With its hi-tech petrol-electric powerplant, the Lexus RX400h aims to be an eco-friendly large SUV.
Styling/Image
At first glance there’s little to distinguish the petrol-electric Lexus from other models in the firm’s RX line-up. There’s the same high-riding stance, long overhangs and unusually steeply raked rear. However, take a closer look at the big off-roader and you’ll notice small hybrid badges on the flanks and one on the tailgate. Overall, the design looks a little dated and lacks the visual impact of prestige rivals, such as the BMW X5 or Mercedes M-Class. Buyers can pick from five trim levels – SE, SE-L, SR, Limited Edition and Executive Limited Edition.
Read the rest of this entry »
Mazda follows the introduction of its spacious, sporty 2009 Mazda6 mid-size sedan with an equally impressive compact sedan, the 2010 Mazda3.
The Mazda3 has been a success for Mazda since its introduction. It represents one-third of Mazda’s sales, and it’s easy to understand why after spending time with one. It’s a fit, frugal, and fun compact car.
Read the rest of this entry »
If you’re interested in a hybrid, your choices are few, far between and very mediocre. There’s a reason a certain funky Toyota hybrid hatchback outsells all other gas-electric models combined. Everything else is too slow, too small, too expensive, too rare, not efficient enough or just not a very good car. All those politicians who lambasted Detroit for not making fuel-efficient cars people want to buy may have had a point… until now.
Read the rest of this entry »
The 2009 BMW M6 Coupe is the last word in performance and handling. The car has is the most valuable addition to the BMW line-up. The 2009 BMW M6 Coupe has got utility features such as automatic climate control with dual control and micron filter, steering wheel and outside mirror memory, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, Dakota leather upholstery, universal garage door opener, flat tire monitor, Park Distance Control, power tilt or telescopic leather-wrapped multi-functional wheel, Dynamic Driving Control, voice command system, 12-way power driver’s seat w 4-way power lumbar, heated windshield washer jets, AM/FM/CD with 8 speakers etc.
Read the rest of this entry »
Sitting between two highly conventional Rios on the Kia lot, the Soul Sport looks like a visitor from another planet. The Kia’s European styling not only refutes the bland mediocrity of its fellow Kias, but also challenges the toaster-oven aesthetics of its boxy competitors. At the same time, it offers a more unique approach than Honda’s low-slung Fit hatchback. That said, the Soul is more the product of a careful compromise between its competitors rather than a genuine automotive oddity. So what happens when you pick the least-compromising trim level, the Soul Sport with manual transmission? You develop a new level of appreciation for the art of compromise.
Inside, the Soul’s split-the-difference positioning really shines. Interior space won’t draw astonished comment (a` la the first generation Scion xB), but the Soul’s interior creates a distinctly spacious feel. Up front it’s business as usual: plenty of room and great forward vision afforded by a commanding seating position. From the driver’s seat, you feel like you are part of traffic rather than a minor nuisance to “real cars.”
Read the rest of this entry »
