2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara

The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a feature-rich compact SUV with notable off-road capabilities and an affordable price tag. For the 2008 model year, the Grand Vitara receives minor upgrades that include a remote fuel tank door opener, additional sound deadening enhancements to create a quieter cabin and an improved climate control system. A sunroof was also added to the standard equipment list of all but the Base model. Overall, performance is good, its unibody construction is sporty and athletic, but not overly daunting, and the cabin is tastefully appointed. Suzuki's powertrain warranty coverage for the Grand Vitara is 7 years/100,000 miles.

The Grand Vitara, unlike other vehicles in its class, comes standard with rear wheel drive and full time all wheel drive is optional-the vast majority of other small SUV's are front wheel drive or all wheel drive. The 3 available Grand Vitara trims are all powered by a 2.7 liter V6 that produces an adequate 185 horsepower. The standard transmission for the Base model is a 5 speed manual, with a 5 speed automatic optional. A manual gearbox is not available for the upscale trims, which come standard with the 5 speed automatic transmission. The tow rating is a respectable 3,000 pounds; however EPA estimates are below average for the all wheel drive with automatic transmission, coming in at 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.

The 3 trims available for the Grand Vitara are the Base, XSport and Luxury. The Base model has an impressive list of standard equipment including remote keyless entry, cruise control, automatic climate control, a full array of power accessories, and a CD/MP3 stereo system with 6 disc CD changer, speed sensitive volume control and steering wheel mounted audio controls. The XSport adds alloy wheels, roof rails, a sunroof, and a SmartPass keyless start system. The fully loaded luxury model includes 17 inch alloy wheels and adds heated leather seats and wood grain interior trim with silver accents.

Off-road agility is enhanced with low range gearing and almost 8 inches of ground clearance. Compared to truck based SUVs, the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara delivers a much more refined ride on paved roads, thanks to its reinforced unibody construction. Consumers who seek a solid, amply featured and highly functional small SUV at an affordable price will find what they are looking for in the Grand Vitara.

2008 Saturn VUE Hybrid

The 2008 Saturn VUE Hybrid, also commonly known as the Saturn VUE Green Line, is a 5 passenger midsize SUV that has been redesigned for the 2008 model year. The newly revamped version is much more attractively designed both inside and out and manages to achieve a commendable balance between safety, comfort and utility in a fuel efficient and environmentally friendly package.

Boasting the highest fuel economy of any midsize SUV on the highway as well as the lowest base model sticker price for its class, this hybrid is both economically and environmentally friendly. The hybrid engine consists of a combination of a gasoline powered 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder engine and an electric motor that together deliver 172 horsepower. The electric motor is recharged via regenerative braking and kicks in when the car is brought to a stop and during deceleration, thus saving fuel. In addition to having the best mpg ratings for a midsize hybrid SUV, the VUE Hybrid Green Line has also beat out some of the most popular hybrid sedans, despite its larger size, heavier weight and increased utility. Gas mileage is rated at 25 MPG in the city and a very impressive midsize SUV 32 miles per gallon on the highway and the base model starts at only just under $25,000.

The exterior has been redesigned for the 2008 model year to reflect European design elements that include a sweeping, more rounded and less angular profile and well positioned and attractive sporty side vents. The interior has also been redesigned and now features a much more refined visual appearance as well as a very comfortable seating and user friendly operational controls. In addition to being roomy enough for 5 adults, there is just a tiny bit less than 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. When the rear seat is folded down, cargo space increases to 56 cubic feet and there is an adjustable cargo net that rides in both upper and lower rails to secure possessions that are being transported. Although there is no third row option like some other midsize SUVs, rear passengers enjoy the luxury of reclining seats and extra comfy seats with a fold down center armrest with storage compartment. Storage is more than ample in the locking glove compartment up front, which is large enough to hold a lap top computer or pocketbook in addition to your owner's manual.

The ride is smooth and the vehicle handles well thanks to a well integrated McPherson strut suspension system and responsive steering. Like many mid size SUV's, although capable of mild off road experiences this SUV performs best on paved roads and during inclement weather. The 2008 Saturn VUE is well equipped, stylish and a very good value for the money, emphasizing the point that if you 'go green' you don't have to go broke too.

2008 Infiniti QX56 AWD Review

SPECIFICATIONS

Model: Infiniti QX56 AWD
Engine: 5.6-liter V8
Horsepower/Torque: 320 hp @ 5200 rpm/393 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 123.2 in.
Length x Width x Height: 206.9 x 79.5 x 77.8 in.
Tires: 265/60R20
Cargo volume: 61.2 cu. ft.
Economy: 12 mpg city/17 mpg highway/21.9 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 28.0 gal.
Price: $58,810 (includes $815 destination charge and $2,745 in options)

The Bottom Line – The QX56 is a large vehicle with tremendous carrying capacity and very good highway fuel economy. Surprisingly, it’s also a great drive, with comfort, power, decent handling and a great road presence.

Billed as “Luxury on a grand scale,” the Infiniti QX56 fits the description. It is luxurious, with leather seats, all the power accessories you’d ever want, the iconic Infiniti analog clock in the center of the dash, and lots of electronic goodies.

It’s also grand, if you define grand as large. The QX56 fits in nicely with the large Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition. It is powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine that pumps out 320 horsepower. You might not think that’s a lot of power for a vehicle that weighs more than two tons, but it’s fine, thank you. We had no problems accelerating up to Interstate speeds or maintaining ambient speeds.

What impressed me in the course of this test, that admittedly was conducted primarily on Interstates, was the fuel economy, a healthy 21.9 mpg, higher than the EPA estimates for highway mileage. Granted, we used cruise control whenever possible and kept our speeds within five mph of the speed limit most of the time, but I thought this was outstanding.

The QX56 was a Carolina car. We used it to travel to North Carolina to begin the process of cleaning out my sister’s house prior to resale. While we used her midsize sedan down there, the QX56 was available for loading and hauling some furniture that had to be moved northward, as well as suitcases full of photos and clothes. The QX56 proved to be an excellent stower and carrier, ad well as a comfortable driver.

Besides the fuel economy, we felt the seats were comfortable and offered decent side support. After all, the QX56 is not a sports car in any stretch of the imagination, but we were looking for comfort on an 11-hour drive. The seats were heated as well, which gave comfort to my aching back.

Also handy for a long trip were the two console-mounted cupholders as well as two inserts in the door pockets that held water bottles. My wife and I drink a lot on trips, which also requires many pit/rest stops.

The second row seats offer excellent leg and head room, which is to be expected from a large SUV. There is third-row seating that also offers pretty decent legroom. The third row seat backs fold flat using a cargo area-mounted switch to increase carrying capacity. The second row seat backs also fold flat, creating a van-like cargo area. With the second row seat backs up, cargo volume is 61.2 cubic feet. With them folded, it jumps to a cavernous 97.1 cubic feet. I didn’t measure it to see if a 4X8 sheet of plywood would fit, but I’m fairly certain it would. We carried a couple of dressers.

Even with substantial cargo, the independent self-leveling rear suspension kept the attitude of the QX56 constant. It also gave us a decent ride when the roads developed a couple of bends (we had to find a Starbucks SOME time). Four wheel disc brakes stopped us quickly and confidently.

The QX56 rides on huge 20-inch wheels and tires, which aid in the ride comfort.

Among the comfort and convenience features were a heated steering wheel (it was cold on many mornings), XM Satellite radio with an excellent readout in the navigation system screen, a navigation system that directed us to a location on a dirt road in Virginia on the way down, a Bose premium audio system, steering wheel mounted cruise and audio controls, four 12-volt power outlets, and an Infiniti intelligent “key” that stayed in my pocket all the time.

Key to safety on a long trip is intelligent cruise control that maintains a set distance between the QX56 and the vehicle in front, no matter how slow that vehicle may be traveling. I’m always somewhat confused when ICC clicks in, because the vehicle slows for no reason, apparently, until I realize it’s smarter than I am. It’s worth the $800 for the option.

I would prefer to driver a smaller, sportier sedan or coupe on a long trip. However, the purpose behind this trip precluded a small car and almost forced us to go big SUV or van. The Infiniti QX56 was perfect for the job at hand.

© 2008 Th

2008 Jaguar XKR Convertible Review

I have very fond memories of driving an XKR from London to Monaco for the Grand Prix some 10 or more years ago. It was a thrilling journey and the car was the perfect traveling companion, with just the right amounts of room and oomph. Evidently, this cat has changed its stripes somewhat since then and the all-new XK series is a lovely sight to behold.

Cruising around town I realize I haven’t gotten this much attention from a ‘set of wheels’ in quite a long time. The Radiance Red – more pinot noir than fire engine - XKR convertible turns heads left and right, it’s more than passing resemblance to its Aston Martin brethren likely helping. The car is elegant and shapely with just the right amounts of chrome detailing hinting at what’s ready to pounce into action under all that sleek aluminum bodywork.

The XKR takes the XK’s 4.2 liter V8 and supercharges and intercools it to a very respectable 420 horsepower and 413 ft-lbs of torque. Sound burbles pleasingly out of quad exhausts that give a hefty roar under harder acceleration. More coastal highway cruiser than canyon carver, the XKR is nevertheless impressively quick, with a 0-60 just under 5 seconds and a top speed at home on any Autobahn. The 6-speed ZF electronic automative transmission keeps the engine in its prime power band and ensures a smooth – and fast – ascent around the speedo, with paddles on the steering wheel for when you’re feeling more hands-on.

Send the XKR through the twisties, or over rough pavement, and in comparison to its predecessor, it acts like the cat that got the cream. The lightweight all-aluminum construction not only reduces the car’s curb weight, it gives it 50% more stiffness over the previous XK and this vast improvement is quickly evident in the car’s firm and rigid demeanor.

19-inch chrome rims fill out the wheel wells nicely and are fitted with ‘R’ badged ventilated performance disc brakes. A 2-level stability control system that integrates the car’s ABS and traction control keeps you pointed in the right direction if things get squiggly, although Jaguar also allows you to turn the system off completely, for when sideways is your preferred direction. That said, this driver was happy to maintain a constant, forward momentum! Other safety features include front and side airbags plus a rollover protection system that auto-deploys two aluminum hoops it detects turning upside down is imminent.

The 2 + 2 is, in reality, a 2 + bags, the back seats perhaps accommodating a full-size adult sideways but, more comfortably, acting as an extension of the trunk. One space-saving measure is the use of an electronic ‘e’ brake – nice touch. The luxury package on my XKR takes the leather quotient up a few notches, with soft grain hide adorning the seats, instrument panel, doors, shift knob, steering wheel – that’s also heated - and center console. The pack also adds power fold mirrors and 16-way adjustable seats.

Control of all the main systems – audio, climate, navigation – is through a 7-inch ‘touch’ screen affair in the middle of the cockpit. It’s intuitive and simple enough, although sometimes it seems to need more of a ‘push’ than a ‘touch’. It also provides the information for the car’s reversing system that is excellent. Frankly, if you hit something whilst maneuvering rearwards, go back to driving school!

With the top down and the windows up, everything remains pretty calm in the cabin – all the better for hearing the 160watt Alpine stereo. Lower the glass and you’re definitely going to feel the wind in your hair. Should the heavens open, you’ll have the top up before the traffic lights have time to change. Sound insulation is very good when you’re driving in ‘coupe’ mode. The retractable hard top look of, say, an SL550 might be preferable for some, giving a cleaner and more integrated look, but the extra weight and loss of trunk space are worth considering.

At an as tested price of $96,800, the XKR convertible is playing among an expensive crowd. The emphasis is still more luxury than sport, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a whole lot of fun with this pretty kitty, and turn some heads while you’re at it.

Engine:   4.2L V8
Horsepower:   420 @ 6250 rpm
Torque (lb-ft):  413 @ 4000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed ZF electronic automatic w/ sequential shift paddles
Wheelbase / Length:  108.3 in. / 188.6 in.
Curb Weight:   3,924 lbs.
Fuel Requirement:  91 octane premium unleaded gasoline
Brakes, front/rear:  ventilated disc / ventilated disc, ABS standard
Suspension, front/rear: Enhanced Computer Active Technology (eCATS)
EPA Fuel economy:  city: 17 / highway: 25 

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Review

2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU

Reviewers have not been coy about praising the new Malibu. Camry, Accord and the other mid-size sedan contenders are overdue for some serious competition from GM, particularly mainstream Chevy. We got a hint of what was coming two years ago when we found the Saturn Aura to be a top notch entry in the category. Then at the 2007 North American International Auto Show this new Malibu, built on the same new platform of Aura, was revealed to an unusually positive reception. In November of ’07 Malibu burst upon the market to positive reviews.

These last few decades have been a struggle for GM. With market share slowly eroding, content mostly a half step behind the Japanese competition and styling often uninspired. The General had a tough comeback to pursue. GM is not back to a position of dominance - perhaps never will be - but the new Malibu is an impressive comeback product.

It just won the Detroit Free Press Car of the Year honors and is a finalist in the prestigious North American Car of the Year awards to be presented next week at the North American International Auto Show (watch this space for updates), the most important car show in the US and one of the most important in the world. I’m expecting to see more awards for the Malibu in the upcoming months.

We got our first hint of the front-wheel drive Malibu’s competence and class visually as they parked it in my driveway on a cold winter day. Obviously a Chevy from stem to stern, it adopts styling queues that suggest an international ambiance. The generous rear flank and steeply raked rear window resemble the shape of the larger VWs. The roofline and pillars sport a German flare as well. Front styling looks like the handsome newest iteration of Impala. Large wheels and tires, dual exhaust and stylish details put Malibu on par with the best in the mid-size sedan class.

The basic LS model comes with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed Hydramatic transmission, traction control, tire pressure monitoring system, six airbags (dual frontal air, head curtain side-impact and front seat-mounted thorax protection), OnStar Generation 7 with one year of service including turn-by-turn navigation, front safety belt pretensioners, unremarkable but nice fabric seats, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, 16-inch wheels, XM satellite radio, and two-tone trim. All that for $19,995.

Our test car is the 1LT version which adds Stabilitrac stability control with panic brake assistance, 17-inch chrome trim wheels, dual chrome exhaust outlets and drive shift control to the basic car for just another $300. Only one option package enhances this one - the Power Convenience Package for $515 which includes power 6-way driver seat, remote start and power adjustable pedals. With the $650 destination charge we’re looking at about $21,500.

Now, let me tell you how much I like this new Malibu. A lot!

Sliding inside for a drive to town wasn’t easy until I moved the power seat downward. I’m a big guy and could barely duck enough to get in with the seat up high. Once in I spent a few minutes just admiring the style and structure, materials and workmanship. All first rate for this class of automobile. Deeply scooped trim on the dash loops away from driver and passenger hinting at the shape of an old Corvette interior. All it needs is a grab bar on the passenger side. A handy covered storage bin awaits trinkets or change on top of the dash. The center stack of metal has a quality look and feel. The instrument pod is shaded by a small, shapely brow. Turquoise rings surround the gauges. Attention to detail is impressive. Later, coming home in the dark I was even more impressed by the touches of ambient lighting in the doors and on the dash.

Malibu is mighty roomy inside as well. Big rear doors, lots of room in the back seat area and a huge trunk (15.1 cubic-feet) make this one seem way bigger than its predecessor. I was hauling some stuff in the trunk and some of it slid forward bumping up against the back seat. I had to literally crawl half way in to reach it. The rear seat backs release reasonably well (not best in class, though) for limited pass-through of long cargo.

Performance was better than expected as well. I drove the Malibu for a couple of days before I checked the sticker for details or looked under the hood. I just assumed from its performance that it had a V6. I was wrong. This is the basic 2.4-liter DOHC in-line 4 with just 169 horsepower mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. It was not wheezy even when pushed. Acceleration is plenty adequate for most purposes. And fuel mileage is rated at 22-city and 30-highway by the EPA. During our week of mixed driving – about 50/50, city/highway – we averaged 26.1. That, of course, is on regular fuel.

Handling is good as well. Fully independent suspension, conventional in design, along with a longer wheel base than the old Malibu made for no complaints on the bumps, pot holes or hard corners. Standard (on the 1LT) 17-inch all-weather tires on shinny alloy wheels both looked good and kept us planted firmly on the road surface, even on a couple of snowy, wet days.

In terms of safety, the Malibu competes well with Six airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, OnStar with one year of service including crash notification, traction control, chassis dynamic controls, and five-star NHTSA frontal crash test rating.

So far GM is having a hard time keeping up with demand. To augment the main assembly in the Kansas City plant a new line is being added at the Orion plant north of Detroit.

Like all GM products the Malibu’s drivetrain is warranted for 5-years/100,000-miles. The rest of the car is covered for 3-years/36,000-miles.

Beyond the LT model are the performance LTZ and a fresh new Hybrid. We’ll hope to test those in the near future. All of the Malibu models are well worth a good hard look if you’re in that market. Lots of options, including way cool two-tone leather seating, will allow you to put together a package to suit your needs.

2008 Cadillac CTS Review

2008 CADILLAC CTS V6 DI PERFORMANCE SEDAN

Cadillac has not really been “The Standard of the World” for a few generations. Some dismal efforts in the 80s to downsize cheapened and made tawdry this formerly honored luxury marque threatening to weaken that image forever. But now Cadillac is back - maybe not to a level of dominance in the luxury market, but certainly back to respectability. Each new model has been a significant improvement over the last.

GM imported the Catera from ’97 to ’01 (a rebadged Opel Omega) to be the entry-level Caddy. They found it not only unpopular with Cadillac buyers but rather troublesome as well. Then came the bold and chunky, mostly appreciated CTS in ‘03, built in Lansing, MI by some of GM’s best workers, reflecting the fresh, new, bold styling language we see today characterizing the Cadillac brand. This original CTS was criticized for less-than-stellar interior materials but not much else.

Now comes this second generation of the Lansing - built CTS - a universally acclaimed winner. While evolutionary stylistically from generation one, the new CTS offers substantially improved design and execution. Much better looking inside and out, CTS has added horsepower, increased quality of materials, and enhanced style and sophistication. This new CTS was named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year and was runner-up for the prestigious North American Car of the Year, losing out the more mainstream GM stable mate Chevy Malibu. Two V6 engines are available for the ’08 CTS. Standard power comes from a 3.6-liter generating 258 horsepower with a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is available. Our 3,474-pound test car comes with the new 3.6-liter direct-injection (DI) V6 that puts out 304 hp and comes with the six-speed automatic. The CTS is offered in both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, though AWD models are limited to the base engine and automatic transmission. I found the acceleration impressive and the sound satisfying. The automatic transmission did its job quickly and with aplomb. Gas mileage is rated at 17/26, city/highway, and we achieved 18.1 in mixed driving this week. With a 17-gallon gas tank we have about a 340 mile range. Track has been widened two inches for a more aggressive stance and improved handling. Suspension is independent all around, of course - short and long arms up front with coil-over strut and anti sway bar. In the rear is a modified multi-link affair with anti sway bar. All-speed traction control with brake and engine intervention is standard. Premium ZF Servtronic II power rack and pinion steering plus V-rated P235/50R18 Michilin Pilots grace out test car. Handling, as you may guess, is tight, crisp and firm. The ride may be a bit too firm for some Cadillac customers who may prefer the more compliant dynamics of the larger models. Any fan of European performance sedan handling will like this one.

While the cabin is vastly superior to the tepid previous model there are a couple of niggles I must report. First, the driver information center (‘i’) panel is obscured by the steering wheel and the turn signal stalk. I had to lower the steering wheel to an uncomfortable angle or awkwardly lean forward to see the controls. Second, the navigation screen rises out of the dash nicely but seats itself just crooked enough to be annoying to look at. Now, I’ve never been accused of being a perfectionist but I sure noticed this one. It is a touch-screen with audio and other controls and the lower row of touch buttons is so low that the dash encroaches requiring an uncomfortable twist of the hand to get my fat fingers to trigger the right one. The light indicating which position the power mirror control is in is too bright producing an annoying glare during night driving.

Otherwise the inside is beautifully appointed, luxurious and boldly designed – nearly as bold and distinctive as the exterior. The leathers glow with class and the contrasting stitching adds a nice touch of luxury. Seats are comfortable and supportive without being overly hard. A premium Bose sound system with 8 speakers and XM Satellite radio with 3 months of service are standard. An ambient lighting package is available. The swooping dual cockpit is distinctly outlined with symmetrical wood trim with gauges and controls mostly well placed and tactilly smooth.

Utility is not what this car is about but in addition to being roomier inside than many in its class it also has a good sized trunk – 13.6 cubic-feet. You could even tow up to 1,000 pounds if you wanted to. I can’t remember the last time I saw a CTS, or any Cadillac for that matter, towing anything.

Our test car – the direct injection, 304-horsepower version – shows a base price of $34,545. That price includes more stuff than I can easily list here. We have the $8,165 Premium Luxury ‘Collection’ (must be a euphemism for ‘Package’) which includes even more stuff. Then, for $1,740, we have what’s called the 18” All Season Tire Performance Package including HID headlamps with washers, the 18” painted aluminum wheels, limited slip differential, sport suspension, fog lamps and performance cooling system. All-wheel drive costs an extra $1,900. The optional Thunder Gray premium paint is worth $995. Upgraded brakes add another $395 and a compact spare tire (replacing a tire inflator kit) costs $250. With the $745 destination charge we’re looking at $48,735. Considering the quality and content of this CTS I’d say that’s just about where it ought to be.

We’ll soon be drooling over the new CTS-V: 550-horsepower, 6.1-liter, supercharged V8 generating 550 pound-feet of torque. GM announced at the Detroit Auto show last week that we’ll have it later this year. Think of all that horsepower in a cool, competent sport sedan ought to be able to compete with the best in the high-performance class.

2008 Toyota Prius Touring

VEHICLE SUMMARY

Engine:	SULEV Emissions Extended Service Interval For Distributorless Ignition Hybrid Synergy Drive(TM) 1.5-Liter , I4, VVT-i 16-Valve, DOHC, MPFI Engine; Front Mounted With Horsepower 76@5000, Torque Of 82@4200RPM, Alloy Block and Alloy Cylinder Head; Electric Motor With Horsepower Of 67@1200-1540 and Torque Of 295@0-1200RPM (Hybrid System Net Horsepower Of 110)
Safety:	Side Guard Door Beams Front Pretensioners With Force Limiters Front and Rear 3-Point Seatbelts Rear 3-Point Center Seatbelt Front Seatbelt Height Adjusters L A T C H Front and Rear Crumple Zones Front and Rear Automatic Locking Retractors Front and Rear Side Head Curtain Airbags Passenger Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment Passenger Airbag Cutoff Sensor Seat Mounted Front Side Airbags Driver Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
Transmission:	Continuously Variable Electronically Controlled Adaptive Automatic Transmission With Overdrive Adaptive Automatic Transmission
Seats:	5
Fuel Type:	Hyb