2013 Buick Encore Premium AWD Compact SUV

On August 26, 2013August 22, 2014 By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, BuickLeave a comment

The Buick Encore was unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show 18 months ago and rolled into dealerships early this year. It is a derivative of the German Opel Mokka and is manufactured in Bupyeong, South Korea. That German auto name sounds like something that is sold at one of the many Starbucks coffee shops in Greeley. Buick’s name, on the other hand, is appropriate and gives a family cachet to the Buick SUV lineup, topped off with the bigger Enclave.

An Encore is classified as a luxury compact crossover SUV, and with its size it has no real competition. I tested one last week, courtesy of Ryan Green at Weld County Garage, and it came in White Pearl Tricoat finish with Titaneum leather-appointed seating inside. The M.S.R.P. was $32,975, including freight, with a base price of $29,690. Options included the upgraded paint for $745, chrome aluminum wheels for $995, and a Bose AM/FM/Sirius satellite stereo radio with navigation for $795.

The Encore was the Premium AWD model and it included standard equipment such as a heated steering wheel, power memory driver’s seat, heated buckets, dual zone climate control, and remote start feature. The car also had rear cross traffic and side blind zone alerts, lane departure warning, fog lamps, rearview camera, cruise, Bluetooth connectivity, ten air bags, tilt/telescope, and OnStar by General Motors. Keyless entry is on hand with key start, and the hand brake is on the console, like I prefer. The driver’s front bucket has an armrest for both passengers up front to share. The back seat is 60/40 and folds down to offer 48.4 cubic feet of cargo room (18.8 is the number when the back seat is erect). The Encore interior is pretty, and along with the cargo room, is a bit of a pleasant surprise for someone entering the vehicle.

Power for this Buick is supplied by a 1.4 liter, turbocharged four cylinder engine with 138 horsepower and 148 lb. ft. of torque. The transmission is a six speed automatic with driver shift control. EPA ratings are 23 city/30 highway, and the tank holds 14 gallons of regular gasoline. The Encore has a wheelbase of 100.6”, overall length of 168.4”, and weighs 3,309 lbs. The tires are P215/55R18 all-season radial blackwalls. It is the shortest Buick every built, and has the shortest wheelbase offered since 1975. But it drives bigger than the specs indicate, with ride and guidance that is suitable. And parking? Wow, what a breeze!

I’ve been admiring the looks of the Encore all year as I see them in the community, so it was nice to get behind the wheel of one. Lots of onlookers were paying particular attention to the deluxe paint, seven-spoke chrome alloy wheels, deep tinted rear glass, three-stage chrome hood vents, gray cladding, and chrome door handles. I’d like to have driven the Buick some more, and was only able to travel around Greeley a little with a run out on U.S. 34, where I found highway manners to be fine. When I got back in town, I pulled through the Starbucks drive-in lane – I had decided I’d like one of those Americanized versions of the German Opel Mokka.

Learning the Lay of the Land in GMC’s 2014 Terrain

On August 15, 2013August 22, 2014 By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, GMCLeave a comment

My most recent test was of the 2014 GMC Terrain, courtesy of Ryan Green over at Weld County Garage. Ryan is the internet manager there and has been employed at “The Garage” for eleven years. He tossed me the key fob and dealer license plate; immediately my wife Ruth and I were off on a road trip to Nebraska.

GMC has produced the Terrain since 2009, when the mid-size crossover SUV was introduced as a 2010 model at the New York International Auto Show. The vehicle shares its drivetrain and platform with Chevrolet’s Equinox, but has styling that is substantially different than that of the Chevy. It’s been a hit, selling almost 100,000 units last year, with the General Motors twin products leading all manufacturers in this segment.

The Terrain that Ruth and I made the trip in was the SLE-2, with upgraded cloth upholstery in black and beautiful extra-cost ($495) Carbon Black metallic paint. M.S.R.P. came to $30,890, including freight ($895), power sunroof ($900), and chrome alloy wheels/door handles/mirrors ($795). The tires mounted on those chrome, five-spoke wheels were Michelin Latitude P235/55R18 all-season radials.

Power for the SLE-2 is provided by a 2.4 liter, DOHC 4 cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque. The transmission is a six-speed automatic with overdrive and manual shift mode. The EPA fuel economy ratings are 22-city, 32-highway, and 26 mpg overall. I checked out the fuel mileage on my trip back from Hastings (392 miles) and calculated 33.75 mpg in gentle highway driving. My test Terrain was a front-wheel drive model with an 18.8 gallon fuel tank.

The interior of the Terrain has seating for five and 31.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the 60/40 second row seating. That volume is doubled when the second row seating is folded down. For and aft sliding and reclining capability is a feature of Terrain’s second row bench seat. The front buckets were supportive for me and worked well on the extended journey from Nebraska. A Pioneer 8-speaker premium stereo was on hand in the Terrain with satellite radio, an Intellilink system (Bluetooth, smartphone integration, Pandora, etc.) with 7” screen, tilt/telescope, power mirrors/windows/locks, and cruise control.

Highway driving was excellent in the Terrain, with guidance, ride, and wind noise all acceptable. Handling is nimble, and I particularly liked the electric power steering. Since I am fond of Terrain styling and felt comfortable driving the machine, I’d have to say that the reason they are so popular is evident to me. Were I to be in the market for a mid-size crossover SUV, the Terrain would be a candidate for my purchasing dollars.

2014 GMC Sierra SLT 4WD CrewCab

On July 24, 2013August 8, 2013 By stuwright47In *PICKUPS, GMCLeave a comment

Late last year General Motors introduced the new GMC Sierra at the North American Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The GMC production models are just now showing up at dealer showrooms and Ryan Green, the internet manager at Weld County Garage in Greeley, made a Fire Red 2014 GMC Sierra SLT available for me to test this past week.

General Motors has been producing pickup trucks since 1930 with the dual brands of GMC and Chevrolet accounting for 575,000 units sold in 2012. For the 2014 model year, the products have been re-designed with sheet metal and drive train improvements. The V-6’s and V-8’s available in the GMC Sierra now feature direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, aluminum blocks, and cylinder de-activation for economy.

The unit I tested was equipped with the 5.3 liter, 355 horsepower EcoTec3 V-8 with 383 lb. ft. of torque. Best-in-class EPA fuel economy ratings for the vehicle were 16 city, 22 highway, and 18 overall (26 gallon fuel tank). Mated to the V-8 was a six speed automatic transmission with a rear axle ratio of 3.42. The four-wheel drive test truck had active electronic Autotrac with a four position rotary dial for traction selection to the left of the steering wheel.

My wife Ruth and I headed for the Eaton area to take some photographs and she almost immediately exclaimed “Wow, this rides like a car!”. Indeed, GMC has managed to greatly improve the cabin noise and isolation situation with items such as new cab mounts on the 2014 Sierra – hydraulic at the rearmost position. As attested to by my wife, ride was fine in the Sierra, and plenty of technology is on hand, including five USB ports, 12v outlets, a 110v outlet, and an SD card reader. The transmission selector has been located on the steering column because GMC feels busy farmers and businessmen like room in the console for clipboards, markers, PDA’s, etc.

I photographed the Sierra near Fagerberg Farms on Weld County Road 31, and the red pickup looked terrific in the field with its chrome plating on the 20” six-spoke alloy wheels, side steps, and door handles. This new model’s bold styling has been updated without taking too much risk with what has been a nice-looking truck all along. And this 2014 design spent more development time in a wind tunnel than any GMC in history. My test Sierra was a crew cab, and sales of this configuration account for about 60% of overall production.

The $50,035 (M.S.R.P.) GMC was loaded with equipment including moon roof, navigation with 8” touch screen, IntelliLink system, Bose stereo, satellite radio, and many other items that would typically be expected in a luxury pickup. Some features were unexpected, such as foot wells in the rear bumper for climbing aboard, a power sliding rear glass, hill descent control, and 2” of additional legroom for rear seat passengers. GMC has definitely stepped it up with the introduction of the new Sierra.

“Shiftless in Seattle” 2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD Luxury Crossover

On May 28, 2013October 21, 2014 By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, InfinitiLeave a comment

Just prior to Memorial Day, Ruth and I had a chance to visit the Seattle area and test a new Infiniti JX35. We drove it from the airport to Port Angeles, WA, for the purpose of catching a ferry to Victoria, BC. We also circled the Olympic peninsula and its rainy beaches and forests. Before we flew out of Seattle, we caught two Seattle Mariner ballgames at Safeco Field.

The JX35 was introduced by Infiniti in the spring of 2012, and is classified as a mid-size crossover SUV. I call it a luxury crossover, and this one was particularly fancy with an M.S.R.P. of $55,170, including freight. Its base price of $41,550 was driven up by the optional premium package ($4,950), deluxe touring package ($2,550), theatre package ($1,700), technology package ($3,100), and a set of roof rails for $370. It’s not difficult to guess at some of the features included in the packages; moon roof, lane change warning, front and rear collision warning/braking, radar cruise control, heated seats in four locations, Bose surround sound, power mirrors/locks/windows/tailgate, tilt/telescope, three movie screens, 8” navigation monitor, and twin front power buckets. The leather interior was attractive with wheat colored material and gold piping throughout. Throughout, by the way, means three rows of seats – seven passenger seating in a mid-size!

The outside mirrors had a handy switch that allowed them to be folded in for slender parking spaces or garages. The feature was nice on the Black Ball ferry boat when passengers were cramming all the vehicles below deck for the 18 mile ride to Canada. And it seems that most of them go back and forth down there to fetch a handbag or camera. Other features of the JX included satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone setup, backup camera, pushbutton and remote engine start, heated steering wheel, blind spot monitor, rain-sensing wipers, and wireless theatre headphones for back seat passengers.

Power for the JX is supplied by a 3.5 liter V-6 with 265 horsepower and 248 ft. lbs. of torque. It’s just ample for the 4,552 lb. machine, and is coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The all-wheel drive car sits on a wheelbase of 114.2”, is 68” high, and its width is 77.2”. Fuel economy ratings are 18 and 23, and during my time with it I observed a 21 mpg reading. Acceleration at sea level is zero to 60 in 7.8 seconds with a top speed of 121 mph. The shiftless CV transmission is the best one I have ever driven.

When Infiniti personnel rolled out the JX at a 2012 Denver press conference, they hyped the seven passenger capability and the styling. The company did, in fact, do a good job with the styling, but their FX and QX crossovers are no slouch in that department, either. The good-looking JX had the roof rails as well as ten-spoke alloy wheels, chrome side trim and door handles, fog lights and Infiniti’s signature bold chrome grill. Tires were Bridgestone 235/55R20 all-season radials.

The Northwest vacation was a blast, in large part due to the great vehicle we were able to travel around in. Infiniti’s great handling and good looking JX35 is a nice package of luxury and refinement.

2013 Hyundai Elantra SE FWD Coupe

On May 7, 2013July 16, 2013 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, HyundaiLeave a comment

Hyundai, founded in 1967, is the fourth largest auto manufacturer on the planet. The company owns Kia, and its own Elantra model was chosen North American car of the year in 2012. The Elantra is the model of Hyundai I tested this past week and it was the two-door Coupe SE, painted Atlantic blue. It had black leather interior with manually adjustable front buckets and seating for five.

The compact SE Coupe I drove had in it a 1.8 liter, four cylinder, 145 horsepower engine with 130 lb. ft. of torque. It was mated to a six-speed automatic with manual shift mode. It’s a front-drive car and can go zero to 60 in about 8.5 seconds, and top speed is reportedly 121 mph. Fuel economy ratings are 27-city and 37-highway, with my observation coming in at 26 mpg. The SE Coupe has four-wheel disc brakes, sport-tuned suspension, and 17” pretty five-spoke alloy wheels. They are surrounded by Hankook P215/45R17 Optimo mud and snow tires.

Strong points? Well, styling, for one. The four-door version of the Elantra looks OK, and this Coupe looks particularly attractive. Fog lights are up front, lighting is present on the outside mirrors, dual bright finish exhaust tips peek out from under the rear fascia, and a rear spoiler is attached to the trunk. Head- and tail-lights are large and extend onto the sides of the fenders, and the grill is black and bold. I pushed the button on the key fob to open the trunk and was a little startled at the size of it. This car would make a nice hatchback, but nonetheless the trunk space is ample at 14.8 cubic feet. Plus, the back seat folds down in two parts.

Another strong point is the handling and turning radius of the SE. Ride and road noise are acceptable, as well. The Coupe is a little longer than its four-door mate at 178.7”, height is only 56.5”, and weight comes in at 2,816 lbs. Driving this Hyundai was actually a little more pleasurable as the week went on.

Total M.S.R.P. of the SE was $23,965, with options on board including technology package ($2,350), carpeted floor mats ($95), and freight ($775). The technology package included a navigation system with 7” screen, backup camera, proximity keyless entry, pushbutton starter, automatic headlights, and 360 watt premium stereo with satellite radio. Other equipment present included moon roof, power windows (two sides), tilt/telescope, USB/Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

I’ve tested two Hyundais, and both have been good, with this one getting the most looks out on the street.

“Super Trouper” 2013 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD Crossover

On May 1, 2013August 22, 2014 By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, VolvoLeave a comment

Volvo builds the XC60 in Ghent, Belgium, and the car has been their best seller since its introduction in 2008. It is a compact crossover SUV that was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. I tested one this past week both in Denver and in Greeley, and its nimble behavior and horsepower provided a nice way to haul relatives all over the Front Range. Whether it was parking on little side streets in Denver or roaring down to Centennial on I25, the Volvo was a super trouper for the task at hand. We even drove the Swedish product to IKEA to shop for, well, Swedish products. All of us had Swedish meatballs for lunch, as well.

Another Swedish outfit produced the hit song “Super Trouper” in 1980, that being the pop music group ABBA, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. The two married couples that made up ABBA sold over 370 million albums and records worldwide from 1972 to 1982, and in 1999 their collection of work was adapted into the successful musical Mamma Mia! that toured worldwide. I was lucky enough to see Mamma Mia!, which came to Greeley in 2012, and left the show with the catchy beat of “Super Trouper” inbedded in my brain. In typical ABBA fashion, the song is presented as happy and upbeat, yet tinged with a hint of sadness.

The Volvos I have driven never have made me sad, and this SC60 was particularly satisfying in daily service (for a week). It was the T6 model with all-wheel drive and six-cylinder in-line power. The engine sits crosswise in the front of the sedan, providing an extra measure of collision safety. A turbocharger on the 3 liter engine brings horsepower to 300 and torque to 325 lb. ft. Transmission is a six-speed automatic with manual shift mode. Acceleration is reportedly zero to sixty in 6.9 seconds and fuel economy ratings are 17-city and 23-highway. I observed just under 19 mpg; the tank holds 18.5 gallons.

M.S.R.P. of the XC60 was $48,145, including freight, and options included a Platinum package ($4,600), climate package ($900), metallic paint ($550), and 19″ Fenrir alloy black chrome wheels ($750). The Platinum upgrade included a navigation system, backup camera, premium stereo, power tailgate, parking assist and active Xenon headlamps. The climate package entailed heated front and rear seats as well as heated windshield wiper nozzels. The five-passenger interior was two-toned (brown and beige) leather and included power windows/locks/mirrors, tilt/telescope, satellite radio, USB port, Bluetooth connection and pushbutton starter. The buckets were supportive and back seat passengers registered no complains about the accommodations.

Styling of the XC60 is a plus feature of this Volvo with the attractive wheels and roof rails. The panoramic moon roof can be viewed from outside the car and dual chrome exhausts extend from under the rear bumper. Big tall taillights adorn each rear corner of the car and the Seashell gold metallic paint stands out. I’d have no problem driving an XC60 on a permanent basis.

2013 Infiniti M35h RWD Hybrid Sedan

On April 9, 2013July 16, 2013 By stuwright47In *HYBRIDS/ELECTRICS, InfinitiLeave a comment

Infiniti began selling cars in America two dozen years ago with a pair of initial offerings, the Q45 and the M30. As the luxury division of Nissan of Japan, they brought out the Infiniti line pretty much in response to Honda and Toyota’s introduction of their Acura and Lexus nameplates. Infiniti chose to use a handcrafted approach to their manufacturing process, as opposed to Acura and Lexus, both of which chose more automation.

Thirty or forty years ago, the term “Japanese luxury car” was considered an oxymoron; their products having gained a foothold in this country as a result of the fuel crises (1973 and 1977). But when the Detroit Auto Show went to a global affair in 1989, Infiniti exploded on the scene, along with Lexus, with new luxury offerings to join Acura; thus, it was “on”. Today these manufacturers and their models are part of the American auto lexicon and they have muscled in on the territory of Cadillac, Lincoln, and the German luxury cars.

I have tested several Infinitis, and this past week another was brought by for evaluation – the M35h hybrid sedan. The M’s are the top of the line sedans for this company, and this car is in its second year of production. Its M.S.R.P. was $66,245, including freight. That price included several options – technology package ($3,050), deluxe touring package ($3,900), and premium package ($4,200). Thus, the car had adaptive cruise control, blind spot and lane departure warning, and adaptive lighting up front. The interior was sumptuous, and included a suede headliner, semi-aniline leather trim, Japanese white ash wood trim, Bose 16-speaker surround sound stereo with satellite radio, electric tilt/telescope, navigation system, backup camera, moon roof, power rear sunshade, and air conditioned seats/steering wheel. The stone (off-white) interior was striking with “Infiniti” stitching in the front buckets and soft double-stitched speedometer/tach hood.

The M35h is a high performance hybrid, with 369 total horsepower – at the heart of the power train is a 3.5 liter V-6 with 258 lb. ft. of torque. It’s rear-wheel drive, the preferred architecture for a luxury performance car in this category. The transmission is a seven-speed automatic (like Infiniti’s V-8 has) with manual shift mode. The driver selects from four driving modes with a console-mounted button – sport, standard, eco (omy), and snow. The eco mode maximizes fuel economy, and this car’s ratings are an impressive 27 city and 32 highway. I observed 27 mpg during the time spent with the M35h. Reportedly the Infiniti can operate up to 50% of the time in electric mode (battery charge permitting). The trunk, of course, suffers a little with the battery on board, providing 11 cubic feet of luggage space. It is covered with an electric cinch-down lid.

The M35h styling features chrome door handles, exhaust tips, and double-arched massive grill. The paint was “Moonlight” white metallic, and actually looked best in sunlight. The 18” alloy ten-spoke bright wheels were surrounded with 245/50R18 all-season radials.

Despite all of the aforementioned driving-assist options on the Infiniti, I actually had to do some driving myself, and it indeed was a pleasure. This reviewer would love to own such a vehicle, and it comes with my recommendation.

“Just Ducky” 2013 Cadillac ATS 2.0T AWD Sedan

On April 2, 2013August 8, 2013 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, CadillacLeave a comment

Years ago I owned a 1995 Cadillac (leased, actually) and always admired the six ducks in the logo on the hood and trunk. I have found through research that those birds were merlettes, present on the family crest of Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, the founder of the city of Detroit. That happened in 1701, and Henry Leland named his car after Cadillac when he started his auto manufacturer in 1902. He added the crest in 1905 and the merlettes were arranged in threes to represent the holy trinity.

My latest test car was a Cadillac; an ATS all-wheel drive sedan with the Performance Collection of assets – aluminum pedals, bolstered buckets, paddle transmission shifters, high intensity swivel headlamps, and Bose surround sound stereo. Also present were machined-finish 18” alloy wheels ($800), cold weather package ($600), navigation package with backup camera ($795), thunder gray chromaflair metallic paint ($995), and advanced security package ($395). Those items brought the total M.S.R.P. with freight to $48,375.

Along with those options, the ATS came with Morello red and black leather seating for 5, an 8” full color display, Bluetooth, heated steering wheel/front seats, proximity keyless entry with pushbutton starter, lighted door handles with puddle lights, remote starting, and power mirrors/windows/locks. No moon roof was present, but the buckets were adjustable with 12-way power (10-way for passenger). The Cadillac interior featured carbon-fiber trim on the dashboard as well as the door panels, and it stood out.

The engine in the ATS is a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder with direct injection and 272 horsepower (260 lb. ft. of torque). It’s mated to a six-speed automatic with tap-shift control and the aforementioned paddles. The turbo is a twin-scroll design that can provide 20 lbs. of boost with no turbo lag. Zero to sixty acceleration is reportedly 5.7 seconds and fuel economy is rated at 20-city and 30-highway. It burns premium, holds 16 gallons of gas, and I observed a 23 mpg reading for a week of driving. I drove a V-6 powered, slightly more expensive ATS last year, and my vote goes to this turbocharged 2.0 liter model.

The ride is firm on the ATS and the handling is way above average, and in fact the car feels lighter than its weight of 3,373 lbs. It features magnetic ride control, which reacts to road conditions ten times faster than the blink of an eye. Wheelbase is 109.3”, and overall length is 182.3”.

Styling on the new ATS is excellent, as is the tradition for Cadillacs since the turn of the century. Twin exhausts are mounted below the rear fascia, and the high intensity headlamp/park lamp assemblies have a distinctive look. Wheels are a bright finish ten-spoke design fitted with Michelin 225/40R18 Primacy all-season run-flat radials.

In model year 2000, Cadillac removed the little ducks, er, merlettes from the crest on front and rear of all their models. But I still think the ATS is “just ducky”.

2013 Lexus LS460 F Sport RWD Sedan

On March 12, 2013July 16, 2013 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, LexusLeave a comment

This past week I was presented a 2013 Lexus LS460 F Sport four-door sedan for testing while travelling in and around Phoenix, AZ on a working vacation. It was painted Starfire Pearl (white) metallic and inside it was trimmed in black perforated leather. Of course, the car seats five comfortably because the LS (M.S.R.P. $81,990) is big, with a wheelbase of 116.9” and an overall length of 200”. Weight is 4,400 lbs.

Boy, did the LS operate with a great deal of aplomb on the turnpikes in the Valley of the Sun! It had the blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, navigation (12.3” screen!), 10-speaker Lexus stereo with satellite radio, Bluetooth, Lexus Enform app suite, and power tilt/telescope (and heated) steering wheel. All the windows powered up or down (out of sight), the mirrors folded in when the car was locked and of course a proximity key fob and pushbutton starter button were on hand. The front buckets were superb and adjustable in 16 (driver) and 12 (passenger) ways. Also, the embossed (F Sport) headrests powered up or down, just like the windows. Aluminum trim is present in the cabin on door panels, dash, and on the pedals, as well. Stitched leather was all over inside, including some real fancy door panels.

The engine for the LS with rear-wheel drive is a 4.6 liter, 386 horsepower V-8 with a fuel economy rating of 16-city, 24-highway, and 19-overall miles per gallon. Behind it is an eight-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission with manual control-capability and steering column-mounted paddle shifters. I’ve never driven a car with such a transmission – a truck, yes, but not an automobile. It provided silky-smooth acceleration, and reportedly the LS will go zero to sixty in 5.4 seconds and top out at 130 mph. The F Sport rides .39” lower than the standard LS on an air suspension setup, but provides a fun, somewhat aggressive handling package, particularly when Sport S+ mode is selected on the console.

As mentioned, the finish of the car was a striking, metallic white and up front resided LED lighting for day or night attention. The grill is a specific F Sport blacked-out egg-crate design in the new six-sided Lexus manner, and big air intakes surround the front fog lights. Taillights have three “L’s” molded within each, and an appropriate amount of chrome is all around the car. The wheels were 19” split-ten-spoke forged alloys by BBS surrounded by 245/45R19 summer radials. Behind them could be seen the big Brembo 14.8” ventilated disc brakes. They provided plenty of Whoa! to go with all the Go! The twin exhausts puffed out of two sculpted chrome finishers molded into the rear fascia.

As a car to enter into freeway traffic in America’s sixth largest city on a weekday, I cannot think of a better choice than the 2013 Lexus LS460 F Sport. For dropping off the wife in front of the toney El Chorro Restaurant in Paradise Valley to have dinner; same car.

“Soul, Man” 2013 Kia Soul! Compact FWD Sedan

On February 28, 2013July 16, 2013 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, KIALeave a comment

When I asked the press fleet manager what kind of vehicle was coming here for testing this week, he answered, “Soul, man”, and it brought to mind one of my favorite old songs by Sam & Dave – “Soul Man”. It was co-written by Isaac Hayes, of “Shaft” fame, who noticed during a television newscast in the summer of 1967 that buildings left standing at the scene of the 12^th Street Riot in Detroit had “soul” graffitied on them. Mr. Hayes subsequently decided that a “Soul Man” was one that could rise above present conditions; perhaps a pride thing for such an individual. “Soul Man”, the song, was a smash, and reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 list by the fall of 1967, and also garnered a Grammy Award in 1968.

Sam (Moore, the tenor) and Dave (Prater, the baritone) did pretty well for themselves, too, and performed together for twenty years. “The Sultans of Sweat”, as they were affectionately known, became members of both the Rock and Roll and Grammy Halls of Fame. Their “Soul Man” hit was one of the first songs by a black group to top the charts using the word “soul”, helping pave the way to acceptance in white, popular culture.

Like me, Kia has punctuated the Soul name with their Soul! (exclaim) offering at the top of the compact car’s lineup. It is the model I drove around in these last few days, just like the hamsters in their television advertisement. The series of ads has attracted a cult following, and it was designated “Automotive Ad of the Year” by Nielsen.

The test Soul was equipped with the premium package ($2,500), which included navigation, backup camera, satellite radio, pushbutton start, proximity keyless entry, leather (and heated front) seating, and auto climate control. The base price was $19,900, so the total M.S.R.P. came to $23,575 with the premium items and some miscellaneous equipment. Standard on this model is a moon roof, 18” specific alloy wheels, P235/45R18 Hankook Optimos, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise, power window and lock package, and privacy glass. The fold-down back seat easily seats 3 passengers, leaving a 19.3 cubic foot cargo compartment in the rear. The Infinity stereo/CD system has blinking lighted speakers in the front doors that follow the music beat.

Handling in town is nimble and somewhat fun; highway cruising is OK with a rather firm ride. Fuel economy ratings are 23-City and 28-Highway, and that is with a 4 cylinder, 164 horsepower, 2.0 liter DOHC engine. A six-speed automatic is positioned behind it with the manual mode arrangement. Curb weight is 2,700 lbs. for this front-wheel drive compact.

Styling of the Soul is a positive, and of the little “urban crossovers”, it stands out. I got several positive comments during my time with the car, but not all were as such. I like the looks of the vehicle, the equipment list, and the interior, so put me down as a fan.