character and is worth a test drive if you are in the market for a reasonably price speed machine.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

Weights and Capacities

Drive Train

Engine & Performance

Suspension

Warranty

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo A/T

Overview

The 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo is dynamic and as exciting to drive as it looks. The Veloster Turbo has unique features like its front and rear styling, larger wheels and massive dual exhaust.

Safety

Safety Features

Driving Impression

The Veloster Turbo is exhilarating and fun to drive. It handles like a sports car and the design of the vehicle turns heads as you are driving down the road. The Veloster Turbo holds any road with ease and its suspension is good enough to keep the car composed on winding turns. The brakes are definitive and can stop on a dime. The rear visibility is impaired by the dynamics of the split rear window. One of the criticisms I have for this vehicle is the suspension, which is not forgiving as it goes over any road imperfections.

Under the Hood

Veloster Turbo’s has 1.6-liter four-cylinder that delivers 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. I noticed minimal turbo lag at 0-and almost none at the top end.

Below are the stats on the motor.

1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4
201 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
195 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/35 mpg (manual), 24/31 mpg (automatic)

Inside

The interior has a space age look with tons of high tech gadgetry. Highlighting the interior is a standard 7-inch touch screen that acts as the command center for audio, telephone cruise control and the easy-to-read navigation system. The front seats are very comfortable and support your body for your drive. The rear seat entry is not meant for large or tall individuals and the space is a little tight for 2 large adults. Rear cargo volume is an impressive 15.5 feet of space and can accommodate a ton of luggage, The back seats fold to accommodate larger items. Turbo versions receive unique accents and leather seating, with the driver’s seat featuring lumbar support.

The Veloster’s offers a single passenger-side-only mini door, which is a great feature so you can let the rear passengers have access without bothering the front seat passengers.

Outside

The exterior design is unique with its low profile, large wheel arches and sloping roof. The Turbo’s unique dual exhaust coming out of the center or the rear end gives it a muscular look. The Turbo has a trapezoidal grille, fog lights and ground effects. Highlighting the Turbo are 18-inch alloys with chrome inserts.

Summary

The 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo is a youthful fun and exciting vehicle. Take a test drive and see for your self if this vehicle is for you!

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

Weights and Capacities

Suspension

Warranty

Features

Interior Features

Front Seats

Rear Seats

Tires and Wheels

2013 Kia Rio 5-Door SX

Overview

The 2013 Kia Rio SX has added a unique 5-door design for the already crowded sub-compacts segment. The ’13 Rio competes against the Nissan Versa, Hyundai Accent, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta, and Chevy Sonic. My SX MSRP was $18, 650.00.

Safety

Safety Features

Driving Impression

I thought the Rio’s drive train & 6 speed manual transmission missed the mark as far as power and  the 6 speed  was not a pleasure to drive. The handling is adequate, but I did not find this a fun vehicle to drive.

While driving the Rio for a week I found the cabin noise at a minimal, but you could feel the bumps and vibrations when you hit a pothole.

Under the Hood

The ’13 Rio SX 5-door has a 1.6L GDI 4-cylinder engine producing 138 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. My test car had a 6-Speed manual transmission. The drive train is adequate, but was not in any case dynamic or responsive to acceleration.

Inside

The Rio SX interior is very inviting, and the seats are very comfortable. The driver’s seat has six-way adjustable and can be raised and lowered in height. The interior materials are very nice and the instrument cluster is nicely laid out. All controls are easy to reach and easy to read.   The steering wheel on the Rio has controls for cruise, radio, and telephone controls. The large switches on the center stack for the climate controls were also easy to use, and pretty cool in design. All the Rio interior surfaces are soft, which are high quality in feel and touch. MY SX had Navigation, Back Up Camera & Sirius Radio. The Rio 5-door with the seats up has 15 cu. ft of storage and with the seats down has 49.8 cu. ft of storage.

Outside

The 2013 Rio 5-door design is unique to its sibling the Hyundai Accent. The unique C-pillar treatment gives the appearance of a sporty compact. The front fascia has an aggressive look and is rear end is highlighted with chrome twin- exhaust; the blackened lower rear valance and a taillight treatment emphasize the vehicle

Summary

The Kia Rio is a great value for the money and has good fuel economy. The Rio 5 door is a great commuter vehicle that is worth stopping at a Kia dealer to check out!

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

Weights and Capacities

Drive Train

Overview

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is Mazda’s first new vehicle built from the ground up using SkyActiv of technology. The CX5 enters a crowed field of mid size CUV’s, that are already well positioned in the marketplace It’s the first new vehicle to showcase Kodo design and a new navigation system by TomTom.

Safety

• Front and rear head airbags
• 4-wheel ABS
• 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
• 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
• Tire pressure monitoring

Driving Impression

Handling and performance

The CX-5’s ride is firm, but you can feel every bump and pothole you encounter on a typical road. The steering was very responsive and handled turns with ease. From a dead stop I found the drive train very lackluster, but once you hit 30mph you have a bit more acceleration at your disposal.

The 155-horsepower SkyActiv G engine supplies adequate with a reasonable amount of torque, but this 2.0-liter engine simply isn’t a powerful motor for the size of the CX5

Under the Hood

The 2.0-liter SkyActiv G engine produces 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque and is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. The EPA rating for the AWD model is 31 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city, averaging out to a combined 28 mpg.  This drive train is very lackluster in performance but adequate in fuel economy.

Inside

Inside the CX5 the instrument cluster is laid out very well and is easy to maneuver. The CX5 comes equipped with the start button to the right of the steering wheel. The center stack has amber illuminated automatic climate controls, new touch-screen infotainment system and had the Navigation by TomTom

The navigation had a neat option of showing current speed limit for an area and your current speed.  I found the system easy to use and fairy accurate for directions. The navigation screen also compliments the CX-5 Grand Touring’s standard rearview camera.

Bose premium audio is featured as part of entertainment system and has the Mazda infotainment system. The system features a USB port for iPod and mass-storage connectivity, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, AM/FM tuning with HD Radio decoding, satellite radio provided by Sirius, a single-disc CD player with MP3 decoding,

Other standard comfort features at the Grand Touring power moonroof, heated leather front seats, power driver seat and a blind-spot monitoring system.

Outside

The CX5 style has all new sheet metal, which is part of the new Mazda theme called “Soul of Motion” design. This new design has large headlamps large black grille. The Cx5 definitely has its own unique styling stature that makes you recognize it when you see it traveling down the road. The overall design is pleasing and makes you think of their catch phrase zoom-zoom”.

Summary

The CX-5 is worth going to the showroom for a test drive. The new technologies, that Mazda has integrated into the CX5 is definitely worth looking at.

Specifications

• Width: 72.4 in.
• Height: 67.3 in.
• Length: 179.3 in.
• Ground clearance: 8.5 in.
• Front track: 62.4 in.
• Rear track: 62.5 in.
• Wheelbase: 106.3 in.
• Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 34.1 cu.ft.
• Maximum cargo capacity: 64.8 cu.ft.

Front Seats

• Front head room: 40.1 in.
• Front hip room: 55.2 in.
• Front leg room: 41.0 in.
• Front shoulder room: 57.5 in.
• Height adjustable driver seat
• Cloth
• Bucket front seats

Rear Seats

• Rear hip Room: 53.7 in.
• Rear head room: 39.0 in.
• Rear leg room: 39.3 in.
• Rear shoulder room: 55.5 in.
• Split-folding rear seatback
• Rear ventilation ducts

The 2013 Ford Escape crossover is totally new from the ground up from its predecessor. The Escape has been totally re-engineered for the US & European markets. The Escape’s has so many advanced features and futuristic styling cues that it surpasses any of its domestic & foreign competition.

Even though Ford has had 3 recalls on the 2013 Escape since its introduction I think the new Escape is a trendsetter for its class.

Safety

Safety & Security

• 4-wheel ABS
• Front and rear head airbags
• Dual front and dual rear with head protection chambers side-mounted airbags
• Child seat anchors
• Emergency braking assist
• Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
• Rear door child safety locks
• Engine immobilizer
• 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 height adjustable headrests
• Rear height adjustable headrests
• Post-collision safety system
• Tire pressure monitoring

Driving Impression

The Escape Titanium I test drove drive train was powerful & had great acceleration. The Escape is easy to handle and takes curves with ease.

The brakes are adequate and can stop at any speed. The suspension did a great job at giving this vehicle a nice smooth ride.

The AWD system is brand new for 2013 and has sensors that can analyze data from 25 signals. The Escape really hugs the road and was fun to drive.

Under the Hood

The Escape  AWD 2.0-liter EcoBoost drive I test drove produced 240 HP was great on gas mileage with 21 m.p.g. in the city, 28 on the highway. The 2.0 motor produced 270 pound-feet of torque .

To get the optimum gas mileage on the EcoBoost engine you should use premium

The Escape has great acceleration and could handle any road situation.

Inside

The Escape’s interior is sleek looking, has plenty of room for passengers, has comfortable seats, has high tech gadgets and uses soft and appealing materials,

The gauges and controls are easy to read and use.  The center stack is nicely laid out and the controls are easy to use. Now that the Sync problems have been fixed it is a great info system that can help you with a host of tasks. The audio system and climate controls are operated with the updated My Ford Touch System.

My test drive had many creature features like leather seats, power panoramic Vista Roof, Parking Technology Package (includes Active Park),ambient lighting, heated power drivers seats, dual zone electronic automatic temperature control, intelligent Access with push-button start, voice activated navigation and the new hands free power lift gate. The cargo space with the rear seat up or down gave you plenty of room to haul the kids and bags of groceries home. There is 57.8 cu ft. of cargo space  behind the front seats and 34.3 of cargo space behind the rear seats.

Outside

The 2013 Escape’s styling is a total departure from its predecessor and has futuristic design cues.

The design is definitely has a European flare and is very contemporary. The Escape is aerodynamic & you definitely will see an increase in fuel economy.

One of the new innovations Ford has come up with is the hands free power tailgate, which opens and closes if you wave your foot under the rear bumper.

Summary

The Ford Escape is worth a test drive if you are in the market for a mid-size sport-utility vehicle, which has the latest technology and style.  The Ford Escapes futuristic styling and comfort features are worth a test drive before you buy your next vehicle.

Specifications

Measurements

• Width: 72.4 in.
• Height: 66.3 in.
• Length: 178.1 in.
• Ground clearance: 7.9 in.
• Front track: 61.5 in.
• Rear track: 61.6 in.
• Wheelbase: 105.9 in.
• Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 34.3 cu.ft.
• Maximum cargo capacity: 68.1 cu.ft.

• Maximum towing capacity: 1500 lbs.**
• Curb weight: 3598 lbs.

Interior

Front Seats

• Front headroom: 39.9 in.
• Front hip room: 54.8 in.
• Front legroom: 43.1 in.
• Front shoulder room: 56.0 in.
• Height adjustable driver seat
• Cloth
• Bucket front seats

Rear Seats

• Rear hip Room: 52.4 in.
• Rear headroom: 39.0 in.
• Rear legroom: 36.8 in.
• Rear shoulder room: 55.3 in.
• Split-folding rear seatback
• Rear ventilation duct

The 2013 Mustang GT has more horsepower, new styling cues and better driving dynamics than its predecessors, making it one of the best performance vehicles in its segment.

Safety and Security

* 4-wheel ABS.

* Dual front with head protection chambers side-mounted airbags.

* Child seat anchors.

* Front and rear ventilated disc brakes.

* Engine immobilizer.

* Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamp.

* 2 front headrests.

* 2 rear headrests.

* Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation.

* Front seatbelt pretensioners.

* Stability control.

* Traction control.

* Electronic brakeforce distribution.

* Emergency interior trunk release.

* Front multi-adjustable headrests.

* Rear folding headrests.

* Post-collision safety system.

* Tire pressure monitoring.

Driving Impression

The 2013 Mustang is a great vehicle and is exhilarating to drive. The suspension is firm and you have a real feel for the road.

The 420 hp GT engine gets your adrenaline fired up when you hit the accelerator and your neck snaps back when you put the pedal to the metal.

The V-8 has a great sound with its growling exhaust and can propel you from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. My test ride GT was capable of cruising or taking hairpin turns at any speed and the brakes stop on a dime.

Under the Hood

For 2013, the 5.0-liter V-8 produces 420 hp at 6,500 rpm on premium fuel, but drops to 402 hp on regular fuel.

Torque is 390 ft.-lb. at 4,250 rpm, again on premium fuel, with that figure dropping slightly to 377 ft.-lb. with regular gas.

You can also opt for the Select Shift, which gives you the ability to choose and hold a gear for as long as you see fit.

Inside

The interior of the 2013 Mustang GT had a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio, cruise, info and phone controls The dash has high-resolution LCD display

My Mustang GT had the 4.2-inch LCD screen controlled by a five-way switch on the steering wheel. The screen displays trip mileage, fuel economy and other systems settings.

One addition on the display is the new Track App system, which allows the driver use of an onboard accelerometer to keep track of G forces pulled in every direction.

It also shows acceleration times from 0 to 30, 0 to 60 and 0 to 100 mph, as well as eighth-mile and quarter-mile times using a virtual interpretation. My test drive had the Navigation, Electronics and Comfort packages.

Outside

The 2013 Mustang GT has a new front end with a redesigned front fascia. The new grille is larger and more aggressive. The new standard HID headlamps highlight the new front end. Two LED accent strips give the Mustang a great look at night or when the headlights are turned on.

For 2013, designers have given the Mustang GT dual heat extractors set to the side of the coupe’s curved hood.

The rear of the 2013 Mustang has a new black panel that looks perfect with the tail lamps. The rear sequential taillights look great when the turn indicators are used.

Summary

Ford has done a great job in updating an already great vehicle for the 2013 Mustang. If you are in the market for a heart-pounding sports car experience, then definitely take a test drive in the 2013 Mustang GT.

The Transit Connect is a multi-purpose compact work van designed for small-business owners. It is perfect for small jobs and is great on fuel economy with a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine.

Overview

The Transit Connect is easy to maneuver and can be parked in tight quarters. The cargo space is ample for many businesses such as plumbers, florists and caterers.

Driving Impression

The Transit Connect handles well in both city and highway driving. It has a low center of gravity, which gives the vehicle decent handling on the road. The vehicle is agile and easy to maneuver in most driving conditions. Because of its size, the Transit Connect is easy to park.

Driving it is like driving a front-wheel drive car or a CUV. Steering is responsive and the turning radius is just 39 feet. Acceleration is good and the vehicle handles just like a car.

The Transit Connect has a 15.4-gallon fuel tank, which a range of approximately 350 miles.

Safety

The following are safety features on the Transit Connect:

* Driver air bag.

* Passenger air bag.

* Front anti-lock brakes.

* Safety belts w. pretensioners and energy management retractors.

* Collapsible steering column.

* Electronic Stability Control.

* Front disc/rear drum brakes.

Under the Hood

The drivetrain includes a four-speed automatic transmission and has a 136 hp, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine. The vehicle is front- wheel drive.

The Transit Connect does 0 to 60 mph in a sluggish 12.6 seconds. Its EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.

Inside

The cargo area is 59.1 inches tall from floor to ceiling, with a payload of 1,600 pounds. There is more than six feet of cargo floor space, with 48 inches of flat space between the wheel wells.

Any small business can configure the cargo area with a variety of racks, bins and other storage equipment for their particular application.

The seats are well constructed and hold you firmly in place. The driver’s seat adjusts six ways, manually; the passenger seat adjusts four ways. The center armrests are positioned so you can drive in comfort for any distance.

The controls on the steering wheel are positioned well, and have tilt and telescope functions. Air conditioning is adequate and the radio controls are positioned for easy access. The front visibility is excellent due to the large front windows, and the sideview mirrors are large and adjust just like a car.

The Transit Connect had the optional Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer with Garmin navigation, which allows small-business owners to run their business from the vehicle.

My Transit Connect was configured as a panel van without side or back windows, and had the XLT trim package.

Outside

The styling of the Transit Connect looks like a miniature Mercedes Sprinter, and has its own personality and dynamics when you first spot the vehicle on the road.

The Transit Connect styling says work and it can handle a variety of jobs for any small or large business. The sliding side-cargo doors, and rear doors that open 180 degrees, make it easy to get at cargo no matter where the vehicle is parked.

The Transit Connect looks like a tall, narrow, short box that’s functional for hauling product or tools to a job or delivery.

Summary

The Ford Transit Connect is the perfect solution for business owners who are looking for a vehicle for a variety of jobs. It’s designed for efficiency, requiring no special driving skills to operate. It can be custom designed for many purposes and is inexpensive to maintain.