2014 Mazda2 FWD Touring Sedan

On September 10, 2014 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, MazdaLeave a comment

This past week I had the opportunity to test a new 2014 Mazda2 sedan courtesy of Greeley Mazda, located at their new location at 2805 Eighth Avenue in Greeley. The car was painted Liquid Silver metallic and featured black cloth upholstery with red piping.

The Mazda2, known as the Demio in Japan, is in its third generation iteration, having been introduced at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. Actually the American 2 was introduced two years later in Los Angeles , and the 2 is a car that has existed in one form or another since 1987.

M.S.R.P. of the Mazda was $17,050.00 (base) and only freight was added onto the price to bring the total to $17,845.00. The 2 was the least expensive automobile that I have ever tested, but I cannot say it was the least attractive. And driving it was fine, as well, with power supplied by a 1.5 liter, 16-valve four cylinder engine with 100 horsepower (@6,000 rpm) and 98 lb. ft. (@4,000 rpm) of torque. Coupled to the front-wheel drive setup was a four-speed automatic electronically-controlled overdrive transmission. The engine burns regular unleaded gasoline, has an 11.3 gallon tank, and rates 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Weight of the little Mazda was 2,359 lbs., and the five passenger hatchback was 155.5” long, 66.7” wide, and rode on a 98” wheelbase. Wheels were 15”, eight-spoke alloys fitted with P185/55R15 Yokohama S34 mud and snow radials. Cargo capacity behind the second row of seating was 13.3 cubic ft., and that number doubled when the back seat was folded flat. I found the back seat to be adequate for up to three persons, and the front buckets were supportive and attractive.

Other interior appointments included cruise control, power locks/windows, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, 6-speaker CD/stereo, and a USB/12 volt outlet. Also present, thankfully, was air conditioning capable of cooling this driver in 95 degree heat. Visibility was fine, as was guidance, ride, and handling. No excessive road noise was present, and acceleration was adequate, considering that the car has 100 horsepower. Reportedly, the zero to sixty timing is a little over ten seconds. Front suspension is of the MacPherson strut variety and in the rear is a torsion bar setup.

I think that the styling of the 2 is a strong suite. It has rakish lines, is hiked up in the rear where the hatch is, and has a visor over the rear hatch where a wiper resides. Front styling is along the Mazda family theme; the Mazda family having an attractive lineup to offer.

The Mazda2 appears to this review to be a good choice in the B-segment category. It’s comfortable, drives nice, is good-looking, and won’t break the bank at purchase time.

57 Years Later

On September 7, 2014November 15, 2014 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, Lexus, |OF INTEREST|Leave a comment

Yesterday, I took my current test car to Grant, Nebraska to get a photograph at the park where my Nomad posed in front of my camera in 1966. Grant is my home town, and I was there to attend the Bullock Chevrolet auction, where 200 cars and 2,000 people were on hand. I have the silver car pictured for a few more days, and have posted a review elsewhere in this blog. It is a 2014 Lexus LS460 with an M.S.R.P. of $90,444.00. The 1957 Nomad would have brought about the same amount of money, had it been down the street and for sale at the auction. I should never have sold it, but did, in 1968.

2014 Lexus IS350C Convertible

On August 17, 2014August 29, 2014 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, LexusLeave a comment

Lexus, Toyota’s luxury car division that has been around for 25 years, sells cars in 70 countries and is headquartered in Nagoya, Japan. The name of the company’s product was selected from a list that included Verone, Calibre, and Alexis, among others. Lexus was decided on, and is a combination of the words “luxury” and “elegance.

The test car I recently has in my possession certainly was elegant, and luxurious, as well. It was the two-door convertible IS350C F Sport with metal retractable hardtop and it was painted Matador red mica with a black leather interior. The vehicle weighs 3,872 lb. and its 182.5” length sits on a 107.5” wheelbase, putting its size on par with a 3-Series BMW.

American manufacturer Ford introduced the world’s first hardtop convertible in 1957, and today I believe there are over 40 such offerings on the market. It (the Ford) was a smash when I was a teenager, and the size and configuration of it resulted in a redesigned trunk that would be stuffed with hardware when the top was down.

The Lexus, a much smaller car, actually has a little luggage space when in convertible mode, and plenty of room for four passengers. By a little luggage space, I mean 2.4 cubic feet, a number that is 10.8 cubic feet with the top up. I never attempted to carry luggage in the Lexus with the top down, but ostensibly it could perhaps hold a carry-on bag.

Buyers of this car are not interested in luggage, but in stylish motoring and superb performance from the F Sport IS350C. F Sport denotes a package of performance items including optimized steering, sport-tuned suspension, and special 18” alloy wheels. Also included with an F Sport are aluminum sport pedals, special grill, silver metallic interior trim, and “F” fender badging. The F Sport Lexus has heated and ventilated front seats, as well.

My test car was equipped with a high-intensity headlight/LED package ($875.00), navigation package ($3,520.00), headlamp washers ($100.00), and intuitive parking assist ($500.00). Along with the F Sport upgrade ($2,550.00), freight ($910.00), and a base price of $46,990.00, total M.S.R.P. came to $55,445.00. The navigation package included premium 12-speaker 270-watt audio, satellite radio, backup camera, and 7” high-resolution multimedia display screen.

Power for this rear-wheel drive two-door was supplied by a 3.5 liter V-6 with 306 horsepower (6,400 rpm) and 277 lb. ft. of torque (4,800 rpm). Fuel economy ratings are 19-city, 27-highway, and 22 mpg, combined. The fuel tank holds 17.2 gallons. A six-speed automatic transmission is employed in the power train and zero to sixty mph acceleration is reportedly 5.8 seconds. Double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension is a combination that makes the Lexus a blast to drive, regardless of where the roof is. Driving a convertible is genuine fun on a balmy August day in Greeley, and a retractable hardtop that goes up or down in 21 seconds is a convenience.

I mentioned the wheels, which were ten-spoke dark graphite alloys fitted with 225/40R18 all-season radials. Front-lip spoilers were installed on the Lexus, as well as dual chrome exhausts and light-striped outside mirrors. I like red cars, and the IS350C styling presented a beautiful visage, in my mind.

Ride of the convertible was acceptable despite the 40-aspect tires, handling was was way above average, and guidance was great. Wind noise was at a low level for a convertible of any sort, and visibility was suitable, certainly in three directions from the driver’s seat.

I had fun with the Lexus convertible, and would recommend it to the niche buyer looking for such a car.

2014 Chevrolet Volt

On June 22, 2014October 22, 2014 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, ChevroletLeave a comment

This past week I had the pleasure of testing out a new 2014 Chevy Volt four-door sedan. The Volt came in White Diamond Tricoat – a pearlescent white paint job, which is a very popular color for this model vehicle. The Volt is a version of the Chevrolet Cruze, but dressier with fancier mirrors, extra trim, and a substantial tail fin on the rear. And of the course the ground-breaking hybrid drive train.

The Volt I had possession of had a base price of $34,185.00, with premium interior trim ($1,395), rear camera/park assist ($575), navigation system ($895.00), frontal vision camera ($595.00), Bose premium speakers ($495), and the upgraded paint ($995). With freight and a cargo net, that brought the M.S.R.P. to $39,945.00. Such a price screams “pride” on the part of General Motors , but reportedly a federal tax credit of $7,500, along with a Colorado state tax credit of $6,000, serves to knock off a third of that sticker price.

Now that we have the purchase price back down to earth, let’s talk about driving the car. I took off for Denver to visit relatives last week, and the trip down there was 52 miles each way. Leaving town with a charged battery and full fuel tank, the computer said I obtained 46.5 miles per gallon, but my calculations came out better. The car ran on electricity alone for about 38 miles, and then imperceptibly moved to gasoline engine power. Actually, it was gas power generating electricity to power the front wheels. It was impressive. Coming back to Greeley, I bucked a wind and didn’t do as well on gas, 45.2 miles per gallon.

That premium trim package on the car included black and white leather seating (seats four), leather trimmed steering wheel, and heated buckets up front. I didn’t suffer discomfort driving the Volt; the ride is sumptuous. The car weighs about 3,800 lbs. with its big battery, and that gives it a luxury ride. Handling is great, as well. All the electronics were on board – backup camera, nav, Bluetooth, 30g audio storage, DVD rom, pushbutton/remote start, and Sirius XM radio. The dual 7” screens on the dash are dazzling, and the sound system is superb. To charge up the car, you use an extension cord that is about 20 ft. long and plug it into a 120v outlet for ten hours.

The gas engine is a 1.4 liter, 83 horsepower four, and the Voltec electric motor provides 149 horsepower and 173 lb. ft. of motoring torque. The alloy wheels are 17”, and are shod with 215/55R17 Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires. The warranty for the lithium-ion, 16 kWh, rechargeable battery is 100,000 miles or eight years.

My first car was a 1957 Chevy four-door BelAir, and I thought it was terrific in all respects. Back then I couldn’t have imagined a vehicle such as the Volt (or me at the wheel.) I must admit I would have thought it was a pretty neat deal.

2014 Acura ILX FWD Sedan

On May 19, 2014December 22, 2014 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, AcuraLeave a comment

The Acura ILX is the entry-level luxury car sold by the upscale division of Honda Motor Company. It is based on Honda’s Civic, with luxury appointments to bring it up to the Acura standard. It is the first luxury compact sedan sold by Acura in America since 2001 – that was the Integra.

A month ago I travelled to San Francisco to test an ILX, with plans to both attend some Giant-Rockie games and also to drive it to Salinas, California. Ruth, my wife, accompanied me there and our stay was at the Inn at the Opera on Fulton Street near Haight-Ashbury. I mention that district because as a child of the 60’s, I served in Viet Nam, had a stay-at-home Mom, fell in love with cars, enjoyed reading John Steinbeck’s books, and watched scenes from Haight-Ashbury on television. The hotel was also relatively close to Golden Gate Park, the Civic Center, AT&T Park, and Fisherman’s Wharf. San Francisco is quite compact.

As a little boy, I read those books written by Steinbeck, the Nobel- and Pulitzer- prize winner from Salinas, and I often fantasized about that area of California. So Ruth and I drove there, about 100 miles away, in the ILX. In Salinas is the National Steinbeck Center, the only museum in America dedicated to one author. Between it, lunch, and driving the Acura down U.S. 101, it was a very pleasurable day.

The test Acura was the 5-speed automatic with technology package, priced at $31,600.00 (base). Freight, added to the M.S.R.P., brought the total to $32,495.00. The 5-speed automatic had sequential sport-shift setup with paddle shifters on the steering column, and the engine was a 4-cylinder, 2.0 liter, 150 horsepower unit with EPA ratings of 35 mpg on the highway, 24 in the city, and a combined rating of 28 mpg. Premium gasoline is required in the ILX, and the tank holds 13.2 gallons. My observation of the gas mileage for the ILX was 27 mpg.

Handling, guidance, and ride of the ILX were all suitable for the five-passenger sedan. The road noise on our highway cruising was about average for a sedan of this size and caliber. Acceleration to 60 mph reportedly occurs in ten seconds and top speed is 113 mph. The fifteen foot car sits on a wheelbase of 105.1” and weighs 3,000 lb.

The interior was leather-equipped, came in black, and featured the navigation (8” display), cruise control, backup camera, power locks/mirrors/doors, seven-speaker premium stereo with satellite radio, pushbutton start, and proximity keyless entry. Ruth and I found the front buckets to be supportive and attractive and back seat legroom for our daughter was adequate. We were able to just get by, luggage-wise, with the 12.3 cubic foot trunk.

Acura manages to make the ILX look more expensive and attractive than its sister, the Honda Civic, and the five-spoke, 17” alloy wheels added to the allure. Shoppers in this category would do themselves a favor by taking a long look at the ILX from Acura.

2014 Fiat 500L Easy 4-Door Sedan

On February 15, 2014February 21, 2014 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, FiatLeave a comment

I drove the Fiat to Denver today, and enjoyed the view from the driver’s seat. The car has three windshields, essentially, and up top is a mammoth double power moon roof with shade. The glass opening is nearly as big as the roof, and the front half powers open. I liked the Beats 6-speaker stereo/XM radio, the heated black cloth seats, the dual glove boxes, the crisp 6.5″ navigation/backup camera screen, and the console-mounted emergency brake. I didn’t particularly care for the switch-blade key ignition, the inverted tach/speedometer with uninspiring information display between them, or the somewhat non-supportive buckets up front. The tilt/telescope column, floor shift, 23.1 cubic feet of trunk space, and folding back seat were all on target. INTERIOR GRADE – 85.

Styling of the 500L is unconventional, and gives the car a funky personality. It’s hard to not like it, and hard to not notice everyone staring at the car while you tool around. The “Easy” model that I tested had thirteen-spoke aluminum wheels and Continental ContiPro Contact 205/55R16 radial mud/snow tires. I wasn’t that excited about the wheels or the grill styling. The white paint on the mirrors that matched the roof color was great, and the tailgate look and glass top were satisfying. STYLING GRADE – 90.

Base price of the 500L is $20,195.00, and options/freight bring the total M.S.R.P. to $25,545.00. Those options are a popular equipment group, Premier package, automatic transmission, the moonroof, heated seats, and the two-toned bronze and white paint. All of the luxury items are on hand such as navigation, rearview camera, tilt/telescope, power windows/locks/mirrors, and the hands-free phone setup. The power door locks are not located on the doors, but on the dashboard. VALUE PROPOSITION GRADE – 88.

Initial impressions of driving the Fiat are better than the week-long impressions. The turbo engine (1.4 liter, 160 horsepower) has some lag to it, and guidance down the road could be more pleasing to this writer. The aforementioned visibility is great, the transmission is pleasing (the manual mode is excellent), and interior noise is minimal for a little car. Ride and handling are above average, as well. Listening to that Beats stereo while on the road makes the trip seem shorter. DRIVING GRADE – 86.

Fiat creates interest, and buyers, for the 500L by offering a “personality”, as I see it. It is a fun car, is fine for travelling in, and the back seat and trunk are surprisingly functional. FIAT 500L GRADE – 88.25 (B+).

2013 Toyota Camry V-6 XLE FWD Sedan

On January 11, 2014January 11, 2014 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, ToyotaLeave a comment

The Toyota Camry XLE that I drove around last week was painted silver – Classic Silver metallic. I enjoy the names that this company gives its paint colors, including this one as well as names such as Super white and Attitude black. The Toyota Camry is America’s number one selling car, having been so for eleven straight years. They sell over 300,000 units per year in this country, year after year, and have topped 400,000 sales on several occasions. Such a year was 2012, when 404,886 Camrys were purchased in the United States.

For the 2012 model year, the Toyota Camry was totally redesigned, inside and out, and my 2013 was a carryover of the successful styling and architecture of the 2012. I was happy with the styling of the 2006/2011 Camry, but the last two models have featured a sleeker, chiseled body style, and the fuel efficiency has been enhanced, as well. The test XLE had the 3.5 liter, (268 hp/248 lb.ft.) V-6 and was rated at 21 city/31 highway mpg with a 17 gallon fuel tank. My observation was 23 mpg during my time with the Camry. Attached to the V-6 was a six-speed automatic and the front-wheel drive automobile had electric power steering to improve fuel mileage. It rode on 17”, silver, ten spoke alloy wheels fitted with P215/55R17 Bridgestone Turanza radials. The mid-size Camry is 189.2” long and seats five, weighing 3,420 pounds. Height/width of the car is 57.9” and 71.7”, the wheelbase is 109”. The trunk contains 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

The interior of the XLE features leather-trimmed heated sport buckets up front and matching two-toned (black/gray) fold-down 60/40 rear bench with armrest and cup holders. Toyota’s EnTune system and Bluetooth connectivity are present, as well as moon roof and hard-disk drive navigation/backup camera with a 7” touch-screen. The JBL Green Edge stereo has ten speakers in eight locations, and the Toyota cruise control is behind the steering wheel at 4 o’clock. The Camry has excellent acceleration and handling, and guidance and ride are acceptable.

Total M.S.R.P. for the XLE was $34,135.00, and that included the $1,620.00 navigation package, $500.00 for a blind spot monitor, $515.00 for Safety Connect arrangement, as well $225.00 for carpet/trunk mat set. The base price was $30,465.00, and freight charge was $810.00. That total is actually a couple of thousand dollars less than what Toyota charged for such a model two years earlier, making the new 2013 Camry a pretty good deal.

2014 Buick Verano 1SL FWD Sedan

On November 11, 2013 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, BuickLeave a comment

Americans in big numbers are getting into Buick sedans; in fact big Americans are getting into Buick sedans. I recently reviewed the company’s LaCrosse offering, noting that Shaquille O’Neal drives one in television commercials and is a spokesman. Another Buick spokesman is Denver Bronco Peyton Manning, seen on television at the wheel of a Buick Verano. This past week I conducted a test on the Verano such as Manning drives, a 2014 model courtesy of Ryan Green at Weld County Garage in Greeley.

The Verano is a variant of the European Opel Astra, and is marketed in America by Buick alongside the Cruze by Chevrolet, sharing the same architecture and drive train. The engine is a 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder, DOHC, Ecotec with 180 horsepower. Torque is 171 lb. ft., and fuel economy ratings are 21 city/32 highway, burning regular and E85 gasoline blend (15.6 gallon tank). Behind the power plant rests a six-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control. Wheelbase,
length, and weight of the Verano is 105.7”, 183.9”, and 3,300 lbs.,
respectively. It is a front-wheel drive,
four-door, five passenger automobile.

M.S.R.P. of the little White Diamond Tricoat Verano, officially designated a compact, was $30,515.00, including $925.00 for freight. The car included the 1SL, or leather (choccachino), package, and was pretty loaded with all the expected amenities including a navigation system for $795.00, Buick Intellilink system, Bose 9-speaker stereo with satellite radio and CD player, moon roof for $900.00, and backup camera. That camera, along with four windows on each side of the sedan, affords the driver excellent visibility. The deluxe paint job, which was stunning, added $995.00 to the car’s sticker price. I had several passengers join me in rides during the week, and everyone was comfortable – even the manual right hand bucket seat was well tolerated. The trunk provided 14.3 cubic feet of luggage capacity.

Driving the Verano was a snap; it felt light on its feet with the power electric steering, and front independent MacPherson strut suspension coupled with a z-link rear setup. Ten-spoke silver alloy, 18” spoke wheels wore Continental P235/45R18 ContiPro Contact sporty radials, and highway ride and guidance were suitable. The acceleration, reportedly zero to 60 in 8.5 seconds, was fine, as well. Buick has put a lot of effort into making this car quiet, successfully. The car is stylish, as is the custom with the Buick lineup.

Eighteen months ago I reviewed the Chevrolet Cruze, and in looking back at my observations about that car, I would have to say my preference is for the Verano that I drove last week.

2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line FWD Sedan

On October 17, 2013October 17, 2013 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, VolkswagenLeave a comment

Volkswagen’s CC is a derivative of the Passat sedan that has existed in one form or another for 40 years. The CC was introduced as a 2009 model and was first viewed at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. With the same wheelbase as the Passat (106.7”), the CC is an inch longer (188.9”), two inches closer to the ground (5”), and an inch and a half wider (73”) with what Volkswagen likes to call “sports car” dynamics. Weight of the five-passenger, front-wheel drive sedan is 3,450 lbs.

I recently tested a CC, one with an M.S.R.P. of $33,020, including freight charges and a base price of $32,195. The vehicle was the “R-Line” version of the CC, which meant it had the turbocharged, intercooled 2.0 liter 4-cylinder (200 hp/207 lb. ft.) direct-injected engine and a six-speed manual transmission. The R-Line has specific fascia on the side of the car and on the bumpers, as well as 18”, ten-spoke alloy wheels. Tires mounted on this CC were Continental 235/40R18 95H Conti ProContact m & s radials. The grill with its fog lights and the trunk with its built-in spoiler were particularly attractive.

Acceleration of the R-Line is reportedly zero to 60 in 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 126 mph. Rear wheel drive would be nice for stomping on the gas because the mud and snow tires like to break loose, but on snow the entire setup would provide pleasure, I’m sure. I enjoyed the maneuverability of the CC as well as highway manners and sound level. EPA ratings for the drive train is 21 and 32, city/highway, and overall rating is 25 mpg. I observed 24 mpg during my 300 miles in the Volkswagen.

The CC seating is covered in V-Tex black leatherette upholstery, and the buckets were heated and supportive. The five passenger classification does not allow for three full-size rear passengers, in reality, but the safety gear is on hand, nonetheless, for such travel. All the expected power equipment and connectivity was installed in the CC, including backup camera and navigation, but no moon roof was present.

I drove the CC to the Greeley KELS FM radio studios for a showing, and five individuals came out and made very positive remarks about the car. They jumped in the driver’s seat, peeked into the 13.2 cubic foot trunk, and gazed at the turbocharged power plant; pretty much all positive. This was the fifth Volkswagen I have tested, and once again I’d have to say it belongs on the mid-size sedan shoppers’ list of prospective purchases (or leases).

2014 Buick LaCrosse FWD 1SL Sedan

On October 11, 2013 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, BuickLeave a comment

For 2014, Buick has made a number of modifications to the popular LaCrosse, including a waterfall grill, new front fascia, redesigned head- and tail-lights, built-in trunk spoiler, and active lower grill shutters for enhanced fuel economy. Last week I tested such a car, a 1SL “Leather package” equipped four-door in Champagne Silver Metallic with Light Neutral leather-appointed seating. It was loaned to me by Ryan Green, internet manager at Weld County Garage in Greeley.

Shaquille O’Neal actually fits into a LaCrosse, as I understand it, due to the front head- and legroom dimensions of 38” and 41.7”, respectively. With those dimensions being virtually the same in the rear, I guess that means that four men the size of Shaq could ride in the LaCrosse. Amazingly, that would represent over 5% of the U.S. population of men over seven feet tall. Shaq, of course, is a spokesman for Buick, as is Colorado’s beloved Bronco, Peyton Manning.

The M.S.R.P. of my test Buick was $36,135, including freight charges of $925. The “Leather package” LaCrosse has heated power front buckets, rear camera, Buick Intellilink phone/audio with voice activation and 8” screen, satellite radio, tilt wheel, power windows/locks/mirrors, and OnStar from GM. Additionally, the car had a five-passenger leather interior and a very attractive dashboard. Interior space, as mentioned earlier, is good and the trunk holds 13.3 cubic feet of cargo. At no additional charge on this model, Buick provides the 3.6 liter V-6 (304 hp/264 lb.ft.) with E85 capability. EPA ratings for the V-6 are 18 city, 28 highway, and the tank holds 18 gallons of regular gasoline. Coupled to the V-6 is a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive plus driver shift control with a tap switch on the shift tower. The two-ton car will go zero to 60 in 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph.

Styling is the hallmark of the Buick lineup in general, and the LaCrosse is probably their prettiest offering. My test car featured an acceptable grill, distinctive hood vents, chrome door handles and bodyside molding, plus the sculpted trunk lid with integrated spoiler. Ten spoke, 18” silver-allow wheels were fitted with Goodyear Eagle LS2, 235/50R18 all-season radials – the wheels were included with the V-6 power package on the LaCrosse. The rear end styling, reworked for 2014, has new fascia and a full-width chrome accent. Also at the rear are large dual chrome exhaust finishers.

Mid-size sedan shoppers would do well to take a hard look at the Buick LaCrosse for 2014. If the price and equipment list is suitable for such an individual, selection of this car should be a slam dunk.

Stu's Reviews

Category: *PASSENGER CARS