Department: Test Drive

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Cars & Trucks

CX-9 is Practically Perfect

January 05, 2019. John Lehrer

Mazda’s CX-9, the automaker’s largest crossover sport-utility vehicle, has a multitude of virtues and hardly any shortcomings. No slab-sided SUV, its lines are at once bold, dynamic, understated and refined. Stellar design elements extend to the well-appointed interior, with its good-looking, functional controls. The cabin has a rich feel, approaching entry-level luxury status on the…

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Cars & Trucks

Is ‘Sporty SUV’ an Oxymoron? – Jaguar I-Pace/BMW X4

January 05, 2019. Alan Rider

Sport-utility vehicles used to project a rugged vibe. Now, new models that put the ‘sport’ in ‘sport-utility’ have become a thing.

Cars & Trucks

Audi A4 Boasts Luxury and Performance

December 28, 2018. John Lehrer

The redesigned Audi A4 melds speed and style.

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Cars & Trucks & Electric Vehicles

Hello, I Must Be Going – Volkswagen Beetle/Ford Fusion Hybrid

December 28, 2018. Alan Rider

There was a time when the Volkswagen Beetle was the ride of choice for the cool kids. Well, with VW’s latest Beetle, it seems that time has come again. Or come and very nearly gone, as Volkswagen has announced plans to kill off its most iconic nameplate, which is a shame not only for nostalgic…

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Cars & Trucks

Practical-y Perfect – Hyundai Kona/Honda Fit

December 27, 2018. Alan Rider

While many daydream about driving a sports car, reality eventually calls. Two remarkably sensible new models meld sport and style.

Cars & Trucks

Toyota Corolla Hatchback Is One of the Best in Its Class

November 15, 2018. John Paul

The 2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback isn’t exactly new; it’s a re-imagined version of the Toyota iM that was once the Scion iM. This Corolla hatchback is powered by a new 168-horsepower 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine. Performance from the 168-horsepower engine was pretty good, not exactly sporty but more than enough power for any driving conditions….

Cars & Trucks

Ram 1500 is Powerful, Yet Quiet and Comfortable

November 15, 2018. John Paul

The Ram 1500 pickup truck has been completely updated for 2019. There are a total of 29 different configurations of the Ram 1500 pickup. My road test was in the two-wheel-drive Ram 1500 Big Horn Sport Quad Cab with the 5.7 liter mild-hybrid V-8 engine. The 5.7-liter V-8 provided plenty of power. The ride was…

Cars & Trucks

Hyundai Veloster R-Spec is the Latest “Hot Hatchback”

October 19, 2018. John Paul

When it comes to “hot” hatchbacks, most people think of the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Honda Civic Si or Ford Focus ST. These small cars are nimble, quick and fun to drive. The latest car in this segment is the Hyundai Veloster R-Spec. My road test vehicle featured a 201-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbocharged…

Cars & Trucks

Acura RDX is High-Tech, Sporty and Fun

October 19, 2018. John Paul

This compact luxury sport-utility vehicle has a sporty, high-tech look and feel. It’s powered by a 2.0 turbocharged, 272-horsepower, four-cylinder engine connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission. (My test drive had Acura’s SH-AWD system.) It has a full suite of safety features such as lane departure warning, lane centering, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert…

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Cars & Trucks

Pavement, Shmavement – Jeep Compass/Volvo V90 Cross Country

September 27, 2018. Alan Rider

Like the Mach 5 in its day, crossovers have developed a legion of dedicated fans. But I predict the Jeep Compass will be sought-after for more than just its body style. Take the midrange Trailhawk model I drove. Simply put, it is the only affordable compact SUV I can think of that will take you…