Category: fuel economy

  • 2019 Volvo XC40 – Drive Review

    The new Volvo XC40 small SUV has been named the 2018 European Car of the Year ahead of the Geneva Motor Show last March in Switzerland. It is the first win of this prestigious award for Volvo Cars. The XC40 is also a semifinalist for the 2019 North American Utility of the Year and a…

  • 2019 Nissan Altima – First Drive

    Nissan has completely re-done the Altima for 2019. Now after 25 years on the U.S. market Nissan still sees a place for the Altima in its lineup. Even as many folks jump into SUVs, sedans still strike a cord with many buyers, especially younger buyers. I recently drove the new Altima at Nissan’s launch program.…

  • 2019 Volkswagen Jetta – Drive Report

    A modified 2019 VW Jetta went 210.16 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats, setting a new record in the SCTA Blown Gas Coupe class. I drove a new, stock 2019 VW Jetta across lower Michigan and got 43 mpg, beating the EPA highway estimate of 40 mpg. And, I didn’t waste any time doing it.…

  • 2018 BMW X2 – Drive Report

    BMW added another Sport Activity Vehicle to their X-Series lineup with the new 2018 X2 xDrive28i. Based on the same platform as the more utilitarian X1, the X2 is very car-like. So much so, I want to refer to it as a 5-door hatchback. For the urban-type the X2 makes for a nice set of…

  • 2018 Hyundai Accent – Drive Report

    The Hyundai Accent has been updated for 2018 with a more stylish look and new features and equipment. The Accent is a very affordable compact car and budget-constrained buyers should give it a good look. Also, it’s a great choice for a city dweller who will appreciate its compact dimensions. And, I wouldn’t rule it…

  • 2018 Toyota Prius c – “c” is for City

    Although the Prius c has to do battle with a range of less expensive but newer and nicer subcompact sedans, with the latest safety tech now available this car might just be a good choice for that new teen drive in your family. Priced in the low $20s and with fuel economy in the upper…

  • 2018 Mazda6 Signature – Drive Report

     New for 2018 on the Mazda6 is the power we’ve been wanting plus more comfort and refinement. The 6 is now offered in an expanded model range with a 250-HP turbo 2.5-L available on the upper trim levels. A new front grille and headlights on the outside and more plushness on the inside add more.…

  • 2018 Honda Accord – Drive Review

    The entirely new 2018 Honda Accord was named the 2018 North American Car of the Year. For 2018, the Accord is completely redesigned from the ground-up. It has a longer wheelbase but is a touch shorter overall, as well as being lower and wider. The body structure is lighter and more rigid and there’s an advanced…

  • 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – Drive Review

    Toyota has been a leader in hybrid development as well as in bringing new variations of SUVs to the market. The Toyota RAV4 is one of the original compact SUVs that came to market about twenty years ago. Now, today, many other carmakers have followed their lead and offer compact SUVs. There is more about…

  • 2018 Nissan Kicks – First Drive

    The entirely new 2018 Nissan Kicks is aimed at younger, city-living buyers. Of note is the value story with the Kicks priced to start at $17,990. Also noteworthy is that all Kicks have Automatic Emergency Braking as standard as well as Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Intelligent Around View Monitor are available on…