Author: Staff (Page 5 of 21)

Car Review: 2013 Ford C-Max Energi SEL

October 1, 2013 / Staff

If you are a customer looking to optimize your hybrid car experience, the all-new 2013 Ford C-Max Energi SEL could be the right car for you. This impressive new offering from the Blue Oval has the potential to be another home run in the improving U.S. auto market.

EXTERIOR

Looks aren’t everything in a car, and that holds even truer when one is looking for fuel efficiency. But when a car looks good, there is no better starting point. With the 2013 Ford C -Max Energi SEL, we might have the first true hybrid that can boasts good looks as one of the main selling points. Ford was smart by taking the European Focus C-Max and transforming that car into one of the best cars on the market. Our test model sported 17-inch machined aluminum wheels, fog lamps, power lift gate and keyless entry. The ruby red metallic paint looked incredible on the C -Max Energi SEL, adding just enough bling to a car that is all about making smarts. The C-MAX line also features the company’s innovative hands-free liftgate, which allows quick and easy access to the cargo area without ever needing to fumble for keys. A gentle kicking motion under the rear bumper opens the liftgate when used in combination with a key fob the user keeps in his or her pocket or purse that tells the car it’s okay to engage. The same motion can be used to close the liftgate.

INTERIOR

C-Max Energi provides customers with plenty of interior versatility and flexibility along with the urban maneuverability of a smaller vehicle. The sight lines in the 2013 Ford C-Max Energi SEL are as good as any car or truck we’ve tested, and that makes us feel like better drivers on the road. The C-Max line features a high roof design that gives each vehicle an overall height of 64 inches along with a higher command-style seat position instead of a cockpit type. It also features five-passenger seating that includes a split, fold-flat second-row seat. In C-Max Energi, there’s 43.4 cubic feet behind the first row and 19.2 cubic feet behind the second row, which we found somewhat limited.

Our test model was equipped with ambient lighting, dual zone climate control, in-floor storage in the rear of the car, black leather trimmed seats with a 10-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, premium audio and navigation package, hands-free technology package, rearview camera and automated parking system. The feel of the cabin materials were what you would expect in a luxury car, and the overall interior space was smart and stylish. Because of the multiple driving options regarding power source, the dashboard was easy to navigate and understand. There is a lot of Escape DNA in the interior of the 2013 Ford C-Max Energi, which adds some styling flair to this very cool ride.

Car Reviews, Cars

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Car Review: 2013 Lincoln MKZ AWD

September 24, 2013 / Staff

The future of Lincoln is here, and there’s a whole bunch of style and substance that wasn’t present in their cars before the 2013 Lincoln MKZ AWD arrived this year. The new MKZ is the first Lincoln created by a dedicated team in its new Lincoln Design Studio with a sweeping profile that incorporates one of the world’s widest-opening retractable glass roofs. This new offering from Lincoln was a major test for Lincoln, and we spent a week behind the wheel to see if the folks at Lincoln delivered.

EXTERIOR

A sweeping roofline defines the new luxury sedan’s profile. The steeply raked windshield and lengthened backlight make for a sleeker and more flowing appearance that is 10 percent more aerodynamic than the model it replaces. Although strikingly modern, the design retains classic Lincoln design elements, including a more refined interpretation of the split-wing grille, first seen on the 1938 Lincoln-Zephyr. Rearview mirrors stand on door-mounted, sculpted pedestals. This fitment enables the front door glass to extend farther forward to improve visibility and to allow even more light into the interior. The crafted headlamp assemblies include bright, energy-efficient LED lighting. The front headlights turn in sync with the steering wheel, providing enhanced visibility. At the rear, LED technology enabled a thin, distinctive full-width tail lamp graphic. There is no doubt that the MKZ is a real attention grabber on the road, as the looks and compliments were coming from all directions.

INTERIOR

When I first entered the cabin of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ AWD, the striking improvements from the prior model weren’t even on my mind as I just thought that this new car from Lincoln had one of the sharpest interiors I’ve seen no matter what segment we’re testing. Design teams clearly created an inviting interior featuring bold architectural elements, rich natural materials and fine details.

This is the type of functional interior that will appeal to younger and more diverse drivers that appreciate luxury and technology. Innovation and technology abound inside the new MKZ. Replacing the traditional mechanical transmission shift lever is a contemporary five-button interface. The individual buttons of Push Button Shift engage Park, Neutral, Reverse, and forward gears in two modes, Drive and Sport. Push Button Shift gave designers freedom to create a sculptural multi-level center console with more functional storage areas.

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Car Review: 2014 Ford Fusion Energi SE

September 20, 2013 / Staff

Ford has been going gangbusters lately in both sales and market share, and much of that can be attributed to the Blue Oval’s relentless efforts to be one of the leaders in fuel efficient cars. The new and forward-thinking 2014 Ford Fusion Energi SE is just one of many vehicles that Ford is rolling out to keep the momentum going and the competition wondering what will be next. We were fortunate to drive this Fusion Energi for a week to really learn and appreciate how new technologies are moving the auto industry forward.

EXTERIOR

The exterior of the 2014 Ford Fusion Energi SE isn’t a whole lot different from the standard Fusion other than some badges. Our test model, however, looked very sharp with features such as 17-inch aluminum rims, auto halogen headlamps, easy fuel capless filler, fog lamps, integrated spotter mirrors, keyless entry key pad and power folding heated mirrors. The dark side paint was extra clean, and with the new, low front end and fastback rear, this Fusion was ready for action.

INTERIOR

The new cabin for the 2014 Ford Fusion Energi SE is something that can generally only be found in much more expensive cars, and that might have something to do with the big sales numbers coming in for this new Ford offering. Our test model was absolutely loaded with options, such as 10-way heated driver’s seat, leather seating all around, dual zone electric climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and Sirius satellite. The dashboard is unique with all of the electric and gas information in clear view to keep the driver up to date with the powertrain. With the large battery, trunk space is drastically reduced.

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Car Review: 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV

September 17, 2013 / Staff

We’ve heard so much about the new 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV from press reports and even from some of our staff who already had the chance to drive this sleek offering from Nissan. So naturally, the rest of us wanted to see what all the hype was about, because you normally don’t get to drive that many cars that get 38mpg and rave reviews on looks both inside and out. When it comes to the innovations and advanced technology behind the ground-up, totally new 2013 Nissan Altima design, some things might be considered evolutionary.

EXTERIOR

The design of the 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV is both clean and compelling, which from some angles can rival luxury sedans and stand tall. Proving that premium doesn’t have to be pricey, the new Altima body takes a big step forward in creating a quiet, comfortable foundation for a new benchmark mid-size sedan. While keeping the same basic dimensions as the previous generation with new attention to aerodynamic design, Nissan helps give the totally restyled body a more premium appearance. The front fascia is outright brilliant, conveying confidence and style that will grab the attention of customers.

INTERIOR

When it comes to the new 2013 Altima, revolution also lives in the details. The interior’s premium look and feel comes from a combination of fresh design and quality appointments. Nissan has taken comfort to the next level with seating technology that we could only just imagine a few years back. While the new Altima likes to keep its wheels and tires firmly planted on the road, the standard front bucket seats have a less earthly design. In the desire to help reduce the fatigue experienced during long commutes or extended road trips, Nissan turned to seating and posture research from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

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Car Review: 2013 MINI Cooper S Paceman ALL4

September 4, 2013 / Staff

You can’t help but notice the lower stance and more aggressive look when you first check out the 2013 MINI Cooper S Paceman ALL4. This car is the result of years of real world testing and customer feedback that enabled MINI to build the car that many people crave. That’s a good thing for MINI.

EXTERIOR

With a sporty new exterior design and styled as a coupé interpretation of the Countryman, the inspired look of the 2013 MINI Cooper S Paceman has that It factor! Packed with MINI character and obvious design cues which tie it to the rest of the range, the three-door Paceman’s unique exterior styling is what immediately catches the eye. Built on the Countryman platform, bumper to bumper the car is 4,109 mm (4,115mm for MINI Cooper S Paceman and Cooper SD Paceman), which makes it almost identical in size to its sibling.

With a contemporary and expressive body shape, the Paceman has been created to appeal to a new type of design-conscious customer. The prominent horizontal lines and dynamic curved surfaces give the promise of sporting performance, yet there is an elegant simplicity to the overall form of the car. The upright front grille, complete with hexagonal radiator grille and broad chrome surround, gives the Paceman genuine presence. Its coupé-style stretched side profile features long doors, while the blacked-out pillars create a “floating roof” concept, as already seen on the MINI Coupe. Available in either black, white or body colour, the roof gently slopes towards the rear of the car, ending at the integrated spoiler. The horizontal arrangement of the rear lights, which accentuates the car’s width, is a first for MINI. The Paceman is the only member of the brand’s line-up to be identified by a rear nameplate.

Some of the upscale features included power folding mirrors, heated mirrors with washing jets, a huge dual pane panoramic sunroof and 19-inch alloy wheels.

INTERIOR

As with all MINIs, the cabin space is much more than anticipated, and the Paceman comes through with an inspired interior that is both smart and sporty. The car’s interior has been designed specifically for this model. It’s highlight is the innovative rear seat, which has been styled around a lounge concept. Two individual chairs provide generous levels of head, shoulder and knee room with outstanding comfort and support. Armrests have been integrated into the rear trim. A two-section version of the MINI Centre Rail storage and attachment system – first seen in the Countryman – comes as standard. A full-length variant is available as an option.

Car Reviews, Cars

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