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 Cons Unproven reliability, small and uncomfortable rear seats, outdated 1.8-litre engine and numerous additional options are certainly not in its favour.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...
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 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...
May 15, 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...
May 14, 2013
- Pros and Cons* Pros The ergonomic-friendly instrument layout, stylish interior, precise steering, choice of engines, overall driving experience and generous warranty are definitely to the Kia Sportage's advantage. Cons Limited rear visibility, smallish trunk and uncomfortable 2nd row seating are definite downers. Price The front-wheel drive entry-level LX starts at $23,645 and is equipped with standard 2.4 litre engine, manual transmission, 16-...
- 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 12, 2013
- Pros and Cons* Pros The 2013 Kia Optima provides a lot of bang for the buck, which is definitely its main competitive advantage. The driver-oriented instrument cluster, inspired design, great fit and finish, generous cabin space, well-balanced chassis and choice of engines combine to give the Optima a definite leg up on its competitors. Cons On the flipside, absence of an all-wheel drive option, overly firm suspension, and poor quality original equipment tires contribute to lower the overall...
- Pros and Cons* Pros Numerous affordable options, quality materials, an outstanding warranty and elegant design that will surely stand the test of time are just a few of the attributes of the 2013 Kia Forte. Cons Lack of adequate driver seat adjustments for optimal driving conditions, tight rear seats, imprecise manual transmission, lacklustre interior and small trunk opening hurt its overall appeal. Price LX, LX Plus and EX versions are equipped...
May 11, 2013
- Pros and Cons* Pros The 2013 Kia Optima provides a lot of bang for the buck, which is definitely its main competitive advantage. The driver-oriented instrument cluster, inspired design, great fit and finish, generous cabin space, well-balanced chassis and choice of engines combine to give the Optima a definite leg up on its competitors. Cons On the flipside, absence of an all-wheel drive option, overly firm suspension, and poor quality original equipment tires contribute to lower the overall...
May 10, 2013
- Pros and Cons* Pros Numerous affordable options, quality materials, an outstanding warranty and elegant design that will surely stand the test of time are just a few of the attributes of the 2013 Kia Forte. Cons Lack of adequate driver seat adjustments for optimal driving conditions, tight rear seats, imprecise manual transmission, lacklustre interior and small trunk opening hurt its overall appeal. Price LX, LX Plus and EX versions are equipped...
- Pros and Cons* Pros Generous standard equipment list provides great value, more rear passenger space than its sedan sibling, versatility, large trunk and the available idle stop/start make the 2013 Kia Rio 5-Door a top-rate contender. Cons Unsupportive rear seats and short cushion, lack of telescopic steering in base models, poor soundproofing and average handling will certainly disappoint certain buyers. Price The entry-level LX starts at $15,...
May 9, 2013
- Pros and Cons* Pros Its well-arranged passenger cab, choice of two powertrains (both relatively inexpensive), appealing warranty, well-executed design and powerful all-wheel drive puts this compact SUV ahead of the pack. Cons Less spacious than its competitors, visibility in the Tucson is also reduced. Plus, there's room for improvement in the way it handles the road. The same goes for soundproofing and comfort. Price The Hyundai Tucson basic...