Valerie Menard

Valerie Menard is a freelance writer and published author with 16 years of reporting about the auto industry for Latino publications.

Expect More Trucks and Green Vehicles in 2016

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Feb 232016

CHICAGO (Feb. 11, 2016) Nissan TITAN will be available in 4x2 or 4x4 drive configurations with three cabin configurations Crew Cab, King Cab and Single cab and three bed lengths 5.5, 6.5 and 8 feet. Similar to TITAN XD, TITAN will be available in five trim levels S, SV, PRO-4X, SL and Platinum Reserve. The TITAN will be powered by Nissans 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 gasoline engine capable of 390 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine will be mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. A V6 gasoline engine will also be available (details to be announced at a later date).

What brings journalists en masse to Chicago in the middle of winter? The largest auto show in the country, the Chicago Auto Show, that’s what, and this year’s reveals reflected a truck and big SUV resurgence, while at the same time, new green car initiatives.

Gasoline prices remain at an all-time low and that’s good news for truck and SUV buyers. Nissan brought forth two big bruisers, the all-new Titan half-ton and the 2017 Armada.

Last year Nissan introduced the award-winning 2016 Titan XD, powered by an all-new 5.0-liter V8 Cummins turbo diesel engine. This year the gasoline-powered version of the Titan (above) took center stage in Chicago. Powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine and built on a separate chassis from the TITAN XD, it’s also 14.7 inches shorter.

2017 Nissan Armada

Similarly, the all-new Armada will be powered by the new 5.6-liter V8 engine and matched to a seven-speed automatic transmission for better fuel economy.

The handsome full-size SUV will come with an extensive list of available safety and convenience features, like Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Backup Collision Intervention, Blind Spot Intervention and Blind Spot Warning, among other features. An eight-inch display, navigation, and heated front seats will be standard. Both the Titan half-ton and Armada will go on sale this summer.

The 2017 Ram Power Wagon.

Ram followed suit with its off-road monster, the Power Wagon. Based on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4×4 Crew Cab, the 2017 Power Wagon receives all-new exterior and interior design elements. Seeking its own design statement, Ram abandons the crosshatch grille on the new Power Wagon for the one featured on its half-ton off-road sibling, the Ram Rebel.

Pacifica Hybrid.

FCA also showed the hybrid version of its all-new Chrysler Pacifica minivan. Revealed last month in Detroit, the Pacifica replaces the Town & Country. A segment first, the hybrid will deliver an estimated range of 30 miles solely on zero-emissions electric power. New available technology will also include a Stow ‘n Vac integrated vacuum cleaner.

While the Pacifica goes on sale this spring, the hybrid version should go on sale in the second half of 2016.

Available in dealerships now, the 2017 Hyundai Tucson receives a fresh exterior design and LED lighting signatures, plus additional infotainment, convenience and safety technologies, including Drive Mode selection with Sport, Eco and Normal settings. Brandon Ramirez, senior product manager, unveiled the refreshed versions of the 2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport.

Kia Niro.

Expanding its green vehicle line-up, Kia introduced the 2017 Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle. The all-new Niro hopes to find a niche between the hybrid-electric vehicle and CUV segments, achieving a combined fuel efficiency rating of 50 mpg. It joins Kia’s green car line-up that includes the Soul EV, Optima Hybrid and 2017 Optima Plug-in Hybrid that also made its global debut in Chicago.

Volvo XC90.

Finally, Volvo’s all-new XC90 continues to collect accolades winning MotorWeek’s 2016 Drivers’ Choice Best of the Year award. It’s the first utility vehicle to win the top honor in the 34-year history of the awards. To date, the XC90 has been named the 2016 North American Truck of the Year, the CUV of Texas by the Texas Auto Writers Association, and the Family Car of the Year by the Midwest Automotive Media Association.

“The XC90 brings Volvo firmly into the luxury space and fully represents the company’s new direction,” said Dean Shaw, vice president, Corporate Communications, Volvo Car USA.

Redesigned 2016 Kia Optima Scales New Heights in Aspen

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Feb 042016

2016 Kia Optima SXL

With so many advances in the industry, it’s hard to find a dud on a new car lot these days. The launch of the all-new Kia Optima midsize sedan improves the selection even further.

The brand’s bestseller for the last three years, Kia ramps up the 2016 version with a more refined exterior design, new technology, and creature comforts offered at the same starting price as the outgoing model.

At the launch in Aspen, Colorado, the longer, wider and stiffer Optima hugged the road nicely. Its increased dimensions also translate into a roomier and more comfortable cabin with more head, shoulder, and rear seat legroom. Plus the trunk expands to 15.9 cu. ft. and the 60/40 split rear seat also folds flat for even more room.

There will be three available four-cylinder engines to power the Optima distributed among five trim levels. We drove the top-of-the-line SX and SXL trims powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic simulated manual shifting. This is not the most fuel efficient of the three engines but it is the most powerful with 245 horses and 260 lb.–ft. of torque. The sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters improved performance on the launch models, though the throttle response on the turbo was a little hesitant.

The lower level trims will come with a 2.4-liter or an all-new 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, matched to a six-speed automatic or seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission, respectively. While all three engines include the Active Eco System and Driver Mode Select with an Eco option to conserve gas, the most fuel-efficient will be the 1.6-liter earning an EPA estimated combined fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon. Plug-in and hybrid models will also be introduced this year.

The sleeker and contoured European-inspired exterior is matched to a super plush interior on the SX and SXL that included diamond-quilted and heated leather seats plus metallic accents. The base model will come with cloth seats.

Standard features include chrome accent door handles, air conditioning, cruise control, an AM/FM/MP3 audio unit with satellite radio, a five-inch LCD rear-camera display, three USB jacks, Bluetooth, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Push button start, a rear spoiler, heated steering wheel, dual-zone air conditioning, and Bi-Function Xenon HID headlamps with a self-leveling feature are standard on the SX. The SXL adds a panoramic sunroof with power shade, advanced smart cruise control, Harman/Kardon Quantum Logic Surround

Premium Audio System, and ventilated front driver and passenger seats, among other features. The major advantage of the SXL, however, is a suite of standard safety features that includes a rear parking sensor, blind spot and rear cross traffic detectors, and front collision warning system.

For the digitally astute, Kia’s UVO connectivity system comes standard with four additional eServices not previously available on the Optima, it’s also Kia’s pilot vehicle for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (late availability) that connects drivers to functions on their smartphones.

Packing more content at a lower price has helped establish the Korean carmaker in the United States. Competing in one of the most competitive and crowded segments, the 2016 Optima should remain a top-seller.

Built at Kia’s plant in West Point, Georgia, the Optima’s pricing starts at $22,840 while the SX and SXL start at $30,640 and $36,740, respectively.

2016 Kia Optima SX

Honda Awarded for Sales to Minorities and Millennials

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Jan 292016

MARYSVILLE, Ohio, (Jan. 27, 2016)—Honda was honored with four awards at the first Diversity Volume Leadership Awards presented by the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD) and IHS Automotive at the 2016 North American International Auto Show.

The Honda Accord and Honda CR-V were recognized for national sales leadership with women and ethnic Millennials in 2015. The Honda CR-V, America’s best-selling SUV, was named the “Top Women’s Vehicle” and the Honda Accord was named “Top Ethnic Millennial Vehicle.” The Honda Accord and Civic were also recognized as “Ethnic Volume Leaders” in the Mideast and Western regions, respectively.

2016 Honda HR-V

“We are witnessing a massive demographic shift that is reshaping our marketplace,” said Marc Burt, assistant vice president of Honda North America, Inc. Office of Inclusion & Diversity. “These awards reflect our associates’ continued commitment to innovation and overall understanding of how our vehicle design, functionality and marketing relate to our increasingly diverse customers.”

The awards show, the only event of its kind, recognizes top-performing automotive brands that are driving sales with multicultural consumers. Awards were presented to brands whose vehicles had the highest number of new-vehicle registrations among African-Americans, Hispanics, Asian Pacific Islanders and Native Americans.

To learn more about Honda’s diversity efforts, visit http://csr.honda.com/diversity/

New Passat Adds Value and Refinement for 2016

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Jan 092016

It’s not easy being a midsize sedan, what with all the competition. Designed specifically for the U.S. market, the Volkswagen Passat adds a European option to the segment at a surprisingly affordable price. For 2016, the German sedan bears a new look and even more bang for the buck.

Volkswagen’s design DNA could be called understated, so one shouldn’t expect the new Passat to be remarkably different from the outgoing model. Designers made subtle changes on the outside to make it appear more streamlined.

2016 Passat S

At the launch in Vermont, premium touches like a new dashboard and center console, along with integrated two-tone decor panels, and a new frameless rearview mirror elevated my first impression of the interior. Volkswagen also gave journalists a rare opportunity to drive the base or S model, offering a well-rounded view of the lineup.

Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the 2016 Passat can be powered by either of two engines—the 1.8-liter TSI turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.6-liter VR6. Volkswagen has suspended the sale of diesels for now.

Made in Silao, Mexico, the turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder engine produces 170 horsepower and 184 lb.–ft. of torque using regular gasoline. Matched to the six-speed automatic, the Passat should achieve an estimated fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. I achieved 36.8 average mpg at the launch.

The 3.6-liter VR6 produces 280 horsepower and 258 lb.–ft. of torque with premium fuel. It should earn an EPA-estimated highway mileage of 28 mpg with the six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters add to its sporty performance and handling.

New technology, like the available Easy Open trunk also, adds value and keeps the Passat on trend. Easy Open Truck allows the driver, within three feet of the trunk, to use his feet to activate a sensor near the rear of the vehicle, opening the trunk hands-free.

Volkswagen’s signature infotainment system, MIB II, comes standard with a five- or 6.3-inch touchscreens and most models include a display capacitive touch sensor that enables gesture controls like swiping and pinch zooming. Internet connections are available via Car-Net features that include App-Connect technology that can be integrated with three major Smartphone platforms— Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink.

While advanced safety technology, like a blind spot monitor, is unavailable on the base model, it is standard on the SE w/Technology models and up. All Passat’s do come equipped with a rearview camera and Volkswagen’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, first launched on the 2015 Golf. As the name implies, it applies the brakes after a primary collision helping to reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, reduce the chance of additional damage.

2016 Passat SE

Standard creature comforts include dual- zone climate control, a steering wheel with audio and phone control, a CD player, and a 60/40-split rear seat for added cargo space. The large trunk can accommodate 15.9 cubic feet of luggage.

Available in multiple trim levels, starting prices range from $23,260 (with destination fees) for the S, to $35,090 for the SEL Premium. New features on the base model, however, account for a value of $1,315. The best buy, however, may be the SE w/Technology, starting at $29,230, because of standard features like the afore mentioned blind spot monitor, Rear Traffic Alert with braking, and keyless entry with push-button start.

Super Bowl 50 Ticket Giveaway

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Jan 082016

Would you like to attend the Super Bowl but consider it impossible? Pues, rejoice Latino football fans! Latino Traffic Report has learned that Hyundai, an official NFL sponsor, is hosting a sweepstakes to give away 50 tickets to Super Bowl 50. Twenty-five lucky winners will receive a pair of tickets to the game, lodging, and transportation to and from the stadium on February 7, 2016.

Contestants can submit entries by completing one or more of the following. Points accumulate for each registered participant, increasing competitors’ chances of winning the grand prize.

Register for the sweepstakes at football.hyundaisweepstakes.com—one entry point
Test drive a new Hyundai vehicle, like the all-new Tucson, at your local Hyundai dealer (click here to see the closest dealer or go to HyundaiUSA.com)—ten entry points
Get friends to enter the sweepstakes by posting a pre-assigned message to users’ Facebook or Twitter profiles—up to five entry points

2016 Tucson

A total of 16 entry points can be earned for each contestant, and entries are tracked via Hyundai’s website. U.S. residents ages 18 or older are eligible for entry, and winners will be notified via phone and email circa January 25, 2016. The sweepstakes opened at 12:00:01 a.m. ET on December 16, and close January 15, 2016 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET.

“With these sweepstakes we want to give back to fans of the Hyundai brand,” said Trea Reedy, senior group manager, experiential marketing, Hyundai Motor America. “By giving 50 fans the chance to spend a night in the heart of the action, at one of the world’s biggest sporting events, we hope to give them an experience that they won’t soon forget.”

Since Hyundai inked its official sponsorship with the NFL in June, the company has been busy connecting with fans across the country. During the season opening celebrations on September 9-10, Hyundai was the presenting sponsor of the 2015 NFL Kickoff activities that included a concert in the San Francisco Bay Area, and unveiled two new NFL-themed television ads that highlight what it truly means to be a fan.

To keep up with all of Hyundai’s NFL activities, visit HyundaiNews.com.

Tesla Recalls Model S, 2012–2015

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Dec 182015

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Model S vehicles manufactured May 31, 2012, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with driver or front passenger seat belts that may be improperly connected to the outboard lap pretensioner.

If the seat belt is not correctly attached to the pretensioner, it may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will inspect the driver and front passenger seat belts, correcting their connection, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2015. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-15-20-002.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Reviews: Lexus GS350 vs. Infiniti Q50

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Dec 172015

Weekly car loans allow me to review vehicles for my readers, but it’s rare to have two vehicles delivered the same week that happen to be direct competitors. Such was the case when the Lexus GS350 F Sport and Infiniti Q50S arrived in my driveway. In a side-by-side comparison, these midsize luxury performance sedans managed to distinguish themselves. Here’s how they measured up.

Powertrain

A sports car sets itself apart in several ways, ride, handling, and most importantly, powertrain. The GS350 came equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 with direct fuel and port injection, 306 horses and 277 lb.–ft. of torque. The 3.7-liter V6 that powered the Q50 offered more horsepower, 328, but less torque, 269 lb.–ft.

Transmissions included an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters on the GS and a seven-speed automatic, also with paddle shifters, manual shift mode and downhill rev matching on the Q50. They both included a drive mode selector to allow drivers to choose among Normal, Eco, Snow, or Sport modes on the GS and Standard, Eco, Sport, Personal, or Snow modes on the Q to enhance performance.

Q50 grey leather seats with purple accent stitching.

GS350 beige leather seats.

The F Sport Package on the GS added Sport S+ mode, a sport tuned adaptive variable suspension, and Variable Gear Ratio Steering, among other features.

While all-wheel-drive is available, the test models were configured as rear-wheel-drive sedans; the GS sat on a front independent double-wishbone and independent multi-link rear suspension and the Q sat on a sport-tuned independent front and rear suspension that gave it the rougher ride expected from a performance sedan. Adding to the Q’s sportier feel was speed sensitive power steering, making the Q50 a bit more fun to drive.

The expected fuel economy for each was practically identical with the Q50 earning 20 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city, one more than the GS, and both earning 29 mpg on the highway. I averaged 22 mpg with both.

Technology

GS350 12.3-inch display.

Q50 center stack.

As luxury nameplates, these sport sedans should be generously equipped with technology. Standard features on both included review cameras, traction and stability control, and anti-lock brakes, but the GS 350 trumped the Q50 by including Safety Connect with automatic collision notification. That neither included a blind spot monitor as a standard feature was disappointing.

The entertainment systems on both included an AM/FM stereo, CD player, Sirius Satellite Radio, and Bluetooth with voice recognition, but the Q50 included its infotainment system, InTouch and two USB connections, while the GS 350 added iTunes tagging, traffic, and climate information via HD radio. The optional navigation system on the Lexus brought Enform infotainment and a striking 12.3-inch display screen with three sections. Navigation on both was optional.

Looks

Inside and out, both vehicles were easy on the eyes. I’m a big fan of the distinctive spindle grille on the Lexus and Infiniti’s muscular lines. Both came with leather seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry, dual –zone climate control, and a sunroof. While fancier features like heated seats were optional on the Lexus, they were standard on the Infiniti. The craftsmanship and fit-and-finish on both exuded quality.

Value

With a starting price tag that was $5,000 more than the Infiniti and about $10,000 more in packages and extra features, the GS350 surpassed the Q50 in plushness. The as-tested price for the 2015 GS350 F Sport came to $59,200, while the as-tested price for the 2015 Infiniti Q50S came to $47,755.

Sí: Both vehicles bore striking exteriors and elegant interiors.

No: They both came up short when it came to standard technology.

Volvo Adds Inches and Capability to the 2016 S60 Lineup

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Dec 112015

2016 Volvo S60 Cross Country

In the luxury segment, compact sedans abound, but only one comes from a company based in Sweden, the Volvo S60. For 2016, Volvo adds two new models to the S60 lineup, the Inscription, for those who’d like even more rear legroom and the Cross Country, for more adventurous drivers. At the recent launch in Sausalito, the two sedans demonstrated what Volvo does best, design and safety.

The test drive began with the all-new Inscription Platinum (there’s also a Premier trim), a model that will sit near the top of the line for the S60, setting itself apart with three additional inches of legroom in the back seat, the most of any luxury class sedan.

2016 Volvo S60 Inscription

The Inscription comes with a choice of two engines—a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 240 horsepower and 258 lb.–ft. of torque or a 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine with 250 horses and 266 lb.–ft. or torque. Each engine is matched to a specific Geartronic automatic transmission with Sport Mode—an eight-speed with the 2.0-liter or a six-speed with the 2.5-liter. We drove both at the launch.

The best fuel economy will come from the 2.0-liter, which should achieve an EPA estimated 25 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

The S60 Cross Country will be offered in one version, Platinum, with the 2.5-liter and all-wheel-drive with Instant Traction that gives it an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 20/28 mpg.

Drive–E technology on both engines utilizes a turbocharger and direct-injection to deliver power and improved fuel economy. When engaged, the ECO+ system stretches gasoline further (up to five percent), with Start/Stop, Eco-coast, and Eco-climate functions.

All S60s include a leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, a 60/40-split rear seat, Bluetooth, Sirius Satellite Radio, and Volvo Sensus Connect infotainment with a seven-inch high-definition color monitor that manages information from the audio unit, navigation and other functions. Besides the extra rear legroom, the Inscription adds contour seats, linear walnut inlays, a power rear window sunshade, rear side sunshades, and a rear park assist camera. The Cross Country adds the Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)

With a reputation for safety, it’s no surprise that the City Safety system that helps prevent or mitigate collisions at speeds of 31 mph or less is also standard on all models. However, technology, like Volvo’s blind spot information system (BLIS) and cross traffic alert, remain optional, even on the Inscription Platinum and Cross County trims.

With distinct design cues, like a honeycomb grille, and capability, like a lower skid plate, side scuff plates, and black fender extensions, the segment-first Cross Country sedan emulates Volvo’s Cross Country wagons. It will offer better off-road capability, starting with 7.9-inches of ground clearance and standard Hill Descent Control.

Volvo S60 Cross Country

All S60s come with Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, Advanced Stability Control, and Corner Traction Control by Torque Vectoring. At the launch, these technologies were put to the test by accelerating in a tight circle, i.e. donuts, to show how they managed to keep the sedan under control.

Roomy and versatile, these two new S60s maximize the appeal of Volvo’s entry-level sedan.

Pricing for the 2016 S60 Inscription and Cross Country starts at $39,640 and $44,400, respectively.

FCA Rolls Out Free Tuition Program

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Dec 052015

Debt-free college anyone? Latino Traffic Report has learned that FCA US LLC recently rolled out its Degrees@Work program and the newly developed Degrees@Work Family offering with Strayer University, designed to provide a no-cost, no-debt college degree to participating FCA US dealership employees and their immediate family members.
FCA US is not only the first and only company in the automotive industry to offer the programs, it’s also the first U.S. company of any type to provide a no-cost, no-debt college degree to both employees and their immediate families.
The expanded Degrees@Work program and the new Degrees@Work Family offering will enable FCA US dealerships to attract top talent, improve the skillset of existing employees, lessen the burden of paying for college for families, and significantly increase employee retention
“After the success of the initial regional launch, we’re thrilled to expand the benefit not only to all of our dealerships nationwide, but also to dealership employees’ immediate family members,” said Al Gardner, head of Dealer Network Development–FCA US LLC. “When we began to seek out a partner to provide education benefits to our employees and their families, we focused on finding a top-notch institution. Strayer has the resources and the experience to provide a world-class education to our employees and their families.”
Strayer University, which is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, will offer associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees to all participating FCA US dealership employees and their immediate family members. Strayer University is a post-secondary institution with a more than 120-year history educating working adult students online and at campus locations across the country.
“We are proud to partner with a true innovator like FCA US to offer this first-of-its-kind employee benefit,” said Karl McDonnell, CEO of Strayer Education, which owns Strayer University. “At Strayer, we’re dedicated to improving the way education and business work together. We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with FCA US to tackle college affordability and the skills gap head on.”
The program was developed using input from dealers and their employees. Depending on the selected program of study, courses will range from business administration and accounting to education, information systems and other areas. Courses will be offered online with 24/7 access for flexibility around work schedules, as well as at Strayer’s campus locations throughout the United States. Dealers’ employees can have their training and work experience evaluated for college credit to accelerate completion of a degree program.
“Families are often faced with tough choices about how to pay for college,” said Gardner. “Expanding this benefit to employees’ immediate family members positions our dealer network as the ’employers of choice.’”
For more information, please visit http://fcadegrees.strayeruniversity.edu.

Reviews: 2015 Dodge Dart SXT

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Dec 052015

Trying to compete in one of the toughest automotive segments, the 2015 Dodge Dart hits the bull’s-eye with features not normally associated with compact cars, as well as neat styling and good fuel economy. I’ve driven it multiple times, including a three-month test drive, and most recently, in Los Angeles. My first impression remains the same—this is a lot of car for the money.

Dart trunk with 13.1 cubic feet of volume.

When it was introduced, the Dart was configurable in 100,000 possible ways. Not surprisingly, the features have since been bundled among five models, SE, SXT, Aero, Limited, and GT. On a test drive in California, I drove the SXT.

All Darts include the unmistakable Dodge split crosshair grille and racetrack tail lamps with 152 indirect glow LEDs. I was approached more than once in grocery store parking lots with questions and compliments about it.

On the inside, the dash grabbed my immediate attention, beginning with the seven-inch digital gauge cluster that can be configured in multiple ways to suit the driver’s preference, a capability normally found on luxury models.

The Dart’s 8.4-inch touchscreen above the center stack is easy to program, from radio station presets to Bluetooth. For 2015, it’s updated to be compatible with an Android smartphone for Bluetooth, voice command and streaming music, and USB connectivity.

The Dart was also one of the first in its segment to offer advanced safety features like a rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross path detection. I put these features to use navigating through shopping destinations and parking in Beverly Hills.

As a compact, the Dart must offer competitive fuel economy. It achieves this via three four-cylinder engines, a 2.0-liter, 2.4-liter, and 1.4-liter turbo. Happily, all three can be matched to three available six-speed transmissions, starting with a six-speed manual. I drove one of two available six-speed automatics. The best fuel economy should come from the 1.4-liter-six-speed-manual combination that has an EPA estimated 28 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.

Competing in the value driven compact car segment, the Dodge Dart certainly holds its own.

Pricing for the 2015 Dart starts at $17,490. For 2015, air conditioning, Bluetooth, cruise control and power equipment can be added to the Dodge Dart SE base model for a reduced price of $775. The test model Dart SXT also included the California Package that added a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual rear exhaust tips, and a touring suspension, among other features. With that and more extras, the as-tested price came to $23,070.

Sí: Well-equipped, the Dart offers technology like a configurable gauge cluster, normally reserved for fancier models and a six-speed manual transmission on more than just the base model.

No: Air conditioning should be standard on a base model, not part of a package, even an affordable one.

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