Latino Traffic Report

Ten Roads, Monuments, and Marvels that Changed America on PBS

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Jul 202018

10-Modern-Marvels-Roebling-Bridge-credit-Justin-Rohn

Latino Traffic Report invites readers to check out 10 THAT CHANGED AMERICA, the popular three-part series that explores the fascinating and often untold stories behind America’s streets, monuments, and modern marvels, beginning with the “10 Streets That Changed America,” which aired July 10 and concluding with “10 Modern Marvels that Changed America,” which airs this Tuesday, July 24, 8:00-9:00 PM ET (check local listings) on PBS, on pbs.org, and wttw.com/10. The 10 THAT CHANGED AMERICA companion website will feature immersive content about the streets, monuments, and modern marvels including original stories, video extras, quizzes, photography, and behind-the-scenes adventures.

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“10 that Changed America is a history series, but the subjects we tackled this season couldn’t be more current: the fate of Confederate monuments, infrastructure spending, and battles over public spaces,” said writer and producer, Dan Protess. “Many of these stories could have been ripped from today’s headlines.”

From New York’s Broadway to the Hoover Dam, from Mount Rushmore to the St. Louis Arch, join host Geoffrey Baer on a summer road trip across America as he meets with historians, curators, and guides who share the fascinating backstories behind the iconic streets that connect our nation, the monuments that commemorate our history, and the engineering marvels that transformed our environment and shaped the way we live.

Kicking off the season “10 Streets that Changed America,” revealed how streets and roads have connected the nation, divided communities, and changed the way Americans live, work, and shop. Geoffrey traces the 400-year evolution of New York’s Broadway, from Native American road to Dutch thoroughfare, from theater district to poster child for the “complete streets” movement of the future. Other influential streets include the Boston Post Road, St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles and more.

Statue of Liberty: 10 Monuments that Changed America

The second episode, “10 Monuments that Changed America” (July 17) explored the stories behind ten wholly-original American monuments and the historical moments that inspired them, from the Statue of Liberty to Mount Rushmore, from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the AIDS Quilt. The episode presented the often-contentious battles over the design of these monuments and the ongoing controversies over Confederate monuments throughout the South.

To rewatch these episodes, go to https://www.pbs.org/show/10-changed-america/.

Finally, “10 Modern Marvels that Changed America,” airing this Tuesday, (July 24) celebrates the visionary engineers who scoffed at the laws of nature, defied the naysayers—and sometimes even gravity—by undertaking amazing feats of engineering. Each story includes a fun physics lesson and a tale of human folly: from the Erie Canal to the Hoover Dam, from the Transcontinental Railroad to the Interstate Highway System.

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“Hosting this series was like a roller coaster ride of experience and emotion,” said Baer. “The monuments immersed me in triumphs and tragedies of every scale; the engineering marvels took me from thousands of feet in the air to deep underground, pondering the brilliance and hubris of humankind; and as for the streets, I explored them on foot and horseback, in a covered wagon, and in an array of vintage vehicles. It left me in awe of the power of people to imagine and to create.”

10 THAT CHANGED AMERICA is produced and written by Dan Protess and hosted by Geoffrey Baer. Dan Soles and Dan Protess are the Executive Producers. The series is available on DVD and Blu-ray from PBS Distribution at pbs.org/shop.

Car Launch: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta

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Jul 122018

For its fortieth birthday, the VW Jetta compact sedan gets a new look for 2019, reflecting a discernibly new DNA. With plans to “become a volume brand in the United States,” Volkswagen will use an enhanced warranty, aggressive pricing, and improved fuel economy to make that happen.

While car sales are down, they’re definitely not out. More compact cars sold in March of this year than midsize, small, and large sport utility vehicles combined, according to The Wall Street Journal and rising gas prices will energize compact car sales even more.

The VW Jetta then and now.

Since its introduction in 1979, the Jetta has seen seven redesigns, each a subtle improvement on the last generation. Not so for the seventh version. With its bold trapezoidal grille, sloping roofline, rear spoiler, and available LED projector headlights, the new look amounts to a bold move for VW. It’s also longer, wider, and taller than the outgoing model.

At the recent launch in Durham, NC, attended by Latino Traffic Report, we drove the Jetta SEL powered by a 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with direct injection, standard on all 2019 Jettas, matched to the all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual is available on the base model and for an extra $450, it can also be equipped with the blind spot, rear traffic, and forward collision warning systems. Rarely offered on a base model, much less one with a manual transmission, available technology like this represents another bold move for VW.

The engine produces 147 horses and 184 lb.–ft. of torque. Assisted by improved aerodynamics, the new Jetta has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 40 mpg on the highway with either the manual or the automatic. It averaged 35.8 mpg on the test drive.

An expanded exterior usually translates into a roomier interior, and so it is on the new Jetta, with more head, knee, and shoulder room than before. The standard 60/40-split rear seat also adds convenience and versatility. Additional standard convenience features include a rearview camera, a multi-function steering wheel, a trip computer displayed in the instrument cluster with information like fuel consumption, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, and AM/FM radio and one USB port. Stepping up one trim level to the SE, however, adds lots more stuff like, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic tilting sunroof,and most importantly, and the afore mentioned blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert, and forward collision warning with emergency braking.

Offering offering luxury features like heated and ventilated front seats, BeatsAudio, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, ten-color ambient lighting, and Driving Mode Selection, VW’s compact sedan could be called the adult in its competitive set.

Finally, the Jetta will be covered by VW’s best-in-class transferable six-year/72,000-mile (whichever comes first) bumper-to bumper warranty, a move the manufacturer hopes will inspire renewed confidence in the brand.

Pricing for the 2019 Jetta starts at $19,440 with destination fees.

Latino Racers Help Toyota Win at LeMans

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Jul 032018

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France.

Latino Traffic Report has learned that TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, including Fernando Alonso, won the eighty-sixth Le Mans 24 Hours, taking an historic first victory at its twentieth attempt.

Sébastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Alonso in the #8 TS050 HYBRID started from pole position and took the chequered flag after 388 tense and often dramatic laps at the Circuit de La Sarthe to extend their lead in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López, who led for long periods in the #7 TS050 HYBRID, made it a perfect result for TOYOTA with second place in front of 256,900 fans.

“It has been amazing. We know how important and iconic Le Mans is in the world of motorsport and as a team we achieved an amazing result,” said Alonso. “Every moment was a reminder of how tough and long this race is, anything can happen so we tried to execute our race and stay calm. Happily everything worked well. We wanted a one-two and we achieved that so I am very happy.”

TOYOTA, which had entered 47 cars at Le Mans prior to this weekend’s race and finished on the podium six times, becomes only the second Japanese manufacturer to win at La Sarthe.

The result is a culmination of intense and determined efforts by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing colleagues from Higashi-Fuji and Cologne to continually enhance its hybrid-electric technology, which won this weekend’s race using 35 percent less fuel than in 2012, when it returned to endurance racing.

“I want to congratulate car #8 and the whole team,” said López. “I am really proud of my #7 team, and Kamui and Mike; we gave it our all. We are here as six drivers but there are so many people behind us, working so hard. This is a big achievement for TOYOTA and that was the main target this week.”

The two TS050 HYBRIDs were evenly matched throughout the 5,286km and swapped places several times during a race which featured its share of drama for the leaders.

After a nine-week break, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will return to action on 17-19 August with the 6 Hours of Silverstone, the third round of the 2018-19 WEC season.

Car Review: 2018 Toyota Avalon Touring

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Jun 282018

When I hear the name Avalon, I think of my favorite album from the eighties by Roxy Music, Avalon. Legend also has it that Avalon is the birthplace of Excalibur, King Arthur’s sword. In 1994, Toyota chose the name for its all-new top-of-the-line midsize sedan. No pressure, right?

With a redesign coming in 2019, featuring a gargantuan grille, there’s still time to grab the 2018 model for fans of the current look. Latino Traffic Report recently drove two versions of the Avalon Touring, one in Ooh la la Rouge Mica and the other in Parisian Night Pearl (above).

An homage to the larger sedans of yore, the Avalon immediately impresses with its roominess, offering 42.1 inches of legroom in the front and 39.2 inches in the rear.

While the trunk can fit 16 cubic feet of cargo, the rear seats are not split for added cargo carrying ability.

Outside, the styling could be called understated, but the inside was rather elegant, with a dash, accented by smoked chrome details and a capacitive touch center stack for controlling the entertainment and climate control systems, plus a seven-inch split touchscreen.

Improvements for 2018 include the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite of technologies that are now standard like automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and lane departure alert with steering assist. A backup camera is also standard.

While not the most expensive Avalon trim, the Touring is the second from the top out of five and as such, includes important technology like the available blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a parking sensor. It’s also the sportiest trim with a sport- tuned suspension and eighteen-inch wheels with darkened rims.

A 3.5-liter V6 with dual variable valve timing with intelligence powers every Avalon. Matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, it produces 268 horsepower and 248 lb.–ft. of torque and has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. On the test drive I averaged 22.7–24.9 mpg.

The available hybrid powertrain also makes the Avalon unique in its segment.

Standard creature comforts include dual-zone climate control, Entune premium audio with integrated navigation, auxiliary USB ports, Bluetooth, a CD player, (great for playing the CD version of Avalon) leather seating with heated seats for the driver and front passenger, a leather-trimmed telescopic steering wheel with paddle shifters, and Qi compatible wireless smartphone charging. My iPhone 6s was not compatible.

The midsize sedan may be an endangered automotive species but it’s not dead yet and with its 24-year history, going on 25, the Toyota Avalon is quite the survivor.

Pricing for the 2018 Avalon XLE starts at $34,395. The as-tested price for the two Avalon Tourings came to $38,739 and $39,541 (with the addition of an illuminated door sill, $379 and wheel locks, $80).

Si: The Avalon’s interior roominess and capacitive center stack gave it a premium feel.

No: While the Touring is the sportiest Avalon trim, those darkened rims looked odd.

Maserati Issues Vehicle Recalls

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Jun 142018

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Maserati North America, Inc. (Maserati) is recalling certain 2018 Maserati Quattroporte (below), Ghibli (right), and Levante (above) vehicles. The welds on the front sub frame may be incomplete, which can result in the welds breaking. If the welds fracture, it can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Maserati will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the sub frame for incomplete welds, replacing the sub frame, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin July 8, 2018. Owners may contact Maserati customer service at 1-877-696-2737. Maserati’s number for this recall is 369.

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.

Compact SUV Review: 2018 Buick Encore

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Jun 012018

Fuel efficiency and versatility, that’s what makes the compact sport utility vehicles (SUVs) so appealing. Buick entered the segment in 2013 with the Encore, now Buick’s best-selling vehicle. Latino Traffic Report recently test-drove the 2018 Encore at a time of year that put its versatility to the test.

Offered in Encore, Preferred, Sport Touring, Preferred II, Essence, and Premium trims, I drove the latter that also included the available all-wheel drive.

The Encore arrived for testing in December, just in time for Christmas tree shopping. While it took three steps to fold the 60/40-split rear seat flat, once done it exposed 48.4 cubic feet of storage space, plenty of room for the six-foot Frasier Fur that I selected. Though I didn’t need to, I could have folded the front passenger seat flat to fit longer items. Cargo carrying also includes people and the Encore can seat up to five.

While all SUVs offer versatility, smaller ones navigate urban settings with greater ease. The Encore was no exception, performing handily, particularly when maneuvering through Austin’s holiday traffic.

Powered by a choice of two 1.4-liter turbocharged engines, the test model came with the more powerful of the two that can produce 153 horsepower and 177 lb.–ft. of torque and included Direct Injection with a subtle start/stop mode to conserve gas. It had an EPA estimated fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. I averaged 25.2 mpg during the weeklong test drive.

Tech features, like OnStar 4G LTE with a Wi-Fi hotspot, now standard across the brand’s model line sold in the United States, help the Encore stand out in a crowed field. The hot spot allows passengers to connect up to seven devices to high-speed wireless Internet.

Improvements for 2018 include high-definition radio, capless fuel fill, and the ionizing interior air cleaner (standard only on the Premium trim), Universal Home Remote (Essence and Premium trims) and a new exterior color Coppertino Metallic.

Standard convenience features on all Encores include push-button start, keyless unlock via the exterior door handles and an eight-inch color touchscreen, as well as Keyless Open and Start. As the top-of-the-line trim, the Premium test model also included a few more posh features like heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone air conditioning, and the Bose premium audio.

For added confidence, standard safety features include a rear-vision camera, StabiliTrak stability control system with full-function traction control, the OnStar basic plan for five years, and a theft deterrent system. The test model included blind spot and forward collision alerts, front and rear park assist, and rear cross traffic alert.

While pricing for the 2018 Encore starts at $23,915, stepping up to the Premium trim adds lots of dollars as well as stuff. The as-tested price that included the Experience Buick Package ($2,390) with navigation, a power moonroof, an eight-inch touch screen, and Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability, came to $36,820.

Sí: Roomy and nimble, the Buick Encore offers the versatility required of an SUV, especially a little one, and its fuel economy is competitive in the segment.

No: The Buick infotainment system was a little clunky, especially for selecting presets, and the price climbs quickly when adding features.

Compact SUV Launch: 2019 Volvo XC40

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May 152018

With multiple awards for its iconic XC90 sport utility vehicle (SUV), and more awards for its sibling, the XC60 small SUV, it’s no wonder that Volvo continued to propagate by entering the compact SUV segment with its newest baby, the 2019 XC40. Latino Traffic Report recently attended the national launch in Austin, TX and while the weather did not cooperate, the sporty XC40 was quite agreeable.

The small SUV segment (that includes compacts) remains one of the more robust in the auto industry with sales increasing by more than 45 percent from March of last year, according to the Wall Street Journal. More popularity, however, creates more competition, so from the onset, the XC40 will need to stand out in a crowd. As the only Swede in the bunch, it has a head start.

Volvo offers up to seventeen combinations for the XC40, including two-tone exteriors accentuated by a black or white roof. At the launch, we drove the XC40 T5 Momentum (mid-level trim) and R-Design in multiple color combinations.

Inside, Volvo’s distinctive Scandinavian touch combines art and function. On its siblings, like the XC90, that combination accentuated luxury, but a plethora of functional advances distinguishes the sportier XC40.

After extensive research that included feedback from its target audience—young professionals—Volvo adopted a clutter-free approach to the compact SUV’s interior. At the launch, we met David Clark of Kartwheel Studio (pictured, right), who designed a special desk to offer Volvo solutions that embodied the clutter-free goal for the XC40, like large door pockets, integrated bag hooks and customizable cargo spaces for special objects like laptops, a tissue box, cell phones, take out food, grocery bags and even trash. For added convenience, a power tailgate with hands free opening is standard.

Like all Volvos, the XC40 gets its power from a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, specifically, a 2.0-liter, on the base T4, but with a different turbocharger than the T5, which is the first to go on sale. Its engine produces 248 horses and 258 lb.–ft. of torque. While a hybrid and electric versions are planned, the only available fuel consumption information at the launch refers to the T5, which should achieve 23 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, according to www.fueleconomy.gov. Four available drive modes, Eco, Dynamic, Comfort, and Individual, help customize the driving experience even further on every XC40.

Large door pockets, felt and steel inlays on the 2019 XC40 Momentum.

Metal accent on XC40 R-Design.

Additional standard features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, the nine-inch Sensus Connect touch screen shaped like a tablet, Bluetooth connectivity, leather seating, 4G LTE connectivity with an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot (six-month trial subscription), and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A premium brand like Volvo also offers nice creature comforts like a panoramic sunroof, ambient interior lighting that can be adjusted, unique metal accents, and wireless QI mobile phone charging.

While the brand has evolved to grab raves for its design, safety will always be an essential element of any Volvo’s DNA. Standard safety features on the XC40 include Pilot Assist with adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and Run-off Road protection and mitigation. The Blind Spot Information System that Volvo invented, however, and Cross Traffic Alert remain optional on the XC40 Momentum and R-Design. It is standard on the Inscription.

At the launch, Volvo execs also discussed Care by Volvo for customers not ready to commit to buying or leasing. It allows car buyers to choose a car online, pay a flat-rate monthly fee, and have the opportunity to upgrade to a new car as early as twelve months.

Available in all-wheel and front-wheel-drive versions, the 2019 XC40 has a base price of $34,195, including destination fees. Pricing for the currently available 2019 XC40 T5 is $36,195.

The new XC40 displays a youthful exuberance that should grab attention in the increasingly competitive compact SUV segment.

MINI Announces #DrivingHope Partner

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May 072018

Latino Traffic Report has learned that MINI USA will partner with Sing for Hope, a nonprofit arts organization co-founded by Camille Zamora and Monica Yunus, in #DrivingHope, a partnership motivated by both organizations’ passion for bringing creativity to communities in need, including under-resourced schools, hospitals, hospices, veterans’ centers, refugee sites, transit hubs, and disability networks.

Camille Zamora

Monica Yunus

Sing for Hope, the country’s largest recurring public arts project, mobilizes artists to bring the power of the arts to those who need it most. Each year, the Sing for Hope Pianos are designed by local artists, celebrities and casts of Broadway shows. MINI USA will join , the Sing for Hope Pianos, by creating a mobile #MINIPiano inside a MINI Countryman. From June 4-24, the 50 Sing for Hope Pianos will be located throughout the five boroughs and the #MINIPiano will act as a traveling piano, driving music directly to additional underserved communities.

“Sing for Hope and MINI USA both operate with creativity and innovation at their core, so the partnership is a natural fit,” said Zamora and Yunus. “Just as Sing for Hope works each day to bring hope to communities that need it most, MINI invests in organizations that drive our world forward and make it a better place. We are honored to be #DrivingHope together.”

Since 2006, Sing for Hope has partnered with over 250 nonprofit organizations, involved over 3,500 artists in creative volunteerism, and placed over 400 artist-created Sing for Hope Pianos in public spaces for everyone to play —a symbol and celebration of art for all.

The artists of the 2018 Sing for Hope Pianos are already creating at 28 Liberty in the 10,000 square-foot Fosun Sing for Hope Center, which has been generously donated by Fosun since 2016. After the June events, the pianos will be delivered to NYC schools, where in many cases, it will mark the first time a musical instrument is permanently placed in the building.

MINI aims to help bring more of what matters back to the students of NYC by partnering with Sing for Hope and elevating the Sing for Hope Pianos initiative. In addition to the 50 pianos across the five boroughs, the #MINIPiano will act as a roving fifty-first piano, #DrivingHope to locations throughout the city, by surprising and delighting New Yorkers with even more pop-up performances and musical opportunities. MINI is currently developing the custom modified MINI Countryman to create the #MINIPiano. Further details about the car’s design will be released at a later date.

“MINI USA is proud to support Sing for Hope and their mission to bring art and music to the streets of New York City through spontaneous musical moments that create a brighter urban life,” said Lee Nadler, regional marketing manager, MINI USA. “Design and creativity are at the heart of our iconic brand and we look forward to utilizing our #MINIPiano to demonstrate more of what matters to the community here in New York City.”

The 2018 Sing for Hope Pianos are made possible by the support of MINI USA, Fosun Group, 28 Liberty, and the Sing for Hope’s Founders’ Circle, including The Arnhold Foundation in loving memory of Sissy Arnhold, The Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, The Anna-Maria & Stephen Kellen Foundation, and Ann Ziff. Learn more at www.singforhope.org.

GM Recalls Certain 2018 Buick Regals

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Apr 262018

2018 Buick Regal GS

Latino Traffic Report has learned that General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Buick Regal vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the rear seat belts may have been improperly routed around the bolster bracket on the rear outboard seats, which can cause inadequate restraint of the passengers.

If the seat belt fails to adequately restrain the passengers in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

2018 Buick Regal Sportback

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear outboard seat belts, correcting the routing of the seat belts as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 5, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM’s number for this recall is 18117.

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.

Car Review: 2018 Golf GTI

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Apr 212018

At Latino Traffic Report (LTR), we continue to root for the manual transmission, so whenever we get a test model delivered with one, it’s always a good day. Such was the case when the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0T SE arrived, equipped with a six-speed manual transmission (standard equipment) and lots of pep.

What makes a manual transmission so preferable, especially on a compact car, is that it ramps up the fun-to-drive experience of an otherwise lackluster model—most five-door hatches are built for efficiency and convenience, not fun. As a result, the GTI has received more than a dozen awards since its redesign in 2015.

Described by VW as its “hot hatch,” the GTI debuted in 1983 and since then has transformed the hatchback from a utilitarian car and into a sporty compact. Redesigned for the 2015 model year, the seventh generation of the Golf GTI included three available trim levels—S, SE, and Autobahn. They remain for 2018 but with a few improvements.

The four-cylinder, 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged direct-injection engine, built in Silao, Mexico, returns but it’s been improved in 2018 to produce 220 horsepower (achieved on premium fuel), and a torque peak of 258 lb.–ft. Paired to the six-speed manual transmission, it can achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. During the test it achieved an average fuel economy of 27 mpg.

The available six-speed automatic transmission incorporates a launch control feature and a new Start-Stop System designed to save gas, earning an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

While not the top-of-the-line model, the GTI does sits above the Golf S and SE, expanding its list of standard features to include heated front seats, a sunroof, a blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, and keyless access with a push button start.

For those who can’t step up to the GTI, standard features on all Golfs include cruise control, air conditioning, VW Car-Net App Connect, a rearview camera, LED headlights, and daytime running lights and taillights.

Known for sportiness, the Golf GTI is still a hatchback and as such, versatile, offering cargo carrying room of up to 52.7 cu. ft. with the rear seat folded flat. The infotainment touchscreen has also increased to 6.5 inches for 2018 on the base model. It measured eight inches on the test model.

Like other brands, VW has taken to using a warranty to tilt car buyers in their favor. The Golf GTI is covered by a transferable, six-year or 72,000-mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Pricing for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI with a six-speed manual transmission starts at $27,265. The price as–tested, including black leather seating with red accent stitching ($695) and red ambient lighting came to $32,015.

Sí: The Golf GTI was fun to drive and included nice creature comforts like heated seats and a blind spot monitor.

No: While VW likes to call the GTI an affordable performance vehicle, it’s a little pricey, especially compared to the competition.