May 22, 2013
- Pros and Cons* Pros With its impressive power, well-calibrated suspension and effective brakes, the 2013 Dodge Charger SRT is a commanding sedan. Cons Some buyers might be deterred by the sedan's heavy fuel consumption, large size and weight. Price The SRT Super Bee starts at $44,445. Equipped with a 470 hp V8 engine, the Super Bee features a 4.3 Uconnect system, four-piston Brembo brakes, performance suspension and 3-mode electronic stability...
- Steve Cropley meets Ford Global Product Development Vice President Raj Nair We’re at Ford’s Lommel test track on the Belgian-Dutch border. Raj Nair is talking animatedly with a group of his engineers, making classic cornering gestures with his hands as they walk towards the glassy, chalet-like cabin the dynamics team maintains for conferences and meetings.It is hidden well away from the admin offices, squeezed between an enormous skidpan called The Black Lake and the now-famous Track Seven...
May 21, 2013
- Pros and Cons* Pros Great handling and visibility and attractive interior design make the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic a strong sub-compact contender. Cons Unproven reliability, small and uncomfortable rear seats, outdated 1.8-litre engine and numerous additional options are certainly not in its favour. Price Both hatchback and sedans start at $13,665 with automatic transmission versions starting at $15,965. The LT model has a MSRP of $16,815 which...
- U.S. automaker says it's catching up in quality; Ford 4-banger forecast; Chevy plays along with 'Mad Men' plot.
May 18, 2013
- Pros and Cons* Pros The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox distinguishes itself from its competition with its passenger-friendly cabin, excellent build quality, generous interior space and sliding rear seats. Cons The oversized A-pillars that reduce forward visibility, complex audio controls, anemic 4-cylinder engine and expensive options hinder its desirability. Price The base LS model starts at $26,935, to which $1,950 must be added for those who desire all...
May 17, 2013
- Pros and Cons* Pros Offering a wide choice of engines and ergonomic controls, the 2013 Volkswagen Golf 5-door is comfortable and handles the road smoothly, yet with agility. Cons However, the back seats are tight for room and the heavy fuel consumption and high prices of a few of its premium models may deter some buyers. Photo: Volkswagen Price The basic model starts at $21,475. For $23,025, you get heated seats and...
- This week's McLaren-Honda announcement is likely to have consequences way beyond the racetrack The news that Honda is coming back to Formula 1 in 2015 is interesting in that it confirms that the new Formula 1 rules are attractive to the automobile industry — as was intended.It means while the unambitious Formula 1 teams will be trying to do deals with the existing manufacturers and Honda, the more imaginative will be chasing around the world banging on the doors of the motor companies that have...
- Pros and Cons* Pros Offering a wide choice of engines and ergonomic controls, the 2013 Volkswagen Golf 5-door is comfortable and handles the road smoothly, yet with agility. Cons However, the back seats are tight for room and the heavy fuel consumption and high prices of a few of its premium models may deter some buyers. Photo: Volkswagen Price The basic model starts at $21,475. For $23,025, you get heated seats and...
May 16, 2013
- Pros and Cons* Pros Luxurious interior, numerous standard features, ideal 50/50 front to rear weight distribution, precise steering and smooth ride are all good arguments in the 2013 Chrysler 300's favour. Cons Its excess weight, unsupportive seats and primitive all-wheel drive system disappoint. Price The base Touring model starts at $34,245. The rear-wheel drive S starts at $38,245 and comes with optional all-wheel drive, which raises the...
- Pros and Cons* Pros Crisp, comfortable ride, stylish instrument panel, and numerous standard features are just a few of the many attributes of the 2013 Ford Focus. Cons Limited trunk space in the sedan version, complex controls, lack of a 6th speed for the manual transmission and an option list that makes the final invoice disappointingly high. Its excess weight has a negative effect on the fuel consumption. Photo: Ford...
- Pros and Cons* Pros Its long list of standard features and alluring design are very impressive. Available options are way beyond what one would expect from a vehicle in this category. The dynamic ride and generous trunk opening are among the multitude of features and advantages that are standard in the 2013 Kia Rio sedan. Cons The engine is easily overburdened (especially in ECO mode) and the interior sound level is high. An options list that can quickly get out of hand and inflate the final...
May 15, 2013
- Pros and Cons* Pros The comfort level and quiet interior are the epitome of American luxury vehicle know-how. The sophisticated all-wheel drive system and numerous standard features make it a very attractive proposition. Cons Complex system controls and a striking physical resemblance to its Ford stablemates in design and name do nothing to help MKX sales. Price The MKX, which starts at $47,850, is available in all-wheel drive only. The 100A...
- Pros and Cons* Pros Offering a wide choice of engines and ergonomic controls, the 2013 Volkswagen Golf 5-door is comfortable and handles the road smoothly, yet with agility. Cons However, the back seats are tight for room and the heavy fuel consumption and high prices of a few of its premium models may deter some buyers. (Photo: Volkswagen) Price The basic model starts at $21,475. For $23,025, you get heated seats...
May 14, 2013
- Britain's best cheap used cars; Mitsubishi Evo VI Tommi Mäkinen buying guide; Ford Fiesta ST road test; Alpina B6 Biturbo driven; next-gen Land Rover Freelander This week James Ruppert, the founding father of Bangernomics, takes you on a tour of his buying philosophy, lays out his top buying tips and then recommends his favourite bulletproof bargains in our massive cheap cars special.Fans of Ruppert will know his status as the finest used car expert, and throughout a 17-page special he shares...
May 13, 2013
- Pros and Cons* Pros Great road handling, efficient brakes, versatile and spacious cargo area plus great fit and finish are among the many assets of the 2013 Ford Edge 2013. What's more, there is a total absence of turbo lag in the Ecoboost version. Cons The downside to the Ecoboost's power is poor fuel mileage with reasonable ratings being impossible to attain. The absence of an all-wheel drive version for the Ecoboost and the complexity of the MyFordTouch system are definite liabilities...