TipSheet : On the Road

Road Test | Ford Flex: Think Inside the Box

Tara Weingarten — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 15:50:31 GMT

The Ford Flex is one of the few crossovers that truly marry the generous passenger space of a minivan with the ample hauling room of an SUV. The boxy look might put some people off, but a long wheelbase provides a nice, smooth ride.

Interior: “Business class”-style front seats are wide and comfy and have stylish contrast stitching. And third-row riders get skylights overhead, which makes the cabin feel even more spacious.

Capless fuel filler: The fuel door pops open and doesn’t require muscle to twist off a tight gas cap. And you won’t have to worry about leaving it behind at the station.

All-wheel drive: To help with fuel economy, Flex operates in front-wheel-drive mode until sensors detect slip or lack of traction, and then all four wheels engage to regain adhesion.

Mileage: 16mpg city, 22 highway

Engine: 3.5-liter, V-6

Price: $37,255

Site: ford.com

Road Test: Nissan Frontier 4x2 Nismo

Tara Weingarten — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 17:20:18 GMT

Formidable Rough Rider

Rugged performance doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Haul heavy stuff and navigate muddy, rocky terrain with the new Nismo version of the Frontier. The radical design is a product of Nissan’s motor-sports division, which has turned its attention on its pickup line.

Exterior Bed: The cab-mounted cargo-bed lamp illuminates the entire cargo area for easy use at night. A factory-applied spray-on bed liner allows for easy clean-up after dirty jobs.

Performance: Off-road performance shocks makes simple work of slushy and pockmarked roads. The formidable 281 foot-pounds of torque give excellent pulling power over moderate terrain.

Comfort: The eight-way driver’s seat has lumbar support. The back seats flip up and have cargo space underneath, complete with a built-in first-aid kit.

Mileage: 15mpg city, 20 highway

Engine: 4.0-liter, V-6

Price: $25,455

Site: nissanusa.com

ROAD TEST | BMW 135I

Tara Weingarten — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:43:48 GMT

Judging from its size and low model number, you’d guess the 135i is an economy Bimmer. But auto enthusiasts know otherwise. This is BMW’s very well priced, rip-it-up performance car. Think of it as the naughty little brother to the marque’s own M3.

Engine: A very able 300-horsepower motor belies the car’s sporty heritage. The six-speed automatic, which is somewhat fuelefficient, comes with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Interior: The three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel has hands-free Bluetooth phone controls. And the eight-way adjustable front seats are comfy.

Safety: A crash sensor automatically unlocks doors and turns on interior and hazard lights. Adaptive brake lights get brighter as the braking gets harder. There are back-seat latches for child safety seats.

Mileage: 18mpg city, 26 highway

Engine: 3.0-liter, V-6

Price: $35,725

Site: bmwusa.com

ROAD TEST | MERCEDES SL63

Tara Weingarten — Sat, 24 May 2008 14:55:28 GMT

The new seven-speed sports transmission shifts quickly and responds like a manual transmission but with the ease of an automatic. Go, man, go.

- Mileage: 12mpg city, 17 highway

- Engine: 6.3-liter, V-8

- Price: $136,425

- Site: mbusa.com

- Airscarf: Don’t suffer a chill with the top down. Push a button and warm air circulates like a cashmere muffler through the ever-so-comfy head restraints.

- Interior: A new AMG sport steering wheel with shifter paddles is ergonomic and substantial in hand; a “Racetimer” will keep track of your lap times.

- Performance: Hits 60mph in just 4.7 seconds. The car is low, flat and stable on tight curves at very high speeds.

A Family Green Machine

Newsweek — Sat, 17 May 2008 18:49:53 GMT

ROAD TEST: SATURN VUE HYBRID
By Tara Weingarten

Saturn goes contemporary and makes families look hip with the new Vue. Moreover, the car is well priced and gets high marks in government safety tests. Though it’s only a partial hybrid, it does eke out six more miles per gallon than its gas-only brother.

Engine: Considered a “mild” hybrid, the Vue has just enough electric power to jump-start the gas motor after it shuts down at a stoplight. The ride is comfortable and stable at normal speeds, but steering can feel a bit disconnected at higher speeds.

Cargo: Front- and back-seat passengers have ample space, and both get reclining seats. But the cargo area is somewhat compromised in favor of back-seat roominess.

Interior: Brushed aluminum trim is sporty and luxe. Climate-control dials are intuitive enough to use without taking your eyes off the road—a rarity in most vehicles.

Road Test: Subaru Forester

Newsweek — Sat, 03 May 2008 17:14:47 GMT

It’s Strong But Sluggish

Subaru enthusiasts love their machines. While the redesigned Forester may keep them happy, it probably won’t attract converts. This compact crossover is loaded with cargo space and new safety features, but its pronounced sluggishness is a deal breaker.

Engine: The standard motor screams on hilly ascents but fails to gain any momentum. The 2.5-liter, 170hp boxer engine just doesn’t cut it. A larger turbocharged engine with 224hp is available.

Interior: Another problem is road noise entering the cockpit. Yes, there’s improved headroom, excellent front-seat-area storage and a 10-way power driver’s seat. But the noise is invasive.

Safety: In addition to better body and chassis strength, it has a rollover sensor, side-curtain airbags, vehicle dynamic and traction control, a tire-pressure monitor and fog lamps.

Stylish with Added Safety

Tara Weingarten — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 15:48:21 GMT

This all-wheel-drive workhorse looks more rugged, purposeful and daring than previous models. Volvo’s vigor improves in nearly every way, except acceleration. But then Volvo aficionados tend to favor practicality and a little luxury over speed racing.

Cargo Area: There’s an added two cubic feet of room over the outgoing model and a power liftgate, bag hooks, cargo nets and dividers.

Hill Descent Control: Ideal for foul-weather driving on mountain terrain, this feature allows the vehicle to crawl along icy, wet or gravelly roads.

Safety: The XC70 comes standard with front/rear ventilated disc brakes, stability and traction control, emergency brake assist and loads of airbags.

Mustang Bullitt

Newsweek — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 16:12:45 GMT

By Tara Weingarten

March 10, 2008 issue

‘I’m Ready for My Chase Scene’

Forty years ago Steve McQueen popped his Mustang GT over San Francisco’s pointy hills in “Bullitt.” Ford pays homage to that iconic man-car with a limited edition. Get on the list fast: just 7,000 will be built.

Mag Wheels: These 18-inch cast aluminum Euroflange wheels are made in the original charcoal satin finish with Argent gray-painted brake calipers.

Ride: A high-performance engine with 300hp is sweet at this price point. And a Tremac five-speed manual transmission is easy and quick to shift.

Interior: The engine-turned aluminum dashboard trim is inspired, even if hard plastic on air vents, the audio system and door panels isn’t.

Nissan Altima Hybrid: Green and in a League of Its Own

Newsweek — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 15:59:41 GMT

By Tara Weingarten

The Nissan Altima Hybrid proves you don’t have to sacrifice sporty driving dynamics and midsize roominess for improved enviro-friendliness. It has sure-footed handling, sharp steering response and standard ABS brakes.

Power: Nissan licensed Toyota’s excellent electric motor for use in the Altima. Paired with Nissan’s own engine, that’s a combined 198hp.

Interior: The brightly lit animated gauge cluster is fun, and the base model has many perks. But the push-button ignition is not for everyone.

Side mirrors: Altima’s side-mirror-mounted direction indicators are a surprising added safety feature in a car of this price.

Road Test: German Wonder

Tara Weingarten — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 17:03:12 GMT

Audi’s inner beauty nearly eclipses its fetching body on this S5 coupe. At about $58,000 loaded (including Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive), the S5 delivers plenty of sporty performance and sleek style. Not bad considering BMW’s 6 Series goes for $75,600.

Interior: A central dial controls all audio, climate and navigation, which appear on a colorful large screen. The heated 10-way power seats are comfortable and well bolstered.

Moonroof: To keep the coupe’s sloping exterior lines clean, the moonroof slides open only a couple of inches to let in fresh air. The tinted glass top allows in light, but without the warmth of the sun.

Power: The two pairs of chromed pipes are tuned to deliver a deep and resonant exhaust note that pairs beautifully with the car’s excellent acceleration and overall performance.

Mileage: 14mpg city, 21 highway

Engine: 4.2-liter V-8

Price: $51,275

Site: audi.com

Road Test: Ferrari 430 Scuderia

Newsweek — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 18:24:41 GMT

By Tara Weingarten

A Real Italian Stallion, Upgraded

This dream ride has been tweaked to go lighter, faster and track-ready. It goes from zero to 60 in a body-flattening 3.6 seconds, significantly quicker than the F430 and has shorter braking time. Just 350 will be made in ’08.

Engine: A work of art, this mid-mount, hand-built 503hp power plant is visible through a glass cover. The engine produces 20 more horses than the F430.

Steering wheel: Swathed in black suede-like Alcantara, it holds traction-control switches to sport-tune for track runs and slick roads.

Racing stripes: This über-sports car wears platinum-colored stripes. The exhaust has been tuned to make a louder, richer sound.

Road Test | Volkswagen R32

Newsweek — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 15:35:12 GMT

The Volkswagen R32 costs about the same as an entry-level Mercedes-Benz.

By Tara Weingarten
When a Little Goes a Long Way

You wouldn’t know it, but this scrappy little hatch costs about the same as an entry-level Mercedes-Benz. The snob appeal is all under the hood—in its taut, high-performance suspension and all-wheel-drive traction. Enthusiasts thrill to the R32’s quick acceleration and sharp steering. Just 5,000 will be produced.

Interior: Leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters allows you to switch gears with the flick of a finger. It has polished aluminum trim, stylized carbon fiber and optional GPS like those found on pricey exotics.

Engine: A wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing 3.2-liter VR-6, 250hp engine. Slide the DSG six-speed automatic transmission into sport mode and feel the yank of power in this lightweight hatchback.

Handling: Bright blue brake calipers on 18-inch alloy wheels with anti-theft locks mean business. A substantial racing-inspired sport suspension keeps the line in tight cornering.

Road Test: Scion TC

Newsweek — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 14:59:47 GMT

Nov. 5, 2007 issue

Something for Everyone: The 2008 Scion tC

Universally Appealing

Toyota created the Scion to attract young buyers. With the TC, a three-door hatchback, it stays true to that goal with fun features. But about half the brand’s customers are over 30. Guess we older folks like a good value, too.

Audio: The 160-watt Pioneer sound system, with its many different electronically enhanced modes, was confusing and difficult to maneuver. Gen Y would likely breeze through it.

Gauges: The speedometer and odometer spring to life, flashing from left to right and back again as the ignition is started. Redlining at 6,200rpm, the TC allows for high revs and good pulling power.

Sport-tuned exhaust: The TC is purposely loud and aggressive so you know when you’re shifting —a feature not found on Toyota’s conservative Corolla.

—Tara Weingarten

Road Test: The Little Car That Could

Tara Weingarten — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 15:16:31 GMT

Bold Boxster: The entry-level Boxster stands up to the more posh Porsches

Oct. 29, 2007 issue

Porsche may be a luxury brand, but its entry-level Boxster is anything but a cheap version of the real thing. And if you’re worried about fuel consumption, the 2007 Boxster has improved economy, besting the majority of the cars on the road.

Handling: The Boxster handles like nothing else in its class. It is perfectly balanced, weighted 50-50 front and rear, and responds the way the driver wants it to. Climb in, secure the seat belt and wear this car.

Convertible top: Unlike many cars’ tops that can’t be put up or down while in motion, the Boxster’s automatic roof can be activated at speeds below 40mph. Great for when the rain starts to fall.

Trunk: Though the Boxster is a two-seater, there’s plenty of trunk room, front and back, owing to the car’s mid-engine placement.

Road Test: Honda Accord--Ready for its close-up

Newsweek — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 17:21:53 GMT

All Grown Up: The Honda Accord turns 30 this year

Oct. 22, 2007 issue

Are you sitting down? The Honda Accord is 30. Ouch. But like the rest of us, this popular sedan just keeps getting better with age. Honda designed this eighth-generation Accord with the boomer generation in mind, making it even more comfortable.

Interior: This new model is the roomiest yet— 3 percent longer than the last one. New sound-absorbing carpet supposedly reduces road noise, but we couldn’t tell the difference.

Steering: Speed-sensitive steering makes it easier to maneuver when going slowly around parking lots; it has better steering response at freeway speeds, too.

Engine: The Variable Cylinder Management system uses six, four or three cylinders depending on driving situations for optimum fuel economy.

—Tara Weingarten