TEIN spices up a not-so-spicy new Toyota

The 2012 Vitz/Yaris isn't exactly the most exciting redesign in my opinion. However, Japanese suspension manufacturer, TEIN, has added a bit of spice to the somewhat vanilla '12 Vitz. As with most cars, it does look better lowered. The next Yaris/Vitz still doesn't do anything for me.

VIDEO: Suzuki Jimny history

Cool video about the Suzuki Jimny's history (also known as the Samurai). Again, I'll whine about not getting the current-spec Jimny, but so be it. I'll keep my Sidekick.

LINK
Suzuki Jimny History (YouTube)

Deja Vu: Will higher gas prices increase small car sales again?

This incredibly detailed, highly (un)scientific graphic was made by yours truly in 2008, but it looks like we might be in the same boat yet again: oil keeps creeping up.While typing this, crude was at $98.17 a barrel for WTI Crude. Economists say that if it goes up to $125 a barrel, we could face a recession again (still?). We've all likely heard of the $5 per gallon rumor, too (some say as early as May). This after reporting that large vehicle sales were way up last summer. Really, who ever thought gas prices would go up again? (That was a joke, folks.)

If oil/gas does continue its skyward climb, it'll be interesting to see if small car sales make an increase as well. However, unlike 2008 when the gas price averaged $4.11 a gallon nationwide, more manufacturers are poised for such a spike with more fuel-efficient vehicle offerings. Even many of the larger trucks and SUVs are getting better mileage. We'll see what happens. Hopefully for our wallets, things don't get too bad.

Lancia drivetrain is a gorgeous Italian four-pot

Who doesn't love a sexy Italian four-banger love? OK, that sounds bad. Regardless of syntax, this is an undeniably hot-looking four-cylinder engine destined for Road Race Motorsports' 1967 Lancia Fuliva restoration. Knowing the caliber of work RRM does, this will likely be an awesome Italian automobile.

LINK
Road Race Motorsports

The rare Smart ForTwo BRABUS captured in the wild

Well would you look at that? A Smart ForTwo BRABUS in the wild! I will say, that the ForTwo with the BRABUS treatment looks pretty good for what it is. The funny thing is the car had North Carolina plates, and was stuffed to the roof in the back. Remember, I live in Oregon. That's a long way to drive in a ForTwo. I don't know if I should be surprised or not that I spied this at IKEA or not. In case you were wondering, I did get a $1 frozen yogurt, but no meatballs this trip, but enough about me.

A bit bigger: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited—A luxury SUV from an off-road legend

Since its debut in 1993, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been known as a premium SUV from a company that’s legendary for its SUVs. Heck, they essentially created the 4x4. Now in its fourth iteration, the Grand Cherokee continues that legacy to yet another degree.

For 2011, the Grand Cherokee is all new and is ready to go head to head against the best luxury SUVs in the world.

On the outside, the Grand Cherokee is quite handsome with a chiseled, masculine, and sophisticated appearance. Looking great in a metallic red finish, my Limited model definitely has a premium look, but no one will mistake it for anything other than a Jeep. Of note are the great looking chrome 20” wheels and tires. Hold on: 20” wheels on a Jeep? Don’t worry—this is still a very capable off-road vehicle.

Speaking of, the new Grand Cherokee features an independent front and rear suspension; something that helps on-road handling, but isn’t typically associated with hard-core off-road capability. But, with Jeep’s latest drivetrain technology, the Grand Cherokee retains “mountain goat” status. An all-new sophisticated Selec-Terrain system employs an easy-to-use dial on the center console to select the specific terrain you encounter: snow, sport, sand/mud, and rocks (and an auto mode). Simply turn the dial to the needed terrain, and the SUV’s drivetrain adapts to the necessary condition. Indeed, this 4x4 model does have a true low-range transfer case for true off-road capability. In fact, I had a chance to take the truck on an off-road course with bumps, hills, off-camber crossings, and steeply angled ascents and descents. Without breaking a sweat, the Grand Cherokee crept and crawled easily over the terrain like it was child’s play. Remember, this is still a Jeep, and the Grand Cherokee is the real deal. Not to be ignored are its on-road manners, which are very good, too. The ride is top notch, and handling is very good for an SUV. It’s not meant for the twisties, but it certainly feels stable during cornering. It is a very comfortable cruiser, and its phenomenal turning radius makes it easy to drive in the city, too. Really, the turning radius is remarkable.

Although the standard engine is a powerful 3.6-liter V-6, my model had the gusty 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 creating 360 horsepower and 390 ft./lbs. of torque mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. All of this translates into brisk performance and the ability to tow up to 7,200 lbs. Of course along with a big V-8 comes big V-8 fuel economy. Rated at 13 city, 19 highway with the HEMI, the Grand Cherokee is a thirsty mode of transportation. The V-6 does deliver better numbers, but you’ll lose power and towing capability as well as that great V-8 sound.

One of my favorite parts of the Grand Cherokee is the interior. My test model had luxurious cream-colored leather with heated and air conditions seats; a well thought out touch-screen entertainment system with GPS navigation and a fantastic stereo system to the tune of 506 watts; easy Bluetooth connectivity;  an easy-to-use and very effective climate control system;  rear DVD player with screen; and even a heated steering wheel (a very nice feature for cold climates). The tech goodies don’t stop there, either. There’s active cruise control that automatically adjusts when approaching oncoming traffic; there’s blind spot detection that works very well at letting you know if there’s someone next to you; and an auto-opening rear tailgate. Unlike many other luxury vehicles of late (sedan, SUV, or what have you), the Grand Cherokee’s abundant technology works well and is pretty darn intuitive—something I’m a stickler for. The compliments continue on comfort, too, with great front bucket seats, and a good back seat, as well. It felt a bit smaller than some SUVs or CUVs, and there isn’t a third row. The cargo area, however, is quite spacious.

The new Grand Cherokee is solid in many ways. It offers solid performance, solid build quality, and is a solid buy for a luxury SUV (the test model hovered in the $45-$50K range). Well, it’s a solid value when put next to Land Rover’s LR4 (another off-road capable SUV), which starts at $48,500 and can climb to near $60K. (You can get into a 4x4 Grand Cherokee for as little as $32,215 with the V-6.) Plus, this is a vehicle that can hang in the rough stuff. Although it may not have the luxury clout of a Range Rover, it is less expensive, and equally as capable off the pavement—after all, this is a Jeep—and Jeep has a clout all its own.

Frosty little Mazdas

Cool photo, eh? All these little white Mazdas on a white floor. This photo was shot at a shopping mall in Thailand by Subcompact Culture reader (and Toyota Yaris owner), Thomas. Thanks for the pic! If you'd like to send a photo, story idea, or anything else to Subcompact Culture, simply e-mail me.

Diesel Chevrolet Cruze confirmed for the U.S.

Of all companies that might decide to offer a diesel-powered small car, who would've guessed it'd be Chevrolet? Not me. However, this is apparently the truth, at least according to GMInsideNews.com, who apparently has inside sources that are confirming this.

The engine will allegedly be a 2.0-liter unit generating 147 horsepower and 235 ft./lbs. of torque, which is found in Cruze models outside of the U.S. This mill is already being employed in the Holden Cruze CDX in Australia, for example. The vehicle should garner 34 combined MPG. Although this doesn't sound so high, the other small diesel car in the U.S., the 2011 Jetta TDI, also gets 34 combined (30 city, 42 highway).

Could this (along with VW's offerings) be a gateway into more diesel car options? Frankly, I hope so. So, Kudos to you, GM, assuming this happens. But will people be willing to shell out more money for a diesel option and be willing to pay more money for diesel fuel?

SOURCE
GMInsideNews.com

It's time to admit it: Americans like hatchbacks

Bear with me here ...

There was a time in my life not too long ago when I said I didn't like Port wine. (No really, stick with me here.) This was based on one experience I had and preconceptions that Port was too sweet, too syrupy. However, one night while out to dinner, I tried it again and though--this Port isn't too bad ... but I don't generally like Port. While up in the Yakima, WA area one time, we stopped at a winery to taste some vino. They had a Port-style wine. I tried it and though--wow, this is pretty good ... but I really don't like Port-style wine. Well, after about the third different kind of Port, it dawned on me: I guess I do like Port wine.

I liken this to America's long-standing notion about the hatchback vehicle. For years, the auto industry kept saying that Americans don't like hatchbacks, hence the vast number of sedans and coupes offered, and the very small amounts of European, Japanese, and American hatchbacks offered. But, now that we're in 2011, that seems to have changed. Have you noticed the amount of hatchbacks on the market? In no particular order and just off the top of my head:

Nissan Versa
Nissan Cube
Nissan Juke
Toyota Yaris
Toyota Matrix
Mini Cooper (and all its variations)
Suzuki SX4
Mazda 2
Mazda 3
Kia Rio5
Kia Soul
Kia Forte 5
Chevrolet Aveo
Honda Fit
Honda CR-Z
Audi A3
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen New Beetle
Hyundai Accent
Dodge Caliber
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Ford Fiesta

I've likely forgotten some, and this list doesn't include CUVs or wagons, let alone all of the SUVs and minivans on the market. Do definitely know Americans love SUVs, and really, they have a back end just like a hatchback. Heck, you could argue that SUVs are hatchbacks.

Ford's people told us at the Portland International Auto Show that 57% of the Fiestas the company sells are hatchbacks models, and they predict 50% of the 2012 Focus models they sell will be hatchbacks.

I think it's time we stop saying that Americans don't buy hatchbacks. It's just like me saying I didn't like Port, even though each time I tried it I liked it.

Review: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

If you’re a car enthusiast, you’ll know certain three letter combinations mean performance: AMG, EVO, or GTR, for example. Another three-letter combo that commands lots of respect is STI—Subaru Tecnica International—Subaru’s in-house tuner. These three letters guarantee the Subaru wearing an STI badge is going to be a fire-breathing, pavement-gripping, pinned-to-the-back-of your seat ride. It might as well be short for Superior Thrust is Imminent. The U.S. market gets the Impreza WRX STI: A souped-up version of the already fast, turbocharged, all-wheel drive Impreza WRX, which is the performance version of the non-turbocharged not-so-fast Impreza (note the lack of a three-letter “go fast” acronym). But enough about that. All you need to know is STI means business.

Power and handling are the main story with the STI. The 2011 STI has 305 horsepower and 290 ft./lbs. of torque from its turbocharged, intercooled 2.5-liter boxer-style four cylinder engine. The car is only available with a manual, six-speed transmission with closely spaced ratios. From a standstill, an enthusiastic launch is a violent endeavor (a good kind of violent, however). Since the car is all-wheel drive, there’s no wheel spin, meaning all that power is turned into brutal , neck-snapping acceleration. Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds. Yep, that’s pretty darn fast.

Matching the STI’s impressive acceleration is the car’s unrelenting grip. With sticky high-grip 18-inch Dunlop tires, a very stiff suspension, and of course, all-wheel drive, the STI is a monster in the corners just as it is in the straights. There are even trick features that play upon the car’s rally-esque personality, such as an adjustable center differential. This really is like a race car for the streets. It also rides like a race car on the streets. I’m OK with that.

 Inside the STI, it’s a mix of race car and economy car, whether you opt for the sedan or hatchback variant. There are great race-style seats, an attractive gauge cluster, and a low-slung seating position. There’s also a decent stereo, GPS navigation, and some more rally-car-like features, such as headlights that can be adjusted up or down in the car. There are also three selectable driving modes (auto, S, or S#) The aforementioned S# is the highest performance setting. There is a lot of hard plastic and my hatchback test model had a fair number of squeaks and rattles, though—something most $37,000+ cars likely won’t have (this STI tester was right around $40,000). Then again, you’ll likely forget about all of this when you mash the throttle while wearing an ear-to-ear smile on your face. You’ll also likely not care that the car is rated at 17 city, 23 highway (I averaged 19.5 MPG) as you apex a tight corner. You will, however, care that you can comfortably haul four people in the car or fold the rear seat down and haul a lot of stuff as you haul ass home from Costco with a load of stuff.

Really, the STI is about one thing in my book: performance. Yes, it’s practical, yes it’s racy looking, but it doesn’t matter. This thing goes really stinkin’ fast, turns really darn well, and really sticks like glue. If you’re shopping for a car such as the STI, those are the things you’re concerned about. And the STI does all those things extremely well.

LINK
Subaru of America

A "Smart" move? Mercedes to take over Smart distribution

If you read my monthly sales reports, you'll know that Smart's ForTwo has been a very slow seller in the U.S. The Smart dealer network has been run by Penske since the car's introduction in the States, but that's about to change.

Penske has decided to no longer be in the Smart car business. That includes forfeiting distribution rights, sales, management, and marketing. So who's going to take over? Mercedes-Benz USA.

This could get interesting. Then again, maybe it won't ...

2012 Kia Rio images

The Kia Rio has been the Korean automaker's subcompact offering since 2000. Redesigned in 2006, the Rio is getting a bit long in the tooth, and sales have reflected this. However, the 2012 Rio will likely catapult the car into the small car spotlight as it's set to compete with the best of the best in the market. These images have been released ahead of the upcoming Geneva Auto Show.

Powerplants will range from a 1.1-liter diesel for Europe to larger gas powerplants for the U.S. I've read that it could be the 1.6-liter direct-injection Hyundai four-cylinder making 138 horsepower/123 ft./lbs. of torque.

The third-generation Rio will be two inches longer, one inch wider, and a half-inch lower than the current generation.

I happen to think the car looks fantastic, and bet it will be a major contender in the rapidly growing and increasingly competitive U.S. subcompact market.

In the driveway: 2011 Ford Fiesta SES

Another subcompact review vehicle. This time it's the new Fiesta. Decked out in SES trim and with a 5 speed, Fiesta is a very nice car. Dare I say best in class? More later.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

Daihatsu Hijet at King of the Hammers

I was at King of the Hammers this week for my day job. What an awesome off-road event. While in the pits, I spotted this little Daihatsu Hijet. Some ATV tires, a lift, and bam: mini off roader. Looks like a ton of fun; I want one.

The Sidekick gets a new top

Project "Teal Terror," aka "Teal-Tastic," aka The Sidekick, got a new top this weekend. Gone is the ill-fitting, disheveled, ratty, windy, and leaky OEM white top (which Mercedes keeps saying made the car look like it came from Miami Vice). In its place is a brand-new Bestop Replace-a-top. Although it might cost a bit more than some of the generic tops on eBay, etc., it's made really, really well. It seals right, there are extra bits of rubber to keep wind and rain out, and the plastic window clarity is fantastic. Installation was straight forward, and after a bit of stretching, it's now as tight as a drum. Very impressed.

Just changing from the white top to the black top makes the trucklet look so much better, in my humble opinion. Next stop, timing belt and water pump.

LINK
Bestop

Suzuki SX4 Crossover: Snow Drift II

A cool video found on ClubSX4.com. "Snow Drift II" was made by Eric Davis, and features his SX4, some GoPro cameras, and some well-done editing. Nicely done.

"Monster" Tajima's new Suzuki SX4 on the dyno

Wow. Oh, and ... WOW. Here's "Monster" Tajima's new Suzuki SX4 hillclimb car on the dyno. I wonder how many horsepower it put down? Click the link below to watch the video on モンスター静岡磐田店's Facebook page (I believe this is Monster Motorsport's page).

SOURCE
Facebook

Chevrolet Sonic in the flesh

So here it is: The Chevrolet Sonic in the flesh. I must admit, I like it a lot. The Sonic will be available with the same engines found in the larger Chevrolet Cruze, which means it will get the 1.4-liter turbo. I can't wait to drive one. Here are some more pics from the 2011 Portland International Auto Show.

Schmidt wheel torture tests are hard to watch

If you know anything about Schmidt wheels, you'll know these German-made wheels are really expensive. For example, a Schmidt Revolution TH-Line three-piece wheel will run you about $600 for a 15x7—that's per wheel. Of course, these are top-of-the-line, top-quality, ultra-durable rollers. Don't believe me? Check out these wheel torture videos. I cringe just typing the HTML for them. Eeek.

Gas "freak out price" different for small car buyers?

The Truth About Cars—one of my favorite blogs—has an article about what your "freak out price" is when it comes to gasoline. The gentleman they interviewed said he thinks it's about $4.50 a gallon for regular unleaded.

This got me thinking about what my freak-out price would be. I've paid as much as $5.00/gal along the remote California coastline in 2008. That was pretty darn high, but I was driving a Yaris, and still didn't cost me $50 to fill up (close, though). While $50 is a lot to fuel up a Yaris (and considering how cheap gas used to be it is), most other vehicles will cost far more. Having owned and reviewed vehicles that take premium fuel, I know it's that much more painful for owners of cars that require high-octane go juice, or worse, large diesel trucks with 35 gallon tanks.

But do owners of fuel-efficient cars feel the pain at the pump as much as those driving cars that only get 20 MPG? Since most people who buy small cars still do so because of price (overall price and associated costs, such as fuel economy), perhaps the pain is the same. Then again, there's the argument that if you can afford a car that gets 15 MPG, you don't worry about fueling it up.
For me, $5.00 is harsh, but since my daily drivers (a Suzuki SX4 and a Toyota Yaris) get between 25 and 39 MPG regularly (respectively), a $40–$45 fill still isn't crippling. However, I think my threshold isn't far past that. If gas got above $5.00/gal., I'd likely be more concerned.

Then again, that fuel spike in the mid-to-late 2000s is what started the small car movement again in the U.S.

January 2011 subcompact sales

So how did the first month of 2011 fare in terms of small car sales?

Similarly to 2010, the Kia Soul is up top with a nearly 150% increase in sales versus 1/10. The Honda Fit did remarkably well, too with a 60% increase over the first year in '10. The omnipresent Nissan Versa posted positive numbers (plus the most total units sold), as did Chevrolet's aging, albeit popular, Aveo. And, as odd as it may seem, the Smart ForTwo even posted a gain, although slight, over January, 2010's sales.

In the red was everyone else. The biggest loser was Kia's aging Rio, down nearly 60% this time last year. Not that far behind was Toyota's also long-in-the-tooth Yaris. The one-time super-seller, Hyundai Accent has fallen from grace, when just a couple of years ago, it was running away with sales.

As far as the newest small cars, the Fiesta continues to "party" in terms of sales. Sales of Nissan's uniquely styled Juke appear strong, too. FYI, I threw in the small, two-seat Honda CR-Z for good measure, and lastly, Mazda's slow-selling 2—a personal favorite of mine—sold only 479 units.

But enough about me, here are the numbers.

Make/Model	Jan. '11 vs. Jan. '10	Units Jan. '11	YTD '11 vs. '10	YTD sold '11
Kia Soul	+149.2%	5345	+149.2%	5345
Honda Fit	+60.0%	4314	+60.0	431
Nissan Versa	+46.8%	8682	+46.8%	8682
Chevrolet Aveo	+34.1%	2739	34.1%	2739
Smart ForTwo	+28.8%	358	+28.8%	358
MINI Cooper/S Hardtop	+1.6%	1502	+1.6%	1502
MINI Cooper/S Convertible	-12.3%	222	-12.3%	222
Suzuki SX4	-15.0%	978	-15.0%	978
Scion xD	-20.9%	626	-20.9%	626
Nissan Cube	-23.1%	1661	-23.1%	1661
Hyundai Accent	-26.2%	4244	-26.2%	4244
MINI Cooper/S Clubman	-33.8%	341	-33.8%	341
Toyota Yaris	-50.0%	1839	-50.0%	1839
Kia Rio	-59.8%	963	-59.8%	963
Ford Fiesta	--	4270	--	4270
Nissan Juke	--	3095	--	3095
Honda CR-Z	--	894	--	894
MINI Countryman	--	686	--	686
Mazda 2	--	479	--	479