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2021 Toyota Corolla XSE

On By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, ToyotaLeave a comment

Radio review at Pirate Radio featuring George Gray and Matt Arguello:

The Toyota Corolla XSE that I was recently able to test came in a pleasing Blueprint blue metallic paint scheme and featured black SofTex seating surfaces.  The Toyota Corolla, one of the best-selling nameplates of all time, has moved over 45 million cars onto driveways around the world (well, mostly driveways), and the car is in its twelfth generation configuration, having been around since 1966.

The 2021 front wheel drive Corolla sits on a 103.9” wheelbase, is 70.5” wide, 57.1” high, and weighs 3,060 lbs.  The way that Greeley and Ft. Collins have grown, it seems you are always poking around looking for parking space, so with a car that’s 172 inches long, it is not too difficult with Toyota’s Corolla.

Acceleration, handling, visibility and guidance were all acceptable for the Corolla.  The power was supplied by a 2 liter, 4 cylinder engine, putting out 168 horsepower through a continuously variable (CVT) transmission.  Silver and gray ten-spoke alloy wheels were fitted with P225/40R18 all-season radials on the car.

The 5 passenger interior of the Corolla was comfortable and the seating was supportive and looked good.  The car had a backup camera, 8″ touchscreen, cruise control, power windows/locks/mirrors, tilt/telescope steering column, and keyless entry.  M.S.R.P for my test Corolla came in at $29,289.00, including freight.  The biggest item added to its $25,725.00 base price was a premium audio/navigation package ($1,715.00) consisting of a JBL stereo and dynamic navigation.

The Corolla did a super job for me during the test in Northern Colorado.  The slick styling caught a lot of eyes, the car kept pace at the stoplights, and with the 38 mpg highway mileage rating, I spent a nominal amount of money on gas.  I’d say it is a good value.

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“Everything that Glitters – ” 2021 KIA Seltos SX Turbo AWD

On By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, KIALeave a comment

When the press fleet driver pulled up at my home with a new KIA, I immediately was pleased with the glittering gold paint job that I was seeing out the front door.  When I pulled the window sticker out of the glove box, I was surprised to find the name of the paint was “Starbright Yellow”.  It brought to mind for me the song by Dan Seals – “Everything that Glitters is Not Gold”, from 1986.

Dan Seals is one of my favorite all-time singers, and is often heard on K96.9 FM radio, including him performing the number one hit that he co-wrote.  “Everything that Glitters is Not Gold” involves the song’s narrator and an estranged female lover, now popular on the livestock rodeo circuit.  The rodeo star, with her flowing blond hair, is burnished in the singers’s brain and he struggles to deal with his little girl’s curiosity about the ex-lover riding on her horse “with the sunlight in her hair”.   

So it is that I had a yellow KIA to test, and along with the distinctive paint, it featured terrific styling.  KIA Motors, based in South Korea, is that country’s second largest auto manufacturer, trailing only Hyundai, its one-third owner.  As recently as 1986, KIA only produced 26 automobiles, but the total was 658,000 in America last year.

The 2021 Seltos that was brought to me was an SX turbo upgraded all-wheel drive model.  Total M.S.R.P. came to $29,485.00, including freight charges of $1,120.00. With the SX, a buyer gets heated front seats, cargo cover, heated outside mirrors, and a Bose stereo.  The seating was black leather with room for five and luggage space came to 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat.  Electronics included the navigation, backup camera, pushbutton starter, proximity keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, and power seats.

The 1.6 liter turbocharged gas engine produces 175 horsepower and 195 lb. ft. of torque.  With its seven-speed automatic transmission the KIA reportedly accelerates from zero to 60 in 7.7 seconds.  Fuel economy ratings are 25-city and 30-highway with a 27 combined reading.  I averaged 28.8 mpg with the SX – the gas tank holds 16.4 gallons on this model.

The wheels were 18” ten spoke alloys with red center trim rings.  Tires were Kumho 245/45R18 all-season radials.  Dual exhausts peeked out from the rear of the SX,  and brushed nickel door handles and window trim was on the car.  Matching roof rails were on top and deep tint windows were all around the rear.

Ruth and I drove the SX to a Denver destination one afternoon; the KIA’s road manners were fine as were its guidance and road noise.  Turning diameter (34.8′) is minimal, reducing stress on the narrow streets in parts of the Mile High City.  And the perky turbo engine makes for a fast escape in city traffic after the visit.

The KIA test car turned out to be a bit of a favorite of mine with a generous amount of glitter and audacity.  

 

 

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2020 Honda CR-V 1.5T AWD Touring

On By stuwright47In UncategorizedLeave a comment

 Honda Motor Company started exporting motorcycles to America, from Japan, in the early 1960’s with a clever slogan, “You Meet the Nicest People on a Honda”.  I became  an early customer when I purchased a new 1964 Honda while in high school in Grant,  Nebraska.  All three Wright brothers eventually bought Hondas, and of course mine was the smallest, the Honda 50, a little machine I rolled past the Perkins County fairgrounds on thinking I would impress those patrons inside with my little exhaust report.564569_4530557393104_1470037628_n

 It was later, in the 1970’s, that Honda started exporting automobiles to the U.S., and in 1997 they sent their first in-house designed sport utility vehicle, the CR-V to our shores.  The CR-V (compact recreational vehicle) is based on the Civic sedan and is currently in its fifth generation configuration.  Sales of the CR-V started off at 67,000 in the first year and they have swelled to over 300,000 per year for the last seven years.  

   Recently, a 2020 Honda CR-V 1.5T Touring edition was loaned to me out of the press fleet, and I drove it for a week.  The CR-V comes in a hybrid, LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring edition, which is the top model and the one I tested.  For $35,845.00, including freight, the Touring edition has a leather interior, navigation system with backup camera, adaptive radar cruise control, heated steering wheel, lane departure warning, moon roof, and dual heated power bucket seats.  

   The driving experience when behind the wheel of the CR-V is excellent, with a somewhat quieter environment than the unit I drove in 2018 but with similar guidance, handling, and ride; all good.  Visibility is top-notch, and real-world economy for this reviewer came in at 25.5 mpg, right on target with the EPA estimate.  

   The mid-sized Honda CR-V rolls on 19” ten spoke alloy wheels with Continental P235/55R19 Cross Contact all season radials.  All CR-V’s were refreshed for 2020, and the power train is now a turbocharged 190 horsepower four with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

   In high school I  fantasized about someday driving an automobile with the quality and innovation of my little Honda 50.  Never would I have imagined that sedans would become so unpopular (along with small motorcycles) and that “sport-utility” vehicles would basically take over the roads.  Nonetheless, someday arrived after a fashion a week ago when I tested the very capable, American made Honda CR-V.  And, I suspect, you still “Meet the Nicest People in a Honda”.       

2023 Lexus GX-460 5-Door 4WD SUV

On By stuwright47In *SPORT UTILITIES, LexusLeave a comment

George Gray of Pirate Radio gave an assist in reviewing the Lexus GX-460:  Nori Green pearl metallic paint with black and brown NuLuxe leather seating for 7 – heated front and rear seats and air conditioned front seats – 128 cubic ft. of cargo space, weighs 5,264 lbs., has a 109.8” wheelbase, 6,500 towing capacity –  192.1” long, 18” gloss black aluminum spoke wheels and 255/60R18 Michelin Latitude Tour HP all season radials, 10.25” multimedia infotainment screen, rear vision camera setup, wireless flatbed phone charger, pushbutton and remote starter, tilt and telescope steering column, navigation, heated steering wheel, 12 speaker Lexus premium FM/AM-Satellite stereo, heated exterior mirrors, swinging rear tailgate, 4.6 liter V-8 with 301 horsepower and six speed automatic transmission, 19 mpg highway mileage rating, 23 gallon tank, 437 miles of range, list price $62,460.00                                                                                             

 

2023 Infiniti QX-50 Sport AWD

On By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, InfinitiLeave a comment

The Infiniti served as delightful transportation while in the Valley of the Sun, and the experience was discussed with George Gray at Pirate Radio 104.7:

SPECIFICATIONS – 184.7” length and 110.2” wheelbase  4,164 lb. weight — Graphite Shadow metallic paint – all-wheel drive – 2.0 liter turbo four with 268 horsepower and 20” alloy wheels with 255/45R20 Bridgestone Ecopia HL all season tires – CVT automatic with electronic floor shift  – 9” infotainment screen – Bose studio 12 speaker stereo – wireless phone charging – black leather-trimmed interior with seating for five (two heated seats two air conditioned ) and fancy black trim 31 cubic ft. of cargo space – heated steering wheel – 16 gallon tank provides 448 miles of range with 28 MPG highway rating – panoramic moon roof – 5.3” head up display  –  $52,815.00 MSRP

2023 Mazda CX-50 Turbo AWD with Premium Plus Package

On By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, MazdaLeave a comment

George Gray at Pirate Radio 104.7 helped review the 2023 Mazda:

Wind Chill pearl metallic paint with black and brown leather seating for 5 – heated front and rear seats and air conditioned front seats – 31 cubic ft. of cargo space, weighs 3,866 lbs., has a 110.8” wheelbase and is 185.8” long, 20” – gloss black aluminum spoke wheels and 245/45R20 Goodyear Eagle Touring all season radials, 10.25” multimedia infotainment screen, rear vision camera setup, wireless flatbed phone charger, pushbutton and remote starter, tilt and telescope steering column, navigation, heated steering wheel, 12 speaker Bose premium FM/AM-Satellite stereo, heated exterior folding mirrors, power tailgate, moon roof, and Android / Apple integration, radar cruise control, lane change alert and tracing assist, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot warning, 2.5 liter turbo four engine with 227 horsepower, 310 ft. lb. of torque, six speed automatic transmission, zero to 60 in 6.6 seconds, 142 mph top speed – all wheel drive, $43,970.00  list price –  built Madison, Alabama, fuel economy (29 highway 25 combined 23 city),  15.9 gallon tank with 461 mi. range                                                                     

 

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XSE

On By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, ToyotaLeave a comment

The Toyota was analyzed with the help of George Gray, radio DJ at Pirate Radio KELS 104.7 FM:

Celestite gray (looks blue) metallic paint with black SofTex seating for 5 – heated front seats and 24 cubic ft. of cargo space, weighs 3,384 lbs., has a 103.9” wheelbase and is 175.6” long, 18” – gray and polished aluminum spoke wheels and 225/55R18 Goodyear Assurance Finesse all season radials, 8” multimedia infotainment screen, rear vision camera, wireless flatbed phone charger, pushbutton starter, tilt and telescope steering column, 9 speaker JBL premium FM/AM-Satellite stereo, heated exterior mirrors, power tailgate, moon roof, and Android / Apple integration, radar cruise control, lane change alert and tracing assist, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot warning, 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine with 169 horsepower, 150 ft. lb. of torque, CVT automatic transmission, zero to 60 in 9.2 seconds – all wheel drive, $33,550.00  list price –  built Huntsville, Alabama, fuel economy (32 highway 39 combined 29  city),  13.5 gallon tank with 432 mi. range

 

                                                                                

 

2023 Mazda CX-5 Signature Turbo AWD

On By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, MazdaLeave a comment

The Mazda was driven to Pirate Radio 104.7FM to get a review with the help of George “Elvis” Gray, the station manager:

Deep crystal blue mica paint with brown leather seating for 5 – heated front (a/c too) and rear seats and and 29.3 cubic ft. of cargo space behind the back seats, weighs 3,832 lbs., has a 106.2” wheelbase and is 180.1” long, 19” – Bright finished aluminum spoke wheels and 225/55R19 Toyo A36 all season radials, 10.25” multimedia infotainment screen, head up display, panoramic multi-view surround camera, wireless flatbed phone charger, heated steering wheel, moonroof, pushbutton starter, navigation, tilt and telescope steering column, 10 speaker Bose premium FM/AM-Satellite stereo, power folding exterior mirrors, power tailgate, and Android / Apple integration, radar cruise control, lane change alert and tracing assist, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot warning, 2.5 liter turbo four engine with 227 total horsepower, 310 ft. lb. of torque, 6 speed automatic transmission, dual exhausts, zero to 60 in 6.2 seconds – all wheel drive, $40,925.0000  list price –  built in Hiroshima, fuel economy (27 highway 24 combined 22 city),  15.3 gallon tank with       413 mi. range                                                                          

 

2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro 4WD

On By stuwright47In *PICKUPS, ToyotaLeave a comment

The Tundra pickup was looked over at Pirate Radio 104.7 with the help of George “Elvis” Gray:Solar Octane orange paint with black (camo-style) SofTex seating for 5 – heated front seats, 11,074 lb. towing capacity, and and 5.5’ bed with rubber mat, weighs 6,015 lbs., has a 145.6” wheelbase and is 233.1” long, 18” – Black finished BBS aluminum spoke wheels and 285/65R18 Falken WildPeak all season radials, 14” multimedia infotainment screen, head up display, panoramic multi-view surround camera, wireless flatbed phone charger, heated steering wheel, pushbutton starter, tilt and telescope steering column, 12 speaker JBL premium FM/AM-Satellite stereo, folding exterior mirrors, soft-drop tailgate, moon roof, and Android / Apple integration, radar cruise control, lane change alert and tracing assist, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot warning, 3.5 liter twin turbo V-6 hybrid engine with 437 total horsepower, 583 ft. lb. of torque, 10 speed automatic transmission, dual exhausts, zero to 60 in 5.7 seconds – four wheel drive, $69,185.00  list price –  built in San Antonio, fuel economy (20 highway 19 combined 18  city),  32.2 gallon tank with 644 mi. range

                                                                                 

 

2023 Lexus ES-350 FWD Sedan with F Sport Package

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The Lexus was presented at Pirate Radio studios for a review with the help of George Gray:Ultrasonic blue mica paint with jet black leather seating for 5 – heated  and cooled front buckets and and 17 cubic ft. of cargo space in the trunk, weighs 3,776 lbs., has a 113” wheelbase and is 196” long, 19” – Carbon black finished aluminum spoke wheels and 235/40R19 Michelin Primacy all season radials, 12.3” multimedia infotainment screen, 10.2” head up display in windshield, panoramic multi-view surround camera, wireless flatbed phone charger, heated F Sport steering wheel, dual pane moonroof, pushbutton starter, navigation, power tilt and telescope steering column, 10 speaker Lexus premium FM/AM-Satellite stereo, power trunk lid with kick sensor,  Android / Apple integration, radar cruise control, lane change alert/tracing assist, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot warning, 3.5 liter V-6 engine with 302 horsepower, 284 ft. lb. of torque, 8 speed automatic transmission, dual exhausts, zero to 60 in 6.1 seconds – front wheel drive, $53,775.00  list price –  built in Georgetown, Kentucky – fuel economy (31 highway 25 combined 22 city),  16 gallon tank with 520 mi. range                                                                     

 

2022 Honda Passport AWD TrailSport Edition

On By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, HondaLeave a comment

The new Honda Passport was reviewed at Pirate Studios (104.7FM) with the help of station manager George “Elvis” Gray:Platinum white paint with black leather seating for 5 – heated  front buckets and pushbutton transmission shifter, Trailsport stitching in headrests, weighs 4,236 lbs., has a 111” wheelbase and is 189.1” long, 41.2 cubic ft. cargo space in trunk – double that with second row flat, 18” – Gray and polished finish aluminum spoke wheels and 245/60R18 all season radials, 8” multimedia infotainment screen – multi-view rear vision camera, wireless flatbed phone charger, moonroof, pushbutton and remote starter, rear window shades, tilt and telescope steering column, 7 speaker Honda premium FM/AM-Satellite stereo, tailgate mounted rear spoiler – Android / Apple integration, cruise control, lane change alert, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot warning, 3.5 liter V-6 engine with 280 total horsepower, 262 ft. lb. of torque, 9 speed automatic transmission, dual giant exhausts, zero to 60 in 6.2 seconds – all wheel drive, $44,660.00  list price –  built in Lincoln, Alabama, fuel economy (24 highway 21 combined 19 city),  19.5 gallon tank with 468 mi. range