2011 Kia Sorento Review

The 2011 Kia Sorento.

It's deja vu all over again.

Those of us of a certain age can remember when Honda found the magic dust and began sprinkling it liberally over their product portfolio. They went from an interesting, quirky also-ran to a company that could do no wrong and whose products you couldn't afford to ignore come car-shopping time.

Well here we are three decades later, and that's what's happening with Kia, which before they were an interesting, quirky also-ran, weren't all that interesting...so the achievement curve here is actually higher than it was for Honda.

About a month ago, we extolled the virtues of the Kia Sportage, now a fine, no-excuses small SUV. But what if you need something a touch bigger?

Well, that's where the Kia Sorento comes in. It's roomier but gets very close to the same mileage as the Sportage (21 city/29 highway to the Sportage's 22/31).

Our tester was the mid-level EX front wheel drive (all three, LX, EX and SX are available in all-wheel-drive as well), starting at $24,795. And that gets you a very well-equipped machine: DOHC 4, 6-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, ABS, airbags and curtains all around, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, tire pressure monitoring, downhill brake control and hill assist control, dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows, door locks, and outside mirrors, an AM/FM/CD/mp3 audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio, USB and auxiliary jacks and Bluetooth.

The interior of the 2011 Kia Sorento.

Also standard in the EX are a multi-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, 60/40 split folding and reclining second row seats, pushbutton start with smart key, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto light control, tilt and telescoping steering column, illuminated vanity mirrors, rear privacy glass and fog lamps.That's a nice package for less than 25 large. And the Kia people added three options to it:

The Limited package (Navigation with traffic data, backup camera, Infinity Audio system with 10 speakers, 18-inch mirror-finish alloy wheels and interior accent illumination)...$2,000.

Premium Package 1 (Leather seat trim in the first and second row, heated front seats and an auto-dimming mirror with display for the backup camera)...$1,500.

And a mirror with Compass and Homelink for $250.

Regular TireKicker readers know I'd almost always pass on factory nav systems (your phone can do most of what those do), but the added safety of the backup camera is a good idea in almost any vehicle...especially SUVs...and the Infinity Audio system rocked...so I'd actually go this way with my own dime....which would give us a grand total after delivery charges of $29,340.

It drives well, it handles well, it gets good mileage, and nicely equipped, you're coming in just a shade below the competition on price. Plus there's the 10 year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty and the 5 year/60,000 mile roadside assistance. Hard to go wrong...unless you don't test drive one.

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2011 Mazda CX-9 Review

The 2011 Mazda CX-9. Crossover or sport sedan with a whole lotta cargo space?

Oh, man, am I glad we made this editorial decision. Upon returning the Mazda CX-7 we liked so much we asked Chapman Mazda in Phoenix if we could do a review of its bigger brother, the CX-9. They graciously agreed.

It's been a while since we've been in a CX-9, and the memory cells were saying "like the CX-7, just bigger". That's how most small crossover/large crossover teams usually work out, and the CX-7 is so good, that wouldn't be a bad thing.

But driving the CX-9 immediately after the CX-7 revealed that we are talking about two entirely different vehicles here...in ways that go beyond size and price.

The 2011 Mazda CX-9. Strong, chiseled good looks.

All Mazdas are driver's cars. Handling, balance and acceleration are always a big part of the package (the company's motto is "Always the Soul of a Sports Car"), and the CX-9 is no exception. What's remarkable is how present they are in a large crossover...it's a trick the competition hasn't pulled off yet.

In truth, the CX-9 is a fast, comfortable, brilliant-handling sports sedan that just happens to seat seven.  And what you get for your money is simply amazing.

The "base" CX-9 is the Sport. MSRP is $29,135, and for that you get a 3.7-liter V6 with 273 horsepower and 270 pounds per foot of torque connected to a six-speed sport automatic transmission with a manual mode. There are also halogen headlights, power side mirrors, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a three-zone (driver, front passenger and rear) climate control system, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, cloth-trimmed seats, an AM/FM/CD/mp3 audio system with 6 speakers, Bluetooth, front side-impact airbags and side-impact air curtains with rollover protection, Dynamic Stability Control and the Traction Control System.

The stylish and comfortable 2011 Mazda CX-9 interior.

Step up one level and you're in the one Chapman Mazda lent us for the week, the CX-9 Touring. Base price goes up to $31,055 and you get all the goodies in the Sport plus leather seating in the first two rows, heated front seats and side mirrors, an 8-way power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support , a 4-way power passenger seat and auto-off headlights (ours didn't have the nav system pictured above...in fact, it had no factory options whatsoever...and I'd call it brilliantly equipped).

And you can go one step further with the CX-9 Grand Touring....everything the Touring has plus Xenon HID low-beam headlights, halogen fog lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power side mirrors with turn-signal lights, 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, driver's seat memory, Mazda's advanced keyless entry and start system, an auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink, dark silver and wood-tone interior trim, electroluminescent gauges, a blind spot monitoring system and an anti-theft alarm system. And that's $33,145.

Any of the three trim levels qualifies for bargain of the year. The Touring model we drove topped out at $31,850 with delivery charges. Load up any of the directly competing crossovers and you're past $35,000 minimum and might even get within walking distance of $40,000. And you won't have the performance and the handling you get in the CX-9.

EPA mileage estimate: 17 city/24 highway.

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GM launches Beat diesel at Rs 4.29 lakh

Beat just got smarter with all new 1.0 XSDE SMARTECH Common Rail Diesel engine from Chevrolet made exclusively for India. With a power output of 58.5 PS and torque of 150 Nm, this engine promises an impressive mileage of 24* kmpl. (*As certified by Certification Agencies as per rule 115 of CMVR)



It has a Fixed Geometry Turbocharger with vacuum operated wastegate for smooth, efficient operation and superior torque delivery from very low engine RPMs for a peppy drive.



The Beat Diesel’s three-cylinder DOHC engine features state-of-the-art Common Rail Fuel Injection technology for outstanding emission performance and fuel economy. Its electrically controlled throttle body further reduces carbon emissions.



The Beat Diesel’s 65 per cent high-strength steel body cage ensures a high level of occupant safety. Sixty per cent of the body is made of galvanised steel for extra corrosion protection.



Engine is equipped with Launch Support Logic which assists the driver to launch the car effortlessly on slopes.



Aluminum alloy DOHC cylinder head with Light weight, graphite coated low friction pistons offers improved performance, high fuel efficiency and longer engine life.



GM says that as an added benefit, the engine is the quietest powerplant in its segment and provides outstanding performance in stop-and-go traffic conditions.



Aimed at meeting the highest quality and performance standards, the diesel version of the Beat has been extensively tested at proving grounds with harsh terrains and climatic conditions for intensive durability, quality and performance.



It also incorporates an advanced technology maintenance free timing chain drive system and added anti-corrosion protection. The engine oil only needs to be changed every 15,000 km or 1.5 years, for lower maintenance costs.

The Beat Diesel’s SMARTECH engine is complemented by a High Torque Transmission that offers smooth, effortless gear changes. Its hydraulic clutch requires extremely low pedal effort.

The Smart Engine and Clutch Protection Mode minimises clutch wear while further improving fuel efficiency.

The company also stated that with Pro-Vario Assist Featherlite Electronic Power Steering (EPS) with human comfort technology provides power steering assistance while parking and driving at low speeds.

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The incredible world inside Audi A8 L W12

Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, has introduced the top version of its flagship model - the new Audi A8 L W12 quattro. Equipped with a powerful 6.3 FSI petrol engine, the newest variant of Audi’s flagship sets new standards of luxury, dynamism and efficiency, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds to effortlessly reach its governed top speed of 250 km/h.



The new Audi A8 L W12 will be priced at a whopping Rs 1.26 crore (ex showroom Maharashtra).



Audi states that the subtle visual details distinguish the new A8 L W12 quattro from the other cars in this model line.



The single-frame radiator grille with integral grid structure has a high – gloss black paint finish and special chromed horizontal bars.



There are also chromed inserts of new design in the air inlets, and chromed applications on the exterior mirrors.



W12 badges are displayed on the single-frame grille and at the rear of the car. The exhaust system has two trapezoidal-pattern tailpipe trims neatly integrated into the rear bumper.



Among the high-end technologies featured on the A8 L W12 quattro are the standard LED headlight units with all lighting functions performed by LEDs.



The A8 L has a body built from aluminum using the Audi Space Frame (ASF) principle and therefore weighing about 40 percent less than a comparable steel body.



Twelve cylinders are the ultimate engine configuration, a tradition that still applies in the large luxury car class. The 6.3 FSI engine has an output of 368 kW (500 hp) and delivers its peak torque of 625 Nm at 3,250 rpm.



Another high-end feature of the long-wheelbase Audi A8 is the reclining seat behind the front passenger’s seat with massage functions and a foot rest on a power-adjustable support at the base of the front passenger seat back.



It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.7 seconds and effortlessly reaches its governed top speed of 250 km/h.

Heating, ventilation and the luxury head restraint are integral features. A folding table, additional wood and leather trim, a refrigerator and a Rear Seat Entertainment system with two 10.2-inch screens are among the features that promote relaxed travel or alternatively concentrated work in this mobile lounge.

The transmission makes a major contribution to ensuring the high efficiency of the Audi A8 L W12 quattro.

The eight-speed tiptronic shifts smoothly and quickly, with the individual gears closely spaced but with a generous overall spread from low to high.

Gear shifts are performed electronically (“shift by wire”) from an elegant yacht-style selector lever or at steering wheel paddles.

The center differential, the main component in the quattro permanent all-wheel drive train, divides the torque flow from the engine in a sporty manner, with 60 percent to the rear axle and 40 percent to the front in regular driving conditions.

But if the situation changes, up to 60 percent of the torque can be sent to the front, or 80 percent to the rear. The A8 L W12 quattro runs on 19-inch alloy wheels with a 15-spoke design reserved for this model, with size 255/45 tires.

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Behold Gaddafi's ‘Libyan Rocket’

Colonel Muammar Gaddafi has always been internationally recognised for his vibrant fashion sense, sleeping in Bedouin tents wherever he goes, wearing huge provocative buttons, being guarded by heavily armed women, just to name a few. An epitome of Gaddafi's eccentricity is the car he designed for himself, which Libya claims is the safest vehicle on earth. However, don't go into any details to back up the claim.

The Saroukh el-Jamahiriya, which means Libyan rocket, is a five-seater saloon with the nose and tail of a rocket and powered by a 230bhp V6. Launched at a conference called the Organization of African Unity and organized by Colonel Gaddafi in 2009, the Libyan Rocket comes with airbags, an electronic defense system and collapsible bumpers that supposedly help out in a crash.. Wonder what is an "electronic defense system"? Apparently, no one knows what it is or how it works.

Dukhali Al-Meghareff, chairman of the Libyan Arab Domestic Investment company which produced the prototype, touted it as revolutionary in automotive history. "The leader spent so many hours of his valuable time thinking of an effective solution. It is the safest car produced anywhere," said Mr Meghareff.

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Corvette GS Convertible Review

The 2011 Corvette GS Convertible.

Gotta hand it to Chevrolet. They know how to keep things interesting. Even as the current generation Corvette ages and the buff books begin trotting out artists' renderings of what the next one is likely to look like, the bowtie boys find ways to keep you from sitting it out until then.

Case in point: The Corvette GS Convertible.

We'll get right to the stuff that matters. It's the LS3 V8...6.2 liters and 430 horsepower with a six-speed manual transmission. Same basic setup as the standard Corvette Convertible. But instead of 4.2 seconds to 60, the GS gets it done in 3.95 and will pull 1 g on the skidpad. The price? Five grand more than the standard model.

The 2011 Corvette GS Convertible looks good even with the top up.

That, by the way, works out to a base price of $59,045. So what's the difference? Bigger brakes, a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery. All of which works together for that fractional improvement in the standing-start run to 60 and the improved handling.

Not a bad package for a shade under $60K. But the option list beckons...and it can bite you big-time. Chevy's press-fleet folks loaded our tester up by clicking just seven little boxes on the order form...and added $16,255 to the bottom line...which wound up reading $76,245.

The (improved through options) 2011 Corvette GS Convertible interior.

What'd they do? Well, there was the 4LT Premium Equipment Group: Custom leather-wrapped interior (which was nice, given that the inside is still the 'Vette's Achilles Heel), a Bose Premium 7-speaker audio system (helpful with the top down), an extra 9 months on the SiriusXM satellite subscription, heads-up display (hmmm...), power telescoping steering wheel, heated seats, a memory package, universal home remote, adjustable sport bucket seats with perforated leather inserts, power passenger seat, a cargo net, Bluetooth and a power convertible top.

That package alone was $9,700 of the damage. If you could do it a la carte, I'd say yes to the interior upgrade (maybe...depending on the price), the audio upgrade, the telescoping wheel, the adjustable seats and Bluetooth.

We could save $1,250 right away because GM made this one a six-speed automatic. I'll shift it myself, thanks. That also eliminates $270 for "automatic transmission pedal covers".

$1,195 for "dual-mode performance exhaust"? What part of the 0.25 second improvement in the 0-60 runs is that responsbile for? Not enough for five bucks shy of 12-hundred. Pass.

That pretty blue is called "Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat". It's $850. I'm sure I can find a no-extra-cost color I like just as much.

$1,795 for a nav system. Regular TireKicker readers know what comes next. Guys: It's 2011. My GPS system is in my pocket (no, I'm not talking dirty)...there's an app (or 20) for that.

And finally, $1,195 for the Grand Sport Heritage Package. Two-tone leather seats, GS logos embroidered into the headrests and the fender stripe hash mark design (applied by the dealer). That one I'd actually go for. This is a special edition...the first GS since the C4 Corvette. That means some level of collectibility is at least possible, and any feature that is exclusive and relevant to the GS is worthwhile.

Unfortunately, true a la carte isn't possible. There's 1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT. And what I would want is scattered throughout. Not selecting 4LT loses you the interior upgrade. The better audio system and the telescoping steering wheel are a part of 3LT.

The sport buckets (which I'd like) and Bluetooth (which I think is mandatory) are a part of 2LT...but you have to swallow the power passenger seat (which adds weight), power top (ditto) and cargo net (which I'm okay with).  But it adds $3,190 to the price tag. Cave in and get 3LT for the audio system and scoping steering wheel and it's $6,200 more than the base GS Convertible.

Still, either of those would get the 'Vette in under $70K...and that's a bargain for this level of performance.

EPA estimate: 15 city/25 highway.

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Review

Imagine this showing up on your doorstep. If you're a driver, it's a treat.

If you're Toyota or Honda, it's the nightmare that's been coming a long, long time.

This is the 2011 Hyundai Sonata SE...the blip that's been getting bigger in the Toyota and Honda rear-view mirrors for years now. Now, as with many Korean automobiles, it's arrived. The kinks and cultural disconnects that relegated Korean vehicles to second-tier status when compared to their Japanese and American competition have been banished. This is the real deal...what the Koreans can build with no excuses.

And it's good. Very, very good.

Hyundai proved that by putting one in the test fleet with exactly one option...floor mats, which added $100 to the MSRP of $22,595 (freight and handling adds another $720 for a final tab of $23,415).

Does that look like a $23,000 Korean car? Nope. Not to us, either. And the styling is the first revelation. It's simply stunning...it looks like a much more expensive automobile. In the week we had the test vehicle, the sight of people walking through parking lots, seeing it, admiring it, checking the nameplate and doing a double-take became a common one. Forget (for a moment) the Japanese. If Hyundai can keep the momentum, the Germans will have to worry soon, at least when it comes to styling.

And the Sonata doesn't fall down in motion, with a more-than-adequate 2.4 liter 4-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters (EPA mileage estimate: 22 city/35 highway).

Package that with Electronic Stability Control, ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, four-wheel disc brakes, sport-tuned suspension and steering and 18-inch alloy wheels (all of this standard for that $22,595 base price), and the car is a delight to drive...quick, light and responsive.

And yes, the above picture is the interior of the new Hyundai Sonata. Not only is it not bargain-basement rental car fodder, it appears the interior and exterior design teams talked to each other, got along and worked together to create a flowing design inside and out. Far more involving than most vehicles, without going into the button and gadget overload that Honda has fallen into in recent years.

And this is where the rest of your standard equipment comes in. Ready? Remote entry, power windows, locks and mirrors, sport seats with leather bolsters and cloth inserts, power driver's seat with power lumbar support, 60/40 folding rear seat, metalgrain interior accents, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel mounted cruise, audio and phone controls, air conditioning, an AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/mp3 audio system with 6 speakers, iPod USB and auxilary input jacks, Bluetooth, an advanced trip computer....and a full tank of gas.

And Hyundai's still backing it all up with a 5 year/60,000 mile new vehicle warrant, 10 year/10,000 mile powertrain warranty, a 7 year/unlimited mile anti-perforation warranty and 5 year/unlimited mile roadside assistance.

It wasn't many years ago that I could have given you a reason other than a low price and a big warranty to even think about a Hyundai. Now, with the new Sonata, I can't think of a reason it shouldn't be on your short list when shopping for a new family sedan.

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2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabriolet Review

Exclusivity. It's a fabulous thing, really. A certain something, often built of superior craftsmanship, sometimes of smoke and mirrors, that makes your product special, enables you to sell it for a premium and ensures that your customers won't feel like one of the herd.

For a long, long time, Mercedes-Benz had that in spades. And it was built of superior craftsmanship. Those of us of a certain age can remember when Mercedes-Benzes weren't especially pretty (the stunning 300SL Gullwing a notable exception), and weren't especially fast (again excepting the 300SL), but sold to discriminating buyers for about two and a half times the sticker price of a domestic sedan or convertible in its size class because they weren't simply engineered, they were over-engineered. This was a thing of value, likely to last far more than two and a half times longer than the domestic.

And as they became prettier and faster, and more expensive, a generation of car buyers became like little kids with their noses pressed against the showroom window pane...."someday...someday..."

And that's when the MBA's (or Germany's equivalent) spoke up. "Imagine if we could sell all those people the car of their dreams. We'd have to move into size and price classes we don't currently compete in, but we could do that by cutting out some of the unnecessary engineering. The materials don't have to be that good...they just have to be good enough. The price tags will be lower for some cars, but think of what we'll make in volume."

And thus began, in the mid to late 90s, Mercedes-Benz's pursuit of market share. They went from building the best car possible to building as many cars as possible. Loyal buyers noticed and began shopping elsewhere. New buyers, confronted with lesser and cheaper while looking down the hood at the three-pointed star began to wonder what all the shouting was about.

Well, lately, Mercedes has begun to show signs of finding the way back...building cars that look and feel like something special...and the E350 Cabriolet is one of those. Larger and more useful than the SLK roadster and significantly less expensive than the two-seat SL, the E350 is user-friendly and imparts a sense of premium goods from the moment you slide behind the wheel.

Pictures don't do the interior justice. And the no-cost option of burl walnut wood trim goes a long way to adding warmth. But every surface, every control, has a premium feel.

Starting at $56,850, the E350 Cabriolet commes with a 3.5 liter, 24-valve aluminum V8 that makes 268 horsepower. Not a shocking amount, but it's good enough for 0-60 in 6.4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130. The power is routed through a 7-speed driver-adaptive automatic transmission with sport and economy shift modes. As with most new cars, the extra gears pay off in fuel economy, with the EPA estimating 17 city and 25 highway miles per gallon.

The list of standard equipment is so long, we're simply going to link to Mercedes' website to fill in the details. Suffice it to say that the MBUSA press fleet folks believed only two options were needed on the test car...Diamond White paint for $1,515 (it is gorgeous) and a Premium Package (40GB hard drive GPS navigation, real-time traffic data, voice control, a 6GB Music Register, the Harmon/Kardon LOGIC7 Surround Sound System with Dolby Digital 5.1, HD Radio and SiriusXM satellite radio, iPod/mp3 interfaces and cables, heated front seats, AIRSCARF...a heater built into the headrest for your neck...and a rear-view camera) for $4,000.

All this for $63,240 with destination and delivery charges. Having driven a lot of 30 and 40-something thousand dollar cars, I have to say the E350 Cabriolet is worth its price sticker if those others are worth theirs. It's a special car. And it's nice to know Mercedes-Benz is back in the business of building those.

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2011 Ford F-350 Review



Remember when a "work truck" and a luxury car were on opposite ends of the vehicular spectrum? Well, those days are long gone...and the ultimate example of that is right up there above this paragraph...the Ford F-350 Super Duty.

When lines get blurred...especially lines that far apart, it's usually because something...often core principles and competencies. But not in this case. Somehow, this is all work truck and all luxury vehicle.

It starts closer to its work roots. At the base price of $49,410 for the 4X4 Crew Cab in Lariat trim, you get a rock-solid truck capable of towing 12,500 pounds.  And it comes with a nice, large, but somewhat plain interior:

As trucks go, that's not too shabby. But the tester Ford sent our way was loaded. It had the King Ranch package. Which means the interior looked like this:



They also slid the 6.7 liter V8 diesel engine under the hood...which makes 800 pounds per foot of torque. 800!  Between the engine upgrade, the King Ranch leather and chrome, the six-speed automatic transmission, the electronic locking axle, moonroof, navigation, satellite radio, and a few other goodies, the bottom line of this Ford truck was....


Ready?

Are you sitting down?

$64,770.

If I'm not mistaken, it's the most expensive factory-built Ford I've ever heard of. Certainly the most expensive I've ever driven.

And the thing is, it really doesn't make any compromises. Okay, sure, there are things you wouldn't do in a $64,770 "work truck" that you might in a less expensive one. But if you're talking about towing horse trailers, or race cars, this is like doing it with a luxury car. And in terms of luxury, no corners are cut because it's a truck. In fact, there hasn't been this kind of room in a luxury sedan in I don't know how long. About the only compromise on luxury is mastering graceful entrances and exits in evening wear.

It's not for everyone. But, contrary to the opinions of people who suggested "no one" needs a truck like this, there is a market. It's a really nice truck, and if you've got a healthy bank account and a half dozen thoroughbreds, this is your ride. The only downside I can think of is parking it (an issue that pops up for me with the HD versions of Ram, Chevy and GMC trucks, too)...but I'm guessing that's something you get used to.  There are worse problems to have.

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2011 Mazda CX-7 Review

The crossover segment is so thick with vehicles that it's all becoming a blur. Time for a drive in one that breaks through the clutter and clears the head...the Mazda CX-7.

Loyal TireKicker readers know we've driven...and raved about...the CX-7 before. It's always been a great way to move 5 people in comfort and economy for not a lot of money but with a substantial amount of fun for the lucky driver behind the wheel.

As with all Mazdas, the focus is on driving...and the CX-7 Sport model we just finished a week in (courtesy Chapman Mazda in Phoenix) bears that out.

For $22, 795, you get a 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve four cylinder making 161 horsepower and a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode...all more than enough to move the CX-7 with some urgency. You also have front and rear stabilizer bars, 17-inch alloy wheels, power mirrors, rear privacy glass, ventilated 4-wheel disc brakes, dynamic stability control and traction control system.

Inside?  It's all good there, too, with crisp design, logical layout and comfortable seats. And the standard equipment list includes a tilt/telescoping steering column, power locks and windows, a six-way adjustable manual driver's seat, air conditioning, Bluetooth, an AM/FM/CD/mp3 audio system and remote keyless entry.

Again, that's all standard at $22,795. The one we drove had two factory options: Wheel locks for $50 and a convenience package (heated front seats, power moonroof with sunshade, a color multi-information display with rear camera, power driver seat and automatic climate control) for $1,750.

That takes the bottom line to $24,595 plus $795 delivery charge for a grand total of $25,390.

And that is an amazing bargain for any vehicle in its class...much less with the level of equipment and the sheer driving fun that Mazda bakes into every vehicle they make.

Mileage? The good news continues there, too...EPA estimate 20 city/28 highway.  This is a must-drive if you're in the market for a crossover or even a small to midsize sedan. The CX-7 is that good.

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2011 Ford Fusion Review

These have to be sweet days for Ford. Not only did they spare themselves the bankruptcies GM and Chrysler went through (by mortgaging the famous Blue Oval logo), they're making and selling cars.

That probably sounds like a no-brainer...I mean, Ford's a car company, right? But the fact is that Ford and the other domestics spent most of the last two decades selling trucks and SUVs. Sure, they made cars, but they weren't the company's prime focus (way more profit in the trucks and SUVs) and consumers had long since put Toyota and Honda on the top of their family sedan shopping lists.

Well, that's all changing...and three weeks (yep, an extended test) in a Ford Fusion SE (courtesy Bell Ford in Phoenix, Arizona) goes a long way toward explaining why.

We've said it before, we'll say it again: Want to know how good a car is? Get as close to the base model as possible. In this case, the tester was one level up...the four-cylinder SE. A base price of $22,830 buys a six-speed automatic transmission, 8-way power driver's seat, an AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio with CD, mp3 capability and six speakers, automatic headlamps, foglamps, floormats and 17" alloy wheels.

Loaded?  No. Nicely equipped? Absolutely.  Cloth seats breathe nicely in the summertime, so the lack of leather was actually a plus. And the interior design...the placement of all the controls...is so intuitive, so logical, that the Fusion went from a pleasant ride in its first few days to being an extension of the driver as the days and weeks went on.

As an automotive journalist used to a week at a time, multiplying the test window could expose serious flaws or at least niggling shortcomings, but not with the Fusion. It held up. I could see living with this car for the length of a 5-year car loan. Especially when you consider that the bottom line of this one is right at about $23,500 with delivery charges.

EPA estimates: 23 city/33 highway. Camry and Accord are still strong choices, but they can no longer take for granted that it's all theirs.

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The All New Audi A6 to Hit the Indian Shores

Come this September and you will be greeted by the new Audi A6. After recently launching the RS5 and A7, Audi India will bring in the new A6 in order to increase its foothold in the premium segment.

First look at the new A6 and you can easily mistake it for the A8L. But the side profile of the car proves that it is still the A6 which now is shorter than its predecessor. However, the wheelbase has increased by almost 69 mm which is reflected in the cabin space. The front end looks quite like the A8L which is actually not bad. The headlamps are now entirely an LED affair with daytime running lamps. The front bumper has also been reworked which also has an extended lip spoiler and fog lamps now sit deep inside. Overall, the front is now aggressive but still has an element of conservative styling. The roofline is more coupe-like in this car and the tail lamps are more flamboyant now.

Audi has always made the best in business cabins and oh boy! The story is no different in this Audi. Every element of the cabin coalesces together to create an ambience like no other. Everything in this cabin exudes quality and class. The front as well as the rear seats are very comfortable and supportive and this cabin is a nice place to be in. The equipment list is endless. You get an awesome Bang & Olufsen music system, dual zone climate control, touchpad for the MMI, heated and cooled seats and lots of other things. It's like a “you name it and you got it” affair.

Audi A6 is 80 kilograms lighter than the previous model and this helps in improving the handling dynamics. However, what lets down the driving experience is the numb and lifeless steering wheel. Audi will offer two petrol and two diesel engine options. The petrol motors churn out either 204bhp or 299bhp whereas the diesels pump out 177bhp or 245bhp. The 7-speed S tronic dual clutch gearbox is a cherry on the cake and makes this car a delight to drive.

Audi India has hinted that this new A6's pricing will be similar to the previous model. Expect the car to start at about Rs 40 lakhs going all the way upto Rs. 53 lakhs for the top-end. This new Audi A6 has been transformed and is surely worth the wait.

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The world's cheapest Bugatti Veyron

The Bugatti Veyron is a modern automotive legend. The sleek speedster from Volkswagen boasts a top speed of over 260mph, making it the fastest road-legal car in the world, and it has a stunningly large $1.5 million price tag to match. Because of this astronomical cost of entry, only a few hundred of the vehicles have ever been built, meaning your chances of owning one are rather slim. That is, unless you're Mike Duff, an ambitious 25-year-old from Florida who decided to build his very own Bugatti with his bare hands.

Starting with a complete 2002 Mercury Cougar coupe, Duff set to work transforming the vehicle's entire exterior into that of a world-class supercar. He used fiberglass and composite material to create the Veyron's iconic lines, and laid it all over a tubular steel frame. After a professional paint job and plenty of buffing, the car was ready for the showroom, but Duff wasn't done yet. He then took to the Cougar's interior, covering everything from the seats to the dashboard in genuine leather. When we spoke with him, he said the project took him a full 9 months from start to finish.

The detailed doppelgänger even sports usable back seats, which is something the real million-dollar ride completely lacks. Speaking of price, that's another area where this fantastic fake beats out its original counterpart. Duff currently has the vehicle up for sale with a price of $89,000 — less than 1/10th the price of a genuine Veyron.

Unfortunately, while that price will buy you the looks of a barely-legal race car, it doesn't buy you the performance. Under its gorgeous exterior, the "Cougatti" is still distinctly pedestrian, and remains equipped with its original 2.5-liter V6 engine that produces roughly 170 horsepower. This is in stark contrast to the 8-liter 16-cylinder powerplant of the real car, which produces a neck-snapping 1,000 horses.

Still, for the price of a Porsche, there's not much you can complain about when the car is a nearly indistinguishable replica of the fastest road car in the world. Not to mention the fact that some other Bugatti tributes can cost an order of magnitude more, and are never meant to leave your office.

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Would You Pay $50,000 for Kate Middleton’s Used VW Golf?

Say want you want about the media’s obsession around Britain’s newly-wed royal coupe, Kate and Williams, but for some people, like Sonny Brazil, it’s a gift from the heavens.

You see, Sonny’s father Al, bought Kate Middleton’s inky-blue 2001 VW Golf hatchback back in 2009 from her brother James for a reasonable £1,400 (about US$2,300 or €1,600 at today’s exchange rates).

"At the time, I didn't put two and two together because he didn't exactly say he was related to Kate but when I noticed the log book and saw the first owner was Catherine Middleton I got quite excited,” Sonny told The Daily Mail.

Now, Sonny believes his Golf is worth its weight in gold (or so to speak) and has put it up for auction on eBay UK with the starting bid set at £20,000 (~US$32,200 or €22,800)!

“I went to an auction house in Dorset a few weeks ago and they said it would be worth £30,000 pounds plus, purely because of the name in the log book,” Sonny told the British newspaper.

Sonny was initially considering to offer a pair of sterling silver cufflinks that he found inside the Golf, even though was not sure if they belonged to Kate’s brother James Middleton or Prince William, but today he noted on eBay that he had a change of heart and decided to return them back to the Middleton family.

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