Archive for July 2014

2014 Kia Forte, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta - DHS Compact Family Sedan Comparison - Review

Compact Family Foursome (CLOCKWISE from TOP LEFT): <br> <br> 2014 Kia Forte EX; 2014 Nissan Sentra SL; 2014 Toyota Corolla S; 2014.5 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8 SE<br>
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – When tallying the number of compact family sedan segment “Do-Overs” over the past two years, “Drive…He Said” runs out of fingers. Mid-size sedans may still butter the bread for U.S. market carmakers. For... Read more »
By George Straton,
July 27, 2014 at 10:08 am • 

2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco - After a Clean Shave - First Drive Review

Hyundai calls the more mature, groomed look we the 2015 Sonata mid-size family sedan, "Fluidic Sculpture 2.0." How about "Jr. Genesis?"<br> <br> Starting price for the base Sonata SE 2.4L w/ six-speed auto-box is $21,150. That represents a $300 price drop from the outgoing model. There is also greater contenting with standard driver's knee air-bag and LED daytime running lights.<br>
Hyundai recently invited the local automotive press for a preview of their more than refreshed 2015 Sonata mid-size, front-drive family sedan. We’ll give it to Hyundai that the 2010 Sonata broke with all previous family sedan ground rules. Fluidic Sculpture 1.0 was the stylistic wild-child meant to grab attention. Sonata sales skyrocketed to 200,000+ NA... Read more »
By George Straton,
July 25, 2014 at 8:15 am • 

2014 Mazda MX-5 Club - On the Farewell Circuit - Short Review + Video

The 2014 Mazda MX-5 Club "Miata" is the swan-song for just the third generation of the most popular roadster ever. <br> <br> Our track-oriented True Red tester included power retracting hard-top, 6-speed manual transmission tester, sport dampers, limited slip diff and low-profile performance tires for $29,460.<br>
With the new Chevrolet C7 Corvette convertible already rolling out of Bowling Green, the next closely-guarded roadster secret is the upcoming 2016 Mazda MX-5. Aka the “Miata”, it’s world’s top selling continuously produced twin-seat roadster. Join the Club: In the final year of the NC MX-5, Mazda offers 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club. Go fast... Read more »
By George Straton,
July 21, 2014 at 11:57 am • 
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2014 Buick Regal Turbo - Three Wishes Granted - Review

Two iconic American motoring names: the 2014 Buick Regal Turbo at Milwaukee's Harley Davidson museum. <br> <br> 2014 Regal changes are more than skin deep. There's more power, available all-wheel drive, driver's assist suites, improved cabin materials and interfacing technology. <br> <br> Starting at $33,300, our Smoky Grey Metallic front-drive tester with Premium II feature set rang in at $38,270. Now laying down the gaunlet to premium European and Asian executive sporty sedans.<br>
* * * * * * * * * * * * Sometimes you want to like something a lot more than you do. When “Drive…He Said” last drove the [then] all-new 2012 Buick Regal Turbo, we gave Buick credit for accepting the mantle from the GM’s deep-sixed Saturn division. For a brand ever popular in... Read more »
By George Straton,
July 2, 2014 at 10:30 am •