Category: compact cars

  • 2017 BMW i3 – Drive Report

    The BMW i3 was named the 2017 World Urban Car of the Year. The i3 is the bestselling compact battery-electric vehicle in the premium compact segment worldwide since it was launched in 2014. Driving range is 114 miles on pure battery power. For 2018 its exterior design has been enhanced giving the BMW i3 a wider…

  • 2017 Ford Focus RS – On Track and Street

    The Ford Focus RS is, basically, a street legal race car. I drove it around the 4-mile Road American circuit, criss-crossed Chicago’s streets and made a highway run almost to Iowa in search of a little more freedom. For a mere $40K it’ll make your heart pump. If you’re an adrenalin junky, the RS will…

  • 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric – Drive Report

    Perhaps a perfect Chicago car! Yes, the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric with its 124 mile driving range, compact exterior combined with 5-peson seating and a roomy rear cargo area would do the job very adequately. It’s priced at $29,500, before any Federal tax credits or local incentives, and available right now to buy–no deposit needed…

  • 2017 Toyota Prius Prime – Drive Report

    The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid may just be a perfect car for Chicago residents. Well, not only Chicago but for residents of any large, crowded, densely populated city. With a pure-EV battery operation of up to 25 miles, the Prius Prime will easily let you criss-cross a city to run your Saturday errands…

  • 2017 Kia Soul Turbo – Drive Report

    Kia added some punch to its Soul with the addition of a new 201-HP turbocharged engine in the Soul Exclaim (!) model. The boxy, 5-passenger compact hatchback/wagon not only has more go-power but better fuel economy too. A 7-speed dual clutch trans makes for quick shifting and lot of fun. Read more right here with…

  • 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport – Drive Report

    A new pocket-rocket has arrived courtesy of Hyundai. The 2017 Elantra Sport with a 201-HP turbo 1.6 liter and either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed direct shift automated dual clutch transmission provides the new found fun in the auto market. The Elantra has received some structural, chassis, brake and tire changes to help keep…

  • 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV – First Drive

    It’s all electric and can go over 200 miles on a  full charge. You’ll never have to buy gas because it uses none. The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV is being called a game-changer but you can call it what you like. I see it as the first of the perfect city-use cars. And with the…

  • 2017 Kia Forte sedan – Drive Report

    With a freshened exterior, a new 147 HP 2.0-L engine and the addition of the S trim, the 2017 Kia Forte 4-door is a good choice in the compact sedan market. Value-priced in the $15-20,ooo range and with plenty of available driver-assistance safety features the Forte should not be overlooked for any member of a…

  • 2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco – Drive Report

    The Hyundai Elantra is a roomy, 5-passenger, front-wheel drive compact sedan that has been extensively redesigned for 2017. Added is a new Eco model that sips fuel. The turbo 4-cylinder engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that makes for fun yet economic driving. And, prices are in the low $20s. Please give a…

  • 2016 VW Golf R – A wolf in sheep’s clothing

    What’s not to like about this hot hatch? 292HP, 6-speed manual or 6-speed dual-clutch automatic, all-wheel-drive, 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, 155 mph top speed–on the track only please. And on the more practical side, seating for 5, a big rear trunk, and driver-assistance safety features that cost some extra money but…