Latino Traffic Report

Long-term Review: 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC

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Jan 072015

The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander and I first met at the launch in Bend, Oregon last year. We got much better acquainted last winter when it was delivered to me in October at the start of a three-month loan. The elegant crossover impressed me with its versatility and technology.

The all-new Outlander is the only compact crossover in its class to offer seven-passenger available seating. While I don’t normally have a lot of passengers to haul, I took full advantage of this at Christmas when I joined my family in Bryan, Texas. My fifteen-year-old, 5’11”nephew made a beeline for the back seat, seeking the most private area of the vehicle. Admittedly, he had to sit at an angle to fit comfortably.

The particular model I drove, the Outlander GT S-AWC, is the top-of-the-line model, which meant I got to try cool upgrades like Super All-Wheel-Control (S-AWC) all-wheel-drive system, a bigger engine, and Rockford-Fosgate premium sound system, CD player included!

We don’t normally get much snow but this has been an unusually cold winter in Texas so I engaged the S-AWC in icy wet conditions just to feel a little more secure on the road. It also continued to save fuel by allowing the vehicle to function as a two-wheel-drive. Sensors will instantaneously reactivate 4WD when deemed necessary (poor road or weather conditions, etc.).

Powered by the 3.0-liter 24-valve V6 engine with 224 horses and matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Outlander’s fuel economy is pretty impressive. A 2.4-liter four cylinder matched to a continuously variable transmission is the base powertrain.

The EPA estimated fuel economy for this model should come in at 20 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. While I accumulated more than 2,600 miles overall, most were in the city, but I did take two road trips, one to Dallas and the other, as mentioned, to Bryan. Fuel economy varied. The onboard fuel economy calculator that resets after each restart, recorded average mpg of 18–28.5, generally hovering between 24–26 mpg. My total gasoline bill came to $200.

2014 Outlander Eco Mode.

The ECO-mode button, standard on all models, seemed to enhance fuel economy and it reportedly reduces emissions by slightly lowering engine power on initial acceleration as well as the airflow volume of the air conditioning.

Certain design features of note include the Klingon-esque grille that adds to the gas saving aerodynamics of the front fascia and intricately configured rear taillamps. The test Outlander was also a beautiful shade of dark blue, specifically, Cosmic Blue.

Navigation has been less friendly than I would like. Admittedly, part of that was attributed to operator error—I misread the address/intersection function as one word—but I’ve used several navigation systems, most recently in the Infiniti Q60, and had no trouble. Heading to Dallas, it produced a longer route than MapQuest.

The interior could use more accent lighting, especially under the center dash, and the entertainment displays were hard to read during the day. However, the entertainment system was also one of the easiest to use for programming radio and satellite stations. The display allowed you to choose between FM1 and FM2 by touching the screen rather than scrolling to find them as most system do.

Testing a vehicle over the holidays offered many cargo carrying opportunities and the Outlander’s 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the two rear rows of seats folded flat was put to good use. I successfully loaded two Christmas trees, Christmas gifts, and two dollies to help a friend with a move.

Getting the second row to fold flat, however, was less intuitive than other systems. The headrests had to be removed and then the 60/40-split second-row seat had to be released by pushing down it to lift up so that the seat back could fold flat. Confused? So was I but in the end, I managed.

The compact crossover segment has been a boon for automakers, attracting young families with the promise of versatility and fuel economy. Over the last three months, the Outlander has come through on the above as well as safety, winning the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick.

The test model came well-equipped with optional equipment like a lane change warning system that was a little hypersensitive but a nice feature on a road trip, plus the collision impact warning system promoted in the Outlander commercials. It really works—I tested it at the launch in Portland. I would still like to see a blind sport warning system and while a back-up camera is helpful, I prefer a parking sensor, especially at night.

Overall, the Outlander was a treat to drive and good value. The base price on the 2014 Outlander is $23,820 with destination fees. The test model started at $28,620 but with extra equipment, the as-tested price came to $34,720.

2014 Lexus GX 460

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Jan 072015

Lexus has redesigned the GX 460 for 2014 and as summer approaches, this new luxury utility vehicle (LUV) could suit the family road trip. For comfort and versatility, nothing beats the minivan, but for travelers who prefer a more posh ride, an LUV may be more apt.

I recently test-drove the all-new Lexus GX 460 around Austin. For starters, Lexus gives the GX a definite advantage—the base model is $4,710 dollars less than last year’s. It also comes with important features like the distinctive spindle grille, a rear back-up camera—an essential for the rear visibility challenged sport utility vehicle segment—plus a tilt/slide moonroof, and roof rails.

Adding the Premium Package will not only get you to last year’s price, it’ll get you the following features: a navigation system with backup monitor, perforated leather trimmed interior, heated and ventilated (cooled) front seats, heated outboard rear seats, Intuitive Parking Assist, and three-zone climate control.

For convenience the second row seats are split 40/20/40 or 60/40 to allow access to the back seats, which are also split 50/50 to fold flat. Maximum cargo volume is 64.7 cu. ft. The rear tailgate, however, does not lift up, but rather opens to the right. The key fob includes a power release button that controls the rear window, not the tailgate, so that it pops up for reaching in or loading from the rear.

Road trips also call for onboard entertainment features. The GX 460 comes with an AM/FM/in-dash single CD with Automatic Sound Levelizer and MP3/WMA capability, Bluetooth hands free phone and phonebook download capabilities and music streaming, Dual USB ports with iPod connectivity, an eight-inch touch screen, HD Radio Real-Time Traffic and Weather, and an Integrated SiriusXM Satellite Radio receiver (complimentary 90-day trial subscription included).

For watching movies on the road, however, the Rear Seat Entertainment System is optional, available on the Luxury trim level, and the Lexus navigation and Enform telematics system were a bit tedious.

Powered by one engine, the 4.8-liter V8 with 301 horsepower and 329 lb.–ft. of torque, it has a towing capacity of 6,500-lbs. It’s also equipped with trailer sway control for added safety and stability.

Complete with the six-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain achieves a modest EPA estimated fuel economy of 15 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. My average mpg came to 17.2 at the end of the weeklong test drive.

An advanced standard Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System helps the GX 460 attain the smooth ride for which Lexus is famous. It’s enhanced by the Adaptive Variable Suspension that allows the driver to tailor ride and handling balance by selecting from among Normal, Sport or Comfort modes.

The standard full-time four-wheel drive with an electronically controlled transfer case and a TORSEN torque-sensing limited slip center differential gives owners added on-road security and off-road capability.

Standard safety features include traction control, vehicle stability control, anti-lock brakes, and ten standard airbags including knee protection in the front seat and side curtain protection for all three rows.

The test model included the Premium Package as well as an essential safety feature, the blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, well worth the additional $800.

Smooth, quiet, luxurious and with seating for seven, the GX will take families to vacation destinations in style.

Available in two trim levels, Base and Luxury, pricing for the GX 460 starts at $49,995 with destination charges. The as-tested price came to $55,815.

Reviews–Acura RLX Advance

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Jan 072015

2014 Acura RLX.

To be honest, I wasn’t a fan of Acura’s front fascias. Something just didn’t look right. Well, whatever it was, it’s fixed, particularly on the all-new RLX sedan. Indeed, driving the RLX with Advance through Austin turned more than a few heads.

The cherry cola brown exterior paint (technically Crystal Black Pearl) initially caught my eye as well as the world’s first Jewel Eye LED headlights.

2014 Acura RLX.

The flagship sedan brings new technology to the segment including the standard next-generation AcuraLink connected car system, and Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, while adopting others, like haptic controls.

Touted as Acura’s “most powerful, spacious, and technologically advanced sedan,” it’s powered by an all-new 310-horsepower direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 engine matched to a Sequential SportShift six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The RLX has an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 20/31 mpg. I averaged 21.6 mpg.

Unique to Acura and standard on the RLX, the Precision All-Wheel Steer continuously monitors and calculates the correct amount of independent rear-wheel steering necessary for driving conditions. Double wishbone, double joint front suspension, and Agile Handling Assist also enhance performance

Longer and wider than its predecessor, the RLX boasts the longest rear-seat legroom (38.8 inches), and best front and rear shoulder room in the mid-luxury class. The expansive trunk offers 15.3 cubic feet of cargo room but because the test model also included the Krell Audio System, the cargo room came to 15.1 cubic feet.

Very nicely equipped with creature comforts, the RLX comes with tri-zone climate control, hill start assist, a power moonroof, Bluetooth, push button ignition, and the Acura/ELS audio system with Pandora compatibility. While the black and white leather seating adds luxury, the wood accents are not real and at this price and in this segment, they should be.

Standard safety technology includes forward collision and lane departure warning, the Multi-Angle Rearview camera, vehicle stability assist with traction control, and Smart Entry with push button start among other features.

New safety technology includes lane departure warning, Forward Collision Warning, illuminated door handles, and Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control.

Fully loaded with The Advance Package, the test model added Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, parking sensors in the front and rear, and heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats among other features.

Pricing for the 2014 RLX starts at $49,345. The as-tested price for the top-of-the-line RLX (next to the RLX hybrid) with the Advance Package came to $61,345.

Reviews–2014 Kia Soul !

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Jan 072015

Kia Soul in front of carriage house in Mary Tyler Moore Show.

Some vehicles hit the mark so directly with a singular design that subsequent redesigns focus on what’s under the hood rather than the outside. Such is the all-new 2014 Kia Soul, a compact five-door hatchback that has captured its segment with the right combination of utility and fun, prompting Kia designers to tread lightly.

At the recent launch in Minneapolis, it was clear that they opted to keep the same bug-like front fascia as well as the silhouette. The most notable exterior changes include a trapezoidal air intake at the front, new oversized tail lamps and a more contoured liftgate, plus the blinkers on the old model that gave the headlamps a baggy-eyed look, are gone. More substantive changes include a stiffer chassis that is longer and wider, adding interior room and an improved ride vis-à-vis heavily revised front and rear suspension systems.

Also adding to the Soul’s upgrades is the standard Flex Steer system that allows the driver to select from three distinct steering settings: Comfort, Normal and Sport for added oomph in certain situations, e.g. entering a freeway.

Kia Soul at the Mall of America.

After the launch, I clocked extra seat time in the Soul by way of an extended stay in Minneapolis. I retraced many of the steps ostensibly taken by one of my favorite television characters, Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore). I saw the Victorian mansion used in exterior shots for her apartment, the building that contained the WJM television station, and the downtown bronze statue that marks the spot where she flings her hat in the air during the opening of the show.

No trip to Minneapolis is complete without a trip to the Mall of America, located adjacent to the beautiful Radisson Blu where I stayed. Despite the Soul’s slight size increase, I still managed to squeeze into the tiniest of parking spaces in the parking garage.

There were moments that involved the navigation system supplied by the Sun and Sound Package ($2,600). The navigation (with XM/Sirius Traffic) remained on target plus, it allowed for a passenger to program directions while the car is moving. I understand why other systems freeze once the vehicle moves, namely to avoid driver distraction, but if you do have a front-seat passenger, the Kia method is also nice.

Available in three trim levels, Base, Plus, and Exclaim, I drove the latter that not only included additional standard equipment, but also more than $5,000 of added features—the previously mentioned Sun and Sound Package also included a panoramic sunroof and automatic climate control. The Whole Shebang Package ($2,500) came with push button start, leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Visiting in early October, I was able to appreciate the fall colors and a slight crispness in the air, as well as those heated seats.

The base model receives the 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline direct injection (GDI) with 130-horsepower and 118 lbs.–ft. of torque. The Exclaim, however, comes with a new, more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 164 horses and mated to the six-speed automatic that’s optional on the base model. Unfortunately, a six-speed manual is only available on the base model.

EPA estimated fuel economy on the Exclaim is 23 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. I averaged 18.7 mpg.

Seeking to upgrade the interior, designers incorporated circular cues along the door panels, the power windows, and door lock, a round gear shift knob, and push-button start (its location is exclusive to Soul in the Kia lineup). More new features include an improved UVO infotainment system with a high-definition capacitive touch screen and access to Pandora Internet radio.

Power windows, door locks and heated outside mirrors, a telescoping steering wheel, and a six-speaker AM/FM/MP3 audio unit are all standard on the base model. Bluetooth hands-free wireless technology, SiriusXM satellite radio with three months complimentary service, and USB/AUX inputs round out the Base Soul’s audio/infotainment equipment. A CD player is unavailable.

The Exclaim adds a high-gloss piano-black center console, cooled glove box, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

While the Soul’s redesign may not be radical, it is refined, which is further accentuated on the Soul Exclaim.

Pricing for the 2014 Soul starts at $15,495. The as-tested price for the 2014 Soul Exclaim came to $26,195.

Reviews–2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo E

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Jan 072015

The trailblazing Jeep Grand Cherokee continues to break new ground in 2014. Sporting an eight-speed transmission and offering a diesel engine in the lineup, it hasn’t missed a step with the latest generation.

Jeep recently delivered a Grand Cherokee Laredo E 4X4 for review. While not the fanciest trim level, the Laredo E will probably be the most popular and with good reason.

While the premium Jeep gets credit for creating the luxury SUV segment, the mid-level Laredo feels just as solid and plush with its premium cloth seats. The stitching along the dash is nice plus the seven-inch digital display in the instrument cluster can be customized to show a variety of information. I always keep my average fuel economy calculator showing to optimize fuel-efficient driving.

While the diesel will beat most gasoline-powered engines with a best-in-class 30 mpg on the highway, the 3.6-liter V6 with 290 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque on the Laredo has an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 17/24 mpg. I averaged 19.2 mpg. A 5.7-liter V8 is also available.

Rock crawling remains a Jeep specialty and the Grand Cherokee offers three 4×4 systems, a class-exclusive Quadra-Lift air suspension, and class-leading Jeep Selec-Terrain traction management system with new Selec-Speed Control.

Grand Cherokee also boasts best-in-class towing of 7,400 pounds (6,200 with the V6) and the eight-speed transmission improves its 4×4 performance with a lower crawl ratio. I didn’t get to test it on this drive but at the launch last year near Enchanted Rock, Texas, it crawled with finesse.

On road, the Laredo moved fluidly and quietly, plus all Grand Cherokee models include standard paddle shifters mounted on the back of the new steering wheel.

There offers more than 60 available safety features, including Front Park Assist, Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a blind sport monitor. Unfortunately, the test model did not include any of these, nor can they be added to the Laredo. Also missing is a back-up camera.

What the Laredo E did include was Electronic Stability Control, Keyless Enter-N-Go, anti-lock brakes, side curtain and knee airbags, and Hill Start Assist, among other features.

Upgraded exterior details, like new headlamps and grilles that distinguish each trim level are matched to new features on the inside including a seven-inch customizable gauge cluster and five-inch touchscreen on the center stack. The 8.4-inch touchscreen is available but not on the base model. The extra large screen, however, has converted a CD player into a $200 option.

Creature comforts include dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control, Uconnect entertainment system with integrated voice command and Bluetooth, and a leather wrapped steering wheel.

Added equipment like Sirius Satellite Radio came with the Customer Preferred Package ($1,700) and heated front seats and the Selec-Terrain system were added via the All Weather Capability Group ($1696). The Security and Convenience Group ($1,350) added a power liftgate among other features.

Available in four trim levels, pricing for the 2014 Grand Cherokee starts at $30,190. The as-tested price for the 2014 Laredo E came to $37,530.

Reviews—2015 Chrysler 200

Chrysler, Reviews Comments Off

Jul 152014

The midsize car segment is the biggest and most competitive in the country. Imports from Honda and Toyota dominate it, particularly popular among Latino car buyers. Chrysler hopes to compete with its all-new 2015 200 midsize sedan. Its good looks and amenities will certainly give it game.

“The all-new Chrysler 200 lays the groundwork for the future of the Chrysler Brand,” says Al Gardner, president and CEO—Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “It involved a three-year process because we wanted to build something fantastic.”

This has not been a good segment for Chrysler, starting with the 200’s precursor, the Sebring. The hapless sedan just couldn’t capture consumer appeal. At the recent launch in Louisville, Kentucky, however, the new 200 gained immediate attention for its styling. The “new face of Chrysler” includes the updated Chrysler winged badge, signature light pipe headlamps, standard LED tail lamps, rear spoiler, and a European profile. Like the Dodge Dart and Jeep Cherokee before it, the 200 will also be based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta platform.

But in a segment this competitive, the advantage usually comes down to the details and the 200 stands out with game changing technology.

For starters, it’s the first Chrysler product to feature the nine-speed automatic transmission, standard on all 200s. The clear star of this driving experience in Louisville, additional gear ratios optimize performance by precisely matching the gear state to the most efficient engine operating condition. This was evident, from zero-60 acceleration to deceleration on curvy roads. There’s also a sport-driving mode for added performance.

The transmission is not only a performance enhancer, it’s a fuel saver. Powered by two available engines, the base inline 2.4-liter four-cylinder produces 184 horsepower and has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 23 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Considered best in class, the available 3.6-liter V6 offers 295 horses. On the road, the 200 was quiet and peppy, even with the base four-cylinder engine.

For car buyers who appreciate the added control of all-wheel-drive (AWD) but not the loss of fuel economy, the 200 offers AWD technology that engages only when it detects slippage, operating in front wheel drive the majority of the time to save fuel.

No discussion of technology can exclude safety features and the 200 offers 60 of them, more than its competitors. Standard features include airbags with knee protection and side curtains, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control. Available features like ParkSense rear backup sensors, ParkView rear backup camera, blind spot monitoring, and Rear Cross Path Detection are well worth the added investment. Unfortunately, they’re not available throughout the lineup.

On the inside, timeless American design based on simple elegance that includes high-quality materials, epitomized by the Eames chair, Airstream travel trailers, or Apple iPhone, inspired the 200’s designers. Attention to detail is apparent, like the blue backlit instrument cluster with an available seven-inch configurable display, the pass through storage space below the center stack with rubber lining stamped with the Detroit skyline, or the sliding armrest and storage. Storage, in general, on the new 200 is pretty plentiful.

The use of quality materials includes available leather seating with accent piping and real wood accents, a segment exclusive.

The base trim model, LX, is basically sold as-is but does include keyless entry, push-button ignition, air conditioning, a steering wheel with audio controls, the vehicle information center in the instrument cluster, and a Uconnect five-inch touch screen display for the AM/FM stereo. CD players are optional across the lineup.

Available in four trim levels, pricing for the 2015 200, including destination fees, starts at $22,695.

Reviews: 2014 Volvo XC60

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May 192014

While not the sexiest of topics, car safety technology can save your life. Volvo leads the field by example with innovations like the three-point safety belt that has saved an estimated one million lives. Most recently, Volvo committed to achieving zero deaths or serious injuries in a Volvo vehicle by 2020. That kind of boldness is hot.

Hoping to jazz up its exterior appeal, Volvo introduced the R-Design package in the 1990s, transforming regular models by adding sportiness initially with design cues, and now, improved performance.

On a recent test drive of the 2014 XC60 T6 R-Design for Latino Traffic Report, the small premium utility vehicle proved to be a bit of a turn on.

Among European brands, Volvo appeals immediately with its Scandinavian aesthetic. The XC60 R-Design standard sport seats combine black nubuck textile, perforated leather, and contrasting stitching, and a Thin Film Transistor (TFT) center display in the gauge cluster allows drivers to select among three different themes: Elegance, Eco, and Performance.

On the inside, aluminum inlays, ergonomically placed controls and storage, add refinement. Even the tapered leather sport steering wheel feels just right.

On the outside, the XC60 R-Design features a frameless Tech Matte Black grille with high-gloss black stripes, plus a silk metal diagonal and a refined R-Design emblem. At the rear, the unique diffuser with aero fins is flanked by the round, high-tech R-Design tailpipes.

On the performance side, the XC60 R-Design’s stiffer chassis has more dynamic driving properties. Tuned to be firmer and more balanced, the shock absorber springs and anti-roll bars improve control and produce a sportier, road-hugging drive.

Advanced Quick Shift is another new standard performance feature for T6 R-Design models that adjust gear changes when Sport Mode is selected or when using paddle shifters.

No discussion of a Volvo product would be complete without talking about safety. The XC60 was the first vehicle equipped with City Safety, a driver support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions by stopping automatically at speeds of 31 mph or less.

I’m a big fan of the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), another Volvo innovation, but while manufacturers most place the warning light in the side mirrors, Volvo puts theirs in the A-pillar, which I prefer. It comes as a package, not as standard equipment, however, even on the R-Design model, and includes other technology like Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Merge Aid.

The 2014 XC60 offers a choice of two engines. A 3.0-liter, six-cylinder turbo matched to a six-speed automatic transmission powered the test model. A 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter four cylinder engine will be available for 2015, as well as an eight-speed transmission.

The 3.0-liter had an EPA estimated fuel economy of 17 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. I averaged 20.8 mpg on the weeklong test drive.

Standard luxury features like a laminated panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade and sporty 20-inch alloy wheels set the CUV apart. Features like a navigation system and rear park assist were extras.

Pricing for the 2014 XC60 starts at $35,765. The as-tested price for the XC60 R-Design, with the Platinum ($4,000) and Blind Spot Information System ($900) packages came to $52,665.

For Latino car buyers, safety matters. Rather than downplay it, Volvo’s proud of its safety heritage, and I say, bravo!

Sí: Innovative safety technology and Scandinavian design, especially on the inside, offers elegant utility.

No: Safety features like a rearview camera should be standard, especially on a Volvo, not to mention, the R-Design.