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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