Archives for November 2012

Review: 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe

November 27, 2012 by Tom Williams Leave a Comment

The Garage is no stranger to the current Hyundai Elantra. After a week at the wheel of the then-new 2011 Elantra sedan, we walked away convinced the Elantra was a winner, and more than able to stand up to the best cars in its class. In an attempt to further the Elantra’s appeal, for 2013 Hyundai has added the Elantra Coupe. For years, Honda has owned the compact, economy coupe market with the Civic, almost exclusively. Hyundai wants to crash that party.

It helps the sedan was a handsome looking car on its own-lopping off two doors only adds to the style and appeal of the Elantra. Finished in Black Noir Pearl with fetching 17″ alloys, the Elantra Coupe looks like it costs quite a bit more than its sticker price. For a car with such swoopy lines and surface changes, I did wish for more luster to the car’s black paint, something worth paying extra for. If you’re going to flaunt your curves Hyundai, you better have the paint quality to back it up.

Inside, the Coupe is more or less identical to the sedan, but the seats sit a tad lower for a sportier feel. Our feature-laden test car was perfectly comfortable and easy to use. The Elantra Coupe was my ride for the 2012 International Motoring Press Association’s annual Test Days event, set in the gorgeous Catskill Mountains in New York state. Despite a late start and in heavy rain, the Elantra proved to be a reliable companion on my trip from Connecticut to New York. Supportive seats, intuitive navigation and infotainment controls and a roomy interior made a long drive in less than ideal conditions bearable.

Buyers wanting a sporty ride to go along with the Elantra Coupe’s sporty looks, however, may walk away disappointed. The sole engine offered is the familiar 1.8L four cylinder, rated at 148hp. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or automatic. Our test car was equipped with the automatic. While the car is hardly what I would call quick, the Elantra gets off the line easily, with little drama, and even in uphill passing in the higher elevations of New York, the Elantra had adequate passing power. In sum, the Elantra Coupe was an easy car to live with for a long stint on the interstate, offering a good balance of power, ride comfort and fuel efficiency.

The Hyundai Elantra Coupe is offered in two trim levels-our test car was the top-spec SE. In typical Hyundai fashion, the car is well-equipped, with standard features like 17″ alloy wheels, heated seats, Bluetooth, power moonroof, sport tuned suspension, leather interior and aluminum pedals. Our test car included the optional Technology Package, adding auto headlights, two-zone auto climate control, keyless entry/start, navigation, rearview camera and premium/satellite audio. Including destination charges, the tab comes to a very respectable $23,965USD.

For style, comfort, features and efficiency, the Elantra Coupe has reset the benchmark the Honda Civic Coupe has held for so long. The Elantra Coupe proves you do not have to surrender practicality for fashion. Yet, the enthusiast in me craves a turbocharged Elantra Coupe….Hyundai, are you listening?

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Hurricane Sandy, Killer of Cars

November 17, 2012 by ponycargirl 6 Comments

When Hurricane Sandy blew into the east coast of the United States, nobody in New Jersey or New York coastal regions quite expected the ensuing storm surge and wreckage. The Jersey shore, the coast of Long Island, barrier islands, Staten Island and Manhattan were battered and flooded; lives were lost both here and in the Caribbean. Electricity is still in the process of being restored in some places but areas such as the Rockaways, Staten Island and downtown Manhattan are still working doggedly to clear out the absolute devastation. Thousands have been left homeless as the days get colder with the impending winter months. The region is experiencing the goodwill of tens of thousands of people and organizations donating food, water, cleaning supplies and themselves to help the restoration effort.

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Review: 2013 Volvo S60 T5 AWD

November 13, 2012 by Tom Williams Leave a Comment

I would forgive you in an instant if you hadn’t noticed the changes happening at the entry-level side of Volvo’s offerings in North America. The compact S40/V50 sedan and wagon quietly departed here two years ago, replaced with the sublime V40, which is not available here. Now comes news the two door hatch C30, which had hoped to steal sales away from the MINI Cooper but barely made a ripple here will also be exiting the stage. So, what then is the entry-level Volvo?

Well, that leaves the S60, which for many years was comfortably positioned as Volvo’s mid-level, bread and butter sedan, positioned above the smaller S40 and luxurious S80. The Garage reviewed a 2011 Volvo S60 T6, and we came away impressed. That was the sole S60 for 2011, but in 2012, Volvo added the S60 T5. A less powerful S60 that would ultimately wear the dubious crown of being the ‘starter’ Volvo. Was any luster lost? Read on…

I’ve been staring at my pics of the T5 and T6, and I cannot tell any difference between the two. Apart from the T5 badge on the rear, no one will know you went with the base model. Two years on, the S60 still looks fantastic. Volvo still marches to the beat of their own drum while other competitors relentlessly chase the German marques. In place of our T6’s eye searing copper paint, our T5 was finished in a soothing Ice White. All S60’s come standard with 17″ alloys, but our test car was equipped with an alternative, optional Kjord Design, which look far better than the stock wheels for only a little extra money. Style-wise, this is one sophisticated looking car, handsome, contemporary, and in a class of its own.

I confess, on my first encounter with the S60 the Beechwood leather seating surfaces left me cold. Second time around, I was warming up to them. Yes, it is a bold color, but without the copper exterior, it was much easier to swallow. After a 500 mile round trip from Connecticut to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I actually started to like it. The seats offer comfort that are best in class. Controls are easy to use, gauges simple and elegant to look at. I relished attention to details, such as an illuminated shift knob showing your gear. Offered a choice between an S60 or BMW 3-series for a long distance tourer, I would pick the Volvo in a heartbeat. The only downside was a smallish trunk. We’re a family of three, so we could fit items in the back seat, but a larger family would find the S60 a challenge for long trips.

For the gearheads, the real question is what is the trade-off by going with the base engine? The T5 is powered by a 2.5L inline-five cylinder rated at 250hp, paired to a six-speed automatic. That’s down 50hp from the T6 we last reviewed. The T5 is offered in front or all-wheel drive. Our car was all-wheel drive, and Volvo claims a 0-60mph time of 6.6 seconds. That’s about a half second slower than the T6, while delivering 20/29 MPG city/highway mileage. Bombing down the interstate at 80mpg the S60 T5 was showing 27MPG on the trip computer. It’s no scorcher, but the power is always there when you need it, and passing is done with ease. The T5 is the smoothest five cylinder car I have driven to date.

The ride quality is exceptionally comfortable. Steering is direct, with just enough feel to keep me happy. I found the handling to be confidence inspiring. It’s these Connecticut-Pennsylvania trips that really tell me the story of a car, especially when my son and wife doze away, it is just the car, the road and me where I truly get a feel of the car, and in this case, the S60 was positively one of the most stand-out cars of the year. That I can point the S60 at rapid pace without disturbing my passengers as they nap is the mark of an excellent automobile.

The Volvo S60 T5 starts at $31,900USD. Our test car added all-wheel drive, the Premier Package (power moonroof, leather seating, auto dimming rearview mirror, power passenger seat, keyless entry), Climate Package (heated front seats, air quality system, heated windshield washer nozzles), rear spoiler and upgraded wheels, with an as delivered charge of $38, 178. Yes, I scoffed at the price of the car with the absence of of GPS navigation (which is available), but reminded myself the four banger BMW we reviewed cost over $50,000 which offered only a few extra bells and whistles. In that light, the Volvo is a virtual bargain.

In the world of cars, entry-level and base model often provoke fears of decontented, weakly powered cars, but with the Volvo S60 T5, that is hardly the case. Odds are, if you are a potential buyer, you have a phone with GPS. If you demand a stick shift and slightly sharper handling, the BMW is your car. But again, if long distance touring is your thing, and you prize a roomier interior and a calmer demeanor with a distinct Swedish flair without giving up anything in speed and handling composure, a look at the Volvo S60 T5 is worth a look, and will never leave you with the impression of driving a base model.

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Have at it boys!

November 12, 2012 by Gary Grant 1 Comment

Few sports are as hotly contested as auto racing, which means that when things don’t go someone’s way, there is always a chance for fisticuffs to break out. Of course the roundy round racers have more of a history of “takin’ it outside” than most other series. The NASCAR circus kept true to that history yesterday when Jeff Gordon got into Clint Bowyer on the last lap of the 3 to last race of the season at Phoenix.

For those of you, who like me, didn’t get to see the race, I’ve got the action for you below.

What do you think: with the absence of the NHL, should the NASCAR boys keep fighting like hockey players?

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Review: 2012 Toyota RAV4

November 8, 2012 by Tom Williams 1 Comment

The Toyota RAV4 has been a mainstay of the ‘cute ute’ market since its American debut in 1996. Yet, The Garage never got any seat time with the RAV, and it was high time to correct that. Now in its third generation, the RAV4 has certainly matured from cute ute status to a full-fledged crossover.

Our RAV4 tester was the Sport model, I loved the 18″ alloys, and there is not an offensive line on the RAV4, but this is an old design in need of new life. A new RAV4 is in the works, and hopefully Toyota has a more contemporary design to offer.

The cabin of the RAV4 was roomy, airy and reasonably comfortable, but I was hardly impressed with the design flair, or lack thereof. Controls and gauges were straightforward and intuitive, but this is strictly a no-frills interior. Functional and ergonomically correct, yes, but uninspiring as well. I appreciated the RAV4’s wide, flat cargo space which made for easy cargo carrying. To sum, the RAV4 gets points for practicality and ease of use, just don’t expect much in design or flair.

You can order up a RAV4 four ways-front or all wheel drive, four or six cylinders. Base RAV4’s come with a 2.5L four rated at 179hp, mated to an ancient 4-speed automatic. The RAV4 you want is the 3.5L V-6, rated at 269hp, paired to a five-speed automatic. Perfectly smooth, and packing all the punch you would expect from a crossover, the RAV4 proved to be the perfect companion for our annual family trip to the Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts.

The RAV4 comes in base, Sport, and Limited trim. Our test car was the Sport, with a base price of $27,880USD. Our test car added a power moonroof, and a ho-hum appearance package that added little spice to what was an OK but bland package. Out the door, our RAV4 was $29,497. That’s a heck of a bill for a crossover lacking leather, heated seats, navigation, and satellite radio. Though I cannot fault the RAV4 for any true fault, my opinion is this car is simply too overpriced for it’s segment.

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The Future of the Auto Industry: A Panel Discussion

November 8, 2012 by ponycargirl 1 Comment

As part of the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies (AICGS) Annual Conference at Deutsche Bank, a panel discussion was held titled titled “The Future of the Auto Industry.” Taking place on a rainy Tuesday, October 23, in New York City’s financial district, the panel featured six executives from automotive manufacturers: Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America; Hans-Ulrich Engel, Member of the Board of Executive Directors, CFO, BASF SE; Martin Jäger, Vice President, Head of Global External Affairs and Public Policy, Daimler AG; Timothy Manganello, Chairman and CEO, BorgWarner Inc.; Rodney O’Neal, President and CEO, Delphi; John Plant, Chairman, President and CEO, TRW Automotive, and moderated by Rod Lache, Deutsche Bank Auto Manufacturing Equity Research Analyst. It was a great opportunity to hear some candid, pointed opinions on the auto industry from the executives of these very successful companies.

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Suzuki Quits US Auto Sales

November 5, 2012 by Tom Williams Leave a Comment

Though we may have seen it coming, I was surprised when word got out that Suzuki will cease selling new cars in the US. American Suzuki Motor Corporation filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy today. It looked like Suzuki had been dormant for some time, but when The Garage reviewed the all-new 2010 Kizashi, I was encouraged at the renewed enthusiasm of Suzuki in the States. There were rumors the much lauded Suzuki Swift would finally make its return to these shores. Today, all that went up in smoke.

The Kizashi seemed like a ray of hope for a company that had appeared to have completely lost interest in selling cars in the US. But when the Kiazashi arrived with high hopes from Suzuki, the company marketed the car as just as good as an Audi A4, even challenging Audi shoppers to drive the car, with the promise to pay them $100 if they took the A4. But the Kizashi was competing against cars like the VW Jetta and Mazda6, and Suzuki’s marketing people weren’t talking to them. Which was a shame, because the Kizashi was a great car. Suzuki reached out to an audience that just did not care, and missed a great opportunity.

Suzuki blames low sales, a limited line of vehicles, among other reasons for withdrawing. And that is true. Suzuki has been selling around 2,000 cars a month nationwide. Toyota/Lexus sold 155,000 cars last month, to put things into perspective. Suzuki lacked a full line of vehicles to offer mass appeal to a large group of buyers as well, and the company is right for admitting the same. The SX4, a compact all-wheel drive car has been the bread and butter for Suzuki in the US since its 2007 debut. But with limited development, the SX4 started to get stale in an ever-changing market.

So yes, I am in complete agreement with Suzuki’s reasons. What I would like to add is a scant amount of dealers will hardly help boost sales. I actually live a couple miles from a Suzuki dealership, and I can honestly say I have never seen the Grand Vitara SUV or Equator pick-up on their lot. Hard to be a sales success when half of your products are not even available. But I can’t put blame on the dealer when the company itself is doing almost nothing to promote its product. As a car journalist, I am ashamed to say until today I did not even know Suzuki sold a truck called the Equator, but on the flip side, it goes to show what little effort Suzuki did in promoting its vehicles to the automotive press, and even less so to the car buying public.

I honestly believe if Suzuki brought the Swift back to the US, marketed the Kizashi properly, and streamlined their car/truck portfolio they could have had a chance to be a small, but successful player. But the reality was Suzuki offered no brand identity, a fragmented product line, and a hugely misdirected marketing strategy on the Kizashi, which I now believe was the make it or break it car for the powers that be in Japan. The Kizashi was a sales flop, and that was it.

As a car guy, and one that always roots for the underdog, I am sad to see Suzuki leave the US market. Fear not, their motorcycles and ATV’s will still be sold here, and Suzuki will continue building cars, just not selling them here. Still, I hate to see a company go that offered decent cars at reasonable prices, when it could have been different. While there has been no word from Suzuki Canada, odds are if no further vehicles will be imported to the US, the same can be said for our friends up north.

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