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New Car Review: The 2010 Buick Enclave

By Bob Plunkett

Driving down Powers Ferry Road while meandering through Atlanta's tony Buckhead neighborhood, we're stacked in a line of cars waiting for a stoplight switch, engine idling and shifter stick notched to neutral with four 20-inch tires parked on the pavement.  The pause in our seat-time cruise around Atlanta in a large and luxurious crossover utility vehicle from the Buick brand of General Motors provides an opportunity to scrutinize the styling of what amounts to one sleek wagon.

A discreet badge on the tailgate spells the wagon's name in shiny chrome letters:  E-N-C-L-A-V-E.  Looking sharp in a slinky package stretched excessively long and decorated with a chrome-plated prow flashing multi-lens headlamp clusters on corners plus fender blisters rippling around multi-spoke alloy wheels, Buick's CUV seems different from the lot of right-angled and too-tall SUVs.

Its lower body appears substantial and strong like a SUV although the upper section including a narrow wrap of windows with tipped-back windshield and sweeping roofline may be more reminiscent of some classic sports car or even a GT-style coupe.  It's clearly a departure from the cube-stacked school of wagon styling.  The curvaceous body styling disguises what amounts to a very large vehicle.  Full-size passenger compartment contains seats for seven or eight riders with a load of cushy amenities in the mode of a premium luxury car.

The 2010 Enclave appears in two trims -- CX and CXL -- and each stocks electronic traction control (ETC) and GM's electronic stability device, StabiliTrak, with options for FWD or all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction.  Climb aboard for a drive test and you'll quickly observe that Enclave reveals an impressive quality of quietness in the cabin in terms of reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).  Enclave's smooth ride quality also compares to a plush sedan, thanks to independent components for both front and rear suspension systems.  Enclave exhibits rather agile steering attributes due to the power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system, and the brakes rig a disc at every wheel with electronic tie to an anti-lock brake system (ABS).

Passive safety systems are aboard including frontal and seat-mounted side-impact air bags for front seats and curtain-style air bags above outboard seats in all rows.  Also on tap is GM's rollover sensing system, dubbed rollover mitigation technology (RMT). It will automatically deploy the side-impact air bags and curtain-style air bags if on-board sensors detect a potential vehicular roll event.  The intelligent AWD rig employs a computer and wheel sensors in conjunction with ABS and StabiliTrak to determine how much power to apply to each wheel for maintaining tire traction on wet pavement.

Gear standard on base issue Enclave CX ranges from tri-zone automatic climate controls and power buttons to move windows and door locks and mirrors to auto-on headlamps and daytime running lights, six-way power for the driver's seat, real mahogany on the steering wheel with a leather wrap, power for the rear liftgate, GM's OnStar telecommunications equipment and XM satellite radio.  Upgrading to CXL adds treats, like eight-way power for front seats, plus perforated and heated leather seats.

Buick marks the 2010 price chart at $35,200 for Enclave CX FWD and $37,200 for CX AWD. Enclave CXL FWD lists for $38,400 and CXL AWD begins at $40,400.

For more information see Road & Travel’s Buick Buyer’s Guide or visit buick.com

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New Car Review: The 2010 Acura RDX

By Bob Plunkett

Clutching a leather-wrapped steering wheel while flicking the shift paddles on the SportShift electronic automatic in a tuned-up crossover utility vehicle, we're carving a keen line around oh-so-tight curves on Route 88 as it winds through sandstone canyons in Arizona's Superstition Mountains.  This is play time:  The agile CUV, cast on a rigid chassis with a turbo-boosted four-in-line engine directing a considerable load of torque to front wheels dressed with Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 rubber, snakes through the curlicue canyon course like a sidewinder rattler slithering through Sonoran Desert sand.

A label on the hatchback trunk pegs our CUV as the RDX by Acura, marque of performance and luxury vehicles derived from Honda of Japan.  RDX slots into the compact class with a 104-inch wheelbase and totes a unique variable-flow turbocharger to nix the typical turbo's power lag.  All RDX '10 models show fresh styling on the body, more luxury content in the five-seat passenger compartment and a number of new technology features on-board.  Sole transaxle is a silky smooth electronically controlled automatic with five forward speeds plus Honda's Sequential SportShift override for clutch-less manual shifts with those paddle tabs mounted behind the steering wheel's center spoke.

Federal EPA fuel consumption numbers for the RDX FWD come to 18 miles per gallon for city driving and 24 mpg on the highway.  For RDX AWD, the numbers tally to 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.

RDX with AWD employs Acura's SH-AWD (Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive) equipment.  The computer-controlled AWD system can disburse the engine's considerable torque not only to wheels fore and aft but the left or right ones too. It's always engaged and enables the vehicle to maneuver on wet or dry pavement with the uncanny agility of a wily sports car.  There's a computer-managed vehicle stability control (VSC) system aboard coupled to a traction control system (TCS), plus a four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA) units.

The 2010 issues of RDX look more aggressive due to styling revisions for a streamlined body posing in a hunkered stance.  In the handsome cabin there's room for five riders with supportive sport bucket seats in front of a bench for three and a rear bay for cargo.  The driver-oriented cockpit features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an instrument cluster with light-emitting-diode (LED) back-lighting for an easy read and a Multi-Information Display (MID) which provides access to a variety of electronic functions.

Posh gear includes perforated leather trimming the seats, automatic controls for the climate system with dual zones for comfort, power operation for windows and mirrors and door locks, the driver's bucket with 8-way power controls including adjustable lumbar support, heat elements inside both front buckets, a center console up front with dual-level stow bins, a power moonroof with tilt, auto-open/close, auto-reverse and key-off functions, a keyless entry device, the back bench with a 60/40 split-folding seatback and a 360-watt Acura Premium Sound System with AM/FM/6xCD/MP3/WMA plus seven speakers and XM satellite radio service.

Acura establishes MSRP figures for the 2010 RDX CUV beginning at $32,520 for RDX FWD, or $35,620 with the Technology Package aboard. The 2010 RDX SH-AWD lists for $34,520, or $37,620 with the Technology Package.

For more information see Road & Travel’s Acura Buyer’s Guide or visit acura.com

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New Car Review: 2009 Toyota Venza

By Thom Blackett

We may be facing shortages across the board these days (jobs, 401k earnings, etc.), but there’s one area that continues to see unhampered growth: automotive categories. Where once we saw pickups, wagons and sedans now reside crossovers, SUTs, CUVs, four-door coupes, and every other variant under the sun. If you think it’s confusing for the consumer, consider that Toyota and the EPA can’t even agree on how to classify the new 2009 Venza. Toyota calls it’s Ford Edge-fighter a car, whereas the government deems the five-passenger rig an SUV. Whatever it is, buyers of the Venza will enjoy its versatility, comfort, affordability, and perhaps even its arguably attractive styling.

Prices for the 2009 Toyota Venza start at about $26,000, which delivers a front-wheel-drive version fitted with a 182-horsepower four-cylinder engine that delivers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Toyota also offers the Venza with all-wheel-drive capability and a 268-horsepower V-6 that cuts highway fuel economy by about seven miles-per-gallon. We tested the less powerful Venza and discovered adequate oomph for the daily slog, though by no means does the four-cylinder Venza feel quick. The standard six-speed automatic transmission provides smooth shifts. Our only gripe centered on as-tested fuel economy, which came in at 23.5 mpg, a bit lower than we expected given how many miles were logged at steady speeds on the highway.

Move inside the Venza and you’ll find spacious and supportive front buckets backed up by a rear seat offering a bounty of leg room. In addition to comfort, the 2009 Toyota Venza boasts an ample cargo area (with integrated levers to quickly release the second-row seatbacks), a compliant and composed ride, decent outward visibility, and an interior that would be admirably quiet if not for wind noise seeping in around the front doors. Materials are better than we’ve seen in recent Toyotas, though the cheap headliner needs to go, as do many of the remaining hard-touch surfaces.

Despite a few nitpick details, the all-new Venza is a solid effort by Toyota to meet the needs of buyers seeking the comfort of a sedan with the utility of an SUV. How you classify it is up to you.

Specifications
Test Vehicle: 2009 Toyota Venza FWD 4-cyl.
Base Price: $25,975
Price as Tested: $27,293
Engine: 2.7-liter four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway
Road & Travel’s Observed Fuel Economy: 23.5 mpg
NHTSA/IIHS Frontal Crash Ratings: 5 stars / Good
NHTSA/IIHS Side Impact Ratings: 5 stars / Good
Also Consider: Ford Edge, Mazda CX-7, Volkswagen Tiguan

For more information see Road & Travel’s Toyota Buyer’s Guide or visit toyota.com.

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2010 Mazda3 Lives Up to Zoom-Zoom

By Courtney Caldwell

People are surprised when they hear me say I enjoy testing smaller vs. larger cars. Actually, I enjoy testing all cars because I love driving and experiencing the different emotions that each car brings out. Yet, there’s something about cars that handle like street legal go-carts that float my boat. This week’s test car was all that and more.

 

The 2010 Velocity Red Mazda3, 5-door Grand Touring was all it was cracked up to be in its television tagline ‘zoom-zoom’ commercials. It zoomed through traffic and around corners like it was the only car on the road. Its sporty handling and 17” alloy wheels made it easy to forget it wasn’t a high-end sports car nor did it have the high-end sports car price tag. Our fully-loaded Mazda3 rolled in under $25K, half the price and twice the fun.

 

For those leaning towards more eco-friendly rides, the Mazda3 did well in environmental performance with a 7 out of 10 score, and especially significant, a nine out of 10 smog score. Gas mileage was better than average for its class with approximately 29 MPG highway, and 21 around the city. And while loaded with a gaggle of great safety and security features it had not yet received its government safety ratings for front, side and rear impacts at the time of our test drive. Check with www.safecar.gov for the final answer, or go to the Mazda3 website to learn more about all of its zoomlicous and zoomlacious features.

 

This sweet thing inspired all sorts of emotions from feeling like a young rebel to feeling socially responsible for driving around in a car the planet can live with.

 

For more 2010 Car Reviews from RTM, click here. 

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2010 Kia Soul Exclaim Review – Creating Memories

by Courtney Caldwell

 

Lime Rickey. That’s the first thing that came to mind when this week’s test car arrived; the new 2010 Kia Soul Exclaim. I haven’t thought about a Lime Rickey since I was a kid growing up in total anonymity in Rhode Island, the smallest state in the union. Suddenly, a flood of wonderful childhood memories filled my head. We were off to a good start.

Its shade of lime green, which Kia calls "Alien", and unique styling certainly stood out in the crowd.

 

Everywhere I went from farm roads to freeways people stopped and stared, with the same head-scratching look of amazement on their faces. Perhaps Kia should have named the vehicle the Kia Alien instead of the paint! With thumbs up and smiles of approval it was clear most wondered what the heck it was and who made it, a good thing for Kia indeed.

 

I must say I was impressed with its easy handling and numerous comfort creatures inside. What I liked most about the Soul was its dashboard simplicity. Finding the radio band button was a cinch, as were the A/C and heating controls, leaving my eyes on the road where they belonged instead of constantly searching for the right buttons. In my book, that was a huge plus in the safety department. It seems so many of the high-end vehicles place the controls in the strangest places making them difficult to find while driving. I’m not sure why they do that but what I do know is that the Kia Soul offered one of the easiest and most manageable dashboards I’ve ever seen.

 

With a global warming score of 8 out of 10 and fuel economy estimates of 24MPG city and 30MPG highway, the Kia Soul is more earth friendly than many others in its class. This model came fully loaded with more than you’d expect for its remarkably low price of $18K. Add to that its 10 year/100,000 warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance, and it’s safe to say that this little SUV is more than capable of reaching destinations beyond the tiny borders of Rhode Island and creating a multitude of new memories along the way.   

 

To quench your curiosity about the 2010 Kia Soul Exclaim, click here.

 

For more 2010 New Car Reviews from RTM, click here.

 

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New Car Test Drive: 2009 Audi Q5

By Thom Blackett

There’s lots of talk in our society about what qualifies as too big versus too small, with the focus centering on large houses, famished starlets, and everything in between. May we suggest that folks simply shoot for a happy medium – a size that suits you and makes you comfortable. This appropriately-sized mentality is behind the development of a breed of vehicles dubbed crossovers, one of which is the 2009 Audi Q5. It provides a smaller alternative to Audi’s Q7 SUV, offers more utility than the Audi A4 wagon, and strikes a balance between the less spacious Mercedes-Benz GLK350 and the pricier BMW X3.

Shoppers interested in Audi’s newest utility vehicle can plan on laying out at least $37,200, which is about $9,000 cheaper than an Audi Q7. Of course, select a higher trim level, start adding on options like the Luxury Package, booming Bang & Olufsen sound system, or the MMI navigation unit, and that mid-$30,000s price will disappear sooner than a Krispy Kreme in a squad car. Our well-appointed tester rang up at nearly $53,000, but like all Q5s, played host to standard features such as leather upholstery, heated mirrors, stability control, six airbags, and a tire pressure monitor.

 

Buckled in and hoping to avoid the use of those last few safety items, we hit the roads of Southern California in our Audi, ultimately walking away with mixed impressions. To its credit, the Q5’s standard quattro all-wheel-drive system makes for impressive handling on twisty roads while not delivering an overly harsh ride around town, and the six-speed automatic transmission is blissfully smooth. Add to that comfortable seating and more rear leg room than its primary competitors, and all would appear rosy. But on the flip side of the coin are narrow rear seat foot wells, an optional MMI navigation system overwrought with complexity and lacking necessary simplicity, and top-notch materials offset by seemingly cheap bits used for primary dials and controls.

 

With that said, perfection is an elusive goal, and this miniature Q7 commits no major transgressions (aside from the frustrating MMI). As is, the 2009 Audi Q5 deserves the consideration of luxury crossover shoppers, especially those with a taste for driving excitement.

 

Specifications

Test Vehicle: 2009 Audi Q5

Base Price: $37,200

Price as Tested: $52,475

Engine: 3.2-liter V6

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway

NHTSA/IIHS Frontal Crash Ratings: 5 stars / Good

NHTSA/IIHS Side Impact Ratings: 5 stars / Good

Also Consider: BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, Volvo XC60

 

For more information see Road & Travel’s Audi Buyer’s Guide or visit audiusa.com.

 

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2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Grand Touring Review

By Courtney Caldwell

I remember when Hyundai came to America in 1988. I was so impressed with their ‘little train that could’ approach that I bought one of their cars for my daughter’s high school graduation present.

Today, some 20 years later, Hyundai is no longer the ‘little train that could’ but rather the whole train station. Not only have they surfaced as a company that produces vehicles with 5-star safety ratings and 10 year/100,000 mile warranties, they’re also putting out some very cool cars. One of those cars was this week’s test vehicle, the 2010 Genesis Coupe 3.8 Grand Touring A/T with a price tag of $29K.

 

When it first arrived it sat in our parking lot for a good couple of hours before I had a chance to go out for a walk-around. It took awhile to find because its styling was so modern and aerodynamic that I thought it was one of the high-end vehicles owned by a very successful attorney in our building. I finally used the key-fob to make it beep to find it and to my surprise it was staring me in the face.

 

The slick coupe is sexy as all hell. As I slipped into the brown leather seat it felt like slipping into a naughty movie. Amazed at its special effects, inside and out, I invited our content manager to go for a ride. As she settled into the bear hugging passenger seat, we drove off. Acceleration was sensitive and swift. I looked over to ask for her reaction to the interior and handling, but she had her head back, eyes closed, and said, “I could fall asleep in this seat… it’s sooooo comfortable.”

 

That unsolicited statement was worth a thousand words about what the Genesis Coupe is made of. Loaded with creature comforts, safety gadgets and high-tech wizardry, and even an above average global warming score, this is one ride worth a second look. You’ll never take the train again!

 

Drive this way for more information on the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

 

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2009 Subaru Impreza WRX Review – A Triple Threat

By Courtney Caldwell

 

Quietly flying under the radar, Subaru is one automotive brand that needs to be watched as it surfaces with unbelievably cool cars.

 

Known for its amazing and abundant safety features as well as its dexterous use on-road and off, this week’s 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX test car impressed and surprised the hell out of me. It felt more like go-cart than car, making it a whole lot of fun to drive…or should I say ‘zip’ around town. Add to that its all-wheel drive and five-star front and side crash ratings, and you end up with both fun and function, a rare combination of talent indeed. In fact, beware same-class competitors as this is one talent of triple threat.

 

For those with safety top of mind, the WRX delivers all the right stuff to make you feel safe and secure no matter who you are, where you are or whatever you’re doing. Styling is cool yet conservative; not boring nor bodacious. With keyless entry, you enter a cabin of comfort and convenience with automatic climate control, carpeting and cruise control, to name a few. Estimated miles per gallon average 18MPG city/25MPG highway – however, it may be hard to contain yourself in a dynamic WRX 5-speed due to its need for speed.

 

Driving the WRX offers far more than fun and function, safety and satisfaction, pep and perkiness; it also leaves you with a sense of pride in knowing that it’s not impugning the planet with a large carbon footprint. If all that isn’t a triple threat then I don’t know what is. For more information on the Subaru Impreza WRX, drive here!

 

To read about other 2009 Subaru cars, view RTM's 2009 Subaru Vehicle Model Guide.

 

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New Car Review: 2009 Infiniti G37

By Thom Blackett

 

“Competition brings out the best in products and the worst in people.” – David Sarnoff

 

While we’d argue the validity of the latter assertion, we wholeheartedly agree with the former, especially after spending more than 1,000 miles behind the wheel of a 2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan. Entry-level by definition only, this luxurious four-door proves that there’s always a way to outdo your competition, even when that competition includes BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz. 

 

With a starting price of about $33,000, the G37 Sedan is on par with the BMW 328i Sedan and Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport Sedan; the Lexus IS undercuts them all by about $2,000. In exchange for your hard-earned dollars you’ll get a basic warranty slightly longer (60,000 miles) than those primary competitors; a slew of safety features including six airbags, antilock brakes, and stability control; and niceties such as leather upholstery, powered front seats, and satellite radio. Move up to the pricier G37 Journey, G37x AWD, or G37S Sport and you’ll gain access to standard items like a six-disc CD changer and dual-zone climate control, with options ranging from a booming Bose surround sound system to a touch-screen navigation system with real-time traffic information and hard drive space for personal music storage. Under the hood of every 2009 G37 is a V6 engine delivering similar efficiency but more power than the Lexus IS 250/350, BMW 328i/335i, and Mercedes-Benz C300/C350.

 

We put that V6 engine – and the rest of the G37 Sedan – to the test during a marathon round trip excursion between Maine and Virginia. During mostly highway driving, we took full advantage of the Infiniti’s abundant passing power, yet still averaged roughly 25 mpg. The seven-speed automatic transmission usually provided smooth shifts, with leather-trimmed steering wheel paddles adding a degree of sportiness. Typical of Infiniti vehicles, the ride was decidedly firm and the steering tight and responsive. Inside the G37, which offers more interior and trunk room than the competitors we’ve mentioned, supportive seats helped prevent any backaches and the ample trunk swallowed all of our gear. More power, more space, and plenty of driving fun. Thank you, competition.

 

Specifications

Test Vehicle: 2009 Infiniti G37x AWD Sedan

Base Price: $33,250

Price as Tested: $43,265

Engine: 3.7-liter V6

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway

NHTSA/IIHS Frontal Crash Ratings: 5 stars (driver), 4 stars (passenger) / Good

NHTSA/IIHS Side Impact Ratings: 5 stars / Good

Also Consider: Acura TL, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS

 

For more information see Road & Travel’s Infiniti Buyer’s Guide or visit infinitiusa.com.

 

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Americans Still Love Big & Luxurious Cars the Most

According to the 2009 Motorist Choice Awards, the best-scored cars by consumers for value and owner satisfaction are bigger, more luxurious cars. Cars like these, despite the economy and fuel consumption rates, make people feel proud of what they're driving, which is the leading reason people buy new cars today. The 2009 Motorist Choice Awards, co-developed by AutoPacific and IntelliChoice.com, recognize new cars and trucks that give their owners both economic and emotional satisfaction, helping new-car buyers find vehicles that best satisfy all of their personal-transportation needs.

The top 34 cars were large cars, luxury cars, sport utility vehicles, crossover SUVs or minivans, with the Lexus LS taking 1st place overall, and the Chevrolet Tahoe taking the gold for the best SUV. "This affinity for big vehicles makes the American market unique compared to the rest of the world," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific, which is known for it's owner satisfaction ratings. Only two small cars even made rank in the top 107 cars.

Leading manufacturers were Toyota and GM, though most manufacturers took at least one award. “Every car winning a Motorist Choice Award is a defendable purchase, and their owners will be pleased, both financially and behind the wheel," said James Bell, publisher and editor of IntelliChoice.com, which determined value ratings for winning vehicles.

For more car buying advice, visit RTM's New Car Reviews Section.

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