May 21, 2013
- U.S. automaker says it's catching up in quality; Ford 4-banger forecast; Chevy plays along with 'Mad Men' plot.
May 20, 2013
- U.S. automaker says it's catching in quality; Ford 4-banger forecast; Chevy plays along with 'Mad Men' plot..
- Automotive News reports the European automotive market has posted first gain in 19 months. Germany and Spain helped push the swell thanks to higher-than-average consumer confidence, though the EU saw registrations jump two percent overall compared to the prior year. In April, buyers took home 1.08 million new vehicles, up from 1.06 million during the same month in 2012. Analysts are hoping the news is the first sign of a legitimate recovery for a region that has suffered some of the slowest...
- A couple of years ago, we brought you news that Chrysler was planning a supercharged HEMI V-8 engine to lift the performance of its SRT models closer in line with rivals from Chevrolet and Ford. While we’re yet to see such an engine from Chrysler, news of the supercharged HEMI’s existence is once again making headlines. Automotive News...
May 18, 2013
- This weekend, the Australian V8 Supercar Series heads to America for the first time in its storied history. Tackling the new Circuit of the Americas track in Austin, Texas, Australia’s V8 Supercars will complement the World Challenge race at the same venue. 28 cars in total will be competing in the inaugural event with Ford, Holden, Nissan,... more
- Pros and Cons* Pros The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox distinguishes itself from its competition with its passenger-friendly cabin, excellent build quality, generous interior space and sliding rear seats. Cons The oversized A-pillars that reduce forward visibility, complex audio controls, anemic 4-cylinder engine and expensive options hinder its desirability. Price The base LS model starts at $26,935, to which $1,950 must be added for those who desire all...
- The Ford Mustang is a known quantity. For Americans who care about cars or those who don't, it's likely the Mustang conjures up memories and associations. And like other muscle-car reincarnations like the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger, it takes some of the look, and the sound, of the old pony cars, yet it lives in the present. The...
May 17, 2013
- While Cadillac sells more models every month than Lincoln, Ford’s premium brand offers more SUVs. Where Cadillac showrooms feature the Escalade and SRX, Lincoln offers the Navigator, MKT, and MKX, while development continues on the Ford Escape-based MKC crossover. We’re revisiting a thread originally started last year, in which Motor Trend forum member PR32A asked [...]
- Pros and Cons* Pros Offering a wide choice of engines and ergonomic controls, the 2013 Volkswagen Golf 5-door is comfortable and handles the road smoothly, yet with agility. Cons However, the back seats are tight for room and the heavy fuel consumption and high prices of a few of its premium models may deter some buyers. Photo: Volkswagen Price The basic model starts at $21,475. For $23,025, you get heated seats and...
- I was more than a year removed from my last experience with the Mustang GT and its delicious 5.0 V8 when this new 2014 example rolled up to my driveway recently. Good weather and a planned road trip across the state meant that I would get plenty of seat time in this conservatively specified example, too. In total, I logged about 400 miles in a week of driving - not a lot for some of you super commuters out there, but quite a lot for this work-from-home journalist. The basic formula of the 5.0...
- This week's McLaren-Honda announcement is likely to have consequences way beyond the racetrack The news that Honda is coming back to Formula 1 in 2015 is interesting in that it confirms that the new Formula 1 rules are attractive to the automobile industry — as was intended.It means while the unambitious Formula 1 teams will be trying to do deals with the existing manufacturers and Honda, the more imaginative will be chasing around the world banging on the doors of the motor companies that have...
- Pros and Cons* Pros Offering a wide choice of engines and ergonomic controls, the 2013 Volkswagen Golf 5-door is comfortable and handles the road smoothly, yet with agility. Cons However, the back seats are tight for room and the heavy fuel consumption and high prices of a few of its premium models may deter some buyers. Photo: Volkswagen Price The basic model starts at $21,475. For $23,025, you get heated seats and...
May 16, 2013
- Pros and Cons* Pros Luxurious interior, numerous standard features, ideal 50/50 front to rear weight distribution, precise steering and smooth ride are all good arguments in the 2013 Chrysler 300's favour. Cons Its excess weight, unsupportive seats and primitive all-wheel drive system disappoint. Price The base Touring model starts at $34,245. The rear-wheel drive S starts at $38,245 and comes with optional all-wheel drive, which raises the...
- Pros and Cons* Pros Crisp, comfortable ride, stylish instrument panel, and numerous standard features are just a few of the many attributes of the 2013 Ford Focus. Cons Limited trunk space in the sedan version, complex controls, lack of a 6th speed for the manual transmission and an option list that makes the final invoice disappointingly high. Its excess weight has a negative effect on the fuel consumption. Photo: Ford...
- Pros and Cons* Pros Its long list of standard features and alluring design are very impressive. Available options are way beyond what one would expect from a vehicle in this category. The dynamic ride and generous trunk opening are among the multitude of features and advantages that are standard in the 2013 Kia Rio sedan. Cons The engine is easily overburdened (especially in ECO mode) and the interior sound level is high. An options list that can quickly get out of hand and inflate the final...