When one looks to the 2014 Ford Fiesta, you have to expand your thoughts on the car, because Ford smartly offers many configurations of this gem. We had the chance to test drive the 2014 Ford Fiesta 5-Door Hatch SE with a manual five-speed transmission and truly appreciated what this car had to offer. The overall design is solid but not overwhelming, and for the price range you are looking to spend on a Fiesta, most will find the packaging appealing!

The major change to the exterior is the front fascia, which incorporates Ford’s global look and resembles cars that can cost thousands of dollars more that the Fiesta. Yes, the thinner headlights with built-in LED running lights with more aggressive lower intakes, a pronounced power dome on the hood and a new trapezoidal grille transform the Fiesta into somewhat of a combative little brother to the Focus and Fusion models. We thought the 16-inch painted aluminum wheels set the tone for the Fiesta, along with auto headlamps, dual power mirrors, the 5-bar chromed grille, integrated spotter mirrors and rear spoiler.

The 2014 Ford Fiesta 5-Door Hatch SE is much better car when it comes to the interior space compared to the 2013 model. The center counsel and armrest between the two front seats is a huge improvement, as you don’t get the feeling that just because it’s a compact car that it has to eliminate so many things that buyers crave, and I believe that was part of why Ford built the new Fiesta in the first place, so hat’s off on a great step forward! The seats are also very comfortable and wider than some midsize sedan seats that we’ve driven, which was a welcome surprise.

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Superior Storage

There are many pieces literature to be found that detail the different types and blends of tobacco, leaves and growing methods used in the making of cigars. As we well know, such factors have an important bearing on the quality and taste of the final product, but these elements are not the sole influences. The unsung hero of the cigar world is an excellent storage box that will empower you to maximize the flavourful goodness.

Since the Eighteenth Century, cigars have traditionally been housed and cured in wooden cigar boxes. In times past, the mode and method of such storage was valued highly – however, in our industrially-driven modern-age, cigars are mass-produced and increasingly wrapped and contained in contemporary materials such as cellophane or cardboard.

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As Lexus continues to evolve and grow with vehicles like the CT 200h, it’s clear that the size, packaging, full hybrid technology and ultra-low emissions perfectly meet the requirements of a young, environmentally conscientious customer. Yet the Lexus CT 200h Premium offers no compromise on the refinement and driving pleasure that hallmarks the progressive luxury inherent in every Lexus. We spent a week driving this offering from Lexus in all kinds of weather and we were impressed!

There is no mistaking this car as a Lexus, as the grille is flanked by headlamp clusters positioned on a higher plane than the grille itself and the headlamps themselves focus on piercing, single halogen or optional twin LED low beam lamps. This gives the Lexus CT 200h Premium a new look that is more aggressive and modern. Believe it or not, the mirrors were something to behold in both function and style, as they were compact and aerodynamic door mirrors with an integral, LED side turn signal lamp. Careful aerodynamic detailing of the lower bumper and finned rear undercover smooths airflow from beneath the car, further improving both vehicle stability and fuel consumption. For just the right look, the 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels fit nicely under the fenders for that performance appearance certain buyers crave.

The first thing that stood out to us was how much room there is in the cabin of the CT 200h. Design and function were at high levels with the dashboard being divided into two distinct zones with an upper Display Zone with an 8-inch LCD multi-display screen located at an ideal distance for at-a-glance viewing, and a lower Operation Zone which allows access to the uniquely designed shift lever and system controls.

Our test model was loaded with power tilt and slide moonrooof with sliding sun shade; NoLuxe trim interior; 10-speaker Lexus premium audio system; auto-dimming rearview mirror; Lexus homelink universal transceiver; black perforated leather-trimmed seats with driver’s memory; heated front seats and 4-way power passenger seat rain sensing intermittent wipers with mist cycle; HDD navigation system backup monitor; Lexus Enform with destination assist; HD radio; illuminated door sills; Bluetooth technology and SmartAccess with push button start. The extensive use of metallic finishes and dark, soft touch materials reinforces the premium quality of the cockpit. Customers will appreciate the Ecological Plastics with 30 percent plant-based Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) materials that are used for the floor mats, deck side and deck board trim. The CT is more than 80 percent recyclable and is designed to be easily dismantled. Recycle marks have been placed on the front, rear and tailgate trim to facilitate optimum recycling.

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The 2013 Sequoia has made a statement of power, with all models for 2013 now boasting the 381-hp 5.7-liter V8 as standard. We had the opportunity to test drive this beast of a SUV for a week and have grown accustomed to this power trip.

There is certainly no mistaking the super white 2013 Toyota Sequoia on the open road. The Sequoia’s 0.36 drag coefficient (Cd) is comparable to smaller crossover-type vehicles. The vehicle’s mirrors, wipers, A-pillars and roof header are shaped to help maximize aerodynamic efficiency and minimize wind noise. Vehicle underside airflow is optimized to reduce drag and wind noise and to help improve directional control.

Headlamp washers are standard on all grades for improved visibility. The wide rear door-opening angle provides easy passenger ingress/egress and child seat installation. Our test model also included power heated outside mirrors, multi reflector halogen headlights with auto-off feature, fog lamps, tilt slide moon roof with sunshade, roof rack, rear spoiler, privacy glass, 18-inch alloy wheels and running boards. Yes, those running boards are worth every penny, as getting inside of the Sequoia is no joke!

The Sequoia dash features a finish similar to that in fine luxury cars. Each of Sequoia’s eight seating positions provides space sufficient to comfortably accommodate people well above normal height. The same efficient packaging that allows exceptional interior comfort also allows carrying items up to 11 feet long. Folding the second- and third-row seats flat opens the cargo area to 120.1 cubic feet of carrying capacity.

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As the Jeep brand continues to grow, there appears to be a Jeep for just about every lifestyle. Delivering the packaging and interior flexibility of an SUV with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car, the 2014 Jeep Compass delivers for those wanting a little less size than traditional Jeeps. After driving the 2014 Jeep Compass Limited 4×4 for a week, we learned that the Compass offers an array of clever features that consumers will appreciate, whether commuting to work, driving in challenging weather conditions, or exploring new trails or out-of-the-way places.

The exterior of the 2014 Jeep Compass has been refined with specific updates that move the design forward. At the front of the Jeep Compass North and Limited models, the grille has been enhanced with a plated upper grille trim and in-color billet silver grille texture. The halogen headlamps now have a black inner bezel on the Sport and North models, and the Limited models have projector halogen headlamps with a black inner bezel and chrome fog lamp bezels. The Jeep Compass also features painted mirror caps, tail lamps with a new “smoked” inner bezel, a plated chrome insert on the tailgate trim applique, new available 18-inch aluminum wheels on Limited models, and a new plated chrome insert with a recessed “Jeep” badge on the tailgate trim applique for models equipped with the available Rear Backup Camera. Our deep cherry red crystal pearl coat test model boasted features such as high beam daytime running headlamps, 18-inch aluminum wheels, power heated mirrors with manual fold away, bi-function halogen projector headlamp, premium fog lamps, deep tint sunscreen glass and acoustic windshield.

As sharp as the exterior design is on the 2014 Jeep Compass Limited 4×4, the cabin is what really impressed us the most. For the 2014 model year, the Jeep Compass interior has been tastefully upgraded with accents and a trim that customers will appreciate. Upgraded features include a new interior trim option in the Jeep Compass Limited model as tested saddle brown perforated leather-faced seating with accent stitching. We found these leather seats to be extremely comfortable and stylish for any vehicle regardless of price! The North model includes a new sport mesh and vinyl seat with light grey accent stitching, and the light pebble beige trim features a new tangerine accent stitch on the seats. In addition, the armrests and center console lid are now wrapped in vinyl and the instrument cluster overlay graphics have been updated.

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