Category: new car review

  • 2019 Hyundai Veloster N – on the track and on the road

    Hyundai has upped its game with the new Veloster N that’s only available with a six-speed manual transmission. The base model N has 250-HP and is priced at $26,900. With the optional Performance Package the power is boosted to  275-HP for $29,000. Plus there’s a host of more performance enhancements with this package. The N…

  • 2019 Lexus UX – Drive Report

    The UX is an all-new compact crossover from Lexus for 2019. The UX 200 is front-wheel drive with a 169-horsepower 2.0-liter priced at $32,000. The UX 250h is all-wheel drive with the same 2.0-liter mated to a CVT and two separate, dedicated electric motor-generators producing 181-total system horsepower, priced at $34,000. The hybrid UX 250h…

  • Driving the Ford Police Interceptor

    Ford invited a number of local auto writers to join in with a contingent of police officers from various Illinois communities to drive the new 2020 Ford Police Interceptor at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL. A derivative model of the all-new 2020 Ford Explorer, the Ford Police Interceptor (PI) comes standard with a hybrid…

  • 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line turbo – Drive Report

    Kia has revamped the Soul for 2020 and now there’s a GT-Line with a 1.6 Turbo engine. The 1.6 Turbo puts out 201-HP and is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. A sport-tuned suspension, larger disc brakes, 18-inch wheels with P235/45 R18 tires round out the GT-line’s driving dynamics. Shift paddles and a sport…

  • 2019 Honda Passport – Road Review

    With its 280-horsepower V6 backed up by a 9-speed automatic, the midsize SUV Honda Passport is quite a joy to drive.  There’s room for five, plenty of cargo space and it can tow up to 5,000 lbs. I did a bunch of road tripping in this Lunar Silver rig and easily exceeded the EPA highway…

  • 2019 Chrysler Pacific Hybrid – Drive Review

    In celebration of 35 years of minivan leadership, the 2019 Pacifica Hybrid is offered in a 35th Anniversary edition that’s available on Pacifica Touring L Hybrid and Limited Hybrid models. This special edition features new badging, an all-black interior with Cranberry Wine accent stitching and upgraded content. With an all-electric range of 32 miles and…

  • 2019 BMW X4 xDrive 30i – Road Test

    BMW’s X4 sport activity coupe has been revamped for 2019. I first drove it last summer at the media preview program at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina assembly plant.  And I also drove it last October at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Fall Rally at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL. This time around two road trips within…

  • 2019 Ford Edge – Drive Review

      The Edge has come a long way in the twelve years since it came on the scene. It’s been significantly revamped, updated and improved over the course of the years. Gone is the mainstream V6 engine. Transmissions now have many more gears for better performance and lower fuel consumption. Advanced Driver Assistance Safety (ADAS)…

  • 2019 Kia Sorento – Drive Review

    Kia’s best-selling Sorento SUV has been freshened for the 2019 model year, touting a number of visual and feature enhancements, inside and out. Aside from new front and rear fascias, which help it achieve a more sophisticated appearance, the cabin is now decidedly more upscale and integrates newly-added technology, With the choice of two engines,…

  • 2019 Genesis G70 – Drive Report

    The 2019 Genesis G70 is the 2019 North American Car of the Year and has received numerous additional accolades and awards. The G70 is a compelling entry in the sport sedan segment and a worthy competitor to the established European entries. You can read a bit more right here on this new sport sedan. @1ChicagoCarGuy