To say Toyota has done well with the Prius is to say Apple just might have something with that tablet thingy they introduced a few years back.  Toyota fully believes the iconic hybrid will be their most important car by the end of the decade, bigger than Corolla (the best selling nameplate of all time) and larger than Camry (the best selling sedan in American for a decade).

In March there will be a new Prius.  The big deal?  It’s small.

Toyota hopes that Prius c, (the letter stands for city) will attract the kind of customers automakers crave- young ones, though they probably won’t turn anyone away.  Toyota believes c sales will make up about 15-20 percent of the Prius family which includes the large Prius v now too.

Compared to the standard Prius (which Toyota now refers to as the Liftback), c is 19 inches shorter, 2 inches narrower and around 540 pounds lighter.  But the biggest reduction is one your wallet will appreciate.  Starting at $19,710 with destination, it’s about four grand less than big brother. So here, c stands for cost cutter.  I am driving a Three model that retails for $22,395.

Power is Smaller Too

Providing scoot is a 73 horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder and a 60 horse electric motor for a total of 99 horsepower.  Toyota didn’t just drop the larger Prius’ hybrid system under the hood.

Everything from the battery to the power inverter and transaxle is different and smaller.  FYI, the engine is a slightly modified version of the one used in the previous generation Prius.  Air conditioning and power steering are electric, there’s nothing belt driven off the engine. It makes a guy wonder if there are other Prii coming since it isn’t cost effective to create a new drivetrain for just one vehicle.

The transmission is a continuously variable unit and ditches the usual Prius joystick for a standard shift lever.  A nickel metal hydride battery is under the seat for a lower center of gravity and extra room in the trunk.

Drives Like a Prius

The expected hybrid synergy drive dynamics are here.  Starting out, a unique whirring sound warns pedestrians you’re silently pulling on electric power, the gas engine feathers in when more power is needed.  The battery is charged when coasting or breaking.

Eco Mode softens the throttle response to help lead foot drivers get better gas mileage.  C is for creeping, EV Mode means electric only operation for a mile under 25 miles per hour with a fully charged battery.  Apparently Toyota engineers often sneak back home late at night, those party animals.  Hope their garage door is quiet.

With the Prius name, fuel economy is critical. Toyota estimates the EPA rating will be 53 city, 46 highway, overall about the same as the regular model at a 50 MPG average.  My short time behind the wheel finds that pretty accurate.

A new display feature allows the driver to enter the cost of fuel, Prius then displays how much the trip cost or how much is saved compared to another car.  This could be significant if your other vehicle is a Sequoia.

Comfort is Important Too

Historically, small cars have been referred to as penalty boxes.  These days that’s changing and the Prius c is a good example.  It’s fairly comfortable and quiet for a small car, even at highway speeds.

Toyota posts an official 0 to 60 time of 11.5 seconds and top speed of 105 MPH (in case Al Gore’s kids are reading).  Using my fairly accurate Dynolicious app, I’m seeing 10.6 second on the most level piece of clear and safe asphalt I can find. The engine certainly makes itself known when heading up hills or under hard acceleration. The “c word” for handling is “controlled”.  C is not overly sporty like Honda Fit and Chevy Sonic, but it is solid and capable.

It is very maneuverable, u-turns on my Prius c Three tester are no problem at all.  FYI, the top-of-the-line c Four model (appealing to TSA workers with a sense of humor) has it’s electric power steering calibrated differently for the largest wheel option, apparently giving it a sportier feel but slightly wider turning radius.

C is For Cabin

The interior uses good quality hard plastics and it’s easy to find a comfy position with a tilt/telescope wheel.  Digital gauges are center mounted, deeply hooded from the sun’s glare and a bit on the small side.  There’s a good amount of storage including a large glove box and a handy spot just forward of the steering wheel.

The exposed location of standard USB port makes it hard to hide an iPod if you want to leave an old one plugged in all the time.  It would be better in the covered center console, nice that the Prius c has one of those.  Also standard? Bluetooth for phones (expected these days) and automatic climate control (very surprising and welcomed).

Toyota believes the c will appeal to younger buyers who need to be connected 24/7 to the internet.  For them there’s the Entune system. It runs apps like Pandora streaming music and Bing search.  Entune gets its data from your smart phone that gets plugged into the USB port.  It gives sports, stock and weather info, plus gas prices or a good restaurant.  Remember, it uses your phone’s data plan so you need a robust one.

Safety?  Si!

There are 9 airbags including units in the front seats that position people better to make the front bags more effective.  Hope you never need to find out if they really are.  Prius c uses a lot of high strength steel for a rigid structure that improves the driving dynamics and protects people.

Prius c is available in models One through Four.  I’m tooling around in a Three that gets keyless ignition, upgraded fabric and a touch screen sound system head that has Entune.  Go with the base One model and you’re starting the hybrid system up old school with an actual physical key.  I suggest splurging for the Two because One doesn’t get cruise control and the back seat drops in one piece, it does not split.

Moving rearward, c does not stand for completely cramped or contortionist.  There are belts for three, room is decent for two adults with adequate leg room.  This is good for a small car. There is one seat pocket, a fold out cupholder, and no power port.

C is also for cargo and compact.  I’m at a press launch in San Diego so no TP trunk test, but my luggage is a good gauge.  My computer bag, tripod case and suitcase fit fine, but there’s no room for my big camera bag.  Translated that’s probably a three in the TP Trunk Test, four tops.  There’s a spare tire though, I’d expect the c to save weight with a simple repair kit.

Worth The Price?

Prius c is priced to move, whether the extra cost of the hybrid system over a standard car like Accent, Rio, Soul, Sonic,Fiesta and Toyota’s own Yaris is worth it depends on the type of driving you do.  If it’s lots of city slogging, the c shines since that’s where it gets its best fuel economy.  A number of non-hybrid compacts are highway rated at 40 mpg, and while that doesn’t reach Prius c’s estimated 46 number, simple math reveals it would take a lot of driving to make up the extra cost of the hybrid system.

In urban driving, Toyota crows that Prius c is most the fuel-efficient car you can buy without a plug in.  It’s also the least expensive hybrid on the road.  So if you’re looking for high mileage, ultra low emissions , reasonable price, and you’re not in a hurry, the Prius c just might be letter perfect.

DCR ATTENDED A TOYOTA SPONSORED MEDIA EVENT FOR THIS STORY.

FULL MEGA GALLERY BELOW. ALL STILL IMAGES PROVIDED BY TOYOTA. MODEL SHOWN IN PHOTOS IS A PRIUS C FOUR.

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12►

Family sedan competition is white hot these days.  It’s no longer just a two car race, Camry and Accord have seen some true competition from Altima, Fusion, Malibu, Optima, Sonata and other mid-sized sedans.  Now there’s an all-new Passat.  How does a person choose?

VW certainly makes a strong case for buyers to go for their sedan.  The Passat we get in the US is a special larger version than the one sold in the mother country.  Not enough?  They’ve also dropped the price and maintenance is free for the first three years (or 36,000 miles).  It’s now assembled here too, in a brand new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

But perhaps the strongest reasons is one of the three engines available- A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine (aka TDI).  It makes 140 hp, which doesn’t sound very powerful, but I’ll address that shortly.

First let me assure buyers that modern diesels don’t spew out smoke and stench.  They are clean enough to be sold in all 50 states.  Diesel fuel is easy to find too.

This engine requires AdBlue, a urea formula that scrubs the exhaust clean.  Apparently it’s similar to what your child would call “number one” but no you can’t, well… you know into the tank to save the $30 a gallon.    Here’s a link to a video that explains how it works.

Only 140 Horsepower?

Doesn’t seem like much for a big family sedan, huh?  That’s where our friend torque comes in and the TDI has a lot of it.  The two other engines, a 2.5-liter five-cylinder and VW’s 3.6-liter VR6 (any guesses to the cylinder count?) that pumps out 280 horsepower and drinks premium fuel.  Lets compare numbers.

TDI = 140 HP @ 4,000 RPM, torque 236 l-ft @ 1750 RPM

2.5-liter = 170 hp @ 5700 RPM, torque 177 lb-ft @ 4250 RPM

VR6 = 280 hp @ 6200 RPM, torque 258 lb-ft @ 2500

Notice that the TDI develops its horsepower earlier in the powerband and that the substantial torque is fully available practically right off the line?  That’s what gives diesels their beefy satisfying feeling.  So the TDI has a big advantage in that regard over the five-cylinder (and much better fuel economy than the six).  It’s surprising that Americans haven’t fully embraced diesel engines since there’s lots of oomph on hills and when passing on two-lane roads.  Hustling to 60 miles an hour in about 8.6 seconds, power certainly feels more substantial than 140 horses.

Guilt Free Power

Not only is the TDI enjoyable to drive, it lets owners pass by gas stations more often.  The EPA rates Passat TDI at 31 city 43 highway.  Without trying too hard I saw 33/50.  As you see in the video, driving complexly normal without babying the gas pedal when pulling away from stop signs gets a guy 30 MPG.  Impressive.  The guy who delivered the press car to me claimed he drove it from San Francisco to Seattle on one tank.

You’ll hear the distinctive diesel grumble, especially at idle but think of it as the soundtrack to saving money.  Passat’s ride quality is set toward comfortable with good capable cornering.  Neither a performance sedan or a waterbed, this German has developed a thick American accent.  Before you sneer, don’t forget that the US brands have become quite good when it comes to ride quality and that this is a family sedan, not a Panamera.

The quick shifting DSG 6-speed dual-clutch automatic aggressively looks for the highest gear possible, maybe too high occasionally.  At 30 MPH the tach reads 1,500 and occasionally it sounds as if the engine is bogging down a little.  Consider it the sound of savings.  Shifts are very quick and sure, I really like this gearbox and yes it gets a manual mode.  TDI can be ordered with a six-speed manual transmission too.  Note that 2.5-liter engines get a five-speed manual and the automatic is not a dual-clutch box.  VR6 is not available with a manual.

Spread Out

Passat’s roomy cabin has a restrained modern appearance, in this case there’s loads of aluminum-like trim.  There’s also wood-like trim.  Materials look good, and pieces like the door handles and soft instrument panel top feel good too.  Heated seats are broad, minimally bolstered and covered in easy to care for synthetic leather (really, it’s great stuff).  Turn a knob for the climate control system (dual zone BTW) and the big screen graphic appears to show what you’re doing.

Tunes sound good through the Fender, yes Fender branded audio system.  The optional nav system is easy to understand though the screen requires a very deliberate touch and some of the knob control lags behind the display.  Normally a screen this large and crisp gets a back up camera.  That’s missing here.

If you buy your cars based on cubbyholes this one should be on your list.  There’s storage all over, plus all of the cupholders can handle my big coffee mug Godzilla without a problem.  How American is that?  Phones and iPods are supported though check the special interface cable before leaving the dealership, my example didn’t seat well at all.

The back seat has loads of legroom, VW claims there’s four and a half inches more of it than in a Hyundai Sonata.  Again, the cushion is on the flat side which makes the center position more usable.  And again, lots of storage, which is great for families.  No power port or climate vents though.  Dogs won’t like the fact that the windows only roll down about two-thirds of the way down.

Bringing Up The Rear

Trunks are measured in cubic feet but do you put cubic feet in a trunk?  Probably not.  In the end, it’s the big stuff that counts which is why I do the TP trunk test test.  Passat’s trunk is large yet average in class at seven bundles of Kirkland’s best.  Watch the hinge arms though, they can squish things when you close the lid.  Worth noting, drop the split seatbacks and the pass-though is very large and useful.

The folks at VW are kind enough give buyers a spare tire, these days a simple repair kit is becoming common.  The AdBlue tank is filled here, which is necessary for the emissions system.  Looks easy enough to do on your own.  Understand that once you run out you get a limited number of starts before the system effectively says “sorry, we warned you” and will refuse to start.

Style to Spare or Style is Spare?

Passat is not a flashy looking car, it appears the designers had a contest to see who could use the fewest lines. The ones that got used are arranged in a tasteful way.  Some might see this sedan as plain, I find it modern and clean with a dose of anonymity.  In some ways it looks like a supersized Jetta, the C pillar reminds me a bit of Chevy Impala.

A bit of trivia for your next party- The name Passat comes from either the name of a four-masted steel ship that sailed back in 1911 OR a kind of trade wind.  I’m guessing the ship was named after the wind so that’s where my money is.

A base five-cylinder Passat has an MSRP of just $20,765 (with destination) gets standard dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and steering wheel audio controls along with a five-speed manual.  Price of entry for the Passat TDI is $26,765 with the six-speed manual transmission.  Add 2 grand for the automatic.  The TDI costs about $2,300 more than the 2.5 and $750 less than the VR6.

Yes, diesel fuel costs more and there’s AdBlue fluid to pay for but what drivers are getting is a choice.  The way I see it, hybrids shine in stop and go city driving, diesels excel on the open road. Just as important to some, the diesel dynamic is satisfying to drive..  Study your driving habits and choose which one works for you.  TDI is a powerful argument that Volkswagen has aimed diesels and the Passat straight at Americans.

FULL GALLERY BELOW.  ALL STILL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY VOLKSWAGEN. CAR PICTURED IS 3.6 VR6 MODEL.

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12►

EVEN IF YOUR FRIENDS ARE NOT HAMSTERS, CONSIDER LIKING THIS VIDEO. WE ASSUME YOU ARE POPULAR AND WE NEED THE PUBLICITY.

The world is full of plain, ordinary and boring looking stuff. Houses, logos, appliances don’t always get much personality.  We settle for the uninspired. The late Steve Jobs despised the mundane.  You should too because insanely great design is all around us.

For those who believe vanilla is best for ice cream, there’s the Kia Soul. It’s not plain.  Certainly not ordinary.  Definitely not boring.

Silhouettes like Soul’s tend to polarize.  Boxy yet wedgey, the shape shouldn’t appeal to everyone but curiously my experience finds that it’s widely embraced.  Those who don’t understand it can buy a Corolla, it’s a free country.  It’s easy to get into a base model at $14,650 perhaps explaining its popularity with fluffy rodents.  The particular Exclaim model I’m driving at the Austin, TX press event is $20,350 with destination.

Kia has only recently become a mainstream player so here’s something surprising; In 2011 Toyota sold 17,017 copies of the Scion xB.  In that same year, Kia moved 102,267 Souls, a volume that caught even Kia off guard.

Full disclosure, one of those is in my garage.  In December my wife Mariko decided it was the car for her and bought a fully loaded 2012 Exclaim, nearly identical to the car in the video (she opted for the Premium package though).  It’s not an endorsement, like any vehicle you need to assess your budget, needs, and emotions.  For us the Soul worked well, simple as that.  As always I’ll do my best to be objective.

Refreshed After Just Two Years

Soul started Kia’s design revolution back in 2009.   Largely credited to American Mike Torpey (formerly of GM), its design is based somewhat on the idea of a wild boar with a backpack and famously sold by another furry critter.  Boars with backpacks?  Hamsters with cars and iPods?  Time to check the water supply at Kia.

BTW, at the end of the video there’s a brief design analysis with a few little tidbits.  I think the bold yet restrained design is both original and well done especially for an economy car.  Makes you wonder how they’re going to redesign the next generation…

Different on the Outside, Different on the Inside

For 2012 Kia has extensively refreshed this car, the least of which is subtle new front and rear fascias. Exclaim features projector headlamps and LED accent lights up front, and LED tail lamps.  These look great at night.  Exclaim also gets unique 18-inch wheels with low profile tires.

Exclaim and Plus models (or “!” and “+” as Kia tags them) get the larger of two new engines.  The 2.0-liter four-cylinder (shown below) makes 164 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm.  There’s better fuel economy too (EPA rates Exclaim at 26 city, 34 highway).  Both new transmissions are six-speeds, replacing a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic.  The auto-box has a manual mode and a silky feel to the console lever.

Base models (plainly called “Base”) come with a 1.6-liter engine.  At 138 horsepower (123 lb-ft at 4,850 rpm) it‘s direct injected.  The 2.0-liter isn’t.  Both are available with an optional engine start/stop system that shuts down the engine while waiting at stoplights, not available on the top Exclaim model.

Fleeting Soul

Quick as a loose hamster (and they all escape their cages don’t they?), 0-60 happens in a tick under eight seconds with the 2.0-liter.  Soul has a good amount of spunk off the line but mercifully isn’t twitchy.  The new drivetrain is noticeably more refined this time around. Soul feels a little bit like a compact crossover since it rides a skosh higher than most hatchbacks and wagons. While the body doesn’t wallow in the corners, its ride height keeps it from being a sports car in the corners.

Kia adds sound insulation to Soul’s cabin for 2012 making it quieter at highway speeds now.  The suspension is set very firm, not for those looking for a cushy ride. I suggest a test drive on a rough road, especially if you’re considering the ! with its less forgiving low-profile rubber. Electric power steering is well weighted and Soul reacts immediately to input but lack of road feel makes for a slightly disconnected feeling.  Big windows offer up excellent visibility.

Surprisingly Roomy

The interior is familiar with a smattering of material upgrades. Surfaces look and feel good considering the low price, with a hard but rubbery feel on much of the surfaces.  I’m pretty sure this car is alone in having hound’s-tooth seat trim.  The leather wrapped wheel now adjusts for rake and reach, buttons and knobs have quality operation, and the gauge cluster is clean and clear.

Soul’s signature disco light speakers get a bit more refinement for 2012. The big news for music lovers is a premium Infinity sound system which is easily best in class.  With a very accurate sound stage it absolutely rocks.  The HD Radio tuner sounds great, its clarity reveals the grainy digital sound of Sirius satellite radio.  This sound package is standard on the ! and an option on the + model.  I highly recommend checking the option box.

Soul gets the Microsoft based UVO system.  It can read incoming text messages, makes many electronics voice active and adds a rear camera display.  I find it relatively simple to call up tunes loaded on the 1 gig jukebox and making phone calls just by saying “call home”.  It’s easy to compare UVO with Sync but the Ford system is more powerful.  Still, UVO is a good place to start. It’s standard on ! and part of a $900 audio package with +.

Go with the Premium package on ! models and there’s keyless ignition, auto climate control, heated leather seats, and easy to use navigation.  It gives Soul a touch of luxury though unfortunately it eliminates UVO and the HD radio tuner.

Take the Whole Litter

There’s more room in Soul than you might expect and nowhere is that better experienced than the back seat.  Leave your hat on cowboy, there’s loads of head and legroom.  Tall friends will choose it when carpooling.  Width wise there’s enough room for three average sized adults.  They won’t be charging their phone in back though, no power port (there’s one in the cargo hold though). Drinks get stashed in the doors since there’s no other cupholders or folding armrest.

With the split folding seats dropped Soul’s square space is very cargo friendly. Tall though not deep, it’s a five packer in the TP trunk test.  Useful storage is found under the load floor with compartments for umbrellas and jumper cables. Underneath it is a tire repair kit, no spare.

Uniquely Unique

Why did Mariko end up with a Soul?  Well, after 12 years with a plain white station wagon, she wanted practicality, features and personality. She was able to get the luxury touches she wanted and pay less than we budgeted.  That makes me very happy.  Some advice to those who haven’t committed to a spouse yet- Find one that’s frugal.

It is very odd reviewing a car I own (though she drives it 98 percent of the time).  So far her biggest gripe is that the fuel tank is on the small side.  She rarely hits the highway so city driving reduces range and causes her to fill up more often.  She also has noticed the very direct steering and driving dynamic.  The slightly higher ride height is a plus. So is the 10 year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

Soul would seem to compete with Scion xB, Toyota Matrix, Nissan cube and maybe VW Golf, but none of those were on Mariko’s radar screen.  In size and utiilty it’s closest to the Volkswagen Tiguan. For her, it beat out that, plus Jetta Sportwagen, and Subaru Outback because of the design and bargain price.

Soul is appealing because it’s not like anything else out there, even the Scion to which it’s compared most. The xB is sold as a blank slate for customization while Soul brims with attitude straight out of the box (pun intended).  It’s full of personality, very versatile and value priced.  In short, it makes people smile.  All the money in the world won’t buy you love or happiness, but just a little can get you Soul.

FULL GALLERY BELOW. ALL STILL IMAGES PROVIDED BY KIA. NOTE THAT THE LEATHER SEATS SHOWN AND BROWN PAINT COLOR ARE NOT AVAILABLE IN THE US AT THIS TIME.

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CLICK “LIKE” IF YOU WANT TO HELP BUY EVIL TWIN A DECENT PAIR OF SANDALS

On a sunny day last week I took delivery of a 2012 Subaru Impreza, a car that was scheduled a few weeks back.  Inevitably, as expected, the rain came which is hardly surprising in our soggy corner of the world.  But then the Northwest got hit by Snowmageddon.  Snow is not normal in this neck of the woods. How lucky can a guy get?

I’m not sure who benefits most from this situation, me or Subaru.  I get to use their car, which is doing pretty well in five to six inches snow, and they get the kind of exposure they can only dream of. I believe this is where Charlie Sheen says “winning”.

Until the sporty rear-drive BRZ hits showrooms, every Subaru comes standard with their Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system (which is different depending on model and transmission). Good traction and a reasonable price is what makes them so popular with practical Northwesterners and Northeasterners.

I’m sloshing through the slush in a 5-door Premium model, and at $20,500 with destination as tested it’s an affordable tool to tackle sloppy stuff.  Base models go for around $18,500.

Know Thy Customer

Subaru has never been known for elegant design (can you see Charlie Sheen driving a Forester?) but their owners are among the most loyal in the biz.  Impreza is no different.  It makes no kind of fashion statement, recalling the Dodge Caliber from some angles.  It’s useful though, fun to drive and gets people to work when the weather goes south. Is that north in this case?  Whatever.  Consider Impreza the “sensible shoes” of the automotive world.

About the only thing owners have consistently griped about over the years is fuel economy.  True, Impreza has had a bit of a drinking problem.  That changes for 2012.  Subaru crows that Impreza’s fuel economy is over 35 percent better, making it the most fuel-efficient all-wheel drive vehicle sold in the US.  The EPA rates the automatic transmission versio n at 27 city 36 highway (25/33 for the 5-Door manual).  Last year’s model scored a pathetic 20/26, pretty thirsty considering an AWD Chevy Equinox gets 20/29.

A New Boxer Enters the Ring

Impreza’s unique 2.0-liter Boxer engine is new, replacing a 2.5-liter unit that made 170 horsepower.  The new smaller engine makes 148 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm and 145 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm but has some 160 pounds less to drag around.  A refresher, the pistons of a Boxer engine don’t pump up and down like most engines, they move horizontally in and out.  This means a flat powerplant that sits deep in the bay creating a lower center of gravity.

It’s teamed up with two gearboxes- a new second-generation continuously variable automatic and a manual five-speed transmission with good action.  0-60 happens in around 9.5 seconds.  Feels faster though and that counts for something.

I haven’t driven the CVT but in general I’ve found their rubbery dynamics to be less than desirable.  Subaru says this one is better, pay close attention on your test drive.  I enjoy the manual, it has a ”hill holder” feature for easy starts on steep grades.

Out In the Real World

Power might be modest but all-wheel drive and traction control mean Impreza is very sure-footed.  You don’t need snow to feel it.  On wet streets Impreza accelerates from a stop confidently with much less wheel spin, very reassuring at busy intersections.  Because of weather I couldn’t perform 0-60 runs but a check of the web shows most reputable sources claiming 9.5 seconds.  Feels faster to me, more like 8.5.

Impreza isn’t made for severe off-roading, it’s not stout enough and it has the ground clearance of a normal car.  In moderate amounts of snow this Subie does just fine but remember, all-wheel drive gets you going but does little to stop the car.  The belief that it makes a car invincible in icy conditions is why many of the vehicles shown in the ditch on the nightly news are all-wheel drive rigs.  Also tires can make a huge difference.  I watched an Audi A5 with quattro and summer performance treads slide around like someone wearing dress shoes on a sledding hill.

Handle It

Impreza’s fully independent suspension (MacPherson-type struts up front, double wishbone aft) has been softened and there’s a little more body roll but it’s still compelling in the curves.  All but the base model get a rear stabilizer bar.  This car is great fun to chuck into corners and I often catch myself driving faster than the speed limit.  FYI, the performance oriented STI and WRX models are based on last year’s car.

Part of the handling fun is due to all-wheel drive, but it helps that the low-profile Boxer engine sits low and deep in the engine bay, offering a lower center of gravity.  This is easily felt in the corners.

Impreza is generally quiet and comfortable on the road.  The engine makes itself known when the go pedal is pushed down.  Could be a positive, might be a negative depending on what kind of driver you are.  The sporty sound sounds good to my ear.  In the same vein I like that Impreza is not overly smooth feeling, it feels like a machine under hard acceleration.

More Room, Better Materials

The new cabin is a skosh roomier this time around and the materials have been upgraded. Impreza’s windshield is raked back a bit more making the cabin feel bigger too.  In black it’s a bit dark and monochromatic though, not much pizzazz.  Check out the two-tone interior which may look more inviting.  The instrument panel gets soft touch materials, the overall design is very conservative especially when compared to Civics’ two-tiered Star Trek dashboard.

Comfortable, supportive seats get heat, the high setting will roast your behind (in a good way).  The sound system is impressive considering Imprezas low price and it gets iPod integration and Bluetooth streaming.

White-faced gauges are very easy to read, the driver gets a knee airbag. Subaru has put an emphasis on safe cars and the new Impreza gets a healthy dose of high strength steel in the structure.  Knobs have an average feel to them, the headliner looks like an old blanket.

In back there’s a good amount of room for two full sized adults.   As expected in this class, three will be a bit tight.  There’s no folding armrest so passengers will have to stash drinks in the door cupholders. There’s no power port in the back and just one seat pocket.

Modest Power, But it Hauls.

Impreza is available as a sedan, the 5-door I’m driving is much more versatile (though it does cost $500 extra). The hatch is handy on those weekly “big box” store shopping sprees when you load up on mass bundles of bath tissue.  What?  I’m the only one who does that?

All-wheel drive vehicles can go where roadside service may take a long time to get to so Impreza’s spare tire is a good idea.  Tie downs are handy too.

The cargo area is quite large with the split seats folded down.  I always do the TP test with the seats usable though and Impreza does fine swallowing up six packs of the two-ply.

What My Week Taught Me

This new Impreza is the perfect choice for those who want all-wheel drive but think standard SUVs are too big and thirsty.  There’s no doubt it made my life easier during a pretty nasty week and I have to believe that Northwest Subaru dealers will be swamped once people dig out from the big snowstorm.  The brand’s loyal buyers will certainly come back for more.  No matter what color they buy, they know it always looks good against white.

FULL GALLERY BELOW.  IMPREZA STILL PHOTOS ARE OF “SPORT” MODEL WITH OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT. ALL STILL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SUBARU.

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Your friends are probably looking for a reasonably priced car. Click “like” so they can check the Accent out.

The disparity between the haves and the have-nots is in sharp focus these days. Families are cutting back, the victims of a damaged economy too slow to heal.  On the other hand you may have heard that Rep. John Fleming (R-LA) has even trimmed back since he has only $400,000 to feed his deprived family.  That’s after expenses.  Perhaps they have been forced to downgrade to Scharffenberger sparking wines from Dom Perignon champange. Pity them.

We all can’t all live in mansions, nor can everyone drive a fancy high-end car.  Fortunately even an inexpensive ride provides the luxury of transportation (something we Americans often loose sight of).  The Hyundai Accent certainly offers good solid value for us, the 99 percent.  It’s a vehicle many on a budget would be happy to occupy.

Easy To Buy

Including destination, prices start at $14,970 for the sedan (which is only available in base trim).  The particular SE hatchback I’ve been driving for a week stickers for $16,570. You’d be cross shopping Accent if you were thinking of Fiesta, Fit, Sonic, Rio, Versa and Yaris.  Just a couple years ago there were few players in this subcompact segment.  Now days it’s a pretty crowded field.

Manufacturers believe that by snagging young buyers with a reliable reasonably priced car, they’ll remain brand loyal and upgrade to a fancy car when they get that corner office.  That could be a Genesis, might even be a luxurious Equis.

In the meantime a direct injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder making 138 horsepower will be getting you around town.  There’s a six-speed automatic for $1,000, my tester has the six-speed manual with good action and clutch take up.  Folks buy these for fuel economy, the EPA rates it at 30 city, 40 highway.

I drove down to Portland, OR in the Accent and with the cruise control set at 60 miles-an-hour I bested the EPA, achieving a consistent 42 miles per gallon (and yes I was in the far right lane).  At a more realistic speed of 70 it drops to 36.  That’s just physics folks.  Slogging around in the Rose City, the trip computer read 25 but I wasn’t trying to max out fuel economy in any way.  I’d say the EPA numbers are fairly close in the real world, just depends how hard you push it.

It’s Flingable

While in Portland I found Accent is fun to fling around city streets though it’s not as sporty as Honda Fit or Chevy Sonic.  The size is compact enough to score easy street parking.  The whole package is refined and fairly quiet.  It’s comfortable too with supportive seats that hold up well on long trips.

Power is decent, 0-60 happens in around 8 seconds with the shift-it-yourself-box.  Go with the automatic and you’ll need more patience, that 60 MPH run will easily take a full second longer than the manual.

Many low priced cars get drum brakes in the back.  Hyundai uses disc units at all wheels.  Modulation is good.  As you know Uncle Sam mandates electronic stability control these days.

Not a Penalty Box

Inside, Accent doesn’t feel cramped which is always a bonus with a subcompact.  Materials look and feel decent, the instrument panel gets a unique texture and feel though the bulk of the materials are hard.  The steering wheel does not get a reach adjustment, it only tilts.  Those comfy seats are covered with a subdued stylish fabric, with a pattern looking like little electrodes from an old transistor radio.  It’s better than some in more expensive cars.

Switchgear feels fine, so do door releases.  There’s Bluetooth for phones and a dedicated iPod jack which would be great news if the sound system were worth writing about.  It’s serviceable, good for listening to business news in order to move you up into the next tax bracket.  You’ll be turning to the aftermarket for better tunage, there’s no premium sound option.

Often times, inexpensive cars leave out covered center console storage but Accent has it with an adjustable armrest.  Fabric on the door panels and a grippy leather-wrapped steering wheel will convince your hands that you broke the budget.  Sun visors get mirrors, there’s a spot for sunglasses too.  All that and no iDrive.

Move to the Back

Smaller cars often force backseat occupants into uncomfortable contortions.  Accent treats them okay.  Evil Twin stopped by and, when sitting behind me, he didn’t complain anymore than he usually does.  FYI, we are about average height at 5’9”.

Foot room isn’t generous but it’s okay and expected in this class.  Much like the competition there’s not a lot features in steerage.  Few of Accent’s competitors have door storage, folding armrest, more than one seat pocket or a power port to charge electronics.

Next time you’re out car shopping you might notice a trend, one certainly not limited to Hyundai- no spare tire, just a repair kit.  Manufacturers say it reduces weight, and of course cost.

When it comes to cargo, Accent is average for a subcompact hatchback, swallowing five packs of Kirkland’s finest embossed bath tissue.  Naturally the seats split and fold making the hatch version much more versatile than the sedan.  And remember, the sedan is only sold as a very basic model.

Fluidic Sculpture is Standard

Styling? Accent ‘s Fluidic Sculpture design language is pleasant enough to look at.  It follows the same wedgey school of sculpting that Fiesta and Sonic use.  Planning on using a roof rack?  There are dedicated mounting points on top, making it simple.

For those into safety, the 2012 Accent scores a “good” rating in NHTSA’s roof-strength and frontal crash tests, and an “acceptable” rating in the side-impact test. There are six airbags to protect occupants.  Pretty standard though some cars like Chevy Sonic are up to ten.  That’s a lot of airbags.  Hope you never need a single one.

FULL GALLERY BELOW.  ALL STILL PHOTOS PROVIDED HY HYUNDAI.

[View with PicLens]

While I have no budget to cover the Detroit show (or time to even fake it) this caught my eye. The new Lincoln MKZ Concept is a whole new direction for the brand and it couldn’t come soon enough.  I have provided a photo gallery, look through it then read the press release.  Afterwards speak your mind, let us know what you think.  Personally I like what I see.

Lincoln MKZ Concept Gallery

[View with PicLens]

LINCOLN PRESS RELEASE BELOW

DETROIT, Jan. 10, 2012 – The new Lincoln MKZ Concept, revealed today at the North American International Auto Show, signals a significant step in Lincoln’s reinvention, providing a clear vision of its next-generation vehicles.

“With the Lincoln MKZ Concept, we are not introducing a new car. We are essentially introducing a new brand,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford Motor Company group vice president for Global Product Development. “The MKZ Concept is the next step in the reinvention of Lincoln, something we’ve been quietly but aggressively pursuing.”

Lincoln MKZ Concept: Exterior

The MKZ Concept strongly hints at the production model arriving in dealerships later this year, as well as Lincoln’s design future.

“The MKZ Concept’s shape is a vision of simplicity completed with just a few strokes,” said Max Wolff, Lincoln design director. “Our movement as a brand is toward something we call elegant simplicity. It’s something warmer and more restrained, which is moving away from complex designs and traditional luxury.”

Warm hues are evident in every aspect of the new vehicle’s Cognac-colored exterior. The deep finish is achieved with a rich base coat covered in multiple layers of tinted clear-coat finishes.

By retaining key, recognizable brand design elements, the MKZ Concept remains clearly identifiable as a Lincoln. One example is the more refined interpretation of the split-wing grille, introduced on the 1938 Lincoln-Zephyr.

The sedan’s profile is dominated by a long, sleek and sweeping roofline that allows the design to break away from the traditional sedan three-box shape. The lengthening of the roofline enables a more flowing, elegant and more naturally aerodynamic appearance.

A panoramic glass roof spans uninterrupted from the windshield to the top of the backlight. Integrated into the sedan’s aluminum and boron steel superstructure, the fixed-glass expanse extends to the side roof rails of the cabin, creating an airy, open interior.

LED technology enabled an extremely thin and distinctive full-width taillamp graphic. Exhaust tips are cleanly integrated into the rear fascia.

Lincoln MKZ Concept: Interior

The Lincoln MKZ Concept’s four-seat interior is open, warm and inviting. “The front graphic is repeated in the dramatic sweep of the instrument panel, helping tie the interior to the exterior. These flowing forms create a comfortable and functional interior that particularly appeals to the younger, more diverse customers we are targeting,” said Wolff.

Innovative interior features include push-button transmission gear selection, an open, tiered center console and liquid crystal instrumentation. The reconfigurable 10.1-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) LCD positioned ahead of the driver operates with the latest version of MyLincoln Touch™ as does the nearly flush-mounted center 8-inch LCD touch screen.

Responsibly harvested poplar wood, aluminum in bright and satin finishes as well as leather help create a sculptural, luxurious and comfortable interior space. Champagne-colored leather seats with dark taupe accents feature a champagne perforation pattern, so-called because the perforations on the seat backs conjure the image of champagne bubbles rising from the bottom of a glass.

Lincoln MKZ Concept: Engineering

The Lincoln MKZ Concept is a styling study that rides on an all-new midsize platform. The sedan is capable of utilizing multiple powertrain options in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Like the recently introduced MKS and MKT with EcoBoost™, the Lincoln MKZ Concept features Lincoln Drive Control and the sophisticated Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) adjustable suspension. (Click here for information on these Lincoln technologies and here for background on the Lane Keeping System, another feature integrated into the MKZ Concept.)

The Business of Lincoln

“Lincoln is an important part of our company’s success,” said Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company president of The Americas. “The luxury piece of the industry is significant. In any given year in the U.S., the luxury segment is 11 to 13 percent of overall sales, and it is important for us to win customers in the luxury market with strong new vehicles. That is a key reason we have invested so heavily in Lincoln.”

During the past 14 months, Lincoln has built a dedicated team – including designers, engineers, quality and manufacturing experts as well as marketing and sales leaders. The team includes people from luxury brands, some outside of automotive.

“This team wakes up every morning thinking about Lincoln – and only Lincoln,” Fields said. “These are the people committed to delivering world-class vehicles with a customer experience to match.”

Many of the new team members begin working this year in the all-new Lincoln Design Studio in Dearborn, Mich.

Under Wolff’s direction, construction of the 40,000-square-foot studio began in early 2011 and ultimately will house more than 180 modelers, engineers, stylists and designers in a space that encourages creativity and collaboration.

“This is the first time Lincoln has had its own studio since the 1970s,” said Wolff. “Having our own space is critical to the continued development of the brand. We are passionate about creating beautiful, even seductive, vehicles – and the MKZ Concept marks just the beginning.”

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Let’s face it, General Motors has not done well with small cars over the years.  Remember Aveo, Metro, Monza, T1000 and Sunbird?  A guy on my paper route had a three-year-old Vega on prominent display in his front yard with a shrub growing from the engine bay.  It was his revenge when GM refused to replace his blown engine.  I continued to date my wife even after I found out she drove a Chevette.  It remains proof of how hard I fell for her.

Ford and Chrysler were just as guilty.  These were not just bad cars, they are vehicles that drove Americans to the imports.

But lo, there is a light (or should I say sound?) on the horizon and its name is Sonic.  Much like Ford, General Motor’s products are truly global these days so Sonic will see duty all over the world.  It’s up against Accent, Fiesta, Fit, Mazda2, Rio, and Yaris.  Small cars, major competition.

If you read no farther, understand one thing- Sonic isn’t just good for an American car, it’s good for a world car.  This news will be disorienting to an entire generation of car shoppers.

Built In the Exotic Country of Michigan

A car’s assembly point isn’t generally a big deal but Sonic is the only vehicle in its class to be built in the US.  That’s a plus for some, a reminder of past sins for others.  At $14, 495 with destination, Sonic is affordable.  Choose between hatchback and sedan.  My loaded LTZ hatchback press car stickers for $19,545.

On its rear end is a turbo badge which is a $700 option and a box that drivers will want to check.  The standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder makes the same horsepower as the 1.3-liter turbocharged motor but it’s the torque and where it comes to life that matters.  The turbo produces 148 lb-ft of it, 23 more than the 1.8 and it’s available lower in the rev range.  The normally aspirated engine needs to be spooled up near redline to feel its strength.

Go with the turbo and Chevy upgrades the five-cog manual transmission to a six-speed. Throws are average length, clutch take-up is on the high side which takes time getting used to.  A “hill-holder” feature keeps Sonic from rolling when starting out on a steep grade. A six-speed automatic is only available with the standard engine.

Surprising that the turbo engine gets the best gas mileage- 29 city, 40 highway vs. 26/35 for the 1.8L.

Fast Food.  Fast Hedgehog.  Fast Car?

Sonic doesn’t have the speed of a certain blue hedgehog but the turbo motor is quick, 0-60 in around 8.3 seconds.  Again, it’s the low-end torque that satisfies. Sonic will show you a good time on twisty roads. The suspension is pretty buttoned down on this car with a good blend of comfort and sport.  There’s not much body roll, the structure is drum tight, brakes have good modulation. Sonic is fun to chuck around while you’re doing errands.

It’s on the quiet side, though many in this class are getting better at keeping the cabin calm.  The turning radius is tight.  Sport bike riders will feel right at home behind a very readable gauge cluster with digital speedometer, with an added bonus of staying dry when it rains.

Front wheel drive cars that have a little extra power can have something called “torque steer”, a tugging of the steering wheel under hard acceleration.  Sonic pretty much keeps that in check.  While it has a significant power advantage, it’s bogged down a bit by weight since the Chevy is on chunky side compared to the competition.  Still, at least in turbo form, it’s among the most fun to drive.

Have a Seat

The cockpit is what you’d expect these days in class. Nothing rich or expensive but it all works well with a contrasting swath of color sweeping through the instrument panel.  Most of the plastics are hard but look good. Seats are supportive and covered in low-maintenance faux leather.  Heated too.

The sound system with XM tuner is decent and Sonic talks natively to phones and iPods.  There are stash spaces everywhere, even a handy slot for parking garage tickets and Starbucks cards. No covered storage in the center console though, just cupholders and some storage slots.

There is no navigation option but subscribe to the proper OnStar package and turn-by-turn audible directions can be downloaded to the car.  It’s pretty slick.  Most will simply use their smartphones.

Hands will be happy to hang on to the thick leather wrapped wheel, its chrome trim keeps the overall look higher rent.  Switchgear is pretty smooth, the driver’s power window gets auto-up operation. A fashion tip- I favor the LTZ simply because less expensive models have a seat fabric pattern so loud, you might actually be able to hear it.

Passengers and Cargo

Sonic’s rear seat has belts for three. Two adult passengers will be okay here with just enough leg and foot room for average sized folks.

No center armrest, door storage, power port, door trim or center headrest. Only one seat pocket and cupholder for those in back.  That’s all pretty standard in the crowd this Chevy runs with.  Sonic has 10 airbags including side impact units in the rear and knee bags for those in front.

While Sonic is available as a sedan, the hatchback offers up much more utility.  It doesn’t have the supreme usability of Honda’s Fit but with split folding rear seats it will meet most people’s requirements.

Hide a laptop computer under the false floor, a removable security cover keeps prying eyes out.  Nice to have details like lighting and tie-down hooks in an inexpensive car.  There’s even the rare spare tire.  With the floor removed to max out the cargo bay Sonic just manages to hold five packs of the two-ply in my standardized test.  Not bad for a small car.

Boom For Sonic?

It all boils down to this- Chevy has finally built a great subcompact car.  Certainly, the bowtie brand comes with some subcompact baggage but it would be wise for shoppers to check Sonic out.  It has a reasonable price, decent style, modern tech, and a bit of pep in its step with the turbo.  It’s fun to drive too.  Sonic should make some noise in the small car segment. If only my wife could have driven something like this when we met…

FULL PHOTO GALLERY BELOW.  ALL STILL IMAGES PROVIDED BY GENERAL MOTORS.

[View with PicLens]

You folks had some great comments and it’s now time to choose, meaning some of you will be happy and others will sulk.  I’m a parent.  I deal with that all the time.  Here are the hat winners for this week-

fairdrivenreview This post completely embodies the Christmas spirit. If you didn’t get everything you wanted for Christmas, you’re at least getting a Driven hat. I hope your dad knows how you feel, he’d be proud.

kay3460 Even though I hate sending hats to Canadians (really, it’s the postage, not your nationality) you win because in the event of war, famine, and any other acts of God in which you speak of, I will be in your good graces.  In case of armageddon, I now will know your address.  You can be sure I’ll show up on your doorstep with my family. Please feed us.

Capsule23 I’m a GTI fan.  Good on you for being an enthusiast and staying practical at the same time. Just don’t speed with the kids in the car.  Sets a poor example.

And finally an extra chapeau goes out to Runs_And_Drives. A Caterham 7? It’s doubtful you’ll ever own one.  Let me lessen the sting of that with a free hat.

As for guessing my Christmas present, well, again I’m giving out an extra hat since spidey1968 (XC60) and langleyhs2013 (XC90) guessed on either side of my new (pre owned) car.  It’s a 2005 Volvo XC70.  Bought from a friend who has taken terrific care of it, it has a spotless maintenance record and looks practically new.  This will be a great ski car and roomy enough to use as a production vehicle for my video equipment.  When I sell this website for $10,000,000 (yeah, right) I’ll get a less practical car like a Cayman S.

BTW, my wife wants you to know it really isn’t a Christmas present.  It was an opportune purchase on my part.  Sort of like the puppy that follows you home.  Let’s just say I’ll be unloading the dishwasher for the next year…

I’ll get in touch with the winners soon.  In the meantime, stop back next week for another try at a hat. I still have a bunch left.

ORIGINAL POST BELOW

Sorry, no review this week. I’m spending time with my family, digging out, and getting the hats that I owe people to them. And since I’m sending them out, I figure why not send a few more?

So here’s the deal- I’m going to guess that Santa didn’t bring you your dream ride (and I know he didn’t bring you a Driven hat since they were locked in a cabinet for the last 3 months). BUT, if he did bring you a car, what would it be? Post it below and I’ll pick three of them. If you’re especially entertaining, you might have a better chance. Just saying. If you’ve won a hat feel free to chime in but remember, only one hat per person. There aren’t very many of them and I know of one person who’s had theirs stolen.

Oh, and my wife got me a car for Christmas. A “pre-owned” model (details coming). The first person to guess correctly automatically gets a hat.

Look for my Top 11 List piece at the end of the week. Hope your holidays are going as well as mine! TV

This is a look back at my favorite cars in 2011. Click “like” to share this with the world.

2011 was an amazing year in the automotive world.  It was comeback year for many companies, especially the Americans.  Hyundai and Kia continued their relentless march of increased market share while many of the Japanese brands were battered by Mother Nature.

2011 will be remembered as the year the electric car became mainstream with Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf hitting decent production numbers.  Ford Focus Electric and Mitsubishi i will follow in 2012.  Everyone’s hoping it isn’t a fad.

With nearly everyone on their A game, it hasn’t been easy picking my Top 11 for 2011.  That’s not a play on the year, you know I’ve always had 11 on the list.  My choices are about a balance of performance, design, value and features.  Ground rules?  It had to be on sale in 2011, I had to drive it (sorry, couldn’t get my hands on a VW Passat) and pricing had to start at under 75 grand.  Remember, we are the 99 percent.

A Shocker?

For the first time ever this list contains no Japanese cars, a fact that surprised even me.  My choices reflect a more emotional approach this year.  Nearly all modern cars are very reliable, freeing buyers up to concentrate on design, performance and value.  More than ever, buying a car is about determining your budget, fulfilling practical needs and making a design or brand statement. This is a good thing.

Fierce competition means many close competitors.  I’ll talk about them after the list.  The base prices provided include destination charges and as you’ll notice there are links to the full video reviews.

So, in no particular order…

Chevrolet Sonic LTZ (MSRP $17,295) The list of GM’s unpleasant small cars is long- Aveo, Metro, Chevette, Sunbird, Sunfire, Monza… Vega.  Then comes Sonic, which is neither a hedgehog nor a fast food restaurant.  All of a sudden The General is producing a great small car.  It’s kind of disorienting.

Sonic gets the nod because it’s affordable, fuel efficient, fun to push into corners, and doesn’t beat you up on long trips.  Go with the torque-rich turbocharged engine for an extra $700 and Chevy upgrades the manual tranny to a six-speed (a six-speed automatic is available).  Choose between sedan and hatchback models. (Review coming in early January 2012).

Hyundai Elantra (MSRP $17,202)  Sweeping sculpted style, bang for the buck, and 40 MPG on the highway go a long way to make Elantra appealing.  I find this sedan to be among the best looking cars of 2011, regardless of price.

Hyundai took a page from the playbook that Honda and Toyota once used- a reasonable price, great warrantee and features that surprise and delight.  Limited Elantras get heated back seats, some fancy luxury cars don’t offer that.  If you’re looking for a compact sedan, you really should be researching this one.

Volkswagen GTI (MSRP $24,465)  A practical car that’s a blast to drive, GTI is a friend to the enthusiast on a budget.  It’s great fun to throw into tight turns, and the cabin looks expensive.  This car practically begs you to drive it hard.

Available in both two and four door models, sell it to your spouse as practical.  Because it is.  Tough to choose between the crisp six-speed manual or dual-clutch DSG automatic.  For German performance at a reasonable price, look no farther.

Kia Optima (MSRP $21,750) To a person, everyone who rode in the well equipped EX test car thought it was 40 grand. Try 27K.  Production assistant Martin Campbell liked it so much he bought one.

Available with regular and turbo engines (plus a hybrid powertrain), the sculpted look, blizzard of features and bargain price of Optima are all but unbeatable. It’s just one reason Kia has doubled their market share in just three years.

Ford Focus (MSRP $17,295) In 2011 America finally got the same Focus as Europe.  All together now, let’s say “Thank you Ford”.

Some might complain that it is not the budget ride of the past.  In price and in execution, Focus has moved up-market.  The interior is significantly better than the outgoing model, as is the sheetmetal.  It can even be had with a self-parking system that’s better than some in luxury cars.  Choose between sedan and hatch models.

Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango (MSRP $27,820 FWD Jeep, $29,845 FWD Dodge).  Yeah, I know these are two different vehicles but I’m wedging them together because 1) they are based on the same stout architecture and 2) they fill different needs.

Extreme boulder-hoppers will go for the five-seat Grand Cherokee.  I have driven the GC on terrain that made me flinch but the Jeep didn’t.  Last year’s redesign gave it a terrific interior that it shares with Durango and more room in the back seat.

With its extra row of seating, the seven-passenger Durango works for families.  It pulls nearly anything reasonable a guy could want to tow while remaining comfortable and refined the other 99% of the time that you’re driving to the grocery store.  Both these rigs get compliments in the parking lot too.

Volvo XC60 ($34,175 FWD)  I rediscovered this refined crossover when my wife and I were shopping for a car this summer.  This svelte-Swede has a personality all it’s own with an interior that’s straight out of a Scandinavian furniture store.

Yes, it has the legendary safety structure Volvo is known for.  Fun to drive too.  I’m surprised that many buyers still don’t understand it has the technology to brake automatically for cars and (optionally) pedestrians in case you’re distracted.  I beg of you, please stay off your phone when driving.  Not all of us drive Volvos.

Chrysler 300 (MSRP $27,995) It’s pretty tough to get more luxury for your money than this full-sized sedan.  Chrysler went from worst to first with the interior.  Materials and the jeweled instrument cluster look a class more expensive than they are.  The user interface doesn’t use a joystick or knob or cluster of buttons.  Hallelujah!  It’s simple.  It works.  It doesn’t insult the owner.

Now with an eight-speed transmission, 300 hustles down the road with grace and purpose, handling like it’s a size smaller than it is. Some say it looks too much like the previous generation, I find it the perfect re-interpretation of a classic.

Audi A6 ($50,775) and A7 ($60,125) These two are fraternal twins so I’m rolling them together as one.  A6 is the traditional sedan with a more spacious back seat.  It’s available as a front-drive model with a 211 horse turbocharged four-cylinder.  I suggest skipping it for the 311 horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6 bundled with quattro all-wheel drive.  Really, you’re buying a luxury sedan.  Go all in.

A7 is the super-model sister, a trendy “four-door coupe” with a practical twist- it’s a hatchback.  The rear seat gets its headroom clipped a bit so it isn’t as useful for your tall friends.  Both 6 and 7 get the same swept instrument panel that lives up to Audi’s reputation, and the sporty balanced driving dynamics will satisfy all but the hard core enthusiast.

For tech aficionados, there’s Google Earth sat nav, an input pad that reads your handwriting, and the ability to make the car a wi-fi hotspot.  Which ever you choose, you will not want for anything.

Chrysler Town and Country (MSRP $30,830) Again, as we shopped for a car this summer this one seriously tempted my wife.  With one kid leaving for college buying a van now would be like cutting butter with a chainsaw.  This family room-on-wheels makes everyone’s life easier.  All vans have loads of cubbies and practical storage. Chrysler is the only one with mid-row seats that fold into the floor.  Great for impulse shoppers at garage sales… or is that bad?

The Pentastar V6 provides plenty of power, handling is crisp and the cabin is a huge upgrade from past Chryslers.  It even gets decent fuel economy.  Other manufacturers seem to be trying too hard to make their vans look like something else, without success.  Town and Country stays true to what it is, a comfortable and well-appointed family vehicle.

Chevrolet Volt (MSRP $39,995 before tax credits) An on-board gas-powered generator makes Volt the best choice for people who want an electric car as their only car. I consistently travelled 40 miles before dipping into gas mode.  After that I can drive to Florida if I want to.  Compare that with electric-only cars that demand a plug-in after a real world 80 miles.

Sporty handling means Volt is a real charge to drive.  People like the way it looks too. Yes, there’s the battery issue that NHTSA is looking at.  Frankly, if my car took one to three weeks to catch fire after a side impact with a pole then rolling over (the test performed by Uncle Sam), I would be relieved.  Gasoline powered cars have the capacity to burn much faster.  Until battery technology matures, Volt remains my choice for going green.

Runner Ups

Those are my top picks.  There were many that nearly made the cut. For small cars the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio are ones to shop.  Moving up a size I recommend taking a peak at Chevy Cruze and Mazda3. Midsized sedans? That’s an intensely crowded field.   Sonata, Regal, Passat and the new Camry are very well done.  Know that Accord, Malibu, Fusion and Altima will be brand spanking new in 2012.  I’m still smitten with Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CTS, Volvo S60 and Audi S4/S5 too.  Wait until you drive the new Lexus GS.  Just saying…

Crossovers are hot and it’s worth your time to test drive Equinox, Sportage, Tucson and the new CR-V in the less expensive five-passenger range.  Moving up in class, check out Audi Q5, Lexus RX, VW Touareg, Porsche Cayenne, and the stunning Range Rover Evoque (in both coupe and four-door models).  Need a seven seater?  Enclave, Traverse, Explorer, Pilot and Sorento are quite nice.  On the high end there’s Acura MDX and Audi Q7.

Where is Soul?

Finally, many of you know that my wife decided on a Kia Soul as her car, begging the question- why isn’t the car guy’s choice on the Top 11 list?  Well, Soul is a great car, a terrific value with a useful hatch but not overly mainstream.  I understand some aren’t on board with the daring design.  For us it’s a plus, it makes me smile every time I see it because I like design that takes a chance.  For those who think outside the box, Soul is a fun and functional choice.

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On my way to look up other things on GM’s press website I saw this and thought I’d share.  Below you’ll find their press release on a new brake design that doesn’t squeal.  Click here if you want to watch a video of it. Now if they can just do something about fingernails on a chalkboard…

http://bcove.me/mm9gy6wp

GM Engineers Quiet Brake Squeal

Added insert practically eliminates unwanted brake noise

• Brake design expected to be in some GM automobiles within two to three years
• New technology could allow for smaller, lighter brake systems with more stopping force for customer safety

DETROIT – For car owners and automotive technicians alike, brake squeal is a source of frustration. It’s best described as that screeching sound created by what may otherwise be a normally functioning brake. General Motors engineers are developing new technology that could practically eliminate the age-old problem.

The GM-patented design uses a thin ring of metal embedded in the brake rotor to absorb vibrations and mute the squeal. The design is called a Coulomb friction-damped disc brake after the friction-based damping mechanism associated with 18^th century physicist Charles-Augustin de Coulomb.

The quieter brake technology comes atop a previously announced corrosion resistant brake technology that will be featured on more than 80 percent of GM’s U.S. vehicles by model year 2016 and could save customers more than $400 over 10 years.

The quieter brake is still being tested by GM engineers but is expected to be available on some cars and trucks within two to three years. The beauty of the Coulomb damped brake is that it allows the brake to simply do its job, said Jim Webster, GM engineering technical expert for rotors.

“When we design brakes, our goal is to make them an extension of the driver,” Webster said. “When the brake pedal is applied, the customer shouldn’t have to worry about unwanted noises. The car should just stop or slow down within the distance that’s expected. The Coulomb damped brake allows the brake to perform quietly as a seamless part of the automobile.”

Automotive engineers have been dealing with brake squeal for 100 years.  By nature, brakes are a major source of friction, which makes them a potentially significant source of noise. The unwanted noise in a brake is usually created when the brake pads are pressed against the flat face of the rotor to slow or stop the vehicle. The friction of the two surfaces leads to vibrations and noise.

With older brakes, the noise can be an indicator that the pads are getting thin and need to be replaced. But in many cases, especially with new brakes, the squeal is unpleasant but not an indicator of anything mechanically wrong with the system making them unsafe. In current brake systems, noises are minimized primarily through sound-absorbing materials in the brake pads, which can significantly reduce brake squeal but can wear down quickly.

The Coulomb damped brake attacks the problem from the largest noise-generating part of the brake system – the rotor. The rotor, though, is difficult to muffle because it has large unconstrained areas that are free to vibrate. In order to create the new brake, GM engineers developed a proprietary manufacturing process that sandwiches a metal ring inside the rotor.

A special coating for the insert prevents it from melding to the rest of the rotor during casting. This allows the insert to remain free to absorb vibrations and serve as a dampener. It’s like putting an object against a ringing bell.

“The Coulomb damped brake essentially creates a bell that doesn’t want to ring,” said Jim Schroth, a group manager in GM’s manufacturing systems research lab. “By absorbing the vibrations in the rotor with the special insert, we’re silencing the bell.”

In the short-run, the Coulomb damped brake could dramatically reduce the number of customer complaints with unwanted noise on otherwise normally operating brakes. The Coulomb damped brake would still alert drivers, possibly through electronic sensors, when the brake pads are worn and need to be replaced.

In the long-run, the Coulomb damped brake opens new opportunities for brake design. Future brake systems could use materials with even higher coefficients of friction, meaning stronger grips, because the Coulomb damped brake can eliminate the higher potential for squeal.

“The Coulomb damped brake creates new possibilities because we don’t have to worry as much about unwanted noise,” Webster said. “It could allow us to create smaller, lighter brake systems that provide even more stopping force than the larger brake systems in some automobiles today.”

GM’s advances in brake technology also include a recent effort to eliminate rotor rust, double the life of the component and save consumers hundreds of dollars over the life of their vehicle. Read more here.

General Motors (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM), one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets.  GM’s brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

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EVIL TWIN WANTS TO BE MORE POPULAR. PLEASE CLICK “LIKE” TO FEED HIS EGO. LIKE HE NEEDS IT…

Playing in the mid-sized sedan market is not for the feint-of-heart these days. Everyone is pumping out great product- Camry, Accord, Passat, Altima, Sonata, Optima, Fusion, Mazda6, Kizashi all have something about them that might make a buyer bite.

With that in mind, the folks at Chevrolet submit the 2013 Chevy Malibu for the world’s approval.  That’s right, the world.  This one’s going to need a passport, it’s going to be sold in over 100 different countries.  We think of Chevy as quintessentially American but 60 percent of their sales now come from outside the country.  The global Malibu will get different engines in different markets but GM says it will look pretty much the same in Russia, India and Uzbekistan as it does in Kansas.

At the press launch in Austin, TX, GM engineers are on-hand to prove they were on their A game during Malibu’s development.  John Bednarchik, the aero dynamics guru, talks up the 60 counts of wind drag eliminated through 400 hours of wind tunnel testing.  Noise and vibration specialist Kara Gordon found that Thinsulate (normally a jacket stuffing) works in a car to keep it quiet without adding weight.  Crystal Windham, Director of Interior Design fought the bean counters for a rich looking dashboard, and won.

The short review is this- Those long hours paid off.  Malibu competes with the best in this class.  It has definite strengths and one segment weakness.  Read on to discover.

Only One Model… For Now

Chevy is launching the 2013 Malibu exclusively as the Eco in February.  It uses GM’s eAssist powertrain.  Summer will bring gas-only models including a new turbo engine that they only hinted at.  They did however smile.  Sounds promising.

Malibu keeps familiar cues like the dual port nose while showing off more curves this time around, especially in back.  There are Camaro influences, especially the gauge cluster and C-pillar (which also has a touch of Audi A5 as well). Malibu’s BMWesque “Bangled” behind is a topic of discussion during the event.  It’s not about aerodynamics, it’s purely design.

Initially I saw the rear as awkward in photos.  In person it’s better and growing on me as we follow them around the Austin area.  Black seems to suit Malibu’s lines best.  The exterior mirrors are on the small side, wish they had a breakaway feature.

What is eAssist?

The eAssist powertrain can be found in Buick Regal and LaCrosse.  It begins with a 2.4-liter 182 horsepower four-cylinder that gets help from a torque-rich and water-cooled 15 hp (11 kW) electric motor mounted where the alternator normally goes. Control electronics and a 115V lithium-ion battery live in the trunk.  The six-speed automatic transmission is a second-generation design, manual selection is on top of the console lever (performance drivers may find it a little awkward).

A 15 horse electric motor may sound anemic but remember, they’re rich in what drivers crave- low end torque.

It’s easiest to feel eAssist in stop and go city driving.  Basically, coasting and braking charge the battery.  Come to a complete stop and the gas engine shuts down. Lift off the brake and it smoothly restarts with the electric motor giving it a bit of a boost off the line. Those who drive a Honda Civic Hybrid will know the dynamic, though eAssist is noticeably smoother.  An Eco gauge lets you know if your right foot is too heavy for good fuel economy.

Engineer Daryl Wilson explains that eAssist does more than just ape a hybrid system at traffic lights, the electric motor is also used at highway speeds. The transmission’s final drive ratio has been lowered for better fuel economy but because of the extra electric power, the gas engine doesn’t ever sound like it’s overworked or bogged down in a low gear.  It also keeps the transmission from hunting between gears for more confident gear retention.

Fortunately, Eco Doesn’t Mean Dull

There’s decent power off the line and you’d probably never know what eAssist is doing in the background unless calling up the power flow graphic (either in the gauge cluster display or the Eco’s standard seven-inch LCD unit in the center stack).  Your gas budget will notice.  Chevy predicts an EPA rating of 26 city / 38 highway, similar to some compact cars.

Aerodynamics play a part in fuel savings too.  Four under-body panels, active shutters that close in the lower grille and even the facets of the taillight shave off enough drag to account for an extra two and a half miles per gallon. The rigid chassis is rich in high and ultra-high strength steel.  Feels European, like it’s carved out of a single ingot.  Malibu is based on the same architecture as Buick Regal (AKA Opel Insignia).

Driving dynamics are on the sporty side of mainstream, a good balance of comfort and confident cornering with the expected front-drive understeer.  Low rolling resistance tires grip well on wet Texas roads… until they don’t.  Not a lot of warning before they break loose in hard driving.  Standard electronic stability control is eager to help out in a situation like that.

Be Quiet

Chevrolet put an emphasis on keeping Malibu’s cabin hushed.  Job well done Kara Gordon and team.  It has less road noise than some luxury cars I’ve driven.  I’ve attended enough press launches to know manufacturers tailor the drive route away from certain surfaces.  GM has no problem pointing us to rough country roads that usually fill a cabin with conversation-stifling sound.  An extra bonus?  Voice control works a whole lot better when the computer can hear you.

Even without a navigation system, Malibu will get you where you need to go.  Push the blue OnStar button and talk with a friendly rep and they’ll download turn-by-turn directions to the car.  Audible directions guide you just like a navi system would and graphics show up on the gauge cluster.  It’s a feature an owner pays for but because you can get directions on the fly, it might be worth it.

The Inside Story

What the driver sees the most of has been given a substantial upgrade.  The wrap-around cockpit gets a rich ambience with soft touch materials.  The overall design is athletic compared to, say, the more formal Camry space.  While there are a number of different materials- plastics, chrome, artificial wood and in this case leather- it all ties together nicely.  Ice blue ambient lighting that flows throughout the cabin is artfully done.  Turn various controls and the glow pulses.  Knobs are noticeably silky smooth.  My only quibble?  The louvered design element in the instrument panel looks like a great please for dust to collect.

Standard on the Eco is a seven-inch touch screen and the My Link interface can be organized by the user to put controls they use most on the first page.  This makes phone and iPod use easy, plus there are apps like Pandora and Stitcher.

Flip the screen up and there’s storage for small things.  I’d say it’s a secret hiding place but the cat’s out of the bag now, isn’t it?  It’s not the only place to stash stuff, there’s no shortage of cubbies in Malibu.  Redundant power lock controls are on the door panels and center console.

Camaro drivers will recognize the gauge cluster straight off.  The parking brake is electric.  Leather chairs get heat plus keep my average-sized frame comfortable and in place during hard cornering.  Keyless ignition will be available.  Some competitors get a full panoramic glass ceiling, Malibu does with a standard-sized sunroof.  At launch there are 8 airbags including front knee units.  Rear side impact bags will be added later.

Passengers and Cargo

The back seat is where families will scrutinize Malibu.  Sculpted outboard positions are very comfortable but leg, knee and foot room is not as generous as others in class.  Even with a raised cushion in the middle position, there’s enough headroom for an average adult.  A substantial center spine (for a front-drive vehicle) causes foot crowding with a full car.  With four on board Malibu is comfortable.  Five is best for shorter distances.

There’s no power port in back.  Both seatbacks get pockets, the foldable center armrest has cupholders and covered storage, plus there are pockets in the doors.  One detail- unlike the outgoing Malibu, the 2013 model the rear doors get the same trim used on front ones, giving it a more unified look this time around.

Obviously the battery takes away space from the trunk.  The Eco’s power pack keeps the fold-down back seat feature to a small pass-through and creates a number of undulations, making it less useful than the upcoming standard model.  It is however very nicely trimmed, even the inside decklid.  There’s no spare tire, a trend in the industry.  While the arms take up room, the hinge operation is nicely done, noticeably smooth.

What’s all this going to set a buyer back?  Prices for the Eco start at around $26,000.  The particular car in the video that I experienced for two days retails for 30 grand. It certainly looks and feels more expensive though.

Is This The Best Car In Its Segment?

No, because that car doesn’t exist anymore.   All of them are so good these days that it comes down to personal preference.  In fact I will take this opportunity to berate shoppers who simply go back to the same brand time and time again without surveying the modern automotive landscape.  25-30K is a big investment, at the very least drive three different cars before living with those payments for five years.

The 2013 Malibu Eco scores high with a stylish quality interior, quiet cruising dynamics, good fuel economy, and sheetmetal that rides the line between mainstream and sporty.  Look harder if you need a roomy backseat or trunk (the last point rectified in standard models). Having a hard time choosing a mid-sized sedan?  Your decision just got tougher.  The 2013 Malibu joins the pack of top picks in this ultra-competitive segment.  It’s ready for the world.

DCR ATTENDED A PRESS EVENT SPONSORED BY THE MANUFACTURER.

FULL 2013 MALIBU ECO GALLERY BELOW.  ALL STILL PHOTOGRPAPHS PROVIDED BY CHEVROLET.

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Car buyers looking for ultra clean vehicles generally turn to hybrids or electric cars.  There have been questions raised though.  What happens to the batteries?  Is an electric car still green if the juice comes from a coal-powered plant.  How significant is the carbon footprint when assembling a hybrid and its additional components over a standard car?

For the average Joe or Jane that just wants to do the responsible thing, it’s a dilemma.

As you well know, the internet is full of ammunition to support any argument.  Somewhere, someplace, there’s research that says trees actually hurt the environment.  That, and the government has space aliens in captivity.  Dozens of them.  Ashton Kutcher may be one of them.

Enter the Honda Civic NG.  It doesn’t look any different from a standard Civic sedan.  It doesn’t use gasoline.  Doesn’t run on diesel fuel or electricity either.  Clean coal?  Space aliens could be more realistic.  This Honda is powered by natural gas.  For treading lightly on Mother Earth, this is a very good thing.

The Clean Advantages

One study that Honda cites finds that, on a very smoggy day, the exhaust from the Civic Natural Gas’ tailpipe is actually cleaner than the surrounding air.  Compared with gasoline, the EPA says compressed natural gas reduces carbon-monoxide emissions by up to 97 percent and nitrogen-oxide emissions by 35 to 60 percent.

Wallets will breath easier too since natural gas is easily 30 percent less expensive at commercial stations than gasoline. With a Phill compressor that taps into home gas lines, it’s possible to drop the cost to half and skip gas stations all together (though it means keeping a supply of Red Bull and jerky at home).

From a strategic standpoint, nearly all of our NG is produced here in North America.  I can see the bumper stickers now- Fueled by CNG. No war needed.

The Clear Disadvantages

Use your trunk much? The Civic NG has a small one. The large tank occupies a good part of the cargo space and keeps the back seats from folding down.  A standard 2012 Civic scores a lofty seven bundles in the Costco TP Test.  The NG manages a meager two (though for eco brownie points I’ll throw in the extra half that will fit).  For those who often shuttle friends to the airport, consider these suitcase-sized bundles a guide.  Remind everyone to pack lightly.

Other considerations?  Public fueling stations are scarce (the two I found locally didn’t except Visa, only MasterCard and fleet accounts) and the Phill home compressor is not cheap (around four grand with installation).  The Phill unit does its job overnight since home NG is not pressurized.

Compared to a gasoline-powered Civic, overall range drops by about 25 percent.  I saw about 250 miles in mixed driving.  Fuel economy stays the same, Civic Natural Gas is EPA rated at 27 city, 38 highway.

Environmentally Tuned

Honda’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder makes 110 horsepower burning natural gas, 30 less than the gasoline drinker.  It’s hooked up to a five-speed automatic transmission and like all Civic auto-boxes there’s no manual shift mode.

I drove the first day not knowing about the horsepower deficit.  Even with fewer ponies the natural gas model doesn’t feel overly anemic.  The remarkable thing about the natural gas model is that the driving experience is completely normal.  It simply feels like a regular Civic, just a skosh pokier.

These days, Civic’s handling is less sporty, ride quality and handling are right down the middle of the market.  Want sporty dynamics with your Honda?  Go with Civic Si (sorry no NG with the Si).  Combined with the suspension’s comfort setting, NG is transportation for alt fuel enthusiasts and the eco minded, not performance drivers.

Stealth Eco Warrior

From behind the wheel you’d never know there’s anything unique about this car, there are no badges or gauge differences.  The two-tiered instrument panel will be familiar to Civic owners.  

Instrument panel materials are hard and either look like rice paper or some sort of industrial surface, depending how a person sees it.  This generation’s interior has a more spartan look about it.  Also, I’d choose a darker interior fabric than the “stone” color of my tester.  It looks like dirt would show easily, especially in families with kids.

As expected in a modern car there are all sorts of electronic stability and traction controls on board.  Honda makes it easy to max out fuel economy.  Drive hard and bars that flank the digital speedometer turn from green to blue, signaling you could drive more efficiently Lightning McQueen.  A big green Econ button sets help a driver eek out every bit of fuel.

The navi system is a basic unit, I’d store NG fuel station locations for safeties’ sake. Overall, controls “grey out” aggressively on the LCD when the car is in motion.  I wish a few key operations- like the telephone keypad- would stay active.  They are unusable when driving, and I understand why but I’ll take this moment to talk to the lawyers and say it’s kind of a hassle.  Voice control?  It’s here but for some reason Honda’s system doesn’t work well with my golden tones.  iPod and Bluetooth phone integration is standard.

Bring A Few Friends

The back seat doesn’t change from a standard Civic so there’s room for two full-sized adults, or three in a pinch. There’s storage in the doors but the features stop there. No folding armrest.  No map pocket on back of the driver’s chair. No power port either (there’s only one inside the whole cabin).

The initial cost of running with natural gas is not cheap.  With destination it starts at $26,925.  The particular car I’m driving retails for $28,425 before a $4,000 government tax credit. Keep in mind that this is a vehicle without a sunroof, auto climate control, premium sound system, heated or leather chairs, backup camera, or even a leather wrap steering wheel.  Pretty basic.

In total, figure it’s a premium of two thousand bucks but add another 4K if you want the Phill home charge station.  And really, you do.

Civic Natural Gas was selected as 2011’s “Green Car of the Year” at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Not all Honda dealerships carry this model so call ahead to check availability.  Good to see Honda doing something different though.  Civic Natural Gas is a unique way to keep the air and your conscience clean.

FULL GALLERY BELOW. ALL STILL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HONDA.

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