Category: sport compacts
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2023 Polestar 2 Dual Motor – First Drive
Polestar 2 launched in 2019 as the electric performance fastback with avant-garde Scandinavian design. For 2023 the Polestar 2 electric fastback gains important new features and refinements, new exterior and interior colors and materials, premium Bridge of Weir leather, and an enhanced Performance Pack delivering 476hp. The 2023 Polestar 2 Single motor has a starting…
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2022 Volkswagen Golf R – Drive Review
The new 2022 Golf R ups its game, now with 315-hp (a 27-hp increase) coming from the 2.0-L turbocharged engine. Both a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission are offered. A Driving Mode Selection feature offers six modes: “Comfort,” “Sport,” “Race,” “Drift,” “Special,” and “Custom.” The originator of the hot hatch is…
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2022 MINI Cooper S Convertible – Drive Review
MINI has freshened the Cooper for 2022 with new front and rear styling, new wheels and new colors. More tech, safety and comfort features have also been added. The powertrain choices are unchanged and price has been bumped minimally. Check out the new MINI here. @1ChicagoCarGuy
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2020 Toyota Corolla – Road Trip
The 12th-generation Toyota Corolla made its arrival in two chapters: the all-new Corolla Hatchback arrived in 2018, while the sedan has been redesigned from the ground up for 2020, with an available hybrid for the first time in the U.S. I road tripped in a Corolla XSE with its new power plant, a169-horsepower 2.0-L 4-cylinder…
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2019 Mazda3 Hatchback – First Drive
For 2019 the Mazda3 is an all-new design and offered in 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback body styles. Sedan prices start at $21,000 and is offered in base, Select, Preferred and Premium trims. The hatchback starts at $23,600 and comes in base, Preferred and Premium trims. New for the Mazda3 is the availability of all-wheel…
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2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI – Drive Review
The original hot-hatch pocket rocket GTI has grown up over the years. Now for 2018 it has gained 10 additional horsepower, now at 220-HP, and matured to a family-like 4-door only. S, SE and Autobahn trims are offered with starting prices ranging from $26,415 to $36,170. The GTI also offers a full array of driver-assistance safety features…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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2016 Ford Focus – Drive and Review
Hot and spicy or sweet and mild, that’s the 2016 Ford Focus. Hatchback or sedan, high fuel economy or high horsepower and even an EV version. Ford has done a nice job in offering lots of variety in just one very practical compact car. Check out my thoughts on the 2016 Ford Focus right here.…
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