Latino Traffic Report

GM Recalls Certain Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, and GMC Models

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Oct 172015

2015 Camaro

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.

2015 Cadillac XTS

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag’s inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 19, 2015. Owners may contact

2015 Buick LaCrosse

Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM’s number for this recall is 01320.

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.

Review: 2016 Kia Sorento SX

Kia, Reviews Comments Off

Oct 152015

Offering the versatility of a minivan, the crossover utility vehicle (CUV) gives shoppers a jazzier option for the family vehicle. First introduced in 2002, the Sorento represents Kia’s larger entry in this segment. On a recent test drive for Latino Traffic Report, I drove the newly redesigned 2016 model, specifically the Kia Sorento SX. Sporting a more refined exterior, the dapper CUV provides more versatility, technology, and value.

With a choice of five trim levels—L, LX, EX, SX and SXL, the third generation Sorento maximizes bang for the buck, starting with a nicely equipped base model. Driving the model just shy of the top-of-the-line SXL offered even more stuff.

Families will appreciate the choice of seating for five or seven, with two- and three-row configurations respectively; both versions include split seats that can be folded flat, expanding cargo room to 73.5 cubic feet.

The test model came with the available all-wheel drive (AWD) system and the 3.3-liter V6. According to EPA estimates, the V6 should achieve 17 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. I averaged 21.8 mpg.

The V6 produces 290 horses giving it an increased towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. when equipped with the AWD system that automatically routes power to the wheel with the most traction.

Two other engine options include and a new 2.0-liter inline-four turbo and a gasoline direct injection (GDI) 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder. The most fuel-efficient of the mix will be the front-wheel drive 2.4-liter with an EPA estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

All three engines are matched to an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission featuring Sportmatic simulated manual shifting. The standard Driver Mode Select allows drivers to choose among sport, normal, and eco modes, further improving driving performance on all models. I gravitate toward eco just to enhance fuel economy but a quick flick to sport does add oomph.

While standard safety features include traction and electronic stability control, the SX model did come with the optional rear-parking sensor, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot detection. Happily, the Sorento received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) 5-star overall safety rating.

Oddly, the around view monitor, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning are unavailable on most trim levels and optional, even on the top-of-the-line model.

While the base model starts with cloth seats treated with Yes Essentials for easier maintenance, the SX included leather seating and heated seats for the driver and front passenger. Cruise control, air conditioning, an AM/FM stereo with a CD player and MP3 connectivity, Sirius Satellite radio, Bluetooth, steering wheel mounted controls, and a fuel economy indicator, are also standard.

The SX added dual-zone air conditioning, push button start, a panoramic sunroof, navigation with an eight-inch display screen, and a smart, hands-free power liftgate.

Although I didn’t get to test it, the all-new Kia App Store offers apps that can be downloaded for free from iTunes or Google Play.

Built in the United States at the plant in West Point, Georgia and on sale now, the 2016 Kia Sorento has a starting price of $25,795. The as-tested price came to $40,595.

Sí: The Sorento is an elegant CUV from Kia with a good list of standard features.

No: Safety features like lane departure warning, and forward collision warning should be available on more than just the top-of-the-line model.

The Sun Rises on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson

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Oct 072015

2016 Tucson

While the compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV) segment continues to expand, the third generation Hyundai Tucson has a leg up on the competition. Considered a “stepping stone” to its larger sibling, the Santa Fe Sport, the redesigned 2016 Tucson appeals to buyers, e.g. young families, with fuel economy, safety technology, and versatility.

At the regional launch in Asheville, North Carolina, the Tucson handled nicely on curves while maintaining low noise, vibration, and harshness in the cabin—sound dampening and insulation improvements make it one of the quietest in its segment.

Available in four trim levels, a 2.0-liter, direct injected four-cylinder with 164 horsepower and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission powers the base or SE model. The 2.0-liter should achieve an EPA estimated fuel economy of 23 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. A larger fuel tank also improves driving range.

A 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder with 175 horsepower matched to a first–in-segment seven-speed EcoShift dual clutch automatic transmission powers the three remaining trims Eco, Sport, and Limited. Available in front-wheel- or all-wheel-drive versions, the 1.6-liter paired with the Eco trim level offers the best fuel economy. It should achieve an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 26/33 mpg. At the launch, we drove Limited and Sport versions and the fuel economy remained close to the expected combined fuel economy of 29 mpg for the AWD and 27 mpg for the FWD.

For better performance, driver’s can also engage Drive Mode Select, standard on all models, to select a desired setting among Eco, Normal, and Sport. On the test drive, Sport mode provided a definite energy boost.

Rear cargo area increases by 5.3 cubic feet to 31 total. With the 60/40 split rear seats folded flat it expands to 61.9 cubic feet. There’s also an innovative dual-level cargo floor in the rear that can be lowered two inches for packing smaller items.

The smart cargo liftgate is available with a hands free mode that automatically opens the rear liftgate after three seconds if it senses the keys are within three feet, i.e. you don’t have to wave a foot below the bumper to engage it.

Standard features on the base model include a rearview camera, a blinds spot mirror on the driver’s side, remote keyless entry with alarm, electronic stability control, and traction control. Stepping up to the Sport model adds more cutting edge features like a blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and lane change assist. To get Hyundai’s newest safety feature, a pedestrian sensor with braking, you’ll have to add the Ultimate Package, but that also includes heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.

Standard creature comforts include a tilt and telescopic steering wheel with radio and cruise controls, YES Essentials cloth seats, air conditioning, a five-inch color touchscreen with AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 audio system, and iPod/USB/auxiliary input jacks.

Pricing for the 2016 Tucson SE base model, which is not sold as-is but can still be upfitted with a few optional features, like roof rails or illuminated vanity mirrors, starts at $23,595.

Latino Cultural Festivals in Odd Places

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Oct 052015

Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival

Each year, we feature Latino destinations for Hispanic Heritage Month. This year we chose to explore Latino festivals but rather than choose the largest, we’re looking at communities that get much less fanfare but also reflect the growth (according to the 2010 Census) of the Latino population across the country. It took initiative to launch these celebrations, especially in towns where the Latino population is still growing.

Since the first Latinos found themselves crossed by a border and in a land that was no longer theirs, cultural festivals served to remind them of home. Today, they serve a similar purpose but with the added mission of inviting non-Latinos to join the celebration and experience the culture via food, music, and dance, and maybe learn a little history to better appreciate the Latino next door.

Latinos in the cities and towns we’ve featured were compelled to gather together for the same purpose. We invite you to come and explore with us.

Hawaii Hispanic Heritage Festival

Honolulu, Hawaii

Population: 953,207

Latino Population: 77,433

Percentage Change Since 2000: 31.85%

Percentage: 8.12%

Eddie Ortiz and the Son Caribe Band

Latinos make up 8.88 percent of the population in Hawaii, or 120, 842, and the majority of them live in Honolulu. The Latino community in Hawaii has been celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month for more than 20 years. Alma Latina Productions, led by Nancy Ortiz, returns this year with the Hawaii Hispanic Heritage Festival and Health Fair on October 10. It’s free and open to the public. With the mission of educating the community about Latinos by promoting the Latino culture, the festival includes musical and dance performances showcasing a variety of Latin genres, as well as food, games, cultural displays, crafts, and soccer and domino tournaments; it’s a veritable catchall of everything Latino. Offering an additional benefit to festivalgoers is the health fair that invites local healthcare agencies and providers to distribute information critical to Latino families.

Festival Hispanic Cultural de Easton

Easton, Pennsylvania

Population: 26,800

Latino Population: 5,331

Percentage: 19.89%

Percentage Change: 107.43%

There are larger Latino festivals in Pennsylvania, like Hispanic Fiesta in Philadelphia or the Annual Hispanic Festival in Lancaster, but the celebration in Easton gets our pick because it’s the newest. Inspired by Mayor Salvatore Panto, the Latino community in this picturesque town in eastern Pennsylvania organized the first annual Hispanic Cultural Festival. Pinto reached out to Colombian native Lorely Sanchez to develop the festival by organizing a committee of Latino community leaders for ideas and suggestions. This year’s festival took place on August 1, featuring local vendors, children’s programming with Payaso Alverjita, a performance by Ballet Folklórico of Peru and a concert showcasing area artists representing Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Puerto Rico, Panama, Venezuela, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. Planners hope to bring the festival, which is free and open to the public, back next year.

¿Qué Pasa? Festival

Richmond, Virginia

Population: 210,309

Latino Population: 12,803

Percentage: 6.27%

Percentage Change: 152.33%

Richmond Canal Walk

Virginia’s Latino population has nearly doubled to 633,945, according to the 2010 US Census. Ten years ago, the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce created the ¿Qué Pasa? Festival to highlight the state’s diversity and international melting pot. Held May 2, this year’s celebration attracted an estimated 15,000 participants and included transforming the Richmond Canal Walk into the famous Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, Mexico, with boats offering free rides to festival goers. Latin music and performances along the Canal Walk greeted the masses who also sampled Latino food, beverages and dazzling arts and crafts. A dynamic mixture of sights, sounds and tastes, the ¿Qué Pasa? Festival invites each participant to fully engage with Richmond’s Latino community.

http://www.quepasafestival.com/

Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival

Des Moines, Iowa

Population: 203,433

Latino Population: 24,334

Percentage: 12%

Percentage Change: 85.22%

Attracting nearly 50,000 people annually, Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival has become the one of the state’s most widely attended cultural events for the past eleven years. Presented by Latino Resources, Inc. a non-profit organization, it takes place this year on September 26–27. Attendees experienced the rich and varied Latin-American cultures and traditions thriving in Iowa. Band selection reflected the diversity within the Latino community. Beautiful dancers performed traditional dances from Brazil, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Aztec dancers in traditional costumes grace the stage and thrill audiences.

There were food vendors and children’s activities that featured workshops; making crafts, breaking piñatas every hour and “Lucha Libre” demonstration.

http://www.latinoheritagefestival.org/

Kia Sedona-Long-term Review Pt. 1

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Oct 012015

When it comes to versatility and convenience, minivans remain outmatched as a family vehicle. While the segment may not be the sexiest, it has attracted some new players, namely, the Kia Sedona. All new for 2015, the Sedona combines a handsome exterior with roominess and flexibility on the inside. I received the Sedona SX Limited (SX-L) in August for a six-month long-term loan. After only a few months on the road, the Sedona has impressed me with its elegance, comfort, and handling.

The beauty of a long-term loan is the chance it affords to explore all aspects of the vehicle in day-to-day driving conditions. This real world experience got a little too real, however, when the Sedona was vandalized while parked at the local post office, only weeks into the loan. The driver’s side window was broken and certain contents were stolen from inside, all in broad daylight and in a matter of seconds. The test drive was suspended for about a month until the window could be repaired.

Once back on the road, the Sedona has been quite a pleasure to drive. As with all Kias, it packs more features than normally associated with its segment, like ventilated as well as heated front seats, heated second-row cushions, a dual sunroof, and a driver mode select button (Eco, Normal, or Comfort), that helps improve the ride and handling as well as fuel economy.

I’ve only taken a few quick road trips but the miles per gallon have remained above the EPA estimated 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, averaging above 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. All Sedonas come with a 3.3-liter V6 engine matched to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sport-matic simulated manual shifting.

The keyless system with burglar and panic alarm, air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Satellite stereo system, back-up warning, Bluetooth wireless technology, and cruise control are also standard.

As the top-of-the-line model, the SX-L offers another unique feature, first class lounge chairs in the second row that give it seating for seven. Equipped with footrests, they recline as well as slide forward to improve access to the third row. They don’t however fold flat for extra cargo room and the manual levers can be a bit clunky to deploy. The third row, however, folds flat easily and quickly, expanding cargo room behind the second row to 78.4 cubic feet. The lower trims do include a second-row bench or traditional captain’s chairs.

Christmas is approaching and I look forward to testing the Sedona’s tree carrying ability. The loan ends in February. Stay tuned for updates on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Pricing for the 2015 Sedona starts at $26,995 but you won’t be able to get features like a power liftgate or sliding doors or upgrade it with any option packages. The as-tested price, with $2,700 of additional equipment like lane departure warning and a surround view monitor, came to $43,295.

Nissan Features the 2016 Titan XD at the State Fair of Texas

Noticias 1 Response »

Sep 302015

Pictured with the 2016 Nissan TITAN XD is Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing and Operations, U.S.A.

Latino Traffic Report recently attended the State Fair of Texas auto show media preview in Dallas where Nissan kicked off its biggest presence ever with a special showing of the all-new 2016 Nissan TITAN XD full-size pickup.

The 2016 TITAN XD, which was planned in Tennessee, designed in California, engineered in Michigan, tested in Arizona and assembled in Mississippi, will be featured on a specially built “TITAN Proving Grounds” display, providing truck fans the unique opportunity to take part in a series of interactive activities and experience TITAN XD in its natural setting. The State Fair of Texas runs September 25 through October 18 at Fair Park in Dallas.

“Texas has played a huge role in the development of our all-new lineup of American TITAN trucks. The initial focus groups took place here and we’ve taken it through multiple clinics throughout the state. Texans know trucks and we wanted to hear from expert truck customers,” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing and Operations, U.S.A., Nissan North America, Inc. “To test TITAN XD under real world conditions, we’ve also put prototype trucks in the hands of folks in Texas and across the U.S.—construction workers, farmers, ranchers, and even a rodeo equipment manufacturer.”

The centerpiece of Nissan’s State Fair of Texas display is the TITAN XD, which is powered by a new Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel engine rated at a powerful 555 lb-ft of torque and is set to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in December.

The TITAN XD, which features a maximum towing capacity of more than 12,000 pounds* when properly equipped, will later be available in a total of three cab configurations, three bed lengths, two frame sizes, 4×4 and 4×2 drive and five grade levels.

“The key attributes of TITAN XD are that it offers increased towing stability, along with more torque, than a traditional half-ton pickup—without the sacrifices of a harsh ride, unnecessary capability and higher price of a ¾-ton truck,” said Diaz.

2016 Titan XD interior

TITAN’s innovation leadership continues with cutting-edge available towing, utility features and driving aids, including an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Tow/Haul Mode with Downhill Speed Control and a Trailer Light Check system that allows one-person hook-up operation – including checking turn signals, brake lights and running/clearance lights.

Also assisting trailer hook-ups is the TITAN’s RearView Monitor with Trailer Guides, while the available Around View Monitor (AVM) provides a virtual 360-degree “bird’s eye” view of the surrounding area from front, rear and side cameras to help with parking and pulling in and out of tight spaces. The system also includes Moving Object Detection (MOD), which helps detect moving objects such as vehicles, shopping carts or other large objects near the vehicle when backing out via an on-screen notification and warning chime.

Helping TITAN XD owners take advantage of its ample towing power are two available hitches—including an integrated gooseneck hitch engineered into the frame and easily accessible in the bed.

Nissan currently employs more than 1,000 people in Texas at the Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation (NMAC), Nissan Central Region and a parts distribution center. There are also 71 Nissan dealerships in the state.

UPDATE: The Titan XD would go on to be named the Truck of Texas by members of the Texas Auto Writers Association at the annual Truck Rodeo.

Review: 2015 Toyota Camry XLE

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Sep 282015

Proverbial wisdom says, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” As the top-selling sedan in the country for more than a decade, the Toyota Camry would seem without fault, but while its reliability has been solid (the current recall notwithstanding), its looks were uninspired. On a recent test drive of the 2015 Camry XLE for Latino Traffic Report, the iconic midsize sedan sustained its expected on-road performance, but on the outside, a bolder design for the front bumper and grille and wider, sportier stance signaled change, and for Toyota, that’s a good thing.

The new Camry sits on a stiffer body structure, with additional spot welds to enhance rigidity. Better aerodynamics improve fuel economy while reducing interior noise, vibration, and harshness, i.e. it’s a quieter ride, plus a retuned suspension in all models enhances handling agility.

Digital screen in gauge cluster.

Toyota equips the 2015 Camry with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 178 horsepower and 170 lb.–ft. of peak torque. Matched with a six-speed automatic transmission, it should achieve an EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy of 25/35 mpg. I drove the 2.5-liter and averaged 27.3 mpg. I also engaged the Eco mode for more fuel efficiency. The Camry also comes with a 3.5-liter V6 as well as a hybrid version.

The new 4.2-inch digital color screen located in the instrument cluster provided a wide range of vehicle functions, including my favorite, the average fuel economy calculator. It also coordinates with the multimedia system to display audio, navigation, warnings and communications. It’s standard on all but the base (LE) model. I also appreciated that the Tire Pressure Monitoring System displayed the pressure for each tire, taking the hassle out of figuring out which tire is low.

There’s a 6.1-inch screen at the center stack for handling the Entune entertainment system. The test vehicle was upgraded with the optional seven-inch screen. Programming radio stations was fairly effortless and I appreciated that you can choose up to 36. I only needed 24 for Satellite Radio and 12 for FM.

The 2015 Camry offers advanced safety features like the Pre-Collision System, Adaptive Cruise Control or Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. While I’d prefer that one or more of these features were standard, adding them won’t hike up the price exorbitantly. The test model included the Blind Spot Monitor for a mere $500 extra.

All Camrys do come with a backup camera, remote keyless entry, cruise control, and stability and traction control among other features.

The XLE grade I drove also included the Safety Connect telematics system (with a one-year complimentary trial subscription) that covers four safety and security features: Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and Roadside Assistance.

Creature comforts include Bluetooth for hands-free phone calls, a USB port, iPod integration, air conditioning, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with center armrest with cup holders, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio and hands-free phone controls, and Entune Audio that includes the 6.1-inch display screen, AM/FM CD player and MP3/WMA capability.

The XLE added dual-zone climate control, push button start, heated leather front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Built in Georgetown, Kentucky it’s available in four trim levels, the XLE being the top of the line. Pricing for the Camry starts at $23,795. The as-tested price that also included the Convenience Package ($845) and Entune premium audio with navigation ($685) came to $30,779.

Sí: New looks on the outside and nice set of standard features.

No: On the XLE, more safety technology, like the blind spot monitor, should be standard.

BMW Recalls Certain 3 Series Models

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Sep 212015

Latino Traffic Report has learned that BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011–June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013–March 17, 2015, 2014-2015 328d, 328xd vehicles manufactured June 28, 2013–April 21, 2015, and 2014-2015 328xd Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured July 5, 2013–April 21, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the front side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 9, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

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.

Review: 2015 Cadillac Escalade 4WD Premium

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Sep 182015

No luxury brand adds bling to a vehicle like Cadillac, at least not for less than six figures.

Introduced in 1999, the Cadillac Escalade took the full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) to a new level. A weeklong test drive of the all-new 2015 Escalade 4WD Premium for Latino Traffic Report left me fairly dazzled by all the stuff.

The evolution of the Cadillac design has been fun to watch, remember those iconic tailfins? The latest design DNA, with the upswept headlamps and sharp edged tail lamps, distinguishes a Cadillac from others on the road. The fourth-generation Escalade now looks a bit more like its siblings.

Its powerful 6.2-liter V8 mated to an eight-speed transmission can propel the Escalade from zero–60 miles per hour in less than six seconds.

While it can tow 8,100 pounds (8,300 with two-wheel drive), it’ll get you there with a suspension assisted by Magnetic Ride Control, which is standard.

What most impressed me about the Escalade was the safety technology that was included rather than packaged separately on all but the base model. I’ve driven luxury models that considered a parking sensor and rearview camera optional. Not so on the Escalade and in a big SUV like this, these features really matter.

Beginning with the Luxury trim level (second from the bottom) the Escalade comes with side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, and the driver awareness package with forward collision alert and lane change warning systems. The best part is that these features engage the driver via my favorite innovation, the Safety Alert seat, that buzzes you on the upper left or right thigh (depending on what side of the vehicle is most at risk) to get your attention. My second favorite was the heads up display, also included, that shows the speed limit.

Luxury features abound on the Escalade as well. The front seats were heated and cooled and the second row bench and leather wrapped steering wheel were heated. An entertainment system with a nine-inch screen for the back seats, a power sun roof, adjustable pedals for shorter folks like me, a split third row bench with power fold, standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot with 3GB/three-month data trial, and a power programmable liftgate with hands free capability, were included.

This list is just the tip of the iceberg.

The CUE infotainment system had nice features, like haptic touch, but the scrolling required to operate it can be distracting.

Cadillac was slow to include real wood in its vehicles but those days are gone. Real wood combined with premium cut-and-sewn materials and suede accents, along with ambient lighting, accentuate the interior.

Extremely well appointed, the Escalade Premium test model did include some optional features, like a retractable running board, that added $4,295 to the price.

We pay up for luxury vehicles because we want a vehicle that’s a cut above the rest, but the modern luxury car market is filled with brands that expect you to pay-up for features that less expensive models are offering as standard. Not so with the Cadillac Escalade. Yes, you’ll pay a pretty price, but you’ll be blinged out!

Pricing for the Escalade Luxury starts at $77,965—I’m not starting with the base (Standard) model since it excludes important safety features whereas the next step up, the Luxury, includes them as standard. The as-tested price came to $89,360.

Sí: Cadillac packages the Escalade in a manner befitting a luxury vehicle.

No: The base model is excluded from several features like a blind spot monitor or heads up display.

Seventh Win for Pechito López

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Sep 152015

José María “Pechito” López secured his seventh race win of the season at Motegi, extending his lead at the top of the FIA World Touring Car Championship. The Japanese meeting narrowed the field of possible title contenders, with Citroën Total drivers López, Yvan Muller and Sébastien Loeb now the only men still in the running.

The Citroën team’s points haul from this weekend means it can wrap up the Manufacturers title in the next round in Shanghai on 25–27 September.

Despite the menacing skies and forecasts of rain, Race 1 got under way on a dry track. Norbert Michelisz was unable to take advantage of his pole position, with López getting a better start and passing him at the first turn! Loeb, who was third on the grid, nestled in behind Michelisz, but found himself boxed in on the outside and was overtaken by Gabriele Tarquini and Muller, who shot out of the blocks like a cannonball from the fourth row.

José María López

“Japan has been pretty good to me!,” enthused López. “I got off to a great start in Race 1 and managed to overtake Michelisz before the first bend. I thought it would be harder to keep him at bay, as our 60 kg of ballast were a real handicap on this circuit. But as it turned out, I was able to pull away and get the win.”

But the reigning WTCC champion had to wait until midway through the race to open up a significant gap on the chasing pack. With four laps to go, Ma Qing Hua pulled off a terrific manoeuvre to snatch fourth place from Yvan Muller. Loeb, too, then gained ground on the four-time WTCC champion, but there were to be no further changes in the standings before the chequered flag, giving José María López his seventh victory of the season!

With the first ten from the Race 1 starting grid lining up in reverse order for Race 2, the second race promised to be a trickier proposition for the Citroën team. The few drops of rain that fell during the repair time were not enough to soak the track, and all the drivers opted to stick with their slicks. The first turn was an eventful affair in the pack: López was rear-ended, sending him crashing into Loeb. The Race 1 winner was forced to pull out of the running with a punctured front left tyre. Pushed into Hugo Valente by Tarquini, Muller managed to hang onto third place, while Hua and Loeb finished lap 1 in fifth and seventh respectively.

The race remained lively until the last, thanks to an epic tussle between Rob Huff, Sébastien Loeb and Gabriele Tarquini. Despite launching countless attacks, Loeb just couldn’t find his way past Huff. Tarquini took advantage to slip past the nine-time World Rally Champion, before Seb reclaimed his spot just before the chequered flag!

“In Race 2, another driver ran into me and I couldn’t avoid hitting Seb,” López recounted. “I’m really sorry about that, but fortunately it didn’t totally ruin his race. Since Yvan didn’t fare any better than I did, the gap between us has widened. That means I can go into the next few races feeling quietly confident, but I certainly won’t be relaxing.”

The Citroën team scored enough points to keep them in an ideal position in the Manufacturers’ World Championship. Provided it doesn’t drop more than 37 points in Shanghai in two weeks’ time, Citroën will secure its second successive world title.

“First of all, I must pay tribute to Pechito López for his win,” said Xavier Mestelan, Deputy Team Principal, Citroën Racing. “He got a terrific start and followed that up with a perfect race. Things didn’t go quite so well for him in Race 2, but that is sometimes how it goes when you’re in the pack. Citroën is now in an ideal position to secure another World Championship title. That will be our ambition at the next meeting in China.”

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