1964 Chevrolet Impala police car at Cedar Hill car show Nov. 21, 2009
The newest Honda Pilot is something of a "wolf in sheep's clothing." Honda dubs it a crossover utility vehicle due to its not having a ladder frame architecture supporting the unit, but I feel this is about as close to a true SUV as one can get.
Last year, Honda introduced us to a completely made over Pilot, one that offers eight-passenger functionality without sacrificing ability and agility. The new model is larger inside and out, boasts a stronger, more fuel efficient powertrain, is more stable on the road and offers all the latest comfort and convenience amenities as well as class-leading safety.
Highlights for the 2010 Honda Pilot include:
¥ 8-passenger midsize crossover SUV
¥ Unit body platform
¥ 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 with 250-horsepower and 253 lb-ft. of torque
¥ Honda-estimated EPA city/highway fuel economy of 17/23 (2WD) and 16/22 (4WD)
¥ ULEV-2 Emissions Rating (CARB)
¥ 5-speed automatic transmission (standard)
¥ VTM-4 four-wheel-drive (available)
¥ Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure
¥ MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension
¥ Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control and ABS
¥ Trim lineup Ð LX, EX, EX-L and (new) Touring
Volvo, that Swedish car company whose memorable commercials included stacking car on top of car, etc., is expanding its crossover utility line with a smaller version of its venerable XC90.
The new cute ute, dubbed XC60, offers up everything big brother 90 does while allowing the automaker an appearance into the quickly expanding small premium utility segment that features standouts such as the BMW X3, Acura RDX and Mercury Mariner.
Volvo has long touted itself as producing the safest cars in the world and this new model is certainly no exception, led primarily by a new technology aimed at reducing low-speed "oopsies" in city driving.
While resembling the XC90, designers gave the new XC60 model what I would call "style forward," meaning they have not only utilized current Volvo design DNA but taken it to a new level somewhere in the near future, especially for an automaker so dependent on tradition.
The XC60 is set to captivate a new generation of Volvo buyers as well as attracting loyalists to the brand.
Once I got past the "Ikea-like" interior, I was overwhelmed at just how amazing this new cute ute is. Exterior styling features clean lines and athletic curves, and thanks to our tester's spirited T6 turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine there was little left for want when the light turns green.
Front-wheel-drive is standard equipment with XC60 models equipped with a naturally-aspirated 3.2-liter six. T6 models, however, are delivered with an engine that distributes 281hp and 295 lb. ft. of torque to all four wheels via the AWD running gear outfitted with Volvo's Instant Traction and Hill Descent Control technology.
All XC60 models feature the six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with adaptive shift logic.
Large 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels along with 9.1 inches of ground clearance enable the XC60 to traverse terrain that would be impossible in a conventional passenger car. (The 18s were standard on our XC60 T6 AWD tester.) Enhanced Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) is standard along with a new feature called Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) that helps provide more stable driving when towing. Unfortunately I did not get the opportunity to test either of these technologies during my week with the vehicle, but given the level of performance we have seen with the DSTC in the XC90 I have no concerns whatsoever with how the 60 will perform.
Thanks to very capable front and rear independent suspension design and implementation of antiroll and antidive technology the XC60 offers a very well controlled onroad experience, one that will leave drivers wondering if they are truly in a utility vehicle and not one of the automakers refined sedans.
As I alluded to earlier, I was not such a big fan of some of the interior design execution Ð specifically the medium-toned wood trim with its satin finish. Many may prefer this element but it wasn't for me. I would have preferred something in a brushed aluminum or obsidian-like compound.
Volvo offers all of its latest technology inside the new XC60 Ð including HD radio as standard equipment Ð but I would have been more in tune with a touch screen navigation display instead of having to use either the game controller-like interface (which I finally located on the front of one of the steering wheel spokes) or the remote-control device about the size of a garage door opener.
These little quibbles quickly dissipated once I turned on the satellite radio sending some 650 watts through 12 Dynaudio speakers in Dolby Pro-Logic II surround sound. The experience is one of the finest of any of the factory systems I have tested. Ever.
While there is a host of other technology and literally ALL of the latest safety equipment packed into the XC60 as well, I want to get on to the newest safety technology created by Volvo engineers that debuts on the 2010 XC60.
I present you City Safety, a driver support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions occurring at speeds of 19 mph or less. It utilizes a closing velocity sensor to help determine whether a collision is likely. Depending on the closing speed, City Safety will either pre-charge the brakes or automatically brake the XC60 to help avoid a rear-end collision or, at the very least, lessen its impact.
This is some of the coolest new technology to come on the market Ð and perhaps the most fun to test. Volvo included a set of plastic traffic cones in the cargo area of the XC60 for the media to use to test the new City Safety. It's that or the dumpster at work (which my co-workers were opting for me to use) so I set up the cones and took my turn at driving head-on into them.
The new technology works like a champ Ð a heavyweight champ at that. Under speeds of 19 mph the brakes are applied so vigorously one had best not test this with unsecured items (or occupants) in the vehicle. I did raise my speeds for one pass and we stopped right on top of the cones Ð sure we ran them over, and had they been actual pedestrians we would have caused them severe "inconvenience," but we did come to a full stop.
The down side that I can see to this new technology is that now drivers will be allowed to become even lazier and less attentive behind the wheel. "Hey, I don't need to pay attention, the car will stop itself" or something along those lines.
Pricing for the 2010 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD begins at $37,200 with our tester coming in at more than 44 grand thanks to a host of upgrade options. Fuel economy for the turbocharged T6 engine comes in at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
The new Volvo XC60 is a game changer for the segment as well as the industry and will cause others to step up their game as well Ð and that is a good thing not only for consumers but also the public.
Despite building some decent midsize sedans over the years, Mazda knew it needed to undertake a significant model makeover in order to keep pace with the CD-segment, namely Accord and Camry. With this newest Mazda6 they have done just that.
Their mantra? Zoom-zoom evolution.
From the beginning Mazda knew they had three key areas to improve on before they would be ready to release a new model: Quality, power and size. These were areas where midsize buyers had been rejecting the current Mazda6 in favor of the competition.
And Mazda was so proud of their accomplishments in the new car that during the initial press launch programs they brought out some of their key competitors' vehicles for us to test the new 6 against.
The makeover on this vehicle is so complete that the only item carried over from the first-generation Mazda6 is the firewall panel, nothing else. Body panels, engines, transmissions, suspension, steering, interior - it's all new.
For the new 6 Mazda will concentrate on one body configuration only - no coupe, wagon or five-door models as some of the competition offers in this segment. The new Mazda6 will offer the best of what the others produce and it arrives in one basic body.
This new car features impressive quality, more power and just the right size for the midsize sedan segment. Initial Quality Score improvements were targeted at a 65 percent improvement to lead the segment and their new V-6 offers class-leading power while the new Mazda6 is larger than Altima and the new Chevy Malibu.
The Mazda6 is offered in three trim levels across two-powertrain platforms. Their new 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder and 3.7-liter V-6 engines are both offered across the sport, touring and grand touring packages. The four can be mated to either six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions, with the six backed solely by a six-speed automatic gearbox, and all variants are front-wheel-drive.
Walking up to the new 6 you are immediately drawn to its muscular stance up front with a long hood/short trunk design that have it looking "fast forward" even while sitting still. Sure there are some familiar design elements depending on which angle you view the Mazda from, but all work well together to combine for an attractive, modern package that won't leave drivers embarrassed to say they drive a midsize sedan.
Stomp the accelerator and the Mazda6 springs to life, willing to offer a smooth, enjoyable driving experience whether just running to the store or taking that road trip you've been planning for some time now.
Mazda6 seats up to five and offers class-leading combined front and rear seat legroom while not cramping rear passenger headroom. And the trunk offers plenty of space for luggage or groceries.
By the numbers, the 2010 Mazda6 I-4 offers 170hp with EPA estimates of 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The six-cylinder cars produce 272 ponies achieving 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
Pricing begins at $18,450 and goes to $28,390 base MSRP for the loaded V-6 car.
The CD-sized segment accounts for some two million unit sales each year and Mazda is on track to take a much bigger bite of that pie with the improvements made to this new Mazda6.
So what is it? Is this a car, a sport wagon or a sport ute? Is this the new Camry station wagon or the Toyota version of the Lexus RX?
What it is is the all-new 2009 Venza from Toyota.
The new Venza is a versatile five-passenger vehicle that couples the styling and comfort of a passenger car with the flexibility of an SUV, to give customers a stylish alternative to the traditional sedan.
With above par fuel economy, innovative design, outstanding front and rear headroom and great value, Venza raises the bar for ride comfort and utility. Think Camry with a hatch and a lift kit Ð and updated design elements.
"Venza establishes an exciting new direction in passenger car design that combines the finest attributes of Toyota's diverse vehicle lineup," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "It caters to buyers who are looking for the value and reliability of a Camry, the comfort and upscale refinement of an Avalon, and the utility and flexibility of a Highlander in one very stylish and sporty package."
The Venza is targeted at an emerging section of the market that prioritizes sleek styling and excellent handling and road manners, combined with a surprising amount of utility.
Specifically, Venza offers bold and expressive styling, on-road performance, luxurious and refined interior, and SUV-like flexibility such as all-wheel drive, foldable rear seats, large cargo area, higher driver sightline and up to 3,500 lbs. towing.
The overall dimensions are unique as well. Ease of entry and exit is achieved by lowering the rocker panels and narrowing the doorsills. As a result, the sweeping integrated rocker panels give great ingress/egress, yet the sightline is higher than Camry. The rear load-in height is lower than Camry and almost as low as the Sienna minivan.
In addition to an array of standard equipment, Venza uses a single grade strategy with simplified packages and stand-alone options that includes an impressive list of comfort and utility features. Many are new to the Toyota lineup and typically found on luxury vehicles.
Some of the features include: high intensity discharge headlamps with an automatic high beam feature that detects oncoming vehicles and automatically switches the headlamps from high- to low-beam; chrome-accented door handles on the front side doors that lock and unlock all four doors and rear hatch door; panoramic roof with power tilt/slide function and a separate fixed glass panel over the rear seats; and power windows with auto up/down function and jam protection on all four doors.
Other firsts include, a multi-information display that can be customized to adjust the font size and content. The navigation voice instructions are available in Spanish, French or English. Venza is the first Toyota passenger car (yes, they are calling it a car) to offer Star Safety as standard equipment for all models.
Venza's blending of car-like handling and SUV cargo capacity demonstrates not only the current state of Toyota's product development process, but also a tangible sign of where Toyota's design philosophy is heading. Designers and engineers sought to create a new car that provides enhanced interior utility and improved dynamic performance when compared to sedans or midsize SUVs. The result is a package with an aggressive stance and a more engaging driving experience.
All aspects of Venza's engineering and design were targeted specifically for the North American market, where it will be sold exclusively. Venza was primarily engineered at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. The design was the creation of Toyota's Calty Design studios in Newport Beach, Calif. and Ann Arbor, Mich. Venza is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), in Georgetown, Ky., home of the Camry, Solara and Avalon. More than seventy percent of its components come from North American suppliers.
Calty designers leaned more heavily on a sleek sedan concept with a wide stance that featured a sporty exterior, but also included important SUV attributes such as cargo space, towing capability and all-wheel-drive performance. Overall, the vehicle has an aerodynamic shape with short overhangs, forward A-pillar, crisp character lines and a low roofline and ground clearance.
The Venza interior is laid out to enhance driving enjoyment, and offer premium comfort. The flow of the center console creates a unique "60/60" design that gives both driver and front passenger the look and feeling that 60 percent of the space is accessible from their seating position.
Venza's additional utility, located in the rear cargo area, is realized with fold-down 60/40 rear seats, one-touch fold-down seat levers and a tonneau cover.
The standard rear door includes an easy-close function or electrically-powered cinch function that ensures the vehicle's hatch door is not left partially ajar.
Interior features include dual-zone automatic climate control with air filter and second row seat vents to create a sense of enhanced comfort. A tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel with integrated audio controls is also standard. Cruise control, an overhead console with map lights, rear seat adjustable personal reading lamps and three 12-volt power outlets combine to offer a nice array of standard features.
Standard storage features such as an adjustable center console with sliding cover and armrest, three MP3 player holders with wire concealment features and large storage compartment remove clutter. The compartment is also equipped with an auxiliary audio jack and 12-volt power outlet.
Venza offers two engines to give customers more flexibility. New to the Toyota line-up and standard on Venza is a fuel-efficient 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine which will deliver 182 horsepower and 182 lb. ft. of torque delivering 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway on the FWD model.
A 3.5-liter V-6 (which we tested recently) is available that produces 268 horsepower and 246 lb. ft. of torque. The V-6 FWD has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway with our results showing 22 mpg average in mixed driving.
Both engines are mated to a six-speed sequential-shift electronically-controlled automatic transmission with intelligence. On all models, Venza also employs uphill/downhill shift logic control that selects the proper gear for driving conditions and helps provide moderate engine braking during downhill driving. Both engines are available in front- and AWD configurations. Venza's Active Torque Control AWD System optimizes torque distribution between the front and rear wheels to help ensure stable acceleration and smooth cornering. AWD offers enhanced traction and helps provide excellent overall handling in inclement weather.
Venza was designed with a lower center of gravity to help provide dynamic handling, which is further enhanced with large wheels and tires. The four-cylinder models ride on 10-spoke, 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Distinctive 20-inch five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels are standard for the V-6 model and a first for a Toyota passenger car. Power-assisted ventilated front/solid rear disc brakes are standard on all models.
Front suspension is a rigid L-arm-type MacPherson strut with a stabilizer bar, and rear suspension is a dual-link MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar. The wheelbase-to-overall length ratio lends itself to improved stability.
Electronic power steering is employed to minimize steering effort and provide a ride experience more like that of a sedan. EPS helps provide a more direct steering feel at both high and low speeds, and assists when maneuvering the vehicle into tight parking spaces. While the EPS system makes for near effortless driving, it does take away most of the steering feedback and provides a light, almost floating feel in the front end.
Toyota's STAR Safety System is standard on all Venza models and features ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, enhanced Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control systems with a cutoff switch, and Brake Assist. VSC automatically adjusts engine output and the vehicle's braking force at each wheel to help control loss of traction during cornering. TRAC helps maintain traction during challenging driving conditions. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking.
Hill-Start Assist Control, standard on all models, temporarily provides pressure to the brakes while the vehicle is stopped on an incline to help ensure easy starting with no rollback.
Venza is equipped with a comprehensive list of other standard safety features. It provides a total of seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag, driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear roll-sensing side curtain airbags and driver and front passenger seats employ active headrests.
Additional options for Venza include power rear door with jam protection; Smart Key System with push button start; leather-trimmed seats; rear bumper protector; tow hitch; roof rack; carpeted floor mats; and a cargo mat. A full line of pet products such as a rear hatch pet ramp, booster seat with harness, pet buckles and rear seat zipline-style harnesses are available at Toyota dealerships.
Aside from the light steering feel we enjoyed our time behind the wheel in the new Venza, and although Toyota may call it a "sedan," we find its overall driving experience to be much more like that of a crossover utility vehicle.
Pricing begins at $25,975 for a four-cylinder FWD Venza with a V-6 AWD model starting at $29,250. Our loaded FWD V-6 tester arrived with a final sticker price of $36,774.
Chevrolet Aveo has been the anchor at the entry level for Chevrolet for quite some time now and is a carry over of GMs relationship with Korean automaker Daewoo.
For 2009, Aveo receives a good deal more attention that began on the sedan model last year. This little econo-cruiser gets a more
powerful engine, the 1.6L Gen 3 Ecotec, as standard
in all models, delivering more horsepower but
with the same fuel efficiency found previously.
The 2009 Aveo lineup includes the sedan and
Aveo5 Ð a sporty five-door hatchback that is
redesigned inside and out. The new
design features Chevy's bold, global front-end
design with refined details including prominent,
Malibu-inspired grilles separated by a bowtie
emblem.
"Aveo characterizes the Chevrolet mission of
delivering a great-looking, fun-to-drive car that is
fuel efficient," Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager,
said. "Its great fuel economy continues to
be a smart choice for customers seeking solutions
to the dependence on petroleum, as the Aveo
offers the fuel efficiency of many hybrid vehicles."
Both the Aveo sedan and Aveo5 offer somewhat charming
styling and roomy interiors. They also
deliver fairly confident driving experiences
and offer generous features usually seen in more
expensive cars, challenging the expectations of
what an entry-level car can deliver.
In addition to the more powerful standard
Ecotec engine and the Aveo5's new look, the Õ09
Aveo lineup includes the following new or
revised features:
¥ OnStar standard on all models;
¥ XM Satellite Radio available;
¥ Revised driver information center with outside
temperature display and fuel economy/driving
range function;
¥ New 15-inch aluminum alloy five-spoke
wheels;
¥ New 15-inch steel wheel with bolt-on wheel
cover (standard on Aveo sedan with the 2LT
package);
¥ New Charcoal leatherette seating;
¥ Available leather-wrapped steering wheel and
shift knob (included with leatherette seating);
¥ Revised LS/1LT/2LT trim lineup;
¥ Auxiliary input jack included on all radios;
¥ GM Oil Life monitoring system;
¥ More powerful 95-amp alternator;
¥ Variable intermittent windshield wipers;
¥ New spoiler for Aveo5; and,
¥ Enhanced ergonomic controls and features.
The Aveo5's signature "tall car" design boasts
smooth lines and short front and rear overhangs
that give it a bold personality. It was conceived
for maximum versatility and practicality, such as
the convenience of easy access for both front and
rear passengers, and the versatility of a hatchback
configuration with ample cargo space that can
reach all the way to the front of the cabin.
New exterior styling for 2009 includes a frontend
design that leaves no doubt that the Aveo5 is
a contemporary Chevy. Signature, Malibu-inspired
upper and lower grilles are flanked by
sweeping headlamps that give this small car big
attitude. At the rear, a lower fascia insert and
roof-mounted spoiler complete the sporty look.
The Aveo5 offers the same standard equipment
and options as the sedan as well as having a
standard rear wiper/washer and offering standard
60/40 flip-and-fold seats.
Aveo5's cabin reflects a youthful interpretation
of refinement. Generous
dimensions offer ample interior space capable
of accommodating passengers more than 6
feet tall in each of the five seating positions. A
combination of sound-dampening technologies
and aerodynamics provides a quiet and comfortable
ride, even at higher speeds.
The interiors were designed for maximum
comfort and convenience, which is evidenced in
elements such as the standard folding driver's
armrest and lower-profile rear-seat headrests.
Additional conveniences include dual visor vanity
mirrors, a sunglass holder on the driver side
headliner, door and seatback storage pockets; and
clever hooks, located on headrest posts, that can
hold items such as backpacks or shopping bags.
Theater-style rear seating provides a commanding
view for all passengers and offers up to
42 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats
folded.
Make no mistake, the Aveo is no Camaro when it comes to onroad characteristics and driving charisma.
However, Chevy Aveo models are engineered
for a broad range of driving and road conditions
around the world and tuned for a dynamic,
well-planted driving experience. The suspension
system features a MacPherson strut front
suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar,
and an independent, torsion beam axle-mount
compound link-type rear suspension with gascharged
shocks. Power-assisted, variable-rate
rack-and-pinion steering is standard. The steering
gear is mounted on the front suspension cross
member for precise action and stability.
Power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes
are standard; a four-channel ABS system is available.
The four-sensor system Ð one at each wheel
Ð incorporates electronic brake force distribution,
which balances braking performance based on
such factors as road conditions and the weight of
passengers and/or cargo.
Fifteen-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels are
standard on LT and available on LS models.
Fourteen-inch steel wheels with a bolt-on wheel
cover are standard on LS, while new 15-inch
wheels and wheel covers are standard on 2LT
models.
The 1.6L Ecotec engine that powers the 2009 Aveo lineup features
variable valve timing for optimal power and fuel
efficiency. It is rated at 106 horsepower and 107
lb.ft. of torque. Technologies such as electronic
throttle control and an electrically controlled
thermostat help maximize performance and efficiency
across the rpm range. It also features an
integrated oil cooler with piston spray nozzles.
A smooth-shifting, five-speed manual transmission
is standard on all models and an Aisin
four-speed automatic transmission is available.
The Aveo5 is supported by a comprehensive
system of safety and security technologies
designed to meet safety standards in markets
around the globe.
Aveo's safety starts with a high-strength steel
structure that creates a safety cage around the
passenger compartment. The structure has been
engineered to help maintain passenger compartment
integrity and features tailor-welded blanks,
a feature not typically found on vehicles in the
segment.
All models include standard advanced dualstage
frontal air bags and the Passenger Sensing
System. The dual-stage frontal air bags deploy at
different levels, depending on the severity of the
crash. Standard seat-mounted side-impact air
bags provide additional head and thorax protection.
Additional safety and security features
include:
¥ Tire pressure monitoring system;
¥ Daytime running lamps;
¥ Front safety belt pretensioners with front-load
limiters;
¥ Height-adjustable shoulder belt anchors;
¥ LATCH child seat attachment system in the rear
seats;
¥ Rear child safety door locks;
¥ Fuel door lock with remote release feature;
¥ Available engine immobilizer theft-deterrent
system; and,
¥ Available four-channel ABS.
The Aveo lineup attracts the highest rate of
first-time buyers of any GM vehicle, providing a
great opportunity to earn these customers' longterm
loyalty. Like the small, premium-car Cobalt
family and the HHR small crossover vehicle,
Aveo also generates a high number of conquest
sales.
The Aveo is making inroads around the world
and is sold in more than 120 countries under several
nameplates (primarily under the Chevrolet
brand). It is the top-selling car produced by GM
Daewoo in Korea (GMDAT). Nearly three-quarters
of the vehicles produced by GMDAT are
Chevrolet models. The number is steadily rising
as the expertise and quality record of GM's
Korean subsidiary and Chevy's tradition of
"more than expected" value increasingly resonate
around the globe.
The Aveo is the top-selling Chevy model in
Europe and is a great contributor to the brand's
global expansion.
Pricing begins at $12,120 (including a $660
destination charge) for Aveo5 LS striking at the heart of the segment Ð and the competition. Our most recent Aveo5 tester came outfitted in the more upscale 2LT trim level attire, rolling the window sticker up to a somewhat uncomfortable 18 grand and change. (Let's hope you're getting incentives on top of your "Cash for Clunkers" discount.)
Fuel economy ratings for the Aveo and Aveo5 come in at 27 mpg in
the city and 34 mpg highway (25/34 when outfitted with the automatic gearbox).
The 2009 Chevy Aveo5 is a pleasant surprise on the road offering up ample passenger room, a quiet onroad experience and it handles itself quite well in mixed driving conditions.
