Archive for December, 2011

2012 Dodge Durango – A Driver’s Sport Utility Vehicle

Good Generous towing capacity; sophisticated ride; potent optional V8 engine; easy to maneuver; adult friendly third-row seat. Bad Performance of V6 engine is not that sprightly as compared to rivals; less cargo room than other models. Introduction 2012 Dodge Durango is a large sport utility vehicle with impressive good looks and stable handling with comfortable, quiet and spacious interior. With its athletic, yet comfortable handling and welcoming interior, the 2012 Durango is fully competitive against top crossover sport utility vehicles. For 2012, it gets some minor enhancements, including automatic transmission for V8 models, redesigned variants and newly offered captain’s second-row chairs. Affordable, daring, agile and inventive, the future of American driving is boldly apparent  [...]

2011 Toyota 4Runner – Designed for All-Terrain Capability

Good Available third-row seat; exceptional off-road capability; abundant cargo space; pleasant on-road demeanour; muscular V6 powerplant. Bad Cramped third-row seat; lack of V8 option; intrusive stability control. Introduction 2011 Toyota 4Runner is a taller, longer and wider midsize sport utility vehicle, which fuses true off-road competence with everyday safety, driving comfort and refinement. For relatively few drivers who need all conquering, all terrain sport utility vehicle, 2011 4Runner is a good option. It is designed and engineered for all-terrain capability and durability. Using rugged body on frame construction, it is intended to be a reliable and tough sport utility vehicle for more adventurous owner. When the first 4Runner SUV was introduced in the year 1984, it was a legendary  [...]

2013 BMW X6 Facelift: Spy Photos

Next BMW vehicle to get a redesign is the 2013 BMW X6, the first SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) designed and engineered by BMW spotted during field testing near Spartanburg facility, South Carolina. The model spotted is the xDrive50i variant of X6, which for the first time will be equipped with unique front fascia than entry level xDrive35i model of United States. The test mule shows slats in two new air intakes, which offer additional aerodynamics, while the rear features taillamps with typical LED treatment. Even the middle bar in air intakes get equal amount of tape missing on each end, while it is larger as compared to other bars. The redesigned kidneys now bear a resemblance to the ones found on new 6 Series with grille that features 3D aspect. One of the biggest changes with 2013  [...]

2012 Subaru Legacy – Typical Choice for Those Who Shun Commonplace

Positive Top safety scores; standard four-wheel drive system; voluptuous interior; excellent outward visibility; diverse transmission and engine choices. Negative Lack of automatic transmission with 2.5GT; weak base stereo; unimpressive six-cylinder fuel efficiency; fussy navigation system. Introduction 2012 Subaru Legacy is a solid choice amongst midsize sedans, with lively performance, big car comfort and standard four-wheel drive system. Apart from new stereo system for higher variants and quite a few shuffling of features, the Legacy remains unchanged for 2012. Its all wheel drive system makes Legacy a wonderful choice for those who has to contend with weather. Nevertheless, its excellent handling, fresh styling and respectable performance make Legacy a solid choice for those who are  [...]

2012 Jaguar XF – Quiet, Smooth and Responsive Sports Sedan

Pros Remarkable XFR model; powerful V8 engine performance; refined ride; stylish and beautifully designed interior; sporty handling. Con Quite a few finicky controls; lack of four-wheel drive or V6 option; uncertain reliability; average outward visibility. Introduction 2012 Jaguar XF is a four-door, rear wheel drive premium luxury sedan with an appealing exterior, premium technology and top class interior. With effortless performance and sharper styling, it is a prime choice for midsize luxury sedan. The XF gets quite a few updates for 2012 model year such as sleeker exterior styling with new taillamps and headlamps, interior with new seat design, new touchscreen electronics interface, revised interior controls and upgraded surround sound systems with improved high tech gizmos. Streamlined  [...]

2011 Lincoln MKT – Extremely Comfortable and Technologically Advanced

Good Long list of high tech options and standard features; fuel efficient and potent turbocharged V6 engine; quiet cabin; nicely balanced handling and ride. Bad Questionable exterior styling; near-useless third row headroom; high price of twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 model. Introduction 2011 Lincoln MKT is a large luxury crossover that features sculpted exterior, three-row seating, refined interior and sophisticated technology. With its EcoBoost twin turbocharged V6 engine, top notch crash scores, high tech options and upscale interior, the MKT has plenty of strengths, though its relatively steep price tag, awkward styling and compromised seating are potential deal breakers. For 2011 model year, it gets optional voice activated navigation system with complementary three-year subscription to  [...]

2012 Audi A7 – An Extraordinary Tech Powerhouse

Good Smart adjustable drive settings; efficient and muscular engine; plenty of electronics features; unique styling; beautiful interior; more cargo versatility as compared to standard saloon. Bad Drastically expensive as compared to A6; tight rear headroom. Introduction 2012 Audi A7 is a captivating five-door sportback addition to Audi lineup, fusing coupelike styling with classic luxury of sedan, and enhancing it with added versatility of rear power liftgate. Its venerated Quattro four-wheel drive system and Drive Select system offer dynamic handling, while four-passenger individual seating capacity creating an intimate cabin environment. The all new sportback is based on redesigned A6 saloon and provides welcome versatility with plenty of style. The 2012 A7 is a perfect combination of  [...]

2011 Scion XD – Uniqueness with Efficiency and Style

Good High tech audio systems; extensive customization options; nifty reclining/sliding rear seat. Bad Unfriendly to tall drivers; unimpressive cargo space. Introduction 2011 Scion XD is the marque’s urban subcompact designed and engineered to balance fuel efficiency and value with comfort and style. It is packaged as versatile five-door hatchback with top hinged liftgate that offers easy access to rear cargo area. The XD is an efficient, small, relatively less expensive four-door hatchback with style and individuality. With its affordable price, versatility and spaciousness, the XD lends itself to exclusive range of personalization through length list of customization options and accessories offered through Scion dealers and aftermarket. It is a spacious little hatchback with comfortable  [...]

2011 Mazda Tribute – Among The Best Of The Small SUVs

Positive Excellent crash test scores; both V6 and inline four-cylinder powertrains balance fuel economy with power. Negative Rear seats don't recline or slide; feels old than rivals; lacks high end gizmos of crossover rivals; poor braking performance. Introduction 2011 Mazda Tribute is a vehicle for you if you would like a little zoom in your small utility. It is a fun to drive vehicle and offers all the convenient features of a small sport utility vehicle. The 2011 Tribute is a rebadged Ford Escape and more like a conventional sport utility vehicle as compared to a crossover. With high tech features of Escape, it can’t measure up to new breed of small crossovers. The Tribute offers additional packing options with a convenient roof rack that carries up to 100 pounds of cargo and custom  [...]

2012 Audi A8 – A Large, Representative Luxury Sedan

Good Standard four-wheel drive system; good-looking, prestigious interior; exceptional driving dynamics; cutting-edge technology. Bad Small trunk; prestige factor not quite equal to main rivals. Introduction 2012 Audi A8 carries the technology flag for Audi and with its all aluminium frame and understated styling; it is an exclusive choice in large luxury sedan market. It gives nothing away to its rivals in terms of technical wizardry, performance, build quality or comfort. As such, this driver oriented luxury saloon should be on consideration list of those shopping this class. For 2012, the lineup of Audi A8 is topped by new 12-cylinder 500 horsepower flagship, the A8 6.3 L. The A8 is an inspired study of progressive design and is a collection of technologies and ideas that shift luxury  [...]

2012 Volvo S80 – A Good Choice among Luxury Sedans

Good Functional and elegant cabin layout; well designed; refined seats and ride; inspiring safety features. Bad Styling might be slightly understated for some; unimposing base engine; forgettable driving dynamics. Introduction 2012 Volvo S80 is a contemporary, powerful, quick and good looking sedan, which is designed and engineered to deliver solid performance and surefooted stance. Apart from thorough redesign of its offered variants, the 2012 S80 now gets sports turn signal indicators on outside mirrors, seven-inch color screen in center of dash, Bluetooth audio streaming and genuine wood interior trim. The City Safety Technology of Volvo is now standard on all models. It is a sensible alternative to flashier luxury saloons; however its largely forgettable driving experience and anonymous  [...]

2012 Audi A6 – A Modern Urban Transporter

Good Impressive fuel economy from base four-cylinder powertrain; finely finished cabin; muscular supercharged V6 engine; number of technology features. Bad Ride of Sport Package might be firm for some; unnatural steering feel; four-wheel drive not offered with four-cylinder engine. Introduction 2012 Audi A6 continues the legacy of exceptional comfort and dynamic excellence with impressive attention to detail outside and in. It is a five-passenger; four-door premium luxury sedan offered in both front wheel drive and four-wheel drive systems. With plethora of high tech features and new styling, the 2012 A6 becomes a front runner in midsize luxury saloon race. It has been completely redesigned for 2012 year with updated styling, new technical gizmos, increased interior space and lighter curb  [...]

2011 Toyota Venza – Feels More Like a Car Than a Truck

The Upside Well designed; voluptuous cabin; groundbreaking interior storage; efficient and powerful V6 engine; pleasant ride. The Downside Not that involving to drive; quite a few disappointing interior bits. Introduction 2011 Toyota Venza is a five-passenger vehicle, which combines the comfort and styling of passenger car with flexibility of sport utility vehicle for providing consumers an elegant alternative to conventional saloon. It is difficult to define, but whether you say crossover or wagon, it is a comfortable and competitive family vehicle. The company provides a broad range of available pet accessories engineered for helping you transport your furry companions in security and comfort. Its rear liftgate has low load-in height, which makes it easy to load cargo, reducing heavy  [...]

2012 Toyota Sienna – The Best Minivan for You

Good Seven to eight passenger seating capacity; potent and smooth V6 engine; offered four-wheel drive system. Bad Pricey options packages; quite a few lower grade plastics inside the cabin. Introduction 2012 Toyota Sienna is a comfortable and voluptuous minivan, which is does everything well and is easy to live with and can be loaded with convenient features. For 2012, the XLE variant of Sienna gets additional standard equipments, most notably the automatic headlamps and power passenger seat. The exterior of Sienna is quite stylish and gets projector beam halogen headlights with auto on or off feature or High Intensity Discharge headlights with manual level control, auto on or off feature or Automatic High Beam, LED stop and taillamps, color keyed rear and front underbody spoilers and  [...]